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Attend IRL
An empowering all-day event exclusively designed for women entrepreneurs. Elevate your business, expand your network, and gain valuable insights from industry leaders and mentors through
Extraordinary Speakers
An extraordinary lineup of accomplished women entrepreneurs
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Problem Solving Panels
panels/success sharing & strategies.
Workshops
Hands-on, minds-on learning workshops.
Connection And Collaboration
Network with trailblazers and top business women
Unlock The Blueprint To Becoming A BOSS
Step into the spotlight at the Building A Boss Summit, an electrifying all-day event crafted exclusively for female entrepreneurs who are ready to take their business acumen to the next level. Say goodbye to monotonous conferences and hello to a vibrant gathering brimming with engaging workshops, dynamic speakers, and unparalleled networking opportunities. Connect personally with trailblazing women who have set the foundations for our success. Dive into interactive sessions, swap contact details, savor delicious complimentary refreshments, and depart with a renewed zeal to conquer your business goals in 2026 and beyond. Don’t miss out—spots are limited and this event will sell out.
Our theme for the next event is the
Power of Connections
Our 2026 theme, The Power of Connections, is a reminder that success doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It’s the people we meet, the conversations we have, and the relationships we build that move us forward. This year, we’re diving into how authentic connections—whether with mentors, peers, or collaborators—can open doors, spark ideas, and change the game. You’ll leave with more than just notes; you’ll leave with a network ready to support you every step of the way.
Are You Ready New York ?
Building a Boss Summit is so excited to be teaming up with ETT Women & Bella Boss for the next Building a Boss Summit in New York in the fall of 2026! Their community is all about real talk, meaningful support, and helping women show up fully in both life and business—which aligns perfectly with what our summit is all about. Together, we’re bringing something truly special to the table: an unforgettable experience filled with connection, collaboration, and next-level inspiration.
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ETTWomen (Entrepreneurial Think Tank for Women) is a community-driven organization that empowers female entrepreneurs through education, collaboration, and support. Co-founded by Lynette Barbieri and Vanessa Coppes, ETTWomen provides a safe and inclusive space for women to connect, grow their businesses, and give back. Through workshops, networking events, and mentorship programs, ETTWomen fosters personal and professional development while championing causes that uplift women.
BELLA Boss began as a celebrated feature in the pages of BELLA Magazine, spotlighting trailblazing entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and visionaries redefining success on their own terms. Due to its powerful impact and growing demand, BELLA Boss has now evolved into its own standalone publication—BELLA Boss: The Magazine for Entrepreneurs. With the same spirit of inspiration and empowerment, the new magazine dives deeper into the stories, strategies, and successes of bold business minds, offering readers a fresh, unapologetic look at what it truly means to build a life and brand with purpose.
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Get on the list now to stay in the know, and be the first to receive important event-related announcements and communications.
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Meet Your Hosts
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Hillary Gadsby
Boss Talks Network
Hillary is a master connector and the visionary behind Boss Talks, a speaker series launched in 2014 in Los Angeles. This initiative showcased the trials and triumphs of successful women entrepreneurs, fostering a network where attendees can forge valuable connections and discover opportunities. One notable success story emerged when Nicci Levy, founder of Alchemy 43, met her first investor, Toni Ko of NYX Cosmetics, at one of these events. Today, Boss Talks has evolved into a global mentorship platform dedicated to empowering women in their entrepreneurial pursuits through mentorship, strategic connections, education, and a supportive community. She has been featured in Forbes, ABC, CBS, Yahoo Finance and named a woman to watch 2024 in Icon Magazine.
Hillary also spearheads the Building a Boss Summit, leveraging her two decades of event planning expertise and a sharp eye for impactful content. With the summit, Hillary aims to create an immersive one-day experience that helps women entrepreneurs and business leaders soar to new heights, promoting the advancement of women in leadership.
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Senior Director of Sales + Business Development, BELLA Magazine + Media + Co-Founder of ETT Women
Lynette Barbieri
Lynette Barbieri is a seasoned financial professional with an impressive career spanning over 25 years. As a prominent figure in the financial industry, she has accumulated a wealth of expertise and experience in guiding individuals and businesses toward their financial goals.
She is also the Co-Founder of ETTWomen and The ETTWomen Foundation, showcasing her commitment to empowering and connecting women in various fields.
Lynette holds the position of Senior Sales Director and Business Expansion for Bella Media + Co. She is also he editor of BELLA BOSS, where she contributes her insights as a Bella Boss for Bella Magazine. In this capacity, she shares her knowledge and perspectives on business, leadership, and finance, contributing to the magazine's mission of inspiring and empowering women.
With a multifaceted career that combines financial acumen, entrepreneurship, and media, Lynette Barbieri continues to be a respected figure, leaving a positive impact on both the monetary and empowerment spheres.
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CEO and Editor-in-Chief of BELLA Magazine & Co-Founder of ETT Women
Vanessa Coppes
Vanessa Coppes is an award-winning CEO and Editor-in-Chief of BELLA Magazine. In 2019, she transformed the publication by acquiring it and launching BELLA Media + Co., where she spearheads all digital and editorial content and drives the magazine's creative vision. A pioneer in her field, Coppes co-founded ETTWomen and the ETTWomen Foundation, which focus on empowering female survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Her dedication extends to business and marketing consultancy services, aimed at uplifting communities.
A recognized advocate for diverse voices, Coppes serves on the advisory committees for the W.O.C. (Women of Color in Philanthropy) Foundation and the Inspírame Latina Foundation. Her speaking engagements cover a broad spectrum of topics at conferences including women’s health, parenting, mental health, marketing, advertising, and digital media—at prestigious institutions like FIT, the University of Delaware, and Columbia University. Coppes authored 5 Steps to Fabulous: Choices for Living Beautifully Inside and Out and frequently contributes lifestyle features on New York's PIX 11 News.
Coppes’s journey began in the Dominican Republic, where she dreamed of working in New York's magazine industry. Initially pursuing a stable teaching career, she moved to the U.S. in 2006 and earned accreditation to teach in New York, but her battle with postpartum depression inspired a bold career shift. Following several job transitions, her passion for creativity led her to focus on her blog VCoppes.com. Her love of fashion and a chance encounter with an Aldo Shoes executive landed her a managerial role at the global shoe brand. This foray into fashion ignited her creativity, leading her to create her own jewelry line, featured in BELLA Magazine in 2009. She then joined BELLA as Marketing Director and Digital Social Strategist, immersing herself in the world of magazine publishing.
By 2019, Coppes had the acumen to acquire BELLA Magazine, transforming it into the dynamic BELLA Media + Co. The brand has evolved into an international multimedia company with offices in New York, Miami, Los Angeles, and New Jersey, and publishes four print and digital magazines covering fashion, beauty, wellness, celebrity, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, art, culture, and travel. Committed to inclusion and authenticity, Coppes says, “We aim to push the content boundaries to allow women to embrace who and what they are." BELLA also launched a Spanish-language edition, BELLA LATINA, in 2021. Coppes oversees all editorial content, steers brand partnerships, and manages a team of 60.
She currently hosts the Real Talk with BELLA podcast, where she interviews inspiring voices and dives deep into culture, entrepreneurship, resilience, and reinvention.
As the Co-Founder of ETTWomen, Coppes passionately supports women through networking, mentoring, and educational initiatives to assist survivors of domestic violence or abuse. A survivor herself, she inspires others by showing that "the path of the past does not define the future."
Residing in New Jersey, Coppes treasures life with her husband, two sons, and a rescued Pitbull, sharing her love for Dominican cooking.
Event Schedule
Saturday, October 3, 2026
BABS Gives Back
A portion of ticket sales will benefit a non profit organization
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Why Women Entrepreneurs Should Attend?Unlock Strategic Growth: Gain actionable insights and proven strategies to scale your business, tailored specifically for women-led enterprises. Expand Your Network: Connect with a powerful community of like-minded female entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and potential collaborators. Learn from the Best: Hear from top speakers who have successfully navigated the entrepreneurial landscape and are eager to share their secrets to success. Empower Your Vision: Tap into expert advice and resources that will help you turn your business dreams into a reality with confidence and clarity. Recharge & Inspire: Immerse yourself in a supportive environment designed to inspire, energize, and equip you with the tools to thrive both personally and professionally.
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Who Should Attend?Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Women ready to turn their passion into a thriving business. Established Business Owners: Female entrepreneurs looking to scale and take their business to the next level. Creative Visionaries: Women who want to infuse innovation and creativity into their business strategies. Leaders & Change-makers: Those who are committed to making an impact in their industry and community. Growth Seekers: Entrepreneurs eager to grow their network, enhance their skills, and push their business forward.