Organized by Diversity Coalition: Centering, Uplifting, and Connecting Women of Color
Information for attendees
Morning Session:
- Location: Advance Technology Lab, Cal Poly.
- Parking: Cal Poly has free parking on Sundays. Check out this map for parking notes and options.
Summary:
8:30 am: Check-in and Breakfast
9:00 am: Program stars
12 pm: Program ends
Afternoon/Evening Session:
- Location: Avila Lighthouse Suites, Point San Luis Conference Room. 550 Front St, Avila Beach, CA 93424
- Parking: Avila Beach Parking Lot has a fee of $6 a day, street parking is also available.
Summary:
2:30 pm: Check-in at Avila Beach
3:00 pm: Beach Workshops
4:00 pm: International Women's Day Maker's Market
6:00 pm: Sunset Lounge
Interpretation (Spanish/English) will be available. Please pick up the needed equipment at check-in.
We can’t wait to spend the day connecting, uplifting, and centering the voices of Women of Color in our community.
Sincerely,
WOC Symposium Planning Committee
2026 Theme: Holding the Fire
For generations, women of color have carried movements, protected communities, and created change in spaces not built for us. Holding the Fire is about honoring that legacy, and claiming our right to lead boldly in this moment.
The Women of Color Symposium is a space created by and for women of color; to reflect, strategize, recharge, and strengthen one another. We honor the generations who lit the path before us, and we name the leadership, resilience, and clarity required to keep that fire burning today.
This is not about shrinking or softening.
It’s about sustaining.
It’s about protecting what matters.
It’s about leading with vision and conviction in uncertain times.
Throughout the day, participants will engage in meaningful conversations, skill-building workshops, and community-rooted connection designed to support women of color as leaders in their workplaces, families, and communities.
We hold the fire for ourselves.
For each other.
For what comes next.
2026 WOMEN OF COLOR SYMPOSIUM: HOLDING THE FIRE
Morning Session – Cal Poly (8:30-12PM)
- Start the day at Cal Poly with inspiring speakers, meaningful conversation, and intentional connection among women of color. Breakfast is included as we gather in community, reflect, and set the tone for the day.
Afternoon Workshops – Avila Beach (2:30-4PM)
- Head to the coast for interactive workshops designed to deepen connection and equip you with practical tools to continue holding the fire in your work, communities, and leadership. Expect hands-on learning, movement, and space to build lasting relationships.
Maker’s Market – In Partnership with At Her Table (4-6PM)
- Explore our Maker’s Market, presented in partnership with At Her Table, featuring products and services offered by women of color entrepreneurs and organizations. Support local businesses while connecting with the creativity and leadership in our community.
- Women owned and led businesses and organizations can participate as a vendor by selecting the Maker's Market fee at checkout.
Sunset Lounge – Closing Celebration (6-8PM)
- Close the day at our Sunset Lounge with time to unwind, celebrate, and connect. Enjoy the coastal setting as we gather in gratitude, joy, and collective strength to carry the energy of the Symposium forward.
