COLUMBIA - The Women’s Rights and Empowerment Network (WREN) has officially announced programming, speakers, and registration details for its 10-Year Anniversary Summit, taking place October 23, 2026 in Charleston.
The milestone event will convene advocates, leaders, organizers, researchers, storytellers, and community members from across South Carolina and beyond for a full day of conversations centered on gender equity, democracy, economic justice, healthcare access, reproductive freedom, and the future of advocacy in the South.
Celebrating a decade of impact, the summit reflects WREN’s continued commitment to building community power and advancing policies that improve the lives of women and girls across South Carolina.
Headlining the summit is keynote speaker Jotaka Eaddy, a South Carolina native who has become one of the nation’s most influential voices in policy and social impact. A graduate of the University of South Carolina, where she made history as the first Black woman elected student body president, Eaddy has built a career spanning civil rights advocacy, national policy leadership, and technology-sector equity work, including roles with the NAACP and leading social impact initiatives in Silicon Valley.
Featured presenters also include nationally recognized advocates, policy experts, and community leaders from across the state. The summit will create space for collaboration across sectors and generations while honoring the work that has shaped WREN’s first decade.
“This summit is about reflecting on where we’ve been while preparing for what’s next,” said Dr. Amalia Luxardo, WREN’s CEO. “For ten years, WREN has worked alongside communities across South Carolina to advocate for policies and systems that allow women and families to thrive. This gathering brings together the people doing that work every day and reminds us of what’s possible when we organize collectively.”
The summit arrives at a pivotal moment for South Carolina, as communities continue mobilizing around reproductive freedom, healthcare access, economic opportunity, and democratic participation.
Registration is now open and early bird ticket pricing will run through June 30.
For the full agenda, presenters, and registration information, click here: https://www.scwren.org/