Footwear News (FN) and the Two Ten Footwear Foundationwill convene industry leaders, executives and changemakers on June 3 for the 2026 FN x Two Ten Women Who Rock event, an annual forum and celebration honoring influential women and advancing conversations around leadership, opportunity and progress. Held during market week in New York, the event will bring together influential voices from across the industry for an evening of cocktails, networking and conversation.

The event takes place in tandem with FN’s annual Women Who Rock issue, which features Olympic gold medalist, New Balance athlete and mom-to-be Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone on the cover and spotlights the changemakers shaping the future of footwear, fashion, sports and business. The complete Women Who Rock Class of 2026 can be viewed here.

At this year's Women Who Rock event, themed "Tipping Points: Redefining Progress in an Era of Disruption," six boundary-breaking leaders will take the stage to share valuable career lessons and discuss mentorship, sponsorship, and strategies for success during a period of significant change across the industry.

“Footwear News has always been a champion of the visionary leaders shaping our industry, and the Women Who Rock initiative is among its most powerful statements surrounding that mission,” said Amanda Smith, CEO of Fairchild Media Group.“This year's honorees represent a masterclass in resilience, disruption, and intentional leadership. By spotlighting their impact and bringing the industry together for meaningful conversation around our community of women, we are not only celebrating achievement, we are honoring a collective force that is actively driving the future of the business.”

The 2026 Women Who Rock speaker lineup includes:

• June Ambrose, Creative Director, Fashion Designer & Cultural Architect
• Emily Cole, Executive Vice President, Chief Product Officer & CreativeDirector, Kenneth Cole Productions
• Brandice Daniel, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Harlem's Fashion Row
• Jennifer Jones, Senior Vice President, General Merchandise Manager, Women'sAccessories, Bloomingdale's
• Tracy Knauer, Senior Vice President, North America, New Balance Athletics,Inc.
• Kate Pinkham, Vice President & General Manager, Chaco and The Collectiveat Wolverine Worldwide

“This year's Women Who Rock honorees represent a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and career paths, but they share a common commitment to driving progress within their organizations and communities,” said Katie Abel, Executive Editor, FN. “Together, their stories offer a compelling snapshot of what leadership looks like today, and where the industry is headed next.”

The event is presented in partnership with the Two Ten Footwear Foundation and supported by Caleres, Ecco, Foot Locker, New Balance, Puma, Rack Room Shoes, Steve Madden, Toms Shoes and Wolverine Worldwide.

About FN

Footwear News (FN) is the premier destination forindustry insiders and shoe lovers alike. From power players to style stars, FNdraws on decades of history to offer an inside look at what's new and what'snext in shoes and head-to-toe style. Through breaking stories, expert analysis,and on-trend seasonal coverage, FN connects its engaged audience with thedesigns, drops, and deals that define the global footwear industry.

About TwoTen

The Two TenFootwear Foundation is an independent nonprofit with a unique mission: liftinglives in footwear. Since its founding in the 1930s, Two Ten has offered hope,opportunity, and community to generations of footwear employees and theirfamilies. The Foundation provides emergency assistance in times of disaster orhardship, awards higher education scholarships, supports employee upskillingand professional development, and convenes industry councils andnetworking/affinity groups. Two Ten brings people working in footwear togetherto support each other, building a sense of community and strengthening theindustry workforce. Visit twoten.org to learn more about Two Ten and itsimpact.

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