Ninth Annual Women’s Leadership Breakfast to Explore “The Recipe for Impact”

Event to feature inspiring women leaders shaping the Washington, D.C., region

WASHINGTON, D.C. – November 3, 2025 – The Junior League of Washington (JLW), a volunteer-driven nonprofit dedicated to advancing women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through service, collaboration, and training, is proud to announce its Ninth Annual Women’s Leadership Breakfast, taking place Friday, November 21, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. at The Willard InterContinental Washington D.C.

This year’s theme, “The Recipe for Impact,” highlights the essential ingredients needed to drive meaningful change—leadership, authenticity, collaboration, and resilience. Just as a recipe blends unique flavors to create something extraordinary, lasting community impact is built when individuals bring their strengths, passions, and perspectives to the table.

“Every great recipe requires the right mix of ingredients, and leadership is no different,” said JLW President Christina Babcock. “When we bring our unique talents, experiences, and perspectives together, we not only create the recipe for impact—we build a stronger community. It’s through this spirit of collaboration and connection that we can truly nourish and sustain lasting change.”

The Women’s Leadership Breakfast brings together influential women leaders, mentors, and advocates from across the Washington, D.C., region for a morning of networking, learning, and inspiration. This year’s event, chaired by Laisha T. Dougherty and Sparling Wilson, will feature keynote speaker Carla Hall, the celebrated chef, author, television personality, and Howard University graduate.

Carla Hall is best known as a former co-host of ABC’s Emmy award-winning popular lifestyle series “The Chew,” who won over audiences when she competed on Bravo’s “Top Chef” and “Top Chef: All Stars.” Her work as a motivational speaker has included speeches for The National Society of Leadership and Success at Texas A&M University, the Alabama Women’s Summit, and The Multi Unit Food Service Operators Conference. She also hosted the Emmy-nominated “Chasing Flavor with Carla Hall” (HBO Max) and currently serves as a judge on “Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking” (HBO Max) and the Halloween Baking Championship (Food Network). Her latest cookbook, Carla Hall’s Soul Food: Everyday and Celebration, was published in 2018, landing on annual “Best Cookbook” lists across the country and receiving an NAACP Image Awards nomination.

Following Hall’s keynote, a dynamic panel will discuss how women can apply their own “recipes” for impact—blending leadership, creativity, and collaboration to build inclusive spaces where others feel empowered to thrive. Panelists include:

• Jessica Sidman, Food Editor, Washingtonian (moderator)
• Nycci Nellis, Founder, TheListAreYouOnIt.com
• Linda Roth, Founder and CEO, LRA PR
• Erinn Tucker-Oluwole, PhD, Department Chair and Associate Professor, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Hospitality and Tourism Management Department; Co-Founder, DMV Black Restaurant Week
• Tiffany Williams, CEO, Martha’s Table

Following the panel discussion, JLW will bestow two annual leadership awards. 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, will be given to Michelle Riley-Brown, MHA, President and CEO of Children’s National Hospital. Michelle’s visionary leadership of this Top 10 children’s hospital, deep community commitment, and relentless advocacy for children and families in the Greater Washington region embody the spirit of this prestigious recognition.

The Mary Harriman Community Leader Award, which recognizes a transformational female leader who sets bold goals and changes the conversation for the betterment of civil society, will be given to Virginia Ali, Founder of Ben’s Chili Bowl to honor her lifelong leadership, compassion, and deeply rooted service. She has used her talents and resources to uplift her community and has constantly set bold goals, disrupted convention, and transformed civil society in D.C.

The Women’s Leadership Breakfast reflects JLW’s ongoing commitment to cultivating strong women leaders and creating environments where ideas, action, and purpose come together to inspire change.

Tickets are available and can be purchased at https://tinyurl.com/bdensjsk. To learn more about sponsor opportunities and table inquiries, please email womenleadership@jlw.org.

About the Junior League of Washington

The Junior League of Washington (JLW) is a network of more than 2,300 highly trained female volunteers dedicated to improving the community through effective action and leadership. We are committed to developing exceptionally qualified civic leaders who are prepared to address the ever-evolving needs of our Washington, D.C., community through volunteer service, meaningful programs and initiatives, and innovative solutions. Since 1912, JLW has contributed more than 5 million hours of direct volunteer service and more than $6 million to the Washington, D.C., community. To learn more, please visit our website, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.