Five years ago, we launched Lift Women Up with a clear and powerful belief: when we come together – individually and collectively – and take small, meaningful steps to support ourselves and other women, we accelerate progress for everyone.

What began as a simple call to action grew into something far greater than we imagined. People across the country—and around the world—mentored, sponsored, invited, empowered, and advocated for women in their workplaces and communities. Those individual actions created ripples that continue to touch lives today.

Lift Women Up gave people a way to participate in progress, and thousands of women heard the rallying cry and did so, joining us to grow, evolve, and create meaningful change.

Today, something extraordinary is happening because of that work.

Women are leading organizations, shaping policies, driving innovation, and strengthening communities. Lift Women Up was about building momentum, and we are watching women – of every race, ethnicity, age, socioeconomic background, and identity – demonstrate what leadership looks like in real time.

We are seeing impact. And it’s time to shine a brighter light on it.

Introducing When She Leads

Building on the movement that you and thousands of other women helped build, Women Connect4Good is launching When She Leads, which feels like the natural evolution of Lift Women Up.

Where Lift Women Up inspired action and support, When She Leads showcases the results of those actions and celebrates the women who rose – and the organizations, families, and communities that rose with them.

This shift isn’t a departure; it’s an expansion, highlighting who we are and who we can be.

With When She Leads, we highlight the many faces of women’s leadership—across workplaces, neighborhoods, industries, and generations. We share the stories, the data, and the real-world examples of how women leaders strengthen every space they enter.

Our goal is simple. We want to normalize women in leadership and make their contributions visible, undeniable, and celebrated.

You Have to See It to Be It

Gender equality in leadership remains a work in process. But to help move progress forward, we must build on our successes and not only recognize but also celebrate women from all walks of life who are breaking barriers.

As Dr. Sheila Robinson points out, every woman is a leader–EVERY woman. We lead in our families, with our children, and in our workplaces and communities. Yet, women’s leadership is largely invisible, so many of us don’t see ourselves as leaders. Why? The work women do is essential but frequently overlooked. Our stories may be extraordinary, but they are often left untold. 

When She Leads is here to change that.

For generations, women have led in powerful ways, yet their leadership has largely gone unnoticed. By shining a light on real women leading in all walks of life, we replace the tired old assumptions that only men can lead with everyday examples. The more we see women leading, the more natural it becomes.

When She Leads shows every woman – and girl – what leadership looks like on those who look like her, live like her, and dream like her. It normalizes perceptions of women in leadership by making their presence visible, familiar, and eventually, expected.

Visibility isn’t just inspiring; it’s transformational.

We are proud of everything we have built together through Lift Women Up. That foundation remains a crucial part of our mission. But we are also excited – maybe even more so – to start this next chapter. Because when she leads, we all rise.