A Look Back at Crosscurrents

A Gathering for Women Navigating What Comes Next












September 17th, 2026   |   The Envio   |   Portsmouth, NH
THE RECAP

A gathering that made space for what comes next.

On September 17, women leaders from diverse professional backgrounds and stages of life gathered in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, for the inaugural Harbor Series: Crosscurrents.

Set against the waterfront backdrop of The Envio, the day offered an alternative to the traditional conference: space to step away from everyday demands, reflect on where we are, and consider where we want to go.

Through honest conversations, guided reflection, inspiring stories, and meaningful connections, we explored the transitions that shape us and the possibilities that emerge when we give ourselves permission to imagine what comes next.

Because sometimes, the most important next step begins with a pause.
THE EXPERIENCE

Inside Crosscurrents

The day was filled with meaningful moments -- from guided reflection and inspiring conversations to new connections and fresh perspectives.

  • Space to Reflect

    Through speaker guided prompts, the Crosscurrents reflection journal, and the postcard reflection activity, attendees were invited to pause and consider the transitions, questions, and possibilities shaping their lives.

  • Stories That Connect Us

    Conversations about mentorship, resilience, leadership, and the women who have shaped our journeys created space to recognize shared experiences and learn from one another.

  • Perspectives That Inspire

    Featured speakers and sessions explored positive resilience, personal growth, leadership transitions, and the opportunities that can emerge when we navigate change with intention.

  • Connections That Continue

    Over brunch, conversations, and shared reflection, women made new connections and strengthened the kind of community that extends beyond a single day or event.
VOICES THAT SHAPES THE CONVERSATION

Meet the speakers and facilitators

Crosscurrents brought together thoughtful voices and diverse perspectives on leadership, resilience, mentorship, and change. Thank you to the speakers and facilitators who helped make our inaugural gathering meaningful.

Mandy S.

Leading Well Happens in Moments

Dr. Elizabeth Wynter

Navigating Transitions Leadership Panel

Vernita Weller

Navigating Transitions Leadership Panel

Mary Rose Conroy

Navigating Transitions Leadership Panel

Deb Smallwood

The Success Trap: Becoming More Than Just Success

Buck Davis

Positively Resilient

THE MEANING BEHIND THE GATHERING

Why Crosscurrents?

Life rarely moves in a single, predictable direction. We navigate ambition and responsibility, change and continuity, who we have been and who we are becoming. Crosscurrents was a reminder that these competing currents are not necessarily signs that we are lost. They can be signs that we are growing.
"Direction matters more than certainty."
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A reflection at the heart of Crosscurrents
ATTENDEE REFLECTIONS
"The day gave me space to breathe, reflect, and reconnect with what matters most."
"I left feeling inspired, grounded, and more connected to a community of incredible women."
"Crosscurrents reminded me that I'm not alone in the in-between."
OUR PARTNERS & SPONSORS
Thank you to our partners!
We're grateful to the organizations who helped make the inaugural Crosscurrents possible.
THE CONVERSATION CONTINUES

This is only the beginning.

Crosscurrents marked the beginning of the Harbor Series -- a collection of experiences created to bring people together for meaningful conversations, reflection, connection, and the possibilities that emerge when we make space for what comes next.

We're grateful to everyone who joined us in Portsmouth, shared their stories, and helped bring this vision to life.
And we're looking forward to what's next.

Stay connected with HHS Connect for future gatherings, announcements, and opportunities to be part of the conversation.
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