Thank you for making Forum24 a huge success!
Be sure to save the date for Forum25 to be held on October 22nd, 2025.
Interested in sponsoring Forum24?
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.
Wednesday, Oct 30th, 2024 | 8:30am - 5pm
Fierce and Fearless: Women Navigating Challenges and Seizing Opportunities aims to celebrate the strength, resilience, and determination of women overcoming obstacles and pursuing success. This theme encourages the boldness of women who refuse to be held back by societal norms, and instead motivates women to confront challenges head-on and create their own opportunities. "Fierce and Fearless" emphasizes the importance of women supporting and uplifting each other, fostering a sense of solidarity and community among women as they navigate their journeys.
8:30 - 9:00 | Registration and Coffee
9:00 - 10:30 | Welcome from WXW President & Networking Activity
10:30 - 10:45 | Break
10:45 - 11:45 | Morning Workshop
11:45 - 1:30 | Lunch and Panel Discussion
1:30 - 1:45 | Break
1:45 - 2:45 | Afternoon Workshop 1
2:45 - 3:00 | Break
3:00 - 4:00 | Afternoon Workshop 2
4:00 - 5:00 | Networking and Door Prizes
The 2024 WXW Forum will take place in the Morris Lawrence Building at Washtenaw Community College.
Workshop Information 2024
Morning Workshops
Sales & Marketing 101: Crafting Your Weekly Plan for Success with Brittany Denam
Join us for an engaging and practical workshop designed for sales and marketing professionals eager to enhance their daily, weekly, or monthly strategies. In "Sales & Marketing 101: Crafting Your Weekly Plan for Success," you'll learn how to effectively organize your weekly activities to maximize results. This session covers essential topics such as understanding your target audience, setting clear and achievable goals, and implementing efficient sales and marketing activities.
A unique highlight of the workshop is our innovative approach to goodie bag drop-offs, where you'll discover how this creative strategy can help build stronger client relationships and boost engagement. With real-world examples, interactive discussions, and actionable insights, this workshop provides the tools you need to refine your sales and marketing efforts and achieve greater success.
About This Presenter
Brittany Denam is an Account Executive. With a strong background in networking, sales, and marketing, she brings her unique experience in creating and optimizing sales and marketing plans. Brittany earned her Bachelor's degree in Healthcare Administration from The University of Michigan, is a certified dementia practitioner, and serves as the Vice President of the Council for Action on Aging. She has worked with leading healthcare organizations, strives to create unique marketing strategies, and has developed innovative networking strategies. In her current role as an account executive, Brittany is responsible for managing client relationships, developing new business opportunities, and ensuring customer satisfaction. She has been instrumental in enhancing the company's patient care strategies and improving overall service quality.
Braving the Real Triggers of Imposter Syndrome with Princess Castleberry
We all know a highly valued, educated, accomplished woman ready to go to the next level, but there's one challenge—she sometimes feels less intelligent, organized, and prepared than everyone thinks. She wants to be an incredible leader but is sometimes afraid to take risks and make decisions. Too often, she questions her abilities and readiness.
The only thing the world offers her is yet another label—Imposter Syndrome. Guess what? The world can keep it!
During this session, join global speaker and wellness and risk management expert Princess Castleberry as she busts the myths of impostorism and guides us in identifying, challenging, and overcoming the real personal, global, and workplace triggers that keep good women from being authentically incredible. Prepare to shift hearts and minds during this self-reflective experience.
About This Presenter
Princess Castleberry is a global speaker who helps leaders think like risk managers to better protect their people, purpose, and profits. As CEO of Castleberry Global, she leads learning design and partners with executives, professional meeting planners, and entrepreneur hubs to deliver actionable learning experiences at conferences, summits, and retreats. She brings over twenty years of enterprise risk management, wellness, and learning design expertise to the stage, combined with a thoughtful balance of humor and frameworks that position leaders to improve well-being and the bottom line. Her insights have been featured at TEDxDetroit, in Fast Company magazine, and at numerous events across North and South America.
Empower Your Finances: Master Business & Personal Wealth with Ronisa Clark & Lucy Valandra
This 60-minute workshop is designed to help women business owners, regardless of the industry, become confident in their personal and business finances. The goal is to demystify finances, empowering women to make proactive decisions and minimize financial crises. Facilitators will provide knowledge, tools, and practical "right now" exercises, enabling the audience to leave the workshop transformed from financial intimidation to financial empowerment.
About These Presenters
Ronisa Clark has worked in the accounting field for over 24 years, with recent experience in government and healthcare. She operates as a Fractional CFO for small business owners. Additionally, Ronisa is an Advanced Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor with extensive experience working in various accounting systems. She is currently serving as the Board Treasurer for The Women’s Center of Southeast Michigan. When not crunching numbers, Ronisa loves traveling with her husband and kids. She also enjoys crocheting, reading, and journaling.
View Dream Joy Consulting Website
Connect with Ronisa on LinkedIn
Lucy Valandra, born and raised in Washtenaw County, recently returned home after 16 years in Virginia. She graduated from Sweet Briar College and started her career in the nonprofit world. Transitioning to finance in 2018, Lucy excelled at a wealth management firm, earning her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation in 2022. Now at Pearl Planning in Dexter, she provides personalized financial planning and investment management to young professionals and families. Outside of the office, you will catch Lucy and her husband, Tom, wrangling their twin boys at Dexter’s Summer Concert Series or on the B2B trail.
Launch a Podcast That Grows Your Business with Sara Lohse
Are you ready to amplify your brand's voice and connect with your audience on a deeper level? This workshop is designed for entrepreneurs, marketers, and business owners eager to harness the power of podcasting. In this hands-on session, you will learn the essential steps to launch a podcast that aligns with your business goals, putting you in control of your message and establishing yourself as a thought leader.
In recent years, podcasting has emerged as a powerful medium to build authentic connections with audiences. Unlike traditional advertising, podcasts offer a unique opportunity to tell your story, share your expertise, and engage listeners on a more personal level. This workshop will equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to create a podcast that stands out in a crowded market and serves as a strategic asset for your business.
About This Presenter
Sara Lohse is an award-winning author, marketer, and brand architect with a knack for turning narratives into connections. Through Favorite Daughter Media, she helps businesses and entrepreneurs develop their brand stories and connect with their audiences using strategic media and podcasts. Her book, Open This Book: The Art of Storytelling for Aspiring Thought Leaders, is now available on Amazon.
View Favorite Daughter Media Website
Connect with Sara on LinkedIn
Lunch Panel
Praveena Ramaswami, Chief Agent at The Agents 9 Head of Marketing, Communication & PR at EAVX Innovation Center
Praveena Ramaswami is a seasoned professional with a diverse background in marketing, communications, public relations, and community engagement. She has extensive experience in the transportation sector, having worked with both startups and Fortune 500 companies. Recently, she revived her freelance business, The Agents 9, which specializes in impact-driven marketing and communications. Praveena is incredibly proud of her contributions to the Ann Arbor community, where she has been actively involved in community service and advocacy for 25 years. One of her recent projects includes the "Ann Arbor Welcomes All" mural at Veteran's Park, created to celebrate the city's bicentennial. Praveena holds a degree in Business Management with a minor in Marketing and a Master's in Strategic Communications with a minor in Digital Media.
Kristine L. Kerns, Senior Vice President, Director Commercial Banking, Comerica
Kristine Kerns was named Director Commercial Banking in October 2022 after previously serving as Team Lead Middle Market Banking. Kerns spearheads lending teams that provides financial solutions to several top-tier Midwest companies ranging in revenues from $10 million to $1B, emphasizing long-term relationships focused on helping clients succeed. In total, she manages approximately $4 billion in deposit and loan commitments.The 31-year Comerica veteran began her career in the banking center networks, and she progressed through her career holding positions of increasing authority in commercial lending and retail since joining the bank in 1993. Kerns’ efforts contribute to Comerica’s Commercial Banking division that features the highest concentration of commercial and industrial loans among the top 25 U.S. financial holding companies (as of Sept. 30, 2023). Kern’s engagements in community and professional originations have included United Way of Southeast Michigan, Inforum Michigan, Association for Corporate Growth Detroit, Women in Manufacturing and Detroit Economic Club. She serves as an Investing in Children Circle Member with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washtenaw County focused on mentoring youth. She is also a Healing Hearts Society Member with Ele’s Place Ann Arbor, which strives to ensure that no child in Michigan grieves alone. Kerns earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Western Michigan University.
Shannon Polk, D.Min, J.D, President and CEO of the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation
With a deep commitment to serving communities at a local level, Rev. Dr. Shannon Polk, Esq. brings expertise and passion to her role as President & CEO of the Community Foundation. Building upon her legal and pastoral experience, Shannon has engaged across the nonprofit community, including roles at the C.S. Mott Foundation and the Michigan Breastfeeding Network and consulting for the Bank of America’s Neighborhood Builders Program and the Council of Michigan Foundations. She has most recently led The Witness Foundation, working to develop the next generation of civil rights leaders, and consulted with the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area to facilitate staff competency in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Shannon is dedicated to creating systemic change through community engagement and equitable initiatives, as demonstrated by her leadership in the nonprofit sector.
Brooke Allen, Creator/Host of Caffeinated Conversations with Brooke Allen, Brooke Allen Communications LLC
Brooke is a former award-winning WWJ news anchor and now hosts "Caffeinated Conversations with Brooke Allen"-a live to stream show that brews up topics from a woman's point of view like Women in Business, Halfway to a Hundred, Great Lakes Made, and The ABC's of Education. This is her first solo act-if you don't count her 12-year-old twins!
Linda Schlesinger-Wagner, Owner & Founder of skinnytees
After more than 30 years in the apparel industry, Michigan native Linda Schlesinger- Wagner, was inspired to create a brand that filled a void she felt existed in the women’s apparel industry. In 2009, skinnytees (TM) started with a single one-size-fits-most silhouette, the seamless camisole. Schlesinger-Wagner didn’t stop there and quickly rolled out a complete line of essential styles that helped redefine the smoothwear industry. Through the years, skinnytees has grown, and is now firmly rooted in the belief of offering a product for all women - all sizes, all colors, and all ages. Prior to the launch of skinnytees, Schlesinger-Wager successfully ran several fashion brands, including Rainbow Lollipop, a high-end children’s boutique, Annie’s Antics, a children’s knitwear collection and Annie M Designs, a women’s knitwear line. Through her dedication, skinnytees was named to Corp. Magazine’s Economic Bright Spot Award in 2017, Inc. Magazine’s 5000 Greatest Entrepreneurs of 2017, MichBusiness’s Retail Sensations of 2018, and has made numerous appearances on Good Morning America’s Deals & Steals. Schlesinger-Wagner is a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program and the Edward Lowe Foundation. Schlesinger-Wagner is also a longtime advocate for women’s and children’s charities, actively working with a multitude of nonprofits such as The Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, Super Saturday, and the Make-a-Wish Foundation. She has served as a Co-Chair for Jewish Vocational Services: Women to Work Program since 2017, when she was honored. She has been involved in the non-profit Pictures of Hope, where she received the Salvation Army Angel Award. She has also been a board member of the Detroit Garment Group since 2019, and is a 2021 Honoree of the Pillars of Birmingham.
Afternoon Workshops Block 1
SEO Bootcamp: Demystify and Optimize your Online Strategy with Karen Tuttle & Eleanor Harper-Dutt
Demystify SEO and leave with actionable website marketing strategies you can implement immediately. We will break down how Google crawls the internet and ranks websites by discussing the importance of keywords and keyword research. Apply these tools to improve your website's ranking and make it easier for future clients and customers to find you. In small groups or pairs, you’ll brainstorm and generate potential keywords, gaining insights from multiple perspectives. You'll also enhance your marketing content writing skills with AI prompts and a discussion on how to structure your website content. Attendees will receive a guide to the latest ChatGPT prompts, key SEO terminology, and a fillable checklist for on-page SEO.
About These Presenters
In the early stages of her design career, Karen Tuttle balanced raising a family and completing her BFA by volunteering for design projects. This dedication not only kept her portfolio current but also led to her first professional role through a vendor referral! Over the past decade, Karen has developed her graphic, web design, and marketing skills, managing projects from 300+ page websites to printed magazines. Her design/marketing journey has taken her from a temp-designer at the University of Michigan to Marketing Manager at a San Francisco B2B tech firm. She has experience across diverse industries such as hospitality, education, and software development. Now, as a freelance designer, Karen leverages this experience to empower your business. Karen helps her clients build a strong branded presence across all marketing materials. Her diverse background allows her to anticipate common design and marketing pitfalls, ensuring a professional image that reaches your target audience.
View KlizaDESIGN Website
Connect with Karen on LinkedIn
Eleanor Harper-Dutt is the owner of Acorn Design Studio, specializing in design strategy, website design, and SEO for small businesses and entrepreneurs. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the history of art and design, complemented by professional certificates in User Interface Design and User Experience Design. Before establishing her design studio during the pandemic, Eleanor’s diverse career path included teaching college art history and creative art classes, working at various art museums across the country, and performing as a professional ballerina. Her extensive professional background enriches her approach to web design, blending artistic creativity with technical expertise. Eleanor’s portfolio showcases her dedication to creating impactful digital experiences for a wide range of clients, including nonprofits, tech consultants, educational institutions, small businesses, and real estate developers. She is committed to collaborating closely with clients to understand their unique business identities, translating these insights into visually compelling and functional websites.
View Acorn Design Studio Website
Connect with Eleanor on LinkedIn
Leadership Beyond Bias: Tailoring Your Approach for Diverse Teams with Lindsey Schiel
"Leadership Beyond Bias" is an innovative workshop crafted specifically for leaders dedicated to elevating their leadership abilities by recognizing and embracing diversity within their teams. In today's multifaceted workplace, understanding and valuing the unique backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of each team member is more crucial than ever. This workshop challenges the traditional "treat everyone like you want to be treated" mindset, which often overlooks individual differences, and introduces a more nuanced and effective approach: treating each individual according to their unique needs, strengths, and motivations.
About This Presenter
Throughout her tenure in the utility industry, Lindsey served as a visionary and change agent committed to enhancing the organization. She transformed the company's regulatory landscape by managing compliance efforts with precision and fostering trust with regulatory authorities, suppliers, and customers. Lindsey implemented waste elimination methodologies, increasing efficiency across departments, and led innovative solutions to reduce invoice reversals and billing exceptions. Lindsey's dedication to employee engagement was evident as she boosted engagement scores, supported displaced employees with thoughtful transition plans, and implemented a comprehensive cross-training program. She united diverse teams to achieve remarkable results, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. Driven by a desire to share her knowledge, Lindsey transitioned from corporate success to coaching and training, empowering others to unlock their full potential. She now focuses on cultivating leadership, fostering collaboration, and instilling a culture of excellence.
Building Noble Communities with Stephanie Murphy
Build your networking confidence and nurture Noble communities that can shape your professional journey. During this engaging and interactive workshop, Stephanie Murphy from Noble Co. will help you:
1. Learn the critical steps for building advocates and supporters.
2. Brainstorm ways to make community building more approachable, based on your style.
3. Create powerful questions you can use in any networking situation.
4. Practice skills in real-time so you can start building your community today.
About This Presenter
Stephanie is Co-Founder of Noble Co., a Growth Strategy firm focused on building more fun and fulfillment for business leaders through innovation, coaching, training and expert advice. Through this work she gets to combine her love of people and problem solving to drive change and create confidence and alignment for small and mid-sized businesses. She has an insatiable curiosity and a passion for helping others find joy and meaning in work. She lives in Plymouth with her husband, two daughters, two sons and zero pets because she can only keep 4 things alive at any given time. In this season, Stephanie is exploring piano, golf, dance, and writing and needs all the advice you can share. Stephanie has her BA in Marketing from Michigan State University (Go Green!), a dual MS (Finance) and MBA from University of Michigan-Dearborn (Go Blue!), and most importantly real-life experience leading, inspiring and supporting change with and through great leaders.
The Currency of Connection: The Success Only Being Connected Can Buy with Wendy Caverly
The successful people we admire aren't lucky, they're connected. They focused on connection because they realized it's not what you know, but who you know. They used strategy and skill to find the right network connections for their business success. And so can you!
Discover the strategies available to you—ones customizable to your personality, business goals, and objectives—while developing the skills to find and connect with the right people in various business environments, ranging from random mixers to structured referral groups, from chamber events to golf outings and expos. Plus, see how you can still be connected and known without any of those traditional activities.
This is where you start when trying to build a business in uncertain times, especially when everyone tells you that you need to network, but they don't tell you what that means or how to do it effectively. Avoid the busy trap of networking and focus on being connected. Your future is in your control.
About This Presenter
Wendy Caverly, a Strategic Connections Expert and the Founder of Crusaders LLC, offers a fresh perspective on intentional professional networking. She emphasizes the significance of connections for long-term success and discusses strategies to enhance sales and marketing processes. Wendy outlines four key objectives essential for success: establishing and maintaining connections, identifying new opportunities, attracting collaboration partners and mentors, and creating actionable plans to navigate challenges effectively. With expertise in consulting, strategic planning, and skills training for both individuals and groups, Wendy equips others with the knowledge, confidence, and flexibility required to achieve outstanding results.
Drawing from over 20 years of entrepreneurial and networking experience in areas such as political campaigns, direct sales, small business operations, and facilitating meetings, Wendy is dedicated to inspiring meaningful connections and empowering others to succeed authentically.Outside her professional life, Wendy loves gardening, home improvement projects, traveling, and hiking. She’s a cat and dog mom and well on her way to becoming a crazy chicken lady.
Afternoon Workshops Block 2
You Need a Website! Let's Make One Together with Ariel Wan
Canva is amazing, and one of its underutilized features is its ability to create simple, yet beautiful websites. Are you a sole operator? Do you want your site to be beautiful, capture your vibe, and share the correct information to attract the right customers? Take this workshop, and Ariel will guide you hands-on into Canva to build one person's single-page website live. You will learn the process of creating a simple website using Canva, how to organize and consider the content, and how to ensure it is mobile-friendly at the same time!
About This Presenter
Ariel Wan has been a community-building and marketing professional for nearly 20 years. Currently, as a marketing consultant, she works with local business owners to help them realize their business goals by making meaningful connections with community members. As a woman who experienced severe postpartum depression while raising two young boys, she founded and runs The Mamas Network, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves women with children, so that no mama feels alone during their journey through motherhood.
Mastering The Art of Agile Living: A Workshop for Taming Your Overwhelm and Boosting Productivity in the Modern Work Landscape with Helene Gidley
Have you ever found yourself burning the midnight oil to complete a report due the next day, despite having weeks of prior notice? Have family dinners or personal events been sacrificed because you spent the entire day playing catch-up, unable to get ahead?
In the intricate dance of our professional and personal lives, the boundaries between the two are increasingly blurred. A simple stroll from your home-based desk to refill your coffee becomes a labyrinth of distractions – laundry demands attention, the lawn awaits mowing, the dog seeks a walk, and your child requires assistance with homework. The seemingly routine act of getting coffee leaves you not refreshed, but overwhelmed, as the mounting to-do list registers in your mind, and seven new emails flood your inbox.
"The Art of Agile Living: Conquer Procrastination, Hit Deadlines, Reduce Stress™" leverages insights from human psychology, Agile methodology, Kanban, and project management to enhance focus and productivity amidst the escalating demands on your time. Discover the potency of a simple daily ritual, a structured ceremony that plans and organizes each day. This ritual becomes an ingrained habit, one you'll never want to start your day without.
But it's not just about one day – The Art of Agile Living guides you in regaining control over your entire week and all your major projects. Join our interactive session to craft your first The Art of Agile Living weekly planning sheet. Leave not only with a plan for the upcoming week but also with a daily ritual to kickstart each day with purpose.
About This Presenter
Helene is an entrepreneur, Information Technology project manager, programmer, agile coach and practitioner, and mother. Her superpower is organizing work to get it done. With over 30 years of experience in the IT industry across various sectors, including Fortune 500 companies, startups, and mid-sized firms, Helene brings a well-rounded approach to her work with teams. She has held a Project Management Professional certification for over 15 years and has blended the best of Project Management and Agile principles in her practices. Helene is excited to share her book, "The Art of Agile Living," which draws from her experience to offer a practical daily approach to managing tasks without becoming overwhelmed.
Crank Up the Confidence! Own Your Mojo! with Kelli Meeks
Let's discover how to tap into your confidence superpower! Have you ever declined a compelling opportunity or refrained from pursuing something you truly desired due to a fear of failure? Have you turned away from exciting possibilities because you believed you didn't meet every requirement, questioned your worth, abilities, or skills when considering something that truly matters to you, or perhaps sweated through an anxiety-ridden presentation with shaking hands and eyes cast downward? We all have. We're human. In this workshop, we will uncover the gremlins that whisper, "play small," in your ear. Through the lens of awareness of its foundations, vulnerabilities, significance, and actionable strategies, we can navigate and manage our inner critic, cultivating a deeper sense of confidence. By ghosting the gremlins, we pave the way for enhanced emotional wellness and prosperity in all areas of our lives.
About This Presenter
Kelli Meeks is a Transformational Coach for high-potential women and men, a personal trainer for emotional wellbeing, a guide, an ally, and a mindset mentor for self-leadership aimed at personal and professional prosperity. An imminently recovering procrastinator, perfectionist, and attorney, she pivoted to coaching and consulting in 2020 after 35 years of practicing law and counseling clients. Tapping into her vast experience within a profession fraught with high stress and a myriad of challenges, she channels her passion for supporting others in their own exploration and expansion through the impact and influence of provocative questions, mindset shifts, insights, and experiences. Kelli collaborates with both small business leaders to evolve an organizational culture of collaboration, engagement, and satisfaction, and individuals to discover strategies to unleash their own personal power. As their "Paradox Puzzle Partner," Kelli focuses on the foundation for both personal and professional success—self-leadership—to drive profound results. Her personal definition of success is the joy of knowing her two incredible young adult children enjoy and seek out spending time with her.
View Kelli Meeks Coaching & Consulting Website
Connect with Kelli on LinkedIn
Closing the Empathy Gap with Ylondia Portis
Are your marketing efforts missing the mark because they’re too focused on your product rather than your customers? You’re not alone - 99% of brand managers fall into the trap of narcissistic marketing, where more than 80% of content is product-centric. This approach creates an empathy gap, leaving consumers feeling disconnected.
In this transformative workshop, “Closing the Empathy Gap,” we’ll explore how to bridge this divide by shifting your focus from products to people. You’ll learn how to:
- Deeply Understand Your Audience: Move beyond surface-level demographics to uncover the true desires, challenges, and aspirations of your customers.
- Craft Authentic, Empathic Messaging: Develop content that genuinely resonates by addressing your audience’s needs and guiding them toward self-actualization.
- Forge Genuine Relationships: Transition from product-pushing to relationship-building, creating a loyal customer base that feels truly understood and valued.
Leave with actionable strategies to close the empathy gap in your marketing, ensuring your brand speaks to the heart of your audience. Stop talking at your customers and start engagingwith them.
About This Presenter
Ylondia Portis is a seasoned Consumer Insights and Advertising executive and the Founder and CEO of BrandHrt Evolution, an award-winning agency. With over 25 years of experience, she has advised a diverse range of businesses, from Fortune 500 companies to Main Street enterprises. Ylondia has also played a key role in activating launch initiatives for premium brands such as Lincoln Motor Company, Converse, Nothing Bundt Cakes, United Way, and many more.
View Brandhrt Evolution Website
Connect with Ylondia on LinkedIn
Tickets Now Available!
$99 EARLYBIRD until October 16th
$129 Oct 17th - 29th
$149 At the door
