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

Exhibit Booth Registration ​​​​

Exhibit Booth Pricing: $99 ​​

  • ​One 6 ft. table with table cloth
  • Includes exhibit hall-only pass for 2 exhibit table workers
    • ​***If exhibitors want to attend any of the sessions or the full conference, they must register at the regular conference fee​​
  • Organization name will be listed on our event webpage with one hyperlink to their website, Facebook or Linkedin Page​
  • Rece​​​ive list of attendee names, organization, title, and email in advance of the event in case you want to send pre-event emails to invite them to your table​

​Exhibit Times 

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

  • 11 a.m.-Noon | Exhibit Hall Session​

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Registration Closes October 28, 2024. 

Women Trailblazers and Entrepreneurs Conference Header Image 
(Mural: Trailblazer by artist Jessie Fritsch​​​)

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

Unmuted: Power, Purpose, and Possibility

Join us for a transformative women’s conference where trailblazing voices rise—unmuted and unstoppable. Whether you're launching a business, driving a bold initiative, or sparking social change, this is your space to ignite your voice and step fully into your power, purpose, and possibility.

Discover the tools to amplify your leadership, fuel your mission, and create meaningful impact in your organization, your community, and beyond​.

Let’s rise, lead, and transform the world together—Unmuted! #WomenTrailblazersConference #WTC #uwspwomen #uwspwomenlead​​

October 22, 2025 | 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
4 p.m. - 5 p.m. (reception)
UWSP Dreyfus University Center ​
Stevens Point, Wisconsin​​

Vision​​

​The Women’s Trailblazer Conference will be the catalyst in our state for women 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. ​​

Sauna Experience for Women Trailblazers!​


Join us for a rejuvenating community sauna session, where relaxation meets empowerment. This is your chance to unwind, connect with other inspiring women, and prioritize both your physical and mental health. Whether you're looking to de-stress, socialize, or simply enjoy some quiet time in a supportive, welcoming space—Nordic Night Sauna​ and Northern Lights Sauna​ is the perfect setting to recharge!

If you want to join a member of our planning committee for one or all of these sessions, you can REGISTER directly using the session links below. It’s that easy!

Click on the dates below to book your session:​

We hope to see you soon! If you have questions, feel free to contact Lyna Matesi, lmatesi@uwsp.edu or Sarah Ross, sarah@cfcwi.org.

Keynote Speaker

Transformational Coach, Speaker, and Culture Strategist

​Amber Cabral - Headshot.pngAmber Cabral is a TED speaker, author, and culture and communication strategist known for helping individuals and organizations lead with courage, authenticity, and equity. With a background in organizational leadership and a mission to help people human well, Amber brings a whole-human approach to coaching—one that connects purpose, performance, and personal alignment.
Her work is rooted in empathy, accountability, and clear communication, guiding clients beyond performative gestures and toward real, sustainable transformation. Amber specializes in supporting high-performers and executives who are already in motion—not those waiting for motivation, but those ready for momentum. Her coaching is designed for leaders who want to cut through the noise, gain clarity, and lead with intention and impact.
Over more than two decades spanning corporate, nonprofit, and entrepreneurial spaces, Amber has refined a coaching style that blends storytelling, strategy, and soul. Drawing from her Human(ing) Well framework—centered on health, wealth, relationships, and growth—Amber’s work empowers clients to align their leadership with their full humanity.
Her human-centered, six-month coaching journey consistently helps clients move from overwhelmed to anchored. Through honest dialogue and intentional practice, they gain confidence in decision-making, experience deeper satisfaction with their work-life design, and witness tangible shifts in team engagement and performance. It’s not just about being better at work—it’s about being better at being.​

Check out Amber's Youtube video about "Human(ing) Well" Here!​


Join Our Email List for the Inside Scoop on the 2025 Women Trailblazers Conference!​

Want to get the inside scoop on this​ year's 2025 Women Trailblazers Conference before the general public? Sign-up to receive updates. We promise to only send you WTC updates. 

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​​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 Sponsorship Tiers.pdf

Sig​n up​ to be notified when those opportunities become available!​​​​​

For more information on sponsorships, please contact uwspce.leadership@uwsp.edu.

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​​Photo Gallery

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​Program Details

Unmuted: Power, Purpose, and Possibility​

​Our 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 ______. 

Schedule​

8 - 9 a.m. | Networking, Coffee, and Check-in
​Start this energizing day off with coffee, pastries 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 Trailblazer Spotlight to the stage.

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

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


10 - 11 a.m. | Keynote Speaker


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

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

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

Platinum Event Sponsor Carie Winn, representing the Sentry School of Business & Economics, will recognize our exhibitors, sponsors, and speakers, reflect on the day's highlights, and encourage networking during lunch. ​​​​​

1:30 - 3:45 | Facilitated Breakouts

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

Closing Event

‭(Hidden)‬ 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. | Breakout Session 1

​​​A1 (Nuts and Bolts) - Bringing New Voices to the Table--Stories of Recruiting and Retaining Diverse Talent

Presenters: Andrea Palas, Organizational Development Manager​ at Sentry Insurance 

                    Hannah Krueger, Talent Acquisition Manager​ at Sentry Insurance ​

                    Maria Harris, College Recruitment and Program Specialist​ at Sentry Insurance

Description:​ Explore the art and impact of recruiting and retaining diverse talent. Participants will learn how to discover their voices as leaders in this crucial area and what inspired their commitment to do so. The session will cover successful strategies for attracting new voices, fostering a sense of belonging, and the vital role of leadership in promoting diversity. This workshop offers practical insights and real-world examples to help you bring new voices to the table and ensure they thrive. ​​

B1 (New Adventures) - Building Something from Scratch--Fresh Stories of Starting New Things

Presenters: Amy Yanzer, Founder/Owner​ of Forward Beverage

                     Jane Johnson, Episcopal Priest and Pastor at Beloved Community Church

​                     Rachel Davis, Native American Center Coordinator at UWSP

Moderator: Brigette Gibson, Director of Institutional Research & Effectiveness and Chief Data Officer​​

Description:​ Join us for fresh insights and practical advice about starting new things. Learn how three trailblazing women found their voices and the overcame barriers. The panelists will discuss the resources and tools the drew upon, the role of networks in their success, and what continues to inspire them as they forge new paths.​

C1 (Deepening our Impact) - Unwavering Voices--Uncertainty, Reckless Pursuit, and Leadership​

This session will be livestreamed and re​corded.

Presenters: Heather Cloud, Executive Director of American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin

                     Harlee Stinson, ​Branch Manager at Summit Credit Union

                     Victoria Schultz, Real Estate Broker / Owner of Stevens Point Realty and Nonprofit Founder of The Playhouse Theatre Group​

Moderator: ​Nicole Terrill, Owner of Nordic Night Sauna

Description:​ Hear stories of bold moves in pursuit of passion, and how the panel managed their doubts and uncertainties along the way. Panelists will also share the critical role of mentorship and networking in navigating these challenges, and how they balance their reckless hope with life’s responsibilities. Join us for an inspiring conversation. 

‭(Hidden)‬ 2:45 - 3:45 p.m. | Breakout Session 2

A2 (Nuts and Bolts) - The Art of Being Known--Developing Your Personal Brand 

This session will be livestreamed and recorded.​

Presenter: Diana Hoover, Proprietor of Strong Heart Cre​ative and UWSP Professor Emerita in Graphic Design​

Description:​​ Dive into the essentials of developing a powerful personal brand. Explore the benefits of personal branding, common pitfalls to avoid, and strategies for creating a compelling narrative. The session will also cover effective ways to engage your audience and the tools that can help you build and sustain your brand. Gain valuable insights and actionable advice to elevate your own brand. 

B2 (New Adventures) - Pioneering your Path--Transitioning Into a New Community 

Presenters: Ola Onitilo, Student Volunteer Coordinator​​

                     Tracie Schweder, Owner of The Wooden Chair

                     Tamra Fletcher, Director of Sales & Marketing for Fabiano Brothers​

Moderator: ​Shari Laffredi, SCORE Certified Mentor​

Description:​ Learn how to effectively use your voice as a newcomer, find your place, and identify gaps you can fill. The panel will explore the journey of building trust within a new community, seeking and finding guidance, and bringing valuable insights from past experiences. Discover how to navigate unfamiliar territory, build relationships, and make your mark as you pioneer your path in a new environment. ​

C2 (Deepening our Impact) - ​​Voices Unbound--Breaking Free from Cultural Bias​

​Presenters: Janice Watson, Executive Director of the ​Ethiopian Community Development Council, Inc.​​

                     Kayley McColley, Community Organizer

                     Tiffany Rodriguez-Lee, Executive Director of CVA and Wausau's Poet Laureate

Moderator: ​Mariana Savela, Founding Director and President of HOLA​, Program Manager and Certified Health Navigator with the Hmong and Hispanic Communication Network (H2N).

Description:​ Delve into the challenges of balancing cultural identity and hear stories about encountering cultural bias. Panelists will share what gives them hope for a more culturally diverse future and discuss the qualities of cultural allyship. This session is a powerful exchange about breaking free and amplifying our voices.​

‭(Hidden)‬ 4:05 - 5 p.m. | Networking Reception

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

​Speakers, Moderators, Special Guests

‭(Hidden)‬ Deanna Singh's "Purposeful Hustle"

Purposeful Hustle.png

Conference Book Giveaway

The first 250 in-person attendees will receive a copy of Deanna Singh's book, "Purposeful Hustle"!​ 

Purposeful Hustle helps you answer the question: “How do I use my talents, skills, and resources to create a greater impact?”

To be an effective change maker, you have to blend intentional thought (Purpose) with intentional action (Hustle). When engaging in Purposeful Hustle, you are directing your life’s work toward intentionally making a positive impact in the world. Therefore, a Purposeful Hustler is someone who exists in the world with the ultimate goal of creating change! ​​

‭(Hidden)‬ Feminine Hygiene Kit Drive

Women in Business ​Hygiene Kit Drive

Women in Business is inviting attendees to donate essential items such as tampons, pads, feminine wipes, fuzzy socks, and more. These donations will be used to create care kits for women in need, which will be distributed during the holidays through United Way. Help us make a positive impact by contributing to this meaningful cause!​


Below are a list of items we're looking for: 

  • Tampons of various sizes
  • Pads of various sizes
  • Feminine wipes
  • Hairbrushes
  • Fuzzy socks
  • ​Travel size Advil/Tylenol or other mild pain reliever (single dose packs)
  • Financial Contributions/Cash Donation​​​
We will be accepting items at the check-in booths on the day of the conference.​

​Photo Gallery

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​​Planning Committee

  • Lyna Matesi, UWSP Academic Director SSBE and Associate Professor of Management

  • Mara Prausa, UWSP Continuing Education

  • Sarah Ross, Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin

  • Carie Winn, UWSP Sentry School of Business and Economics

  • Callie Wulk, Wausau River District

  • Cartoon Vue, UWSP Continuing Education​

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2025 Sponsors - Thank you!!!

Platinum Presenting Sponsor​​


​Gold Keynote Sponsors

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Lunch Sponsor​​s

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Networking Sponsors​           

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​​Bronze Sponsors

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Summit Credit Union
​Dessert Sponsors  ​ ​

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Exhibition Sponsor​s​​​ ​

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Tote Bag Sponsor


​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.

​UW-Stevens Point MBA Program Logo ​

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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​.