Leadership trajectories are shaped by who gets invited into rooms where decisions are made. This session focuses on the mechanics of access: how sponsorship opens doors, transfers credibility, and builds durable leadership pathways for women. Rather than relying on informal networks or individual goodwill, the discussion centers on designing sponsorship systems that withstand leadership turnover, market shifts, and cultural pushback. It positions sponsorship as a long-term investment in leadership continuity and organizational strength.

This panel will explore:

• How access and advocacy shape leadership outcomes over time
• The role of senior leaders in transferring credibility and opportunity
• Designing sponsorship pathways that scale beyond individual relationships
• Preventing leadership backsliding by institutionalizing advancement support

Speakers

Gauri Manglik
Vice President, Head of Legal, Privacy, and AI Governance
GoFundMe

Alicia A. Baiardo
Partner
McGuireWoods

Jennifer Jeffers
Partner
Allen Matkins

Arthi Chakravarthy
Chief Legal Officer and Head of Corporate Development
ENOVIX Corporation

Francesca Ginexi
Associate General Counsel, AI
Meta