The CWB expanded the Gearing Up Conference from a one-day event into a year-round leadership development program that offers ongoing in-person, virtual, and asynchronous programming that reflects our commitment to not only celebrate women+ leaders, but to actively support their advancement every step of their career.
A cohort model building professional and personal skills for early to mid-career women+ professionals, participants are equipped with skills ranging from negotiation tactics and financial empowerment to navigating risk, building influence, and leveraging AI for strategic advantage, developing the full spectrum of inclusive leadership.
The program is open to all genders and allies. While the focus is on advancing early-mid-career women+ professionally, there are many development skills to be gained for all emerging leaders and we firmly believe that developing women+ leaders benefits everyone in the workplace.
Pre-registration is open for 2026-2027 Cohort
Program Kickoff is September 23, 2026
2026 Gearing Up Leadership Award Recipients
The Power of Us
Catalyzing Careers
The Gearing Up program addresses the leaky pipeline, highlighted in the Women in the Workplace report by McKinsey & Co and LeanIn.org., at the individual, organizational, and systemic level. In collaboration with Bentley’s renowned scholars, the CWB provides insights that break down structural barriers and offer practical strategies for building more inclusive, high-performing organizations.
By investing in women+, your organization can cultivate a robust pipeline of women+ leaders who are well-prepared for key roles within your organization.
Skill Enhancement
✔ Workshops for enhancing leadership skills
✔ Focus on communication, negotiation, strategic thinking, and more
✔ Designed to equip participants with tangible skills
✔ Aimed at thriving in corporate settings
Networking and Mentorship
✔ Connect with like-minded individuals, potential mentors, and influential speakers
✔ Building a strong professional network emphasized
✔ Mentorship for career advancement
✔ Conference facilitates valuable connections
✔ The chance to collaborate with the CWB to host a corporate visit for graduate and undergraduate students. These visits provide students with the opportunity to learn about your organization while exposing them to different workplace environments within the corporate sector.
Career Advancement Action Plan
✔ Learn actionable steps and best practices for career advancement
✔ Panels and curated speakers provide real-world strategies
✔ Focus on breaking through barriers and advancing into C-suite positions
✔ Personalized action plans tailored to individual career goals
20
Years
110
Workshops
5,000
Participants
The Gloria Cordes Larson Center for Women and Business aims to create a welcoming space that celebrates the diversity of our community at the intersection of race, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, and ability. We are committed to providing and promoting a bias free environment by addressing issues of equity and inclusion through our conference.
Accessibility
The Gloria Cordes Larson Center for Women and Business at Bentley University is committed to ensuring all individuals have access to the Gearing Up Conference. We are committed to providing accommodations to conference attendees, and if you need accommodations, including but not limited to listening devices, quiet or prayer spaces, closed captioning, large print, wheelchair access, and lactation rooms, please let us know. In addition, if you have any questions about the venue, or workshops, please get in touch with us at cwb@bentley.edu.
