Last weekend, Turning Point USA hosted its annual Young Women’s Leadership Summit, drawing an impressive crowd of over 2,500 attendees in San Antonio, Texas.
The event, aimed at providing a place for young conservative women to come together, featured 22 speakers and multiple breakout sessions designed to inspire, educate, and empower the next generation of female leaders.
This year’s summit saw a significant influx of new faces, with 65% of attendees participating for the first time. The diverse lineup of speakers provided a rich environment for learning and personal growth.
One notable speaker was Riley Gaines, the former collegiate swimmer and women’s rights activist known for her outspoken stance on protecting women’s sports. Gaines, who has been vocal about her experience having to compete against biological male Lea Thomas, delivered a powerful message, saying, “A lie will never become the truth, bad will never become good, and evil will never become moral, no matter how much society celebrates it.”
Chloe Cole, a de-transitioner who advocates for authentic womanhood and challenges the societal narratives around gender identity, also spoke to share her personal journey.
“There is nothing wrong with the way that you are made,” she said. “The things that make you different are the things that make you unique and they’re all gifts. Everything that you have in your life is a gift that you should learn to cherish and grow with.”
Conservative commentator Candace Owens also took the stage to critique the modern feminist movement. She emphasized the profound value of motherhood and homemaking, arguing against the notion that these roles are less significant than pursuing a career.
“You have kids and you realize that there is something so spiritual and so divine about motherhood,” Owens asserted, drawing applause from the crowd. She further challenged the audience to rethink the societal narrative that devalues traditional family roles.
The event featured remarks from several TPUSA contributors, including Alex Clark, host of The Spillover podcast. Clark emphasized that in order to win the culture war, women must start in their own homes.
“A woman’s battlefield is in front of her every single day: raising children, going grocery shopping, and pouring this knowledge into other women around her – we each have plenty of work to do,” Clark emphasized.
TPUSA founder Charlie Kirk addressed the attendees with a rousing speech about the importance of preserving authentic womanhood and the unique contributions of women to society.
“How insulting, how repulsive it is, that womanhood is something that you can appropriate as if it is a disguise or a costume,” Kirk declared, highlighting the ongoing cultural battles over gender identity.
In a later post, Kirk praised the energy and enthusiasm of the participants, stating, “2,500+ in attendance. These young ladies are our future. The energy is amazing.”
Throughout the summit, attendees participated in a variety of breakout sessions, covering topics from political activism to personal development, each designed to equip them with the tools needed to effect change in their communities. The sessions provided a platform for in-depth discussions, practical advice, and fostered a supportive environment for young conservative women.
As the summit concluded, the overwhelming sentiment was one of inspiration and empowerment. The Young Women’s Leadership Summit not only provided a forum for discussing critical issues but also reinforced the importance of standing firm in one’s beliefs amidst a rapidly changing cultural landscape.
