EWTC President Molly Determan joined an accomplished international cohort of executives, entrepreneurs and industry leaders for a fireside discussion during Counterpart International’s 76th Global Women in Management (GWIM) program in Washington, D.C.
Supported by ExxonMobil, the program brings together women whose leadership is already making a measurable impact across industries, institutions and communities worldwide.
The 2026 cohort represents 13 countries across Latin America, Africa, Asia and the Middle East, with participants including CEOs, nonprofit founders, healthcare specialists, technology innovators, financial services executives and leaders of international development initiatives.
Their accomplishments reflect the reach and significance of the program. Among the delegates are a healthcare leader advancing cancer care in Guyana, an entrepreneur expanding STEM and robotics education to thousands of students in Central Asia, an executive developing Saudi Arabia’s next generation of senior leaders and founders creating new pathways to economic independence for women across emerging markets.
Determan joined Cassandra M. McZeal, Ph.D., Community Investments Senior Advisor, Socioeconomic Management, Public & Government Affairs at ExxonMobil, for a fireside conversation examining leadership, professional growth and the challenges of building influence.
Drawing on her experience leading a national energy trade association, Determan discussed navigating a nontraditional career path, recognizing opportunities beyond established roles and challenging assumptions about what effective leadership looks like.
A central theme of the discussion was how leaders navigate being underestimated or having their capabilities overlooked. Determan emphasized the importance of understanding how others perceive you, challenging assumptions about your abilities and demonstrating your value through results rather than allowing others to define your potential.
The conversation also addressed authenticity, confidence and the responsibility leaders have to recognize and develop potential in others.
“Respecting people means being willing to have the difficult conversations, not avoiding them,” Determan said. “People deserve to know where they stand, what’s expected of them and where they have opportunities to improve. You can’t build trust without honesty, and you can’t help people grow if you’re unwilling to tell them what they need to hear.”
The exchange provided an opportunity to connect leadership experiences across industries, cultures and professional backgrounds, highlighting common challenges faced by women operating at high levels of responsibility.
“The caliber of leadership in that room was extraordinary,” Determan said. “These women are tackling complex challenges, building organizations and creating opportunities that extend well beyond their own careers. What impressed me most was not just what they’ve accomplished, but the ambition and determination they bring to what comes next.”
The engagement underscores EWTC’s commitment to leadership development and the value of connecting perspectives across industries and international markets.
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