Dr. Hamden (Erika) and the team she led spent 10 years building FIREBall, a telescope designed to hang from a giant balloon 130,000 feet in the stratosphere and observe clouds of hydrogen gas. Unfortunately, the balloon had a hole in it and after a decade of hard work, the telescope crashed along with the hopes and the confidence of Erika and her team. This 2019 TED fellow, astrophysicist, and galactic explorer now instructs others how to turn failure into fuel to move onward and upward. Her TED talk (https://www.ted.com/talks/erika_hamden) has been widely acclaimed. Hear how her fascination with the workings of the universe and a realization that failure is not only inevitable but necessary, inspires other girls and young women to confidently pursue their dreams in STEAM-related careers. 

Dr. Stephanie Gordon can’t be defined in a few words because she’s truly multifaceted. She’s double-board certified in general obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) and urogynecology (UROGYN); an entrepreneur, bookstore/wine & coffee bar owner; and - wife to David, mother of three daughters, and a dedicated community advocate in McDonough, GA. Dr. Gordon founded The Women’s Center, PC in 2003 - now in two locations – and her current practice includes female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery. She operates at both Piedmont Henry Hospital and Rockdale Medical Center. Not surprisingly, she’s been voted “Top Doc” multiple times and has a 4.9 Satisfaction Rating!



Clearly Dr. Gordon is a dynamic individual, an Everyday SHEro for sure, and her story is extremely inspiring. Sharing it helps to explain more about who she is, what drives her to do what she does, and how she manages to do it all.

Have you heard our first episode of The LeadHER Lounge Podcast?

Welcome to the LeadHER Lounge, a restorative space for women who embrace leading and learning. 

You’re invited to join podcast hosts Anne Quiello, Executive Coach/Sr. Consultant and Karine Dieuvil, Creative Director, Product Development with the Turknett Leadership Group, as they explore various topics of importance to women, with accomplished experts in leadership growth and development. And, you won’t want to miss the first segment of the podcast we call “Beyond Theory” where Anne and Karine get real about leadership character. Where do they see leadership character showing up and how is it relevant today?

For 20 years, the Women in Leadership (WIL) Signature Series has inspired and informed over 9,200 executives, high potential managers, and professionals from 3100+ organizations across all sectors. Now it's your turn. This is the time to be inspired, to gain wisdom, and advance your career. Join us on a journey as we welcome 13 incredible women of achievement who will share their story, triumphs, and lessons they've learned along the way. This is your year.

Women in Leadership Signature Series will continue to be hybrid in 2023! Some of our speakers lined up for 2023 include Dr. Erika Hamden, Astrophysicist, Ted Talk Speaker, and Asst. Professor, University of Arizona; Marcia Taylor, Owner, Chairman, and CEO of Bennett Family of Companies; and Mayors Kim Learnard, Peachtree City; Patti Garrett, Decatur; and Bianca Motley Broom of College Park. See our current 2023 speaker schedule here. Please visit our website or email Kathryn Igou, VP of Operations, at [email protected] or call her at 770-270-1723 to purchase an annual membership, table, or individual tickets.