NAVIGATING CHANGE WITH PURPOSE PRESENTED BY
WELCOME TO THE 11TH ANNUAL WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2026
TODAY’S SPONSORS: PRESENTING SPONSOR:
GOLD SPONSORS:
PRODUCTION SPONSOR:
PLATINUM SPONSORS:
SILVER SPONSORS:
MEDIA SPONSOR:
BRONZE SPONSORS:
PRINTED PROGRAM SPONSOR:
A special thank you to Sugar ‘n Spice Cheesecakes & Coffee for today’s dessert at lunch and to the Fun Factory Sweet Shoppe for providing afternoon refreshments.
WELCOME: Are you ready for inspiration, encouragement and personal and professional development? Thanks for joining us for this great opportunity to develop skills which will carry through to both your work and personal life.
Vitality
for life
N ATA L I E ' S S U C C E S S S T O R Y
“For decades, I struggled with my weight and the problems that came with it. I felt down, unhealthy and trapped. The Vitality program changed everything. It helped me BE F ORE
AF TER
feel better about myself and gave me the energy to live life to the fullest.”
Health Journey Highlights • • • • •
Lost 83 pounds Gained muscle Transformed lab results Improved energy Embraces an active lifestyle
-Natalie
Call 715-847-0000 to schedule a consultation. 2606 Stewart Ave., Suite 100 Wausau, WI 54401 EleveMedSpa.com
V I TA L I T Y & A E S T H E T I C S
AGENDA: 7:45 am Check-In & Networking, Coffee & Breakfast Refreshments
11:30 am Lunch & Networking, Booths Open
8:30 am Welcome & Opening Remarks
1:30 pm Break - Gelato and Gourmet Popcorn
8:45 am Stephanie Perkins Understanding Change Resistance 9 am Keynote: Lena Scullard - Chaos to Calm
12:45 pm Breakout Session Two
2 pm Keynote: Courtney Clark ReVisionary Thinking 3:30pm Closing Remarks 4 pm Networking & Book Signing
10:30 am Break 10:45 am Breakout Session One
WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES:
ABOUT THE BREAKOUTS: Your nametag indicates the specific
These women-owned businesses will
registration. Seating for the breakout
products and services and featuring
breakout sessions you selected at
sessions has been determined based on this selection.
Please follow your selections to ensure adequate seating for all attendees.
GUEST WIFI:
host booths today, highlighting their raffles (winners to be named during
the closing remarks). Please visit these booths and meet some of the leaders
that are fueling our region’s economy. Burn Boot Camp Buska Retirement & Buska Wealth Management
Network:
CW Expo Center Guest Wifi
Floorology
Password:
expocenter
Portraits by Tiffany Soul Healing Bodywork & Wellness Center
A LOOK BACK: Photos from the 2025 conference thanks to Portraits by Tiffany:
FEATURED SPEAKER:
S
tephanie Perkins is a brain-based leadership coach and people
development strategist known
for transforming how organizations approach leadership and culture.
With a background in human resources and career coaching, she led impactful
development programs as VP of People Development at IncredibleBank
before launching her own consulting work across Northcentral Wisconsin. Stephanie’s workshops blend
neuroscience, practical strategies and humor to help leaders inspire growth and build
thriving workplace cultures.
She brings fresh, actionable
insights that make leadership development both effective and enjoyable.
STEPHANIE PERKINS
RESERVE YOUR BOOTH SPACE AT
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2026 Registration is now open at a special early access rate of $575* *THIS SPECIAL RATE ENDS AT MIDNIGHT ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2026
WausauChamber.com Sponsorship opportunities are still available! Contact Brian Otten at 715-848-5947 or botten@wausauchamber.com to learn more.
NOTES:
NOTES:
Visit the Portraits by Tiffany booth today to have a new Professional Portrait taken!
FEATURED SPEAKER:
L
ena Scullard is a keynote
speaker and facilitator who
empowers people to embrace
emotional intelligence and take ownership of their mindset to drive meaningful results.
Drawing on over 20 years in leadership, hospitality and
corporate training, she blends relatable stories and
interactive learning to inspire personal accountability and growth. Known for her energetic, authentic
style, Lena challenges audiences to act with
intention, especially in
high-pressure moments She helps individuals
and teams harness
resilience, strengthen relationships and
spark positive change.
LENA SCULLARD
From Chaos To Calm Transforming Conflict with Emotional Intelligence Challenging Behaviors
“Between stimulus and response we have a space. In that space lies our greatest freedom, our freedom to CHOOSE.” Viktor Frankl
FIGHT FLIGHT FREEZE
EQ2. SELF-MANAGEMENT Refrain from acting on the emotions so you can remain in control. Here are two techniques that can help.
EQ1. SELF-AWARENESS Recognize your body’s reaction and acknowledge the emotions you are feeling.
Tornado Drill •Picture all of the emotions as a tornado swirling around you, feel the chaos swirling. What direction is it circling? •Now use your mind to slow it, and then reverse it. Finally, watch it disapate. Lighting Strike •Picture all of the emotions as a thunderstorm. Lightning cracks across the sky, representing the intense energy in the room. •Squeeze your fists and call that energy to you. Feel it flow into your body and down into the ground through your feet. Feel the superpower of control.
EQ4. SOCIAL AWARENESS
EQ3. MOTIVATION
Be curious about the other person’s feelings, needs, and perspectives.
Consider what your goal is in this encounter. Consider their goal and look for common ground.
You Win-Win Them
EQ5. SOCIAL MANAGEMENT (INFLUENCE) The goal is to get to business so we can resolve the issue, but first we need to H.E.A.L. the human.
H
E
A
L
To Serenity…
POST-GAME RITUALS
Personal Evaluation
Strategic Review
Cool Down
In sports, successful teams have post-game processes or rituals that help them recover and reflect. Here are three steps you can take after an intense encounter so you can recover and prepare for the next task or challenge.
When tempers flare and tensions rise, We find our strength, through stormy skies. We take a pause, we claim control, Our power lies in seeking the goal. We act with care, we do what’s right, And work together toward the light. To choices wise, to battles won, To serenity left when the day is done.
Lena Scullard is Speaker and Trainer with a passion for emotional intelligence, empowering professionals to be resilient and confidently own their power to choose, building stronger relationships and achieving better results. Thank you for your focus and participation in this session and reach out to Lena with questions any time. Social Handle: @LenaScullard
NOTES:
NOTES:
“It’s so exciting and awesome to see the women collaborate and come together (at each year’s conference). And the light that comes out of them as they move throughout the day!” - Carrie Reif
11TH ANNUAL WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
NOTES:
NOTES:
“The biggest reason that I (attend the conference) every year is to not only motivate myself, but to get to interact with other women and find out what motivates them. “ - Alisha Triepke
11TH ANNUAL WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
NOTES:
SAVE THE DATE! THE
FIRST
LEADING IN WELLNESS HEALTH & WELLNESS CONFERENCE
SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 | GRANITE PEAK SKI AREA PRESENTED BY A DIVISION OF SURGICAL ASSOCIATES
AFTERNOON BREAK: Enjoy gelato and gourment
popcorn from the Fun Factory Sweet Shoppe at 1:30 pm this afternoon!
Gelato flavors: Sea Salt
Caramel, Oreo Cappuccino
and Lemon Basil (dairy-free) Popcorn flavors: Creamy Dill, White Cheddar and Lemon Pound Cake
2026_WomensLeadershipConference_EBB_ProgramAd.pdf
1
1/6/26
3:27 PM
www.EmpoweredByBuska.com
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Empowered by Buska is a group designed to help women gain confidence and knowledge in managing their finances. Whether you’re new to personal finance or looking to take your financial understanding to the next level, Empowered by Buska is here to guide you every step of the way.
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
Build Financial Confidence
Network with Like-Minded Women
Understand key concepts like budgeting, credit, debt management, and investing.
Connect with other women on the same financial journey, share experiences, and gain insights.
Develop Smart Financial Habits
Access Professional Guidance
Learn actionable strategies to save, invest, and grow your wealth.
Attend events led by financial professionals who can offer advice tailored to your needs.
Empowered by Buska isn’t just about numbers—it’s about creating a community where women uplift each other, share resources, and empower one another to thrive financially.
FEATURED SPEAKER:
C
ourtney Clark is a
resilience researcher, speaker, and author
who helps people adapt
faster and achieve more when life changes unexpectedly.
After surviving both the 9/11
attacks and cancer, she turned her experiences into a mission to teach practical strategies
for navigating adversity. She has built two businesses, written three books —
including ReVisionary
Thinking found in your
conference bag — and
spoken for global organizations like Nike, Google, and Amazon.
COURTNEY CLARK
NOTES:
NOTES:
“(Today’s event) offers a great, positive environment where you walk away with a goal or accomplishment or connection.” - Julie Bollmann
11TH ANNUAL WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
Yes!
YES!
I’d love to develop more ReVisionary Thinking™.
I’d love to develop more ReVisionary Thinking™. Please send me the ReVisionary Thinking free Please send me the ReVisionary Thinking free chapter! chapter! Please send me the ReVisionary Thinking™ chapter
Please send me the ReVisionary Thinking™ chapter Please theReVisionary ReVisionary Thinking chapter please call Pleasesend send me me the Thinking chapter ANDAND please call me to me talk about bringing a toresilience talk about bringing a resilience presentation and/or resources presentation and/or resources to another organization. to another organization.
Name:
__.
Email:
Phone:
__ Company:
Name: Email: Phone: Company:
Looking forward to connecting with you!
Looking forward to connecting with you! And let’s connect online – @Courtney_L_Clark on Instagram or @CourtneyLClark on LinkedIn
And let’s connect online @Courtney_L_Clark on Instagram or @CourtneyLClark on LinkedIn
NOTES:
NOTES:
“I really appreciate that (the event’s organizers) worked so hard to bring amazing speakers to the conference with really valuable, insightful content. And I appreciate the opportunity for camaraderie.” - Elina VanNatta
11TH ANNUAL WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
NOTES:
Foundation Finance Company (FFC), a Great Place to Work® certified company since 2017, is a fastgrowing consumer finance company working with home improvement contractors across the U.S. to drive sales through flexible, customerfocused financing options.
WE’RE HIRING REMOTE*, HYBRID AND IN-OFFICE
Day-one Health Benefits Day-one 401(k) enrollment with company match Paid, Sick and Volunteer Time Off Paid Parental Leave
A people-first culture with continuously improving benefits and training designed to help you succeed from day one. https://careers.foundationfinance.com/
*Remote, Hybrid or in Office Remote only available in select states, for select positions
YOUR FUTURE IS HERE.
Employer Paid Life and Disability Wellbeing on Demand Program
SCAN TO SEE OUR OPEN ROLES!
S
tep into your
leadership with
clarity and confidence.
In this energizing workshop led by Laura Huggins,
Senior Vice President of Marketing at
Connexus Credit Union, you’ll explore how to
craft a personal brand that reflects your
values, amplifies your voice, and positions you for influence.
Through interactive exercises and real-world
examples, you’ll
walk away with actionable
strategies to
show up with purpose.
BREAKOUT:
POWER OF YOUR PERSONAL BRAND with Laura Huggins
BREAKOUT:
LEADING THROUGH PHILANTHROPY
with the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin Inc., Women United and Impact 100
J
oin leaders from the
Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin’s
Women’s Fund, United Way of Marathon County’s Women United, and Impact 100’s
Co-Founder as they share how women are driving change through philanthropy. This
Michelle Gleason
interactive session will highlight diverse pathways for giving
back, building connections, and creating lasting impact in our communities, while inspiring
attendees to explore how they can get involved.
Jennifer Johnson
Margy Stahr
BREAKOUT:
SOUND THERAPY & STRESS RELIEF
with Flora Jerde
V
ibrational Sound
Therapy uses specially crafted
himalayan and crystal singing
bowls to produce gentle sound waves and soothing tones that guide the
mind and body into deep relaxation or a meditative state.
In this class, Certified &
Licensed Vibrational Sound Therapist Flora Jerde will create a calming
soundscape that helps
relieve stress, quiet the nervous system and support
emotional well-being.
Participants will leave feeling centered, refreshed, and
deeply restored.
NOTES:
Earn up to 5.00% APY1 with Xtraordinary Checking Maximize your earning potential. Whether you’re making moves in your career or mentoring the next generation, your money should work as hard as you do. With Xtraordinary Checking, you’ll earn more — with features designed for convenience and performance. Scan the QR code today to start earning more.
ConnexusCU.org/EarnMore 800.845.5025 APY = Annual Percentage Yield | Insured by NCUA 1 Annual Percentage Yield (APY) accurate as of 11/25/2025. To earn the applicable dividend rate and APY, subscription to eStatements, a monthly deposit of at least $500 from either a direct deposit or an ACH deposit (from a non-Connexus account), and either a minimum of fifteen (15) debit card purchases or $500 in net spend purchases using your debit card are required per month. ATM transactions are not included. Debit card purchases must post to your account by the last calendar day of the month. You must meet the preceding account requirements to earn dividends during the monthly period. No minimum balance requirements to earn dividends. Dividends are compounded and paid monthly. Fees may reduce earnings. Rates subject to change. A dividend rate of 4.889% will be paid on your account balance of $25,000 or less when requirements are met, resulting in an APY of 5.00% for the dividend period. Account balances over $25,000 will be paid an APY of 0.25% when requirements are met. Primary owner must be the age of majority (18+) to open this type of account.
Thank you for attending today’s 2026 Women’s Leadership Conference!
MISSION:
To ignite business success for our Members through strategic engagement, partnership, and innovation.
VISION:
To be the region’s indispensable provider of exclusive business advantages for our Members. If you’ve enjoyed this program and are interested in learning more about how membership with the Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce can impact your business, contact Membership Director Kathy Peterson at 715-848-5951 or kpeterson@wausauchamber.com.
2026 WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE PLANNING COMMITTEE:
Mackenzie Beck, Findorff
Jennifer Johnson, Church Mutual Insurance Company, S.I.
Mauri Brueggeman, Aspirus
Kelly Winchell, Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork Co., Inc.
Michelle Gleason, Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin
Amber Gober, Peoples State Bank
Lada Xiong, Samuels Group Lindsey Zakrzewski, Northcentral Technical College
The Chamber and the members of this committee thank you for attending today’s event.
INVEST IN YOUR AS INVEST IN YOUR GROWTH ASA LEADER GROWTH A LEADER
Would you like to bolster your confidence, sharpen your leadership skills and become more connected to our community? Our leadership programs are a great place to start. Each one is designed to help you grow in meaningful and practical ways. Would you like to bolster your confidence, sharpen your leadership skills and become more connected to our community? PROGRAM: WHO BENEFITS: COST:
Our leadership programs are a great place to start. Each one is designed to help you grow in meaningful and practical ways.
PROGRAM: Conference
Women’s Leadership
WHO BENEFITS: professional journey. Pause, reflect and reimagine your path forward.
A high-impact, one-day conference for women at every age and stage of their
COST: $55 for VIP event
$199 for members
Transformational Women’s Leadership Leadership Conference
Focus on your personal development while buildingatanevery arsenal growth A high-impact, one-day conference for women ageofand stagestrategies of their in this nine-month program. yourreimagine organization community. professional journey.Change Pause,yourself, reflect and yourand pathyour forward.
$199 for $3,000 formembers members $55 for VIP event
Transformational Next Wave Leadership
Create essential connections, buildwhile networks andanconnect work strategies with in a in Focus on your personal development building arsenalafter of growth community where emerging professionals can organization learn, grow and together. this nine-month program. Change yourself, your andthrive your community.
Complimentary $3,000 for members for members
Next NextWave+ Wave
Dive intoessential leadership, communitybuild understanding andconnect collaboration in sixwith sessions. Create connections, networks and after work in a Receive executive-level insightsprofessionals and connections to thegrow leaders the region. community where emerging can learn, andshaping thrive together.
Complimentary $300 for members for members
Excellence in Business Next Awards Wave+ Night Leadership
Celebrate connectcommunity with the visionary leadersand andcollaboration innovative pioneers who have Dive intoand leadership, understanding in six sessions. significantly contributed to the prosperitytoand the area. Receive executive-level insights and connections thevitality leadersofshaping the region.
$75 for $300 formembers members
VISITinWAUSAUCHAMBER.COM TOwithLEARN MORE OR REGISTER FORhaveTHESE PROGRAMS Celebrate and connect the visionary leaders andTO innovative pioneers who Excellence Business $75 for members significantly contributed to the prosperity and vitality of the area. Leadership Awards Night VISIT WAUSAUCHAMBER.COM TO LEARN MORE OR TO REGISTER FOR THESE PROGRAMS
Kolbe Windows & Doors is dedicated to innovation, craftsmanship and thoughtful design. For 80 years, we’ve created artisan quality windows and doors that are built in the heart of Wisconsin. The Kolbe Team proudly supports our local community and its vision for the future. Find your vision at kolbewindows.com © 2025 Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork Co., Inc. | Photo © Phillip Ennis
GET INVOLVED: The Chamber’s Transformational Leadership program: WausauChamber.com/Transformational-Leadership The Chamber’s Next Wave+ program: WausauChamber.com The United Way of Marathon County’s Emerging Leaders group: UnitedWayMC.org/Emerging-Leaders The United Way of Marathon County’s Women United group: UnitedWayMC.org/Women-United Women in Manufacturing: WomeninManufacturing.org/Northern-Wisconsin Impact 100 Greater Wausau: GreaterWausau.Impact100Council.org
GET CONNECTED: Facebook: www.facebook.com/WausauChamber Instagram: instagram.com/WausauChamber LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/ the-wausau-region-chamber-of-commerce Twitter: @WausauChamber YouTube: www.youtube.com/WausauChamber
THE
PRESENTS
LEARN MORE
Returning in the fall of 2026, Transformational Leadership will be led by program designer and facilitator Bridget Wenman and will include nine monthly sessions totaling more than 70 hours with a focus on individualized personal training and development.
Program Facilitator: Bridget Wenman Bridget’s extensive experience utilizing professional assessments, coupled with a business background, gives her a unique perspective in providing solutions for individuals at all levels of leadership. After a successful career in sales and management in the staffing industry, Bridget created Perspectives Training and Consulting, a management consulting business that she has owned and operated for more than 25 years.
The program allowed people to really express their concerns and be open to suggestions on how to improve their situation. And, those giving the feedback did so with utmost concern for the individual and without judgment. Ashley Hawley, Ruder Ware LLSC Graduate of Transformational Leadership
This program has been one of the best learning experiences of my professional career. I not only connected with many other wonderful leaders in the community, but I also developed many skills and tools that I’ve already found useful and will continue to use. Traci Wisz Woodson YMCA Graduate of Transformational Leadership
I’ve worked with Bridget for many years. She has helped our organization, specifically in motivating individuals to higher levels of learning and in helping us achieve our organizational goals. Robin Hegg Greenheck Group