The 2025 Power Women Summit, hosted by TheWrap and held at The Maybourne Beverly Hills in Los Angeles, brought together hundreds of influential women from across film, television, fashion, sports, and media. This year’s edition, presented by STARZ #TakeTheLead, created space for leaders such as Regina Hall to inspire attendees with honest discussions, meaningful networking, and insights meant to fuel advancement within the entertainment industry. The Regina Hall Power Women Summit experience fostered an environment that celebrated trailblazers, encouraged collaboration, and recognized the diverse contributions shaping Hollywood today.
Opening Session Sets a Collaborative Tone
Sharon Waxman, TheWrap’s Founder and Editor-in-Chief, welcomed an enthusiastic crowd, sharing remarks that energized participants for a day devoted to empowerment and connection. Attendees arrived early, signing in at the breakfast reception before engaging with the “Together We Bloom” experiential installation—an event activation designed to spark dialogue and inspire collective growth.
Spotlight Conversation with Regina Hall and Chase Infiniti
A major highlight was the sold-out mainstage Spotlight Conversation featuring Chase Infiniti and Regina Hall, stars of the film “One Battle After Another.” Their discussion captivated the room by addressing career-defining moments and decisions, offering frank commentary about leadership and perseverance in the entertainment industry. The pair’s presence on stage underscored the Summit’s mission to amplify women’s voices in media and storytelling.
Keynote Addresses Highlight Advocacy and Personal Strength
Rhea Seehorn of “Pluribus” and reproductive rights advocate Amanda Zurawski headlined the keynote sessions, addressing personal resilience and the ongoing fight for reproductive freedom. Their speeches resonated deeply with attendees, many of whom work at the intersection of film, advocacy, and activism. The keynote moments set a tone of courage and vision for the remainder of the Summit, reinforcing the necessity of championing women’s rights within and beyond the entertainment sector.
Dynamic Panels Offer Expertise and Inspiration
Panels throughout the event delivered critical insight into varied aspects of the industry.
“Sensuality and Strength: Breaking the Mold in Female Storytelling,”
presented by STARZ, featured Rachel Calhoun, Kathryn Busby, Patina Miller, and Toni Graphia. The conversation focused on evolving how women’s stories are told onscreen, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities in pushing boundaries within content creation.
Other notable panels included
“Changing the Narrative on Health in Storytelling,”
with Sharon Waxman, Fara Taylor, Lina Polimeni, and Dr. Stacy L. Smith, which addressed the power of media to shape public perceptions on women’s health. Financial empowerment was front and center in
“Invest in Yourself: Building Financial Confidence,”
where Nicole Lapin, Davida Lara, Kristina Royce, Rachel Gottlieb, and Taylor Price shared tools for personal and financial advancement in a changing economic landscape.
Actress Roundtable Spotlights Powerful Women in Entertainment
A star-studded Actress Roundtable gathered Uzo Aduba (“The Residence”), Natasha Rothwell (“The White Lotus”), Olivia Munn (“Your Friends & Neighbors”), and Karen Pittman (“The Morning Show”) to discuss their personal journeys and the impact of on-screen representation. Moderated by Andi Ortiz of TheWrap, the discussion provided a candid look at the triumphs and challenges unique to women in the creative arts, as well as the collective importance of diverse voices in shaping future narratives.
Industry Executives and Creators Exchange Ideas
Top leaders and executives converged on panels like “Exec Corner: Dealmakers, Deciders, Disruptors,” where Olivia Metzger, Amy Leasca, Tana Nugent Jamieson, Spring Aspers, and Sharon Waxman explored the business of entertainment, deal-making in production, and the importance of decision-makers who champion equity and innovation. In
“Ahead of the Curve: Women Shaping Entertainment Marketing,”
Danielle Misher, Briana McElroy, Suzanne Cole, and Kim Granito spoke to marketing’s evolving landscape and the strategic role women play in shaping major studio campaigns.
Creative Talent and Storytelling Take Center Stage
Jenny Han, creator and showrunner of “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” joined Jo Ling Kent for an in-depth discussion on adapting literary works to screen, underscoring how authentic storytelling can reach global audiences. Similarly, Loree Seitz, Ali Krug, Kate Myers, and Andrea Mara offered practical guidance during the “Bestseller to Binge-Worthy” panel, providing a roadmap for literary creators aiming to navigate Hollywood.
In the
“Mastering the Scene: Live Blocking With an AWD Icon”
session, Rachel Goldberg led a collaborative demonstration on directing for television, partnering with the Alliance of Women Directors to showcase live blocking exercises and illuminate the unique perspectives women bring as directors.
Fresh Faces and Visionaries Lead the Future
Whalar presented “The New Faces of Entertainment,” with Jo Cronk, Hannah Stocking, and Michelle Khare discussing the impact of digital creators and the shifting dynamics between online platforms and traditional media. The inclusion of figures like Taylor Price, a Gen Z financial expert, further emphasized the Summit’s focus on intergenerational learning and empowerment.
Honoring Resilience and Community in Difficult Times
The Summit featured a special exhibition titled “From Ashes to Rebirth,” honoring victims of the 2025 California wildfires. This moving tribute demonstrated the event’s commitment to community support and the power of creative industries to unite around shared challenges and healing.
Performances and Artistic Showcases Inspire Attendees
Music and performance also played a part in the Summit’s program, with Sharon Farber, Eden Kontesz, and Grammy Award-winning songwriter Diane Warren presenting a live rendition of “Dear Me” from Warren’s documentary “Diane Warren: Relentless.” This performance highlighted how music, film, and live art intersect to inspire resilience and hope within the industry.
Breakout Sessions Foster Growth and Learning
Throughout the day, attendees participated in breakout sessions dedicated to career development, financial education, and branding. These workshops were designed to facilitate practical growth, networking, and real-time knowledge sharing among industry peers.
Recognizing New Trends and Groundbreakers in Entertainment
Panels like
“Women Redefining the Future of TV,”
presented by Google TV and featuring the likes of Betsy Beers, Justine Lupe, Lisa Siskind Bilgrei, Sara Rea, and Yahlin Chang, shined a spotlight on how women are innovating at the forefront of television production and unscripted formats. The Producers Roundtable invited Susan Sprung, Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Lynette Howell Taylor, Mimi Leder, Molly Smith, and Simran Baidwan to share their experiences managing film and television projects in a rapidly changing industry.
Style and Glamour Meet Substance
Fashion and creative self-expression were celebrated, with Bronwyn Newport, Judith Light, Kathleen Felix-Hager, Kelsey Brosi, and Yvonne Orji participating in
“The New Power Women: On Screen and in the Wild,”
a session looking at how personal style influences identity within public spheres. The allure of the Summit was evident in special moments inside the Green Room hosted by South Coast Plaza, where attendees received curated gift bags, held fashion discussions, and connected over shared interests outside the traditional panels.
Portrait Studio and Networking Opportunities
The portrait studio offered attendees the opportunity to commemorate their experience alongside industry icons. Regina Hall, Chase Infiniti, Natasha Rothwell, Yvonne Orji, and others posed for portraits, providing lasting memories and new avenues for networking and collaboration. Several cocktail receptions and luncheons further encouraged informal exchanges and the formation of new professional relationships that will carry the Summit’s spirit forward.
Significance and Looking Ahead
This year’s Regina Hall Power Women Summit proved to be a vital platform for amplifying women’s leadership within entertainment, with powerful appearances by Regina Hall and conversations that addressed the personal, professional, and social challenges facing women in the industry. As attendees return to their respective organizations—residences, film sets, boardrooms, and creative spaces—they carry forth the event’s message of resilience, community, and the ongoing drive for meaningful change. With stakeholders from leading companies such as Lionsgate Films, AMC Networks, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Google TV, Eli Lilly and Company, Starz, Whalar, and the Geena Davis Institute, the Summit underscored that the future of film, television, and media rests firmly in the hands of innovative, passionate women. The anticipation for next year’s summit is palpable, as momentum continues to build for greater inclusion, representation, and empowerment across Hollywood and beyond.
