Inspiring, Motivating, Empowering Keynote Speakers
Powerful Conversations With Women Making an Impact
Building A Legacy That Lasts: Vision. Influence. Impact., Sunday at 1:30
Join legendary actress, producer, director, author and entrepreneur Vivica A. Fox for a candid conversation about the vision, choices and determination behind a remarkable career in Hollywood and beyond. From iconic film and television roles to producing, entrepreneurship and inspiring the next generation, Vivica shares the lessons that have shaped her journey and the impact she continues to make.
Discover how to recognize opportunities, trust your vision, create your own path and build a body of work that leaves a lasting mark. Sunday at 1:30.
Embracing Every Chapter: Reinvention, Creativity & the Power of Women Supporting Women, Saturday at 1:00
Join Melissa Gilbert for an inspiring conversation about embracing every stage of life, finding purpose through creativity and the power of meaningful connection. From her remarkable career in entertainment to building Modern Prairie, Melissa brings a deeply personal perspective on creating a life that continues to evolve.
Hear how curiosity, creativity, and connection can open the door to new possibilities, and why some of life’s most rewarding chapters can begin when you least expect them on Saturday at 1:00.
Immediately following her keynote, don’t miss your chance to meet Melissa at the Modern Prairie Pavilion at the entrance to the Expo!
The Power of Owning Your Story: Confidence, Entrepreneurship & Creating Your Own Path, Saturday at 1:30
Join Blac Chyna for a candid conversation about owning your story, embracing change and creating opportunities on your own terms. From building businesses and a personal brand in the public eye to navigating personal transformation, as she shares the experiences that have shaped her journey.
Discover the mindset behind building with purpose, finding confidence through change and having the courage to create your own path. Saturday at 1:30.
The Art of the Comeback: Resilience, Reinvention & Building Your Next Chapter., Sunday at 1:00
Join Abby Lee Miller for an inspiring conversation about resilience, reinvention and the art of making a comeback. From her rise to international fame through Dance Moms to the challenges and transformations that followed, Abby Lee Miller has built a career around developing talent, creating opportunities and continually reinventing herself.
Hear Abby share her perspective on overcoming setbacks, finding the strength to start again, staying relevant in a competitive industry and building your next chapter with purpose, Sunday at 1:00 PM.
The Power of Your Voice: Confidence, Resilience & Creating Your Own Opportunities, Saturday at 12:30
Claudia Jordan has built a dynamic career across television, radio, entertainment and entrepreneurship, embracing new challenges and creating opportunities along the way.
Join Claudia for an inspiring conversation about finding your voice, building confidence and creating opportunities on your own terms. From television and radio to entrepreneurship and business, Claudia has navigated different industries by taking risks, embracing change and refusing to be defined by a single path.
Hear how Claudia has turned career changes and new challenges into opportunities while staying true to herself—and discover the confidence and resilience it takes to keep moving forward, speak up and create your own lane Saturday at 12:30.
Emmy Award-Winning Broadcaster and 20-Year NBC 5 News Chicago Veteran
For 20 years, LeeAnn Trotter worked at WMAQ-TV, NBC5 News Chicago as a feature reporter covering Arts and Culture and events happening around the Chicago area. She was also a regular contributor to NBC 5’s “Making a Difference” segments.
The Chicago native joined NBC 5 in December 2005 after working at CLTV News for eight years. There, she anchored the weekend news and hosted the award-winning entertainment show, “Metromix: The TV Show,” which earned her a local Emmy and several nominations for Best On Camera Performance.
Prior to working at CLTV, she was the News and Public Affairs Director at WUSN-FM, where she reported news on the morning show and hosted, “Chicago Up Close,” a weekly public affairs show. She also worked briefly at Fox News Chicago and WGN Radio. LeeAnn began her broadcasting career at WBBM Newsradio 780, where she held numerous positions, including production manager and traffic reporter.
Don’t miss LeeAnn as she hosts the Main Stage on Saturday from 12:30-2:30!
Discover Ideas That Inspire & Knowledge That Moves You Forward
Expert Insights, Practical Strategies & Inspiration for Every Stage of LifeExperience 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.
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.
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.
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 stop carrying our stories alone? This heartfelt and empowering session explores resilience, the experiences that shape us, and the healing that can begin when we find the courage to share. Through honest and powerful storytelling from women who have faced adversity and found their way forward, Simi creates space for connection, vulnerability, and hope. You’ll leave reminded that your story matters, you are not alone, and sometimes sharing what we’ve survived can become part of how we heal.
Fadie’s Angels takes the runway with confidence, comfort, and style. Experience a fresh look at professional apparel as they unveil our Fall 2026 Collection, featuring bold colors, signature designs, and exciting new styles.
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.
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.
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.
Join Choosing Her Collective for a fun, interactive conversation about burnout, impossible expectations, and making room for yourself. Through laughter, dancing, and relatable moments, rediscover your authentic self and find joy beyond your to-do list!
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 & SuccessHear 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.

Coach Chrissy is a trailblazing women’s wellness educator, transformational speaker, author, minister, certified fitness professional, and founder of Rose Athletics University. A passionate community leader and advocate for women’s health, she is redefining wellness across Milwaukee and throughout Wisconsin by bridging the gap between physical health, emotional healing, faith, and empowerment. Through her signature Mind, Body, and Spirit approach, Coach Chrissy inspires women to move beyond surface-level transformation and embrace healing from the inside out. Her work integrates fitness, nutrition, nervous-system wellness, spiritual growth, and personal development, equipping women with the tools to reclaim their health, confidence, identity, and purpose.
With a heart for service and a vision for generational impact, Coach Chrissy is more than a fitness professional—she is a movement builder, community advocate, and powerful voice for women’s total wellness. Her mission is simple yet transformative: To help women HEAL, STRENGTHEN, and RISE—one woman, one family, and one community at a time
Dr. Celeste A. Jackson, PhD, LCPC, is a licensed clinical professional counselor, educator, and community psychologist with a passion for advancing mental health equity and collective healing. She is the Founder and Executive Director of CORH Counseling, P.C., where she leads efforts to provide culturally responsive, trauma-informed mental health services. As a professor, clinical supervisor, and advocate for restorative practices, Dr. Jackson brings a unique perspective that bridges clinical practice, education, and community engagement. Her work centers on empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and creating spaces where healing, growth, and transformation are accessible to all.
Chef Joanne Thomas is a culinary artist, International Travel Chef, Marine Veteran, educator, entrepreneur, and founder of Serenity Catering, established in 2006. With degrees in Culinary Arts and Culinary Management, she has built a career spanning catering, restaurants, hospitals, schools, retail, and culinary education. Chef Joanne creates elevated culinary experiences through private dining, international culinary journeys, and signature products available at ChefJoanneThomas.com. A cookbook author and media personality, she has been featured on WGN-TV Chicago and at the Essence Festival Coca-Cola Kitchen Stage. Her mission: To inspire others through exceptional food, meaningful experiences, With a Little Love in Every Bite.
Trovise Martin is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, educator, entrepreneur, and author. She is the creator of Love Yourself 1st, a publishing brand inspired by her passion for encouraging self-love, kindness, and meaningful conversations through books. Her work includes a self-love book, a children’s book co-authored with her granddaughter, Anaya, and an upcoming book exploring men’s perspectives on dating and relationships. Trovise is passionate about using storytelling to inspire, educate, and empower readers of all ages.
Brandy Carson is a certified optician and the founder of Colorful Roots Eyewear. She has over 20 years of optical experience, serving people from all walks of life. Colorful Roots offers fun, funky, colorful, out of the box, unique prescription frames and sunglass styles that you can’t find in most opticals. They provide personalized services, being able to fill most eyeglass prescriptions, both online and in person. Colorful Roots is a growing national brand currently celebrating over 10 years in business and leading the optical industry in independent innovation.
Specializing in “Affordable Eyewear with Flare.” We help people look good, feel good and see well!
Kay Mitchell is the founder of Girl, You Good? Wellness & Community, a women-centered wellness brand dedicated to creating intentional spaces for self-reflection, connection, and personal growth. Kay combines her passion for women’s wellness and community-building to create meaningful resources and experiences. She is the creator of the Healing Her guided journal series, a three-part collection designed to help women explore emotional healing, self-compassion, boundaries, relationships, and personal growth. Through journals, workshops, and community conversations, Girl, You Good? encourages women to ask themselves one important question: “Girl, you good?”
When you choose cork, you’re not just investing in a high-quality, durable product; you’re making a conscious choice for the environment. Every cork product you purchase is a step towards a sustainable future, echoing a commitment to nurture and respect our planet. Dive into the world of cork, and embrace the blend of tradition, innovation, and sustainability that defines every piece in our collection.
Ciera is the visionary and CEO of Passionate Lips, a cosmetic line created to celebrate confidence, boldness, and unapologetic self-expression. With a passion for empowering women, she built Passionate Lips to offer luxurious lipsticks and glosses that inspire women to show up boldly and beautifully in every space they enter. As an entrepreneur, community leader, and women’s empowerment advocate, Ciera is committed to creating opportunities that uplift and inspire. Through Passionate Lips and her leadership, Ciera continues to build a platform that blends beauty, empowerment, and purpose-proving that when women support each other they can create something truly powerful.
Sharetha Thomas is a visionary entrepreneur, retired master hairstylist of 30 years, and the founder of The Wealthy Hair Care Collection. Driven by a passion for healthy hair and premium results, she transformed decades of salon expertise into a luxury, salon-grade product line rich in natural ingredients and accessible to everyone. As a dynamic business leader and community advocate, Sharetha is committed to empowering others through beauty, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Her mission is simple: deliver products that produce real results while inspiring confidence, excellence, and the belief that healthy hair is wealthy hair.
As a strategist and creative, LaTonya operates at the intersection of intentional growth and authentic expression. As the founder of Tailored Talent Development Solutions LLC, she partners with businesses, leaders, and individuals, to build accountability, strengthen influence, and turn potential into measurable impact, designing, curating reflective experiences – poetry, journaling, and vision boards – that help people reset and reconnect.Whether coaching or creating tools, her mission remains the same: to provide the space and strategy people need to evolve and grow with purpose.
Pam Katsigiannis began her journey with L.A. Tan in 2011, starting as a bed cleaner and working her way through various leadership roles before becoming a business partner in 2020. Today, she oversees 13 salons as a district manager and plays an active role in the company’s continued growth. As L.A. Tan celebrates 25 years in business, Pam is proud to be part of its evolution beyond traditional tanning into the growing wellness industry. Through Soré Wellness, the company is introducing innovative wellness and recovery experiences, bringing a new vision of health, rejuvenation, and social connection to its communities.
M³ Logistics, meaning Minorities Making Moves, began with Corey Bell’s vision to create opportunity through transportation while building something rooted in ownership, independence, and forward movement. Her goal was never simply to move people or goods, but to create something meaningful within the community. When Teianna Cooper joined as a business partner, she brought experience in entrepreneurship, strategy, branding, business development, organizational development, and community engagement. Together, they expanded their vision beyond transportation. Today, M³ represents logistics, urban apparel, entrepreneurship, culture, and community impact, encouraging people to pursue goals, overcome barriers, create opportunities, and keep moving forward together.
Chef Sandra is known as the other half of the culinary duo “The SanChe’ Remix” along with Chef Che’ Gravy Gaines aka “The Sauce Boss” of the hit Bravo TV show ‘Roble’ & Company.” Together Chef Sandra and Chef Che’have illustrated their own creative cultural recipe remixes.
Becoming Top Chef, a prestigious honor that represents a high level of culinary expertise, creativity, and dedication to her craft. Chef Sandra was featured in the Food & Beverage and the top chef for the NFL Super Bowl.
It’s more than just a brand; it’s a powerful statement of cultural pride and recognition. At its core is a unique flag designed to honor and uplift the complete narrative of Black Americans. This black American flag symbolizes the beauty, strength, and diversity of our people, serving as a daily reminder of our contributions to the very soul of America. From unique flags to apparel, every product crafted by the Just Us brand is designed to spark pride, inspire dialogue, and represent a people who have profoundly shaped a nation.
Sandrah is the CEO of Kikapu Afrique and has continued her passion to source the finest handcrafted pieces that celebrate the rich heritage and cultural diversity of Africa. From intricately beaded necklaces to bold statement pieces, each item tells a unique story. Join Sandrah as she shares her journey in celebrating the beauty and craftsmanship of African jewelry.
Tanzy Cullar is the visionary Founder and CEO of I DO PRETTY 365, a purpose-driven, multicultural beauty and wellness brand based in South Holland, Illinois. With a passion for natural beauty, holistic wellness, and empowering others, Tanzy founded I DO PRETTY 365 to provide high-quality, plant-based, organic, and natural beauty solutions for men and women. Through her commitment to innovation, quality, and customer care, she continues to expand the brand’s offerings in hair care, skin care, and men’s grooming. Guided by the company’s mission, “Beauty Solutions From Head to Toe,” Tanzy is dedicated to helping individuals embrace their natural beauty, build confidence, and experience wellness through intentional self-care.
Website: www.idopretty365.com
Ultimate Women’s Expo Calendar
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