HOBOKEN, NJ (Feb. 19, 2026) – In honor of NYFW, W Hoboken continued to amplify the voice of women who challenge the status quo with the return of its annual What She Said speaker series. Co-presented with Modern Day Wife, the acclaimed platform redefining modern womanhood through curated conversations, community, and culture, the latest installment of the event took place last Sunday, February 15.
The event featured an evening of empowering and educational conversations with celebrities, creators, CEOs, designers, and founders who are breaking the mold, pushing the limits, and inspiring others along the way. The event is presented in partnership with New Beauty Magazine, Gurus Magazine, and The Knockturnal, and nearly 1000 attendees.
Lifestyle Panel (L-R): Meghan Fialkoff, Chelsea Keller, Wendy Quintero, Lauren Ben-Meir, Samantha Giordano, Diypse Duman, and Meagan Ayres-Elieff | Photo by @marafriedmanphoto
Business and Entrepreneurship Panel (L-R): Meghan Fialkoff, Holly Swenson, Taylor Stanzione, Zoe Snow, Erica Hollingdrake Weir, Ashley Holt, Patrick Mitchell, Rhonda Swan, and Meagan Ayres-Elieff | Photo by @marafriedmanphoto
Culture and Living Panel (L-R): Meghan Fialkoff, Derek Warburton, Kara Francis, Kimberley Kim, Rose Marie, Dr. Bari Posner, Noël Del Viscio, Claudia Roesing, and Meagan Ayres-Elieff | Photo by @kevindalephotography
Beauty and Wellness Panel (L-R): Meghan Fialkoff, Lara Eurdolian, Gail Frayna, Bill Wiedemann, Patricia Gallardo, Cindy Yates, Christine Gatto, Dr. Alex Zusin, and Meagan Ayres-Elieff | Photo by @kevindalephotography
Innovation Panel (L-R): Meghan Fialkoff, Lauren Goldenberg, Lisa Easton, Jorge H. Ruiz, Rebecca Bertoldi, Nella Ciarapica, Lindsey Alm, and Meagan Ayres-Elieff | Photo by @marafriedmanphoto
Additionally, among the successful panelists, Hannah Wright, Winner of Love Island, spoke at the event along with Influencer Davide De Pierro (aka Davi D); Eleonora Srugo, Cast of Netflix’s Selling the City; and Actress and Content Creator, Catherine Bradley.
CELEBRITY PANEL | Photo by @kevindalephotography
(L-R): Meghan Fialkoff, Hannah Wright, Eleonora Srugo, Davi D, Catherine Bradley, and Chelsea Keller | Photo by @marafriedmanphoto
On top of that, attendees also enjoyed a fashion show, live entertainment, a tutorial featuring Lavinia Errico, Co-Founder of Equinox, and Ryan Chen, Founder and CEO of CRWD, and exclusive pop-up shops with over-the-top photo opportunities that captured the dynamic evening.
(L-R): Meagan Ayres-Elieff, Lavinia Errico, Ryan Chen, and Meghan Fialkoff | Photo by @marafriedmanphoto
Moreover, exhibitors included Lumara, providing best-in-class red light therapy, and EpicLight Beauty, a skin-first, age-defying makeup brand with formulas clinically powered to give a lit-from-within glow.
Bill Wiedemann, CEO & Founder of Lumara Systems, explaining the wonders of Lumara VISO | Photo by @marafriedmanphoto
EpicLight Beauty Booth | Photo by @marafriedmanphoto
Furthermore, speakers and fashion show models were pampered by PiperBlue Cosmetics organic products, providing beauty without compromise, and Salon Gatto, full service hair salon providing master styling backstage. Together, these partners helped bring the Modern Day Wife vision to life through elevated beauty, wellness, and experiential touchpoints that align with the brand’s refined aesthetic and values.
Fashion Show Models were pampered by PiperBlue Cosmetics | Photo by @kevindalephotography
Salon Gatto providing master styling to a participant | Photo by @marafriedmanphoto
What She Said is a W Hotels & Resorts-branded series featuring conversations among women that celebrate individuality, inclusivity, and honesty, tackling the issues of today from work, love, play, and everything in between. The platform cultivates community with open conversations that inspire, educate, and enlighten.
Meagan Elieff and Meghan Fialkoff, Founders of Modern Day Wife, MCed the event as they begin their 2026 Event Tour for NYFW, and will continue on with stops at the Fairmont Chicago for Women’s Month, W Miami for Miami Swim Week, Sofitel Beverly Hills, W Dallas, and W Scottsdale. Each event celebrates women in all facets of life from career, relationships, motherhood, beauty, wellnes,s and fashion, and includes speaker panels, pop-ups, brand experiences, and a fashion show.
“We’re incredibly excited to bring this event and tour to communities across the country,” said Founders Meghan Fialkoff and Meagan Elieff. “This has always been about creating meaningful, shared experiences, and being able to offer this on a national level is a powerful moment for us and for the communities that have supported our vision from the beginning.”
Meagan Ayres-Elieff & Meghan Fialkoff, Modern Day Wife Founders | Photo by @marafriedmanphoto
About W Hoboken
W Hoboken marks a bold transformation of the brand’s presence on the Hudson, redefining luxury lifestyle hospitality just across from New York City. This reimagined urban retreat, where a sophisticated maritime aesthetic meets the city’s industrial roots, features 223 guest rooms including 20 Superior Suites and two design-forward Penthouses. A cultural hub for guests and locals alike, W Hoboken boasts three distinct culinary and social destinations: the signature Living Room Bar, the farm-to-table Halifax, and the high-end Sushi by Bou. Located on the vibrant Hoboken waterfront, W Hoboken provides guests with unparalleled access to the “Sixth Borough’s” eclectic dining and nightlife, while remaining just one stop away from Manhattan via the PATH or NY Waterway Ferry. Signature services and amenities include the iconic Whatever/Whenever® concierge service, FIT® fitness center, Woodhouse Day Spa, and the P.A.W. – Pets Are Welcome™ program. For more information, visit www.whoboken.
About Modern Day Wife
The Modern Day Wife is a dynamic global community and lifestyle brand dedicated to empowering modern women to flourish in their careers, relationships, homes, and personal journeys. Grounded in authenticity and growth, MDW fosters connection, learning, and upliftment for women in every stage of life! At the helm are visionary leaders and entrepreneurs, Meghan Fialkoff and Meagan Elieff, whose combined passion for women’s holistic success has shaped MDW into a meaningful force.
Meagan Ayres-Elieff & Meghan Fialkoff, Modern Day Wife Founders | Photo by @marafriedmanphoto
