About Us
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Women Leaders Conference provides education, business connections, inspiration and skill building for women from all walks of life.
Participants range from women just starting their careers to those with years of experience. All are encouraged to share their stories and ideas.
Hosted by the UWM School of Continuing Education – a leading provider of professional development in southeastern Wisconsin – this conference offers internationally renowned speakers, expert-led breakout sessions, as well as valuable opportunities for women to grow personally and professionally.
Past Conferences
View some of our past conference speakers, topics, sponsors and photos.
UWM Team
Anne O’Meara, Conference Director
Angela Kelber, Continuing Education Associate Director
Liza Longhini, Development Director
Luke Olson, Registration Services Supervisor
Megan Shea, Events Manager
Ron Wiza, Associate Marketing Director
Honorary Chair

Phyllis M. King
Associate Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Read Full Bio
Advisory Council

Heather Bennett
Digital Marketer, Brand Strategist, Team Leader
Read Full Bio

Corry Joe Biddle
VP of Community Affairs + Executive Director, FUEL Milwaukee, Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC)
Read Full Bio

Kathy Blumenfeld
Secretary, Department of Administration for the State of Wisconsin
Read Full Bio

Shelley Boehm
Director of the Performance Infrastructure Sales Enablement Team , Johnson Controls
Read Full Bio

Denise Domian
Chief Human Resources Officer, Johnson Financial Group
Read Full Bio

Crystal Flenorl
Director, Community Diversity Engagement, Advocate Aurora Health
Read Full Bio

Shannon Kraus
Senior Director of Operations, Direct Supply
Read Full Bio

Carol Newell
Change Management Consultant, FarWell Project Advisors
Read Full Bio

Laurie A. Petersen JD
Attorney/Shareholder, Lindner & Marsack
Read Full Bio

Inge Plautz
Senior Vice President and Executive BDO, Old National Bank
Read Full Bio

Emily Roberts
Digital and Experiential Manager, CNH Industrial
Read Full Bio

Thomas Rugg
President & SVP, Standby Power & Energy Solutions, Briggs & Stratton
Read Full Bio

Amy Terry
Assistant Director - Field Experience Center of Excellence, Northwestern Mutual
Read Full Bio

Antoinette Thomas
Assistant Director – Organizational Change Management, Northwestern Mutual
Read Full Bio

Chelsey Vissat
Senior Sourcing Manager, Milwaukee Tool
Read Full Bio

Catherine Wanzer
Corporate Communications Manager, Johnson Controls
Read Full Bio