Explore women experts advancing equity, AI, innovation and resilience for International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month.
Meg Virag | February 24, 2026
The theme of International Women’s Day 2026 is simple and powerful: Give to Gain.
When leaders provide opportunities for visibility, mentorship, capital, advocacy and more, impact is multiplied beyond the workforce, driving global change. Research shows that equality is a force multiplier, a rising tide that can lift all boats and benefit everyone. When people of all genders can thrive, organizations innovate more effectively, economies grow stronger, and communities become more resilient.
At Stern Strategy Group, we are proud to represent extraordinary women whose work embodies this principle. From AI ethics and workplace equity to national security and women’s health, these experts demonstrate that investing in women’s voices strengthens everyone.
Organizational psychologist and UNC professor Alison Fragale helps women navigate and win the status game. In her bestselling book “Likeable Badass: How Women Get the Success They Deserve,” she reveals how women can build influence without sacrificing authenticity, offering research-backed negotiation and advocacy strategies that immediately shift power dynamics.
Through her “Uncompete” framework, Ruchika T. Malhotra challenges the scarcity mindset that holds women back. Her research shows that rejecting zero-sum competition unlocks innovation, inclusion and sustainable success across organizations.
Workplace dynamics expert Amy Gallo equips leaders to navigate conflict with confidence. Her practical frameworks for handling difficult colleagues build interpersonal resilience, a critical skill for equitable, high-performing teams.
AI pioneer Rana el Kaliouby, bestselling author of “Girl Decoded” and co-founder of Blue Tulip Ventures, is committed to supporting women AI founders and advancing human-centered technology. Her work ensures that innovation and new tech reflect human empathy and diversity of thought from the ground up.
As CEO and publisher of MIT Technology Review, Elizabeth Bramson reframes the myth of linear career success. Her insights empower women to pursue ambitious professional and personal lives without rigid timelines and with minimum guilt.
In “Security Mom,” national security expert Juliette Kayyem reminds us that preparedness is empowerment. Her philosophy of “don’t scare, prepare!” reframes leadership through resilience, practicality and everyday action.
Journalist and author of “The Cycle,” Shalene Gupta exposes how menstrual and mental health stigma impact productivity and economic outcomes. Her work shows that investing in total well-being results in competitive advantage.
Olympic champion and tech CEO Jennifer Heil brings elite performance science to all domains of women’s lives through her company, Revvel. By democratizing access to expert-backed knowledge, she is closing longstanding research gaps and empowering women with trusted information.
Harvard Law professor Paola Cecchi-Dimeglio helps organizations confront bias in AI systems before it leads to legal, ethical and reputational consequences. Her twelve best practices provide a roadmap for building fairer, more accountable technology.
As leaders seek to advance equity, innovation and resilience in their organizations, access to trusted, accomplished women experts has never been more essential. Stern Strategy Group connects you with renowned thought leaders whose insights, strategies and management frameworks help organizations fuel growth and disruptive innovation to better compete in a constantly changing world. Let us arrange for these esteemed experts to advise your organization via virtual and in-person consulting sessions, workshops and keynotes.
