Chicago WomenRising Spring 2026

A Half-Day Chicago Women's Leadership & Empowerment Conference

May 11, 2026, 2026, 12 pm - 3 pm Central | Live Virtual Event

Rise. Lead. Thrive.

Early-Bird $50 Discount Ends Soon!

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Join hundreds of ambitious, high-achieving businesswomen across industries for WomenRising 2026—a dynamic half-day virtual conference designed to empower, elevate, and ignite the next chapter of your leadership journey.

Whether you're aiming for the next promotion, navigating complex leadership dynamics, or simply seeking renewed purpose, this is your moment to rise.

Powerhouse Speakers

Miranda Fulk

Managing DirectorNorthwestern Mutual

Liz Schwartz

Executive Director, US Policy & Govt RelationsMerck & Co.

Gabrielle Howard

DirectorProcter & Gamble

Tamara Robinson

Senior DirectorRedfin

Mona Raju

Manager of Global Learning & DevelopmentNissan

Elizabeth Mansfield

Senior DirectorPinterest

Kate Nowak

Head of Customer SuccessSAP

Britney Young

Senior Technical Product ManagerAmazon Web Services (AWS)

Rachel Hurley

DirectorBayer

Erin Baber-Sherwood

HR Response PartnerPaychex

🎤 Transformational Keynotes

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Resist the Call to Play Small: Leading with Authenticity.

Erin Baber-Sherwood

HR Response Partner at Paychex

Discover how embracing your authentic voice can become your greatest leadership advantage. This keynote will inspire attendees to lead boldly, show up fully, and make an impact without shrinking to fit expectations.

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Hacking Your Brain for Health and Happiness.

Mona Raju

Manager Global Learning & Development at Nissan.

Explore practical strategies to rewire your mindset for greater well-being, resilience, and joy. Attendees will leave with actionable tools to improve mental fitness and create healthier, happier daily habits.

Panels with Candid Truths

🧘‍♀️

When It’s Time to Pivot: Reinventing Yourself Without Starting Over

Leaders from Bayer, Nissan, Pinterest, Northwestern Mutual, and Merck.

Hear how accomplished women have navigated major career and life shifts while building on the strengths they already had. This conversation will offer fresh perspective on reinvention, growth, and making your next move with confidence.

💎

Behind Every Great Woman: The Power of Mentors & Sponsors

Leaders from Procter & Gamble, Amazon Web Services, Redfin and SAP.

Learn why mentors and sponsors are essential to career advancement and personal growth. This panel will highlight how powerful relationships can open doors, amplify potential, and help women rise together.

Why Attend WomenRising?

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Top-tier women leaders sharing candid stories and actionable advice

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Zero fluff—only real talk from women who've been there

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Network digitally with like-minded, driven professionals

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Leave recharged, refocused, and reconnected to your potential

Full Conference Agenda

12:00 PM

Keynote: Resist the Call to Play Small: Leading with Authenticity.

Erin Baber-Sherwood

HR Response Partner Paychex

12:30 PM

Panel: When It’s Time to Pivot: Reinventing Yourself Without Starting Over.

Rachel Hurley

Director, US State and Local Government Affairs Bayer

Mona Raju

Manager Global Learning & Development Nissan

Elizabeth Mansfield

Senior Director Pinterest

Miranda Fulk

Managing Director Northwestern Mutual

Liz Schwartz

Executive Director Merck & Co

1:15 PM

Keynote: Hacking Your Brain for Health and Happiness.

Mona Raju

Manager Global Learning & Development Nissan

1:45 PM

Panel: When It’s Time to Pivot: Reinventing Yourself Without Starting Over.

Anu Kharadkar

Global Strategy Director Sherwin-Williams

Karen Van Every

Head of Product Design CNN

Diana Roberts

Sr Director Ricoh

Leslie Hefter

Sr. Director DHL eCommerce

Vasudhara Kantroo

Senior Director Dropbox

What Past Attendees Say

★★★★★ 4.9 Google Verified Business Reviews

"Inspiring speakers who motivate us all to build our relationships with our fellow women leaders."

- Jolene Vos-Camy, Calvin University

"I highly recommend this community for all women."

- Giselle Sandy-Phillips, Constellation

"Great webinar topics and speakers! Looking forward to more ..."

- Dolly Greenhalgh, Playworks

"The meetings are always valuable to me."

- Julie Mobley, Cullman Internal Medicine

"The speakers are really great. They offer practical advice and inspiration for women in the workplace."

- Krista Bednorz, Wayne & Roberts

"Came through again with meaningful content that was a valuable use of my time."

- Maria McWilliams, Vanderlande

"Really enjoy the speakers and the connection to other women leaders. Valuable group."

- Shannon McVeigh, RSM Enterprises

"Great thought provoking presentations."

- Tamaki Stratman, The Historical Society

Buyer's Guide: How To Choose the Right Women's Leadership Conference or Summit.

1. Criteria in Choosing a Women's Leadership Conference or Summit.

A women's leadership conference is only partly about the stage. The real value is not in trying to absorb every slide, every panel, and every keynote; it is in using the event as a live map of what serious leaders are thinking about right now. The most effective attendees arrive with a point of view and a short list of questions they want answered: Which leadership challenge am I trying to solve? Which assumptions do I need to pressure-test? Who in this room sees the future earlier than I do? That shift matters. Once you stop treating the conference like a fire hose of content and start treating it like a focused leadership lab, your decisions get better. You choose sessions more deliberately, listen for recurring themes, and use hallway conversations to test ideas in real time. A strong conference outcome is not “I attended everything.” It is “I left with one sharper strategic idea, a handful of meaningful relationships, and a clearer sense of what to do next.”

That kind of outcome begins before you ever put on your badge. Effective attendees do their homework. They study the agenda, identify the sessions most likely to challenge their thinking, and make a priority list of people they genuinely want to meet. Then they reach out early. A short note before the event can do more than a dozen awkward introductions onsite: it lets you pre-introduce yourself, suggest a coffee, or simply tell someone you plan to attend their session. Just as important, do not overschedule every minute. Leave room for serendipity, because leadership conferences often become most valuable in the spaces between formal sessions. Build in white space for a conversation that runs long, a speaker you want to approach, or an impromptu lunch with someone who sees your industry from a different angle. The best attendees are prepared, but they are not rigid; they create structure so they can take advantage of surprise.

Once you are there, your most important tool is not your business card. It is your ability to explain who you are in a way that is clear, memorable, and relevant. Too many attendees answer “What do you do?” with a job title and a dead end. A better answer is a short “movie trailer” of your work: what you lead, what problem you are trying to solve, and why it matters now. Pair that with a small repertoire of questions that invite real conversation rather than polite noise. Asking what brought someone to this conference, what issue is taking more leadership time than it should, or what they are seeing change in their organization quickly moves the exchange from small talk to substance. Even for introverts, this approach works because it replaces performance with curiosity. You do not have to impress the room. You have to help one person at a time feel that the conversation with you was worth having.

That is why the smartest conference attendees work the room humanly, not theatrically. They do not try to become the loudest networker in the ballroom. They focus on a series of thoughtful, one-to-one exchanges, and they use good business etiquette to make those exchanges easy for everyone else. They know how to enter a group without hijacking it, introduce people to one another, shift conversations gracefully, and exit without awkwardness. They pay attention to small details because small details signal leadership maturity. They listen more than they speak. They notice who asks the sharpest questions from the audience. They treat coffee lines, post-session clusters, and shared tables as openings rather than inconveniences. And when they meet someone interesting, they capture a quick note afterward so the conversation does not dissolve into the blur of the day. A leadership conference rewards energy, yes, but it rewards composure, attentiveness, and generosity even more.

It also rewards people who understand that networking is not a numbers game. The point is not to collect the most contacts; it is to strengthen the right mix of relationships. Some of the most valuable people you meet will not be the headline speakers or the obvious power players. They may be peers wrestling with the same management problem, operators from adjacent industries, rising leaders with fresh pattern recognition, or connectors who know worlds you do not. So go broad enough to avoid an echo chamber, and generous enough to be useful. Offer a relevant introduction. Share an article, a framework, or a data point. Ask, “How can I help?” with sincerity, not theater. Authenticity matters because people can feel the difference between someone building a relationship and someone merely working a room. Leadership conferences create a rare temporary community; the attendees who benefit most are the ones who contribute to that community while they are in it.

The final test of conference effectiveness comes after the flight home. If you do not process the event quickly, even excellent conversations decay into vague good intentions. Block time within a day or two to review your notes, organize the contacts you made, and decide what each relationship actually needs next. Some people deserve an immediate follow-up tied to a specific opportunity. Some belong in a smaller group of relationships worth deepening over time. Others may only call for a brief note of appreciation and a connection request with context. The follow-up itself should be short, specific, and personal: remind them what you discussed, deliver any resource you promised, and suggest a natural next step. That simple discipline is where conference value compounds. The real return on attending a leadership conference is not measured by how busy you felt while you were there. It is measured by which ideas you acted on, which relationships continued, and how much better you lead because you went.

2. Key Questions to Answer Before Selecting a Women's Leadership Conference and Summit.

Is this women's leadership conference aligned with my goals?
Yes--clearly define your primary objective (e.g., networking, skill-building, advancement) and ensure the agenda emphasizes practical outcomes, not just inspiration; the strongest conferences explicitly map sessions to real career use cases and future growth paths.

Who is the audience--and do I belong there?
You should see a strong match between your career stage and the attendee profile, with a mix of peers (for shared learning), senior leaders (for mentorship), and diverse industries if cross-pollination is valuable to you.

How strong and relevant are the speakers?
Prioritize conferences featuring accomplished practitioners with real leadership experience, not just recognizable names--look for speakers known for actionable insights and a range of perspectives that reflect different paths to leadership.

What is the quality of networking opportunities?
The best events intentionally design networking through structured formats (roundtables, small groups), making it easy to build meaningful connections rather than leaving interactions to chance in large, impersonal settings.

Is the content practical and actionable?
High-quality conferences balance inspiration with execution, offering workshops, frameworks, and tools you can immediately apply, rather than relying solely on panels or keynote speeches.
v Who is organizing it--and what’s their reputation?
Choose conferences hosted by well-known publishers, universities, or respected associations with a track record of consistent, well-reviewed events and strong attendee satisfaction.
v What is the format and experience like?
Select a format (in-person, virtual, hybrid) that fits your goals, and consider event size and pacing--smaller or well-structured events often provide deeper engagement and better opportunities to connect.

What’s the ROI (return on investment)?
Evaluate whether the cost aligns with tangible benefits like skills gained, quality of connections, and career impact--and ensure you can clearly articulate this value if seeking employer support.

Are there opportunities for visibility or participation?
Look for events that allow you to actively contribute--through speaking, mentoring, or facilitated sessions--which can significantly increase your visibility and long-term value from attending.

What happens after the conference?
The strongest conferences extend beyond the event itself, offering ongoing communities, resources, and follow-up opportunities that help you sustain relationships and continue learning.

3. Directory of Women's Leadership Conferences and Summits Near Me.

State	Event City	Women's Leadership and Empowerment Conference Name	Planning Organization	Format	Review
Illinois	Alsip	DREAMERS Womens Networking & Celebration - Chicago		In-person	This event looks inspiring for women who want practical business and career insight, visible role models and uplifting recognition, and creative expression and community.
Illinois	Bloomington	Illinois Ladies Conference 2026	Illinois Ladies Ministries	In-person	This conference looks strong for women who want spiritual encouragement and sisterhood, meaningful connections, and clear next-step momentum.
Illinois	Carbondale	Be Still: A Womens Conference presented by Steady On LIVE		In-person	This conference looks valuable for women who want restorative reflection and personal renewal, meaningful connections, and energizing follow-up ideas and relationships.
Illinois	Carbondale	Illinois ACE Womens Network (ILAWN) Conference 2026	Illinois ACE Womens Network	In-person	This conference looks strong for women who want practical business and career insight, meaningful connections, and energizing follow-up ideas and relationships.
Illinois	Chicago	Modern Healthcare Leading Women Conference & Awards	Modern Healthcare / Crain Communications	In-person	Healthcare executives may value the focused discussions on leadership, equity, and navigating complex industry change alongside top peers.
Illinois	Chicago	2026 EmpowHer:100 Successful Women at the Table		In-person	This event looks worthwhile for women who want fresh ideas, meaningful connections, and fresh collaborations and encouragement.
Illinois	Chicago	2026: Conversations, Connections & Community	Womens Business Development Center	In-person	This event looks appealing for women who want practical business and career insight, approachable networking and relationship-building, and clear next-step momentum.
Illinois	Chicago	Chicago Women Entrepreneurs Mastermind Meet Up	Chicago Women Entrepreneurs Community	In-person	This workshop-style event looks useful for women who want practical business and career insight, approachable networking and relationship-building, and practical follow-up conversations after the event.
Illinois	Chicago	Chicago Women Entrepreneurs Visionary Gathering	Chicago Women Visionary Entrepreneurs	In-person	This event looks helpful for women who want practical business and career insight, leadership growth and confidence, and approachable networking and relationship-building.
Illinois	Chicago	Chicago Women In Business Networking	MCWEN	In-person	This event looks helpful for women who want practical business and career insight, meaningful connections, and an easy environment for building relationships.
Illinois	Chicago	Chicago Womens History Conference 2026	Chicago Womens History Center	In-person	This conference looks strong for women who want creative expression and community, meaningful connections, and a stronger sense of confidence and connection.
Illinois	Chicago	Chicago Womens Leadership Accelerator	Chicago Womens Leadership Accelerator	In-person	This event looks worthwhile for women who want leadership growth and confidence, meaningful connections, and fresh collaborations and encouragement.
Illinois	Chicago	Crain's Chicago Business Women of Note Luncheon 2024	Crain's Chicago Business	In-person	Women looking for bold role models and thoughtful conversation would likely enjoy this luncheon's focus on leaders taking big risks, driving change, and discussing women's equity and advancement.
Illinois	Chicago	Crain's Chicago Women of Influence Lunch 2026	Crain's Chicago Business	In-person	This luncheon pairs Chicago-focused inspiration with meaningful connection, making it attractive for women who want to meet influential leaders and leave with fresh ideas and momentum.
Illinois	Chicago	Public Speaking for Women Leaders - 1 Day Training in Chicago, IL	Mangates	In-person	This event looks appealing for women who want leadership growth and confidence, hands-on discussion and practical next steps, and clear next-step momentum.
Illinois	Chicago	Women in Business, Startups, Professionals Social Networking Event Chicago	Business Minds Events	In-person	This event looks helpful for women who want practical business and career insight, approachable networking and relationship-building, and an easy environment for building relationships.
Illinois	Chicago	Women in Tech Chicago 2026	Women in Tech Chicago	In-person	This event looks worthwhile for women who want field-specific tech perspective, meaningful connections, and fresh collaborations and encouragement.
Illinois	Chicago	Women Mean Business 2026	NAWBO Chicago	In-person	This event looks worthwhile for women who want practical business and career insight, meaningful connections, and fresh collaborations and encouragement.
Illinois	Chicago	WRISE Leadership Forum	Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy	In-person	This event looks worthwhile for women who want leadership growth and confidence, meaningful connections, and fresh collaborations and encouragement.
Illinois	Naperville	International Women of Influence Luncheon		In-person	This celebration looks uplifting for women who want leadership growth and confidence, visible role models and uplifting recognition, and a celebratory atmosphere that spotlights women making an impact.
Illinois	Nauvoo	Nauvoo Womens Retreat 2026		In-person	This retreat looks especially helpful for women who want restorative reflection and personal renewal, meaningful connections, and a setting that feels restorative and supportive.
Illinois	OFallon	Women In Business Meet Up & Business Values Workshop	A Creative Balance	In-person	This gathering looks helpful for women who want practical business and career insight, approachable networking and relationship-building, and hands-on discussion and practical next steps.
Illinois	Poplar Grove	Iron Sharpens Iron Womens Conference		In-person	This conference looks strong for women who want fresh ideas, meaningful connections, and clear next-step momentum.
Illinois	Rockford	Original Conference 2026	Original Conference	In-person	This conference looks valuable for women who want encouraging peer energy, meaningful connections, and energizing follow-up ideas and relationships.
Illinois	Springfield	IWIL Symposium	Illinois Women in Leadership	In-person	This event looks worthwhile for women who want leadership growth and confidence, meaningful connections, and fresh collaborations and encouragement.
Illinois	Springfield	Womens Business Showcase	Women Entrepreneurs - Central Illinois	In-person	This event looks appealing for women who want practical business and career insight, meaningful connections, and clear next-step momentum.
Illinois	Virtual	HER 6-Figure Networking Circle	Network Her Way Meetup Group - Chicagoland	Virtual	This gathering looks helpful for women who want practical business and career insight, approachable networking and relationship-building, and an approachable format for honest discussion; the virtual format makes it easier to join from anywhere without gi
Illinois	Virtual	HER Networking Master Class	Network Her Way Meetup Group - Chicagoland	Virtual	This gathering looks helpful for women who want practical business and career insight, approachable networking and relationship-building, and hands-on discussion and practical next steps; the virtual format makes it easier to join from anywhere without gi
Illinois	Virtual	Leadership Development for Women	Illinois Department of Human Rights	Virtual	This event looks appealing for women who want profession-specific perspective, leadership growth and confidence, and hands-on discussion and practical next steps; the virtual format makes it easier to join from anywhere without giving up the sense of conn
Illinois	Virtual	SheNetworks - Virtual Jobs and Career Networking	Chicago Career Club	Virtual	This gathering looks appealing for women who want practical business and career insight, approachable networking and relationship-building, and real conversations and new collaborations; the virtual format makes it easier to join from anywhere without giv
Illinois	Virtual	Unfiltered & Unstoppable: A Womens Mastermind	Collaberex Self Development Business Community - Chicago	Virtual	This gathering looks helpful for women who want practical business and career insight, approachable networking and relationship-building, and an approachable format for honest discussion; the virtual format makes it easier to join from anywhere without gi
Illinois	Virtual	Virtual Speed Networking HER Way	Network Her Way Meetup Group - Chicagoland	Virtual	This event looks helpful for women who want practical business and career insight, approachable networking and relationship-building, and an easy environment for building relationships; the virtual format makes it easier to join from anywhere without givi
Illinois	Virtual	WomenRising 2026 - A Half-Day Leadership Conference	Illinois Women Leaders Association	Virtual	This conference looks valuable for women who want a focused burst of leadership insight, encouraging peer energy, and practical ideas they can carry back into work and community; the virtual format makes it easier to join from anywhere without giving up t

4. Locations Served by The Women Leaders Association Conference.

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A Half-Day Chicago Women's Leadership & Empowerment Conference

Rise. Lead. Thrive.

Powerhouse Speakers

🎤 Transformational Keynotes

Resist the Call to Play Small: Leading with Authenticity.

Hacking Your Brain for Health and Happiness.

Panels with Candid Truths

When It’s Time to Pivot: Reinventing Yourself Without Starting Over

Behind Every Great Woman: The Power of Mentors & Sponsors

Why Attend WomenRising?

Full Conference Agenda

What Past Attendees Say

Register Now Risk-Free

Buyer's Guide: How To Choose the Right Women's Leadership Conference or Summit.

1. Criteria in Choosing a Women's Leadership Conference or Summit.

2. Key Questions to Answer Before Selecting a Women's Leadership Conference and Summit.

3. Directory of Women's Leadership Conferences and Summits Near Me.

4. Locations Served by The Women Leaders Association Conference.

5. Useful Articles & Resources.