Her Conference 2026 Recap by GWI Marketing Intern Suraiya
Her Conference 2026: What Went Down and What to Do Next
Jordan Chiles, Anna Cathcart, and Katie Feeney took the stage in New York City on June 27. Here is a full recap from our GWI Marketing Intern.
On June 27, more than 1,000 young women filled Center 415 on Fifth Avenue in New York City for the 12th annual Her Conference. Hosted by Her Campus Media, the flagship event brought together college students, recent graduates, creators, and young professionals for a full day of career-focused conversations, women's health discussions, interactive brand activations, and inspiring keynote sessions.
This year's keynote lineup featured Jordan Chiles, Anna Cathcart, and Katie Feeney, three women who have each built successful careers in very different fields, offering attendees unique perspectives on ambition, creativity, and success.
Jordan Chiles Opens Up
Jordan Chiles got the biggest reaction of the day. The second she walked out, the energy in the room changed. She spoke about gymnastics, fashion, her time on Dancing With the Stars, and what it really takes to manage a career that looks glamorous from the outside. Her answer was refreshingly simple: you wake up, answer emails, and do the work like everyone else.
What resonated most was how she described her transition from athlete to entertainer. She compared her life to a puzzle where not every piece fits on the first try, and that's OK. In an interview with Her Campus at the event, she said, "If it fits, then perfect. We keep pushing. If it doesn't fit, pick up another piece."
She also credited gymnastics with giving her the mental toughness she relies on today. As she put it, "If I was able to do that flip on a four-inch piece of wood... then I can go into my life and understand, yes, I'm going to have to learn about taxes, but it's OK. We've done hard things."
"It's your life, your story, your picture. Do what you want to do."
Anna Cathcart on Growing Up in the Spotlight
Anna Cathcart has played Kitty Song-Covey since 2018, first in the To All the Boys film series and now across three seasons of XO, Kitty. At Her Conference, she spoke candidly about what it has been like to grow up in the spotlight, revealing that the experience has been much more challenging than her social media presence might suggest.
Cathcart shared that she has dealt with severe anxiety since childhood and still experiences impostor syndrome, something that surprised many attendees given how effortlessly successful her career appears. Her advice was to fake it till you make it, a message that resonated with many young women in the audience. She also shared a reminder that stuck with attendees: "It's brave to talk about what we might see as weaknesses." One attendee writing for Her Campus said that moment made her feel more connected to Cathcart than anything else that happened throughout the day.
Katie Feeney on Creating Her Own Career Path
Katie Feeney's keynote centered on something many Gen Z attendees are actively figuring out: how to turn content creation into a sustainable career. She reflected on her journey from posting videos online to becoming ESPN's social media correspondent, explaining how audience building, consistency, and digital storytelling helped establish her professional credibility. Rather than following a traditional career path, Feeney showed that creating your own opportunities can be just as valuable.
More Highlights From the Day
Beyond the keynote sessions, a women's health panel featured TV host and model Kamie Crawford, Dr. Janet Choi, Chief Medical Officer at Progyny, and Amala Ifediora, Brand Marketing Lead for First Response. The discussion focused on advocating for yourself as a patient in a healthcare system that too often dismisses young women's concerns. Many attendees later said it was one of the most impactful conversations of the day.
Throughout the conference, attendees explored brand activations from Rare Beauty, Hallmark, Google Gemini, Charlotte Tilbury, Covergirl, Poppi, Kotex, and more. VIP guests also received gift bags valued at more than $380 worth of products.
How to Keep That Energy Going This Summer
GWI's Summer of Success Tour is a series of free, in-person events hosted at top companies across the Northeast. Each one is built around real access: panels with executives, facility tours, speed networking, and career conversations you would not get through a job application portal.
Coming up in July:
A career exploration event inside one of the world's largest beauty companies, home to Wella Professionals, OPI, Clairol, and ghd. Includes an executive panel and networking session.
A tour of Henkel's R&D Center, a leadership panel, and a look at how consumer products like Dial go from concept to shelf. Free, with snacks and networking included.
Networking with Eagle Point professionals alongside a community service project. Career conversations, practical networking strategies, and giveaways.
An inside look at one of the world's leading investment firms, with an employee panel and speed networking session for anyone curious about a career in finance.
If you cannot make it to an in-person event, GWI's Career Accelerator and Innovation Academy are both free with code GWISUMMER and fully online.
Your summer still has room in it.
GWI's Summer of Success Tour connects young women with top employers across industries. Free events, real access, and career exposure before fall.
See the Full Summer Schedule