The inaugural event will bring community and business leaders together for a brunch summit featuring panel-style conversations, inspiring presentations and a hands-on keynote experience, with a focus on leadership, innovation, collaboration and personal empowerment.

The summit is especially suited to mid-level managers, star contributors and high potential employees who have been identified as outstanding prospects for increased leadership responsibilities, professionals with an interest in personal development and executives seeking to become a more innovative leader.

“Leadership is highly valued for both business and personal success, and strong leadership skills are important now more than ever,” said Sheila Matias, executive director of the Society of Innovators and Leadership Institute. “I often say that leadership and innovation are two sides of the same coin since today's ever-changing landscape relies heavily on an innovative mindset. This year's summit will give our attendees evidenced-based learning experiences to strengthen their leadership skills and innovative thinking.”

The 2022 Northwest Indiana Women’s Leadership and Innovation Summit will take place on Sept. 15 at the James B. Dworkin Student Service and Activities Complex at PNW’s Westville campus, 1401 S. U.S. 421, Westville, IN. Doors will open at 9 a.m. CST for networking, with programming beginning promptly at 9:30 a.m. Brunch service will take place at 10:30 a.m. and the event will conclude at approximately 2 p.m.

The Summit's keynote presentation will be an interactive session with Late Nite Art, a collaborative learning experience involving live art and music that incorporates risk-taking, deep conversations and collaborative problem-solving. Companies like Adobe, LinkedIn, Verizon, Southwest Airlines, and Accenture have used Late Nite Art to help employees go outside their comfort zone and get to know their colleagues in a meaningful way.

“Diversity of gender and ethnicity are critical, not only for a well-balanced leadership team, but for successful innovation efforts,” said Mekisha Richardson, assistant director of the Leadership Institute. “This summit is an opportunity to hear from Northwest Indiana leaders who have successfully shattered the ceiling to discuss how all companies and organizations can do better and how rising women leaders can best navigate their own paths.”

“We are excited to bring this new event to Northwest Indiana,” said Jason Williams, managing director of the Society of Innovators. “Two of the best ways to inspire innovation are to peek behind the curtain to learn how others lead and to find ways to spark our own creativity. The program we have designed for the Summit is intended to do both.”

Registration is open for the 2022 Northwest Indiana Women’s Leadership and Innovation Summit. Individual tickets are $75 and tables of 10 can be purchased for $600. A small business bundle of 3 tickets can also be purchased for $195 and sponsorships are available. For more information and to register, please visit pnw.edu/womens-summit or by reaching out to Jason Williams at jawilliams@pnw.edu.

The Leadership Institute at Purdue Northwest

The Leadership Institute at Purdue Northwest (PNW) is the hub of leadership development in Northwest Indiana. We present dynamic research-based leadership development programs for businesses, area professionals, and youth leaders from the university and across our regional community. For more information about the Leadership Institute, visit www.pnw.edu/leadership-institute.

The Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest

The Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest (PNW) aims to contribute to economic and community development throughout the region as the champion of innovation in Northwest Indiana. For more information about the Society of Innovators, visit www.pnw.edu/soi. 

PHOTO: Northwest Indiana Women’s Leadership and Innovation Summit 2022 Event Cover