Young Enterprising Women National Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C.

Investing in the Next Generation of Women Leaders

At AvantGarde, we believe leadership development begins long before someone enters the workforce. It starts by investing in young people early—helping them recognize their potential, strengthen their confidence, and understand the impact they can make in their communities and beyond.

That spirit was powerfully reflected at the 2026 Young Enterprising Women National Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., where high school girls from across the country gathered for a transformative experience centered on leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, STEM, and civic engagement.

The conference provided students with opportunities to engage in leadership workshops, mentorship discussions, networking experiences, and educational visits throughout the nation’s capital. More importantly, it created space for young women to see themselves as future executives, entrepreneurs, innovators, policymakers, and changemakers.

AvantGarde CEO Rebecca Contreras was honored to support and participate in an event dedicated to empowering the next generation of women leaders.

“When young women are encouraged to lead early, they begin to understand that their voice, ideas, and contributions truly matter. Investing in future leaders is one of the most important things we can do for our communities, our workforce, and our country.” — Rebecca Contreras

A major focus of the conference was encouraging young women to pursue opportunities in STEM-related fields and leadership pathways where women continue to shape the future of innovation, technology, and public service. As industries and government agencies continue evolving in response to emerging technologies and workforce demands, developing confident and capable future leaders has never been more important.

Throughout the experience, students explored topics including:

• Leadership and executive presence

• Entrepreneurship and innovation

• STEM education and future career opportunities

• Public service and civic responsibility

• Mentorship, resilience, and personal growth

• Building confidence through communication and collaboration

Washington, D.C. served as an inspiring backdrop for the conference, giving participants firsthand exposure to the institutions, history, and leadership environments that influence national progress and policy. For many students, the experience offered a broader vision of what is possible for their future.

At AvantGarde, we remain committed to supporting initiatives that empower individuals, strengthen communities, and prepare future generations for leadership in an evolving world. Investing in young women today helps build stronger organizations, stronger communities, and a stronger future for tomorrow.

We are proud to celebrate the ambition, talent, and leadership potential of the remarkable young women who participated in this year’s conference and look forward to seeing the impact they will make in the years ahead.