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The 2025 Women’s Leadership Conference Columbus Ohio was one for the books. Held on June 18th, this annual event brought together a powerhouse room of women entrepreneurs, small business owners, community leaders, and creatives. I had the absolute honor of capturing the day through my lens as a Columbus brand photographer — and let me tell you, it was a vibe from start to finish.

From dynamic keynote speakers to powerful breakout sessions, inspiring award moments to genuine networking connections, this conference was a masterclass in what happens when women show up boldly, share their stories, and own their space.

Here’s a recap of this phenomenal day:

Judy Carter’s Keynote: Turning Life’s Messes Into Successes
Comedy legend and bestselling author Judy Carter opened the day with a keynote that had the entire room leaning in. With humor and heart, Judy spoke on transforming life’s stress, struggles, and “messes” into powerful assets. Her message? The experiences that challenge us most often become the foundation of our greatest strengths — and those stories are exactly what connect us with the world. It was a beautiful reminder that authenticity and resilience go hand in hand when building a successful personal brand and business.

Exhibitor Engagement + Networking
Throughout the day, the conference floor buzzed with energy. Exhibitors and sponsors showcased everything from business services to wellness products, giving attendees plenty of opportunities to engage, discover, and connect. And the networking? Next level. You could feel the business collaborations and new connections taking shape in every corner of the room.

Lubna Najjar on Owning Your Authentic Power
Lubna Najjar, fashion entrepreneur and business strategist, delivered an empowering session on embracing your authentic self and leaning into your strengths to build a brand that stands out. She shared real stories from her own entrepreneurial journey — the highs, the pivots, and the lessons learned. With personal branding strategies and inspiring insights, Lubna encouraged every woman in the room to stop playing small and start showing up in full power — both personally and professionally.

Celebrating the Woman of Excellence Award Winner
One of the standout moments of the conference was celebrating this year’s Woman of Excellence Award recipient: Andriel Ugbomeh, visionary founder and CEO of Healing Without Limits Counseling & Consulting. Nominated by six different individuals, Andriel’s impact in both the business and mental health community is undeniable. Photographing her well-deserved moment in the spotlight was such a joy — this was a true celebration of leadership, heart, and excellence.

Breakout Sessions that Moved the Needle
The afternoon breakout sessions covered everything from leadership development to personal branding to navigating entrepreneurship with confidence. Attendees walked away with actionable takeaways, new ideas, and a renewed sense of purpose for their businesses and careers. The diversity of topics and speakers made it easy for everyone to find sessions that spoke to their current season and growth goals.

Final Thoughts
If this conference reminded us of anything, it’s this: when women come together in spaces of authenticity, leadership, and community, incredible things happen.

As a Columbus event photographer and brand photographer for women entrepreneurs, I’m always honored to document these moments; because these aren’t just events, they are catalysts for growth, visibility, and transformation.

Until next year!

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