In a world where many conferences still skew toward the old guard, a mother-daughter duo is rewriting the script—one city, one conversation, and one empowered woman at a time.
The Women’s Power Series, founded by Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos and Sophia Kanavos, isn’t your average networking event. Born from a candid conversation about their differing paths as female real estate developers—Dayssi navigating entrepreneurship in the ’80s and Sophia entering the field through a corporate lens—the series has quickly grown from a local Miami gathering into a bicoastal platform for women in business. And it’s only just getting started.
A Generational Vision Comes to Life
“Our idea started over coffee,” Sophia recalls. “We realized how little space there was for women-centric business conversations during International Women’s Month—even in luxury spaces we personally developed, like The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach.”
That conversation sparked a movement. Their 2023 Miami debut was a sold-out success, followed by three single-panel events in New York City, and another full-day Miami conference in 2024. Now, the Kanavos duo is preparing for their biggest milestone yet: the inaugural half-day Women’s Power Series conference in NYC, set for October 3, 2025, at The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad.
The Strength of Two Generations
As co-founders, Dayssi and Sophia are proof that when generations align, innovation follows.
“It’s not about compromise—it’s about synergy,” says Dayssi, a veteran businesswoman and philanthropist. “I bring structure and a strategic lens, while Sophia adds the digital-savvy mindset and relevance that speaks to the next wave of women leaders.”
Their collaboration creates an intergenerational bridge, connecting seasoned professionals with emerging voices, and ensuring each event reflects both experience and evolution.
Building a Movement, Not Just a Moment
Launching the Women’s Power Series wasn’t without its challenges. Carving space in saturated markets like Miami and New York demanded grit, creativity, and strong community ties.
“We had to earn our credibility,” says Sophia. “Our Host Committee—affectionately called ‘The Breakfast Club’—became a force of local influencers who helped us amplify our reach.”
What truly solidified their impact, however, was their partnership with Women of Tomorrow, a Miami-based nonprofit dedicated to mentorship. Donating 100% of ticket sales, the series has raised over $150,000 to date, helping expand mentorship access for young women.
Themes That Resonate, Stories That Stick
Each Women’s Power Series event is carefully curated to reflect current trends and empower attendees with actionable insight. For the Third Annual Women’s Power Breakfast in Miami that just took place in March 2025, the themes included Beauty & Fashion, Technology & Artificial Intelligence, and Media & Content Creation—industries where women are not only participating but leading.
“These aren’t just panels; they’re conversations that shape industries,” Sophia emphasizes. “We choose topics that speak to the city, the moment, and the movement.”
And the results are tangible. After speaking at the event, Maggie Vo of Fuel Venture Capital landed a guest column in Business Traveler Magazine—a connection made possible through the power of community.
Accessibility with Purpose
In contrast to traditional conferences that price out rising talent, Women’s Power Series offers ticket tiers ranging from $45 to $500, with student discounts and sponsorships covering the gaps. The series also highlights female-founded marketplace vendors, giving young entrepreneurs a stage to showcase their brands to hundreds of attendees.
“It’s about making sure everyone has a seat at the table,” Sophia says. “From students to CEOs, we want every voice represented.”
Why Miami Matters
Choosing Miami as the original home for the series was intentional. As developers with properties in the city, Dayssi and Sophia saw a chance to transform luxury venues into vibrant hubs of empowerment.
“Miami has this incredible energy—it’s diverse, bold, and open to new ideas,” Dayssi shares. “It was the perfect place to start.”
And they’ve continued to nurture that foundation. Even with national expansion on the horizon, Miami remains the heartbeat of the brand, hosting annual events and keeping the local community engaged through year-round single-panel sessions.
Accelerating the Future
The theme for 2025— “Accelerate Action”—is a rallying cry for women to lead with intention, fearlessness, and innovation. It’s a fitting message from two women who have made it their mission to fast-track change, one event at a time.
Looking ahead, Dayssi and Sophia envision a national—and eventually global—footprint.
“In five years, we see the Women’s Power Series embedded into the business culture of every city where women are breaking ceilings,” Dayssi says. “From New York to LA to wherever our properties take us, we’ll keep showing up with purpose.”
The Women’s Power Series is more than a conference, it’s a call to action. Through dynamic programming, philanthropic impact, and intergenerational leadership, Dayssi and Sophia Kanavos are building a legacy that elevates women, disrupts the status quo, and leaves a lasting mark on the business world.
Because power isn’t just about being in the room, it’s about changing the room altogether.
