Dress for Success Sets 2026 Women Who Inspire Luncheon
Dress for Success Women Who Inspire Luncheon will honor Gloria Steinem in New York on September 30, 2026.
Gloria Steinem, activist, writer, and global advocate.
Dress for Success Worldwide will host its 2026 Women Who Inspire Luncheon on September 30 at Tribeca Rooftop in New York City, bringing together business, media, and cultural leaders in support of women’s economic mobility. The event will pay tribute to activist and writer Gloria Steinem, with Julianna Margulies and Amy Richards scheduled to take part in a conversation honoring her life and legacy. Centered on the theme “Rise Together,” the luncheon will recognize organizations and partners supporting access, equity, and new pathways for women. Proceeds will support career development, workforce readiness, financial education, entrepreneurship programs, and community services across Dress for Success Worldwide’s network of 129 members in 17 countries.
A Tribute to Gloria Steinem
Steinem had been scheduled to speak at the event in celebration of her recent book, An Unexpected Life. The luncheon will instead feature Margulies, an Emmy, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild award winner, and producer, writer, and activist Richards in a tribute to Steinem’s decades of work advancing equality, opportunity, and empowerment for women and girls.
Joanie Bily, CEO at Dress for Success Worldwide, said:
“Gloria Steinem's courage, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to advancing opportunity for women and girls has created lasting change for women globally. We are honored to celebrate Gloria Steinem's extraordinary life, enduring legacy, and profound impact on generations of women worldwide. As Dress for Success Worldwide's first strategic advisor, her visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to equality have inspired a movement, expanded opportunity, and helped shape a future where more women can thrive in work and in life.”
Sponsors Support Economic Mobility
Corporate sponsors for the event include ARM & HAMMER™ Laundry, The Adecco Group US Foundation, Benefit Cosmetics, The Coca-Cola Company, KnitWell Group, GEICO Philanthropic Foundation, and Ulta Beauty. Gear Communications is serving as media partner.
Longtime Dress for Success partner TJ Maxx will return as a luncheon sponsor and provide professional styling for Global Ambassadors through its ongoing support of the Global Ambassador Program.
Programs Across a Global Network
Dress for Success Worldwide said the luncheon’s proceeds will help fund programs and services spanning career reskilling, workplace preparation, financial education, entrepreneurship, sustainability, health and wellness, and support for women-owned businesses. The organization has supported more than 1.5 million women worldwide and has set a goal of reaching 2 million women by 2030.
The September event places that work in focus, pairing recognition of Steinem’s influence with fundraising for services intended to help women build greater economic mobility in work and life.
