Women in Power Spaces Returns for Second Annual Convening on September 17, 2026
The anticipated annual convening returns on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at the Fullerton Community Center to examine the systemic challenges and persistent barriers that female-identifying people face while providing a space for community and support.
Anaheim, CA—The North Orange County Community College District (NOCCCD) is proud to announce the second annual Women in Power Spaces (WiPS) Convening to be held on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at the Fullerton Community Center. This years’ WiPS Convening will be a day-long deep dive into the systemic challenges and persistent barriers that female-identifying people face.
“With 2.2 million students at 116 colleges, California Community Colleges make up the largest system of higher education in the country,” said Kai Stearns Davis, Founder of WiPS and Chief Communications Officer at NOCCCD. “More than half of those students are female-identifying, which means that between our students, faculty, and staff, the power of the CA Community College system to mobilize and support women is unmatched. The Women in Power Spaces Initiative creates a community of engagement for women and allies to spearhead positive gains within the all-important work of gender justice.”
According to the World Economic Forum, the world is still 123 years away from parity across economic participation, educational attainment, quality of health and safety, and political empowerment. With this year’s theme “Mind the Gaps,” the Convening will interrogate a multitude of gaps—wealth, political representation, personal empowerment, and creative expression—while focusing on practical ways to move forward.
NOCCCD Board of Trustees President Barbara Dunsheath stated, “The WIPs Convening will be a phenomenal opportunity for North Orange County Community College District to celebrate Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility and Anti-Racism a goal embedded into our District mission. As President of the Board of Trustees, President of the CCCT Board, and Co-Chair of the California Community Colleges Women’s Caucus, elevating gender equity is paramount to student success. Community Colleges accept the top 100% but we need to ensure that every student is given the resources to succeed. I am immensely proud of North Orange for organizing, supporting, and presenting this conference.”
The event program includes a lineup of truly exceptional gender equity champions, entrepreneurs, CEOs, artists, and policy experts, including Rebecca Traister, award winning journalist and author of Good and Mad; Jessica Ramey Stender, Policy and Deputy Legal Director at Equal Rights Associates; Dr. Yasmin Davidds, Organizational Psychologist, Entrepreneur, and CEO of the Multicultural Women Executive Leadership Foundation; Darcy Totten, Executive Director at the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls; Renee Esebag, Co-Founder and COO of Good Money Brands; Carla Jay Harris, Los Angeles-based multidisciplinary artist and activist, and many more. A whole day event, the Convening will also include panels, interactive sessions, networking and an art studio for attendees to enjoy.
Thank you to the sponsors of the WiPS Convening:
- Nossaman LLP
- SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union
- GradComm
- Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo
- CA Community Colleges Women’s Caucus
- Piper Sandler
- 25th Hour Communications
- Amour Propre
- The Balloon Box
Registration is now open, with general admission tickets priced at $100 and student tickets at $25. Attendees also have the opportunity to sponsor a NOCCCD student for $25. Secure your tickets today on the Women in Power Spaces website.
About the WiPS Initiative
Established in 2025, the North Orange County Community College District’s Women in Power Spaces (WiPS) Initiative strives to advance social justice and gender equity through an agenda that addresses the systemic and persistent barriers that female-identifying people face.
Designed to be a community of engagement for our students, faculty, and staff as well as members of the public, the WiPS Initiative aims to promote the advancement of gender equity through education, research, advocacy and leadership development. The WiPS Initiative is part of the North Orange County Community College District and is open to all, regardless of sex, race, color, national origin, or any other protected identity.
Learn more about the Initiative on the WiPS website.
