OUR STORY

Building a Legacy
Leadership & Sisterhood

Leading Women Defined, founded by Debra L. Lee, stands as the premier platform for women in leadership. Through transformative gatherings and a dynamic community, we honor identity, drive impact, and champion holistic wellbeing. From seasoned executives to rising leaders, our network empowers women to uplift and support one another, fostering an environment where leadership thrives.

Where It All Began

Leading Women Defined was sparked by Debra L. Lee’s steadfast belief in the power of extraordinary women united by a common purpose. During her tenure as Chair & CEO of BET Networks, Debra assembled a trailblazing circle of leaders for an annual convening that has since evolved into an independent foundation.

Today, LWD curates dynamic, year-round programming that emboldens leadership, fosters collaboration, and ignites meaningful impact—building on that original vision every step of the way.

A Legacy in Motion

A VISION
REALIZED

WHERE WE’VE GATHERED

MASTERCLASSES:

LEARNING FROM LEADERS & LEGENDS

THE BUTTERFLY AWARD:

HONORING
GREATNESS

LEGACIES THAT SHAPE US

BREAKING
BARRIERS

SIGNATURE CONVERSATIONS

THE POWER OF COLLABORATION

THE FUTURE OF LWD

Leading Women Defined was created with intention—to be more than a gathering, but a catalyst. An intimate convening of 100 trailblazing women, hosted by BET Networks, it set out to redefine leadership, amplify influence, and drive lasting impact in business, culture, and community. Today, LWD remains a sacred space for women who are often the first—leading where representation is rare, yet without a room where they can be fully seen, supported, and restored. Across industries and generations, women who have come through LWD have grown their businesses, stepped into boardrooms, led social change, and expanded their networks in ways that have shaped their careers and communities. At its core, LWD takes a holistic approach to leadership—rooted in the belief that true power is sustained by wellness, balance, and intentional rest. Here, ambition and well-being are not at odds; they are both essential. Step inside the moments that built this legacy.

Each city marks a chapter in our evolution:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The birthplace of LWD, where intention met action

MIAMI – Celebrating our 5th anniversary, as our mission deepened and our impact widened

LOS ANGELES – A decade of defining leadership

THE YEARS BEYOND – Expanding impact with Rising Leaders, pop-up experiences, and a stronger commitment to legacy-building and holistic wellness

Our masterclasses are immersive experiences designed to equip, inspire, and expand horizons.

GOLF WITH SHASTA AVERYHARDT – Mastering a game that has long been gatekept

DRUMMING WITH SHEILA E. – Tapping into rhythm, power, and presence

ANGEL INVESTING WITH LISHA BELL – Claiming space and building wealth on cap tables

DANCING WITH DEBBIE ALLEN – Moving with purpose, expressing with power

Since our inception, this honor has annually celebrated women whose excellence redefines what’s possible.

KETANJI BROWN JACKSON – A Supreme Court Justice and unwavering defender of truth

MISTY COPELAND – A force in ballet and beyond

ANGELA BASSETT – A masterful storyteller and cultural icon

CYNTHIA ERIVO – A powerhouse multi-hypenate spanning music, theater, and film

The voices of Dorothy Height, Cicely Tyson, Nikki Giovanni, and Diahann Carroll have shaped LWD, leaving lasting lessons and a blueprint for future generations.

Though they are no longer with us, their presence remains woven into our story, shaping the next generation of leaders.

Through intentional programming, LWD prepares women to lead in spaces where they have been historically underrepresented.

POWER ON THE FAIRWAY – Golf is more than a game – it’s a gateway to access, strategy, and influence. LWD introduces women to the game as a tool for professional and personal development.

BOARDROOM READINESS – Equipping women with the skills, insights, and confidence to lead at the highest levels.

LWD’s defining dialogues center influence, leadership, and cultural impact.

PRESIDENTS ON PRESIDENTS – Women at the helm of change

MADE MEN – Engaging men as partners in progress

LEADING IN THE BOARDROOM – Navigating power, strategy, and influence at the highest levels

LWD has always been about collective strength – leveraging influence, resources, and partnerships to create lasting impact.

CONNECTIONS IN THE ROOM – From board appointments to business ventures, the relationships forged within LWD continue to open doors and create new opportunities

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS – Collaborations with organizations like Dress for Success, Honey Shine, and Blackbird extend LWD’s impact beyond the Summit

LWD has always been intentionally intimate— never about scale, but about depth, connection, and impact. It is a sisterhood, a network of women who lead, uplift, and create space for one another. Now, as we expand our reach across all of our programming, this platform serves as a gateway to even greater influence, opportunity, and transformation. One truth remains: women have long been the architects of progress. The story is still being written — by the women who lead, the voices that uplift, and the legacy we continue to build.

Our Founder

Debra L. Lee

Pioneering Leadership and Empowerment

Debra L. Lee is a pioneering media executive, philanthropic leader, and ardent champion for the empowerment of women. With over three decades shaping the entertainment industry at BET Networks as Chairman & CEO, Debra transformed BET into a leading global platform for Black entertainment, bridging cultural gaps and amplifying voices across television and film.

Today, Debra helms Leading Women Defined, the independent foundation she created to unite extraordinary women across industries, foster collaboration, and spark collective impact. She serves on multiple corporate and nonprofit boards, advocating for inclusive leadership, equitable access, and social innovation. Debra’s vision and leadership continue to inspire and drive LWD’s mission of empowering women to lead with purpose and influence.

Our Leadership and Team

Guiding Our Vision and Mission

Our leadership team embodies the spirit and mission of Leading Women Defined, bringing a breadth of expertise and a shared commitment to empowering women leaders.

Gabrielle Glore

Executive Director

Gabrielle guides the organization’s strategic vision and operational excellence, spearheading programs, initiatives, and experiences aligning with our mission to empower women leaders globally.

Maia Barnett

Manager, Programming

Maia oversees our year-round programming, shaping transformative experiences that foster leadership and development.

Jordan Hutson

Manager, External Engagement

Jordan oversees our external partnerships and community outreach, building relationships that enhance LWD’s impact and reach.

Board Members

Debra L. Lee | Chair

Founder, Leading Women Defined Foundation
Former Chair and CEO, BET Networks

Morgan DeBaun

Founder & CEO, Blavity Inc.

Debra Langford

Managing Director & Head of Black Wealth Strategies, J.P. Morgan Private Bank

Michele Norris

Journalist & Author
Sr. Contributing Editor, MSNBC