ACWConnect Live! Spring 2025 took center stage at the Channel Partners Conference & Expo in Las Vegas to mark a monumental milestone — the 15th anniversary of the Alliance of Channel Women. This dynamic gathering of industry leaders, allies and community champions honored the power of connection, celebrated a legacy of leadership and inspired attendees to keep pushing boundaries.
Honoring the Founders and the Future
One of the most powerful moments of the event came as ACW Founder Nancy Ridge took the stage to reflect on the organization’s beginnings and evolution. She spoke about ACW’s origins — built on the belief that women thrive when they collaborate, support one another and mentor the next generation — and how that foundational mission continues to guide the organization today.
Ridge expressed deep gratitude for the co-founders and for the “Godmothers” whose early support helped shape the community. She also praised the many women who have built and sustained the organization over the years and expressed gratitude to the current leaders ACW President Mayka Rosales-Peterson and Vice President Akilah Murrell. And the board for leading ACW into the future.
Ridge also announced her forthcoming book, “A Channel for Change: How the Alliance of Channel Women Took Root,” which chronicles ACW’s journey from vision to movement — a tribute to the women who made it possible and the mission that continues to thrive.
Channeling Courage and Confidence
The keynote address by Jess King, founding Peloton instructor and CEO of MindFull³, struck a resonant chord. With raw honesty and empowering energy, King encouraged attendees to rise above fear and self-doubt to pursue their dreams unapologetically. Her message mirrored the essence of ACW’s mission — to help women step into their power, embrace their potential and elevate others along the way.
Recognizing Trailblazers and Changemakers
ACW’s commitment to spotlighting those who make a difference was front and center with the 2024 awards presentations, which included:
- The LEAD, INSPIRE and EMPOWER Awards, honoring women who drive change through leadership, mentorship and advocacy.
- The Volunteer Impact Award, recognizing selfless service to the ACW community.
- The Sponsor Award, celebrating organizations that have championed ACW’s mission.
A particularly moving moment came with the presentation of the Carolee Cannata Inspire Award to Melinda Ann O’Neill. Following the event, Carolee’s husband Joseph Galluzzi shared on social media: “It was an honor to present the Carolee Cannata Inspire Award to Melinda Ann O’Neill last night. Thank you to Alliance of Channel Women for keeping her legacy alive.”
Celebrating the Past and Inspiring the Future
From heartfelt reflections to bold vision-setting, ACWConnect Live! Spring 2025 celebrated the past and inspired the future. With a powerful foundation and a united community, ACW continues to lead the charge for women in the channel — and its next chapter promises to be just as fierce.