#ACELing2026 ~ Creating Space: Building Communities That Empower Women to Lead

Creating Space: Building Communities

That Empower Women to Lead

Strong communities can transform careers, businesses, and lives. At the 2026 ACELing In Leadership Conference, “Creating Space: Building Communities That Empower Women to Lead” explores how intentional communities help women connect, grow, and advance as leaders. This inspiring conversation will examine the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and creating environments where women can learn from one another and build meaningful relationships. Panelists will share their experiences in entrepreneurship, workplace leadership, and community engagement while discussing how we can create spaces that foster belonging, opportunity, and collective success.

Meet the Moderator:

Andrea Moreno is a community engagement leader, nonprofit advocate, and 23-year veteran of the utility industry dedicated to creating meaningful impact across Arizona. Born and raised in Tolleson, Andrea has built a career focused on strengthening partnerships between organizations and the communities they serve. Fluent in English and Spanish, she is recognized for her collaborative leadership and commitment to service. Her experience includes managing multimillion-dollar corporate and nonprofit budgets, developing community investment programs, and raising significant funding to support women’s education. Andrea currently serves on several nonprofit boards, championing initiatives that empower communities, create opportunities, and inspire future generations.

Meet the Panelists:

Ashley Mina is a two-time award-winning community founder and co-founder of a boutique HR and recruiting agency. Through her personal brand, Your Work Wife Ashley, she helps women build businesses and brands while challenging traditional expectations around leadership, success, and opportunity. Her work sits at the intersection of strategy, identity, and human connection, with a focus on helping individuals and organizations create stronger teams and meaningful workplace experiences. Ashley believes that diverse and equitable teams, platforms, and companies should be the standard. She is passionate about empowering women to pursue ambitious goals while building successful careers without sacrificing authenticity or personal well-being.

Anisha Pandya Patel is a Maternal Well-Being Coach, workplace strategist, speaker, and founder of MasalaMommy, where she helps organizations and families better support women through pregnancy, postpartum, and the transition back to work. With more than a decade of experience leading strategic initiatives across multiple industries, Anisha combines corporate expertise with evidence-based maternal health practices to help women thrive personally and professionally. She is the author of Expecting: A Pregnancy Journal and serves as Maternal Health Chair for the Phoenix-Gilbert Chapter of Chamber of Mothers, advancing initiatives that strengthen maternal health and support families throughout Arizona.

Larissa Riley  is a brand and messaging strategist with 20 years of experience shaping communications for billion-dollar brands and visionary founders. After leading creative strategy in the corporate world, she founded Sun Scribe Creative, where she helps founders, creative teams, and evolving brands clarify their messaging and tell stories that create lasting connections. Larissa is also the co-founder of Gals Against the Grain, a community supporting API founders, creatives, and business owners who are challenging expectations and creating their own paths. Through her work, Larissa is building the community she once wished existed—one rooted in belonging, authenticity, and bold creativity.

Maria Morales is a community relations leader at Arizona Public Service (APS) with more than 25 years of experience advancing community engagement, customer outreach, and strategic partnerships across Arizona. A lifelong Arizona resident, Maria is passionate about connecting individuals and organizations with resources that strengthen communities. Throughout her career, she has championed volunteerism, nonprofit partnerships, customer assistance initiatives, and programs that support community well-being. Maria is a dedicated advocate for mentorship, servant leadership, and collaboration, serving on nonprofit boards and employee resource groups. Through her commitment to service and relationship-building, Maria continues to create lasting impact for Arizona communities and the people they serve.

Creating Communities Where Women Lead

Leadership grows stronger when people have spaces to connect, support one another, and share opportunities. The future of leadership depends on communities where women can build relationships, develop confidence, and create impact together.

Join us at the 2026 ACELing In Leadership Conference for a meaningful conversation on how intentional communities can empower women, strengthen leadership pipelines, and inspire the next generation of leaders.

2026 ACELing In Leadership Conference

Theme: Shaping What's Next: Influence. Innovation. Impact.

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