Peoria Magazines’ annual Women of Influence Forum is a tribute to women in the workplace and an inspirational way to bring the community together and empower female leaders.

Network and interact with successful women (and men) as they share their unique experiences and strategies for success in an ever-changing world. Experience motivating speakers and stimulating breakout sessions; discuss and exchange ideas; and walk away engaged and inspired!

Your ticket includes a plated breakfast, gift bag from Skin Dimensions, and registration for the panel discussion, feature presentations and breakout sessions.

Panel Discussion

PANEL DISCUSSION moderated by Jennifer Zammuto, Heart of Illinois United Way, featuring panelists:

• Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, Illinois House of Representatives
• Dr. Sara Rusch, University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria
• Tana Utley, Caterpillar Inc.
• Dr. Sheila Quirk-Bailey, Illinois Central College
• Banu Hatfield, Zion Coffee

Our distinguished group of panelists will address the tough questions we all want answers to... as they relate to our jobs, careers, families, and more. This exciting discussion will hit on topics likethe #MeToo movement (and the unintended backlash, in some cases), the struggles of balancing career and family, ways to collectively support other women in the workforce, and many others. You won't want to miss it!

Photos from the 2017 Women of Influence Forum

Feature Presentations

Engaging Mindfulness...
FEATURED SPEAKER: Chuck Rice, introduced by Brian Ray, PNC Regional President
If you’ve been following education and corporate wellness trends over the past several years, you’ve probably heard of mindfulness. But how well do you understand it—and the benefits it can offer you and your organization? More and more people are recognizing the positive impacts mindfulness can have in all areas of life, including job performance.

Unconscious Bias in the Workplace: What You Don't Know Can Hurt You
(And Your Business)
FEATURED SPEAKER: Angie Ostaszewski, Ameren Illinois
Unconscious bias, or implicit bias, are thoughts or stereotypes we subconsciously hold which influence our interactions with other individuals—and it’s much more prevalent than conscious bias. This session will uncover examples of how unconscious bias can affect business performance (microaggressions, lost work opportunities, etc.) and determine how to help employees identify and address unconscious bias in the workplace.

Breakout Sessions

The Good, The Bad, The Ugly:  What To Do When Life Takes You By Surprise
presented by Mary Corrigan, Howard & Howard
How do you plan for the unexpected? How do you prepare for the death of a spouse, disability or divorce? Whether that’s estate planning, making financial arrangements to cover unplanned expenses, or executing a pre-nup, learn how to protect yourself.

Resilience: The Power of Passion and Perseverance
presented by Betsy Wert, Commerce Trust Company
What’s your passion? Betsy Wert will discuss the power of passion and how to find yours to pursue your dreams. She’ll also discuss how to take responsibility—and the necessary risks—for your future. Walk away with the courage and confidence to pursue your purpose.

Enlivening & Strengthening Community Service: A Focus on Outcomes and Impact
presented by Abby Clark, Davis & Campbell LLC
Community service plays a vital role in supporting a culture of citizenship, service and responsibility. Reinvigorate the true impact of your community work with purposeful thought toward specific goals, targeted beneficiaries, comprehensive strategies and ultimate outcomes.

New Trends in Breast Cancer Prevention & Screening: What's Hiding in Your DNA?
presented by Dr. Michele Couri, Couri Center for Gynecology and Integrated Women's Health
What's hiding in your DNA? Do you truly know your risk of breast cancer? Genetic testing has allowed us to better quantify a woman's risk of developing breast cancer. It's personalized, preventative, precision medicine at its finest. Dr. Michele Couri will empower you with knowledge that just may save your life.

Join Us!

Join us at the 2018 Women of Influence Forum: experience motivating speakers; discuss and exchange ideas; and challenge yourself to think in a different way. You’ll leave with a variety of new tools and contacts to help you take the next step in your career! #WOI2018

Special thanks to our sponsors...