HERstory in Lights: Women Leaders Claim Times Square for IWD Event
- 330,000+ daily foot traffic in Times Square, peaking at 460,000 on busiest days
- 23 women leaders showcased since 2024
- $10,000+ per day in advertising value for Times Square billboards
Experts would likely conclude that the HERstory Unveiled initiative effectively leverages high-visibility platforms to amplify female leadership, fostering both individual success and collective empowerment in business.
HERstory in Lights: Women Leaders Claim Times Square for IWD Event
NEW YORK, NY – February 27, 2026 – Amid the perpetual motion and dazzling glow of Times Square, a powerful statement on female leadership is set to capture the world's attention. On International Women's Day, visionary entrepreneur Sharon Ringier and her Possible Woman Magazine will celebrate the third anniversary of the NYTS HERstory Unveiled Billboard Experience, a signature event that literally places women entrepreneurs on one of the most iconic stages on Earth.
This year, the initiative aligns with the 2026 International Women's Day theme, "Give to Gain," transforming the towering digital screens of Times Square into a testament to collaborative success. The event will feature a new cohort of female leaders, amplifying their stories of impact and innovation to an audience of millions. For Ringier, this annual display is more than a celebration; it's a strategic move to correct a historical imbalance and provide undeniable proof of women's place in the highest echelons of business and influence.
The Unmatched Power of a Times Square Stage
To be featured in Times Square is to be seen by the world. With daily foot traffic regularly exceeding 330,000 people and peaking at over 460,000 on its busiest days, the location offers a level of visibility that is nearly unparalleled. For the entrepreneurs of HERstory Unveiled, this translates to an invaluable opportunity to transcend their traditional networks and reach a global audience.
The media value of such a placement is immense, with advertising costs for digital billboards ranging from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars per day. By securing this space, Possible Woman Magazine provides its featured leaders with a platform that would be financially prohibitive for many individual entrepreneurs. This act of giving visibility is central to the event's philosophy.
This strategic placement is a direct answer to Ringier's founding mission. After decades of empowering women through coaching and media, she recognized that talent and achievement were not always enough to break through systemic barriers. "This isn't about ego," Ringier states in the official announcement. "It's about evidence. Evidence that women belong in every room, on every stage, and on every screen." In the bustling heart of global commerce and media, the faces of these women entrepreneurs become irrefutable evidence of their success and a powerful source of inspiration for countless others watching from the streets below and on screens around the world.
A Philosophy of Collective Rise: 'Give to Gain'
The 2026 theme, "Give to Gain," perfectly encapsulates the ethos of the HERstory Unveiled experience. It champions the idea that success is not a zero-sum game but a resource that multiplies when shared. By giving support, mentorship, and visibility to others, women can collectively gain influence, recognition, and the power to drive lasting change. This principle is woven into the fabric of the event, which celebrates not just individual accomplishments but the creation of a supportive and collaborative community.
This year's featured leaders exemplify this philosophy. The 2026 cohort includes Jillian McCloskey of Momcations.co, Naeemah Elias of Elias Presence Ventures, and Ringier herself, representing The Possible Woman. Also returning for her second year is Traci Sanders Campbell of BeSpireTV and the BIBO Foundation, a testament to the enduring connections fostered by the program. Each of these women utilizes her platform to elevate others, create meaningful impact, and foster community.
The growing list of alumni further underscores the event's influence. Since its inception in 2024, HERstory Unveiled has showcased 23 women leaders from diverse industries, including finance, media, and event planning. Notable alumni like Dannelle Stratton of Stratton Financial, also a two-time attendee, and Sharokina Pazand of Citygirl Events, demonstrate the initiative's expanding network. The return of past participants highlights the 'gain' aspect of the theme—the value they find in the community is compelling enough to bring them back, reinforcing the cycle of giving and receiving support.
From Vision to Legacy: Three Years of Making HERstory
What began as a bold vision three years ago has solidified into an anticipated annual tradition. Sharon Ringier founded HERstory Unveiled to provide women with three essential pillars for success: clarity in their mission, purpose in their impact, and visibility on a global stage. The event's consistent growth and the increasing prominence of its alumni network are a testament to the power of that original idea.
The journey from a concept to a recurring Times Square feature was made possible through strategic partnerships and shared purpose. The 3rd Anniversary experience is powered by a group of purpose-driven sponsors, including BeSpireTV, Blue Panther Studios, Citygirl Events, and Stratton Financial—many of whom are led by or connected to the very women the event seeks to empower. This synergy creates a self-sustaining model where successful women-led businesses invest in the visibility of the next wave of leaders, embodying the "Give to Gain" principle at an organizational level.
This initiative serves as the flagship public-facing event for a much larger mission. Possible Woman Magazine, the driving force behind the billboard, is a global empowerment platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of female changemakers. The magazine and its associated programs provide a continuous stream of support, making the Times Square billboard a crowning moment rather than an isolated event.
The Ecosystem of Empowerment
The HERstory Unveiled billboard is the most visible element of a comprehensive support system designed by The Possible Woman organization. Beyond the bright lights of International Women's Day, the platform offers ongoing resources through initiatives like "The Possible Woman Collective." This membership community provides a vital ecosystem for female entrepreneurs, offering virtual events, masterclasses, and networking opportunities that foster connection and collaboration throughout the year.
The Collective aims to provide tangible benefits, including access to funding resources, PR opportunities, and a curated directory that facilitates business partnerships among members. This structure ensures that the momentum generated by the high-profile billboard experience is channeled into sustained growth and support. It's a model that recognizes that while a moment of peak visibility is powerful, long-term success is built on consistent effort and a reliable support network.
In a landscape crowded with women's empowerment initiatives, HERstory Unveiled distinguishes itself through its audacious, public-facing approach combined with a deep, community-focused backend. While many organizations offer valuable networking and education, few can provide a platform as symbolically potent as a Times Square takeover. This ecosystem ensures that the light from Times Square doesn't just flicker for a day but ignites a lasting fire of ambition, collaboration, and shared success for women leaders everywhere.
