Women Trailblazers Conference
Wednesday, November 6, 2024 | 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
UW-Stevens Point Dreyfus University Center
Business and Leadership, Conferences and Training, See Stevens Point Offerings

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

For Entrepreneurs, Intrepr​​e​​​neurs, and Social Entrepreneurs

Igniting Your Voice​

Pre-Register Now!

​Some Sponsorship and Exhibitor opportunities are available! Contact Mara Prausa at mprausa@uwsp.edu​​ for more information.

Join us for a transformative women's conference focused on igniting your voice as a leader and catalyst for change. Unleash the power within you and discover the tools to amplify your impact in your organization, community and beyond.

Let's rise, lead, and transform the world together! #WomenTrailblazersConference #WTC #uwspwomen #uwspwomenlead

November 6, 2024 | 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.
4 p.m. - 5 p.m. (reception)
UWSP Dreyfus University Center 
Stevens Point, Wisconsin​​

​​Presenters


Keynote Presenter | Deanna Singh

"Every person looking to overcome fear and live a life full of joy and purpose should meet Deanna Singh."






UWSP Award Winning Trailblazer | Christine Russell​

"I am honored to have a life full of brave, courageous, powerful women who have shaped my life from birth. They have nurtured, cultivated and guided me through several storms, tsunamis and even sprinkles."​





​Program Details

Igniting Your Voice​

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 ______. 

Featuring: 

  • Keynote speaker
  • Interactive skill-building exercise
  • 6 breakout sessions
  • Exhibitors​

Schedule​​

8 - 9 a.m. | Networking Coffee and Check-in

Start this energizing day off with coffee, patries and connections!​​


9 - 9:15 a.m. | Welcome

Opening Welcome
Speaker TBA



9:15 - 10:45 a.m. | Keynote and Interactive Session

More info will be posted 

11 a.m. - Noon | Exhibit Hall

More info will be posted

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

 

More info will be posted

 

1:30 - 2:30 p.m. | Breakout Session 1

​More info will be posted

2:45 - 3:45 p.m. | Breakout Session 2

​More info will be posted​

3:45 - 4 p.m. | Closing

Closing Event
Speaker TBA

4 - 5 p.m. | Networking Reception

Join us for some light appetizers and mocktails while making new connections with women trailblazers, entrepreneurs, leaders, and other attendees. 

​Speakers, Moderators, Special Guests

Deanna Singh

Deanna Singh​Deanna Singh 

Deanna Singh is a renowned speaker and trailblazer in the field of social change, impacting over 100,000 people annually with her dynamic presence an inspirational messages. As an award-winning author, educator, business leader, and social justice champion, she has dedicated her life to creating positive change.

She holds degrees from Fordham University, Georgetown University, and the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and has received a multitude of awards and recognitions. Deanna Singh is a true inspiration and a powerful force for change.

Deanna leads four social ventures as the Founder and Chief Change Agent of Flying Elephant, all of which work towards creating a more equitable society. These ventures are united in their mission to shift power to marginalized communities, covering inclusion in the workplace, healthcare, children's literature, and leadership. Deanna's impact extends beyond her social ventures, as the author of six books including Actions Speak Louder and A Girl's Guide to Race & Inclusion in partnership with American Girl.

Christine Russell

Christine RussellChristine Russell, B.A.

Christine Russell currently serves as Director of Health & Wellness Programs with the Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness. With a background in health promotion and corporate wellness, she brings over 17 years of experience supporting and administering health and wellness programming for hospital systems, global pharmaceutical companies, and national health management organizations, bringing greater health, wellness, and outcomes to employees and families. 

Christine is known for her creativity, mindfulness and intention in the health and wellness space. With a hope-filled, transformative wellness journey of her own, she infuses her training as a fitness and yoga instructor, intrinsic wellness coach, and essential oil practitioner into her program development. She rounds out her experience with program implementation, data analytics, marketing, and communications, and leads strategic initiatives. 

In addition to her role at the Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness, Christine serves as a Community Advisory Board Member at the All of Us Research Program. Through her leadership and advocacy, she works to ensure that the voices and health needs of underrepresented populations, particularly Black women, are prioritized in research initiatives. 

Christine’s passion for community impact and multifaceted approach to integrated wellness, has inspired her local work in Greater Madison to support underserved individuals and their families through support groups, maternal care, financial, and physical well-being. Her transition from corporate wellness to community health drives her commitment to further support her own community and create empowering spaces and experiences where Black women and their families can thrive​

Gretel Stock

Gretel Stock​ 

Conference Host

Dr. Gretel Stock is Dean of University College at University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. She manages a dynamic organization that provides coordinated and inclusive experiences, services, resources and opportunities that foster student success. Units in University College include the library, core student and faculty support operations, the General Education program, and two branch campuses. Gretel received a Masters in Library Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, a Masters in Management and Organizational Behavior from Benedictine University, and a doctorate in Organization Development from Benedictine University. Previously she was the Executive Director of Academic Affairs and the Library at Viterbo University. She has also worked in other academic, association and corporate settings.​​

‭(Hidden)‬ Callie Wulk

Callie Wulk, Founding Vice President
UW-Stevens Point Women​ in Businenss

Callie is an MBA Candidate with core values rooted in growth-focused, transformative leadership. She aspires to empower those around her and drive positive change within her​ community through passion in advocating for female leadership and supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

‭(Hidden)‬ Carrie Strobel

Carrie Strobel, Chief Human Resources Officer
Greenheck Group



Carrie Strobel is a 17-year veteran of Greenheck Group, having served in various leadership roles in operations, systems, product management, HR, and currently as Chief Human Resources Officer.  She also serves on the board of directors for the Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce, and the steering committee for Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce's (WMC) Future Wisconsin initiative.

‭(Hidden)‬ Chee Yang

​Chee Yang, Staff Accountant, Entrepreneur
Jarp Industries and Emspired LLC​

Born and raised in the CW area, Chee have a Bachelors in Accounting, currently an MBA candidate through the UWSP graduate program, and CWHP Board Member. As a Staff Accountant by day and an Entrepreneur by night, she has gained invaluable insight from different business ventures. Her experience has provided a solid understanding of the dedication and knowledge required to succeed as a business owner.​

‭(Hidden)‬ Christina Lammerding

Christina Lammerding, Talent Aquisition and Retention Manager
Crystal Finishing Systems, Inc.​​​

Christina has over 15 years of experience working with and for Manufactures. She graduated from Eastern Washington University with a B.S. in Communications/ Public Relations. She is a founding member of the Northern Wisconsin Women in Manufacturing (WiM) chapter. 

‭(Hidden)‬ Deborah Beyer

Deborah Beyer, Assistant Professor of Finance
UW-Stevens Point

Deborah-Beyer 

Deborah Beyer holds doctoral degrees in Finance and French. She co-founded the UWSP Women in Business (WIB) organization in 2022, and currently serves as its faculty advisor. Deborah loves connecting WIB students with local business leaders to create valuable networking, mentoring, and growth opportunities. She also serves on the Board of Directors for St. Joseph Food Program, a local non-profit.

‭(Hidden)‬ Jean Marie Thiel

​​Jean Marie-Thiel, President​
Belonger Corporation

Jean Marie ThielJean Marie is the President of Belonger Corporation - a mechanical specialty trades construction firm. In 2000 when Jean started the company - she was the only Woman Native American owned mechanical contractor in the nation. Jean has formed over a dozen LLC Joint Ventures & secured several national awards for the company. She is experienced in federal contracting, start up, & small business issues​. Jean Marie is also President of the Board of Directors for the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin (AICCW) and First American Capital Corp (FACC), which supports native smal business owners in Wisconsin. 


‭(Hidden)‬ Jessie Fritsch

Jessie Fritsch, Artist
Trailblazer Mural


My drive is to make art, teach workshops, protect the pollinators, and help support a vibrant art community in Central WI. 

‭(Hidden)‬ Julie Bonasso

Julie Bonasso, Life Coach
Jule Bonasso Coaching



I’m on a personal mission to revolutionize the way women work and still earn a great income. The cornerstone of my coaching is teaching clients to leverage personal well-being as the pathway to success (versus the grind). I’m a lawyer turned life coach and I work with executive women and entrepreneurs to maximize the integration of self and career to accelerate growth. 

‭(Hidden)‬ Karen Newhouse

Karen Newhouse, Director of Lean Services
Miron Construction Co, Inc,


Karen Newhouse has spent 30+ years as a Project Manager working in the construction industry. In 2022 Karen joined Miron Construction, a $1.7B company with over 800 employees, to lead the company forward on their Lean journey to eliminate process waste, create better project outcomes, and increase worker capacity while reducing workloads.

‭(Hidden)‬ Kate Budd

Kate Budd, Chief Operations Officer
Ki Mobility

Kate Budd is COO at Ki Mobility with experience leading dynamic teams to create and implement customer-focused initiatives in the manual mobility space. Kate transforms the customer experience by aligning people and teams toward common goals. Kate specializes in creative problem solving to streamline processes and provide next-level service and support for her teams and customers.

‭(Hidden)‬ Kathy Schweda

Kathy Schweda, Vice Chair
SCORE SE Wisconsin

Kathy Schweda
​Kathy has been an active volunteer to promote the advancement of women in business and commercialize digital health solutions to reduce costs and improve outcomes. Her activities have included including speaking engagements, panels and leading industry consortia. She is a Certified SCORE Mentor and currently serves as the Vice-Chair of the SE Wisconsin SCORE Chapter. 

‭(Hidden)‬ Lisa Cruz

Lisa Cruz, Owner and CEO
Red Shoes and Multicultural Coalition



Lisa Cruz started Red Shoes Inc. in 2008 and has continued to lead the company for 15 years. Most recently she also co-founded the Multicultural Coalition and serves as the executive director of the newly formed non-profit. Her experience and drive include raising a family of four boys, starting a business during the Great Recession, weathering a pandemic, and advocating for systems change. 

‭(Hidden)‬ Maggie Marquardt

Maggie Marquardt, Executive Dirctor
CREATE Portage County



With an MBA in arts administration and a background in fundraising and nonprofit management, Maggie sees the through line in her work as joining with others who want to imagine together what's possible. Maggie currently serves as Executive Director for CREATE Portage County, a nonprofit that accelerates creativity, connection, and collaboration to advance vibrant and welcoming communities.

‭(Hidden)‬ Mary Strand

Mary Strand, Manager
CLA



Mary has over 20 years of accounting experience that has taken her around the world.  Her experience is mostly in private industry from manufacturing, owning and operating her own business, software support & management, and as an accounting instructor at a Wisconsin technical college.  Mary supports Wim for their mission to support, promote, & inspire women in manufacturing.

‭(Hidden)‬ Michelle Somes-Booher

Michelle Somes-Booher, Center Director​
Wisconsin Small Business Development Center at UW-Madison

​​

Michelle specializes in business planning, lean start-up, management, strategic planning and human resources/personnel. She is an idea person, who can appreciate big ideas and follow through with the details. She likes to work with existing businesses because it’s rewarding to hear the problems, dig in to better understand the root causes and then create a plan of action.

One project that was very meaningful, and challenging, to Michelle was creating the First Steps class. She enjoys being outside, participating in activities such as running, kayaking and snowshoeing. She also like to read. Michelle is proud to have worked with lots of successful businesses as it is fun to watch them grow and be successful.

‭(Hidden)‬ Mikkalyn Hafner

Mikkalyn Hafner, Marketing Specialist
Menzner Hardwoods

Mikkalyn HafnerMikkalyn is a manufacturing professional poised for advancement. Her passions include collaboration, strategy, and innovation. Mikkalyn is a two-time graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point with an MBA in Applied Leadership and Decision making with an emphasis in Manufacturing Management, and a B.S. in Business Administration specializing in Marketing and Management.

‭(Hidden)‬ Molly Jacobs

​Molly Jacobs, Business ​Process Improvement Specialist II
Greenheck Group



Molly works at Greenheck Group and founded the Northern Wisconsin Women in Manufacturing (WiM) Chapter started and sits on the Board of Directors. 


‭(Hidden)‬ Natalie Olson

Natalie Olson, Human Resources and EHS Manager
Imperial Industries, Inc. 



My name is Natalie Olson and I am currently the HR and EHS Manager with Imperial Industries, Inc. I received my Bachelor's Degree from UW - LaCrosse in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice. After completing my undergrad, I attended Eastern Kentucky University and received my Master’s Degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. 

‭(Hidden)‬ Pratima Gandhi

Pratima Gandhi, Vice Chancellor of Business Affairs/CFO/CBO
UW-Stevens Point

Pratima Gandhi
Pratima is currently the Vi​ce Chancellor Business Affairs /CFO/CBO for the UWSP. She has over 25 years of experience in higher ed, industry, corporate and non-profit organizations. She has served on many community boards in the past. Pratima is a graduate of Indiana University.​

‭(Hidden)‬ Renae Krings

Renae Krings, Senior Director
Greater Wausau Prosperity Partnership, Ltd. 



Renae Krings is the Senior Director of the Greater Wausau Prosperity Partnership, Ltd. In this role, Krings supports the implementation of the Greater Wausau Region Economic Development Strategic Plan and collaborates with business and community leaders to enhance the region’s ability to develop a stronger, more competitive economic development platform for our community.

‭(Hidden)‬ Sarah Ross

Sarah Ross, Director
Women's Fund of Portage County



Sarah has 25 years of experience working as a designer and educator in live theater. She utilizes her artistic background to engage in advocacy for women in leadership through story-telling, intentional collaboration, and curiosity.

‭(Hidden)‬ Sarwat Najib

Sarwat Najib, Fashion Designer and Entrepreneur
Shamla


​​​​As a Fashion and Graphic Designer with 10 years of experience in leadership and four years as a business owner, I have had the privilege of working on various projects that have allowed me to make a positive impact. However, one particular achievement stands out as a testament to my commitment to empowering women and creating opportunities for them. ​

‭(Hidden)‬ Toni Van Doren

Toni Van Doren, Innovation Center Manager 
Nicolet Area Technical College, The Grid


​Toni Van Doren is the Innovation Center Manager for Nicolet Area Technical College in Rhinelander Wisconsin where she has worked the past 13 years. She is the current lead for The GRID (Guiding Rural Innovation and Development) until it transfers to Grow North Economic Development at the end of this year. She spearheads several federal and state grants in the entrepreneurship and innovation area.​​

‭(Hidden)‬ Zia Yang

Zia Yang, Outreach Specialist
Wisconsin Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at UW-Stevens Point



Zia coordinates the Entrepreneurial Training Program and annual Wisconsin Lenders Conference, in addition to supporting logistical planning efforts for the Women Trailblazers & Entrepreneurs Conference. ​The SBDC at UWSP covers a 9 county area and she loves networking with many of their partners in those areas and stregthening relationships with organizations that support small business owners. The best thing about her job is seeing people reach out with an idea and seeing them turn that into a reality, and having SBDC be part of that journey. 


​​Planning Committee

  • Leah Bertrand, UWSP MBA Student

  • 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

  • Zia Yang, Small Business Development Center​

​​ ​

​Photo Gallery

​​

2024 Sponsors - Thank you!!!

Platinum Presenting Sponsor​​


Platinum Event Sponsor

 

​Gold Keynote Sponsor


​Silver Sponsor

​​​

Lunch Sponsor​​

        Centergy

Networking Sponsors
           

​​Bronze Sponsor

One 10 Graphics LLC MBA - Sentry School SCORE Logo-WestCentral_WI-UpperPen_ChapterLogo_with_Tagline (002).jpg

 Women's Council Logo.jpg WIB logo.jpeg

Summit Credit UnionDessert Sponsor  ​ 


Book Sponsor​s

​​ ​US Bank Logo​​Community Foundation of Central WisconsinAdventure Tours WIM.png

Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of CommerceUWSP Foundation, Inc. Peoples Bank

Tote Bag Sponsor

Small Business Development Center

​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.

Contact Information


Additional questions? Please contact our Continuing Education office 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.