Nanette Lepore, who turned a $5,000 stake into a thriving fashion company, will be the featured speaker at ACG New York’s Women of Leadership Summit on Jan. 23.

The event, being held at the Time/Life Conference Center by New York’s largest association of dealmakers, will bring together women in the middle market deal-making community for an afternoon of networking and knowledge sharing, including a series of breakout session panels. The evening event will be an open session for the entire ACG New York community, featuring a keynote address plus additional networking.

“This program reflects ACG New York’s commitment to expanding the presence of women members,” noted Michelle Van Hellemont, director of business development at Accordion Partners and chairman of ACG New York’s Women’s Outreach Committee. “Our women membership has grown from three percent of all members in 2003 to 17% in 2013. As the presence of women in finance continues to grow, both within ACG New York and beyond, we will focus on a variety of key issues influencing current markets and hear the perspectives of high-impact women leaders about how to be positioned for future success.”

Known for her bold colors, evocative prints and signature silhouettes, Nanette Lepore has become one of the leading names in contemporary American fashion. Born in Youngstown, OH, Lepore married painter Robert Savage and headed east to New York City. Outfitted with only her talent, tenacity and a $5,000 loan from her father, Nanette launched her label in New York City’s Garment Center. Today, her designs are admired by style makers and celebrities alike, including Michelle Obama, Nicki Minaj, Scarlett Johansson, Taylor Swift, Abigail Breslin, Blake Lively, Arianna Huffington, Carly Rae Jepsen and Kristin Chenoweth. Major retail chains carry her products, and her boutiques are to be found not only in New York but Los Angeles, Boston, Las Vegas; Bal Harbour, FL, London and Tokyo. Her name has grown into an international brand that offers women’s apparel, swimwear, accessories and fragrance. After considering her options for sale during 2013, Lepore continues to operate independently. Her story will be explored through a fireside chat with Mergers & Acquisitions editor-in-chief Mary Kathleen Flynn.

Currently scheduled breakout sessions include “Private Equity and It’s Role as an Asset Class,” “M&A Outlook for Deal Sourcing,” “Women in Finance,” “M&A Sector Update: Focus B2B” and “M&A Sector Update: Focus B2C.”

Attendees are expected to include senior-level executives from middle- market companies, private equity firms, investment bankers, lenders, M&A advisors, attorneys, accountants and business consultants.

The event will be held at the Time/Life Building on Jan. 23 from noon to 7 p.m. The event is open to ACG New York members and the public.