Stella’s Women’s Venture Summit is an industry-leading two-day event designed to close the gender gap in startup funding by connecting female founders with investors—especially those committed to backing women-led ventures. The summit cultivates a dynamic, mission-driven space for networking, knowledge-sharing, and impactful fundraising, bringing together entrepreneurs, VCs, angel investors, and ecosystem builders from across the country.
The conference includes keynote presentations, expert panels, interactive workshops, and a high-stakes pitch competition offering a $10,000 investment to the winning founder. Content spans fundraising strategy, investor education, pitch readiness, inclusive innovation, and community-building—equipping both founders and funders with the insights to create change.
September 23-25th, 2025
San Diego, CA
The allocated speaker budget for this engagement is $10,000–$20,000, inclusive of travel and honorarium.
Speaker Reel - https://youtu.be/VUhVBvSnfcw
Speaker Profile - https://www.gravityspeakers.com/speakers/mandy-gill
Mandy Gill is a high-performance strategist, sustainability entrepreneur, and ultra-endurance athlete who embodies fearless leadership and bold execution. As the founder of a plant-based nutrition company and a sought-after keynote speaker, Mandy inspires women to challenge limits—mental, physical, and professional. Her journey from corporate burnout to becoming a sponsored athlete and purpose-driven entrepreneur resonates strongly with founders building value-aligned businesses. With deep experience in branding, resilience, and impact leadership, Mandy brings to Stella’s stage a refreshing, action-oriented voice that motivates audiences to embrace discomfort, scale sustainably, and define success on their own terms.
In today’s fast-paced and unpredictable world, setbacks are inevitable. Whether it’s dealing with unexpected delays, navigating shifting priorities, or managing the complexities of team dynamics, challenges can feel like insurmountable roadblocks. But what if these obstacles weren’t the end of the road? What if they were the beginning of innovation and growth? In this empowering keynote, Mandy Gill shows you how to reframe challenges, and leverage resilience to achieve greatness when your goals go sideways.
Mandy Gill brings unique insights on resilience and sustainable growth, grounded in both her personal achievements and professional expertise. As the creator of one of the world’s most effective behavior change apps and a Harvard Leadership Program graduate, Mandy has collected one of the largest global datasets on goal-setting and resilience. Her work with organizations like the US Navy, adidas, and TD Bank demonstrates her ability to equip leaders and teams with the tools to thrive in adversity. Having climbed nearly a million feet of elevation and run 6,500 miles in three years, Mandy’s perspective on pushing limits and sustaining peak performance is unparalleled.
Attendees will leave equipped with a transformational toolkit to thrive in the face of uncertainty. You’ll learn:
This isn’t just a keynote—it’s a roadmap for turning today’s challenges into tomorrow’s triumphs, helping you unlock your potential and achieve sustainable greatness in your career and beyond.
“Unwavering support is what employee engagement and retention requires. When it comes to educating, Mandy's got the perfect mix of knowledge, strength, and compassion. Don’t let her sweet demeanour fool you, she’s tough and will make you work!" - SENIOR JOURNALIST Bell Media
"Mandy has redefined the leadership keynote speaker space. She has a heart of gold, lifts up her audience, and is making a positive impact in this world". - PRESIDENT / CEO Dominion Lending
"Mandy has redefined the leadership keynote speaker space. She has a heart of gold, lifts up her audience, and is making a positive impact in this world". - Senior Global Manager, Strategic Partnerships, Adidas
Speaker Fee: $20,000 + plus a $2500 flat travel fee for RT Airfare, RT Ground Transfers, plus Hotel
*Speaker is based in Boulder, CO
Speaker Teaser - https://youtu.be/vry57VY10-I
Speaker Profile - https://www.gravityspeakers.com/speakers/siri-lindley
Siri Lindley is a world champion triathlete turned elite coach, author, and speaker whose personal story of perseverance, reinvention, and leadership against the odds resonates deeply with ambitious women at every stage of their journey. A survivor of both life-threatening illness and self-doubt, Siri channels her experience into actionable lessons on resilience, mindset mastery, and authentic leadership. As a founder of a nonprofit and a global performance coach, Siri equips audiences with the tools to push beyond perceived limits, lead with courage, and build purpose-driven lives and companies. Her presence at Stella’s Women’s Venture Summit would ignite founders and investors alike to embrace fear as fuel and purpose as power.
This powerful keynote shares the transformational story of how Siri went from a self-doubting outsider to a two-time world champion. Packed with practical tools and heartfelt stories, Siri teaches audiences how to tap into their courage, face fear with intention, and lead with authenticity. Whether navigating personal challenges or leading change, participants leave with a newfound fire to step into their greatness.
Key Takeaways:
“Siri’s keynote was more than inspiring—it was soul-shifting. Our team is still buzzing!” -J. Martinez, VP of People, Adobe
“I’ve seen many speakers, but Siri’s vulnerability, humor, and power are in a league of their own.” -M. Keller, Event Director, LinkedIn Women in Tech Summit
“Her story is extraordinary. But her message is universal: You can overcome anything. You just need belief.” -R. Collins, Executive Coach, Procter & Gamble
Speaker Reel - https://vimeo.com/1087279061
Speaker Profile - https://www.gravityspeakers.com/speakers/barb-betts
Barb Betts is an accomplished entrepreneur, real estate powerhouse, and keynote speaker who empowers women to lead with strategy, authenticity, and relationship-based growth. As the CEO of a boutique real estate firm and founder of a national coaching company, Barb has built and scaled businesses in male-dominated industries—making her an ideal voice for Stella’s audience of founders and funders. Her message blends practical business frameworks with a deep understanding of the mindset shifts needed to lead, fundraise, and succeed as a woman in today’s competitive startup ecosystem. Barb’s sessions are not just inspirational—they’re implementable.
Ideal for All Audiences seeking to enhance trust and influence
In every room, there’s one person who stands out—not because they’re the loudest, but because they’re the most trusted. No matter what business or industry you are in, the ability to connect authentically with others is the ultimate game-changer. The Relationship Advantage reveals the secret to becoming that person—the one everyone turns to, the one who naturally builds rapport and trust with ease.
This keynote goes beyond conventional strategies. It’s about understanding the power of relatability and authenticity in building meaningful relationships that drive real results. You’ll learn how to show up in a way that makes people feel seen, heard, and valued, whether you’re managing a team, working with clients, or collaborating with colleagues.
If you’re looking to enhance your influence in business, build stronger connections with colleagues and clients, or simply become someone people trust and relate to, The Relationship Advantage will give you the tools to show up as the most authentic, relatable, and impactful person in the room.
Key Takeaways:
Invest in Relationships That Last: Every interaction is a chance to deepen a relationship. Learn how small, consistent actions create long-term growth, loyalty, and opportunity.
“I was the Chairman for a 600 person conference on property management….we were looking for an energetic, knowledgeable and entertaining speaker on a subject that can be deathly boring: time management. Barb (who doesn’t call her Barb) knocked it out the park. For a “non-industry” speaker she resonated with my industry. She successfully mixed the personal stories with the practical applications. You feel good when a speaker you pick makes those attending feel great about being there. It is a safe bet(ts) to hire Barb Betts for your conference.” - Scott Brady, CEO of Progressive Property Management
“Barb Betts completely transformed our members’ perspective on the power of authentic relationships in business. Her expertise and passion shines through in her presentation, which immediately resonated with our community. Barb didn’t just speak to us—she shifted our mindset, showing us how meaningful connections can drive long-term growth. Our members walked away inspired, equipped, and ready to implement her systems. She brought incredible value, and I can't recommend her enough as a speaker!“ - Ryan Lang, CEO of Empire Partners
Speaker Reel - https://youtu.be/KFesZ7chTsk
Speaker Profile - https://www.gravityspeakers.com/speakers/shasta-nelson
Shasta Nelson is a pioneering voice on connection, relational intelligence, and the science of belonging—topics essential to building high-performing, values-driven organizations and communities. As a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and researcher, Shasta has spent over 15 years helping leaders and founders cultivate trust, loyalty, and engagement across their personal and professional networks. Her insights are particularly valuable for women entrepreneurs navigating the emotional toll of building a business, managing investor relationships, and leading with authenticity. With data-backed strategies and a warm, dynamic stage presence, Shasta offers Stella’s audience the tools to build deeper relationships that fuel growth and resilience.
Did you know that over 60% of us feel lonely on a regular basis? With the constant connectivity of today’s world, it’s never been easier to meet people—but it’s never been harder to form meaningful relationships. The truth is, most of us aren't lonely for more interaction, but rather for more intimacy, more support, and more depth. But how do we create these relationships we all want?
Perfect for:
Audiences will leave with
“Shasta is a powerhouse speaker & educator! Shasta hosted an incredible virtual session on the business of belonging & relationships for my Marketing team at Google. She left the team with incredible insights & thinking tools that are just so valuable for a mindset change. Our event with Shasta felt like a warm but productive hug with a focus on being intentional about the experiences people are creating for each other.” -Supriya Gujral, Senior Director, Global Partner Marketing at Google
“Shasta was outstanding. Of all our Leadership and Development speakers, she was one of the best we’ve had. With the stress and risk of burnout many leaders face in
today’s world, her presentation provided us with knowledge and tools in a way that was engaging, informative, transformational and unforgettable.” -Rick Rawson, President, Adventist Health + Rideout Hospital
Speaker Reel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHrUrMaSNdI
Speaker Profile - https://www.gravityspeakers.com/speakers/rashmi-airan
Rashmi Airan is a powerful voice on leadership, ethics, and the unseen pressures that women face in high-performance environments. As a first-generation South Asian American, lawyer, and former entrepreneur, Rashmi’s story is one of ambition, consequence, and resilience. After serving time in federal prison due to a white-collar crime tied to corporate misconduct, Rashmi emerged as a national speaker and DEI consultant dedicated to helping professionals—and especially women—navigate ethical gray zones, cultural pressure, and the pursuit of success without compromise. Her unique and deeply human perspective invites Stella’s audience to reflect on values-based leadership, integrity in fundraising, and the power of redemption and reinvention in the entrepreneurial journey.
In our tech-driven world, top talent often struggles with identity and purpose, which significantly impacts engagement and performance. Rashmi Airan, a leader with extensive expertise in finance and law, addresses this critical challenge through her innovative Dharma Leadership™ framework. This framework, developed from her personal experiences and grounded in behavioral psychology research, has garnered acclaim from major corporations and Deloitte. Rashmi's methodology focuses on overcoming technological isolation by fostering self-awareness among leaders and teams.
By emphasizing the importance of understanding "WHO we are" rather than just "WHAT we do," Rashmi promotes inclusivity and unlocks individual and collective potential. This paradigm shift not only enhances the quality of life but also drives business performance, fostering collaboration and growth in today's highly competitive landscape. Her approach is particularly valuable for leaders, executives, and teams seeking to cultivate a more authentic, purpose-driven, and impactful leadership style.
Rashmi's Dharma Leadership™ framework also addresses the challenges of employee engagement, talent retention, and adaptation to the ever-evolving technological environment. By focusing on self-worth and humanity over ego-driven achievements, her methodology helps organizations create a culture that supports ethical decision-making and global impact, ultimately leading to sustainable success.
OUTCOMES
Every day, leaders face a barrage of challenges, problems, and threats. While the initial instinct may be to avoid them, hiding from adversity often leads to further setbacks and long-term chaos.
In reality, the most difficult moments can become our greatest teachers if we intentionally choose to learn from them, solve them, and rise through them. True growth and leadership emerge from consciously deciding to "rise through" our challenges, rather than merely trying to "rise above" them to quickly escape.
Rashmi Airan learned first-hand what it means to Rise Through It™. Her remarkable journey—from an Ivy League education to federal prison—has unlocked immutable lessons in determination, growth, and transformation. Today, Rashmi is a sought-after expert helping leaders rise through challenges rather than avoid them using her proven system: The RISE Process™.
After working with Rashmi, leaders adopt a bold and transformative approach, shifting from being victims of circumstances to viewing challenges as opportunities for profound growth. She fosters a culture of courage, acceptance, and vulnerability to harness discomfort and thrive. Her proven framework illuminates the path to becoming bold, grounded, visionary leaders prepared to overcome the inevitable fear when dealing with change. When we RISE THROUGH IT™, we embrace growth and unlock our power to shine.
OUTCOMES:
“Rashmi’s story illustrates the power of humility and transformation. Rashmi is an energy giver - whether live or virtual. She reminds us that we are all humans and fallible. I would recommend Rashmi, she is one the best speakers I have ever worked with and I will work with her again!” - Damien Atkins, Former General Counsel, Hershey’s Inc.
“The most mind capturing talk ever! 100% focused and visually present. Personable and relatable” - Roshni Kadhiwala, CEO/Owner JLM Hotel Group, Asian American Hotel Owners Association
Program Demo Reel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jR-Q6cPiCvI
Speaker Profile - https://www.gravityspeakers.com/speakers/dona-sarkar
Dona Sarkar is a powerhouse at the intersection of technology, entrepreneurship, and inclusive leadership. A longtime Microsoft executive and current leader in AI and developer advocacy, Dona brings unmatched experience in scaling innovation while championing underrepresented voices in tech and business. As a startup founder, author, and fashion entrepreneur, she empowers women to boldly experiment, fail forward, and design lives and ventures rooted in curiosity and courage. With her signature blend of tactical advice and contagious energy, Dona delivers high-value insights to both founders seeking growth and investors looking for what’s next.
No one ever got promoted for organizing a "women’s mentoring ring".
Harsh. But true.
Every senior woman knows this. So why don’t we coach and advise the next generation to stop doing this work unless it’s part of your job?
Around 2012, I stopped doing ALL non-promote-able work and instead started doing 10 *very specific experiments* at my job.
Lo and behold, my career *absolutely transformed* over the next 2 years. The opportunities started to show up and have not stopped to this day. I talked to a few of my other senior women friends and we agreed--these techniques WORK. In this 45 minute keynote, I will walk you through the 10 experiments I have done to become more powerful in the workplace and how you can do it too!
“If you’re looking for a speaker who’s 100% authentic, not afraid to engage in uncomfortable but highly necessary #RealTalk to get your audience thinking, Dona Sarkar is your answer. A powerhouse of a speaker, Dona always comes prepared with fresh ideas and actionable plans (read: homework!) to continue investing in themselves long after the event is over. Get ready to be volunTOLD, get out of your comfort zone, and discover how you can become a better human.” - Shona Bang, Global Head of Microsoft's Human of IT Program
"When Dona Sarkar speaks, something exceptional happens. She is a passionate presenter and changemaker who is making a remarkable impression globally. Single-handed, Dona is lifting up Everyone in the room and instilling in them the belief that they can and will do more. Her brave, no-nonsense approach is infectious and making a world of difference." - Tracy O'Connell, Director of European Sharepoint Conference ESPC
"As an Olympic athlete, I've listened to many motivational speakers. It's sometimes hard to find talks that really hit home specifically to me. Dona's presence in person and on stage grabbed me immediately. I knew she was someone I wanted to emulate and was further inspired after hearing her TEDxtalk about the Imposter Syndrome. She was engaging, relaxed and so genuine. Anyone who has taken a risk in life towards success can relate to her message of feeling like you don't belong or are not worthy. She uses her own successful career and personal experiences to illustrate how to combat these feelings and find power on the other side of it.
Every employee, college student, entrepreneur and athlete will be faced with Imposter Syndrome at some point in their lives, Dona Sarkar's message will prepare, normalize and inspire to conquer these feelings and teach them how to OWN their success!" - Katie Hoff, 3x Olympic Medalist & American Record Holder