WILMA’s Leadership Accelerator is our annual half-day conference designed, this year, to celebrate and strengthen The Power of Us — the collective impact of women leading boldly, together. As we honor the 10-Year Anniversary of WILMA Leadership, this jam-packed day will not only feature personalized programming, hands-on workshops, and a powerful keynote lunch, but also spotlight the voices of women who have grown through our programs — giving them a platform to inspire what’s next.

EVENT DETAILS:

Date: July 24th, 2025
Time: 9am-2pm
Location: Wilmington Convention Center

2025 tickets on sale now, click here to get yours!

Join two out of four 45-minute breakout sessions with personalized programming that allows you to select the workshops that best align with your goals.

Learn more about our workshop speakers!
Click here to view speaker bios.

Looking Within: Emotional Intelligence + Growth Mindset

Presented by Danielle Saintard Valiente, Entrepreneur, Author, and Speaker

Emotional intelligence is knowing who you are. Growth mindset is knowing where you want to go.

In this reflective session, Danielle Saintard Valiente, entrepreneur, author, and speaker, invites you to reconnect with your inner compass and lead from the inside out. Through a guided core values assessment and honest conversation around vulnerability, empathy, and self-commitment, you’ll gain deeper insight into your strengths – and your next steps. Learn how to unlock the “secret sauce” of consistency across your mental, physical, and emotional life so you can *lock into* a mindset that supports bold, purpose-driven growth.

Confident Currency: Building Wealth Intentionally

Presented by Maggie Ernst, Partner & Director of Client Services, Pathfinder Wealth Consulting & Kim Nelson, Partner, KNTCompany

Financial freedom starts with the confidence of talking about money.

Maggie Ernst, of Pathfinder Wealth Management, and Kim Nelson of KNTCompany, will share strategies for aligning your financial decisions with your values and goals. Whether you’re building personal wealth, navigating career growth, or planning for long-term impact, this workshop will help you cut through the noise and step into your financial power with purpose. Walk away with practical tools, renewed confidence, and a mindset that sees money as a means to lead boldly and live fully.

The Power of Your Voice: Communicating with Clarity

Presented by Jackie Jordan Welker, Manager, Entertainment and Sport Relations, Make-A-Wish America

Your voice is more than sound. It’s your story, your influence, your power.

Whether you’re speaking on a stage, in a meeting, or across a coffee table, how you show up and speak up matters. Jackie Jordan Welker, manager of Entertainment and Sports Relations at Make-A-Wish, will help you strengthen your presence and find your unique voice. Learn how to communicate with confidence, authenticity, and purpose – so that when you speak, people listen.

Expanding Circles: Speed Mentoring Topics

Moderated by Vicky Janowski, Editor of WILMA Magazine and Director of WILMA Leadership

Join us for a high-energy session designed to deliver real-world wisdom fast.

Expanding Circles brings together seasoned leaders and emerging trailblazers for a series of focused, timed conversations. You’ll rotate through small group discussions led by women who’ve walked the walk, offering insight on everything from navigating career pivots and building influence to leading authentically and breaking barriers. Whether you’re seeking actionable advice or simply the chance to learn from other women, this session is designed to grow your connections.

Click here to see the list of participating mentors!

Visit WILMAAccelerator.com to learn more about WILMA’s Leadership Accelerator.

The Accelerator is part of the overall WILMA Leadership Initiative and is attended by Wilmington’s top female executives, entrepreneurs, up-and-coming leaders, and others intent on advancing their careers.