AWA Elevate Forum Brought Women Leaders Together in Virginia

The AWA Elevate Forum, organized by the Azerbaijani Women of America (AWA), took place on March 7, 2026, at the Hilton Mark Center, bringing together women leaders, professionals, and community partners for a day dedicated to leadership, dialogue, and empowerment.

The forum focused on strengthening collaboration among women leaders across the United States while promoting long-term community engagement and professional excellence. Through a series of discussions and networking opportunities, participants explored leadership development, cultural identity, reputation building, and sustainable leadership practices.

The program began with registration and a welcome social, followed by opening remarks from AWA President Lala Ragimov and members of the organization’s board.

The keynote address, titled “Rising with Purpose,” was delivered by Tatyana Mikhailova, founder of RED Communications and chairwoman of the 100 Business Women of Azerbaijan, as well as founder of SHE Congress. In her speech, she emphasized the importance of purpose-driven leadership and the growing role of women in shaping business and community initiatives.

Throughout the day, panel discussions addressed several key topics, including leadership through service and resilience, the preservation of cultural identity and traditions as leadership assets, the power of dialogue in building bridges and promoting peace, and strategies for building endurance while practicing self-care and authentic leadership.

The forum featured speakers and panelists from diverse professional backgrounds, including Fabiana Ceyhan, a multilingual journalist and president of the Brazilian Association of International and Diplomatic Journalists, as well as Dr. Durdana Balakishiyeva of South Methodist University and Muzhgan Nazarova from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

The event concluded with closing reflections and a call to action, encouraging participants to continue fostering dialogue, collaboration, and leadership among women across communities. Organizers highlighted the forum as an important platform for strengthening connections and amplifying the voices of women leaders working toward social and professional impact.