Washington, D.C., USA
October 28 to 31, 2025

From October 28 to 31, the LOLA Global Leadership Retreat 2025 brought together 21 women leaders from 8 countries across North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Africa for four days of connection, learning, and inspiration in Washington, D.C.

Hosted at the Leadership Institute, the retreat gathered both Regional Leaders and Top Leaders from across LOLA’s global network. Participants represented Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Bosnia, Israel, Nepal, Namibia, the United States (from eight different states), and Canada,  reflecting LOLA’s diverse and international reach.

The retreat was an immersive leadership experience, filled with workshops, discussions, and cultural exchanges designed to equip participants with tools to strengthen their leadership, expand their chapters, and advance LOLA’s mission of promoting liberty and women’s empowerment around the world.

Day 1 – October 28 | Meta HQ

The retreat opened at Meta Headquarters, setting the tone for an inspiring week of collaboration and global connection.

The evening was hosted by Nafisa Pierce, LOLA’s Regional Leader for the USA, who warmly welcomed all participants. Nena Whitfield, President of LOLA, then shared the story of LOLA’s founding and mission, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to cultivating strong, principled female leaders who advance freedom globally.

Participants then joined the interactive session “How I Found Liberty”, where each had three minutes to share her personal journey with liberty,  a deeply emotional and inspiring moment of shared purpose.

The night concluded with a welcome reception featuring food and drinks, celebrating both reunions and new friendships across borders.

Day 2 – October 29 | Leadership Institute

The second day of the 2025 LOLA Global Leadership Retreat began with a session that set a powerful tone: “Beyond Politics: Building a Culture of Human Respect” with Janine Kent from The Foundation for Harmony and Prosperity. The discussion challenged participants to think beyond ideological boundaries and to focus on fostering empathy and respect as the foundation for lasting freedom.

Afterward, participants shared pieces of their identities during the Chapter Cultural Exchange, a vibrant moment where each leader presented something representing their country, chapter, or local culture, a true celebration of LOLA’s international community.

The morning continued with “The Power of Storytelling in the Pursuit of Freedom”, led by Jo Ann Skousen, Co-Founder of FreedomFest. Through stories that move hearts and shape ideas, participants explored how narratives can transform public perception and advance the cause of liberty.

Next came two hands-on workshops: “How to Create a Perfect LOLA Chapter” with Serena Barker from Young Americans for Liberty (YAL) and LOLA Orlando chapter leader, and “Designing Events that Inspire and Sustain Your Mission” with Emma Erfourth from America’s Future and LOLA Washington D.C chapter leader. Both sessions equipped chapter leaders with practical tools to build strong communities, plan meaningful events, and ensure long-term impact in their regions.

Before closing the learning sessions, LOLA’s Director of Development Izabela Patriota led an Active Listening Exercise, encouraging participants to strengthen one of the most underrated leadership skills: the ability to truly hear, understand, and connect with others.

Elevator Pitch Contest – Preparing for “Who Is Your Diamond of Liberty?”
Ahead of the retreat, participants took part in a focused online training session led by Casey Pifer from Atlas Network. This pre-retreat workshop helped them sharpen their communication skills and get ready for LOLA’s signature Elevator Pitch Contest, where leaders learn to speak about liberty with confidence and precision.

🏆 Julieta Knobel, leader of LOLA Córdoba (Argentina), was awarded Pitch of the Year for her inspiring and deeply personal presentation about Maria Oropeza, our Venezuelan LOLA leader currently imprisoned by Maduro’s regime.

Taking second place, Faith delivered a powerful pitch in which she chose herself as her own diamond.

The third place ended in a tie: Olivia, whose diamond was Rose Wilder Lane, and Senuri, who honored her mom as the source of her inspiration.

The evening wrapped up with the LOLA Night Reception, bringing together participants and invited guests for the live edition of the Elevator Pitch Contest, hosted by Casey Pifer. Centered on the theme “Who Is Your Diamond of Liberty?”, the competition featured thoughtful, imaginative pitches that honored the individuals and values guiding each leader’s commitment to liberty.

Day 3 – October 30 | Leadership Institute

Day 3 centered on empowerment, reflection, and gratitude,  helping participants translate learning into long-term impact.

The morning began with a professional photo session, capturing the spirit and unity of LOLA’s global community.

In “What LOLA Stands For”, Kat Murti (Former DC Chapter Leader) guided participants through LOLA’s core values, mission, and the power of integrity-driven leadership.

Then, in “Building Meaningful Partnerships”, Pagona Manologlou from State Policy Network shared strategies for cultivating collaborations that expand influence and sustain growth.

In “Advancing Liberty on Social Media”, Kiyah Willis from the Objective Standard Institute provided actionable guidance on leveraging digital platforms to promote freedom and community engagement.

The day’s learning closed with “Thank You Letters”, led by Izabela Patriola (LOLA’s Director of Development), encouraging reflection on gratitude as a cornerstone of leadership.

That evening, LOLA hosted its Certification Ceremony & Dinner, recognizing participants’ achievements. The Wichita, Kansas Chapter, led by Olivia Hayse, was honored as the U.S. Chapter of the Year for its exceptional commitment and impact.

The celebration continued with the LOLA x America’s Future Halloween Party at the America’s Future headquarters, an open event that gathered LOLA supporters, liberty-minded partners, and friends from across D.C. for a festive and inspiring conclusion to the day.

Day 4 – October 31 | Washington, D.C. Experience

The final day of the retreat offered an optional cultural and educational tour of Washington, D.C., giving participants the chance to explore the history and institutions that shape American liberty.

The morning began with a Breakfast with the Cato Institute, where participants learned about the organization’s global work to promote freedom and individual responsibility.

The group then visited key landmarks such as the Library of Congress, Supreme Court, and U.S. Capitol, including a visit to the office of Senator Rand Paul.

In the afternoon, participants enjoyed a city tour through D.C.’s most iconic sites, from the Sculpture Garden and Smithsonian Castle to the Washington Monument,  concluding at the Lincoln Memorial for golden-hour photos and reflections on the week’s experiences.

The retreat closed with a deep sense of gratitude, unity, and renewed purpose, as LOLA leaders returned home inspired to continue advancing liberty and women’s leadership in their communities around the world.

Testimonials from the retreat

“The LOLA Retreat was an unforgettable experience that deeply resonated with me as a Ukrainian woman. Sharing the story of journalist Viktoriia Roschyna during the Diamond of Liberty activity reminded me how precious and fragile freedom truly is. Surrounded by women who care about liberty, truth, and courage, I felt supported, inspired, and understood. This retreat gave me not just new knowledge, but real strength to keep advocating for freedom — in Ukraine and everywhere it’s under threat”.

Daryna Ostrovska – LOLA Ottawa Chapter Leader

“I absolutely loved my experience! The sessions were so helpful, and I truly felt seen, supported, and comfortable. Being surrounded by such amazing women reminded me how powerful it is to have a community that understands and uplifts each other. As women in liberty, community means everything because it gives us strength, courage, and the beautiful reminder that we are never alone”

Tea Kljajić – LOLA Europe Regional Leader

“The LOLA Leadership Retreat was such an inspiring and transformative experience as always. Being surrounded by passionate, purpose-driven women from around the world reminded me why I do what I do. It reignited my love for liberty, leadership, and sisterhood, and motivated me to create even more impact through my LOLA Canada chapter. I left feeling empowered, connected, and ready to keep educating and uplifting women to become confident leaders in their own communities.”

Senuri Jayasinghe – LOLA Calgary Chapter Leader

“My name is Marian, I’m a Regional Leader for LOLA Latam, and this was my first LOLA global retreat. I thoroughly enjoyed connecting with top global leaders at LOLA, learning from them, from their fight for freedom from their own platforms, and also from the fantastic leadership tool sessions that I know will help me improve my regional and local leadership. I’m leaving with great friendships and unforgettable moments.”

Marian Sara – LOLA Latin America Regional Leader

Thank you to our sponsors and donors!

We extend our deepest gratitude to the sponsors and partners who made the 2025 LOLA Global Leadership Retreat in Washington, D.C. possible. Your support empowered 21 women leaders from four continents to gather for four days of training, collaboration, and vision-setting at the heart of the liberty movement.

This retreat equipped chapter leaders from Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, Brazil, and North America with the skills, confidence, and networks they need to strengthen LOLA’s global footprint and advance women’s leadership in their communities. None of this impact would have been possible without your generosity.

TFAS International, Leadership Institute, FreedomFest, State Policy Network, Young Americans for Liberty, The Foundation for Harmony and Prosperity, Nancey Trevanian Tsai, DonorsTrust, Mises Institute, America’s Future, Thomas Ricucci, Objective Standard Institute, Atlas Network, World Anti-Extremist Network, Canada Strong & Free Network, and the Leadership Program of the Rockies.

Together, we are building a stronger, freer global movement for women and liberty. ✨