We opened the 17th Annual Women & Power Conference with uplifting music by singer/songwriter Morley, accompanied by Mayra Casales and Christopher Bruce, followed by opening remarks from Omega board member Jamia Wilson and a keynote with author and Omega cofounder Elizabeth Lesser.

In the keynote, Elizabeth explored what she calls "smart hope"—an attitude that is both realistic about the challenges of these times, and also courageous and confident in women to turn things around and create a better world—for everyone.