The 2025 IRIS Conference will take place on Thursday, September 25th, as a lead-in to the ROMBA Conference. It will be held at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside, located at Two Poydras St, New Orleans, LA 70130.
WHAT IS IRIS?
The IRIS Conference—formerly known as OWIB—is a dedicated daylong event held just before the ROMBA Conference. Named after Iris, the Greek mythological figure who embodies the rainbow and moves fluidly between worlds, the conference is designed to uplift and connect women, transgender, gender non-conforming individuals, and allies within the business community. IRIS creates a welcoming space that encourages authentic connection, support, and visibility, offering attendees the chance to build a strong network that extends beyond shared identities. This year’s conference includes powerful keynote speakers, educational panels, and networking opportunities with fellow attendees and corporate partners committed to building inclusive workplace communities. By bringing together MBA students and professionals, IRIS fosters relationships that not only enhance the ROMBA experience but also continue to grow long after the conference concludes.



2025 Agenda
Check-in - Breakfast & Welcome
Welcome to the 2025 IRIS Conference! Attendees will hear from the Reaching Out MBA Team about the day’s events.
Pespectives
IRIS Perspectives invites individuals to take the stage and share powerful, deeply personal stories that reflect the complexity and richness of their lived experiences. From moments of self-discovery and career-defining risks to unexpected paths to business school and the impact of meaningful work, each talk offers a unique lens into the lives of LGBTQ+ leaders and change-makers. Join us for a moving session that uplifts bold voices, sparks reflection, and honors the vibrant diversity of our community.
Pitch, Pushback, & Presence: The Language of Leadership
This session is designed for gender diverse professionals navigating leadership, communication, and visibility in professional spaces. Our panel features experts in public speaking, negotiation, and conflict resolution who will share personal insights, strategies, and lessons learned from their journeys. Following the panel, attendees will break into small workshop groups to work directly with each expert, gaining actionable tools and tailored advice to help them speak up, push back, and lead with confidence.
Design Different: Inclusive Ideation
Innovation without inclusion leaves potential on the table. This session will explore how leaders can use design thinking to intentionally include diverse perspectives and experiences in the ideation process. Through hands-on exercises and reflection, participants will gain strategies for driving equity, creativity, and impact in their work.
Lunch
Double Click: Where Your Curiosity Leads the Conversation
Have you ever been in a conversation unsure of what to say, or felt like you weren’t being heard in a large group setting? This session will help you tap into your natural curiosity and active listening skills to spark more authentic, engaging conversations. Through guided networking activity and reflection, you’ll learn how to confidently ask more profound questions, tell your story, and connect in ways beyond surface-level networking. Whether you’re preparing for ROMBA or any professional setting, this session will help you show up as your most interesting, thoughtful self.
Closing Speaker
Stay tuned for updates on our closing speaker!