Women's Summit Transitions into Women's Association

The Horse Racing Women's Summit is thrilled to announce its evolution into the Horse Racing Women's Association (HRWA). Bigger than a simple name change, this transition marks a significant shift from being an annual event to a year-round association dedicated to empowering women in the horse racing industry.

With a mission to engage, elevate, and invest in the women of horse racing, the HRWA aims to create a vibrant community that will ultimately transform the sport through a collective effort amongst the women who work across all aspects of the industry.

"We launched four years ago intending to be either a one-time or once-a-year Summit," said HRWA Chairwoman Stephanie Hronis. "The notable interest from the women in our sport seeking opportunities to network, learn, and be inspired, led our dynamic committee members to answer the call, recognizing that we are an official and organized community. We celebrate our name edit that reflects our expansion and impact."

Since hosting the inaugural Summit in 2022, the HRWA has recognized a growing demand for more events and a broader presence nationwide. In response, the association expanded its reach in 2023 and 2024, organizing additional gatherings in New York, Kentucky, and Florida, alongside ongoing activities in California. Notably, the HRWA launched a membership program in 2023 that invests in our Pay It Forward program, scholarships, events, and more.

"As demand for year-round connectivity increased, we quickly outgrew the definition of a 'summit,'" said Shona Rotondo, Chair of the Marketing and Communications Committee. "As an association, we now have the flexibility to host women (and men) in a variety of formats both in person and online. Our goal is to make our community as accessible as possible for anyone and everyone who wishes to contribute to the mission."

The HRWA is able to create these meaningful professional development and networking opportunities each year thanks to the support of our sponsors, all of which share a collective goal of making a positive impact across the industry.

One of the first member-funded resources is our Mentorship Guide, developed in collaboration with Amplify Horse Racing. This guide serves as a valuable tool to support members of the HRWA community in their journeys as mentors, mentees, and in pursuing personal and professional growth.

"The membership program is continually evolving, and we are excited to announce new perks and resources throughout the year. As our movement has developed, it has become clear that we are much more than just a summit; we truly embody the features of an association," said Hronis.

The Horse Racing Women's Association remains steadfast in its commitment to its core pillars: engaging, elevating, and investing in the women of horse racing. All interested individuals are invited to join HRWA in this exciting new chapter.

For more information about the Horse Racing Women's Association, membership details, and upcoming events, please visit our website at www.horseracingwomen.com.