In an industry long dominated by legacy models and old-school formats, a mother-daughter team is reshaping how women connect, lead, and thrive in business—city by city, conversation by conversation.
The Women’s Power Series, co-founded by Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos and Sophia Kanavos, was born from a deeply personal exchange between two women navigating real estate development through vastly different lenses. While Dayssi’s journey began during the rise of entrepreneurial opportunity in the 1980s, Sophia’s path followed a more structured, corporate trajectory. Their shared realization: despite the progress, the business world still had far to go when it came to female-centered spaces—especially during moments like International Women’s Month.
What started as an idea over coffee quickly turned into a full-fledged movement. The series launched in Miami in 2023 with a sold-out debut, followed by multiple successful events in New York City. Their next major milestone? Women’s Power Series conference in NYC a half-day NYC conference at The Ritz-Carlton NoMad set for October 3, 2025.
Two Generations, One Bold Vision
Their dynamic partnership brings together wisdom and innovation in equal measure. Dayssi, a seasoned developer and philanthropist, brings strategic foresight and a deep network built over decades. Sophia contributes a forward-thinking, digital-native perspective—one that deeply resonates with the next generation of entrepreneurs.
“It’s not about compromise—it’s about enhancing one another,” Dayssi explains. “Together, we’re building a platform that’s both rooted in experience and alive with modern energy.”
The result is a multi-generational approach that speaks to women at all stages of their career journeys, fostering collaboration, mentorship, and leadership in one cohesive space.
From Concept to Community
Breaking into crowded markets like Miami and New York City required more than ambition. It took community, creativity, and commitment.
“We knew we needed to build credibility fast,” says Sophia. Their solution? A Host Committee dubbed “The Breakfast Club”—a circle of influential voices who rallied behind the vision and helped promote the event from the inside out.
Equally pivotal was their partnership with Women of Tomorrow, a nonprofit based in Miami focused on mentorship for young women. With 100% of ticket proceeds going toward the organization, the Women’s Power Series has contributed over $150,000 to date—a clear signal that this isn’t just about networking, but about real, measurable impact.
Timely Conversations That Spark Action
Each event is carefully curated to reflect topics that are shaping today’s business and cultural landscape. For their recent Third Annual Women’s Power Breakfast in Miami, the agenda spotlighted fields like Fashion & Beauty, AI & Technology, and Media & Content Creation—all areas where women are driving transformation.
“These aren’t just industry panels—they’re catalysts for change,” says Sophia. “We select themes that reflect both what’s timely and what’s next.”
These conversations go beyond the stage. One standout success story: Maggie Vo of Fuel Venture Capital, who was invited to contribute to Business Traveler Magazine after attending and connecting with peers at the event.
Breaking Barriers Through Accessibility
Accessibility has always been a core value. Unlike traditional conferences with steep entry points, the Women’s Power Series offers tiered pricing—from $45 to $500—with dedicated student discounts and sponsorships that make attendance possible for women at any stage of their professional journey.
They’ve also introduced a female-founded vendor marketplace, providing young entrepreneurs a chance to showcase their products in front of hundreds of engaged attendees.
“We want to create rooms that don’t just look inclusive—they actually are,” says Sophia.
Why Miami Was the Perfect Launchpad
Miami wasn’t just a backdrop—it was an intentional choice. With deep personal and professional roots in the city, Dayssi and Sophia recognized an opportunity to activate luxury real estate spaces in a meaningful way.
“Miami has this vibrant, fearless energy,” says Dayssi. “It’s a melting pot of creativity, entrepreneurship, and ambition—especially for women.”
Even as they expand nationally, Miami remains the heart of the brand, with smaller events throughout the year and a strong focus on nurturing the local business community.
Looking Ahead: The Acceleration Era
The 2025 theme, “Accelerate Action,” serves as both a mantra and a mission. It challenges women to lead with courage, pursue bold ideas, and step into roles of influence and innovation.
For the Kanavos duo, the vision extends far beyond 2025. They see the Women’s Power Series becoming a nationwide—and eventually global—movement. With plans to activate more cities where they hold property, the aim is clear: to create high-impact spaces where women gather, grow, and break barriers.
“In five years, we want the Women’s Power Series to be the go-to experience for ambitious women across industries,” says Dayssi. “Wherever women are rising, we’ll be there—creating connections, sharing knowledge, and accelerating change.”
More Than a Conference—A Catalyst for Change
In a landscape that often feels like it wasn’t built with women in mind, Dayssi and Sophia Kanavos are building something different—something lasting. The Women’s Power Series stands as a model for what happens when generations collaborate, communities unite, and action takes center stage.
Because true power doesn’t come from fitting into the room—it comes from redesigning it entirely.
