Crossroads Chamber’s Women in Leadership Development Committee recently hosted its 4th Annual Empowering Women’s Brunch.

The event brought together community leaders, professionals and advocates for a morning of inspiration, networking and empowerment.

The event opened with breakfast and a performance by the Hobart High School’s Wolfgang Choir. Through fireside chats, keynote messages and shared experiences, the brunch shone a light on the role women play in strengthening and sustaining the business community.

Vanessa Green Sinders, Indiana Chamber of Commerce president and CEO, moderated the fireside chat. It featured:

• Dr. Surekha Rao, professor of economics at Indiana University Northwest, who addressed pay disparity and strategies for advancing women’s empowerment
• Jenny Craig-Brown, executive director of GreatNews.Life, who shared her personal journey to leadership
• Alejandra Castillo, senior fellow at Purdue Northwest and former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, who spoke on fostering innovation and regional growth

“What an energizing convening that brought together some of Northwest Indiana's exceptional women leaders,” Sinders said in a press release. “Kudos to Crossroads Chamber for advancing these conversations and providing career development opportunities for Hoosier business leaders.”

Rao added, “Crossroads and WILD excelled in bringing together an incredibly accomplished group of women speakers, making me more optimistic than ever that women’s march to empowerment is thriving. The big takeaway from my brief chat is that for true empowerment, we must ensure women have financial empowerment—through education, skill building for higher incomes and training in financial planning and resource management.”

Following the panel, attendees heard from Jessica Koscielniak, Washington Bureau Pictures editor for Reuters and Crown Point native, as the keynote speaker. Koscielniak, who oversees White House and Capitol Hill photography coverage, delivered a message about informed leadership and women’s influence in shaping the future.

“An informed woman doesn’t just navigate the world—she leads it,” Koscielniak said. “When she understands the forces shaping society, she can step forward with undeniable confidence and authority. I hope every woman who attended left ready to lead with empathy, strength and unwavering courage.”

Crossroads Chamber and the WILD Committee provide women across Northwest Indiana with resources, networking opportunities and educational programming.

“The Women’s Brunch not only highlights the achievements of remarkable women but also encourages the next generation to lead boldly,” Deann Patena, Crossroads Chamber president and CEO, said. “Events like this showcase the importance of lifting each other up.”