Over 500 attendees explored the power and purpose of leadership during the 2025 Professional Women’s Conference at the Blue Chip Casino Hotel Spa in Michigan City.

Presented by the Northwest Indiana Influential Women Association, the event brought together rising leaders, seasoned professionals and changemakers from a wide range of industries.  

The conference opened with life strategist Elyssa Smith, whose keynote, “Permission to Be You: From People-Pleasing to Powerful” addressed self-power and leading with authenticity. Speaker and author Shereen Thor also addressed the attendees, providing actionable tips to women about how to lead. Rounding out the keynotes was speaker and author Kory Shrum, who challenged the attendees to redefine their success by discovering how to chase their dreams without burning out.

A series of breakout sessions gave attendees the opportunity to learn in areas that best fit their interests and career stages. Those sessions covered topics including capitalizing on the power of artificial intelligence for career growth, aligning time, stopping stress, learning when to say “no” and elevating personal branding.

Breakout speakers included Gloria Morris, Valentine Torres, Tradara McLaurine, Morgan Davis, Logan Secrist, Andie Hines-Lagemann, Anna Gomez and Tiff Arcella. Smith also returned to the podium for a breakout session focusing on stress management.

“One of the key takeaways from this year’s event is the reminder that leadership is more than a title. It is a commitment to not only our own growth but to the courage to help others as we rise,” said Andrea Pearman, NWIIWA executive director, in a press release. “The powerful messages from the speakers at the conference made it clear that the exchange of knowledge sparks an energy that leads to great impact throughout the Region.”