Event report
2026 International Women's Day - Women as Change Makers
On March 4, 2026, we hosted our 4th Annual International Women’s Day celebration in collaboration with our international partner organizations. This year’s event, held at the Fort Point Room in Downtown Boston, focused on the powerful theme: "Women as Change Makers."
A Panel of Transformative Stories
Expertly moderated by Karen Pevenstein, co-chair of FACCNE's Women in Business Network), the town hall-style panel moved beyond professional milestones to explore the personal transformations that shape leaders.
- Dr. Charlotte de Brabandt, ZF Group, spoke candidly about her journey as a digital futurist while navigating a sudden cancer diagnosis, highlighting how adversity serves as a turning point for intentional leadership.
- Ona Ambrozaite, East Coast Director, UK Science & Technology Network, shared her unique perspective on "science diplomacy" and the importance of leaping out of one's comfort zone to lead in global platforms.
- Nida Çakır Melek, Senior Economist, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, reflected on how women drive change through research, curiosity, and evidence-based leadership in the public interest.
A Vibrant, Multicultural Community
The evening concluded with a lively networking reception that epitomized the FACCNE mission of building bridges. Attendees from across the New England international business ecosystem—including our partners from the Swedish, German, British, Dutch, and Turkish business councils—exchanged ideas and forged new cross-cultural connections.
As one attendee noted, the evening was a reminder that "women belong in all places where decisions are made," bringing a uniquely empathetic touch to leadership.
FACCNE extends a heartfelt thank you to our speakers, our partners, and our sponsor Ipsen for their steadfast support of the Women in Business Network.
Discover FACCNE's Women in Business Network!
Photos by the team and Maina Durafour
