October 24-25, 2026 | Donald E. Stephens Convention Center

Inspiring, Motivating, Empowering Keynote Speakers

Powerful Conversations With Women Making an Impact
Vivica A. Fox

Building A Legacy That Lasts: Vision. Influence. Impact., Sunday at 1:30

Vivica A. Fox
Melissa Gilbert

Embracing Every Chapter: Reinvention, Creativity & the Power of Women Supporting Women, Saturday at 1:00

Melissa Gilbert
Blac Chyna

The Power of Owning Your Story: Confidence, Entrepreneurship & Creating Your Own Path, Saturday at 1:30

Blac Chyna
Abby Lee Miller

The Art of the Comeback: Resilience, Reinvention & Building Your Next Chapter., Sunday at 1:00

Abby Lee Miller
Claudia Jordan

The Power of Your Voice: Confidence, Resilience & Creating Your Own Opportunities, Saturday at 12:30

Claudia Jordan

Discover Ideas That Inspire & Knowledge That Moves You Forward

Expert Insights, Practical Strategies & Inspiration for Every Stage of Life

Experience an inspiring lineup of experts, entrepreneurs and thought leaders sharing insights designed to help you thrive personally and professionally. Explore topics ranging from finance, health and wellness and entrepreneurship to self-care, motherhood, career and family, maximizing your potential and navigating life’s challenges.

For more than 30 years, we’ve brought together dynamic speakers who educate, motivate and inspire women at every stage of life. 

From God-Given Vision to Sustainable Kingdom Business, Presented by Rev. Jocelyn Faith on a Journey Saturday 10:55

Discover how to turn your God-given vision into a sustainable Kingdom business. Rev. Jocelyn Jones shares practical steps to clarify your calling, reach the people you’re meant to serve, and build lasting impact.

Toxins Exposed: What You’re REALLY Putting on Your Skin, in Your Mouth, and Around Your Home. Presented by Sue Whittaker, Broad Spectrum DeTOX Saturday at 11:20

Discover hidden toxins in everyday products affecting your health. Learn how small exposures build over time, why detox often fails, and simple ways to reduce your toxic load and support your body naturally.

The Relationship Report Card. Presented by Kristina Lindsay Merel Family Law Saturday 11:45

This session will explore signs of a healthy relationship as well as red flags nobody warns you about. With this candid and empowering session from a 20 year DV advocate and divorce coach, you’ll walk away with the tools to trust your own instincts to live – and love – your best life.

What Happens When We Share a Story? Presented by The People Tree Saturday 2:00

A People Tree show begins with one person willing to share something real, but the story does not end on the stage.

Someone in the audience recognizes a feeling they have had before. Someone hears an experience they have never understood from the inside. Someone laughs at a moment they thought only happened to them.

Fadie's Angels, Redefining Style in Scrubs Saturday 2:25

Get ready to see scrubs in a whole new way! Fadie’s Angels brings fashion, confidence and function to the healthcare wardrobe, showcasing stylish scrub designs created to make a statement both on and off the job.  From signature silhouettes to luxe and button-front styles, Fadie’s Angels proves that professional doesn’t have to mean ordinary. ✨ Watch the Fadie’s Angels Scrub Fashion Show!

What Every Woman Should Know About Money, Insurance & Building Wealth, Presented by Cedrick Harding, Legacy Smart Group Saturday 2:50

Discover practical strategies to protect your family, build wealth and create a lasting financial legacy. Cedrick Harding shares insights on insurance, financial education, business opportunities and often-overlooked resources that can help women make informed financial decisions.

Learn how to strengthen your financial foundation, protect what matters most and take meaningful steps toward building greater financial security for yourself and your family.

The Empowered Caregiver: Caring for Them Without Losing Yourself, Presented by Felice Searles Nancy's Caregiving Institute Saturday 3:15

Caregiving can be one of life’s most rewarding roles, yet one of its most demanding. Caring for someone with dementia brings unexpected changes, difficult decisions, and emotional challenges. The Empowered Caregiver equips caregivers with practical tools, knowledge, confidence, and support to navigate the journey while remembering one essential truth; the caregiver needs care, too.

Life After Breast Cancer Surgery: Regaining Your Shape, Confidence & Comfort, Presented by Pattie Cagney Sheehan Second Act Saturday 3:40

Join Pattie Cagney Sheehan, Certified Mastectomy Fitter and representative of Second Act Cancer Recovery Boutique, for an informative conversation about options for regaining your shape and confidence after breast cancer surgery.

Reconstruction involving multiple surgeries is not your only option. Discover how natural, breathable breast forms fitted by a Certified Mastectomy Fitter can provide a comfortable alternative—and may be covered by insurance.

Reconnect with your light and move from survival mode to a life that actually feels like yours, Presented by Christina Preston, Choosing Her Collective Sunday 11:55

Are you burnt out? Overwhelmed? You’re not failing — you’re carrying too much. Reconnect with your light and move from survival mode to a life that actually feels like yours. You’re allowed to choose YOU. Choosing her is designed to let you reset from burnout and find your real self.

Your Body Isn’t Broken: How Women Know Something Is Off—and Why They’re Right. Presented by Sue Whittaker, Broad Spectrum DeTOX Sunday at 12:20

Feel like something is off—even when tests are normal? Learn why your body sends signals before disease appears, how toxic load impacts health, and how to restore your body’s natural ability to rebalance.

 

Fempreneur LIVE PITCH COMPETITION, Presented by Jennifer Franco, CEO & Founder and Rhonda Coleman Wandel, RCW Strategies Sunday 2:10

Fempreneur Poder, an IL nonprofit providing resources, tools, and funding to micro-businesses, will host a Live Pitch Competition alongside Rhonda Coleman Wandel of RCW Strategies, a Chicago firm offering fractional general counsel & strategic advisory services.

Bladder Leaks, Pelvic Floor & Intimacy: Solutions Every Woman Should Know About, Presented by Irina Batashki, FNP-BC, APRN IB Therapy Sunday 2:35

Do you leak when you cough, sneeze, laugh or exercise? Is intimacy uncomfortable? Learn why these symptoms after childbirth, aging, or menopause are common—but not normal—and discover safe, non-surgical solutions that can help you regain confidence and improve your quality of life.

Your Voice, Your Comfort: Advocating for Yourself at the Gynecologist, Presented by Wendy White, CEO Emerita, Healthcare BusinessWoman’s Association Sunday at 3:00

Join Wendy White, CEO Emerita, Healthcare BusinessWoman’s Association Past CEO & Chair, CEEK Woman’s Health for practical tips on advocating for your rights at the gynecologist, using your voice and bringing comfort into your exam so you can prioritize your care.

What Happens When You Stop the Shot: A Physician’s Guide to Navigating GLP-1 Without Losing What You Gained, Presented by Dr. Tanesha Handy Lloyd Wellness By Design, MD Sunday 3:25

On a GLP-1, considering one, or ready to come off? A physician explains what happens when the shot stops — and the five pillars that protect muscle, face, and metabolism so you keep what you gained.

 

What ChatGPT Won't Tell You About Itself (or Your House), Presented by Aliyah Kizilbash TaxBack Sunday 3:50

Homeownership is a second job nobody pays you for: property taxes, utilities, insurance, fine print. Learn how AI like ChatGPT actually works, when to trust it, and how to make it handle those unpaid hours.

Women MEAN Business LIVE

Chicago's Most Influential Entrepreneurs Share Their Stories, Strategies & Success

Hear firsthand stories, hard-earned lessons and practical strategies from accomplished women building businesses in Chicago and beyond. From launching brands and growing companies to creating new opportunities and building lasting success, Women Mean Business LIVE brings the conversation behind the business into the spotlight.

Discover what it takes to turn an idea into a business, navigate challenges, make bold decisions and build something that lasts, all through candid conversations with women who have done it themselves.