Women of the Valley Conference 2026
Written By: Beyeli Rios
Y&E was founded on the principle of creating space for powerful women to come together and share insights, lessons, and stories with young women—empowering them for their next milestone in life. By partnering with the Phoenix Suns, we are able to further this mission by hosting the annual Women of the Valley Conference.
Women of the Valley Panelist and Guest Speakers:
Yasmin Rivera- Klein, Marion Donaldson, Veronica Aguilar, Kristina Chumpol, Lorraine Tallman, Stephanie Vasquez, Stephanie Parra, Christine Coughlan, Kristin Priscella,Melody Lewis, Alex Bradberry.
This year’s panel featured:
Stephanie Vasquez - Founder of the non-profit organization E.L.L.A, Fair Trade Cafe, and the Amor Collective
Lorraine Tallman - CEO and Founder of Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels, a nonprofit advocating pediatric cancer support
Melody Lewis - Community Leader, Founder of the Indigenous Community Collaborative and the Co-Founder of Cahokia: SocialTech + ArtSpace
Stephanie Parra - CEO of ALL In Education
Hosted by Y&E’s founder Veronica Aguilar, attendees heard honest, raw accounts of lived experiences from women in business, C-suite executives, and other high-achieving roles. To say it was insightful is an understatement. One of the best parts of the conference was hearing the unfiltered journeys of women who are actively shaping the Valley. Below are a few highlights from the panel and respective workshops.
Christine Coughlan, Vice President of Project Management and Productivity at Arizona Financial Credit Union One, and Kristin Priscella, Executive Director at State Forty Eight Foundation, held the workshop: Trust Your Timing. One powerful point shared was how social media has “programmed” many 20-year-olds into believing they are behind in life. In reality, the average woman makes a career pivot at age 39, becomes an entrepreneur at 42, and becomes a millionaire at 49.
Y&E strives to bridge the gender wage gap, understanding that financial and professional success are often built on experience and learning through failure. So as a reminder, you are not behind—you have simply succeeded in many ways already and have not failed enough to see the growth you are looking for.
Kristina Chumpol, Chief Impact Officer at Fiesta Sports Foundation and Alex Bradberry, Founder of The Sparkle Bar, in their workshop on Pursuing Goals without Burnout or Panic.
Ambition does not mean working until you burn out. Kristina and Alex discussed the topic of healthy ambition, about playing the long game and staying consistent long enough to see the benefits of efforts. When you decide to rest, do so intentionally. Be clear about what you are preparing for in the future. Use rest to recharge both your mind and body. When moments of rest come, be thoughtful about how you use them.
Marion Donaldson, Director of Development at the Phoenix Art Museum and Yasmin Rivera-Klein, Founder of Agency27 during The Process is the Point Workshop.
Yasmin and Marion led a group exercise where GCU students shared their stories, reflecting on the process of life and allowing yours to unfold. The discussion focused on building resilience, developing new skills, and finding gratitude during challenging moments in your journey.
If you want to be inspired and hear more from powerful women, be sure RSVP for our upcoming Empwer[HER] Conference this July.
