Chamber ALX announces panel for 2026 Women's Leadership Forum
Leaders from SHRM, Virginia Tech, Alexandria Police Department and more to headline March 13 event at The Westin
The Chamber ALX has unveiled the lineup for its annual Women’s Leadership Forum, a signature event of the organization’s Professional Women’s Network set for March 13 at The Westin Alexandria Old Town.
The morning program, running from 7:45 to 10:30 a.m., will feature a moderated panel discussion with five women leaders from across the Alexandria region, spanning human resources, hospitality, nonprofit leadership, education, and law enforcement. The event opens with a buffet breakfast and networking, followed by the panel conversation, an interactive discussion with the panelists, and a networking coffee break. The dress code is “your version of business.”
Emily M. Dickens, chief administrative officer at SHRM, will moderate the panel. Dickens, a 2025 Top Lobbyist honoree recognized by the National Institute for Lobbying & Ethics, leads organizational effectiveness across governance, global policy, legal, real estate, and philanthropy at the world’s largest HR trade association. She has testified before Congress and the EEOC on artificial intelligence, gender bias, and paid leave.
The four panelists bring a wide range of professional backgrounds to the stage.
Kate Brennan is the general manager of Daniel O’Connell’s Irish Restaurant and Bar, a family-owned Alexandria establishment known for its authentic Irish hospitality. A graduate of University College Cork with a degree in marketing, Brennan gained international experience in Sydney, Australia, before moving to the United States to lead her family’s business.
Jacquelyn Didio is the co-founder and CEO of the Madelyn James Pediatric Cancer Foundation, which she established in honor of her daughter, who passed away in August 2022 at 14 months old after a battle with a rare and aggressive cancer. The foundation has built a nationally recognized model focused on access and equity in pediatric cancer care. Didio brings more than 17 years of nonprofit experience, including serving as executive director of The Child & Family Network Centers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pamela O. Gilchrist is the director of K-12 initiatives for Virginia Tech’s Greater DC Region, where she collaborates with school districts, nonprofits, and industry leaders to advance STEM and computing education. She leads the K-12 Innovation Lab and is an inaugural member of The Chamber ALX’s 40 Over 40 class and a member of the Virginia Tech 2025 Business Leader of the Year launch team.
Tina P. Laguna is an assistant chief of police with the Alexandria Police Department, bringing more than 30 years of public safety experience. Before joining the department in 2023, she made history in Manassas as the first woman and person of color promoted to assistant chief of police. She is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and holds a master of Public Administration from George Mason University.
The forum is presented by HRP Group.
Tickets are $85 for Chamber ALX members and $110 for prospective members. Discounted ticket packs are available, including a five-pack for $400 and a 10-pack for $680. The Westin Alexandria Old Town is located at 400 Courthouse Square. Sponsorship opportunities remain available.
Registration is open at thechamberalx.com/event/womens-leadership-forum.
Disclosure: The Alexandria Brief is a paying member of The Chamber ALX and a member of the chamber’s Inner Circle.