Women Trailblazers Conference
Wednesday, October 22, 2025 | 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
UW-Stevens Point Dreyfus University Center
Business and Leadership, Conferences and Training, See Stevens Point Offerings
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(Mural: Trailblazer by artist Jessie Fritsch​​​)

For Trailblazers Who START NEW THINGS: New Businesses, New Projects, New Social Change

T​railblazing looks different for everyone. Whether you're deep in the work of leading change or just finding your footing, this is a space designed for you — to connect with others who get it, gather real tools and resources, and ignite what comes next in yourself and one another.

Come ready to celebrate the bold work already happening, work through the real challenges, and leave more energized for the road ahead.

Let's rise, lead, and transform — together. Unmuted.

Lead to the Beat of Change. That's the invitation — to move boldly through uncertainty, trust your rhythm, and step confidently into what's next. Join a dynamic community of leaders for a day of inspiration, community and momentum.

This year's conference will challenge you to embrace change with courage.

Across keynotes, breakouts, and spaces designed for real connection, you'll gain fresh perspectives and renewed confidence to lead with purpose.

Let's move forward together —  unapologetically.​

October 28, 2026 | 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
4 p.m. - 5 p.m. (reception)
UWSP Dreyfus University Center ​
Stevens Point, Wisconsin​​

Vision​​

​​The Women Trailblazers​​ Conference will be the catalyst in our state for those looking​​ to start new things, break barriers, foster bold connections, and lead transformative change. By celebrating diverse voices, dissolving silos, and inspiring action, we aim to create a more equitable, inclusive, and empowered future for all. ​

Mission​

The Women Trailblazers Conference, a partnership between the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and women leaders throughout Central Wisconsin, brings our community together to inspire growth, foster collaboration, and ignite bold action. By creating intentional spaces, bringing together multiple perspectives, and providing tools, we inspire attendees to create meaningful impact in their lives and communities. ​​​

​Program Details

​Ou​​​r one-day conference showcases and develops women trailblazers, founders, and entrepreneurs from every sector including professionals, artists, volunteers, students, and parents. ​

Who should attend:

  • You are energized about trailblazing, starting new stuff, or thriving as a founder.
  • You are inspired by or supportive of female trailblazers.
  • You tend towards curiosity, innovation, impact, and taking actions.
  • You are a professional, artist, volunteer, retiree, student, parent, fill in the blank ______. 

Registration​ Information

Pricing: ​$120 Regular | $95 Non-Profit & UWSP Faculty/Staff |​ $50 UWSP Student

Want to bring your friends or colleagues?  Purchase a table of 8 at a discounted rate of $800.​​​​​

Keynote Speaker |​ Anne Bonney

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Authority On Change Management And Host Of Dancing In The Discomfort Zone Podcast

Anne Bonney is a fun and energetic international motivational keynote speaker and trainer. She is also an authority on Change Management, author of 2 books on embracing the discomforts of change, podcast host of Dancing in the Discomfort Zone Podcast, and an experienced in-person, virtual and hybrid workshop facilitator.

After 20 years in highly successful corporate ad non-profit leadership positions, Anne now uses her experience, education, and expertise to ignite YOUR Courage, Confidence and Resilience in the face of the discomfort of change, courageous communication and emotional intelligence. You’d better turn on the AC because this “ball of fire” will light you up with fun and relevant stories, time-tested knowledge and immediately applicable strategies to make a difference for you, your team, and your organization. 

This spunky little redhead shares business lessons from her crazy life experiences, which arms her with relatable and hilariously memorable stories from growing up overseas, running international marathons, animal training, morale building tours to the military in Iraq, volunteering at an elephant sanctuary and singing opera at a performing arts school and yes- there’s more. You won’t want to miss Anne’s session as Anne is a mindset shifting motivator who fires people up to catalyze powerful change in their lives, their teams and their organizations​. ​

Opportunity for Waived Registration ​

Registration fees can be waived for qualifying small businesses, thanks to a partnership between the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), UW’s Office for Business & Entrepreneurship, and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at UW-Stevens Point.

You must meet one of the requirements to apply for this:

  1. Small Business: An owner, employee, or staff member of a WI-based business currently operating (no pre-venture) with less than 500 employees.​​​
  2. ​MSBB Recipient: An owner, employee, or staff member of an organization that received a Main Street Bounceback Grant in 2021 or 2022.  
Visit the site below to learn more about this opportunity! 

If you have any questions about this waived opportunity, please email the Small Business Development Center at uwspce-sbdc@uwsp.edu​. 

Trailblazer Inner Circle Access

Inner Circle Access reserves your place in our earliest communications and exclusive opportunities!

What it means:

  • Early registration window (get registration link 48 hours before public registration) 
  • Early agenda and speaker previews (get a sneak peek of a few breakout sessions before registration opens)
  • Recognition as early supporter

Want early access to insider updates before they’re shared with the public? Join now to be the first to receive conference news and gain early access to official registration.​

Want to Be Involved​ as a Sponsor or Exhibitor?​​

We want to make our conference cost as assessible as we can and we can only do that with the generous support from our sponsors. Please support women in leadership and business by supporting our e​​​vent! 

Sponsorship Opportunities: 

​​​​ WTC Sponsorships

We offer a variety of sponsorship opportunities designed to fit organizations of every size and budget. Whether you’re looking to make a major impact or support the event at a smaller level, there is a meaningful way to partner with us.

Our goal is to build long-lasting partnerships that extend beyond a single event. We value sponsors as collaborators and strive to create opportunities that provide mutual benefit through visibility, engagement, community impact, and meaningful connections with attendees and regional leaders. Together, we can create an experience that not only supports your organizational goals, but also strengthens our community and empowers future growth.​

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​Exhibition Opportunities- Coming Soon!
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For more information on sponsorships, please contact uwspce.leadership@uwsp.edu.​​

2026 Conference ​Schedule​

8 - 9 a.m. | Networking, Coffee, and Check-in
​Start this energizing day off with coffee, breakfast and connections!​​ Visit the exhibitors and check out our photo booth.​​ ​

9 - 9:15 a.m. | Welcome

Opening Welcome

​​​​Conference host will welcome all attendees, recognize our sponsors and presenters, and introduce our Trailblazers Spotlight to the stage.

9:15 - 9:45 a.m. | Trailblazers Spotlight

​​​Trailblazers Spotlight 

​To be announced.


9:45 - 10 a.m. | Keynote Introduction

Keynote Introduction

Join us for an inspiring keynote that will spark reflection, deepen connection, and challenge us to lead with authenticity, purpose, and courage. 

10 - 11 a.m. | Keynote

PUNCH IT MARGARET!®: Dancing Through Discomfort, Change, and The Messy Middle with Anne Bonney 


Change is unavoidable, but navigating it doesn’t have to feel paralyzing. In this high-energy keynote, Change Leadership Authority Anne Bonney delivers practical tools, bold insights, and empowering strategies to help you face uncertainty with confidence and resilience. With humor, relatable stories, and actionable takeaways, Anne will inspire you to embrace the challenges of uncertainty and dance through the discomforts that change brings​. ​

11 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Exhibit Hall

Visit and interact with the exhibitors, snap a pic at​ our photo booth, and connect with fellow attendees!​

12 - 1:15 p.m. | Lunch Program and Networking

To be announced.​

1:15 - 1:30 p.m. | Break

Enjoy a short break!​​

1:30 - 2:30 | Breakout Session 1

To be announced.

2:30 - 2:45 | Break

Enjoy a short break!​

2:45 - 3:45 | Breakout Session 2

​To be announced. 

3:45 - 3:50 | Break

​Enjoy a short break!

3:50 - 4:05 p.m. | Closing Remarks

Closing Event

​We will conclude the conference with meaningful closing remarks that bring our shared experiences full circle and leave you grounded, affirmed, and ready to honor your journey​.

4:05 - 5 p.m. | Networking Reception

Join us for some light beverages and appetizers provided by UWSP Catering while making new connections with women trailblazers, entrepreneurs, leaders, and other attendees. ​

Additional Conference Information

Learn More About Our Speakers

More information coming soon! ​

Point Out Loud: Women Trailblazers Podcast

The "Women Trailblazers" podcast is brought to you by the Ruth E. Salzmann Center for Women's Leadership at University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, celebrating women leading change and amplifying their voices. Each episode takes you on an empowering journey through the inspiring narratives of trailblazing UW-Stevens Point women who are boldly shaping their communities and industries. These leaders embody strength, resilience, and a fierce commitment to gender equity.

Join Podcast co-hosts Lyna Matesi and Kelsy Saldivar as they talk with leaders who are making a BIG impact in their communities, Wisconsin and the world.

Listeners will discover how women are forging their own paths in various industries and sectors by fearlessly navigating challenges, shattering stereotypes and embracing vulnerability. The podcast highlights the power of community, collaboration and mentorship, emphasizing that by supporting each other, women can collectively create a more welcoming and equitable world. It's a vibrant call to action, encouraging everyone to trust their "little girl dreams," make intentional choices, and impact change through both grand visions and small, consistent steps. This podcast is your inspiration to keep leading, keep thriving and keep making a difference.

​The Women Trailblazers Podcast is a product of the Point Out Loud Podcast Initiative, aiming to platform and empower women experts on the UWSP campus and beyond. All series are available for streaming on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.   

​
Tune in to the podcast!

‭(Hidden)‬ Salzmann Food Drive

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​​Planning Committee

  • ​Carie Winn, Outreach Specialist and Operations Manager, UWSP Sentry School of Business and Economics

  • ​Cartoon Vue, Business Development Specialist, Small Business Development Center, ​UWSP Continuing Education​

  • ​​​Deborah Beyer, UWSP Assistant Professor of Finance, Director of Ruth E. Salzmann Center for Women's Leadership, Director of Financial Literacy Program 

  • Mara Prausa, Program Manager, UWSP Continuing Education

  • Sarah Ross, Director of Community Leadership, Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin

  • Harlee Stinson, Branch Manager, Summit Credit Union, Plover

  • ​Mariah Singer-Brown, Realtor, The Legacy Group

‭(Hidden)‬ Exhibit Booth Registration ​​​​

Exhibit Booth Registration ​​​​

Exhibit Booth Pricing: $169 ​​

  • ​One 6 ft. table with table cloth
  • One complimentary registration to the conference
  • Organization name will be listed on our event webpage with one hyperlink to their website​

​Exhibit Times 

  • ​​8-9 a.m. | Networking Morning & Check-in (Optional)

  • 11 a.m.-Noon | Exhibit Hall ​

Registration has closed October 12, 2025. 

Exhibit booths are non-refundable.

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Thank you 2026 Sponsors!

Click sponsor logos to explore their websites. 

​Platinum Presenting Sponsor

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Summit Credit Union

Conference Coordinated By


The event is brought to you in partnership between the UWSP School of Business and Economics, UWSP MBA Program, UWSP Continuing Education, and the Small Business Development Center at UWSP.

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Contact Information


Additional questions? Please contact us at uwspce.leadership@uwsp.edu​.​​

If you have registration questions, feel free to contact Continuing Education at 715-346-3838 or uwspceweb@uwsp.edu.

Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance.
Please contact Continuing Education at 715-346-3838 or uwspceweb@uwsp.edu​.