Sisterhood Beyond Borders Summit 2027
Theme:
Women Building Bridges, Strengthening Democracy
Thornton, Colorado
Summit Highlights
- 1-day Summit
- Inspiring Leaders
- Meaningful Conversations
- Global Connections
Focus Areas
- World Village Festival
- Cultural Performances
- Leadership & Civic Trust
- Economic Empowerment
- Cultural Exchange
8:00 AM
Registration & International Networking Breakfast
Passport to the World
Begin the day by making connections across borders. Join international delegates and fellow attendees for breakfast and conversation designed to spark cross-cultural exchange from the moment you arrive, offering a continental breakfast.
9:00 AM
Opening Ceremony | The Fabric of Democracy
A powerful opening celebrating culture, connection, and the role each of us plays in strengthening our communities and democratic institutions.
9:15 AM
KEYNOTE | The Power of Her Vote
Strengthening Democracy Through Participation & Access
The right to vote is fundamental, but meaningful participation requires more than simply having that right. Explore how women have shaped democracy through the ballot box, why access and participation still matter, and how modernizing elections and removing barriers can help more people make their voices heard.
9:50 AM
Morning Break & Cultural Exchange
10:10 AM
Women Leading Democracy in Different Political Systems
What does women’s leadership look like around the world? Hear perspectives from women navigating different political systems, cultures, and paths to leadership—and discover what their experiences can teach us about breaking barriers and expanding participation.
11:00 AM
Building Civic Trust in a Polarized World
How do we disagree without becoming divided? A solutions-focused conversation about misinformation, dialogue, community trust, and the role women can play in bridging differences.
11:50 AM
International Networking Lunch | Table Talks
Lunch becomes part of the experience. Choose a conversation that interests you and connect with women from different communities, professions, generations, and countries.
1:10 PM
Women Mayors Leading Colorado
Local leadership gets personal. Colorado women mayors share what it takes to lead through complex challenges, build collaboration across differences, and open doors for the next generation of women leaders.
1:50 PM
Economic Empowerment & Democratic Participation
Economic opportunity and civic voice are deeply connected. Explore how entrepreneurship, financial independence, workforce opportunity, and inclusive growth can strengthen women, communities, and democracy.
2:30 PM
Afternoon Break
2:50 PM
Impact Spotlight – How You Can Be Involved
Women build democracy in halls of power and communities by gaining economic, social, and civic power. When a woman gains financial independence, she gains a voice. This is a conversation about how women-led organizations are turning empowerment into civic power, and how that power shows up at the ballot box, in city halls, in boardrooms, and in communities around the world.
3:10 PM
Closing Plenary | From Newcomers to Community Leaders
The Stories, Strengths & Perspectives Shaping Colorado
A deeply personal conversation with immigrant women whose journeys to Colorado became journeys into leadership. Hear how culture, identity, belonging, and lived experience shape the way they lead and strengthen their communities.
5:00 PM
WORLD VILLAGE FESTIVAL
A Cultural Celebration of Global Sisterhood – OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Your Transformational Journey
Your Transformational Journey
Leadership Tools
- Global Wisdom: Learn from worldwide experts
- Action Plans: Create personal impact strategies
Deep Connections
- Cross-Cultural Bonds: Forge lifelong friendships
- Mentorship Access: Connect with leaders across fields
Cultural Immersion
- Live Performances: Experience authentic traditions
- Artisan Markets: Support women-led businesses
Career Growth
- Professional Network: Global community of change-makers
- Skill Building: Practical workshops and circles
Leadership Tools
- Global Wisdom: Learn from worldwide experts
- Action Plans: Create personal impact strategies
Deep Connections
- Cross-Cultural Bonds: Forge lifelong friendships
- Mentorship Access: Connect with leaders across fields
Cultural Immersion
- Live Performances: Experience authentic traditions
- Artisan Markets: Support women-led businesses
Career Growth
- Professional Network: Global community of change-makers
- Skill Building: Practical workshops and circles
Summit Feature
Culture display corner
Cultural Food and Networking
Panel Session
Welcome to Thornton, Colorado
Why Thornton?
Thornton is more than the host city for the Global Women’s Cultural Summit—it is home.
Co-founders Heidi Williams and Senska O’Donnell both live in Thornton and share a deep love for the community. Heidi also had the privilege of serving as Mayor of Thornton for eight years, giving her a unique perspective on the people, cultures, neighborhoods, and stories that make the city so special.
Thornton reflects much of what the Global Women’s Cultural Summit hopes to celebrate: people from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences coming together, learning from one another, and building meaningful connections. It is a diverse, growing, and welcoming community—and one Heidi and Senska are proud to call home.
There could be no more fitting place to bring women together to connect across cultures, celebrate their experiences, learn from one another, and inspire what comes next.
With love for our community,
Heidi Williams & Senska O’Donnell
Co-Founders, Global Women’s Cultural Summit
Venue:
Trailwinds Recreation Center
13495 Holly St. Thornton, CO 80602
Frequently Asked Questions
- All tickets include full access to the 5-day summit program, including keynote sessions, panel discussions, and wisdom circles, but premium tickets are prioritized and include evening cultural showcases. Premium tickets additionally include daily lunch, refreshments, 3 food truck meal vouchers, reserved seating, and a premium gift bag.
- To preserve the immersive, community-building nature of our summit, we do not offer single-day tickets. This is designed as a cohesive 5-day experience where relationships and understanding build progressively throughout the week.
- We do not offer refunds. However, we understand that plans can change. If you cannot attend, please contact us at hello@globalwomenculturalexchange.org at least 3 days before the summit, and we will transfer your registration to the following year’s summit.
- Yes. We offer a limited number of scholarships to ensure accessibility. We have 15 scholarships available: 5 for young women or those experiencing financial hardship, 5 for stay-at-home mothers, and 5 for new graduates. Eligibility is based on financial need.
To apply, email hello@globalwomenculturalexchange.org to request the application link. Scholarship applications can also be submitted through our Grant Program section.
- Participation as a speaker, performer, or vendor is by invitation only.
Summit Day Attire: Business or Cultural Attire.
We encourage you to dress in a way that makes you feel confident and comfortable. This is a professional gathering, but it is also a celebration of culture and connection.
- Business professional: suits, blazers, dresses, or business casual
- Cultural attire: traditional or formal cultural dress is warmly welcomed and encouraged
- Comfortable shoes: you will be on your feet and moving between sessions.
Colorado weather in early March can be unpredictable, ranging from 30°F to 55°F (0°C to 13°C). We recommend a warm coat or jacket, layers, and comfortable closed-toe shoes. The venue is climate-controlled.
- Please bring your ticket confirmation (printed or on your phone), a photo ID for check-in, and business cards if you would like to network. A reusable water bottle is a good idea; water stations are available throughout the venue.
- Yes. The International Networking Breakfast is served from 8:00 AM to 8:45 AM. The International Networking Lunch runs from 11:50 AM to 1:10 PM. Light refreshments are provided during the morning and afternoon breaks. The World Village Festival features international food trucks and cultural cuisine from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
- VIP All-Access ticket holders enjoy lunch in the VIP lounge alongside our keynote speakers and panelists.
- If you have dietary restrictions: vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or allergies, please email hello@globalwomenculturalexchange.org at least 7 days before the summit so we can accommodate you.
- The Sisterhood Beyond Borders Summit takes place in Thornton, Colorado. The full venue address will be sent to registered attendees by email.
- Yes. Free parking is available on-site. Rideshare drop-off, including Lyft and Uber, is at the main entrance. Public transportation information will be shared with registered attendees closer to the summit date.
- Accessibility is a priority for us. Once the venue contract is finalized, we will update this section with detailed accessibility information, including wheelchair access, seating accommodations, service animal policies, and any other relevant details.
- In the meantime, if you have specific accessibility needs, please contact us at hello@globalwomenculturalexchange.org so we can plan for you.
- We want to see the summit through your eyes.
- Post about your experience, tag us, and collaborate with us. We will be reposting, resharing, commenting on, and liking every post related to the Global Women Cultural Exchange Summit.
- Use the official hashtag: #GWCESummit2026
- Tag us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. If you would like to collaborate on a post, send us a direct message, and we will share it with our audience.
- Contact our summit team at hello@globalwomenculturalexchange.org. We typically respond within 2 business days.
- You can also reach us by phone at 407-723-6833.