Rep. Sykes Hosts 2026 Women in Leadership Conference

October 09, 2026 Rep. Sykes Hosts 2026 Women in Leadership Conference Pictured: Congresswoman Sykes with Democratic Whip Katherine Clark, Rep. Shontel Brown (OH-11), and Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-51) at the Women in Leadership Conference. AKRON, OH — U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) hosted the 2026 Women in Leadership Conference at the Akron Art Museum, bringing together more than 200 women entrepreneurs, elected officials, labor leaders, and community members from across Ohio's 13th Congressional District. The conference connected local entrepreneurs, innovators, and community members in a collaborative environment to share knowledge, build relationships, and help one another grow. “Today was a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when women lift each other up,” said Rep. Sykes. “I'm grateful to every speaker and guest who joined us for honest conversations about leadership, economic empowerment, and public service. I look forward to continuing to build a pipeline of women leaders across our community, and to keep fighting for policies that give every woman the opportunity to thrive.” Rep. Sykes was joined by U.S. House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark, Rep. Shontel Brown (OH-11), and Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-51) for a panel on women in Congress, where they discussed the barriers women face in seeking elected office and the unique perspective women legislators bring to policymaking. Local female business leaders, including Elizabeth Bartz, Misty Beasley, and Mary Fantozzi, shared what it takes to build and sustain a business in a moderated conversation facilitated by Rep. Jasmine Crockett (TX-30). Q92’ “Mid-Day Diva” Nikolina moderated a panel with local women leading nonprofits, businesses, and in government, including: Cristina Torrence, Christian Turner, Cleveland Councilwoman Stephanie Howse-Jones, and Erin Tynan, on leading like a lady and the importance of mentorship. The day closed with a fireside chat between Rep. Sykes and United Steelworkers International President Roxanne D. Brown, inspired by the 1912 "Bread & Roses" labor movement and the idea that working people deserve both security and dignity. The conversation focused on inspiring the next generation of women leaders and the importance of representation in decision-making roles. Attendees also had the opportunity to connect with Rep. Sykes' constituent services team, who were on hand to help residents with issues involving federal agencies. This was the second Women in Leadership Conference hosted by Rep. Sykes. Those interested in learning more about her work for Ohio's 13th Congressional District can visit sykes.house.gov . A full list of panelists and speakers from the conference: Congresswoman Emilia Sykes (OH-13) Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-05) Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11) Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (TX-30) Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (CA-51) Roxanne D. Brown, President, United Steelworkers (USW) Elizabeth Bartz, President & CEO, State & Federal Communications Misty Beasley, Co-Founder and Vice President/COO, Summit County Black Chamber of Commerce Mary Fantozzi, President & CEO, J.D. Williamson Construction Co. Stephanie Howse-Jones, Councilwoman, City of Cleveland Cristina Torrence, Chief Financial & Operations Officer, United Way of Greater Stark County Christian Turner, Communications Director, City of Canton Erin Tynan, Senior Operations Manager, Blossom Music Center Nikolina, Q92 "Mid-Day Diva" (Emcee) Print Email Share Tweet