Growth rarely follows a straight path. New roles, unexpected opportunities, career transitions, and unfamiliar environments can challenge our confidence, but they can also become some of our greatest opportunities to grow.

Join the Business Women of Loudoun for our 2026 Signature Event, featuring keynote speaker Carmen Ortiz-McGhee, COO of the National Association of Investment Companies and author of “The Bumblebee Blueprint.”

In her keynote, Unfamiliar Skies: Thriving Where You Were Never Meant to Fly, Carmen will draw from a career that has taken her across industries and into spaces that often looked nothing like where she started. Through personal stories, humor, and practical insights, she’ll explore how to adapt to change, stay curious, take bold leaps, and lead authentically – even when the path ahead isn’t clear.

Who Should Attend?

This event is especially relevant for someone who is:

• Navigating a career transition and figuring out how to move confidently through change.
• Stepping into a new role or greater responsibility and learning how to lead in unfamiliar territory.
• Presented with an unexpected career opportunity and deciding whether to take the leap, even if they don’t feel completely ready.
• Entering spaces where they may be the “only” or the “first” and want to lead with confidence and authenticity.
• Navigating a new season of life alongside their career and adapting as personal priorities, responsibilities, and professional ambitions evolve.

What to Expect

• An inspiring keynote with practical takeaways from Carmen Ortiz-McGhee on navigating change, taking bold leaps, and leading with confidence.
• An intentional networking reception with business and community leaders from across Loudoun.
• A chance to give back through our raffle benefiting the Loudoun Coalition on Women and Girls.
• A welcoming community. While hosted by Business Women of Loudoun, this event is open to everyone – men are welcome to attend!