Hearst hosted the first Female Force conference this morning, gathering a diverse spectrum of creative female business owners and thought leaders to discuss how to open the future to all. Sponsored by AbbVie, Google News Initiative, and Trinity, the event took place in the venerable Hearst Tower in midtown Manhattan. To provide their ideas and experiences, a vibrant group of panelists—including composer Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear from Moana 2 as well as actor and businesswoman Brooke Shields—joined together.

A dynamic networking session over breakfast allowed attendees an opportunity to meet one another and exchange ideas before the summit’s programming began. Opening the ceremony with kind words that established a good tone for the day was Senior Vice President of Hearst Debi Chirichella.

Lydia Fenet led the audience through a series of thought-provoking discussions on a broad spectrum of subjects, including changing our perceptions of aging, the value of morning routines, working in sustainability, building a lasting brand, and shattering stereotypes in the music business.As the panelists shared their experiences, problems, and successes, the session was infused with inspiration. Shields talked on learning to value changes in life and picking new interests. On the other hand, Barlow and Bear spoke on the importance of diverse workers for the entertainment sector and how they develop their ideas. Those who participated felt driven to improve their own fields and connected to a group.

View the agenda of the Female Force 2024 meeting below. People traded ideas, made relationships, and spoke about women in business’s future there.