By Nadya Rousseau, CEO & Founder, Alter New Media
On March 4, 2025, I walked into the grand ballroom of the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills. I was met with a vibrant energy that could only mean one thing—leaders from across the globe were gathered with one shared mission: to uplift, inspire, and empower. The Female Empowerment Summit – Unstoppable Together, hosted by the Onor Foundation and presented under the High Patronage of Lucia Sava, Consul General of Romania in Los Angeles, was more than an event—it was a movement in action.
None of this would have been possible without the vision and dedication of Oana Tucker, the founder OP Global Events, ONOR Foundation, and creator of the Female Empowerment Summit. Her unwavering commitment to creating a space where women from all backgrounds can connect, share, and grow has transformed the Summit into a globally recognized platform for empowerment and impact. Oana’s leadership goes beyond event logistics—she curates an experience that blends inspiration with actionable strategies, ensuring every participant leaves not only motivated but equipped to make meaningful change.
From the moment attendees stepped inside, they were greeted with an atmosphere that blended elegance with purpose. The stage was set for high-impact conversations, but also for deep human connection. The Summit brought together entrepreneurs, executives, policymakers, artists, and community leaders from multiple countries, creating a genuinely international dialogue on leadership and empowerment. Networking lounges allowed attendees to connect between sessions, while curated breakout areas fostered intimate discussions about topics ranging from sustainable business practices to mentorship for women entering male-dominated industries.
While my role as moderator was a highlight, it was also part of a much larger tapestry of conversations happening across the Summit. I had the privilege of guiding a dynamic discussion with Adela Lazar – Founder, GreenPoint Management (Romania), Camelia Ene – CEO, ROCA Industry (Romania), Lauren Wulkan – Vice President of Consumer Affairs, Ticketmaster (California), and Robin Colucci – Principal Founder, World Changing Books (Connecticut). Together, we explored how purpose isn’t just an inspiring ideal—it’s a strategic driver of innovation, trust, and impact. Our conversation echoed a sentiment heard throughout the Summit: leadership today must be inclusive, authentic, and values-led.
One of the standout elements of this year’s Summit was the mix of perspectives—from Eastern European corporate leaders to American social entrepreneurs. This diversity allowed for the exchange of ideas that could be adapted to vastly different markets and communities. Beyond the stage, the Summit served as a celebration of women who are shaping industries and transforming their communities. From award presentations to spotlight interviews, the event recognized achievements not as isolated successes but as milestones in a shared journey toward equality.
The involvement of the Consulate General of Romania in Los Angeles, Lucia Sava, was more than ceremonial. Her presence underscored the importance of cultural diplomacy in advancing women’s empowerment worldwide. This collaboration between diplomacy, business, and social impact leaders set a powerful precedent for future events.
Attending—and participating in—the Female Empowerment Summit reminded me that change doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when people from different sectors, countries, and walks of life come together with open minds and a shared vision. As CEO of Alter New Media, I left the Summit more committed than ever to amplifying purpose-driven stories, building bridges between cultures, and creating platforms where voices from all backgrounds can be heard.
Day 1 Reception
Beyond the formal programming, the Summit offered countless moments of organic connection. Over coffee breaks, hallway conversations, and evening receptions, attendees exchanged stories about their journeys, challenges, and triumphs. These unscripted interactions often sparked new collaborations, mentorship opportunities, and even friendships that will extend far beyond the walls of the Waldorf Astoria. It was a reminder that while panels and keynotes inspire, it’s the genuine human connections that turn inspiration into action.
Congratulations to Carmen Popa for receiving an award for her years of hard work at her business, Andrea’s Fashions.
To the Onor Foundation, Consul General Lucia Sava, my fellow panelists, and every attendee who showed up ready to engage—thank you. Together, we are truly unstoppable.
#UnstoppableTogether #FemaleEmpowerment #WomenWhoLead #GlobalImpact #CulturalDiplomacy #LeadershipWithPurpose
