By: LeaAnn Kutz

Women’s Leadership Breakfast panelist Moh Sharma, moderator, Sheyla Asencios, panelist, Yvonne Spencer, and panelist, Madeline Fetterly

This year’s JLW Women’s Leadership Breakfast attendees were treated to a morning of uplifting and empowering conversation with inspiring women leaders. The annual event, this year held on Friday, October 25th, featured panelists Madeline Fetterly, Founder and CEO of Be the Brand; Yvonne Spencer, Retired Air Force Colonel; and Moh Sharma, Director of Member Services for a Congressmember, who all shared anecdotes and words of wisdom which embraced the theme of “Authenticity Empowers!”

Junior League of Washington President, Charlyn Stanberry, alongside Women’s Leadership Breakfast rising Co-Chair, Laisha Dougherty, current Co-Chairs Cheron Reed and Whitney Hubbard, rising Co-Chair Sparling Wilson, and X

Panel Moderator Sheyla Asencios, a Presidential Appointee of the Biden-Harris Administration, started the discussion with a question about  how to stay authentic on social media in both a personal and professional capacity.

“If you are not being real and true and honest, it becomes too much to bear,” said Fetterly. “You have to learn how to work in alignment with your true self and your strengths, and the gifts that you have and the things you bring into the room, otherwise if you are pretending or trying to be something that you are not, then you flame out.”

The Terry Algire Rising Community Leader Award Winner, Natasha Dupee getting the crowd fired up

Following the panel discussion, awards were presented to two leaders within the Greater Washington, DC area. The Terry Algire Rising Community Leader Award, which recognizes an emerging leader who exemplifies good character, leadership, and professionalism in all walks of life as well as the community in which she serves, was awarded to Natasha Dupee. Natasha Dupee currently serves as the Executive Director of the DC Mayor’s Office on Women’s Policy and Initiatives. Dupee’s efforts aim to increase women’s access to a quality life, paving the way for women and girls to be inspired and supported. The Mary Harriman Community Leader Award recognizes a transformational female leader who sets bold goals and changes the conversation for the betterment of civil society. This year’s winner was Danita Johnson, President of Business Operations for D.C. United, who has used her talents and resources to improve the social and economic conditions of others and led in a way that exemplifies the mission, vision, and values of JLW.

Women’s Leadership Breakfast Keynote Speaker, Robin McBride imparting words of wisdom

Before the event concluded, attendees were treated to a fireside chat discussion with Robin McBride, co-founder of McBride Sisters Wine Company and the SHE CAN Professional Development Fund. Her multinational organization is the largest Black-owned wine company in the United States, as well as one of the most inclusive, accessible, socially aware, and sustainable.

McBride talked about how she had to be innovative to bring diversity into a traditionally conservative industry. She also shared how she and her sister made a difference in the industry by overcoming doubts about being successful with making and marketing good wine, as well as making it their mission to educate retailers and distributors.

For her parting words of advice, McBride reminded the crowd  not put so much pressure on themselves as women in business, and to always keep things in perspective—certainly great advice for women everywhere.