One-day immersive event connects women leaders to real support while benefiting local nonprofit POPI

DisrUpstate will host DisruptHER Commons, a one-day leadership experience designed as a modern village square for women leaders across Central New York.

The event is intentionally structured unlike a traditional conference or vendor fair. Instead, organizers describe it as a community-centered environment where women can gather to learn, connect and access practical support across the areas that shape their work and lives.

The Commons is built around five core pillars of women’s leadership: Health, Style, Work, Wallet and Brand. Approximately 125 women leaders, founders, and professionals from across Central New York are expected to attend.

More than 20 curated market vendors will offer services, expertise and hands-on experiences throughout the day, alongside featured sessions from local leaders representing each pillar:
Emily Gozy, Nourished with Emily (Health)
Elizabeth Gullotto, Bellezza Styling (Style)
Lindsay Mastrogiovanni, ConsciousHR (Work)
Katie Schmid, Primerica (Wallet)
Sarah Fredenburg, SHP Brand Bash (Brand)

Designed for movement and interaction rather than passive attendance, the open-flow event allows participants to explore vendor experiences, attend practical workshops, relax in comfortable lounge spaces and engage in conversation with fellow leaders and local providers.

Tickets include full-day access to all workshops and vendor experiences, lunch and refreshments.

A portion of event proceeds will benefit People on Purpose Inc. (POPI), a Central New York nonprofit that provides HR and workforce development support to nonprofits and community-based organizations. Every dollar invested through POPI generates ten dollars in regional economic impact by strengthening workforce infrastructure and organizational capacity.

The Summit brings professionals from across Central and Northern New York together for deeper leadership development, cross-sector collaboration and conversations shaping the region’s workforce and economic future. Set against the backdrop of the Adirondack Mountains, the experience blends strategy and connection with the energy of a summer gathering — immersive learning by day, community, music and shared experiences by night.