OUR THEME THIS YEAR: ILLUMINATE!
Forum25, Illuminate: Women Shining With Strength + Purpose, is where every greeting is a warm welcome, and every conversation takes you a step higher on your ladder of success. Our forum is like a family reunion, only with a network of sisters-in-ambition – where sharing a cup of coffee with a stranger could lead to finding your next business bestie or mentor!
Forum25 Schedule
8:30 am – 9:00 am Registration & Coffee
9:00 am – 9:15 am Welcome
9:15 am – 9:30 am Break
9:30 am – 10:40 am Workshop #1
10:40 am – 10:55 am Break
10:55 am – 12:05 pm Workshop #2
12:05 pm – 12:35 pm Lunch
12:35 pm – 1:15 pm Keynote Speaker
1:15 pm – 1:25 pm Break
1:25 pm – 2:35 pm Workshop #3
2:35 pm – 2:45 pm Break
2:45 pm – 3:45 pm Panel
3:45 pm – 4:00 pm Wrap Up
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm Sparkle Hour: She Sips, She Connects
Our Keynote Speaker: Jodee Gibson
Powerful Stories We Tell Ourselves
As a Human Behavior Expert and Master Coach, storytelling is Jodee Gibson's native tongue. Where things get interesting is when audiences become aware of the powerful stories they tell themselves and the realities these stories invite back into their lives. Stories shape reality - success, relationships, and even the unseen patterns that continue to repeat themselves, even when they wish they wouldn't.
Internal narratives dictate external worlds, almost like an old record player that keeps playing the same song.
In this transformative keynote address, Jodee explores how old stories are created, how they become stuck in lower energy states, and how to resurface, restructure, and retell them from an empowered position, inviting those around them to do the same.
Meet Jodee: Jodee Gibson is a risk-taking thought leader who brings candor and depth to the fields of mental health, leadership, and developmental trauma. From being a teen mom to becoming a doctoral candidate, her journey embodies resilience and transformation. As a college professor, coach, and award-winning author, she integrates neuroscience, developmental psychology, professional coaching, and systems theory, helping leaders uncover and transform hidden patterns of trauma in themselves and those they lead. Widely regarded as an expert, yet forever a student of the work, Jodee continues to push boundaries while empowering others to create systemic change.
Forum25 Panel Discussion:
Building Businesses That Give Back
You're in for a treat! At this year's panel discussion, picture the most heartwarming and inspiring tales told by trailblazing women who have paved the paths through industries and turned challenges into stepping stones.
Sierra Lambert
Tech Founder, Artist, Small Business Owner
Sierra Lambert is a civic-rooted founder based in Ypsilanti, Michigan. She is the owner of Bridge Community Café, a mission-driven café and community hub, and the founder of Gig-L, a tech startup building a gig economy marketplace that empowers flexible, dignified work. Blending local trust with scalable systems thinking, Sierra is known for her visionary leadership, community-first approach, and commitment to creating equitable pathways for work and connection.
Lauren Daniels, MB
Hospitality & Technology Entrepreneur; Business Strategist
Lauren Daniels is the founder of Sumptuous Spirits, a bar staffing company serving 63 cities across two states for clients such as Google, Foot Locker, and the NFL Draft Detroit 2024. She is also the co-founder of Opulence Gallery event venues and co-creator of VenueGenius, a hospitality-tech platform for event operations. Featured in Crain’s Detroit, SEEN Magazine, Fox 2, and CBS Detroit, Lauren helps service-based entrepreneurs scale profitably through smarter systems, strategic pricing, and operational efficiency.
Amanda Lewan
Co-Founder, Bamboo
Amanda Lewan is an entrepreneur with a mission to change culture and inspire innovation. She co-founded Bamboo, overseeing its five locations, and serving nearly 1,500 members. Bamboo’s mission is to serve as a space platform for entrepreneurs, creatives, and forward thinking companies. Additionally, Amanda has helped to launch impactful programs including accelerators, conferences, and community gatherings.
Lori Roddy, MSW
Executive Director, Neutral Zone
Lori Roddy serves as the Executive Director of the Neutral Zone, a transformative, youth-driven center. With over 22 years at the center and serving in leadership since 2015, Lori has championed youth to thrive in our community. The Neutral Zone is widely recognized for its leadership in youth-driven and restorative practice, creative youth development, education and workforce development, and juvenile justice programming. In 2024, the center was nationally recognized as an Accelerator Awardee by the Lewis Prize for Music for creative youth development, and in 2021, as a Mackenzie Scott Awardee, honored as ‘Empowering Voices the World Needs to Hear. In addition to providing organizational vision and strategic leadership, Lori has been instrumental in creating the Washtenaw County Youth Commission and launching the Future Corps Program, a ten-year initiative focused on education and workforce development. Lori has a Master's in Social Work from the University of Michigan with a focus on community and youth practice. Lori is grateful to share her life with her partner, Dan, and their two awesome kids, Jamie and Anna.
Emefa Boamah (Moderator)
Founder & Multi-Certified Women's Coach
Emefa Boamah is a Somatic & Embodiment Coach, Facilitator, Speaker, and host of the Inhabit Yourself Podcast. She specializes in supporting spaceholders - leaders, caregivers, and entrepreneurs dedicated to others but who often neglect themselves. Rooted in her Ewe heritage from Ghana and professional somatic training, Emefa creates welcoming environments for women to nurture their lives and work from a place of wholeness, not self-sacrifice. Her signature 5 Facets of Being framework (Physical, Energetic, Emotional, Mental, Spiritual) has helped leaders achieve sustainable success while honoring their humanity. Emefa’s trauma-informed, culturally grounded approach blends ancestral wisdom with modern leadership, offering practical tools for holistic well-being. She believes fully embodied leadership sparks transformation far beyond ourselves. Based in Michigan, Emefa supports clients worldwide through workshops, retreats, breathwork, and transformational programs. Her work is featured on various platforms, and her podcast explores entrepreneurship and wellness.
Workshop #1 Topics & Presenters
A Million Little Things: Writing Workshop for Self-Discovery & Reflection
VeNeace Fossett
Who you are isn’t defined by one big moment—it’s shaped by a million little things. Created and facilitated by certified life coach VeNeace Fossett, "A Million Little Things" is a soulful, guided writing experience designed for women who are ready to reconnect with themselves through the power of reflection and intuitive journaling.
This session blends personal storytelling, creative prompts, and intuitive writing practices to help participants explore the quiet truths that shape their lives. Participants are gently guided to make meaning of the “million little things” — the thoughts, memories, and moments that often go unnoticed but carry deep emotional weight — and to realign with their ability to honor their truest selves.
No writing experience is required. This workshop is about self-reflection, not perfection. All participants need is a pen and paper (or a digital note-taking tool like Google Docs or Microsoft Word), an open mind, an honest heart, and a willingness to reconnect with their authenticity. Through thought-provoking prompts and supportive conversation, participants gain clarity, confidence, and a renewed appreciation for the many small moments that make them who they are.
Know Who You Serve! A strategic approach to your target audience and how to find them
Laura Horwath
Tired of spinning your wheels with marketing and feeling overwhelmed about what to do? Before you begin marketing your products or services, you need a solid understanding of who your customer is. In this workshop, we will walk through a must-have framework for identifying your ideal customer before you start any type of marketing. The goal is to help you feel more aligned, strategic, and prepared to market your business.
Giving Effective Presentations and Avoiding Death-by-PowerPoint
Heather Wade
We have all been in a meeting or presentation where we cringe because the presenter is reading the slides word-for-word, miss what is being said because we are busy reading the slide, or tune out due to slides filled with novel-length text. We grow frustrated when a presentation lacks clear expectations, connection, and flow.
No one is a born storyteller or presenter. The fear of public speaking is often said to be stronger than the fear of death. How do we overcome this fear so that we can develop and deliver presentations that effectively communicate our messages and keep attendees engaged? What tools, techniques, and resources can help us improve our presentations and be more effective in our meetings? Join this engaging workshop to learn practical strategies and resources to deliver your messages more effectively - and become someone others want to listen to.
Leading Through the Employee Lifecycle: Strategies for Every Stage
Sarah Okin and Erika Wojcik
Be the leader you want - and need - to be!
Leaders at every level influence the employee experience throughout the lifecycle, from onboarding to offboarding, shaping culture, satisfaction, engagement, and retention. You don’t have to be a manager to benefit from this session; everyone impacts culture and the experience of those around them.
Led by an HR expert and a Communication expert, this session explores best practices for guiding employees through key moments that matter while fostering a positive, high-performing workplace.
Participants will gain actionable and inspiring insights into leadership, communication, and employee development.
Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn
View Sarah's Website
Connect with Erika on LinkedIn
Workshop #2 Topics & Presenters
Leading from Fullness, Not Depletion: Discover How Embodied Self-Care Enhances Your Leadership
Emefa Boamah
In today’s fast-paced world, women leaders often find themselves stretched thin, leading from a place of depletion instead of fullness. Join Emefa Boamah, Somatic & Embodiment-based Life and Business Coach, for an empowering session designed to help you lead from fullness, not burnout.
Using the Five Facets of Being framework - Physical, Energetic, Emotional, Mental, and Spiritual - this workshop will guide you through practical, actionable tools to align your mind, body, and spirit for sustainable leadership. You’ll learn how to integrate somatic practices and mindfulness techniques into your daily routine, allowing you to lead with authenticity, purpose, and energy.
As women leaders, we often show up for everyone around us - our teams, families, and clients - leaving little energy for ourselves. This session isn’t about adding another task to your plate; it’s about making self-care a part of your leadership strategy. Emefa will share ways to nurture your body, mind, and spirit to enhance your resilience, improve decision-making, and prevent burnout.
By the end of the session, you will have developed a personalized self-care plan and gained practical tools that will help you lead with clarity, confidence, and alignment - empowering you to show up fully in both your personal and professional life.
Train Your Resilience Muscle: Build Resilience and Take Control
Nagham Alsamari
Success isn’t about avoiding challenges - it’s about building the resilience to navigate them with confidence. In this highly interactive workshop, participants will be introduced to the Train Your Resilience Muscle (TYRM) framework, a proven method for shifting mindsets, developing consistent habits, and practicing purposeful recovery. Through hands-on exercises, discussions, and guided reflection, attendees will learn how to turn obstacles into opportunities and begin building a personal resilience strategy for both their personal and professional lives.
Connect on LinkedIn
View Imkan Leadership Development Website
PROPEL Your Growth: 6 Ways to Cultivate Your Leadership Journey
Jen E Miller
Leadership isn’t a title - it’s a journey. Whether you’re an early-career professional, a middle manager, or an executive leader, growth is a continuous process. PROPEL Your Growth: 6 Ways to Cultivate Your Leadership Journey explores the six essential elements that drive personal and professional development. This session is tailored to inspire action, offering real-world insights and strategies that elevate leadership effectiveness.
Attendees will leave with a clear roadmap for self-improvement, a fresh perspective on growth, and the motivation to take the next step in their journey.
Pump Up the Passion: What’s Calling You?
Carrie Hensel & Kimberli Cumming
You’ve done the doing. Now it’s time for the becoming.
You’ve built your career, hit the milestones, and made it all look easy. But somewhere between the meetings and the to-do lists, a quiet voice inside is wondering… Is this really it?
That voice isn’t confusion — it’s your calling.
If you’re craving more soul in your success and more joy in your journey, you’re in the right place. Join two wise, witty women who’ve turned the quest for “what’s next?” into a powerful path of purpose, reinvention, and aliveness.
Your passion-filled future doesn’t need a 100 page plan — it needs a spark and a first step. Ready?
Connect with Carrie on LinkedIn
Connect with Kim on LinkedIn
View Carrie's Artwork
Workshop #3 Topics & Presenters
Five Brilliant Elements to Power Up Your Communication
Deborah Orlowski
If you want to “up” your communication skills, this highly participative and fun workshop is for you. You will discover five powerful elements that, when used individually, enhance your verbal communication. However, when combined, they create an environment that skyrockets your effectiveness. Whether you’re struggling with a difficult conversation, facing a specific communication challenge, or simply want to be a more effective speaker, you will find something of value in this workshop.
Unlock Your Potential: Strategies to Defeat Self-Sabotage
Jennifer McFarland
Procrastination always seems to strike at the worst times, disrupting everything from personal goals to progress on important business plans. It leads to major stress - and, even worse, keeps you from getting things done.
Fortunately, there’s a way to manage procrastination without being hard on yourself. In this workshop, you’ll gain insight into the root causes of procrastination and learn practical strategies to get yourself unstuck.
By the end, you’ll have created a personalized plan to manage procrastination - one you can use again and again. Plus, as a bonus, you’ll receive access to quick and easy stress-relief remedies.
How to Make Reels for Social Media to Engage, Grow, and Sustain Your Ideal Client Base
Ginger Liemohn
Why make reels? Especially when it can feel like you are shouting into the void, even for a static social media post? How do we make our social media content feel “warmer” so that our ideal client feels like you are talking directly to them personally on a consistent basis?
In this session, you’ll hear from a LinkedIn Admin and Co-Leader of one of this year’s fastest-growing 1 Million Cups communities - someone who has also created 100 unique reels in 100 consecutive days in 2024 for her lifestyle photography business. Discover how you can engage your ideal clients by connecting with them in a genuine and authentic way. You don’t need to change anything about yourself; instead, you’ll learn how to get out of your own way to attract the clients you want! In this session, you will actively engage in:
- How to make different types of reels
- How to purchase a simple on-the-go setup for under $175
- How to engage with your ideal client so they feel seen, heard, and liked
- Simple tools for not burning out
Use the Superpower of Service: Tools to Lead, Connect, and Make It Human
Josie Ann Lee
In this energizing and practical workshop, speaker and coach Josie Ann Lee introduces service as your greatest superpower - one that supports both your people and your purpose. You’ll learn clear, human-centered tools you can bring into your conversations, decisions, and daily leadership habits.
And while the tools are rooted in business, the impact goes beyond your title. This session is designed to speak to you as a human first - to help you lead with more clarity, connect more intentionally, and show up with integrity in all the relationships that matter, at work and in life.
Whether you're a solopreneur managing it all, leading a team, or navigating big decisions on your own, you’ll leave with:
- The Most Important Person (MIP) Principle - a powerful shift to help you see people beyond their role or task
- The Service Wrapper - a set of four tools that bring clarity, consistency, and empathy to your communication
- A new approach to boundaries that still feels like service
- Systems that reflect your values and protect your energy
- Language and perspective you can use immediately - in your work, your home, and your hardest moments
You’ll walk away with tools that are practical, a rhythm that’s sustainable, and a few good laughs along the way.
Because leadership doesn’t have to be heavy. It just has to be human.
Interested in sponsoring Forum25?
Broadcast your business to the thousands of women who have joined us for the past 15 years, developing their personal and professional skills, networking, and building strong bonds in your business community.
