With lines stretched by the mile, this year’s HerConference was nothing short of everything a girl could want in an experience. From interactive activations to celebrity guests and influential speakers, HerConference delivered an experience that blended inspiration, education, and community. With just finishing the 2026 Matrix Award with the theme “The Butterfly Effect”, HerConference founders Windsor Western, Stephanie Kaplan and Annie Wang exemplified what it means to spread your wings and fly.

With VIP Lounge access courtesy of NYWICI, I had the opportunity to experience HerCampus from a unique perspective. The day began with a sweet treat from Hershey’s and an impressive lineup of VIP goodies from brands including Naturium, Got2b, Kitsch, Batiste, Paul Mitchell, Juus, Charlotte Tilbury, and many more. The lounge offered a cozy and elevated space filled with valuable insights, networking opportunities, and endless content-creation moments.

Together, the panelists offered an honest look at career growth, sharing both the triumphs and challenges that come with building a successful career. With the message professional development is rarely a straight path, resonating throughout the discussion. As Hailey Albright shared, “Never stop exploring. It’s scary, yeah, but it teaches you.” Her words served as a powerful reminder that rejection is an inevitable part of any career journey. It doesn’t disappear with experience or success; instead, it becomes another opportunity to learn, adapt, and continue moving forward.

Katie Feeney

Reflecting on her journey, the evening’s first keynote speaker, sports commentator and social creator Katie Feeney, shared how she built an authentic career in the traditionally male-dominated world of sports media. Moderated by Laura Highfill, Vice President of Influencer Marketing at Bobbie, the conversation encouraged attendees to seize opportunities, especially when they’re fortunate enough to be at the forefront of something new.

Feeney in depth spoke about the beauty of being a woman, encouraging attendees to embrace their femininity as a strength rather than something to minimize while pursuing their careers. Reminding the audience that “being tired from something you love doing is a privilege,” while challenging the idea that success follows a single blueprint. She encouraged women to let go of the belief that there is only one path to achieving their goals and instead trust their own journey.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Feeney offered a candid look at how she maintained balance amid a demanding career in sports and communications. From listening to Mel Robbins’ podcast or simply carving out moments for herself, she emphasized that personal well-being is just as important as professional ambition.

“Our Bodies, Our Timeline”

In the midst of an already unforgettable lineup, one special guest had the entire room buzzing with excitement. None other than XO, Kitty star Anna Cathcart. Anna, moderated by Jessica Harrington, Beauty Lead at PopSugar, offered an intimate look into her journey as a young actress navigating life both on and off the screen. Anna spoke candidly about growing up in the public eye while learning to embrace who she is beyond the spotlight, a musical-loving girlie simply figuring out life one step at a time. Throughout the conversation, she radiated grace, humility, and gratitude for every chapter of her journey. From filming in Seoul, South Korea, to celebrating the milestone of becoming a first-time homeowner, Anna reflected on the excitement and challenges of balancing personal growth with the demands of a thriving career. As the conversation came to a close, she left the audience with a message that perfectly captured the spirit of the day: “Don’t be passive, be bold.” A fitting reminder that whether you’re pursuing your dream career, navigating life’s uncertainties, or stepping into a new chapter, confidence begins with taking the first step.

After a brief intermission, HerConference celebrated the recipients of its 2026 Influencer Collective Awards, recognizing creators and changemakers who are redefining the digital landscape. Honors included Changemaker of the Year: Lea Nepomuceno, Community Builder of the Year: Autumn Hill, Gen Z Voice of the Year: Kylie Hill, and culminated with Creative Visionary of the Year, awarded to Caroline Vazzana, who was also named HerConference’s 2026 Influencer of the Year.

Before the ceremony, I had the opportunity to speak with Caroline, a fashion influencer and digital creator whose passion for style was just as inspiring as her career. We discussed her look for the evening, sharing that her outfit was designed by M.S.O Lagos, a Nigerian ethical womenswear label known for its commitment to sustainability and thoughtful craftsmanship. With a social media presence built on celebrating personal style, creativity, and self-expression, it was a fitting choice for Caroline, whose authenticity continues to inspire a new generation of fashion.

“The Spark Session”

The momentum carried into a session that blended innovation with education, offering attendees a fresh perspective on the role of artificial intelligence in everyday life. “The Spark Session,” presented by Google Gemini. Led by Sydney Thomashow, Group Product Marketing Manager for Google for Education, and Aimee Otsu, Staff UX Designer for Google for Education, the session explored how artificial intelligence can become a practical tool for learning, creativity, and career preparation. The duo shared a variety of ways Google Gemini can support students beyond the classroom. From generating guided learning flashcards for last-minute exam preparation to using Gemini Live to practice interview questions and build confidence before landing a dream job. Attendees walked away with practical strategies for making AI a meaningful part of their academic and professional journeys. The discussion highlighted that technology, when used intentionally, can empower students to learn more effectively.

With a platform like Her Campus Media, creating space for every voice to be heard regardless of reach or platform is at the heart of the mission.

To close out the evening, attendees gathered for the final keynote conversation featuring Jordan Chiles, best-selling author, two-time Olympian, and Olympic gold medalist. Moderated by Olivia Hancock, beauty journalist and founder of The Hue Report, the conversation explored the many layers behind Jordan’s journey beyond gymnastics. Olivia highlighted Jordan’s “Shero” initiative, a new athlete mentorship program created in honor of her late aunt. The initiative focuses on empowering young athletes to recognize that their identities extend far beyond their sport by providing guidance on essential life skills, from financial literacy and navigating taxes to discovering passions and pursuing dreams beyond competition. As the conversation continued, we got to know Jordan on a more personal level, from her love of music, with artists like Victoria Monét and Normani being among her favorites, to her appreciation for cultural experiences and cuisine. Ending the night with questions from the audience, Jordan encouraged attendees to just wake up and be you during moments where they may not feel like “That Girl.” Referencing Rihanna’s lyric “Shine Bright Like a Diamond” in her hit song “Diamond” often as her go-to when she needs a little inspirational pick-me-up.

Overall, the night was filled with excitement and new launches as Julianne Skyrivan, VP, Community and Influencer for Her Campus Media, announced their new “Common Thread” Community. A platform geared toward long-term content creators and encouraging participants to partake in all their activations with collaborations with Hallmark, HeadCount, Carolina Herrera, CoverGirl and more. From career pivots and personal growth to self-advocacy and creative expression, the message was clear: the future belongs to those who embrace their voice, chase their vision, and never stop exploring what’s possible. HerCampus is officially in their whimsy-maxxing era, where chasing big dreams, embracing femininity and finding joy makes its presence known.