June 23-26, 2026 // Holton-Arms School, Bethesda, Maryland
Wonder Women is an experiential, in-person learning adventure for bold, daring, and diverse women to come together for four days to build their leadership capacity, foster honest introspection, and practice the habits, mindsets, and skill sets of successful leaders.
Through spirited conversation and active participation in a learning laboratory, participants will have the unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of their own signature leadership presence and how they can lead with their authentic voice and style. They'll also have an opportunity to work collaboratively on a real-world design challenge and engage with speakers who exemplify a unique signature presence and leadership journey.
We are excited to be hosting this event at Holton-Arms in Bethesda, MD.
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Uncover your signature leadership presence and refine your “ideal way of being” a leader
Explore the roles power, status, authority, and influence have in your work
Process and plan on how to use take risks and model vulnerability in leadership
Practice elevating signature leadership strengths in a supported learning laboratory
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Reflect in community on your past, present and future leadership steps
Learn to leverage the strengths and networks of female leadership
Discover and reconnect with the stories and messages that impact your leadership and presence
Leave with a deepened and renewed sense of confidence and self awareness
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Explore design thinking as a methodology for organizational change and apply to an authentic challenge
Acquire a toolkit of resources and scripts for challenges you might face in your work
Getting and giving critical feedback that matters
Work on a relevant and authentic challenge, bolster creativity and curiosity
Who should attend?
This experience is designed for women who identify themselves as leading or aspiring to lead in their school communities in any capacity and want to develop their ability to perform as authentic, creative, capable, and effective leaders.
We encourage women leaders at all points in their careers and serving in many different roles to attend this conference including:
Principals, Heads, and Assistant Heads of School
Assistant Principals, Division Directors, and Deans
Admission and Development Professionals
Department Chairs
Curriculum and Program Directors
Classroom teachers who are interested in seeking administrative or other leadership roles
The Details
Wonder Women 2026 is excited to spend our week at the amazing Holton-Arms School. This location will offer many opportunities to collaborate, reflect, and design together, both inside and out. We are grateful for our hosts and excited for you to see their beautiful space.
Agenda Overview
Tuesday, June 23: Programming will begin at 1pm to allow for morning travel and lunch on your own. The opening evening will include a hosted reception on-site at Holton-Arms.
Wednesday, June 24: Programming will begin at 9:00am and will wrap-up at 4:00pm with dinner on your own.
Thursday, June 25: Programming will begin at 9:00am and will wrap-up at 4:30pm and participants will be invited to a fun evening activity with dinner and drinks.
Friday, June 26: Programming will wrap-up at 11:30am to allow for travel home before the weekend. Grab and go lunches will be provided.
Please plan to stay for the full agenda.
EARLY BIRD PRICING OF $1399 until March 11, 2026
Registration Fee after March 12, 2026: $1599
Registration includes an opening reception, lunch on days 2-4, a cohort dinner, and program materials. Travel, ground transportation, and lodging are not included.
As always with our open enrollment programs, members of L+Doers Unite! will save 10% on registration. Just use your member code.
If registration costs are a barrier to your attendance, you are invited to apply for a partial grant, click here to complete the funding request.
Refund Policy: When requested in writing, L+D will refund registration fees as follows: 75% of registration fee when requested 45 days or more from first day of the program; 50% of registration fee when requested 31–44 days from first day of the program; no refund within 30 days of the first day of the program.
ABOUT HOLTON-ARMS SCHOOL
Founded in 1901, Holton-Arms is a college-preparatory school for girls grades 3-12 dedicated to the education not only of the mind, but of the soul and spirit.
Holton-Arms provides challenging and engaging programs in academics, the fine and performing arts, and athletics. Young women from all over the D.C.-Maryland-Virginia area come here to take risks, learn from mistakes, pursue opportunities for leadership, and build lifelong friendships. Holton-Arms is a vibrant community that values, supports, and nurtures the myriad identities and experiences that our students bring to this campus.
Travel Logistics
Getting There: Due to the central location, there are multiple D.C. Area airports that can be used to access Holton-Arms School, as well as driving options. Please plan to use the option that best ensures you are able to stay for the full program.
Staying There: L+D will post hotel and lodging options by March 1, 2026 for those who want support in narrowing down the lodging options, as well as a possible discounted room block at a hotel closest to the school.
Highlight photos from our 2024 Wonder Women program at Miss Porter’s School in Farmington, CT
“Being in a space with all women that felt supportive and engaging, and where everyone was invested in the process, made the experience very energizing and inclusive.”
Tara Eppinger, Academic Leader for Upper School Science, Durham Academy
”Push your curiosity and envision the impossible—I accepted the invitation. L+D's Wonder Women learning lab was thoughtful, transformative, and encouraging. I walked away with a newfound appeal to stand up more. I learned to embrace my signature presence, but most importantly, I connected with such influential and driven women. It's a space I will never forget.”
Elektra Thompson, US Executive Functioning Specialist, The Lovett School
“I am so grateful my mentor recommended L+D's Wonder Women workshop when asked about PD options that deliver a big boost for the time and effort invested. It was a profoundly powerful experience that enabled me to reflect on and explore how I might more fully "unleash" myself as a leader, as I have often been encouraged to do. The thoughtful program flow, skillful facilitators, and remarkable cohort of fellow women leaders exceeded all expectations! This is a must-do professional growth opportunity—whether you are new to leadership, mid-level, or more seasoned.”
Lori Hébert, Director, The BlendEd Consortium
“L+D's Wonder Women workshop was a game-changer. It was the professional growth experience I didn't know I needed. The facilitators expertly created the safe space and structure that challenged and grew me as both a leader and a person. I left feeling re-energized, validated, and more confident in my ability to lead with authenticity. This is an incredible experience for any woman ready to step more fully into her leadership.”
Janelle Sterling, Upper School Dean of Students, Greenhills School, MI
“It was an honor to listen to other female leaders share their stories. And, just being together in a group of female leaders for the week was super powerful.”
Kristen Hyde, Principal, Bergen Meadow/Bergen Valley Elementary School