October 15-18, 2026
Park Hyatt Aviara

The C Suite Summit is the premier evolution of the celebrated C Suite Series—an immersive, multi-day experience designed for visionary women leaders to connect, recharge, and lead with intention. What began in 2021 as an intimate luncheon on Martha’s Vineyard has grown into a nationally recognized platform convening executives, creatives, entrepreneurs, and change-makers across industries for powerful dialogue and transformative engagement. Rooted in a legacy of dynamic conversations and influential voices, the Summit builds on years of impactful gatherings held in cities such as Los Angeles, Denver, Atlanta, Boston, Washington, D.C., and Martha’s Vineyard. These events have featured leading executives, cultural influencers, and innovators exploring themes like Belonging, Alignment, Vision, Balance, and Boldness—each designed to elevate both personal and professional growth.

At the C Suite Summit, attendees can expect a thoughtfully curated blend of high-level content and restorative experiences. Sessions span leadership development, wellness, wealth-building, emotional and mental health, innovation, and cultural influence. From intimate fireside chats and masterclasses to powerful panel discussions and exclusive screenings, every moment is designed to inspire action and deepen connection. Beyond the stage, the Summit experience is intentionally layered with meaningful networking opportunities, mentorship moments, and unexpected “surprises”—from celebrity appearances and live performances to immersive wellness activations like meditation, sound baths, and signature fitness experiences such as AfroSoca workouts. These elements create a unique environment where ambition meets restoration, and strategy is balanced with self-care. More than just a conference, the C Suite Summit is a sanctuary for alignment and expansion—a space where women in leadership can exhale, build authentic relationships, and return to their industries empowered to shape legacy, drive impact, and lead boldly into the future.

(The following itinerary is subject to change) 

Thursday October 15th

10:00-11:45 AM
Welcome & Guest Check In 

12:00-6:00 PM
Offsite Excursion TBA
Sponsored by The Walt Disney Company

8:00-10:00 PM
Sponsors and Speakers Reception

Friday October 16th 

6:15-7:15 AM
AfroSoca: Rhythm, Sweat & Joy in Motion
Sponsored by ESPN

AfroSoca is a high-energy, full-body workout that blends the vibrant rhythms of Afrobeats and Soca into an immersive fitness experience that feels more like a celebration than exercise. Rooted in African and Caribbean dance traditions, this workout invites you to move freely, release stress, and reconnect with your body through music, culture, and joy.

Designed for all fitness levels, AfroSoca combines cardio, dance choreography, and functional movement to improve endurance, coordination, and strength—while keeping the focus on fun and self-expression. The beats are infectious, the energy is contagious, and the vibe is unapologetically uplifting.

Participants can expect:

High-Intensity Cardio – elevating heart rate through continuous, rhythmic movement
Dance-Based Choreography – easy-to-follow steps inspired by Afro and Caribbean dance styles
Full-Body Engagement – activating core, legs, and upper body through dynamic sequences
Cultural Connection – celebrating the music, movement, and spirit of the diaspora
Stress Release & Confidence Building – letting go, showing up, and moving without judgment

AfroSoca is more than a workout—it’s an experience of freedom, expression, and empowerment. It encourages you to release perfection, embrace your rhythm, and enjoy movement as a form of self-care.

Come ready to sweat, smile, and move with grace—because fitness should feel as good as it is effective.


7:30-8:30 AM
Breakfast 


8:45-9:00 AM
Opening Welcome
Stephanie T. Rance, C-Suite Series Founder 


9:00 AM-12:00 PM

This powerful and deeply resonant session explores the untold dimensions of leadership that women carry beyond titles, recognition, and visible success. “The Reality of Being Her” pulls back the curtain on what it truly means to lead while navigating the often unseen emotional, mental, and relational responsibilities that accompany influence.

At the heart of this conversation is “The Life Behind the Title”—the private weight leaders bear while maintaining excellence in public. Attendees will engage in an honest dialogue about “The Second Shift No One Talks About”: the expectations, caregiving roles, decision fatigue, and constant balancing act that continues long after the workday ends.

The session also sheds light on emotional labor and the invisible load—the unspoken work of managing relationships, anticipating needs, holding space for others, and sustaining environments where teams, families, and communities can thrive. These responsibilities often go unrecognized, yet they are foundational to effective leadership and legacy-building.

Through reflection, storytelling, and practical insight, participants will:

  • Gain language and validation for their lived experiences
  • Learn strategies to manage emotional labor without burnout
  • Explore how to build sustainable leadership rhythms
  • Reframe legacy as both impact and personal well-beingThis session is a space for truth, empowerment, and restoration—reminding every woman that who she is beyond the title matters just as much as what she does within it.

This thought-provoking session explores the evolving dynamics of modern relationships when ambition, success, and leadership reshape traditional roles. “Power at Work, Partnership at Home” invites attendees into an honest conversation about what it means to thrive professionally while nurturing a healthy, aligned partnership.

At the center of this dialogue is the question: What happens when you become the primary driver of success in your relationship? As visibility, income, and influence grow, so can the complexity of connection. This session unpacks the emotional and relational shifts that arise when one partner’s career accelerates—challenging identity, expectations, and long-held beliefs about partnership.

Through the lens of grace, participants will explore how to navigate:

  • Balance and Evolution – embracing change as roles shift and relationships mature
  • Communication that Connects – bridging gaps when your partner doesn’t fully understand your world, pressures, or purpose
  • Ego and Identity – addressing insecurities, pride, and comparison that may surface with income gaps or public visibility
  • Support vs. Competition – recognizing when partnership feels collaborative versus when it begins to feel like rivalry
  • Redefining Partnership – co-creating a relationship model rooted in mutual respect, emotional safety, and shared vision

This session offers practical tools and reflective insights to help attendees lead with empathy at home while continuing to show up powerfully at work. It creates space to explore difficult truths without judgment—honoring both ambition and intimacy.

Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how to cultivate partnerships that are not threatened by success, but strengthened by it—where both individuals feel seen, supported, and secure, even when their worlds look very different.

Raising Children While Building Legacy: Grace in Motherhood + Ambition

This heartfelt and empowering session speaks to women who are shaping futures in more ways than one—raising children while building something meaningful in the world. “Grace in Motherhood + Ambition” explores the tension, beauty, and complexity of holding both callings at once.

At its core is the truth that grace is what you carry—not perfection, not pressure, but the ability to move with compassion toward yourself in every season. This session invites attendees to release the unrealistic expectations of “perfect parenting” and embrace a more sustainable, present-centered approach to both motherhood and leadership.

Through honest conversation and reflection, participants will explore:

  • Letting Go of Perfect Parenting – breaking free from comparison, guilt, and the pressure to do it all flawlessly
  • Presence vs. Pressure – redefining success at home by choosing connection over constant performance
  • The Dual Identity – navigating the emotional pull between nurturing a family and pursuing ambition
  • Redefining Legacy – understanding that legacy is not only what you build, but how your children experience you along the way
  • Carrying Grace Daily – developing rhythms that allow you to show up fully without losing yourself

This session creates a safe, affirming space for mothers to acknowledge both their strength and their strain. It offers practical insights for integrating purpose and parenting without burnout, reminding every woman that she doesn’t have to choose between raising a family and leaving a legacy—she is doing both, every day.

Attendees will leave feeling lighter, seen, and equipped to lead their homes and their lives with intention, presence, and grace.

This heartfelt and empowering session speaks to women who are shaping futures in more ways than one—raising children while building something meaningful in the world. “Grace in Motherhood + Ambition” explores the tension, beauty, and complexity of holding both callings at once.

At its core is the truth that grace is what you carry—not perfection, not pressure, but the ability to move with compassion toward yourself in every season. This session invites attendees to release the unrealistic expectations of “perfect parenting” and embrace a more sustainable, present-centered approach to both motherhood and leadership.

Through honest conversation and reflection, participants will explore:

  • Letting Go of Perfect Parenting – breaking free from comparison, guilt, and the pressure to do it all flawlessly
  • Presence vs. Pressure – redefining success at home by choosing connection over constant performance
  • The Dual Identity – navigating the emotional pull between nurturing a family and pursuing ambition
  • Redefining Legacy – understanding that legacy is not only what you build, but how your children experience you along the way
  • Carrying Grace Daily – developing rhythms that allow you to show up fully without losing yourself

This session creates a safe, affirming space for mothers to acknowledge both their strength and their strain. It offers practical insights for integrating purpose and parenting without burnout, reminding every woman that she doesn’t have to choose between raising a family and leaving a legacy—she is doing both, every day.

Attendees will leave feeling lighter, seen, and equipped to lead their homes and their lives with intention, presence, and grace.


12:00-1:30 PM
Lunch and Conversation

This transformative session is a call to disrupt the cycle of constant striving and reclaim a more sustainable, whole way of leading and living. “ENOUGH!” challenges the deeply ingrained belief that your value is measured by your output, inviting you instead into a leadership model rooted in grace, alignment, and self-respect.Together, we will explore the true cost of leadership—the silent toll of always being “on,” overextending, and carrying expectations that were never meant to be yours alone. This session speaks to those who have mastered performance but are ready to rediscover themselves beyond it.

At the center is a powerful question: Can you lead effectively without losing yourself in the process?

Through honest insight and practical reflection, participants will unpack:

  • Leading Without Losing Yourself – staying grounded in who you are while navigating high expectations
  • Protecting Your Mind, Body, and Peace – recognizing burnout before it breaks you and building rhythms that restore rather than deplete
  • Extending Grace to Yourself – replacing internal pressure with compassion and realistic expectations
  • Grace with Your Time and Energy – becoming intentional about what you give, when, and to whom
  • Choosing Yourself Strategically – making decisions that honor your capacity, not just your capability
  • Releasing Perfection – letting go of the need to prove, please, and perform at unsustainable levels
  • Self-Worth Beyond Output – redefining identity and value outside of productivity and achievement

This session is both a permission slip and a strategy session—reminding you that choosing yourself is not selfish, it’s necessary. “Enough” is not about settling; it’s about setting boundaries that protect your purpose, your peace, and your longevity.

Attendees will leave with renewed clarity, practical tools, and the confidence to lead from a place of wholeness—where success no longer requires self-sacrifice.


2:00-5:00 PM
Afternoon Reconnect, Reflection and Relaxation
Vendors / Spa / Excursions / Yoga on the Lawn 


6:00-7:30 PM
Dinner with Conversation
From Executive to Boardroom: Access, Strategy & Sponsorship

This high-impact session is designed for Black women leaders who are ready to expand their influence from executive roles into the boardroom. “Power, Presence & Perception” offers a strategic and candid exploration of what it truly takes to access, prepare for, and thrive in governance spaces—while maintaining authenticity and grace.

“From Executive to Boardroom” goes beyond aspiration to execution—demystifying how boards actually recruit, who gets tapped, and how to intentionally position yourself for consideration. Attendees will gain insight into the critical role of sponsorship and mentorship in opening doors, as well as how to align their experience, visibility, and narrative for board readiness.

This session also centers the nuanced dynamics Black women navigate in high-stakes, high-visibility spaces—where perception often precedes presence. Through a powerful blend of strategy and self-mastery, participants will explore how to lead with confidence and clarity without compromise.

Key areas of focus include:

  • How Boards Recruit – understanding formal pathways, informal networks, and what decision-makers are really looking for
  • Positioning & Readiness – aligning your expertise, brand, and board narrative for opportunity
  • Sponsorship & Mentorship – cultivating relationships that advocate for your elevation and access
  • Strategic Visibility – being seen for your value without overextending or overperforming
  • Power Without Approval – owning your authority without waiting for validation
  • Owning Your Voice in High-Stakes Rooms – speaking with influence and intention where it matters most
  • Presence Without Overcompensation – commanding respect without feeling the need to prove your worth
  • Grace Under Pressure – navigating scrutiny, bias, and expectations with composure and emotional intelligence

At its core, this session is about “Commanding the Room Without Compromise—and with Grace.” It redefines leadership presence as both powerful and poised, strategic and self-assured.Participants will leave with a clearer roadmap to board access, practical tools to strengthen their positioning, and the confidence to show up fully—owning their voice, their value, and their seat at the table.


8:00-10:00 PM
Exclusive Screening TBA

Saturday, October 17th 

6:15-7:15 AM
AfroSoca: Rhythm, Sweat & Joy in Motion
Sponsored by ESPN

AfroSoca is a high-energy, full-body workout that blends the vibrant rhythms of Afrobeats and Soca into an immersive fitness experience that feels more like a celebration than exercise. Rooted in African and Caribbean dance traditions, this workout invites you to move freely, release stress, and reconnect with your body through music, culture, and joy.

Designed for all fitness levels, AfroSoca combines cardio, dance choreography, and functional movement to improve endurance, coordination, and strength—while keeping the focus on fun and self-expression. The beats are infectious, the energy is contagious, and the vibe is unapologetically uplifting.

Participants can expect:

High-Intensity Cardio – elevating heart rate through continuous, rhythmic movement
Dance-Based Choreography – easy-to-follow steps inspired by Afro and Caribbean dance styles
Full-Body Engagement – activating core, legs, and upper body through dynamic sequences
Cultural Connection – celebrating the music, movement, and spirit of the diaspora
Stress Release & Confidence Building – letting go, showing up, and moving without judgment

AfroSoca is more than a workout—it’s an experience of freedom, expression, and empowerment. It encourages you to release perfection, embrace your rhythm, and enjoy movement as a form of self-care.

Come ready to sweat, smile, and move with grace—because fitness should feel as good as it is effective.


7:30-8:45 AM
Breakfast


9:00 AM-12:00 PM
General Session

This essential and life-affirming session centers the reality that for Black women, health is not a luxury—it is a necessity. “Grace with Your Body” reframes wellness as a leadership priority, not an afterthought, calling attention to the physical, emotional, and mental toll of constantly showing up for others while neglecting yourself.

At the heart of this conversation is a powerful shift: grace as prevention, not just recovery. This session challenges the cycle of reactive care—waiting until burnout, illness, or crisis—and instead equips attendees to prioritize proactive, preventative health practices that sustain both life and legacy.

“Your Body Is Talking—Are You Listening?” invites participants to reconnect with their bodies as a source of wisdom, not inconvenience. From chronic stress to hormonal changes, the session explores how the body signals imbalance long before breakdown—and what it means to respond with intention.

Key areas of focus include:

  • Preventative vs. Reactive Care – building consistent health practices before crisis forces change
  • The Cost of Leadership – understanding how high-performance lifestyles impact long- term health
  • Choosing Yourself Before Crisis – prioritizing care, rest, and medical attention without guilt
  • Heart Health – addressing one of the most critical and often overlooked risks for Black women
  • Stress & Reproductive Health – exploring the impact of chronic stress on fertility, cycles, and hormonal balance
  • Hormonal Health & HRT – understanding what to expect pre- and post-menopause, and how to advocate for informed care
  • Mental Health, Isolation & Burnout – breaking stigma and normalizing therapy, rest, and emotional support
  • Time Ownership & Energy Management – setting boundaries that protect your capacity and well-being

This session also confronts the cultural and societal pressures that make it difficult for Black women to pause, seek help, or prioritize themselves. It creates a safe, informed, and empowering space to unlearn harmful narratives and replace them with sustainable practices rooted in self-respect.Participants will leave with greater awareness, practical tools, and a renewed commitment to their health—understanding that you cannot scale, lead, or build legacy while depleted. Your health is not optional. It is foundational.


12:00-1:30 PM
Lunch with Conversation

This honest and transformative session explores the evolving nature of friendship as you grow, lead, and rise into new levels of purpose and visibility. “The Grace of Support” invites attendees to examine the relationships that surround them—who truly sees them, supports them, and can hold space for both their strength and their vulnerability.

At the center of this conversation is a powerful question: Who can you really sit with? Not just socially, but emotionally, spiritually, and truthfully—without performance, pressure, or pretense.

As success expands, so do the complexities of connection. This session addresses what it means to be strong alone, but powerful together, and how to cultivate circles that are rooted in trust, alignment, and mutual growth.

Participants will explore:

  • Evolving Friendships as You Rise – understanding how growth can shift dynamics, values, and access
  • Trust, Jealousy & Distance – navigating the unspoken tensions that can surface in changing relationships
  • Building Aligned Circles – intentionally creating spaces and relationships that reflect who you are becoming
  • Letting Go Without Guilt – releasing relationships that no longer serve your growth with grace and clarity
  • Receiving Without Guilt – allowing support, care, and reciprocity without feeling undeserving or guarded

This session creates space for reflection, healing, and recalibration—honoring the reality that not all relationships are meant to grow with you, and that’s okay. It also affirms that meaningful support is not just about proximity, but about presence, trust, and emotional safety.

Attendees will leave with deeper clarity around their relationships, the courage to redefine their circles, and the understanding that while independence is powerful, true strength is found in aligned, authentic connection.


7:00-8:30 PM
Dinner with Conversation

This timely and thought-provoking session explores the intersection of leadership, civic responsibility, and influence—inviting executive women to engage the political landscape with clarity, intention, and grace. “Grace in Power & Responsibility” reframes participation in midterm elections as more than a moment—it is a continuation of legacy, impact, and informed leadership.

Grounded in the context of historical influence, this session honors the journey from marginalized voices to powerful decision-makers—highlighting how women, and particularly women in leadership, have evolved from voters to power brokers shaping policy, priorities, and public discourse.

At its core, this session asks: What’s at stake—and how do you show up with purpose, not pressure?

Participants will explore:

  • From Voters to Power Brokers – understanding how influence extends beyond the ballot into advocacy, funding, and agenda-setting
  • What’s at Stake – examining how policy decisions impact business, communities, families, and future generations
  • Strategic Engagement – learning how to participate in political processes with discernment, alignment, and impact
  • Moving with Intention, Not Urgency – resisting reactive energy and instead leading with informed, values-based action
  • Strategic Influence vs. Reactive Energy – distinguishing between meaningful engagement and emotionally driven responses

This session creates space for nuanced, non-performative dialogue—empowering attendees to engage without overwhelm, and to lead without losing their grounding. It acknowledges the weight of responsibility that comes with influence, while offering a more sustainable, thoughtful approach to civic participation.

Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of their role in shaping outcomes, practical ways to engage beyond voting, and the confidence to move with purpose—recognizing that true power is not just exercised in moments of urgency, but cultivated through consistent, intentional action.


9:00 PM – 11:30 AM
Jammie Jam Party

Sunday, October 18th

9:00-11:00 AM

This closing session offers a sacred pause—a moment to breathe, reflect, and gently gather all that has been experienced throughout the summit. “Grace in Legacy” is not about doing more, but about becoming still enough to recognize what you are already carrying, building, and leaving behind.

Designed as a guided meditation and reflective experience, this session invites attendees to transition from information to integration. It is a space to release pressure, quiet the noise, and reconnect with self—anchoring in the truth that legacy is not only what you create, but how you live, lead, and show up every day.

Through intentional stillness and guided prompts, participants will be led to:

  • Reflect on Their Personal Legacy – what they are building, embodying, and passing on
  • Release What No Longer Serves – expectations, pressure, and narratives that no longer align
  • Reconnect with Inner Clarity – tuning into intuition, values, and purpose
  • Extend Grace Inward – offering compassion to themselves for the journey, not just the outcomes
  • Ground in Wholeness – leaving not depleted, but centered, restored, and present

This meditation creates a meaningful close to the conference—honoring both the collective experience and the individual journey. It allows attendees to move forward not just inspired, but aligned.

Participants will leave with a sense of peace, clarity, and quiet confidence—reminded that legacy is not something you chase, but something you live… with grace.


Farewell Remarks 
Stephanie Tavares Rance 
C-Suite Series Founder 
Co-Founder of the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival