The 2014 Indiana Governor's Conference for Women
For several years this was the website for the Indiana Governor’s Conference for Women. Content is from the site's 2014 archived pages offering a glimpse of what this convention provided attendees.
The Indiana Governor’s Conference for Women is a non-partisan event focused on education and leadership development for women. The Conference is supported by corporate, academic, media and community partners. Applications to become a partner are subject to approval by show management.
Limited table top display space is available for partners. Display space may not be used for retail sales or to promote political candidates, initiatives or lobbying efforts. Learn about partner opportunities and benefits.
A portion of the proceeds from the conference will go to support the creation of a Midwest Dare 2B Digital Conference for Young Women.
As a personal injury attorney from Texas, I have to say, the 2014 Indiana Governor's Conference for Women was an absolute breath of fresh air! It was so enjoyable to be immersed in a tribe of professional women who share like minds. Back home in Texas, I'm constantly reminded that I'm working in a man's world. I'm hopeful that this will gradually change, but it can be a lonely journey. The women I met at the conference instantly understood that experience, and it was incredibly validating. The conference offered a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. I particularly enjoyed the breakout sessions. "Women Who Dare" with Gail Sheehy and Pippa Mann was incredibly empowering, and I walked away with new perspectives from "Decoding the Mystery of Mentorship." The keynote speakers were fantastic, especially Katty Kay and Claire Shipman, who shared invaluable insights on confidence. Beyond the sessions, the networking opportunities were unparalleled. Connecting with women from diverse backgrounds and industries, from Cummins to Eli Lilly to Indiana University, was both enriching and motivating. The atmosphere was electric, filled with supportive, inquisitive, and successful women who were hungry to learn and grow. This conference was more than just a learning experience; it was a B12 shot of energy for my career and personal life. It's a must-attend event, and I truly hope I get the chance to attend again next year!
Benefits of Attending
Looking to grow your career or business? This year’s Indiana Governor’s Conference will offer valuable connections, strategies, tips and techniques to optimize your success.
With a great selection of topics, you can customize the program to fit your specific career or business goals.
Reasons to Attend
- Great educational opportunities – linked to your career plan and goals
- Engage with top experts – nationally-recognized speakers and best-selling authors
- Low cost, high value – local event, less time from the office
- Network with your peers – past attendees include senior managers, engineers and executives from top companies
Who Attends?
Attendees at IYF conferences represent organizations such as: Cummins, Rolls Royce, Eli Lilly, Barnes & Thornburg, Roche, Indiana University, Purdue University, Butler University, ExactTarget, Oracle, Ernst & Young, Brocade, eBay, Symantec, SAP Labs, Genentech, Deloitte Consulting LLP, Hewlett-Packard, Robert Half International, Northrop Grumman and Cisco.
Attendee Praise
“A fantastic resource for women in Indiana.” – Liean Schenck, Eli Lilly
“I was very impressed with the caliber of the presenters and guests, and walked away with many new ideas and considerations for my career.” – Kristi Kennedy, NCAA
“I was blown away by the turn out of smart successful women hungry to learn more.” – Linda Klain, Kelley School of Business
“The Indiana Governor’s Conference for Women is nothing short of phenomenal!” – Jacqueline Mills, Enterprise Strategies
“The atmosphere at this conference was simply electric!” – Anne Mejia Downs, University of Indianapolis
“The Invent Your Future Conference is one of the most encouraging, empowering, and informative events I’ve ever attended. I left excited about the possibilities ahead in my career and personal life.” – Beth
“I was thrilled to be confronted with a room full of supportive, inquisitive, and successful women. The variety of ages and stages of the participants made it very comfortable and the quality of the presenters made it very memorable. It would be impossible to come away from this event without insight or change in your life.” – Jill
<“This conference was like getting a B12 shot of energy! One of the best conferences with speakers and content that truly was life impacting.” – Liz S.
“I’m so thrilled I attended the Midwest Invent Your Future conference. I left with a pep in my step, a great autographed book and some tools I put to immediate use–I got way more value than I paid for!” – Tiffany
“This was such a refreshing conference–an entire conference of professional women supporting and lifting each other up. It was one of the most empowering conferences I’ve attended in quite a while. It’s a must attend for me next year.” – Jacqueline Wilson, Founder, Editor, PrimeParentsClub.com
“The Invent Your Future conference was the most empowering conference I have ever attended. To be around dynamic women leaders has inspired me to courageously pursue my career goals. I have waited too long!” – Joy M.
2014 Agenda
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Our 2015 agenda is in development. In the meantime, you’re welcome to browse this sample program from our 2014 conference.
8:00 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.Registration/Networking
8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.Tabletop Exhibits, Bookstore and Book Signings, Roundtables
Meet the authors.
9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.Morning General Session
Host: Gerry Dick, Creator and Host, “INside Indiana Business”
Welcome by conference co-founders Deborah Collins Stephens, Managing Partner, Center for Innovative Leadership and Billie Dragoo, CEO, RepuCare
Governor Mike Pence and First Lady Karen Pence
Lessons in Leadership – panel discussion hosted by Sydnie Kohara, Media Strategist; Former CBS and CNBC News Anchor
Speaker: Congresswoman Susan Brooks
Panelists: Angela Braly, Former President & CEO, WellPoint; Board member, Lowe’s and Procter & Gamble; A’Lelia Bundles, President, Madam Walker/A’Lelia Walker Family Archives, former executive and producer, NBC and ABC News; Allison Melangton, President, Indiana Sports Corp.; Scott Dorsey, Co-Founder & former CEO, ExactTarget
10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.Breakout Sessions – I
- Got Your Attention? How to Create INTRIGUE and Connect with Anyone – Sam Horn, CEO, The Intrigue Agency; Moderator: Deb Hallberg, Business Development Manager, Barnes & Thornburg LLP
- Women Who Dare – Gail Sheehy, Journalist; Lecturer; Founder of the Daring Project; Author, Daring: My Passages; Pippa Mann, British Racing Driver and Susan G. Komen breast cancer awareness advocate; Moderator: Ann Bowman, Corporate Secretary and Legal Counsel, Whiteco Industries
- Disrupt Yourself® – Whitney Johnson, Speaker; Innovator; Author, Dare, Dream, Do: Remarkable Things Happen When You Dare to Dream; Moderator: Brenda Stallings, Owner and President, Matrix Integration
- Show Me the Money: Funding Your Business – Moderator: Dave Clark, Managing Director, One Torch Fund; Jane Applegate, Former Director of Strategic Partnership and Events, Plum Alley Fund; Geri Stengel, President, Ventureneer; Contributor, Forbes
- Create Momentum in Your Career through a Distinct Personal Brand – Moderator: Idalene Kesner, Dean, Indiana University Kelley School of Business; Val Grubb, Principal, Val Grubb & Associates; Pam Roberts, Retired Director of Graduate Career Services, Kelley School of Business; Susan Jones, Chief Executive Officer & Founder, Seed Strategy Inc
12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.Luncheon Keynote Session
Host: Ericka Flye, Anchor, WRTV
Welcome by conference co-chairs Traci Dolan, Chief Administrative Officer, ExactTarget and Ann Bowman, Corporate Secretary and General Counsel, Whiteco Industries
2015 Conference Co-Chairs Caroline Dowd-Higgins, Director of Professional Enrichment, Indiana University Alumni Association, and Patty Prosser, Managing Partner, OI-Career Consultants, LLP
Tribute to Madam C.J. Walker watch the video
Laurie Burns McRobbie, First Lady, Indiana University
Lieutenant Governor Sue Ellspermann
Ruth Stergiou, CEO, Invent Your Future Enterprises
ingc14keynoteKeynote Speakers:
Katty Kay, Anchor, BBC World News America; Co-Author, The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance – What Women Should Know
Claire Shipman, Contributor, “Good Morning America” and ABC News; Co-Author, The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance – What Women Should Know
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.Breakout Sessions – II
- 10 Rules for Women Who Want to Lead – Melissa Greenwell, EVP and Chief Human Resources Officer, Finish Line, Inc.; Moderator: Patty Prosser, Managing Partner, OI-Career Consultants LLP
- The Stiletto Network Revolution – Pamela Ryckman, Journalist; Author, Stiletto Network: Inside the Women’s Power Circles That Are Changing the Face of Business
- Decoding the Mystery of Mentorship – Staci Lyons, President and Chief Strategy Officer, Invent Your Future Enterprises; Marylene Delbourg-Delphis, CEO, TalentCircles; Moderator: Kay Whitaker, General Partner and CFO, One Torch Partners
- The Dolphin Tank I – Moderator: Denise Brosseau, CEO, Thought Leadership Lab; Panel of Experts: Geri Stengel, Contributor, Forbes; Ari Horie, Founder/CEO, Women’s Startup Lab. Businesses: Pam Cooper, Boosterville; Dawn Andrews, garb2ART Cosmetics; Ashley Bryan, Life in the Moment; Aimee Kandrac, WhatFriendsDo
3:30 p.m – 4:30 p.m.Breakout Sessions – III
- Exact Women’s Wisdom: Lessons in Life, Career, and Love – Deborah Collins Stephens, Conference Co-Founder; Managing Partner, Center for Innovative Leadership; Caroline Dowd-Higgins, Director of Professional Enrichment, Indiana University Alumni Association
- Amazing Women Who Leveraged Technology in Their Careers – Moderator: Laurie Burns McRobbie, First Lady, Indiana University; Cindy Warner, Managing Partner, Cloud Strategy and Solutions, IBM; Ari Horie, Founder/CEO, Women’s Startup Lab; Traci Dolan, Conference Co-Chair; Chief Administrative Officer, ExactTarget; Omoju Miller, Technology Portfolio Manager, Google
- In the Spotlight: Creating a Powerful First Impression – Sydnie Kohara, Media Strategist; Former CBS and CNBC News Anchor; Moderator: Tonya Brothers Bridge, CEO, Transformation Team, Inc.; Chief of Staff, Lieutenant Governor Sue Ellspermann
- The Dolphin Tank II – Moderator: Denise Brosseau, CEO, Thought Leadership Lab; Panel of Experts: Sam Horn, CEO, The Intrigue Agency; Dave Clark, Managing Director, One Torch Fund Businesses: Cheryl Watson, TEA unwrapped; Cindy Dunston Quirk, Scout and Zoe’s; Lisa Jarrett, BabyPlus
4:45 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.Closing Keynote Session
Host: Sydnie Kohara, Media Strategist; Former CBS and CNBC News Anchor
Keynote Speaker: Judy Smith, Founder & President, Smith & Company; Crisis Management Expert; Co-Executive Producer of and inspiration for the hit TV show “Scandal”
Closing remarks: Deborah Collins Stephens and Billie Dragoo
5:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.Networking Reception
Program is subject to change. Attendance in breakout sessions is first come, first served.
2014 Breakout Sessions
Our 2015 program is in development. In the meantime, browse our sample 2014 agenda or last year’s book signings and Share the Wisdom Roundtables.
Got Your Attention? How to Create INTRIGUE and Connect with Anyone
Sam Horn, CEO, The Intrigue Agency
Have you ever:
- Had people not truly listen or tune out right in the middle of what you were saying?
- Been unable to connect fully with someone you wanted to because you couldn’t think of what to say?
- Struggled to explain why someone should work with you, refer you or say yes to you?
- Had an idea rejected because people didn’t find it interesting, pertinent or viable?
Imagine never having to experience those frustrations again. Imagine being able to articulate what you care about, clearly and compellingly, so other people care about it too. Imagine being able to capture and keep the interest of busy, distracted people. Imagine being able to connect with anyone, anytime, anywhere and create meaningful conversations and connections. You don’t have to imagine it; this inspiring presentation shows you how to do it. Discover why Sam’s TEDx talk on this topic has gone viral and is studied at staff meetings around the world.
Women Who Dare
Gail Sheehy, New York Times best-selling author of DARING: My Passages; Pippa Mann, British Racing Driver and Susan G. Komen breast cancer awareness advocate
Do you dare…to move out of your comfort zone? …to make the first move? …to change the world? In this session, pioneering investigative journalist and New York Times bestselling author Gail Sheehy offers a thrilling showcase of the transformative power of daring. Looking back on her own life and the lives of the bold and accomplished women she’s interviewed throughout her career, Gail reveals how daring early and often has been crucial in the success of women who work in the media, in business, politics, education, the arts, and beyond. Her captivating stories of the early daring moments of feminist icon Gloria Steinem, media mogul Arianna Huffington, PBS president Pat Mitchell, folk singer Judy Collins, Intel VP Lisa Lambert—and many more—will inspire you to take risks, conquer fears, and act with confidence. She will also be joined, in a special guest appearance, by 31-year-old British racing sensation Pippa Mann—a living case study of a woman who dares.
Disrupt Yourself®
Whitney Johnson, Managing Director & Co-Founder, Springboard Fund; Author, Dare, Dream, Do: Remarkable Things Happen When You Dare to Dream
The idea is simple, but powerful: disruptive companies and ideas upend markets by doing something truly different – they see a need, an empty space waiting to be filled, and they dare to create something for which a market may not yet exist. An expert in driving innovation via personal disruption, Whitney Johnson will demonstrate how the frameworks of disruptive innovation can apply to you: if you want to be successful in unexpected ways, follow your own disruptive path. Dare to innovate. Dream big dreams. Do something astonishing. Disrupt yourself. As the driving force behind the online marketing of a major national cleaning supplies distributor, she set standards that are still being followed by the industry long before others copied her program. In this session, Whitney Johnson will share her personal story of disruption and will teach you how powerful it can be in your evolving reinvention, both personally and professionally.
Show Me the Money: How to Raise Money for Your Business
Moderator: Dave Clark, Managing Director, One Torch Fund; Panel: Jane Applegate, Author, 201 Great Ideas for Your Small Business; Director, Strategic Partnerships & Events, Plum AlleyFund; Geri Stengel, Contributor, Forbes, President, Ventureneer
Whether your business is in the idea stage or you are seeking cash to grow, you will learn the ins and outs of achieving your financial goals. Whether it’s through crowd-funding, the venture capital route, or through friends and family, this nationally-acclaimed group of experts can help you figure out the right path for obtaining the money.
Create Momentum in Your Career through a Distinct Personal Brand
Idalene Kesner, Dean, Indiana University Kelley School of Business
Val Grubb, Principal, Val Grubb & Associates; Indiana University – Kelley Alumna
Susan Jones, Founder & CEO, Seed Strategy Inc; Indiana University – Kelley Alumna
Pam Roberts, Retired Director of Graduate Career Services, Indiana University Kelley School of Business
The days of following a standard career path are over. Women have more control over their careers than ever before. The challenge now is how to stand out in an increasingly competitive and global marketplace. The good news is that we all have our own unique skills, values, and passions that bring value to companies, organizations, and society. Identifying and communicating these assets in a powerful and memorable way can help you build momentum in your career. Join the panel as they share their insights on personal brand building. They will discuss what makes a great personal brand and will provide you the tools to help you build yours. Personal brand building is the foundation of the career management process taught by the Kelley School’s undergraduate and graduate programs’ career services offices.
10 Rules for Women Who Want to Lead
Melissa Greenwell, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Finish Line, Inc.
Women lead differently than men. There are leadership skills that come naturally to women. There are other leadership skills that men more easily demonstrate. What do women need to do to be noticed, heard and remembered in organizations that are largely populated by men? What do you need to do? If you are tired of not being noticed, not being heard and not getting the opportunities you want, then it’s time to consider what you need to change. Join Melissa Greenwell for a walk through the “10 Rules for Women Who Want to Lead” and learn how speaking up, managing emotions, giving up the guilt and other important changes will make you an effective, influential and highly valued leader in your organization.
The Stiletto Network Revolution
Pamela Ryckman, Journalist, Author, Stiletto Network: Inside the Women’s Power Circles That Are Changing the Face of Business
A movement has begun. In numbers never seen before, ambitious women are joining forces in every American city, forming dinner groups and networking circles — collaborating to achieve clout and success. Why shouldn’t more women back each other? Why shouldn’t they be banding together and tipping the scales? These “new girls’ networks” are alive and changing all the old rules about how business is done and power is allocated. In this session, Pamela Ryckman explains that while each Stiletto Network is as unique as the women it convenes, these groups do have common characteristics. You’ll hear how groups mine their collective wisdom to realize their dreams or champion a cause, and how they lift up their friends and push them forward, ensuring each woman gets what she needs — be it information, an introduction, a recommendation, a partnership, or a landmark deal.
Decoding the Mystery of Mentorship
Staci Lyons, President and Chief Strategy Officer, Invent Your Future Enterprises
Marylene Delbourg-Delphis, CEO, TalentCircles
Are you tired of going it alone? Do you have a mentor? Are you confused about what a mentor is supposed to do? What a mentee is supposed to do? Do you have allies who will advocate for you in the political landscape, otherwise known as your office? Then you won’t want to miss this session with senior executives and a serial entrepreneur to provide a guide on how to become a great mentor and mentee. You will hear about the impact mentoring relationships have had on their careers and how you can apply these lessons to your own. Finally, you will learn how technology is making finding and managing mentoring relationships easier than ever!
The Dolphin Tank
Join us for two lively sessions where several diverse businesses each give a two-minute pitch to a panel of seasoned experts who provide feedback. The Dolphin Tank is a supportive pitch session designed to provide entrepreneurs with actionable insights from the knowledgeable people in the audience, as well as experts in the venture capital industry. This isn’t about a competition for the best idea, it’s about channeling the expertise of the people in the room to provide connections and advice to help entrepreneurs take the next step with confidence. These pitch-practice sessions provide experienced or aspiring entrepreneurs the platform to deliver a two-minute elevator pitch about their idea, product, challenge or business and close with a specific request. A discussion led by the panel focuses on these questions: “What was compelling or memorable about the pitch,” “What else do we need to know that you didn’t tell us,” “How can we help?” “What connections can we make?” Whether it is a thoughtful question, constructive feedback, a new approach to thinking about the problem, or a strategic connection – we leverage the collective network and expertise to support the entrepreneurs. No sharks, piranhas, dragons or “Debbie Downers” allowed. The Dolphin Tank is a supportive, vision-expanding, light bulbs going off experience. Nothing adversarial about it.
Exact Women’s Wisdom: Lessons in Life, Career, and Love
Deborah Collins Stephens, Conference Co-Founder; Managing Partner, Center for Innovative Leadership;
Caroline Dowd-Higgins, Director of Professional Enrichment, Indiana University Alumni Association
Wouldn’t it be great if your life and career came with a handbook to help you navigate the roller coaster moments and the unexpected? After interviewing hundreds of women for their books: This is Not The Life I Ordered and This Is Not The Career I Ordered, Deborah Collins Stephens and Caroline Dowd-Higgins have compiled wisdom, action steps and advice that is exactly what you need to enjoy your career and love your life. From defining success on your own terms to living a life of fulfillment and satisfaction – learn how to create the life you want to lead. This session is a roadmap for life’s transitions. Like most women, you probably run from the minute you wake until you go to bed. Learn how to create a time and place for you: precious time carved out to work on yourself and the person you wish to become. This can push you gently into constructing the life you wish to lead. Taking personal accountability for your work, your love, and your life are the most important goals any woman can hold. A high energy and action-packed session filled with bite-sized gems of wisdom that will help you do the necessary work to create the kind of wonderful life we believe every woman can create for herself.
Amazing Women Who Leveraged Technology in Their Careers
Laurie Burns McRobbie, First Lady, Indiana University
Cindy Warner, Managing Partner, Cloud Strategy and Solutions, IBM
Ari Horie, Founder/CEO, Women’s Startup Lab
Traci Dolan, Former Chief Administrative Officer, ExactTarget & Conference Co-Chair
Omoju Miller, Technology Portfolio Manager, Google
Women are not only opening more doors in the tech industry but they are getting ahead, negotiating raises, finding more opportunities and changing the work cultures. This panel of women with successful careers in technology will look at the challenges and opportunities as entrepreneurs, executives and individual contributors in the hottest industry in the country and share their tips and success stories from the trenches to help you navigate a creative and lucrative career.
In the Spotlight: Creating a Powerful First Impression
Sydnie Kohara, Media Strategist; Former CBS and CNBC News Anchor
Your palms are sweating, your heart is racing and you’ve got that deer-in-the-headlights stare. No, you’re not watching a scary movie –those are common symptoms of people who fear public speaking. Let’s face it; you talk to people – clients, customers and bosses – every day. And every day, you have just seconds to make a lasting impression. In this highly interactive, engaging session, communications expert Sydnie Kohara offers tips and advice gathered from more than two decades in front of the camera. She also charts her own journey from shy kid in speech class to Emmy award-winning television journalist. Learn the secrets of:
- Facing your speaking fears
- Vocal performance
- Power dressing
- Positive body language
- Connecting with and inspiring your audience
Program is subject to change.
More Background On IndianaGovernorsConference.com
The Indiana Conference for Women stands as the Midwest’s largest, most influential annual gathering for women’s leadership, professional development, and personal growth. Rooted in a legacy of empowerment, education, and connection, the event provides a dynamic platform that brings together thousands of women from diverse backgrounds, industries, ages, and career levels. This article explores every key facet of the Indiana Conference for Women—including its ownership, history, impact, programming, awards, menu, partnerships, press coverage, reputation, cultural significance, and more.
Ownership & Leadership
The Indiana Conference for Women was co-founded by Billie Dragoo-Garcia and Deborah Collins Stephens, two visionary leaders recognized for their dedication to women’s advancement throughout the Midwest. Dragoo-Garcia, a serial entrepreneur and corporate executive, and Stephens, an author and leadership consultant, established the conference as a nonpartisan, nonprofit venture, focused purely on actionable results for women. The organization’s governing board features prominent leaders from the worlds of philanthropy, healthcare, academia, business, and public service. Senior team members—including Dana S. Cummings—bring deep experience in nonprofit management and higher education, ensuring the organization’s strategic direction remains aligned with its core values of inclusivity, integrity, and real-world impact.
From inception, the conference’s founders have engaged partners such as Indiana University, the Riley Children’s Foundation, local businesses, and civic organizations to ensure sustainability and cross-sector representation. Board meetings, executive planning sessions, and strategic retreats convene year-round, facilitating ongoing program innovation and responsible stewardship.
History & Evolution
The Indiana Conference for Women launched its inaugural event in the early 2010s, initially known as the Indiana Governors Conference for Women. This early incarnation focused on fostering dialogue between government, business, and academic leaders around gender equity and women’s leadership. Rapid growth in attendance revealed deep regional demand for such programming, prompting the conference’s rebranding. The newly named Indiana Conference for Women (ICFW) broadened outreach, dropping political association and expanding programming to support entrepreneurship, wellness, and community leadership.
Over more than a decade, ICFW has welcomed in excess of 10,000 attendees and hosted more than 750 companies, building a vibrant community of alumni and annual participants. Its reputation as Indiana’s essential destination for women’s professional advancement is underscored by consistently sold-out venues and expanding digital programming. The conference’s year-round presence includes workshops, mentorship programs, the Women’s Leadership Development Series, and youth-focused initiatives such as Dare 2B Digital.
Mission & Core Values
At its heart, the Indiana Conference for Women aims to elevate every woman’s potential—regardless of her career stage, discipline, or background. The mission statement centers on four goals:
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Empowering women to advance and excel professionally and personally.
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Creating cross-sector networks of learning, mentorship, and collaboration.
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Celebrating women’s achievements in business, community service, innovation, and advocacy.
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Addressing barriers to women’s success, from economic disparities to access in leadership roles.
ICFW values diversity, equity, generosity, lifelong learning, and civic engagement. The conference positions itself as accessible and welcoming to all, including underrepresented communities, students, retirees, and those seeking new career directions. Financial access is addressed through partnerships, scholarships, and reduced-rate passes.
Popularity & Audience
Numbers alone attest to the conference’s reach: more than 10,000 attendees have participated over the last decade, with annual audiences exceeding 1,800. Representation spans industry professionals, educators, nonprofit leaders, entrepreneurs, public officials, students, and emerging leaders. Companies from across the Midwest routinely send teams; universities encourage student attendance and facilitate academic panels.
Participant feedback highlights the event’s inclusive, motivating spirit. Ninety-seven percent of attendees rate the experience as excellent or good, emphasizing the event’s role as a catalyst for real change. Alumni return year after year, building lasting networks that help Indiana’s women grow professionally and socially.
Location & Venue
Held annually in downtown Indianapolis, the conference leverages the city’s robust infrastructure, accessibility, and hospitality to attract participants statewide and nationally. Venues such as the JW Marriott and Indiana Convention Center provide ample space for general sessions, breakout workshops, networking receptions, and partner exhibits. The location offers proximity to major transportation, cultural landmarks, and business headquarters. Logistical ease makes the conference a flagship event within the region’s convention calendar.
Awards, Recognition & Achievements
ICFW distinguishes itself through signature awards, most notably the Empowerment Awards, which honor Indiana women who have demonstrated excellence and impact in leadership, advocacy, business, and service. Winners are celebrated for driving innovation, championing diversity, and contributing meaningfully to their communities. A second cornerstone is the Women’s Leadership Development Series, a two-year program providing high-profile mentorship and tailored coaching for emerging leaders. Graduates gain visibility, skills, and mentorship from Indiana’s most successful women.
Further, the Indiana Women’s Collaborative and the Professional Women’s Conference—related or partner events—expand recognition through the Empower Award, peer-nominated distinctions, and spotlights on topics such as thought leadership, credibility, boundary-setting, and strategic growth.
Awards also reach into journalism and creative communication through partners like the Woman’s Press Club of Indiana, which hosts writing, photography, and communication contests for professionals and students, providing scholarships and grants to the region’s best.
Conference Agenda & Menu
The annual agenda features a full day of programming—from early registration, breakfast, general and breakout sessions, book signings, wellness activities, and a closing celebration. Past and upcoming speakers include Olympic athletes, bestselling authors, media personalities, distinguished entrepreneurs, and transformative leadership coaches. Notable 2025 speakers consist of Dan Harris, Hoda Kotb, Tina Knowles, Emma Heming Willis, Bonnie Hammer, and Tissa Richards. Keynotes are accompanied by breakout workshops, panel discussions, and skills labs addressing negotiation, resilience, public speaking, mentorship, strategic thinking, entrepreneurship, and women’s health.
Exhibits showcase nonprofit organizations, business partners, and local initiatives. Bookstores and media galleries present speaker titles, products, and resources. The conference provides inclusive food and beverage choices—breakfast, lunch, and refreshment breaks—focusing on quality and comfort.
Partnerships & Sponsorships
Sponsors and partners form the lifeblood of the Indiana Conference for Women, ensuring affordability, diversity, and reach. Key partners include universities, local and national businesses, insurance companies, sports organizations, and communications firms. Recent sponsors such as Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield, Indiana Sports Corp, Hirons, Smithville, and Michelin North America reflect the broad impact and industry buy-in. These partners fund scholarships, awards, and education tracks, and their support allows for deep discounts and free admission for targeted audiences.
ICFW also encourages local organizations to sponsor specific sessions, host networking events, or contribute resources to community platforms. The partnership philosophy is rooted in supporting inclusion, visibility, recruitment, marketing, and cross-sector advancement.
Goals & Impact
The Indiana Conference for Women sets ambitious annual and ongoing goals, including increasing access to mentorship, fostering diverse representation, empowering innovation, and building robust alumni communities. Success is measured through surveys, alumni engagement, job placement and promotions among attendees, volume and variety of programming, and the amplification of women’s voices statewide. The organization endeavors to create tangible impacts, such as supporting leadership transitions, investing in future generations, and sponsoring special topic workshops responsive to current events.
Reputation & Reviews
ICFW’s reputation is built on exceptional feedback, repeat attendance, and frequent recognition in media and academic circles. Both first-timers and returnees describe the experience as “transformational,” “energizing,” “career-launching,” and “absolutely essential.” The welcoming culture fosters connections that endure beyond the conference—a robust alumni network organizes digital meetups, peer mentorship, and collaborative projects year-round.
Press and media outlets routinely cover keynote addresses, award ceremonies, and program milestones. Indiana’s largest papers, business journals, and television stations publish pre-conference profiles, participant interviews, event recaps, and opinion pieces celebrating ICFW’s impact.
Press, Media & Societal Coverage
Extensive media coverage in outlets such as Inside Indiana Business, Indianapolis Star, and local television elevate the conference’s visibility and accessibility. Media attention centers on themes of empowerment, equity, and women’s social progression. Notable attention is paid to the success stories of individual attendees—women advancing to C-suite positions, launching successful companies, or pioneering academic research.
Interviews with keynote speakers showcase the stories and strategies fueling innovation: resilience in adversity, leadership under pressure, life lessons from creative and athletic achievement, and testimonials of thriving in male-dominated fields. Social media amplifies sessions through live posting, speaker quotes, and participant photos, inspiring engagement beyond event walls.
Cultural & Social Significance
The Indiana Conference for Women’s cultural importance lies in its ability to unite and inspire Hoosier women of all backgrounds. By providing spaces for education, storytelling, advocacy, and connection, ICFW catalyzes statewide change in attitudes toward gender equity, work-life balance, and social justice. Year after year, the conference supports important conversations about economic opportunity, health disparities, political engagement, and intergenerational learning.
ICFW’s model serves as a blueprint for other regions and organizations, shaping trends in women’s conferences, leadership programs, and nonprofit events. The alumni network continues its mission by collaborating on civic projects, organizing fundraising drives, and mentoring upcoming talent. Participation is increasingly multigenerational, with mothers, daughters, and sisters attending together.
Examples, Insights & Specifics
A typical conference experience includes:
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Registration and breakfast networking at the JW Marriott or Indiana Convention Center
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Opening keynotes by renowned figures such as Hoda Kotb, Tina Knowles, and Dan Harris
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Morning breakout sessions on topics ranging from digital innovation to resilience
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Book signings and high-touch meet-and-greet opportunities with speakers
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Lunch general session featuring wellness strategies, industry insights, and recognition of award recipients
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Afternoon workshops focusing on tangible skill-building and leadership
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Exhibits from community organizations, diversity initiatives, scholarship programs, and local businesses
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Closing ceremony honoring transformative change-makers
Outside core programming, attendees can join satellite events, after-parties, specialty networking panels, and alumni socials.
Organizational Structure & Year-Round Programming
Beyond the conference itself, ICFW organizes mentoring cohorts, online forums, digital workshops, speaker series, and research symposia. The organization’s professional development tracks—from public speaking to financial planning—extend benefits to alumni and first-time participants alike. The board maintains a robust calendar of planning meetings, partner forums, advisory councils, and strategic explorations, engaging stakeholders across all sectors of Indiana’s civic community.
Scholarship and grants are awarded in partnership with communications clubs, local press organizations, and university affiliates. These programs support college students, high school journalists, writers, and aspiring nonprofit leaders.
The Indiana Conference for Women is a living, evolving institution dedicated to excellence, equity, and empowerment. Its leaders and supporters believe in the limitless potential of Indiana’s women—and work year-round to provide the resources, recognition, learning, and connection necessary to realize that promise. Whether through its sold-out annual event, its leadership series, or its community partnerships, ICFW stands as a testament to the state’s commitment to progress and shared success.
No longer simply a conference, the Indiana Conference for Women is a springboard: for regional influence, individual achievement, and generational change.