ROCKWALL, TX (Feb. 23, 2026) — What began as a bold decision to create space has become a growing movement. The first annual She Leads Securely Women’s AI & Cyber Leadership Summit brought together a full room of 65 committed women for an unforgettable day of leadership, honesty, and forward‑thinking conversations around artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and sustainable growth.
Co‑hosted by Sheila Hair, President & CEO of My Computer Guy, and Melanie Padron, VP of Strategic Growth at IT ArchiTeks, the summit challenged traditional leadership narratives and offered something rare: permission to lead differently.
“We weren’t focused on visibility—we were focused on responsibility,” said Hair. “If we want different conversations for women in leadership, we have to be willing to host them.”
Together with event co‑host, Melanie Padron with IT Architeks, McKenzie Hammontree, Marketing/Project Manager with My Computer Guy, Kimaya Consulting, and Dynamic Marketing Kompany, the founders intentionally designed a stage centered on real experiences—burnout, capacity limits, and the invisible load so many high‑achieving women carry. The result was a room filled with honesty, momentum, and measurable impact.
Willing Before Ready Is Courageous Service
Throughout the day, attendees engaged deeply with content that resonated far beyond theory. Conversations emphasized that being willing before ready isn’t reckless—it’s leadership in service of others. The feedback from participants confirmed that when women gather with clarity and intention, culture shifts.
Gratitude to Speakers, Sponsors, and the Women Who Went First
The founders extend heartfelt thanks to keynote speakers Laura Marie Hennings and Lindsey Badillo, whose powerful messages challenged attendees to stop waiting for permission and start building what they want to see.
The event was made possible through the generous support of Vendor Sponsors Kaseya, Cytracom, and Hanby Insurance, who each spoke on securing the future—technologically, financially, and operationally. Special recognition is also extended to the Platinum, Gold, and Silver Sponsors, and to every attendee who chose to be part of a community of women willing to go first—in leadership, in AI, and in cybersecurity.
The Momentum Didn’t End When the Lights Went Out
What happened at the first annual She Leads Securely Summit didn’t end when the room emptied.
The conversations. The hugs. The declarations that women are done being the bottleneck. The collective commitment to scale smart and secure what’s been built.
Because momentum matters, the founders created a private space to continue the work:
- This is where implementation happens.
- This is where accountability grows.
- This is where leaders continue leading leaders.
Women are invited to join the She Leads Securely Collective on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16K1X65dKT/
What’s Next
We’re pleased to announce that the next Second Annual She Leads Securely Women’s AI & Cyber Leadership Summit will be held at Five01 at Chandler’s Landing, a venue twice as large as last year. Save the date: February 19, 2027.
Willing > Ready.
Grateful to lead alongside you,
Sheila Hair & Melanie Padron
Founders, She Leads Securely
Submitted press release and photos.
She Leads Securely Women’s AI & Cyber Leadership Summit Ignites a Movement for Capacity‑Driven Leadership added by Editor on
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