Take Charge Conference: Thriving in Times of Change

The Premier Leadership Conference for Latina Professionals and Their Allies

🗓️ Friday August 15, 2025

⏰ 8am to 5pm 

📍 Mountain View, CA

Buy Your Ticket Now!

Turn uncertainty into your greatest advantage! This year marks our 7th Take Charge Conference where we’ll bring together Latinas and allies ready to master resilience, lead through change, and build thriving careers and businesses—no matter what challenges arise.

Event MC

Jessica Aguirre

News Anchor, NBC Bay Area

Jessica Aguirre

News Anchor, NBC Bay Area

Keynote Speakers

Denise Soler Cox

Filmmaker | Activist | Author

The Inner Game of Belonging

Angel Aviles

Angel Aviles

Author | Coach | Storyteller

Rooted & Rising: How Cultura, Courage, and Connection Keep Us Grounded While We Grow

Dra. CarolLaine Garcia PhD

Dra. CarolLaine Garcia

Writer | Coach | Speaker

The Throne Is Yours: Soul-Stability in the Face of the Unknown


Main Stage Conversations:

Fireside Chats and Panels

Dr. Melissa Abad

Dr. Melissa Abad

Senior Research Scholar

Resilience and Agility in Times of Change

Dr. Melissa Abad with Michelle Rodriguez

Leadership strengths you’ve been cultivating your entire life. Explore how Latina professionals have been mastering resilience and agility long before these became workplace buzzwords, examining the cultural experiences and life perspectives that translate into powerful leadership strengths.

Michelle Rodriguez

Michelle Rodriguez

Director: Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging |
LinkedIn


La Vida Jefa: Passion. Power. Prosperity

Chandra Brooks, Claudia Mercado, Michelle Barrionuevo-Mazzini, Angie Sanchez

Real talk about being your own boss and entrepreneurial dreams!

Chandra Lopez-Brooks

Chandra Lopez-Brooks

Award Winning Entrepreneur | Chandra Brooks Int | ScrubLyfe LLC

Claudia L. Mercado

Claudia L. Mercado

Entrepreneur | Founder | Board Member

Michelle Barrionuevo-Mazzini

Michelle Barrionuevo-Mazzini

Founder Casita Michi | MB Creative

Angie Sanchez

Angie Sanchez

Founder Hola Vida Collective | Nonprofit Leader


The Impact of Lean In Latinas Circles

Angel Rodriguez, Sofia Colon, Miriam Simon, JoAnna Ordonez

Discover how Lean In Latinas Circles are changing lives, developing leaders, and more

Angel Rodriguez

Angel Rodriguez

Director of Circles at Lean In Latinas

Sofia Colon

Sofia Colon

Medical Coder | VP, Stockton Unified School Board

Circle Co-Lead Latinas in Healthcare

Miriam Simon

Miriam Simon

Author | Coach | Speaker

Circle Co-Lead, Nueva York Latinas

Jo Anna Ordoñez

Jo Anna Ordoñez, MBA

 Strategic, Innovative & Creative Leader | STEM Mentor & Coach

Circle Co-Lead, San Antonio Latinas

Lisa Roblos

Lisa Robles

Senior Performance Improvement Officer Ontario Power Generation (OPG)
Leader, Lean In Latinas Toronto

Jo Anna Ordoñez

Jo Anna Ordoñez, MBA

 Strategic, Innovative & Creative Leader | STEM Mentor & Coach

Circle Co-Lead, San Antonio Latinas

Lisa Roblos

Lisa Robles

Senior Performance Improvement Officer Ontario Power Generation (OPG)
Leader, Lean In Latinas Toronto


Breakouts:

Interactive Sessions That Meet You Where You Are

Lorena Fregoso

The Power of You: Storytelling, Self-Talk & Personal Branding

Lorena Fregoso

Honor your story and use it as a foundation for personal growth and professional confidence.

Lori N. Mackenzie

Design Your Leadership Playbook: Best Practices to Amplify Yourself and Those Around You

Lori N. Mackenzie

Challenge the status quo and uplift women through inclusive leadership strategies and intentional support networks.

Hady Mendez

Networking for Jefas

Hady Mendez

Facilitated platicas so you leave Take Charge with dozens of new amigas, strategic connections, and inspiring ideas.

Emma Pineda Fortin

Connecting with Tu Tierra Interna: Rooting in Compassion to Lead with Heart

Dr. Emma Pineda-Fortin

Practice self-compassion as a leadership tool; hold space for the stories and struggles that shape us.

Breakouts:

Interactive Sessions That Meet You Where You Are

Lorena Fregoso

The Power of You: Storytelling, Self-Talk & Personal Branding

Lorena Fregoso

Honor your story and use it as a foundation for personal growth and professional confidence.

Lori N. Mackenzie

Design Your Leadership Playbook: Best Practices to Amplify Yourself and Those Around You

Lori N. Mackenzie

Challenge the status quo and uplift women through inclusive leadership strategies and intentional support networks.

Hady Mendez

Networking for Jefas

Hady Mendez

Facilitated platicas so you leave Take Charge with dozens of new amigas, strategic connections, and inspiring ideas.

Dr. Emma Pineda-Fortin

Connecting with Tu Tierra Interna: Rooting in Compassion to Lead with Heart

Dr. Emma Pineda-Fortin

Practice self-compassion as a leadership tool; hold space for the stories and struggles that shape us.


Why Take Charge?

What Sets Take Charge 2025 Apart From Other Conferences?

  • Built for Real Change - Learn proven strategies from Latina leaders who've turned disruption into opportunity during uncertain times.
  • Culturally Rooted - Experience sessions that blend ancestral wisdom with modern leadership development, honoring identity while accelerating growth.
  • Immediate Impact - Walk away with practical tools for adaptive leadership, authentic networking, and unshakeable inner stability.
  • Engaging and Interactive - Our conference invites you to participate, share, and talk about your insights with others. Or not… you choose!

Plus We Add Our Personal Touch:

  • Coaches Ready to Support You - Our team of Take Charge Coaches returns under the leadership of  Lead Coach Yanira Guzman. You’ll have opportunities to connect with coaches to discuss ideas, challenges, get feedback, brainstorm… all of it!
  • Stay Energized Todo el Dia - We’ll provide breakfast, lunch, cafecito breaks, DJ music, and even a Sensory Station with art therapist Myriam Martinez to keep you energized and grounded
  • Ongoing Fun - Door prizes and raffle items throughout the day, plus an optional after-event mixer (separate ticket) to laugh, get real, and make great connections.

Take Charge 2025 is Perfect For:

  • Latinas and allies navigating career transitions
  • Entrepreneurs adapting to market changes
  • Leaders guiding teams through transformation
  • Anyone ready to thrive through uncertainty - all are welcome

What You'll Gain:

Build resilience that carries you through any challengeL

Uplevel adaptive leadership skills for constant change

Create supportive networks that last beyond the event

Connect with inner stability using proven practices

Experience a full-day with coaching, meals, DJ music, prizes, and well-being support

Ready to Thrive With Us?

Join visionary Latinas and allies choosing growth over fear. This is your roadmap to thriving through any change. All are welcome!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Who is this event for?
Latina professionals, entrepreneurs, leaders in transition—and allies who support equity, leadership, and cultural connection. All are welcome!

What makes this conference different?
It’s experiential, culturally rooted, and built for real-world impact. We offer expert coaching, breakout sessions, wellness support, music, and engaging conversations—not just lectures.

Do I need to be Latina to attend?
No. We center Latina experiences, but allies of all backgrounds are encouraged and welcome to attend.

Will there be networking?
Yes! In addition to a facilitated networking session, you’ll connect during breakouts, meals, coaching sessions, and our optional after-hours mixer. Introvert-friendly too—participate at your comfort level.

What’s included with my ticket?
All sessions, keynotes, panels, breakouts, coaching, light breakfast, lunch, cafecito breaks, DJ music, raffles, and a sensory wellness space. Mixer ticket sold separately.

Are tickets refundable or transferable?
Tickets are transferable, refunds are by approval only. Email
takecharge@leaninlatinas.org for help. 

I’m in transition—is this still for me?
Absolutely. This conference is made for people navigating change. You'll leave with clarity, tools, and a renewed sense of direction. It’s an investment in your success!

How do breakouts work?
After you register, you’ll be able to sign up for breakouts using our event app. 

What should I wear or bring?
Attire is “be you!”. Show your flair and have fun. Swag bags will include journals and pens, and our event app helps you stay connected to other attendees. If you have special dietary requirements, bring whatever you need to stay comfortable and satisfied. 

What are the logistics?
Free parking is available on-site. There’s a designated rideshare drop-off area. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals provided. Accessibility and sensory-friendly options are available—just let us know in your registration.

Ready to Transform your leadership journey?

What People Are Saying About Take Charge:

Mariana Faerron-Gutierrez

" One of the best investments in myself last year was attending the Lean In Latinas Take Charge Conference. Why? The conference provided what is promised! Until this day, I am still experiencing the benefits of participating. Don't miss this opportunity! Come see for yourself. "

- Mariana Faerron-Gutierrez

Miriam Simon

" The energy and support were unmatchable, and the commitment and enthusiasm to support one another to truly open the doors for Latinas in the work and business space is palpable. "

- Miriam Simon

Victoria Sanchez de Alba

" The true heartbeat of this event was its unwavering commitment to Connection,

Community, and Character. These core values are not just ideals; they are the driving force behind a movement that empowers us to lift each other up and advocate fiercely for those who inspire us. "

- Victoria Sanchez de Alba

A Legacy of Empowerment

Explore photo galleries from past conferences and celebrate the power of our community.

2018 Conference