Michigan WomenRising Spring 2026

A Half-Day MI Women's Leadership & Empowerment Conference

May 11, 2026, 2026, 1 pm - 4 pm Eastern | Live Virtual Event

Rise. Lead. Thrive.

Early-Bird $50 Discount Ends Soon!

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Join hundreds of ambitious, high-achieving businesswomen across industries for WomenRising 2026—a dynamic half-day virtual conference designed to empower, elevate, and ignite the next chapter of your leadership journey.

Whether you're aiming for the next promotion, navigating complex leadership dynamics, or simply seeking renewed purpose, this is your moment to rise.

Powerhouse Speakers

Miranda Fulk

Managing DirectorNorthwestern Mutual

Liz Schwartz

Executive Director, US Policy & Govt RelationsMerck & Co.

Gabrielle Howard

DirectorProcter & Gamble

Tamara Robinson

Senior DirectorRedfin

Mona Raju

Manager of Global Learning & DevelopmentNissan

Elizabeth Mansfield

Senior DirectorPinterest

Kate Nowak

Head of Customer SuccessSAP

Britney Young

Senior Technical Product ManagerAmazon Web Services (AWS)

Rachel Hurley

DirectorBayer

Erin Baber-Sherwood

HR Response PartnerPaychex

🎤 Transformational Keynotes

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Resist the Call to Play Small: Leading with Authenticity.

Erin Baber-Sherwood

HR Response Partner at Paychex

Discover how embracing your authentic voice can become your greatest leadership advantage. This keynote will inspire attendees to lead boldly, show up fully, and make an impact without shrinking to fit expectations.

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Hacking Your Brain for Health and Happiness.

Mona Raju

Manager Global Learning & Development at Nissan.

Explore practical strategies to rewire your mindset for greater well-being, resilience, and joy. Attendees will leave with actionable tools to improve mental fitness and create healthier, happier daily habits.

Panels with Candid Truths

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When It’s Time to Pivot: Reinventing Yourself Without Starting Over

Leaders from Bayer, Nissan, Pinterest, Northwestern Mutual, and Merck.

Hear how accomplished women have navigated major career and life shifts while building on the strengths they already had. This conversation will offer fresh perspective on reinvention, growth, and making your next move with confidence.

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Behind Every Great Woman: The Power of Mentors & Sponsors

Leaders from Procter & Gamble, Amazon Web Services, Redfin and SAP.

Learn why mentors and sponsors are essential to career advancement and personal growth. This panel will highlight how powerful relationships can open doors, amplify potential, and help women rise together.

Why Attend WomenRising?

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Top-tier women leaders sharing candid stories and actionable advice

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Zero fluff—only real talk from women who've been there

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Network digitally with like-minded, driven professionals

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Leave recharged, refocused, and reconnected to your potential

Full Conference Agenda

1:00 PM

Keynote: Resist the Call to Play Small: Leading with Authenticity.

Erin Baber-Sherwood

HR Response Partner Paychex

1:30 PM

Panel: When It’s Time to Pivot: Reinventing Yourself Without Starting Over.

Rachel Hurley

Director, US State and Local Government Affairs Bayer

Mona Raju

Manager Global Learning & Development Nissan

Elizabeth Mansfield

Senior Director Pinterest

Miranda Fulk

Managing Director Northwestern Mutual

Liz Schwartz

Executive Director Merck & Co

2:15 PM

Keynote: Hacking Your Brain for Health and Happiness.

Mona Raju

Manager Global Learning & Development Nissan

2:45 PM

Panel: Behind Every Great Woman: The Power of Mentors & Sponsors.

Gabrielle Howard

Director - MSO Business Planner Procter & Gamble

Britney Young

Senior Technical Product Manager Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Tamara Robinson

Senior Director, Real Estate Operations Redfin

Kate Nowak

Head of Customer Success SAP

What Past Attendees Say

★★★★★ 4.9 Google Verified Business Reviews

"Inspiring speakers who motivate us all to build our relationships with our fellow women leaders."

- Jolene Vos-Camy, Calvin University

"I highly recommend this community for all women."

- Giselle Sandy-Phillips, Constellation

"Great webinar topics and speakers! Looking forward to more ..."

- Dolly Greenhalgh, Playworks

"The meetings are always valuable to me."

- Julie Mobley, Cullman Internal Medicine

"The speakers are really great. They offer practical advice and inspiration for women in the workplace."

- Krista Bednorz, Wayne & Roberts

"Came through again with meaningful content that was a valuable use of my time."

- Maria McWilliams, Vanderlande

"Really enjoy the speakers and the connection to other women leaders. Valuable group."

- Shannon McVeigh, RSM Enterprises

"Great thought provoking presentations."

- Tamaki Stratman, The Historical Society

Buyer's Guide: How To Choose the Right Women's Leadership Conference or Summit.

1. Criteria in Choosing a Women's Leadership Conference or Summit.

A women's leadership conference is only partly about the stage. The real value is not in trying to absorb every slide, every panel, and every keynote; it is in using the event as a live map of what serious leaders are thinking about right now. The most effective attendees arrive with a point of view and a short list of questions they want answered: Which leadership challenge am I trying to solve? Which assumptions do I need to pressure-test? Who in this room sees the future earlier than I do? That shift matters. Once you stop treating the conference like a fire hose of content and start treating it like a focused leadership lab, your decisions get better. You choose sessions more deliberately, listen for recurring themes, and use hallway conversations to test ideas in real time. A strong conference outcome is not “I attended everything.” It is “I left with one sharper strategic idea, a handful of meaningful relationships, and a clearer sense of what to do next.”

That kind of outcome begins before you ever put on your badge. Effective attendees do their homework. They study the agenda, identify the sessions most likely to challenge their thinking, and make a priority list of people they genuinely want to meet. Then they reach out early. A short note before the event can do more than a dozen awkward introductions onsite: it lets you pre-introduce yourself, suggest a coffee, or simply tell someone you plan to attend their session. Just as important, do not overschedule every minute. Leave room for serendipity, because leadership conferences often become most valuable in the spaces between formal sessions. Build in white space for a conversation that runs long, a speaker you want to approach, or an impromptu lunch with someone who sees your industry from a different angle. The best attendees are prepared, but they are not rigid; they create structure so they can take advantage of surprise.

Once you are there, your most important tool is not your business card. It is your ability to explain who you are in a way that is clear, memorable, and relevant. Too many attendees answer “What do you do?” with a job title and a dead end. A better answer is a short “movie trailer” of your work: what you lead, what problem you are trying to solve, and why it matters now. Pair that with a small repertoire of questions that invite real conversation rather than polite noise. Asking what brought someone to this conference, what issue is taking more leadership time than it should, or what they are seeing change in their organization quickly moves the exchange from small talk to substance. Even for introverts, this approach works because it replaces performance with curiosity. You do not have to impress the room. You have to help one person at a time feel that the conversation with you was worth having.

That is why the smartest conference attendees work the room humanly, not theatrically. They do not try to become the loudest networker in the ballroom. They focus on a series of thoughtful, one-to-one exchanges, and they use good business etiquette to make those exchanges easy for everyone else. They know how to enter a group without hijacking it, introduce people to one another, shift conversations gracefully, and exit without awkwardness. They pay attention to small details because small details signal leadership maturity. They listen more than they speak. They notice who asks the sharpest questions from the audience. They treat coffee lines, post-session clusters, and shared tables as openings rather than inconveniences. And when they meet someone interesting, they capture a quick note afterward so the conversation does not dissolve into the blur of the day. A leadership conference rewards energy, yes, but it rewards composure, attentiveness, and generosity even more.

It also rewards people who understand that networking is not a numbers game. The point is not to collect the most contacts; it is to strengthen the right mix of relationships. Some of the most valuable people you meet will not be the headline speakers or the obvious power players. They may be peers wrestling with the same management problem, operators from adjacent industries, rising leaders with fresh pattern recognition, or connectors who know worlds you do not. So go broad enough to avoid an echo chamber, and generous enough to be useful. Offer a relevant introduction. Share an article, a framework, or a data point. Ask, “How can I help?” with sincerity, not theater. Authenticity matters because people can feel the difference between someone building a relationship and someone merely working a room. Leadership conferences create a rare temporary community; the attendees who benefit most are the ones who contribute to that community while they are in it.

The final test of conference effectiveness comes after the flight home. If you do not process the event quickly, even excellent conversations decay into vague good intentions. Block time within a day or two to review your notes, organize the contacts you made, and decide what each relationship actually needs next. Some people deserve an immediate follow-up tied to a specific opportunity. Some belong in a smaller group of relationships worth deepening over time. Others may only call for a brief note of appreciation and a connection request with context. The follow-up itself should be short, specific, and personal: remind them what you discussed, deliver any resource you promised, and suggest a natural next step. That simple discipline is where conference value compounds. The real return on attending a leadership conference is not measured by how busy you felt while you were there. It is measured by which ideas you acted on, which relationships continued, and how much better you lead because you went.

2. Key Questions to Answer Before Selecting a Women's Leadership Conference and Summit.

Is this women's leadership conference aligned with my goals?
Yes--clearly define your primary objective (e.g., networking, skill-building, advancement) and ensure the agenda emphasizes practical outcomes, not just inspiration; the strongest conferences explicitly map sessions to real career use cases and future growth paths.

Who is the audience--and do I belong there?
You should see a strong match between your career stage and the attendee profile, with a mix of peers (for shared learning), senior leaders (for mentorship), and diverse industries if cross-pollination is valuable to you.

How strong and relevant are the speakers?
Prioritize conferences featuring accomplished practitioners with real leadership experience, not just recognizable names--look for speakers known for actionable insights and a range of perspectives that reflect different paths to leadership.

What is the quality of networking opportunities?
The best events intentionally design networking through structured formats (roundtables, small groups), making it easy to build meaningful connections rather than leaving interactions to chance in large, impersonal settings.

Is the content practical and actionable?
High-quality conferences balance inspiration with execution, offering workshops, frameworks, and tools you can immediately apply, rather than relying solely on panels or keynote speeches.
v Who is organizing it--and what’s their reputation?
Choose conferences hosted by well-known publishers, universities, or respected associations with a track record of consistent, well-reviewed events and strong attendee satisfaction.
v What is the format and experience like?
Select a format (in-person, virtual, hybrid) that fits your goals, and consider event size and pacing--smaller or well-structured events often provide deeper engagement and better opportunities to connect.

What’s the ROI (return on investment)?
Evaluate whether the cost aligns with tangible benefits like skills gained, quality of connections, and career impact--and ensure you can clearly articulate this value if seeking employer support.

Are there opportunities for visibility or participation?
Look for events that allow you to actively contribute--through speaking, mentoring, or facilitated sessions--which can significantly increase your visibility and long-term value from attending.

What happens after the conference?
The strongest conferences extend beyond the event itself, offering ongoing communities, resources, and follow-up opportunities that help you sustain relationships and continue learning.

3. Directory of Women's Leadership Conferences and Summits Near Me.

State	Event City	Women's Leadership and Empowerment Conference Name	Planning Organization	Format	Review
Michigan	Ann Arbor	Leadership Summit for Advancing Women in Academic Medicine and Healthcare	University of Michigan	In-person	This summit looks exceptional for women in academic medicine and healthcare who want career-advancement strategy, mentorship, and a serious professional-development environment.
Michigan	Belleville	Be That Woman Brave: Women's Day 2026		In-person	This conference appears valuable for women seeking leadership insight, renewed confidence, and strong connections with other growth-minded professionals.
Michigan	Benton Harbor	VCOP Healing & Deliverance Conference: Extraordinary Women 2026		In-person	This event looks worthwhile for women who want useful takeaways, encouraging energy, and a room full of peers who care about growth.
Michigan	Birmingham	Women's Bar Association 2026 Annual Dinner		In-person	This conference looks strong for women who want practical ideas, fresh inspiration, and meaningful networking with ambitious peers.
Michigan	Detroit	2026 WomanUp & Celebrate Southeast Michigan	Michigan Women Forward	In-person	This event looks inspiring for women who want to celebrate bold leadership, meet influential Michigan women, and leave energized by visible examples of impact.
Michigan	Detroit	FRESH ORGANIC PECULIAR WOMENS LUNCHEON		In-person	This event seems like a nice fit for women who want inspiration, approachable introductions, and a social format that makes connection feel natural.
Michigan	Detroit	InvestHer & Pour: Women Building Wealth		In-person	This conference looks appealing for women who want career-building conversations, visible networking opportunities, and ideas they can put to work quickly.
Michigan	Detroit	Michigan Chronicle Women of Excellence 2026	Michigan Chronicle	In-person	This celebration looks meaningful for women who want to honor accomplished leaders, be inspired by visible role models, and connect around impact in Southeast Michigan.
Michigan	Detroit	PuLSE 2026 Women's Power Breakfast Leadership Forum	The PuLSE Institute	In-person	This event seems like a nice fit for women who want inspiration, approachable introductions, and a social format that makes connection feel natural.
Michigan	Detroit	The Dandelion Gatherings: Centering the Wellbeing of BIPOC Women Leaders		In-person	This conference appears valuable for women seeking leadership insight, renewed confidence, and strong connections with other growth-minded professionals.
Michigan	Detroit	THE WOMEN'S EXPERIENCE EMPOWERMENT		In-person	This event looks worthwhile for women who want useful takeaways, encouraging energy, and a room full of peers who care about growth.
Michigan	Detroit	Waiting To Exhale Women's Empowerment		In-person	This event looks worthwhile for women who want useful takeaways, encouraging energy, and a room full of peers who care about growth.
Michigan	Detroit	Women of Influence Summit	United Way for Southeastern Michigan	In-person	This summit looks strong for women who want a high-visibility mix of inspiration, community impact, and connections with influential civic and business leaders.
Michigan	Detroit	WomenRising 2026 - Michigan Women Leaders Association	Michigan Women Leaders Association	Virtual	This conference looks strong for women who want focused leadership momentum, practical career guidance, and easy access to an ambitious multistate network with the convenience of joining online.
Michigan	East Lansing	HEAL Sexual Health 2026 Conference	MSU Women's Student Services	In-person	This conference looks appealing for women who want wellbeing-focused learning, supportive conversation, and practical ideas for healthier leadership and living.
Michigan	Gaylord	Women's Empowerment Summit 2026 & Virtual Cohort	The Human Development Collective, LLC	Both	This conference appears valuable for women seeking leadership insight, renewed confidence, and strong connections with other growth-minded professionals with the flexibility to join in person or online.
Michigan	Grand Rapids	Inspiring Women Leaders Forum	Accounting & Financial Women's Alliance of Grand Rapids	In-person	This event looks worthwhile for women who want useful takeaways, encouraging energy, and a room full of peers who care about growth.
Michigan	Grand Rapids	The Essence & Wellbeing of Women 50 & over Reset, Refocus & Rise		In-person	This conference appears valuable for women seeking leadership insight, renewed confidence, and strong connections with other growth-minded professionals.
Michigan	Grand Rapids	Unapologetically Ambitious Business Women - Grand Rapids	Meetup	Both	This group looks like a good fit for women who want bold entrepreneurial energy, honest peer support, and networking with other ambitious business builders with the flexibility to join in person or online.
Michigan	Kalamazoo	Giving Women Their Flowers \| A Women's History Month Celebration		In-person	This event looks worthwhile for women who want useful takeaways, encouraging energy, and a room full of peers who care about growth.
Michigan	Kalamazoo	Women2Women: Leadership in Action	Southwest Michigan First and The Chamber	In-person	This event appears helpful for women seeking relationship-building, practical insight, and a welcoming chance to grow their professional circle.
Michigan	Kalamazoo	Women2Women: Savvy Women, Smart Investors		In-person	This conference looks strong for women who want business-minded networking, actionable career insight, and fresh momentum for growth.
Michigan	Lansing	MI-ACE Women's Network Annual Conference	Lansing Community College / MI-ACE Network	In-person	This conference looks valuable for women in higher education who want statewide peer support, professional development, and a stronger network for career advancement.
Michigan	Novi	Women Automotive Summit: Detroit	Women Automotive Network	Both	Women in automotive can expect focused leadership conversations, interactive workshops, and strong networking around workforce change and growth.
Michigan	Traverse City	2026 Women in Leadership Conference	Michigan Association of Superintendents & Administrators	In-person	This conference looks especially useful for women in school leadership who want education-focused insight, peer support, and networking with current and aspiring leaders.
Michigan	Wayne	Women's Wellness Wednesday		In-person	This conference looks appealing for women who want wellbeing-focused learning, supportive conversation, and practical ideas for healthier leadership and living.
Michigan	West Bloomfield Township	Global Michigan Women's Chamber of Commerce Annual Tea	Global MI Women's Chamber of Commerce	In-person	This tea looks appealing for women who want polished networking, chamber-community visibility, and a more social format for building professional relationships.
Michigan	Westland	Women Who Weld Single-Day Introductory GMAW/MIG Welding Workshop		In-person	This workshop looks useful for women who want hands-on learning, practical takeaways, and a smaller setting that makes it easier to ask questions and apply ideas.
Michigan	Westland	Women Who Weld Week-Long Intensive GMAW/MIG Welding Training Class		In-person	This session appears helpful for women seeking focused skill-building, immediate value, and a chance to leave with concrete next steps.
Michigan		2026 Women Thrive Conference	MichBusiness	In-person	This conference looks appealing for women who enjoy a mix of celebration, learning, and facilitated networking that can leave them both inspired and better connected.

4. Locations Served by The Women Leaders Association Conference.

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A Half-Day MI Women's Leadership & Empowerment Conference

Rise. Lead. Thrive.

Powerhouse Speakers

🎤 Transformational Keynotes

Resist the Call to Play Small: Leading with Authenticity.

Hacking Your Brain for Health and Happiness.

Panels with Candid Truths

When It’s Time to Pivot: Reinventing Yourself Without Starting Over

Behind Every Great Woman: The Power of Mentors & Sponsors

Why Attend WomenRising?

Full Conference Agenda

What Past Attendees Say

Register Now Risk-Free

Buyer's Guide: How To Choose the Right Women's Leadership Conference or Summit.

1. Criteria in Choosing a Women's Leadership Conference or Summit.

2. Key Questions to Answer Before Selecting a Women's Leadership Conference and Summit.

3. Directory of Women's Leadership Conferences and Summits Near Me.

4. Locations Served by The Women Leaders Association Conference.

5. Useful Articles & Resources.