SAVE THE DATE
Thursday, June 12, 2025
Time: 8:00am-4:00pm
Location: DCU Convention Center
2025 Sponsorship Opportunities Available Now
At the Chamber, and our WWLC committee, we have been impressed and grateful for the continued support of the conference sponsors. This is the event you want to be a part of! Reach out to Karen Pelletier for options.
The Worcester Women’s Leadership Conference
This conference is an opportunity for women to build their careers and share their experiences with other women.
The Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce has hosted the Worcester Women’s Leadership Conference since 2009 in order to give women the tools to discover the possibilities available to them, lift each other up, and create a hub of smart, talented, and forward-thinking women.
Women in the workforce overcome obstacles each and every day and the Worcester Women’s Leadership Conference is a place to share experiences and bring together dynamic, accomplished, and confident female leaders.
The programming of the day-long conference is designed to motivate attendees to overcome traditional barriers, to becoming influencers, change-agents, and leaders in their own fields.
For feature details, visit Whova
2025 Keynote Speakers
Erica Dhawan
When leaders want to break team silos, drive exponential growth and innovate through teamwork, they call Erica Dhawan. Erica Dhawan is an internationally recognized leading authority, speaker and advisor on 21st century teamwork, collaboration and innovation. Named as one of the top 50 management thinkers in the world by Thinkers50, she is the author of two bestselling books, Get Big Things Done: The Power of Connectional Intelligence and Digital Body Language: How to Build Trust and Connection, No Matter the Distance.
As we continue to experience an increasingly digital world where work practices are changing at a blistering pace, Erica shares innovative strategies to unlock the collective power of teams, build a culture of trust across any distance and create authentic engagement to ensure competitiveness. Rated #1 on the Top Women Keynote Speakers list, Erica frequently appears in the Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, and The Wall Street Journal. Erica speaks on global stages ranging from the World Economic Forum at Davos, to the US Army, to companies such as Coca-Cola, FedEx, Goldman Sachs, Walmart, and Cisco. She holds degrees from Harvard University, MIT Sloan, and The Wharton School.
Janine Driver- Body Language & Communication Expert
Janine Driver is a former federal law enforcement officer who once investigated dangerous skinheads and Nazis—where misreading a person’s intentions could be life or death. Today, she takes that same high-stakes expertise and applies it to the boardroom, where the stakes are just as critical.
When you read people right, reputations are built, deals are closed, and trust is earned. When you get it wrong, money is left on the table, partnerships fall apart, and careers stall.
As the author of You Say More Than You Think—the only body language book to become a New York Times best-seller—Janine teaches companies – and people just like you – how to decode what’s not being said, so they can make smarter decisions, build stronger relationships, and lead with confidence.
Janine has also published the Washington Post best seller You Can’t Lie to Me, is a regular expert on the NEW way you decode human behavior on Court TV, the TODAY Show, Kelly and Mark, and News Nation.
Worcester Women’s Leadership Conference Scholarship
For many years, the Chamber awards conference scholarships to young women enrolled in Worcester public schools to connect them with professional development, potential mentors, and provide connections that may inspire them and influence their path for the future.
Susan Mailman Aspiring Young Women Leaders Scholarship: This scholarship is 100% funded by conference attendees—professional businesswomen in Central Mass. The scholarship began in 2019, to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Worcester Women’s Leadership Conference, now the largest women’s leadership conference in Central MA. Susan (Sue) Mailman, President of Coghlin Electrical Contractors, was the first chairwoman of the conference planning committee. After chairing the conference for the first two years, Sue has remained a sponsor and attendee each year. For many women, Sue is a mentor and an inspiration. She is a tireless advocate for Worcester, women, and young people. Each year at the conference, the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce is proud to award one WPS senior female a financial scholarship in honor of Sue to support their educational and career plans.
To qualify for this scholarship, students who identify as female must:
1. Submit the completed APPLICATION by the deadline March 10, 2025
2. Be a Senior in WPS with a minimum grade point average of 3.0.
3. Have a target educational and career path or plan.
4. Create a 3-minute video summary explaining why you are applying (for conference and financial scholarship)
Professional Attendees Scholarship:
Professional Attendee Scholarships are available to receive a sponsor donated ticket, please contact Stefanie Silva at ssilva@worcesterchamber.org.
2025 Conference Schedule
June 12, 2025
| Time | Description |
|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | Registration, Coffee, Continental Breakfast, Exhibitor Marketplace, Networking |
| 9:00 AM | Program Begins and Morning Keynote Speaker |
| 10:20 AM | Break, Coffee, Networking, Keynote Meet & Greet, exhibitor marketplace |
| 10:40 AM | 4 Workshops: A/B, C/D, E, Junior Ballroom |
| 11:40 AM | Break, Coffee, Networking, exhibitor marketplace |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch |
| 1:00 PM | Break, Networking, exhibitor marketplace |
| 1:15 PM | 4 Workshops: A/B, C/D, E, Junior Ballroom |
| 2:15 PM | Break, Networking, exhibitor marketplace |
| 2:35 PM | Afternoon Keynote Speaker followed by Susan Mailman Aspiring Young Women Leaders Scholarship Winner Announcement |
| 3:45 PM | Networking Reception, Keynote Meet & Greet, exhibitor marketplace |
| 4:30 PM | Adjourn |
MORNING WORKSHOPS
Making a Difference: Insights from Community Leaders
Moderator: Briana Azier, Owner, Bri’s Sweet Treats
Panelists:
- Suzanne Graham Anderson, Positively Suzanne
- Patty Eppinger, community volunteer
- Kimberly Salmon, AVP Community Relations, The Hanover Insurance Group
- Monica Thomas Bonnick, Executive Director/ Treasurer of the Webster Five Foundation
Join this dynamic panel featuring four community leaders as they share their unique journeys in civic engagement. Discover how they have made an impact through their talents, treasure, and time, and gain insights into how you can do the same. This session offers practical advice, inspiring personal stories, and actionable steps to help you connect with your community, make a difference, and find fulfillment in giving back. Whether you’re looking to get started or deepen your involvement, this conversation will leave you motivated and ready to take action.
Sponsor: Saint Gobain
Step Into Your Power: Set Your Course in The Journey Toward Work-Life Integration | Cheryl Haynes
In today’s fast-paced world, women leaders often juggle multiple responsibilities, making it challenging to achieve the ever allusive sense of ‘work-life integration’. This workshop, “Step into Your Power,” invites women leaders to embark on a transformative journey toward enhanced work-life integration. Participants will gain practical tools and strategies for establishing healthy boundaries that promote both personal and professional fulfillment. Through interactive discussions, reflective exercises, and a structured framework, attendees will learn how to recharge mentally and physically, boost productivity, and cultivate meaningful relationships.
About Cheryl Haynes
Cheryl is the founder and principal consultant of Achieve Mentor LLC, bringing over 25 years of HR leadership experience to her coaching and consulting practice. With a deep understanding of organizational dynamics, Cheryl offers executive coaching, small group coaching, and CEO peer advising to help leaders navigate complex challenges and achieve their full potential. Her expertise lies in leadership development, team effectiveness, and innovation. A certified coach since 2019, Cheryl has a proven track record of facilitating transformative workshops and strategy sessions. Her passion for empowering leaders drives her commitment to creating positive and sustainable change within organizations.
Sponsored by: Open Sky
Empowered Negotiation: Strategies for Advocating for Yourself and Your Team | Christina Graziano
In this impactful workshop, you’ll gain essential skills to negotiate effectively on behalf of yourself and your team. Discover key strategies to confidently navigate salary discussions, resource requests, and other important conversations with a focus on mutual success. Tailored specifically for women leaders, this session addresses common challenges and empowers you with practical tools to advocate for career advancement and team support. Strengthen your leadership toolkit with proven negotiation techniques that can help you and your team thrive.
About Christina Graziano
Christina Graziano is the General Counsel, Vice President for Strategy, and Title IX Coordinator at Assumption University, where she serves as a key advisor on legal, strategic, and regulatory matters. Before returning to her alma mater, Christina built a distinguished career as a plaintiff’s attorney in private practice, focusing on complex civil litigation in state and federal courts. Her litigation experience spans Title IX and institutional sexual assault cases, pharmaceutical and medical device litigation, products liability, business torts, and intellectual property law. Christina has secured significant verdicts and settlements on behalf of plaintiffs injured by defective products and exposure to toxic materials. She has also counseled individuals and businesses on regulatory compliance and trademark issues.
Sponsored by: Fletcher Tilton
Journey to Finding “Authenticity through Adversity” | Erica Kidder
Journey to Finding “Authenticity through Adversity” focuses on 8 virtues through trials and triumphs as described in the presenter’s book “Black, Mixed With.” Erica will detail how she found authenticity through adversity in down to earth, relatable ways through the lens of the multiracial Black experience, as well as being a single mother navigating corporate America, coining herself as the Black, Broke, Single Mom.” This session will leave you with tactics for leveraging the 8 virtues to step into empathetic leadership, resulting in strong lasting connections, cultivating a culture of resiliency within teams, and building influence and followership without authority. These strategies offer unique insights for influencing and leaning into authentic leadership and inspiring transformational change.
Sponsored by: Fidelity Bank
Connect & Learn: An Interactive Speed Networking Breakout Session | Gretchen Twohig
Networking can be fun, especially when participants have specific, task-based activities for building rapport. Come build connections with fellow attendees through this engaging workshop. Expand your personal network and connect personally with session attendees in a low-stakes environment. This breakout session is perfect for women in all roles and company sizes. Hear how the presenter successfully introduced this speed networking activity at a departmental outing and had all participants up on their feet mingling and making connections. Come give it a try!
About Our Presenter
Gretchen Twohig is Engineering Administrator for an innovative department of Product Development Engineers at Columbia Tech, one of the Coghlin Companies. She delivers departmental onboarding training, arranges Lunch and Learn events with suppliers, and leads employee engagement activities in her group. Outside of work Gretchen is a Chapter Leader for Women in Manufacturing, Massachusetts Chapter. Prior to her work at Columbia Tech, Gretchen provided management academic to private language schools in Boston and Europe, and has taught Business English to foreign executives from every continent. In her free time, Gretchen enjoys taking her family to Woo Sox and Worcester Railers’ games.
Sponsored by: Central One Credit Union
AFTERNOON WORKSHOPS
Miles in Heels' : Golden Rules For "Getting Past Hello!" | Kim Miles
Networking doesn’t come naturally for most of us. Yet every savvy businessperson knows it is a critical component to our overall success. “Miles in Heels’ Golden Rules for Getting Past Hello!”™ is a totally unique approach focusing on the art of cultivating lasting business relationships. This fresh and engaging “top-ten” style lesson gives people the necessary tools to take charge of any networking situation. Meeting people is one thing, taking those introductions to the next level and “Getting Past Hello!”™ is something else entirely.
About Kim Miles
Kim Miles (TEDx Speaker, Executive Producer & Event Strategist, Serial Connector & Shoe Collector) What do you call a successful businesswoman with a vibrant financial advisory practice, more than 30 years of sales experience, a background in performing, and a serious shoe habit? Kim Miles! Through her company, Miles in Heels Productions (milesinheels.com), Kim is a highly sought-after TEDx speaker, emcee, creative collaborator and event strategist who partners with her clients to deliver critical messaging to their key audiences in fresh, unexpected and entertaining ways. No matter the format, live or virtual, from ideation to execution, Miles in Heels Productions is the answer. When you need to think outside of the box and laugh while you’re learning, look no further: if Oprah and Ellen had a love child, it would be Kim Miles. Kim creates mic-drop moments for her clients by using both the left and right sides of her brain, simultaneously. She brings her business acumen AND her creative lens to every problem-solving scenario. From securing A-list talent to comprehensive content creation by way of video production and copywriting, Kim’s goal is to make sure each client is attracting its perfect audience. Kim has worked with the likes of comedians Fran Drescher and Jackie Fabulous to Broadway actors like Miguel Cervantes (Hamilton), to celebrity chefs such as Karen Akunowicz (Top Chef/James Beard Winner) to bring star power to her clients’ events. When she’s not working, Kim has been known to take off her signature heels only to hit the slopes or the golf course…that is when she’s not singing with her band!
Sponsored by: All One Credit Union
The Truth About Work-Life Balance | Maria Milagros Vazquez
It is essential that we create and cultivate ‘balance’ so that we can continue to do the work we enjoy doing while maintaining the joy in our lives. In this talk we’ll uncover the truth around ‘work-life balance’, learn the tips to get the breathing space we so desperately want, the techniques to align with our priorities, and begin to develop the mental clarity (read: peace and joy/sanity) we need to move into our days, jobs and relationships without feeling guilty and/or stretched thin. This talk helps attendees create a more positive mindset shift that promotes growth and improves the quality of life.
About Maria Milagros Vazquez
Maria Milagros (Vazquez) is an award winning keynote speaker, award nominated author, 2x TEDx speaker, storyteller, personal growth & development expert, empowerment life coach, and love activist. Whether sharing her life experiences and knowledge through impactful talks, workshops, leadership training, life coaching or videos, Maria uses stories to bring encouragement, education, and love to empower others to get out of their way and break free from hindering thoughts or beliefs, so that they can live amazing lives and leave their unique and positive mark on the world. She is passionate about living with intention, creating spaces of love, joy and fun, connecting with others, overall health, and empowerment. A survivor of abuse, depression, and a childhood accident that should’ve left her immobile, Maria embraces her past to create a present of health, happiness, fun, love, and abundance. She believes that she is able to thrive in life not in spite of, but because of, every aspect of her story. She knows that no matter where you come from, what you’ve been through, or what you have done, a healthy mindset shift, rooting into love, and taking personal responsibility, can change every area of your life, as it has for her. With over 15 years of leadership and personal development educating in her pocket, Maria leaves audiences with relevant tools and shifted mindsets that last well after she steps off the stage. Her authentic congruence, infectious energy, and ability to teach from a relatable and positive perspective leaves attendees feeling like they had a fun and deep conversation with a trusted friend. When not speaking or coaching, Maria can usually be found making memories with her incredible daughter, meditating, dancing in public places, leading group fitness classes, reading, or watching a Marvel movie. To inquire about her speaking availability, one-on-one coaching, or book “Super Sparkly Everything”, or to sign up to get the free weekly email, please visit her website at www.mariamilagros.net. You can also connect with her on Instagram, YouTube, or Facebook. You can also listen to her TEDx talks here: The Life-Changing Practice of Radical Acceptance & What’s Good About This?
Sponsored by: Rockland Trust
Taking That Leadership Leap of Faith (Even if You're Shaking in Your Boots!) | Sarah Lange
Are you ready to lead, but worry that you may not have what it takes? Don’t worry, I’ve got you! In this workshop, we’ll identify your leadership dreams, take an inventory of the strengths you already have, identify the next step you need to take, and help you develop the courage to take it!
About Sarah Lange
Sarah Lange is one of the nonprofit sector’s top revenue generator, having raised over $100M. Using innovative strategies, she’s worked with over 200 nonprofits to raise more money, build stronger boards, chart a roadmap for the future, and brag about the good work they’re doing. Sarah has served as an Adjunct Professor at Clark University, Boston University, Worcester State University, and the University of MA – Boston. Her book, The Field Guide to Nonprofit Fundraising was published by Praeger in 2017. Sarah is a co-author of Limitless (June, 2023), which hit #1 on the Wall Street Journal Best Sellers List. She also contributed to Roots to Power (Prager, 2016). Her BA is from Colgate University; her Masters from BU School of Social Work. She did most of this while feeling sick to her stomach and shaking in her boots! Stepping into a leadership role doesn’t mean you have it all together – it means that you’d rather risk making a mistake than staying where you are!
Sponsored by: VHB
Protecting What Matters Most: Your Family’s Future and Legacy | Polly Tatum and Kathleen Glowacki
Join us for “Protecting What Matters Most: Your Family’s Future and Legacy”, a workshop designed to empower women to take control of their family’s future through thoughtful estate and financial planning. Led by attorney Polly Tatum and Vice President Kathleen Glowacki, this session will provide you with practical insights into planning for your future and safeguarding your loved ones—children, aging parents, and even pets—against life’s uncertainties. You’ll learn the basics of estate planning, explore personalized solutions for protecting your family, and overcome common misconceptions that may have held you back. A compassionate, hands-on approach makes planning accessible, ensuring your wishes are honored and your family is cared for. Walk away with actionable steps toward creating a plan that brings lasting peace of mind and protects your legacy. This workshop is about more than just legal documents; it’s about giving your family security and a foundation of care for generations to come.
About Our Presenters
Attorney Polly Tatum, Founder, The Law Office of Polly Tatum & Kathleen J. Glowacki, AIF®
Vice President, Government & Institutional Division Financial Advisor
Polly Tatum, founder of The Law Office of Polly Tatum, has spent over 27 years dedicated to helping families navigate the complexities of estate planning, elder law, and family legacy preservation. A mother of three daughters and guardian to her five great-nephews and niece, Polly understands firsthand the importance of creating a secure, lasting legacy for loved ones. Her unique approach combines her deep legal expertise with a compassionate commitment to each client’s needs, providing personalized, practical solutions for families preparing for the future and protecting what matters most. Polly’s dedication to her community and her clients has been the cornerstone of her practice since she opened her firm in 1997. A member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) and former President of the Worcester County Bar Association, Polly is a recognized leader in estate planning and elder law. Her commitment to service extends into the community through her work with organizations like the YMCA, United Way, Girls, Inc., and Central Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation. Polly’s mission is simple: to empower families to make informed decisions that bring peace, security, and protection to their loved ones, ensuring that each family’s unique legacy is preserved and cherished.
Sponsored by: bankHometown
#WWLC Memories
Thank You To Our 2025 Sponsors
2025 Presenting Sponsors
Keynote Sponsors
Supporting Sponsors
Lunch Sponsor
Gift Sponsor
Women’s Wellness Corner
App Sponsor
Networking Sponsor
Exhibitor Marketplace Sponsor
Video Sponsor
Scholarship Sponsor
Mentor Sponsors
Morning Break Sponsor
Breakout Session Sponsors
Speed Networking Sponsor
Afternoon Break Sponsors
Amigas Sponsors
Dream Big Wealth Strategies LLC | Worcester, MA
Hanover Theatre & Conservatory for the Performing Arts
Southeast Asian Coalition
Omama Services Incorporated
Women’s Initiative
Media Sponsor
Benefitting Charity
2025 Exhibitors
A Better Path To Wellness, LLC.
Anna Maria College
Bloom by JLouise
Boisset Collection
Boys & Girls Club of Worcester
Bri’s Sweet Treats
Caryn’s Corner
Circe’s Secret
Clark University
Clash Physical Therapy and Health Services, Inc.
Connie Kanella Coaching and Consulting
Culture Redesigned, LLC.
Elder Services of Worcester Area, Inc.
Faithful Acts
Framingham State University
Hoppy Pop
HOTWORX Northborough
Konfections by Kita
Lowell Interiors
Do you have a business or organization that is focused on health or women’s health? Then you might be the perfect candidate to exhibit in our Women’s Wellness Corner! This is a separate registration that you can access here!
Exhibitor benefits include:
– Access to over 700 women who live and/or work in Central MA
– Your name listed as an exhibitor in our conference app
– Your name listed as an exhibitor with a hyperlink on the WWLC website
– Six-foot exhibitor table, skirted, with two chairs
– Box lunch provided for up to two company representatives
– Admission to conference breakout sessions (as long as your table still has a representative)
If you have any questions please contact ssilva@worcesterchamber.org
Marabou Jewelry
Massachusetts Women of Color Coalition
Metamorphosis
Nichols College
Paridae Beauty
Pure Haven
Queenie Care, LLC.
Safe Exit Initiative
Sarah Elizabeth
SKM Collection
The Jewelry Sisters
The Journey Before Us, LLC.
The Sandbox System
The TeleMed NP
The WellStorm, Inc.
Tiana Delia Photography
Veterinary Urgent Care Center
Wicked Good Treats by Elaine
Worcester Historical Museum
Worcester Physicians and Nurses Services
BE A PART OF #WWLC2025
2025 PRICING | Chamber Members GA: $250 | Non-Members GA: $300
Member Reserved seating for 10 (Ten attendees): $3,000
Non-Member Reserved seating for 10: $3,700
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