Professional Women’s Conference 2026
You already know you’re ready for more.
The question is—what comes next?
One day. Powerful voices. Practical conversations designed to meet you where you are—and help you move toward where you want to be.
FIND YOUR SESSION
What’s on your mind?
Choose a topic to see the session that speaks to it.
THE MAIN STAGE
Keynote Speakers
Tami Evans
Plot Twist: Turning Uncertainty into Momentum
In this high-energy, laugh-out-loud opening keynote, Tami blends theatrical storytelling, audience interaction and practical insight to help attendees rethink how they respond when plans change, uncertainty shows up and perfectionism gets in the way.
See Tami in actionExplore this keynote
Through stories of unexpected turns, courageous reinvention and perfectionism gone rogue, you will explore how adaptability, resilience, connection and perspective can help you move forward with greater confidence and curiosity. This is not a keynote you simply watch—you become part of the experience.
You’ll leave ready to
- You are navigating change, uncertainty or a season that did not go according to plan.
- You sometimes wait for more certainty before taking the next meaningful step.
- Perfectionism is slowing down creativity, courage or forward motion.
- You want practical ways to become more adaptable and resilient.
- You are ready to leave lighter, braver and more willing to create momentum.
Mimi Brown
OWN YOUR SWAG
Too many high-performing women have learned to shrink their natural strengths, soften their voice or wait for someone else to recognize their value. Mimi Brown challenges that pattern and helps attendees see what makes them different as an advantage—not something to hide.
See Mimi in actionExplore this keynote
In this energetic keynote, Mimi helps you identify your unique SWAG factor, communicate your value with greater confidence and build an authentic executive presence without becoming someone you are not.
You’ll leave ready to
- Recognize the strengths and qualities that make you uniquely influential.
- Stop shrinking, second-guessing or waiting for permission to take up space.
- Communicate your value so others clearly understand your impact.
- Build authentic confidence and stronger executive presence.
- Use what makes you different as an advantage in your career and leadership.
CHOOSE WHAT MOVES YOU FORWARD
Breakout Sessions
Explore the topics that matter most to you.
Amy Henningfield
You Can’t Be What You Can’t See
Too often, talented women underestimate their value, hesitate to pursue new opportunities or wait to be recognized before stepping into leadership.
Session details & bio
What you’ll take away
- Build confidence and increase your professional visibility.
- Recognize opportunities instead of waiting for them.
- Use mentorship and representation to open pathways for others.
About Amy Henningfield
An accomplished leader and advocate for women whose work demonstrates the power of visibility, confidence and creating pathways for others.
Valentine Torres
The Return on Your Time
It’s easy to get caught up in checking off tasks and staying busy, but meaningful career growth comes from intentionally investing your time in the experiences, relationships and opportunities that create long-term impact.
Session details & bio
What you’ll take away
- Identify which opportunities deserve more of your time.
- Balance immediate demands with long-term professional goals.
- Make decisions using a more intentional time-investment framework.
About Valentine Torres
A strategic professional whose perspective helps women move beyond being busy and begin investing their time where it creates the greatest long-term return.
Dr. Nancy Trimboli
Your Presence Is Powerful
Before you speak, your presence is already communicating. The way you respond under pressure, navigate challenges and interact with others shapes trust, influences culture and sets the tone for every relationship you build.
Session details & bio
What you’ll take away
- Understand how your presence affects the people around you.
- Respond with greater intention when pressure is high.
- Use energy, mindset and self-awareness to create positive impact.
About Dr. Nancy Trimboli
A trusted voice in personal growth and intentional living who helps people understand how mindset, energy and self-awareness shape every room they enter.
Teri Healy
Teri Healy LLC
Motivation Gets You Started. Momentum Keeps You Going.
The excitement of a new goal, promotion, business idea or personal commitment can spark action—but lasting success is built long after the motivation fades. In this engaging and practical session, you'll discover why sustainable growth isn't about willpower—it's about creating the mindset, habits and systems that keep you moving forward.
Session details & bio
Whether you're leading a team, growing your career, building a business or investing in yourself, you'll walk away with practical strategies to overcome setbacks, maintain momentum and create meaningful progress that lasts.
What you’ll take away
- Turn motivation into consistent action.
- Build momentum even when life gets busy.
- Break through the obstacles that often derail progress.
- Create sustainable habits that support long-term success.
- Leave with a practical plan to keep growing long after the conference ends.
About Teri Healy
A growth-focused speaker who helps people move beyond a temporary burst of inspiration and create habits, systems and choices that support meaningful personal and professional progress.
Dr. Elizabeth Volini
AI Adoption Leader, JLL
What to Actually Do About AI
A hands-on workshop for professionals who want to stop wondering about AI and start using it. Bring your AI questions and concerns. Elizabeth will cut through the noise with live demos of real workflows, then challenge attendees to set their own AI goals — leaving with a concrete personal plan they can act on the next morning. No technical background required.
Session details & bio
What you’ll take away
- A simple framework for deciding what to hand off to AI and what to keep for yourself.
- Live demos of practical workflows anyone can repeat immediately.
- A personal AI goal you set during the session — with a plan to make it stick.
- What tends to go wrong, and how to keep your own judgment in the loop.
About Dr. Elizabeth Volini
Dr. Elizabeth Volini leads AI adoption at JLL, one of the world's largest commercial real estate companies, where she helps more than 110,000 employees build the skills and confidence they need to work effectively with AI. She holds a Doctorate of Business Administration from DePaul University, where her research focused on how everyday people adopt AI — and how to recognize and navigate AI bias. She continues that work as a Researcher in Residence at DePaul and speaks nationally on AI adoption, responsible AI, and navigating change. Elizabeth also founded and chairs Women Transforming Tech at JLL, a global community of more than 1,000 members across 30 countries. She lives in Valparaiso and is glad to bring this work home to the Northern Indiana professional community.
Amy McCarthy
Senior Talent Development Program Manager, White Lodging
Leading Uncomfortable Conversations
Uncomfortable conversations are part of every workplace. Whether you need to address performance, set a boundary, share difficult feedback or work through a disagreement, how you approach the conversation can determine whether it creates defensiveness—or opens the door to understanding and progress.
Session details & bio
What you’ll take away
- Understand why uncomfortable conversations matter and the choices you have when approaching them.
- Prepare for difficult conversations with greater clarity and intention.
- Use a practical framework to communicate directly, respectfully and effectively.
About Amy McCarthy
A people-development and leadership professional who helps individuals approach difficult conversations with greater clarity, confidence and purpose.
There’s a seat for you.
Wednesday, October 28, 2026 · Blue Chip Casino Hotel Spa · Michigan City, Indiana
Reserve Your Seat