Brand State U Presents:
3rd Annual Women's Summit at Sea
A personal branding and professional development summit hosted by women, for women.
It’s no secret that hard work alone isn't enough for women to advance in their careers. You must have a personal brand and market it, even if it's uncomfortable.
Throw perfection overboard - it’s all about being authentic. The sooner you begin embracing your worth, the sooner you will level up your personal and professional self. Learn the practical skills you need to be authentic, courageous, strategic, and successful - all while getting a great tan.
Ready to sail to success?
Join us September 1st - 6th 2025 for the Brand U Women’s Summit @ Sea to build community, connection, and confidence with a group of like-minded women.
Develop a mindset for success while learning how to build your brand.
Join Melissa Bowen and Jaci Russo on September 1st-6th, 2025 on Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas for the ultimate women’s conference cruise. Surrounded by sun, sea, and successful women, you’ll have the time, space, and support to clear your mind and focus on YOU.
Jaci Russo
Melissa Bowen
Sessions and schedule to be announced
Pre-Sailing Sessions
These sessions will be presented online before the Summit begins. These live presentations will be recorded and provided to registrants who aren’t able to attend live.
Jaci Russo
Melissa Bowen
Introductions, Cruising, & Expectations, Oh My!
Opportunity to get to know each other and get answers to all of your questions about the Summit, the cruise ship, and the details of our week together.
- What to pack for the trip
- How to schedule your excursions
- Discuss the cruise app, onboard wifi, and other details about the ship
- How to get the most out of the Summit
Jaci Russo
Brand You: Unleashing the Power of Personal Branding
Understand and harness the power of your unique identity. By delving into the art and strategy of personal branding, you will gain insights and actionable tips to enhance your professional presence and leave a lasting impression in today's competitive landscape.
- How to translate personal attributes into a compelling brand narrative that resonates with your target audience
- Strategies to optimize your online presence
- Succinctly communicate your value proposition
- How to showcase your true self while aligning with your professional goals
Melissa Bowen
Setting Goals and the Systems to Get You There
“Dream big. Execute small.” Learn how to set your intentions so your goals are authentic and satisfying to you. Then learn how to identify your systems and actions that allow you to achieve those goals.
- The practice of reflection to identify your targets
- How important your “why” is to the goal
- How to set your system to repeat to success
- A few mindset hacks to keep you on track
SHip Sessions
Jaci Russo
Crafting Clicks: The A-Z Guide to Social Media Content
From eye-catching visuals to compelling captions, we'll explore the essentials of crafting content that not only stops the scroll but also leaves a lasting impact. Get ready to elevate your social media game and build a strong online presence that resonates with your audience.
- Discover how to create images and videos that tell a compelling narrative
- Key elements of a successful strategy, including goal-setting, audience targeting, and platform optimization
- The algorithms, timing strategies, and interactive elements that can turn passive scrollers into active participants
- Essential tools for content creation and emerging technologies shaping the future of digital storytelling
Melissa Bowen
The Magic in Making Authentic Connections
Anytime something is connected to another, the energy of those things magnify. The frequency and potency of the individual things or people levels up. Think of a plug in a socket, or shaking someone’s hand. Connections make the magic happen, when you’re connected to yourself, others, and life.
- The impact and importance of connections
- How vulnerability allows for more satisfying authentic connections
- How shame keeps us vulnerability
- Ways to build shame resilience so you can show up
Jaci Russo
Harnessing the Power of AI: Your Secret Weapon at Work
Artificial Intelligence (AI) won’t replace people, but people who know how to use AI will replace those who don’t. This AI revolution will be like going from a typewriter to the internet. Learn how you can use AI as your secret weapon at work to streamline workflows, unlock insights, and improve efficiencies.
- Understanding AI's Impact
- Unlocking Efficiency
- Discover techniques for harnessing AI-driven insights to drive strategic initiatives
- Learn strategies for staying agile in a rapidly evolving digital landscape
Melissa Bowen
The F-It Model: A Model and Mindset to Productivity
Get your mind out of the gutter! “F” stands for freedom, function, flow and a bunch of other words that represent a huge increase in your progress and productivity.
- How shame leads to perfectionism
- How perfectionism leads to stunted growth and decreased productivity
- A repeatable mindset (based in psychological research) that will keep your momentum Forward!
Jaci Russo
Differentiate to Dominate
Humans are a herd species and we blend in for security and safety. It is really hard to leave that comfort zone and be willing to stand out and get noticed. By leaning into your unique areas of expertise, you can build a brand that attracts consumers instead of one that chases them.
- Apply the laws of attraction
- Develop thought leadership
- Set goals for success
Melissa Bowen
Your Inner Fraud:
How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome
Feeling like you will be found out as a “fraud” or “hack” or “they’ll realize I don’t know what I’m doing” are some of the thoughts that keep us from showing up and growing up in our lives, especially professionally. Don’t let that imposter keep you from growing into the true you!
- The history and symptoms of Imposter Syndrome
- How to identify the contributing factors to IS
- How to break the cycle
- 8 things you can try right now to lean into the true you
Jaci Russo
Melissa Bowen
Wrap Up
Recap the week we’ve spent together and discuss the pros and cons of the Summit with specific feedback on how to improve for next year.
How Does It Work?
Your $100 non-refundable, per person, deposit will secure your spot on the sailing. It’s that easy! Brand U Women's Summit @ Sea is a unique conference with the rooms, meals, and summit costs all included.
Pick your cabin, invite a pal, and let’s set sail together.
Summit Registration
Early Bird
(before 3/15/25)
$849
Registration
(3/16/23 - 5/31/25)
$999
*Your registration for the Womens’ Summit at Sea is $849 or $999 and is for all sessions and materials. Summit registration costs do not include your stateroom purchase. Traveling companions not attending the summit are only required to purchase a stateroom, not register for the summit.
Lodging Options
(priced per person/double occupancy)
Early Bird
(before 3/15/25)
Registration
(3/16/23 - 5/31/25)
Interior
$462
$562
Oceanview
$595
$695
Balcony
$843
$943
Interior
Early Bird
(before 3/15/25)
$462
Registration
(3/16/23 - 5/31/25)
$562
Oceanview
Early Bird
(before 3/15/25)
$595
Registration
(3/16/23 - 5/31/25)
$695
Balcony
Early Bird
(before 3/15/25)
$843
Registration
(3/16/23 - 5/31/25)
$943
These prices are per person for double occupancy
Grab your work wife, your BFF, or that nice neighbor lady down the street, and head out to find yourself and your strength. No better time to relax, rejuvenate, and restore than in the middle of the ocean. After a week of Vitamin Sea, you will return refreshed and ready to make your world a better place.
Be the captain of your life.
Your personal brand isn’t just what you think of you, it’s what others think of you. Why leave that up for interpretation? Learn to take ownership of your personal brand and tell the world who you are. Your life, your story, your brand.
Join us on September 1st - 6th, 2025 for the 3rd Annual Women’s Summit @ Sea by Brand State U to build community, connection, and confidence with a group of like-minded women.
Your Self, Your Voice, Your Strength.
Summit Schedule
DAY 1
Monday Sept 1 - Depart Galveston at 4pm
DAY 2
Tuesday Sept 2 - Day at sea - Summit Sessions 8:30am - 12pm
DAY 3
Wednesday Sept 3 - Summit Sessions 8:30am - 11am Enjoy Costa Maya 12pm - 7pm
DAY 4
Thursday Sept 4 - Enjoy Cozumel 7am - 5pm
DAY 5
Friday Sept 5 - Day at sea - Summit Session 8:30am - 12pm
DAY 6
Saturday Sept 6 - Arrive Galveston 8am
Summit Guides:
Jaci Russo, PCM
Jaci Russo, is the co-founder and CEO of brandRUSSO. Jaci began her career at Creative Artists Agency (CAA) in Los Angeles, California, and then with media mogul Barry Diller, developing the brands of the Home Shopping Network, Ticketmaster, USA Network, and Savoy Pictures. Jaci is a published author and sought-after speaker on all things branding.
Jaci founded Brand State U – an affordable online academy for small businesses and do-it-yourself marketers. She is a Professional Certified Marketer (P.C.M.) through the American Marketing Association, and a graduate of Leadership Louisiana and the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program. In addition, Jaci serves as a mentor for the American Academy of Entrepreneurs and a Brand Consultant through the Edward Lowe Foundation. In 2012, Jaci was inducted into the Acadiana Business Hall of Fame. Jaci is the proud mother of four and works full-time with her husband of 25 years, Michael.
For information on workshops, speaking, and online courses, visit her website at www.jacirusso.com
Melissa Bowen, LCSW
Melissa Bowen is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Coach, and a Certified Daring Way™ Facilitator. Her work revolves around the belief that lives, relationships, and leadership can be transformed by developing a stronger sense of self and living a more authentic, vulnerable, connected, and courageous life.
The Daring Way™ is an approach based on the shame-resilience research of Brené Brown. She has a counseling private practice in Lafayette, LA, where she also supervises counselor interns. Melissa has worked with GSK, KADN TV15, The United Way, Family Missions Company, brandRusso, and Chamber of Commerce organizations, among others. Melissa is a New Orleans native, and lives in Lafayette, LA with her husband, Kody, a few cats, and a bunch of ducks. Yes, ducks.
For information on workshops, speaking, and online courses, visit her website at www.DaringAcadiana.com
Questions?
Reach out via email if you have any questions or concerns or schedule a call to chat directly.
Reach me at jaci@brandstateu.com or https://calendly.com/jacirusso/
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly will we learn?
Our focus is on branding and personal development. Each session will build on the last to guide you through the process of making the most of your unique attributes and how you can build a following in your life and online.
What will we do each day?
Our Summit Sessions are in the mornings and the rest of the day is YOURS to sip on a drink by the pool, enjoy activities on the ship, head to the casino, or anything else that floats your boat.
Our daily schedule looks something like this:
Day 1 - Depart Galveston at 4pm Attend Welcome Reception
Day 2 - Day at sea - Summit Sessions 9am-1pm
Day 3 - Summit Sessions 9am-11am. Enjoy Puerto Costa Maya 12pm-7pm
Day 4 - Enjoy Cozumel 7am-5pm
Day 5 - Day at sea - Summit Sessions 9am-1pm
Day 6 - Arrive Galveston 8am
Cruise Details
5 night Western Caribbean Cruise, roundtrip from Galveston, TX on the Royal Caribbean Voyager of the Seas! We chose this particular cruise because a mix of Sea Days and port days means we will have a couple of hours of teaching per day, leaving you enough time to implement what you’re learning and still have plenty of time to take advantage of all the fun activities on board.
Can I bring a friend?
Of course! Cruising is more fun with a friend or business bestie! The listed rates reflect individual prices and attendees are required to book in groups of two. All aboard!
Should I bring my kids?
Some people will want adult time away from their kids, some don’t even have kids, and others will want to bring their children & family with them. We want you to make this experience the best it can be for you. Royal Caribbean has a great kids program, and all of our training time will be held when the kids club is open.
How do I convince my boss that the company should pay?
Lifelong learning is an important part of professional development. You will be able to bring these best practices back to your company to improve your company’s brand. Whether you are in a hotel in Houston or a ship in the Gulf, the important part is that you are developing great tools to be more successful.
*Download this flyer and present it to your company to show the professional development value that comes with this trip.
What if I want to sail solo?
Sure thing! There will be lots of opportunities for networking and hanging out with all of your new friends. All of the prices listed are per person with two people per room. For solo travelers, the cost to cruise will be double for the cabin, but you will only purchase one summit session.
Does the Summit count for my Continuing Education Credits?
Women's Summit at Sea has been approved for 11 hours of continuing education credits by the Louisiana LPC Board! This means that licensed professional counselors can knock out 11 of their required continuing education credits by attending the summit. We are still seeking CEC Accreditation for the following industries: Human Resources, Certified Public Accountant, & Realtor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly will we learn?
Our focus is on branding and personal development. Each session will build on the last to guide you through the process of making the most of your unique attributes and how you can build a following in your life and online.
What will we do each day?
Our Summit Sessions during the first part of the day and the rest of the day is YOURS to sip on a drink by the pool, enjoy activities on the ship, head to the casino, or anything else that floats your boat.
Our daily schedule looks something like this:
Day 1 - Depart Galveston at 4pm
Day 2 - Day at sea - Summit Sessions 8:30am - 12pm
Day 3 - Summit Sessions 8am - 11am. Enjoy Costa Maya 12pm - 7pm
Day 4 - Enjoy Cozumel 7am - 5pm
Day 5 - Day at sea - Summit Sessions 8:30am - 12pm
Day 6 - Arrive Galveston 8am
Cruise Details
5 night Western Caribbean Cruise, roundtrip from Galveston, TX on the Royal Caribbean Mariner of the Seas! We chose this particular cruise because a mix of Sea Days and port days means we will have a few hours of teaching per day, leaving you enough time to implement what you’re learning and still have plenty of time to take advantage of all the fun activities on board.
Can I bring a friend?
Of course! Cruising is more fun with a friend or business bestie! The listed rates are per person with double occupancy.
Should I bring my kids?
Some people will want adult time away from their kids, some don’t even have kids, and others will want to bring their children & family with them. We want you to make this experience the best it can be for you. Royal Caribbean has a great kids program, and all of our training time will be held when the kids club is open.
How do i convince my boss that the company should pay
Lifelong learning is an important part of professional development. You will be able to bring these best practices back to your company to improve your company’s brand. Whether you are in a hotel in Houston or a ship in the Gulf, the important part is that you are developing great tools to be more successful.
What if I want to sail solo?
Sure thing! There will be lots of opportunities for networking and hanging out with all of your new friends. All of the prices listed are per person with two people per room. For solo travelers, the cost to cruise will be double for the cabin, but you will only purchase one summit session.
Does the Summit count for my continuing education credits?
Women's Summit at Sea has applied for 11 hours of continuing education credits by the Louisiana LPC Board. This means that licensed professional counselors can knock out 11 of their required continuing education credits by attending the summit.
I’ve been searching for the proper words all day to describe this week, and I can’t find them, so please bear with my jumbled raw thoughts. This week was absolute magic. 22 women, a cruise ship, zero judgment, amazing lessons, and SO much fun. All of the women who attended the Summit come from different walks of life, we’re all in different careers and stages of our careers. There was so much growth that happened this week. More than I can explain. We learned about a wide variety of topics that will not only help us to grow and succeed in our careers but personally as well. I am so excited to bring a lot of what I learned back to work!! The sense of community I felt from this group of women is truly indescribable. I’ve made friends for life. I cannot recommend this Summit enough. Women, no matter what stage you are in in life, work, whatever, sign up for this. I promise you won’t regret it. Keep an eye out at Brandstateu.com for registration for next year’s Summit. I can’t wait to sail with you and watch you grow!
-Tara G.
Summit at Sea with Jaci Russo and Melissa Lyons Bowen was as AMAZING as expected . These women are brilliant, strong, and inspirational!! Thank you so, so much for the unforgettable experience . Until next time!!
-Elizabeth M
I had a great time! Wonderful educational experience and a great group of people.
-Sharon D
Wow. What an exceptional week! I’m still on a Summit high. I’ve had so many exciting conversations about the Summit at work this morning and all the things we’d like to work on as a company!
-Adrienne G
Almost 30 years of attending conferences and this is the best one of them all. Signing up for next year.
-Liz M.
Equal parts entrepreneurship and relaxation— the Women’s Summit at Sea did not disappoint! @melissaspix led us to identify values and overcome barriers while @jacirusso taught us to implement those values into our business marketing and strategic plan. Thankful and encouraged by this group of professional women making a difference in the world! @brandstateu
-Lauren B.
Thank you to all the women who made the inaugural Women’s Summit at Sea 2023 all that it could be and more. I was honored to share space, time and deep thoughts with these amazing women. #LeadershipCruise #womenempoweringwomen #thankyoutoallwhocamebefore
-Marie C.
The inaugural Women’s Summit at Sea exceeded all expectations — enthusiastic leadership in Jaci Russo and Melissa Lyons Bowen, engaging sessions packed with insider content and guidance, and a tight-knit group of strong women, each navigating their own great voyages. I’ll definitely be there next year! Will you? www.brandstateu.com/summit
- Anne S.
This week members of our team participated in the Brand State U inaugural Summit at Sea, Leadership and Marketing Summit! Thank you for the invite and we look forward to next years! #leadershipdevelopment #marketingstrategy #teamgrowth #TodayForTomorrow #StillRockin #BullDogin
-Edna T.
Heading home from Galveston after a week-long cruise sailing with two of the best trainers in the business… If you ever get the opportunity for some professional and personal development then reach out to Jaci Russo and Melissa Lyons Bowen for more information on their next Women’s Summit at Sea. You definitely don’t want to miss it and absolutely won’t regret it.
Just a few of the topics that were covered:
Women in Leadership, The Power of Vulnerability, Personal and Professional Branding, Setting Boundaries and more… I don’t want to give it all away…
I made some amazing connections with women across the country and cannot wait for the next chapter.
-Rachel F.
What a week Now that I’ve had time to reflect on what I’ve learned & experienced, I love to say it was one of the best weeks ever! Ready to put what I’ve learned to use not only in work but life in general! A wonderful group of successful & supportive women pictured here!!! (& a few great guys )
-Celina C.
Will I need a server to host my courses?
“Wow, just wrapped up Women’s Summit at Sea! The experience was truly amazing - empowering talks, networking with inspiring women, and personal growth sessions. Here’s to celebrating women’s leadership in both professional and personal spheres! So grateful for Melissa Lyons Bowen, Jaci Russo, and all of the amazing women who said “yes”. #LeadershipCruise #EmpowerWomen #AmazingJourney”
- Kerri T.