Designed to bring our mission to life in person, The Quarterly convenes dynamic voices across industries for conversations that inspire action, connection, and collective power. This new national event series celebrates iconic women leaders and the lessons that move us forward, and help our members and guests drive real impact in their own work and lives.
Our inaugural gathering, with iconic designer, businesswoman, and philanthropist, Diane von Furstenberg, in conversation with WIE Suite Founder and CEO Dee Poku set the tone for what’s to come: intimate, thought-provoking moments that remind us that when powerful women come together, change begins in the room.
At her flagship store in New York City, fashion icon Diane von Furstenberg welcomed The WIE Suite community for an intimate evening of conversation, connection, and cause. Joined by The WIE Suite Founder and CEO Dee Poku, the designer reflected on her journey from entrepreneur to global symbol of empowerment, weaving stories of independence, resilience, and the importance of knowing oneself.
With her signature candor and humor, Diane spoke about the lessons inherited from her mother, a Holocaust survivor who instilled in her the belief that fear is not an option. “Before you work on any other relationship,” she told the audience, “you must have one with yourself.” The conversation explored themes of self-belief, reinvention, and kindness as a form of power – and echoed the values at the heart of The WIE Suite: community, courage, and women championing one another.
While reflecting on the conversation with Diane, Chief Strategy Officer at Havas, Justine Feron, said, "The night to me felt liberating. There was something about hearing Diane feel so at ease and comfortable in her own skin that freed me from any notion that one needs to tie themselves to and idea of what other people want you to be."
LaToya Christian, Managing Partner & Executive Director, at GroupM, similarly shared that, "Hearing the core tenets of how Diane shows up and lives her life and her career was not only inspiring, but re-grounding. It reaffirms how I can show kindness to other people, especially women."
Following the discussion, guests enjoyed Avaline wines and an exclusive shopping experience, with proceeds from the evening benefiting birthFUND, a maternal health initiative supporting Black mothers during childbirth.
The night brought together a remarkable group of leaders, including: Arana Hankin-Biggers, President and Co-Founder, The Travel Agency, Christiane Lemieux, Founder, Lemieux Et Cie, Jennifer Behr, Creative Director & Owner, Jennifer Behr, Jessica Lomax, EVP of Global Design, Calvin Klein, Lauren Edelman, CEO, Victoria Beckham Beauty, Melanie Goldey, DEO of Tally Health, Moana Luu, Founder, MOANLUU and Nicole Centeno, Founder & Co-CEO, Splendid Spoon.
As laughter and conversation filled the boutique, the evening embodied what both women stand for; the beauty of self-assuredness, the generosity of spirit, and the power of women lifting each other higher.
