The 75 Million at Power Rising 2026

Session

Panel Information

Fri, Apr 17 · 9:30 AM – 11:45 AM CDT

The State of Black Women: Rising for the 75 Million

Representatives from the 75 Million Campaign will explore how Black women have faced a year of attacks on our economic security, civil rights, dignity, and workplace inclusion—from DEIA rollbacks to job loss—and what it means for our health and wellbeing. Grounded in collective power, the session will equip participants to defend their rights at work and advocate for equitable policies while confronting efforts to divide working people. Our dynamic panel will share insights, stories from across the country, and strategies to heal, rebuild, and advance a future where Black women thrive.

📍 Continental Ballroom 🎤 Handheld Mic 🛋️ Soft Seating ⏱ 2 hrs 15 min

Moderator

Karen Finney

Political Strategist · TV Commentator · Advocate

Panelists

FGG

Fatima Goss Graves

CEO & President, National Women's Law Center

Jocelyn Frye

President, National Partnership for Women and Families

Cherita Ellens

President & CEO, Women Employed

Melanie Campbell

President & CEO, National Coalition on Black Civic Participation

Before You Go On

Panel Prep

Session Timing

This plenary operates on Central Standard Time (Chicago). The session is slated to begin at 9:30 AM CST / 10:30 AM EST, with a potential slight shift to 9:45 AM CST contingent upon the close of the Opening Session.

Opening remarks from Bishop Leah (Co-Convenor), Mayor Johnson, and Rev. Pam Lightsey.

Panelist Arrival

All plenary panelists must arrive by 8:45 AM CST for check-in and seating. This allows for timely seating at designated tables ahead of the 9:00 AM opening and ensures staff outside of those registered for the entire conference are accommodated. Please note this excludes anyone outside what was communicated previously.

Run of Show

9:30–9:45

Opening + transition buffer into plenary

Until 10:10

Panelist introductions and framing remarks (brief individual speaking moments), based on Plenary close and Panel opening

~10:10

Full panel integration begins

Until 11:45

Moderated discussion + audience Q&A (~90 minutes of engagement, including at least 15 minutes of audience Q&A). Resources slide will be displayed. 20–30 minutes reserved for audience Q&A.

Day-of Logistics

Location

Continental Ballroom. A green room will be available; access is reserved for panelists only.

Stage Setup

Soft seating with side tables and water provided.

Microphones

Handheld microphones will be provided.

Photo Ops

Photos take place immediately following the session on stage (approximately 2 minutes).

Staff Access

Backstage and green room access are limited to panelists only.

Badging

All participants check in at registration. A designated speaker line will be available.

Venue Map

Lobby Level: Main Stage (Continental Ballroom) & Registration · Lower Level: Marketplace & Breakouts (Salon A)

Panel Preparation

Panel Q&A Guide

Questions for the panel with designated response leaders. All panelists are welcome to contribute after the response leader opens.

Initial Questions

Q1 — Jocelyn Frye

What do the numbers tell us about the state of Black women?

Q2 — Cherita Ellens

Unpacking the moment: DOGE, the "Big Ugly Bill," DEI rollbacks, and broader economic pressures — a lot has happened at once.

Q3 — Fatima Goss Graves

A deeper dive on DEI and economic pressures: What power do we have in this moment?

Q4 — Melanie Campbell

A deeper dive on our power and how to use it—especially through voting.

Flowing conversation: From there, the discussion will move into an open conversation—similar to our recent Zoom discussion—about what each panelist is seeing from their perspective as Black women leaders: how our sisters in the private sector, the organizations you lead, and the broader nonprofit community are being impacted, and most importantly, how we fight back, care for our mental and spiritual health, and support one another.

Additional Notes:
• A slide with submitted resources will be included and has been requested for the conference website.
• Approximately 20–30 minutes reserved for audience Q&A.

Exhibit Hall

Booth Schedule

The 75 Million booth will be staffed throughout the conference. Stop by, say hi, and grab your gear!

Find Your Shift

Type your name to see your shift details instantly.

Booth Staffing Schedule

Thursday, April 16

2:00 PM Jade M.O. Setup Lead

6:00 – 8:00 PM Eunice I. & Belen B.

Friday, April 17

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Austyn B.

12:00 – 2:00 PM Belen B. & Amaya S.

2:00 – 4:00 PM Dara B. & Aimee P.

4:00 – 6:00 PM Austyn B. & Belen B.

Saturday, April 18

9:00 – 11:00 AM Austyn B. & Belen B.

11:00 AM – 1:00 PM Amaya S. & Constance T.

1:00 – 3:00 PM Austyn B. & Aimee P.

3:00 – 5:00 PM Dara B. & Constance T.

5:00 – 6:00 PM Belen B. Closing Lead