Theme: Building Your Influence for Lasting Impact

Meet Our Speakers

11 a.m.:  Registration, networking and lunch
12 p.m.:  Welcome Message

• Dr. Eric Baumgartner, president, MSOE
• Event Emcees: Casey O'Brien, director of workforce development, MKE Tech Hub Coalition and Tiffany Trizna, MSOE student, electrical engineering intern, Miller Electric Mfg. LLC

 12:15 p.m.:  Keynote | Influence Without Permission: Building Power, Credibility and Legacy

Kiesha Bamiro, area vice president of community engagement at Aurora Health Care, will address how women are often told to be more confident, speak up, but also wait their turn. Real influence isn’t granted, it’s built. In this powerful keynote, Kiesha challenges traditional notions of leadership and shares a practical, experience-driven approach to building influence without waiting for permission. Drawing from her executive leadership, community engagement, and cross-sector experience, she equips women with strategies to establish credibility, shape decisions, and create lasting impact—regardless of title or formal authority.

Attendees will leave with a clear framework for leveraging their expertise, navigating power dynamics, and turning visibility into legacy. This session is designed to empower women to lead boldly, influence intentionally, and leave a mark that lasts far beyond the room. 

1 p.m.:  Break/Networking
1:20 p.m.:  Panel Discussion | Advancing Women's Economic Influence and Leadership

When women succeed economically, entire communities benefit. This panel examines how expanding women’s economic power isn’t just a matter of fairness—it’s one of the most reliable ways to strengthen communities, accelerate innovation, and grow economies. When women have equal access to capital, leadership roles, and decision‑making authority, organizations become more resilient and societies become more prosperous. You will enjoy a discussion with:

• Jennifer Abele, founder and managing partner, VC 414
• Emily Garofalo, LEED AP, development property manager, Dominion Properties
• Rebecca Gries, executive director, Milwaukee 7 Regional Partnership (M7)
• Michelle Lee, owner, Clean Choice

2:20 p.m.:  Break/Networking
2:40 p.m.:  Workshop | Your Identity Evolution: The Foundation for Lasting Impact

In this interactive workshop, Kellie Hamilton, founder and leadership coach, Kellie Hamilton Coaching & Consulting LLC, will help you explore how evolving your identity unlocks your capacity for greater influence and impact. This session centers on connecting your inner knowing to a vision of your future self, where your identity aligns with your purpose and full potential.

3:40 p.m.:  Closing Remarks
3:45 p.m.: Happy Hour/Networking