We heard you loud and clear last year! You want more time in the morning to network. 

Join us early for coffee, pastries, and connections. ​Also, take this time to check out "The Weight of Being Seen", Ann Illagan's MBA Fellowship Project. 

Opening Welcome
Pratima Gandhi, Vice Chancellor of Business Affairs/CFO, CBO

As an experienced trailblazer who has worked in private, non-profit, and educational sectors of the economy, Pratima will open our day together. Her open-mindedness, eagerness to learn, and applied thinking are hallmarks of Pratima's leadership style which is featured in Ann Ilagan's “The Weight of Being Seen" exhibit. Pratima will help us prioritize ourselves, our power, and our energy as we start a great day together.​

Rethinking Impostor Syndrome ™
Understanding and Addressing Impostor Syndrome in the Workplace 

Millions of people -- CEOs and entry-level professionals, first-year students and PhDs, managers and artists -- secretly worry they're not as smart or talented as other people “think" they are.

It's called impostor syndrome. And left unchecked, it can lead to costly consequences not only for individuals but for their organizations as well. Fortunately, there is a solution.

In this surprisingly upbeat session, you will:

• Understand what impostor syndrome is – and what it is not
• Discover the perfectly good reasons why fully capable people feel like frauds
• Understand how impostor syndrome intersects with diversity and inclusion – and why it matters
• Identify your personal “Competence Type"
• Examine how impostor syndrome operates in the form of a pattern​
  
• Recognize the individual and organizational costs of impostor syndrome 

​​​​Whether you personally identify with impostor feelings -- or know someone who does -- you will leave with practical, immediately tools strategies to help yourself and/or the people you lead, manage, mentor, teach, or parent.

In-person Attendees

Visit our Exhibitor Hall and discover women-owned businesses or businesses that support women entrepreneurs and trailblazers!

Virtual Attendees

Meet the SCORE organization that offers a​ free mentorship program that matches new/existing businesses owners with a mentor in their industry. Also, learn more about free SCORE resources and trainings, available to anyone to access.​

​In addition to the lunch guest speakers, attendees will have a chance to network with the attendees at their table or virtual Zoom.

Guest Speakers:​

• ​​Toni Van Doren, Innovation Center Manager​, Nicolet College
  

• Missy Hughes, Secretary and CEO, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC)​​
  

Session A1: Developing and Launching New Ventures 

​Speakers: Apache Danforth, Good Words Consulting, She Rises Collective, Perodigm Media; Andi Gret​zinger​​, North Wood Blooms

Moderator: Angela Close, Langlade County Economic Development Corporation

Session B1: Empowering Movements 

Speakers: Julie Bonasso, Julie Bonasso Coaching; Sarwat Najib, Shamla; Sarah Ross, Women's Fund of Portage County​

Moderator: Maggie Marquardt, CREATE Portage County

Session C1: Women Leading Innovation in the Manufacturing and Construction Industries 

Speakers: Karen Newhouse, Miron Construction; Kate Budd, Ki Mobility; Carrie Strobel, Greenheck

Moderator: ​​Renae Krings​, Greater Wausau Prosperity Partnership, Ltd.                         

​Session A2: Using the Business Model Canvas to Accelerate Entrepreneurship​ and Cultivate Intrapreneurship

Speakers: Michelle Somes-Booher, Small Business Development Center at UW-Madison

Moderator: Zia Yang, Small Business Development Center at UW- Stevens Point

The Business Model Canvas isn't just a tool; it's a roadmap to success, an articulation of vision, and a strategic blueprint that's transformed businesses worldwide. In this immersive session attendees will embark on a journey from understanding to application. Tailored for women across all spectrums of entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship, this session promises a holistic understanding of the canvas's power, guiding participants from ideation to realization. This session is for every visionary woman — whether you're toying with a startup idea, spearheading innovation within an established entity, or anywhere in between.​

Session B2: The Things that Inspire Us to Start New Stuff

Speakers: Lisa Cruz, Red Shoes; Jean Marie Thiel, Belonger Corporation and AICC

Moderator: Callie Wulk​, UW-Stevens Point ​​Women in Business

Behind every groundbreaking idea is a spark, a moment, a story. Dive into the essence of what moves women to leap, to innovate, and to shape. For all those moments when you've wondered, "Why not me? Why not now?", this space promises to be a source of inspiration, guiding attendees to translate that 'spark' into tangible change. Every woman with a dream, a thought, or even a fleeting 'what if'. Whether you're an artist yearning to start a movement, a student with a disruptive idea, a professional sensing a gap in the industry - this session is your nudge, your guide, your muse.

Session C2: Launching a Women in Manufacturing Chapter

Speakers: Molly Jacobs, Greenheck Group; Natalie Olson, Imperial Industries, Inc.; Mary Strand, CLA

Moderator: Mikkalyn Hafner​, Menzner Hardwoods

The manufacturing sector, historically dominated by male voices, is undergoing a transformative shift. The Women in Manufacturing (WiM) Northern Wisconsin Chapter is a testament to this evolution. With dynamic leadership, the chapter has flourished into a robust community where women in manufacturing converge to amplify their voices, share their journeys, and collaboratively pave the way forward. Dive into the behind-the-scenes story of its inception, the challenges faced, the milestones achieved, and how you can join the movement or start something similar in your field. 

Closing Event
Deborah Beyer, UWSP Assistant Professor of Finance

We will close the conference with a look toward the future. Debbie Beyer will help us think about how we can use the energy of our day together to move our own big ideas forward. Debbie will also share her vision of the future as the adviser of the UWSP Women in Business student organization. The Women in Business Club is dedicated to advocating for female leadership and encouraging a safe and inclusive environment. They aim to ​create a network of people focused on supporting women in business to empower, develop, and support others.​

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

​Angie Close, Executive Director
Langlade County Economic Development Corporation

Angie serves as Executive Director of the Langlade County Economic Development Corporation located in the "Northwoods" of Wisconsin whose mission is to advance and maximize opportunities in Langlade County for businesses, communities, and people. Her passion is fostering Entrepreneurship and seeing her community prosper.  She currently serves on many boards and committees including President of GN.​​

Apache Danforth, Consultant
Good Words Consulting, LLC​

​Apache Danforth​ is an enrolled member of the Oneida Nation in Wisconsin. She is an independent consultant, owning and operating Good Words Consulting, LLC, specializing in public relations, strategic planning, project management, and business development.

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. 

Deborah Beyer, Assistant Professor of Finance
UW-Stevens Point

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.

​​Jean Marie-Thiel, President​
Belonger Corporation

Jean 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. 

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. 

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.

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

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.​

​​​​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. ​

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.​​