Celebrating Our Foundations.
Defining Our Future.
A Weekend of Leadership, Legacy, and Progress
Presented by Women for Progress of MS, Inc.
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Women for Progress of MS (WFP) invites you to partner with us for a landmark weekend dedicated to female leadership and education. This event is a convergence of Mississippi's most influential women, featuring dynamic workshops and the prestigious Woman of the Year 2025 Luncheon. We also celebrate the birthday of our founder, Mrs. Dorothy Stewart Samuel (Feb 8, 2026).
Women of the Year Nominees 2025
Celebrating exceptional women who are shaping the future of Mississippi
View 2024 Women of the Year Nominees(Click to expand)
Honoring the exceptional women who were recognized in 2024
Dorothy Thompson Stewart Samuel
Founder, Women for Progress of MS, Inc.
"The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members." — Coretta Scott King
Educator, Historian, Cultural Activist, Political Organizer, Advocate, Consultant, and Special Events Coordinator, Mrs. Dorothy Thompson Stewart's light of leadership was ignited by her parents, teachers, and mentors who believed that education and commitment to excellence were essential for success.
A magna cum laude honor student from Jackson College, member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and Alpha Kappa Mu National Honor Society member, Mrs. Stewart holds two Master's degrees—one in History and another in Guidance/Counseling. She is a Fulbright Fellow who studied at the Universidad de Nationale of Mexico.
Women for Progress of Mississippi, Inc. was founded in 1978 with Mrs. Stewart's creative leadership helping to make the organization a major agent of change in the State of Mississippi. Her community involvement includes founding board memberships with the Jackson Urban League Guild, the Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center, the New Hope Foundation, and Mission Mississippi.
Through Women for Progress, Mrs. Stewart initiated the observance of Kwanzaa in Mississippi and championed the African Marketplace and African American Art Exhibition at Farish Street Baptist Church. She is proud to leave a legacy of service, commitment, and love to her three children and nine grandchildren.
Why You Should Attend
This is more than an event—it's an investment in yourself and our collective future
Engage in dynamic workshops covering servant leadership, political participation, economic development, and the art of negotiation. Walk away with actionable strategies you can implement immediately.
Connect with a diverse and influential group of female executives, entrepreneurs, and emerging leaders from across Mississippi. Build relationships that will support your career and personal growth.
Celebrate exceptional women at the Woman of the Year 2025 Luncheon and honor the legacy of our founder, Mrs. Dorothy Stewart Samuel. Leave feeling motivated and empowered to create change.
Learn powerful negotiation techniques for compensation, contracts, partnerships, and strategic deal-making. Gain confidence to advocate for yourself and your organization.
Discover strategies for building wealth and creating opportunity through our Economic Development workshop. Learn from successful women who have turned vision into prosperity.
Join a sisterhood of women committed to progress. Experience the power of collective action and leave knowing you're part of something larger than yourself.
"This is your moment to be inspired, educated, and celebrated."
Don't miss this opportunity to invest in yourself and shape the future of women's leadership in Mississippi.
The Event Pillars
Your support empowers a weekend focused on transformational leadership development
Thursday, February 5
The Heights Event Venue, 833 N. Jefferson Street, Jackson, MS 39202
Creative Voices, Powerful Impact
Women in the Arts
An opening session exploring how women in the arts are shaping culture and driving social change through creative expression and leadership.
Friday, February 6
Jackson Memorial Event Center, 800 Woodrow Wilson Drive, Jackson, MS
Doors Open at 5:00pm
Empowerment Unleashed: Mastering Negotiation and Storytelling for Success
5:30-6:30pm • The Power of Negotiation • Speaker: Dr. Alexandria White
Master strategic advocacy for career and business growth. Learn negotiation skills for compensation, contracts, partnerships, and strategic deal-making.
Empowerment Unleashed: Mastering Negotiation and Storytelling for Success
6:30-8:00pm • Storytelling to Build and Empower Your Brand • Speaker: Shameka Reed
Discover the power of authentic storytelling to elevate your brand. Learn techniques to craft compelling narratives that resonate with your audience and establish your unique voice in business and leadership.
Saturday, February 7
Jackson Memorial Event Center, 800 Woodrow Wilson Drive, Jackson, MS
Breakfast & Networking 8:00-8:45am | Workshops Begin at 9:00am
A Day of Leadership Development
Concurrent workshops covering three critical leadership domains:
Servant Leadership
Leading with purpose and transformative power. Discover how servant leadership creates lasting impact and empowers others to reach their full potential.
Economic Development for Women
Building wealth and creating opportunity. Learn strategies for economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, and financial independence from successful women leaders.
Cultivating Leadership: Preparing for Public Office and Political Participation
Preparing women for public excellence. Gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to run for office, advocate for policy change, and lead in the public sector.
Sunday, February 8
Jackson Memorial Event Center, 800 Woodrow Wilson Drive, Jackson, MS
Doors Open 12:30pm, Program Starts 1:00pm
Women of the Year Awards and Founder's Birthday Luncheon
An inspiring afternoon honoring exceptional women and commemorating our Founder's birthday—celebrating our foundations while defining the future we will create.
Transform Through Connection
Experience the power of collaborative learning in our intimate workshop settings. Connect with fellow leaders, share insights, and build lasting relationships that extend far beyond the weekend.
Featured Speakers
Learn from accomplished leaders who are shaping the future
Thursday, February 5 - Women in the Arts
Christina McField is a visionary artist and creative entrepreneur. As founder of WoodGrain Studio LLC, she explores how women in the arts are shaping culture and driving social change through creative expression and leadership.
Reshonda Perryman is a multifaceted artist whose work spans graphic design and large-scale murals. Her vibrant creative vision and commitment to community engagement exemplify the powerful impact women artists have on culture and society.
Friday, February 6 - Empowerment Unleashed
5:30-6:30pm • The Power of Negotiation
Alexandria White brings extensive expertise in strategic negotiation and advocacy. Her session will equip you with powerful techniques for compensation negotiations, contract discussions, partnership agreements, and strategic deal-making to advance your career and business goals.
6:30-8:00pm • Storytelling to Build and Empower Your Brand
Shameka Reed is a master of authentic storytelling and brand development. In this transformative session, you'll learn how to craft compelling narratives that resonate with your audience, establish your unique voice, and elevate your personal or business brand to new heights.
Saturday, February 7 - Leadership Development Workshops
Servant Leadership
Tonya Ware brings extensive expertise in servant leadership and transformative coaching. Her session will explore how servant leadership creates lasting impact and empowers others to reach their full potential.
Economic Development for Women
Tamika Jenkins brings extensive experience in economic development and entrepreneurship, helping women build wealth and create opportunity.
Dr. Kimberly Hilliard provides insights into strategic economic empowerment and social entrepreneurship for women leaders.
Attorney Regina Quinn brings legal expertise and business development strategies to support women's economic growth.
Dr. Berneece Herbert brings extensive expertise in urban planning and leadership development, providing insights into strategic planning and community development for women leaders.
Cultivating Leadership: Preparing for Public Office and Political Participation
Theresa G. Kennedy brings extensive experience in policy and political engagement, moderating our leadership workshop.
Judge Tametrice Hodges-Linzy brings judicial expertise and leadership insights to guide women toward public service.
Scott Colom brings extensive experience in public service and political leadership to inspire women toward office.
Jared Turner brings strategic business expertise and leadership insights to guide women toward success in public service and political engagement.
Brad Chism brings strategic expertise in political and business development to guide women's leadership paths.
Mistresses of Ceremony - Women of the Year Awards
Women in the Arts
Thursday, February 5
Christina McField is a visionary artist and creative entrepreneur. As founder of WoodGrain Studio LLC, she explores how women in the arts are shaping culture and driving social change through creative expression and leadership.
Thursday, February 5
Reshonda Perryman is a multifaceted artist whose work spans graphic design and large-scale murals. Her vibrant creative vision and commitment to community engagement exemplify the powerful impact women artists have on culture and society.
Workshop Hosts & Moderators
Moderator
Artist, Graphic Designer, Muralist
Artist, Founder WoodGrain Studio LLC
Ella Rose Yoga
Facilitator
Alexandria White Consulting
Founder and CEO, Global Gateways
Policy Director and Business Owner
Panelist
Panelist
Chism Strategies
Executive Director, The Bean Path
CEO, Center for Social Entrepreneurship
The May Law Firm
Community in Action
Experience the energy and impact of Women for Progress events. See our community of leaders, innovators, and changemakers in action.
Photos from past Women for Progress events showcase the energy, inspiration, and impact of our community. Join us for the 2026 Leadership Weekend!
Sponsorship Levels
Choose the partnership level that aligns with your organization's commitment to empowering women leaders
- •Exclusive "Presented By" rights
- •Two (2) VIP tables (20 seats)
- •3-5 minute speaking opportunity at Luncheon
- •Private Meet & Greet
- •Back Cover ad
- •Top-tier visibility across all event materials
- •High visibility during Workshops
- •Opportunity to introduce a session
- •One (1) VIP Table (10 seats)
- •Full-page program ad
- •Special Founder's Birthday acknowledgment
- •Five (5) VIP Luncheon tickets
- •Half-page program ad
- •Dedicated "Sponsor Spotlight" social post
- •Logo on website and program
- •Eight (8) Luncheon tickets
- •Special seating at all 2026 Women for Progress Events throughout 2026
- •Name listing on website and program
- •Recognized at podium with souvenir
A La Carte Branding Opportunities
Enhance your visibility with targeted branding opportunities
Your branding on every table at the Woman of the Year Luncheon
Special, dedicated recognition during the toast to Mrs. Dorothy Stewart Samuel
Full Page Ad in Weekend Program Booklet
Half Page Ad in Weekend Program Booklet
Business Card Size advertisement
Honor an exceptional educator while supporting our mission. Contact us to discuss this special opportunity.
Register to Attend
Secure your place at this transformative weekend
Save $62.50! Only through February 2, 2026
Full Weekend Pass for you ($125) + Friend at half price ($62.50). Access to all Leadership Weekend workshops and events for both attendees.
Access to all Leadership Weekend workshops and events
Access to all workshops including: Women in the Arts (Thursday), The Power of Negotiation (Friday), Storytelling Workshop (Friday), Leadership Development Day (Saturday). Excludes Women of the Year Awards Luncheon and Founder's Birthday Celebration (Sunday).
Founder's Luncheon attendance
Members Only Rates
Exclusive pricing for Women for Progress members
+ 1 guest at member rate
- ✓All Thursday, Friday & Saturday sessions
- ✓Woman of the Year Awards Luncheon
- ✓All workshops & networking events
- ✓Member directory access
Membership rate
Access to Thursday, Friday, and Saturday workshop sessions and networking opportunities (Women of the Year Awards Luncheon not included)
Why Partner With Us?
Target Audience
Reach an influential and diverse demographic of female executives, entrepreneurs, and emerging leaders in Mississippi.
Brand Alignment
Align your brand with powerful values of Empowerment, Education, and Legacy.
Community Impact
Support an organization dedicated to moving Mississippi forward for decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about the Leadership Weekend
Thursday-Saturday (Workshops): Business casual or relaxed attire. Comfortable clothing appropriate for interactive workshop settings.
Sunday (Women of the Year Awards Luncheon): Sunday Best. We encourage attendees to dress in professional, elegant attire that reflects the significance of this celebratory occasion.
Refunds are available up to 7 days before the event (January 29, 2026). After this date, all ticket sales are final. To request a refund, please contact us at [email protected] or 601-500-0112.
Full Weekend Pass ($125): Access to all workshops (Thursday-Saturday), Saturday breakfast, Women of the Year Awards Luncheon (Sunday), and all networking opportunities.
Workshops Only Pass ($65): Access to all workshops (Thursday-Saturday) only. Does not include Sunday's luncheon.
Luncheon Only Ticket ($100): Admission to Sunday's Women of the Year Awards Luncheon and Founder's Birthday Celebration only.
The Heights Event Venue (Thursday): Street parking and nearby public lots available at 833 N. Jefferson Street, Jackson, MS.
Jackson Memorial Event Center (Friday-Sunday): On-site parking available at 800 Woodrow Wilson Drive, Jackson, MS.
We do not offer individual day passes. However, you can purchase a Workshops Only pass for $65, which gives you access to all workshops (Thursday-Saturday) but excludes Sunday's Women of the Year Awards Luncheon and Founder's Birthday Celebration. If you'd like to attend the luncheon separately, Luncheon Only tickets are available for $100.
Purchase through Eventbrite or PayPal and select the 2-for-1 special offer. You'll pay $187.50 total ($125 + $62.50) for two Full Weekend Passes. This offer is valid through February 2, 2026.
Contact Andrea Rodgers, Project Manager
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 601-500-0112
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Secure Your Package
We look forward to partnering with you to make this weekend a historic success.