--- title: Luminary LIVE DC Accelerated --- [![Logo-Jun-11-2024-08-19-44-6547-PM](https://www.weareluminary.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logo-Jun-11-2024-08-19-44-6547-PM.png?width=200&height=60&name=Logo-Jun-11-2024-08-19-44-6547-PM.png "Logo-Jun-11-2024-08-19-44-6547-PM")](https://www.weareluminary.com/) ![Logo-Jun-11-2024-08-19-44-6547-PM](https://www.weareluminary.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logo-Jun-11-2024-08-19-44-6547-PM.png?width=200&height=60&name=Logo-Jun-11-2024-08-19-44-6547-PM.png "Logo-Jun-11-2024-08-19-44-6547-PM") Menu [Programs and Events](https://www.weareluminary.com/events) [Memberships](https://www.weareluminary.com/luminarymemberships) [Corporate](https://www.weareluminary.com/corporate-members) [The Cru](https://www.weareluminary.com/luminary-crus) [Stories](https://www.weareluminary.com/member-highlight) [NYC Space](https://www.weareluminary.com/the-space) [About Us](https://www.weareluminary.com/about) ![Landing Page Website Headers (4)](https://www.weareluminary.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Landing%20Page%20Website%20Headers%20(4).png?width=2000&height=740&name=Landing%20Page%20Website%20Headers%20(4).png "Landing Page Website Headers (4)") --- [![Landing Page Website Headers (4)](https://www.weareluminary.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Landing%20Page%20Website%20Headers%20(4).png?width=595&height=220&name=Landing%20Page%20Website%20Headers%20(4).png "Landing Page Website Headers (4)")](https://link.weareluminary.com/networks/events/124553) --- **OCTOBER 23RD, 2025** 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM EST M.M. LaFleur Georgetown 1344 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007, USA --- Drive Impact Through Conversation and Collaboration at Luminary LIVE: DC Accelerated. Start your morning on Thursday, October 23rd, 2025, in Washington, DC with a dynamic gathering designed for leaders, innovators, and professionals looking to connect and gain actionable insights. DC Accelerated will explore what it truly takes to build sustainable success and the role of community in driving long-term growth. Hear from a distinguished lineup of industry leaders as they share their experiences, lessons learned, and the networks that helped them thrive. Engage with seasoned professionals and emerging leaders who are shaping industries and redefining success. Light refreshments will be provided. [ Register for Free ](https://www.tickettailor.com/events/luminary/1866519) **EVENT AGENDA** --- **9:30 AM - 9:50 AM:** Networking & Breakfast **9:50 AM - 10:00 AM:** Welcome ![Cate Luzio-1](https://www.weareluminary.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Cate%20Luzio-1.png?width=350&height=350&name=Cate%20Luzio-1.png "Cate Luzio-1") With [Cate Luzio](https://www.linkedin.com/in/cluzio/), Founder and CEO, Luminary  **10:00 AM - 10:45 AM:** Leveraging Your Seat At The Table ![Megan Gilbert DeSouza (2)](https://www.weareluminary.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Megan%20Gilbert%20DeSouza%20(2).png?width=350&height=350&name=Megan%20Gilbert%20DeSouza%20(2).png "Megan Gilbert DeSouza (2)") ## [Megan Gilbert DeSouza](https://www.linkedin.com/in/desouzamegan/), VP, Marketing, Warner Bros. Discovery ![Elizabeth Dawes (2)](https://www.weareluminary.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Elizabeth%20Dawes%20(2).png?width=350&height=350&name=Elizabeth%20Dawes%20(2).png "Elizabeth Dawes (2)") ## [Elizabeth Dawes](https://www.linkedin.com/in/edawesgay/), Founder, Ìpàdé ![Michelle Bagliebter (1)](https://www.weareluminary.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Michelle%20Bagliebter%20(1).png?width=350&height=350&name=Michelle%20Bagliebter%20(1).png "Michelle Bagliebter (1)") ## Michelle Bagliebter, VP Business Operations and Strategy, Blue Ant Media ![Maggie Rhodes Davis-2](https://www.weareluminary.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Maggie%20Rhodes%20Davis-2.png?width=350&height=350&name=Maggie%20Rhodes%20Davis-2.png "Maggie Rhodes Davis-2") ## Moderated by [Maggie Rhodes Davis](https://www.linkedin.com/in/maggierhodesdavis/), Vice President of Enterprise and Strategic Partnerships, Luminary  **10:45 AM - 11:30 AM:** Powering The Pipeline ![Ije Jemie Nwabueze (2)](https://www.weareluminary.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ije%20Jemie%20Nwabueze%20(2).png?width=350&height=350&name=Ije%20Jemie%20Nwabueze%20(2).png "Ije Jemie Nwabueze (2)") ## [Ije Jemie Nwabueze](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ijeoma-jemie-nwabueze/), Chief Strategy Officer, Dreamcatchers Performance ![Divya Paramesh (1)](https://www.weareluminary.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Divya%20Paramesh%20(1).png?width=350&height=350&name=Divya%20Paramesh%20(1).png "Divya Paramesh (1)") ## [Divya Paramesh](https://www.linkedin.com/in/divyaparamesh/), VP, Human Resources, Host Hotels & Resorts ![Kia Wilson (1)](https://www.weareluminary.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Kia%20Wilson%20(1).png?width=350&height=350&name=Kia%20Wilson%20(1).png "Kia Wilson (1)") ## [Kia Wilson](https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiawilson/), Associate Director, Product Strategy, Verizon ![Cate Luzio-1](https://www.weareluminary.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Cate%20Luzio-1.png?width=350&height=350&name=Cate%20Luzio-1.png "Cate Luzio-1") ## Moderated by [Cate Luzio](https://www.linkedin.com/in/cluzio/), Founder and CEO, Luminary **11:30 AM - 11:55 AM:** Fireside Chat ![Lori (1)](https://www.weareluminary.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Lori%20(1).png?width=350&height=350&name=Lori%20(1).png "Lori (1)") ![Cate Luzio-1](https://www.weareluminary.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Cate%20Luzio-1.png?width=350&height=350&name=Cate%20Luzio-1.png "Cate Luzio-1") ## [Lori McFarling](https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-mcfarling/), Board Advisor and Former President of Social Impact, Discovery Education [Cate Luzio](https://www.linkedin.com/in/cluzio/), Founder & CEO Luminary **11:55 AM - 12:00 PM:** Closing Remarks ![Cate Luzio-1](https://www.weareluminary.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Cate%20Luzio-1.png?width=350&height=350&name=Cate%20Luzio-1.png "Cate Luzio-1") With [Cate Luzio](https://www.linkedin.com/in/cluzio/), Founder and CEO, Luminary  **12:00 AM - 12:30 PM:** Open Networking **THE ACCELERATED EXPERIENCE** --- From NYC to LA, Boston to Miami, and more than twenty locations in between, we've been bringing Luminary LIVE to thousands across the country since 2022. Part of our experience includes our Accelerated Experience, which provides an evening of intimate discussion with local leaders and changemakers delivering "real talk" about the ups and downs of career pathing to building a business and more. DC Accelerated offers the perfect opportunity to shift into an abundance mindset, make new connections and invest in yourself. ### Joanne Velarde Luminary Live was incredible! So grateful I was able to attend. My cup was filled to the brim meeting and learning from so many amazing women. What you have created is phenomenal! Massive kudos to you Looking forward to staying connected and to personally meeting you at a future event  ### Justine Wentzell-Chang It was so nice meeting you yesterday at Blackbird. I absolutely loved the event and got so much value and new friendships out of the day. I’m so glad Jess Velasco told me to attend!   ### Hannah Berger Yesterday was such an awesome experience. I felt overwhelmed in the best way by the information I received and the inspirational women I connected with. ### Baily Hancock It was honestly one of the best events I’ve been to in 5+ years, thank you for being so generous with your insights and information! I’m serious - I’m typically bored after a session or two and every single one was wildly impactful. You curated a stellar lineup. I just signed up to become a Luminary Member. ### Jennifer Herrera I am SO grateful for the Luminary LIVE LA event. Thank you for creating those opportunities. Luminary is the real deal and the way you show up is refreshing, warm, and accessible. ### RBC Attendee What a special day it was! I enjoyed every speaker and every person I met today, including you. Worth the drive from Orange County. ## Connect, Learn, and Lead at DC Accelerated. [ Register for Free ](https://www.tickettailor.com/events/luminary/1866519) **Don't miss out on the full Luminary LIVE experience!** Register for day 1 of Luminary LIVE DC. [ Register for Free ](https://www.tickettailor.com/events/luminary/1866455)