Description

S.H.E. Influences Conference & Business Expo 2026

Three Extraordinary Women. Three Distinct Leadership Journeys. One Powerful Experience.

Thursday, October 1, 2026
Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel

Leadership is not defined by a title. It is demonstrated through courage, service, vision and the ability to create opportunities for others.

The North Orange County Chamber invites you to the 2026 S.H.E. Influences Conference & Business Expo, an inspiring regional gathering celebrating the women who speak with purpose, hear the needs of those around them and empower others to succeed.

This year’s conference brings together three exceptional leaders whose work has influenced California, transformed public education and strengthened businesses, boards and organizations.

Through two powerful keynote addresses, a highly engaging leadership session, meaningful connections and a regional business expo, attendees will leave encouraged, challenged and better prepared to lead within their businesses, organizations and communities.

For over a decade, S.H.E. has been where leaders are made, businesses are built, and futures are reshaped. This is your year to connect, learn, and rise alongside inspiring women, bold entrepreneurs, and game-changing thinkers.

Meet Our 2026 Keynote Speakers

The Honorable Fiona Ma, CPA

California State Treasurer

As California’s 34th State Treasurer, Fiona Ma, CPA serves as the state’s primary banker and oversees an investment portfolio averaging approximately $165 billion. Her office processes nearly $3 trillion in banking transactions annually and helps finance schools, housing, roads, hospitals, public facilities, and other critical infrastructure throughout California. Treasurer Ma made history as the first woman of color and the first woman Certified Public Accountant elected to serve as California's State Treasurer. Her career has crossed business, finance, elected office and public service, providing her with a unique perspective on leadership, economic opportunity and responsible stewardship.

Attendees will have a rare opportunity to hear directly from one of California’s most accomplished financial and public-sector leaders as she shares insights shaped by decades of service and leadership at the highest levels of state government.

Norma E. Martinez

Superintendent, Centralia Elementary School District

2026 Superintendent of the Year

For more than a decade, Norma Martinez has led the Centralia Elementary School District with vision, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to students, families, and the communities the district serves.

In 2026, she was named Superintendent of the Year by the Association of California School Administrators Region 17 and received statewide recognition through the California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators’ Honoring Our Own Superintendent Award.

Under her leadership, the district has strengthened academic achievement, expanded student and family support services, and introduced innovative programs across its schools. She is widely recognized for her collaborative, service-oriented approach and her belief that strong schools help create strong communities.

Superintendent Martinez will bring a deeply personal and practical perspective on leading with purpose, building trust and creating lasting change through service to others.

Leadership Power Session

Turning Inspiration into Action

Lauren Sweeney, SHRM-CP
Executive Coach, Master Leadership Trainer, Chamber Past Chair, and Co-Founder and Chief Growth & Impact Officer of Riviera Group Consulting

In between our keynote presentations, Lauren Sweeney will take the stage for an engaging and interactive leadership session designed to help attendees connect the day’s inspiration to their professional and personal leadership journeys.

Lauren works with executives, boards, nonprofit organizations, and business leaders to strengthen governance, organizational effectiveness, workplace culture, and sustainable growth. She is known for her high-energy presentation style, thoughtful questions, and ability to turn complex leadership challenges into practical, actionable steps.

Through Turning Inspiration into Action, Lauren will challenge attendees to consider how they communicate, make decisions, navigate difficult conversations, and use their influence to move their organizations and communities forward.

This will not simply be a morning of listening. It will be an opportunity to reflect, participate, and leave with ideas you can put into action.

More Than a Conference

S.H.E. Influences brings together business owners, corporate professionals, educators, nonprofit leaders, public servants, emerging leaders and community partners for a shared experience centered around growth, connection and leadership.

Your conference experience will include:

• Two distinguished keynote speakers
• An interactive leadership power session
• A regional business expo
• Opportunities to connect with business and community leaders
• Professional and personal development
• Sponsor exhibits and community resources
• Breakfast and hosted conference programming

Whether you lead a business, a classroom, a nonprofit, a department, a board, or a team, S.H.E. Influences offers an opportunity to step away from the everyday, hear from exceptional leaders and reconnect with the influence you already possess.

Speaks. Hears. Empowers. 

Reserve your seat and be part of one of North Orange County’s most anticipated leadership and business events.

#SHEInfluences2026 | #WomenInLeadership