Reflections from the Reykjavík Global Forum: Power, Leadership, and the Path Forward

November 2025

Group photo of women leaders at the Reykjavík Global Forum standing in front of the Hofdi House in Iceland.
Women leaders from around the world gathered in Reykjavík for the Global Forum — united under the theme “Power, Together for Change.

Last week, I had the honor of attending the Reykjavík Global Forum – Women Leaders, a global gathering of more than 500 innovators, policymakers, and community builders dedicated to this year’s theme: “Power, Together for Change.”

The Forum brings together women from across sectors — government, nonprofit, business, diplomacy, academia — united by the belief that when women lead, communities thrive. Standing in that room, surrounded by women who are shaping the next era of leadership, was both humbling and profoundly energizing.

I’m deeply grateful to Running Start and Susannah Wellford for making this opportunity possible. Their support continues to fuel my commitment to gender equity, public service, and building a world where women not only access leadership — but sustain it, grow it, and use it to open doors for others.

Two women standing together and smiling in front of the Reykjavik Global Forum “Women Leaders” backdrop.
Jess Murphy at the Reykjavik Global Forum, connecting with women leaders from around the world.

A Renewed Sense of Purpose

This conference didn’t just inspire me — it clarified my mission.

As a millennial woman who has worked across public service, housing, community development, and global leadership spaces, I believe our generation has a responsibility to step forward with courage. We cannot wait for permission to lead. We cannot wait for systems to fix themselves. We must shape the future we want to inherit.

Listening to women from different continents share their experiences — their challenges, victories, and visions — reminded me why I chose a path of service in the first place.

It affirmed my belief that:

  • Leadership belongs to those closest to the challenges.
  • Collaboration is the most powerful tool we have.
  • And the future will be built by those willing to do the work.

These principles guide everything I do — including my decision to run for Congress.

Women leaders from around the world standing together in a historic chamber during the Reykjavik Global Forum.
At the Reykjavik Global Forum, Jess Murphy joined women leaders from multiple countries to exchange insights she’s bringing back to NY-02.

Bringing Global Insights Home to Long Island

The lessons from Reykjavík extend far beyond the conference walls. They strengthen my vision for NY-02:

  • A Long Island where families can afford to stay and build their futures
  • A community where women’s leadership isn’t the exception — it’s the norm
  • A district that leads on affordability, opportunity, and equity
  • A generation that refuses to settle for “the way things have always been”

Leadership is a global conversation — but its impact begins at home.

I am committed to bringing the insights, connections, and solutions from Reykjavík into my work with our communities here on Long Island. Together, we can build something stronger, fairer, and full of possibility.

This isn’t just a moment. It’s a movement. And I’m ready to continue that movement with all of you.

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