Oprah Winfrey headlines nation’s largest women’s conference at Boston Convention and Exhibition Center

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COMMENTARY
When I heard that Oprah Winfrey would headline the 20th Anniversary of the Massachusetts Conference for Women, I knew I had to be there. The December 12 event promised to be unforgettable, and it delivered. Stepping off the Silver Line and walking to the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, I was immediately drawn to a holiday kiosk showcasing a powerhouse lineup of Black women: health advocate and Olympic champion Gail Devers, Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts, and supermodel turned entrepreneur Beverly Johnson. Joining them on the marquee was record-breaking basketball phenom Caitlin Clark, adding a dynamic mix to the festivities.

Inside, the hall was filled with thousands of women — and a few supportive male allies. The atmosphere buzzed with energy as WCVB’s Karen Holmes Ward, executive producer of CityLine, warmly welcomed us. She expertly moderated a full day of professional development, inspiration and networking — a perfect opportunity for growth that I, as an author and executive coach, couldn’t resist.

Before heading to the main stage for Oprah’s keynote, I explored the expansive convention floor. Hundreds of vendors showcased their products and services, and to my delight, an entire section highlighted Black women-owned businesses. From artists and designers to consultants and service providers, their unique offerings were perfect for holiday gifting.

When Oprah took the stage, the audience erupted in applause. With a single gesture — silence. Like many in the crowd, I sat on the edge of my seat. Oprah shared that she is deliberate in all that she does, emphasizing the importance of making choices with “intention.” She revealed that she turns down countless speaking engagements, accepting only those that align with her purpose of making a difference. “Be intentional, trust yourself,” she urged, drawing a parallel to buying a pair of shoes: If you like them, you don’t need a committee to validate your choice. Simple yet profound.

One of the highlights of the event was seeing Oprah in conversation with her best friend, Gayle King. Their sisterhood, built on decades of mutual love and support, was a powerful example of the blessings of true friendship.

Conferences like this often bring moments of unexpected connection, and this event was no exception. When Beverly Johnson shared that she once attended Northeastern University and worked a co-op job teaching swimming at the Roxbury YMCA, I was floored. Why? Because in my coop job — as director of Camp Bullwinkle, I recommended Beverly for the job. Offstage, we hugged and reminisced about our shared past and promised to stay in touch.

The day’s sessions were equally impactful. Verna Myers, a pioneer in inclusion and Netflix’s former DEI executive, led a thought-provoking discussion on compassion in the workplace. She reminded us that self-love is essential because the Latin root of compassion means “to suffer with.” In another session, Colette Phillips, founder of Get Konnected, offered insightful strategies for managing hybrid teams. Later, Rosalind Wiseman, author of “Mean Girls,” explored the distinction between showing respect and giving dignity, a reminder of how we treat one another in personal and professional spaces.

My biggest takeaway from the day? Be intentional and always attend conferences with an open mind and curiosity. You’ll leave with fresh insights and, if you’re lucky, a few new friends.

If this sounds like an event you can’t miss, mark your calendars. Registration for the 2025 forum, scheduled for December 5, is open now!

Dr. Priscilla H. Douglas is an author, executive coach and former secretary of consumer affairs and business regulation.