Women's Leadership Conference

Mark Your Calendar!

Thursday, September 18, 2025
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
SMSU Upper Conference Center
Early Bird Rate: $150
Registration on or after Aug 18th: $175

Registration

Register by September 11th

SMSU Women's Leadership Conference

The Women’s Leadership Conference provides opportunities for women of all ages and stages in their lives and careers to connect in meaningful ways. The conference is designed to bring women together, encourage them to lead where they are, embrace their worthiness and potential, and be inspired to lead balanced lives full of purpose and authenticity. Our purpose with this conference is to empower our attendees to create camaraderie, build confidence, and strengthen connections. Join us for this uplifting day focused on you!

In today’s dynamic professional landscape, resilience and growth are more than just buzzwords—they are essential qualities that empower women to lead with confidence, adapt to change, and thrive in the face of challenges. At this year’s Women’s Leadership Conference, we celebrate the strength it takes to bounce back from setbacks and the courage to pursue continuous personal and professional development. Through shared stories, practical strategies, and a supportive community, we aim to equip women with the tools to cultivate resilience, embrace growth, and lead with purpose in every workplace.

LEARN

Taking steps outside of your comfort zone can be scary but this space is where we tend to learn and grow the most. Our speakers will challenge you to lead even during uncertain times, to capitalize on your strengths and better understand your weaknesses, and to manage the responsibilities of being a woman professional.

NETWORK

Networking for women goes beyond just making connections. It's about building a supportive community. The conference will offer various resources and opportunities for women of all ages to solve problems, share personal tips and tricks, and form new relationships.

LEAD

Women leaders bring such a unique skill set that significantly enhances organizational success. You will leave the conference with a new sense of purpose, full of fresh ideas and valuable resources, and feeling empowered to lead no matter what "hat" you are wearing.

Together We Are Unstoppable

The Women's Leadership Conference equips women from all walks of life with the proper tools and strategies to lead with a purpose. Be prepared to learn and grow not only as an individual, but as a community of strong, powerful women. The conference will provide women with a safe space to be vulnerable and ask tough questions because in the end, we are all working toward the same goal: professional development and personal growth.

Agenda Coming Soon

Meet the Speakers

Jaclyn Gallo, Keynote Speaker

Jaclyn Gallo is a speaker, author, and entrepreneur on a mission to redefine leadership through the power of hope. She’s the author of Stop Getting In Your Own Way and host of the globally ranked Spark Your Light podcast. Beyond the stage, Jaclyn teaches entrepreneurship at Penn State and owns a thriving ice cream shop, where she brings her entrepreneurial spirit to life through community and joy.

Desiree Petrich '15, Workshop Facilitator and Keynote Speaker at Intentional Action

Desiree is a leadership development and team engagement consultant, best selling author, and keynote speaker. As the founder of Intentional Action, she equips organizations with tools like DISC, Working Genius, and the 5 Dysfunctions of a Team to strengthen communication, build trust, and enhance teamwork. She brings practical insights to help organizations create stronger leadership pipelines, more engaged teams, and high-impact partnerships. She also hosts You're The Boss, Now What?, a podcast for emerging leaders.

Melinda Kassandra Lopez '20, Organizational Nurse Consultant at Vista Prairie Communities

Melinda Kassandra Lopez is more than a nurse executive—she’s a catalyst for change. With a career leading multi-state healthcare systems, she blends clinical grit with executive strategy to drive transformation where it matters most. Her leadership has turned crises into culture shifts and built care models that evolve with the times. Rooted in real-world experience and delivered with fire-tested clarity, her message doesn’t just inspire, it activates. With heart and passion, she challenges audiences to rethink what leadership truly means: not position, but purpose.