7:00 AM - Registration/Breakfast - Trade Show Open
8:15 AM - Opening Remarks
8:45 am - 9:45 AM - Morning Keynote
Kelly Howell, Founder of The Mommy CEO
Built to Impact: Money, Mindset & the Legacy We Create
Our morning keynote will challenge women to think differently about money, success, and the impact they have the power to create. Through an inspiring personal journey from instability, homelessness, and financial hardship to building two six-figure businesses, our speaker demonstrates how every experience—especially the difficult ones—can become another layer in building a stronger future.
At the heart of her message is a powerful framework: Tithe. Store. Spend. Participants will discover how redefining their relationship with money can create greater personal freedom, stronger businesses, and lasting generational impact. Blending authentic storytelling with practical strategies for brand positioning, profitability, scalability, and financial intentionality, this keynote will encourage women to recognize their value, build with purpose, and think beyond today's success toward the legacy they want to leave behind. Because when women increase their capacity to earn and build, they also increase their capacity to give, lead, create opportunities, and impact generations.
Takeaway: Every layer of your journey has value. Build intentionally, grow confidently, and use your success to create a legacy that reaches far beyond you.
10:00 - 10:45 AM - Breakout Sessions
Session 1 - Leadership Track - Main Room
Lisa King, Retired Executive Director of Global Purchasing Strategy and Operations
Ford Motor Company
Claim Your Seat: Communication, Influence & the Layers of Leadership
Leadership is about more than having a title—it’s about developing the confidence, credibility, and influence to make your voice matter. As women advance in their careers, understanding how to communicate strategically, navigate organizational dynamics, and confidently step into decision-making roles becomes an essential layer of professional growth.
In this breakout session, participants will explore how to master strategic communication, navigate corporate structures, build influence, and position themselves for greater leadership opportunities. Learn how to communicate ideas with clarity and confidence, understand the dynamics of the rooms where decisions are made, advocate for yourself and others, and recognize opportunities to step forward rather than wait to be invited. Whether you're working toward your next leadership role, already managing a team, or preparing for the executive level, this session will provide practical strategies to help you move from simply being in the room to having an impact in the room.
Takeaway: Know your value. Find your voice. Build your influence. And when the opportunity comes—claim your seat at the table.
Session 2 - Legacy Track, Room B
Janel Trull, Executive Director of The Cape Coral Museum of History
Her Story, Our History: 250 Years of Women Who Shaped America
As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, we honor the remarkable women whose courage, leadership, innovation, and determination have helped shape our nation—and the women who have made an impact right here in our own communities.
In this inspiring breakout session, participants will journey through the layers of women’s history, exploring the stories of trailblazers, entrepreneurs, advocates, educators, public servants, community leaders, and everyday women who stepped forward to create change. From nationally recognized figures to local women whose contributions helped build the communities we call home, their stories remind us that history is shaped not only by those whose names appear in textbooks, but by generations of women who chose to lead, serve, challenge expectations, and open doors for those who followed. As we reflect on 250 years of American history, we’ll also look ahead and consider the role each of us plays in writing the next chapter.
Takeaway: We stand on layers of courage, sacrifice, leadership, and determination built by the women who came before us. Their stories shaped our history. Our stories will shape what comes next.
11:00 - 11:45 AM
Session 2
Panel Discussion - Financial Leadership Presented by Wintrust Banking Center
12:00 PM - Lunch - Trade Show Open
1:30 - 2:15 PM
Session 3 - Featuring 3 Breakout Sessions
Session A - Vanessa Chaviano, LIV Digital Marketing
Beyond the Surface: AI, Marketing & the Layers of Your Brand
Your brand is more than a logo, a color palette, or a social media post. It’s built in layers—your story, your voice, your reputation, your relationships, and the experiences you create. In today’s rapidly changing world, artificial intelligence is adding an entirely new layer to how we market, communicate, and connect. In this breakout session, participants will explore practical ways to use AI to strengthen marketing and branding without losing the authentic human connection that makes a brand memorable. From generating ideas and creating content to understanding audiences and streamlining everyday marketing tasks, we’ll look at how AI can become a powerful tool in your marketing toolkit.
Participants will also discover why the strongest brands don’t simply use the latest technology—they know who they are, who they serve, and how to communicate that consistently across every layer of their brand.
Takeaway: Use AI to amplify your brand—not replace the human story behind it.
Session B - Dusty Shelton, It's IT
The EQ Advantage - Leading with Emotional Intelligence
Great leadership isn't just about what you know—it's about how well you understand yourself and connect with others. In this interactive breakout session, participants will explore how emotional intelligence (EQ) can transform the way they communicate, navigate challenges, build relationships, and lead with confidence. Connecting to our Layers conference theme, we'll uncover the layers of emotional intelligence—self-awareness, self-management, empathy, and relationship management—and discover practical ways to strengthen each one. Participants will leave with tools to better understand their emotions, recognize what others need, respond rather than react, and create stronger connections at work and in life.
Takeaway: When you understand the layers within yourself, you become better equipped to lead, connect, and inspire others.
Session C – Meg DeLuca, Guiding Grace
Slow Your Roll - Why Great Leaders Know When To Shift Gears
We’re living in a culture that celebrates speed. Busy has become a status symbol, quick decisions are praised, and the ability to constantly push harder is often mistaken for strong leadership. But what if the qualities that helped us become successful are the very things quietly limiting our effectiveness? In this engaging and thought-provoking session, Meghan DeLuca challenges one of leadership’s most accepted assumptions: that moving faster always leads to better results. Through compelling storytelling, practical insight, and a fresh perspective on leadership, attendees will discover why the most influential leaders don’t simply work harder—they think differently. This session will leave participants with a new lens for approaching leadership, decision-making, and sustainable success, along with practical strategies they can begin applying immediately in both their professional and personal lives.
Takeaway: Sometimes the most powerful move a leader can make isn’t to accelerate. It’s knowing when to shift gears.