Diane von Furstenberg, Candy Chang Join Hillary Rodham Clinton as Keynote Speakers for 2015 “Lead On” Watermark Silicon Valley Conference for Women

All will Address Inaugural Conference in Santa Clara on February 24

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Jan. 21, 2015 — The first annual Watermark Silicon Valley Conference for Women announced today that fashion icon Diane von Furstenberg and renowned artist and community activist Candy Chang will be delivering keynote addresses at the inaugural event on February 24, 2015, at the Santa Clara Convention Center.

The Conference also will feature a keynote address by Hillary Rodham Clinton, as well as keynotes by research professor and best-selling author Dr. Brene Brown and by former New York Times Executive Editor Jill Abramson.

The 100+ other speakers include Gail Sheehy, New York Times best-selling author of Passages, Napa Valley vintner and celebrity host Katie Hamilton Shaffer, Stella & Dot CEO and founder Jessica Herrin, relationship expert and best-selling author John Gray, Verna Myers, a nationally recognized expert on diversity and inclusion in the legal industry, and Ellie Krieger, best-selling author and host of Food Network’s & Cooking Channel’s “Healthy Appetite.”

For a list of speakers, visit www.leadonca.org/speakers/. The list will be updated as speakers are added.

Themed “Lead On,” the nonpartisan, nonprofit Conference is a unique place for women coming together to promote leadership, professional development and personal growth, to further opportunities for connections and to inspire each another. The day will feature one-of-a-kind discussions among thought leaders and industry experts about how women can rise to the top of their organizations; insight and expertise about navigating career and life transitions, and interactive sessions offering practical advice to help create and grow positive personal experiences outside the workplace.

The combined offerings of Watermark and the Conference include not only the annual event in Silicon Valley, but also year-round impact in the lives of attendees, with free teleclasses, newsletters and connection to a vibrant and active community of women leaders.

The Conference will feature distinguished experts sharing advice, knowledge and insight on current issues impacting women in the workforce. The Conference offers advancement and networking opportunities not only for women at the top of their game, but also for emerging professionals and Millennials looking to navigate new challenges and lay the foundation for a successful career. With conversations driven by Silicon Valley’s top women leaders, the Conference will also raise awareness about the earning potential and opportunities in the fields of science and technology, and highlight the groundbreaking women who are leading the way.

The results of the first annual Watermark Index will be announced at the conference. The first of its kind in the Greater Bay Area, the Watermark Index survey was sent to the Bay Area’s 100 largest employers, the results of which seek to highlight those companies that are going above and beyond to support and develop the women in their organizations.

Watermark is a community of executive women in the San Francisco Bay Area, whose mission is to increase the representation of women at executive levels to drive innovation, human development and economic growth. Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the Watermark vision is to ensure women are able to make their mark in and for their companies, their careers and their communities by providing programs focused on connection, development and advocacy.

The women of Watermark have created and led the most innovative and successful enterprises, contributing to all aspects of business, non-profits, technology, media, education, healthcare, law, government, and society. Founded in 1993 as the Forum for Women Entrepreneurs (FWE), Watermark has since expanded to include women leaders in all disciplines and industries.