2025 Women in Business Conference
Own Your Impact: Building Confidence, Connections, and Career Paths
Hosted by
Own Your Impact
The Kansas Chamber’s Women in Business Conference is a full-day experience designed for women ready to lead with confidence, expand their influence, and drive their careers forward. Whether you’re building momentum or redefining your next move, this event delivers the clarity, connections, and strategies you need to succeed.
With thought-provoking keynotes, practical conversations, and powerful networking, you’ll walk away with actionable tools and meaningful relationships to fuel your leadership journey.
Join us for a high-impact day that’s all about owning your strengths, amplifying your impact, and building what's next — together.
Conference Information
-
November 12, 2025
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM -
All Access Ticket Price: $125 Early Bird | $175 Regular
Early Bird pricing in effect through September 30 -
Townsite Tower
534 S. Kansas Ave
Topeka KS 66603
Meet the Keynote Speakers
Dr. Ashley Smith
Courageously Confident: The Key to Bold Living
Uncover the brain science behind anxiety and how comfort zones are formed. Dr. Smith will guide you through practical strategies to build courage and confidence, empowering you to live and lead boldly.
Nicole Jacobs-Silvey
Connections for Your Community
Discover the power of authentic relationships and meaningful connections in both your professional and personal life. Nicole will deliver a custom keynote focused on community-building and leading with authenticity.
Mary Messner
Culture of Women
Mary brings a thoughtful perspective on the nonlinear paths of women’s careers. Learn how to navigate confidence challenges rooted in early experiences and how to uplift and support other women in the workplace.
Agenda
8:00 am
Registration & Creating Connections Breakfast
8:30 am
Welcome & Opening Remarks
8:40 am
Dr. Ashley Smith
Keynote: Dr. Ashley Smith
Courageously Confident: The Key to Bold Living
Uncover the brain science behind anxiety and how comfort zones are formed. Dr. Smith will guide you through practical strategies to build courage and confidence, empower you to live and lead boldly.
9:20 am
Kristen O’Shea
Strengths Primer: Kristen O’Shea, Founder, O’Shea Strengths Coaching
Why Leading with Strengths Changes Everything
Kick off the day by learning why strengths-based leadership leads to greater impact – and how to spot your own strengths in action.
Panel
Leading with Confidence in High-Stakes Spaces
C-Suite leaders share how they’ve built confidence, navigated executive-level dynamics, and grown their leadership presence.
Moderator:
Lisa Thimmesch, CEO, LASTing Coach & Consulting
Panelists:
Beth Easter, Market President, INTRUST Bank N.A.
Coleen Jennison, Interim President & CEO, Kansas Chamber
Karma Mason, Co-Founder, iSi Environmental
10:25 am
Break
Rapid Fire: Confidence in Action
Challenge > Solution > Practice
Short, tactical stories of professional growth delivered in 3-minute leadership lessons.
Moderator:
Arianne Gross, Experiential Marketing Strategist, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas
Panelists:
Emily Corby, Vice President of Operations, Kansas Chamber
Rhiannon Friedman, President, Go Topeka
Natalie Haag, Executive Vice President & General Counsel, Capitol Federal
11:00 am
Nicole Jacobs-Silvey
Keynote: Nicole Jacobs-Silvey
Community Building Through Authentic Leadership
Discover the power of authentic relationships and meaningful connections in both your professional and personal life. Nicole will deliver a custom keynote focused on community- building and leading with authenticity.
11:45 am
Creating Connections Lunch
Panel
Strategic Networking in Action Lessons from Leadership Kansas
Leadership Kansas alumni share how the program expanded their networks, shaped their leadership, and influenced their careers, and why strategic relationships are essential at every stage.
Moderator:
Lisa Thimmesch, CEO, LASTing Coach & Consulting
Panelists:
Lindsay Freeman, State Manager, Community Relations, Kansas Gas Service
Paula Landoll-Smith, Director of Marketing / Events, Landoll Corporation
Marlou Wegener, Director of Community Relations, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas
Rapid Fire: Connection in Action
Challenge > Solution > Practice
Short, tactical stories of professional growth delivered in 3-minute leadership lessons.
Moderator:
Arianne Gross, Experiential Marketing Strategist, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas
Panelists:
Lindsay Baker, Director of Strategic Brand & Client Engagement, Security Benefit
Christie Kriegshauser, Vice President of Political Affairs, Kansas Chamber
Stephanie Norwood, Director of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, Go Topeka
1:35 pm
Kristen O’Shea
Strengths in Action: Kristen O’Shea, Founder, O’Shea Strengths Coaching
Your Positive Leadership Diagnosis
Explore your natural strengths, tendencies, and behaviors to use them more intentionally in your day-to-day decisions, relationships, and impact.
2:00 pm
Break
Panel
Shaping Organizational Culture from the Top
From core values to hiring practices, leaders discuss how they intentionally build workplace culture.
Moderator:
Lisa Thimmesch, CEO, LASTing Coach & Consulting
Panelists:
Molly Howey, CEO, Greater Topeka Partnership
Makala Navarro, Chief Talent & Culture Officer, Heartspring, Inc.
Shelbye Smith, Chief Operating Officer, iSi Environmental
3:00 pm
Mary Messner
Keynote: Mary Messner
Shaping Culture Through Intentional Leadership
A powerful close to the day’s learning on how women shape, evolve, and lead workplace culture with impact. How strong leaders define, reinforce, and model the culture they want to create.
3:45 am
Kristen O’Shea
Strengths Wrap-Up: Kristen O’Shea, Founder, O’Shea Strengths Coaching
Your Strengths Are the Starting Line
A reflective challenge to apply today’s insights using what comes naturally to you.
4:00 pm
Wrap-Up & Giveaway
4:10 pm
Creating Connections Networking Reception
Shelbye Smith
Chief Operating Officer | iSi Environmental in Wichita
Shelbye Smith is the Chief Operating Officer of iSi Environmental in Wichita. Her prior experience includes 18 years of Human Resources and business management. She received a Master’s Degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Emporia State University. Shelbye was named to the Wichita Business Journal HR Professionals Hall of Fame in 2025. She is a current member of Leadership Kansas and a graduate of Leadership Wichita. She has also volunteered in numerous roles with Wichita SHRM and Kansas SHRM, serving as the Director of Kansas SHRM in 2017-2018. Shelbye is married to her husband Ben and has two sons.
Stephanie Norwood
Director of Entrepreneurship and Small Business with GO Topeka and the Greater Topeka Partnership
Stephanie Norwood leads efforts to strengthen Topeka’s entrepreneurial ecosystem through programs, partnerships, and hands-on support for small business owners. A Washburn University graduate and certified Entrepreneur Development Professional (EDP) through the International Economic Development Council, Stephanie is passionate about empowering entrepreneurs and fostering community growth.
Rhiannon Friedman
President, GO Topeka
Rhiannon Friedman recently took on a new role as President of GO Topeka, leading economic development efforts across Topeka and Shawnee County. Before that, she served as the City of Topeka’s Director of Planning and Development. Rhiannon’s passion lies in helping Topeka thrive, building partnerships, solution engineering, and championing projects that move the community forward.
Molly Howey, CEcD
EO | Greater Topeka Partnership
Molly Howey serves as CEO of the Greater Topeka Partnership, the collaborative organization for Topeka and Shawnee County, Kansas that houses economic development, the chamber of commerce, downtown and tourism. She previously served as the president of GO Topeka, the economic development organization within the Greater Topeka Partnership.
Natalie Haag
Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary of Capitol Federal® Savings Bank
Natalie Haag is Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary of Capitol Federal® Savings Bank. In this role, Natalie also supervises the BSA/AML Department and the Compliance and Risk Management Department which includes vendor management and business continuity.
Marlou Wegener
Director of Community Relations, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas
Marlou Wegener is employed with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas as the director of community relations and the chief operating officer of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation. She has primary responsibility for researching, developing and implementing corporate community relations projects.
Lindsay Baker
Director of Strategic Brand and Client Engagement
As Director of Strategic Brand and Client Engagement, Lindsay Baker is a dynamic, brand-driven leader committed to elevating Security Benefit’s brand presence, digital marketing initiatives, and client engagement strategies. She draws passion from her work by designing, building, and leading high-performing teams that thrive by finding purpose and creating meaningful impact in their work.
Christie Kriegshauser
Vice President of Political Affairs for the Kansas Chamber of Commerce
Christie Kriegshauser serves as Vice President of Political Affairs for the Kansas Chamber of Commerce. Before joining the Chamber team in June of 2013, Christie served as Chief of Staff to both Speaker Ray Merrick and Speaker Mike O’Neal. In her role in the Speaker’s office.
Beth Easter
Market President – Lawrence & Topeka
A Kansas native, Beth holds nearly 15 years of banking experience with INTRUST Bank. She earned her degree from the University of Kansas and attended the Graduate School of Banking in Colorado. She has been a member of Bank Leaders of Kansas and Leadership Kansas class of 2020.
Arianne Gross
Marketing Strategist, Sponsorships & Events
Arianne Gross serves as a Marketing Strategist, Sponsorships & Events for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS), the state’s largest not-for-profit health plan. She specializes in crafting immersive brand experiences that strengthen community connections across Kansas. She is passionate about building relationships that create meaningful impact and advance the organization’s mission to support healthier Kansas communities.
Dr. Ashley Smith
Courageously Confident: The Key to Bold Living
Dr. Ashley Smith is a licensed psychologist, speaker, and author who challenges audiences to master their minds, push past limits, and live boldly. As the co-founder of Peak Mind: The Center for Psychological Strength, she translates cutting-edge psychology and brain science into actionable insights for overcoming fear, building courage, and expanding what people believe is possible.
Kristen O’Shea
Founder, O’Shea Strengths Coaching
As the founder of O’Shea Strengths Coaching, Kristen helps leaders and teams harness their natural talents to improve communication, engagement, and performance. Through strengths-based coaching, she equips professionals with the tools they need to lead with confidence, build stronger teams, and drive meaningful impact.
Lisa Thimmesch
CEO and Founder of LASTing Coach and Consulting
Lisa Thimmesch is the CEO and Founder of LASTing Coach and Consulting. Her coaching focuses on leadership and includes leadership training along with supportive coaching. Her consulting services specialize in manufacturing and quality.
Karma Mason
Co-Founder, iSi Environmental
Karma Mason calls Wichita home. This is where she and her husband Gary started their own environmental consulting firm in their dining room in 1990 and grew the company, iSi Environmental Services, both in number of employees (150+) and diversity of services. After 30 years, they officially turned the company over to their son and daughter in 2021.
Nicole Jacobs-Silvey
Connections for Your Community
Discover the power of authentic relationships and meaningful connections in both your professional and personal life. Nicole will deliver a custom keynote focused on community-building and leading with authenticity.
Lindsay Freeman
State Manager, Community Relations, Kansas Gas Service
As the State Manager of Community Relations for Kansas Gas Service, Lindsay Freeman brings a strong track record of leadership in community engagement, public affairs, and relationship-building across Kansas. She leads a team focused on strengthening connections with local governments, businesses, and nonprofits to support communities across the state.
Paula Landoll-Smith
Director of Marketing / Events, Landoll Corporation
Graduate of Kansas State University. Worked in Family Business. Active in Church/ School/ local and State community. Proud Kansan- and the entrepreneurial spirit it represents. Married to Kerry “Cujo” Smith. Two boys attending Kansas State University
Makala Navarro
Chief Talent & Culture Officer, Heartspring, Inc.
Makala Navarro, SHRM-CP, PHR, is the Chief Talent & Culture Officer at Heartspring, overseeing HR, Talent Development, & Facilities. She has 20+ years of HR and business management experience spanning non-profit, government, professional services, and manufacturing. She holds a bachelor’s in business administration, master’s in HR management, and is a certified public manager.
Mary Messner
Culture of Women
Mary brings a thoughtful perspective on the nonlinear paths of women’s careers. Learn how to navigate confidence challenges rooted in early experiences and how to uplift and support other women in the workplace.
Coleen Jennison
Interim President & CEO of the Kansas Chamber.
Previously she served as the market vice president for Cox Communications Kansas where she oversaw the operations across the statewide footprint. In this role, she was the local senior executive responsible for cross-functional engagement with employees, customers, community, and business leaders.
Emily Corby
Vice President of Operations – Kansas Chamber
Emily Corby is the Vice President of Operations at the Kansas Chamber, where she has been a dedicated team member since 2013. With over 12 years of experience, Emily oversees the Chamber’s internal operations, including billing, HR benefits and accounting.
Why Attend?
- Learn from dynamic, experienced women leaders in a safe and inclusive environment.
- Strengthen your confidence and leadership abilities.
- Expand your network of women entrepreneurs and professionals.
- Take part in authentic, empowering conversations.
- Delve into your professional and personal journeys in one place.
- Leave energized and ready to embrace your unique path.
Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor
Platnium Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
- BG Products
- Black Hills Energy
- First Interstate Bank
- iSi Environmental
- ITC Great Plains
-
Kansas Employers for
Affordable Healthcare - Kansas Gas Service
Sponsorship Levels
Exclusive Sponsorship Opportunities
(Limited to one (1) each)
Questions? Contact events@kansaschamber.org.
Meal Sponsor - $5,000
- Registration and reserved seating for six (6)
- Verbal podium recognition during program
- Sponsor recognition on company attendee name tags
- Company logo digital recognition during event.
- Company logo in event program and in sponsor section of event web page, linked out to company website.
- One (1) Social media spotlight on your company.
Presenting | $10,000
- Registration and reserved seating for eight (8)
- Branding station/booth at event
- Verbal podium recognition
- Speaking opportunity during conference
- Sponsor recognition on company attendee name tags
- Recognition with scrolling logo before/after program and during meal service
- Company logo featured in event advertising to members
- First-position company logo in event program
- Company logo and company link in sponsor section of event web page
- Opportunity to provide company-branded item for attendee gift bag
Platinum | $7,000
- Registration for a table of eight (8)
- Verbal podium recognition
- Sponsor recognition on company attendee name tags
- Digital recognition during event
- Company logo in event program and in sponsor section of event web page, linked out to company website.
- Opportunity to provide company-branded item for attendee gift bag.
- Two (2) Social media spotlights on your company.
Registration
Don’t miss this powerful day of growth, insight, and connection. Mark your calendar and get ready to step into your power at the Women in Business Conference 2025!
Cancellation policy
We understand plans change. If you cannot attend, refunds can be requested up to 15 days before the event by contacting events@kansaschamber.org. Cancellation deadline is Tuesday, October 28, 2025.
Registrations can be transferred to another person if cancellation occurs within 14 days of the event, Wednesday, October 29, 2025. However, refunds are not available after this period because of commitments with event vendors.