The Global Motherhood Leadership Summit was founded by Dr. Yanli He, who holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership. Dr. Yanli He’s scholarship focuses on leadership traits, virtual team leadership, women’s leadership, and organizational longevity. Her doctoral research, “A Phenomenological Study Exploring the Influence of Leadership Traits on Virtual Teams’ Performance & Sustainability to Achieve Longevity in Silicon Valley,” identified 16 specific leadership traits that correlate with virtual teams’ longevity, offering a systematic and empirical bridge between traditional leadership theory and modern digital/AI‑driven workplaces.

In 2024, Dr. Yanli He applied these 16 leadership traits to the context of motherhood. Dr. Yanli He highlighted the unique traits and perspectives that mothers contribute to their families, workplaces, and communities. Likewise, leadership behaviors and skills developed in professional environments empower mothers to resolve family conflicts, nurture healthy relationships, and lead with wisdom at home.

In that same year, Dr. Yanli He transformed her work into real-world impact by launching the inaugural Global Motherhood Leadership Summit (GMLS), held from September 28–30 in Miami, Florida. GMLS 2024 centered on four foundational themes:

• Leadership Traits for Mothers
• Motherhood Leadership Behaviors
• Motherhood Leadership Dynamics in the AI-Driven Era
• Virtual Team Leadership for Mothers