ROOTED TO RISE

This is more than a day.

This is more than a day.
It’s a movement of women building stronger businesses, deeper relationships, and better futures.

Each November, a powerful force gathers in Cleveland to connect, share stories, learn and grow.

We are entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs. Leaders and learners.
We come from corporate boardrooms, college classrooms, co-working spaces, and kitchen tables.

What we share is this:
A belief that women don’t rise alone.

We rise through relationships.
We rise through shared wisdom.
We rise when we have the clarity, confidence, community, and foundations to grow.

This year, Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Ohio invites you to get rooted.

Rooted in purpose.
Rooted in connection.
Rooted in the kind of conversations that remind us what is possible when women gather with intention.

Together, we’ll explore what it takes to build stronger businesses from the inside out.
We’ll strengthen the foundations that support our growth, deepen the relationships that sustain us, and imagine the futures we are here to create.

Because when women are rooted in community, we don’t just grow businesses.
We rise—and we bring others with us.

What to Expect

Dynamic conversations designed to tap into your experience, wisdom, and vision
Meaningful connection with women who understand the challenges and celebrations of building something real
Real stories from real women who are creating impact from a strong foundation
A room full of energy, collaboration, and breakthrough thinking
A renewed sense of purpose, possibility, and belonging

Get rooted. Rise together.
Join us on November 5.

Table Leaders and Topics

There will be three table talks throughout the day so you can choose your top 3 or hop from one to the other. 

Simone McNitt: Finding the Right People: Clients, Collaborators & Team

Strong businesses are built on strong relationships. Drawing from her experience as an HR consultant and advocate for seniors in the workforce, Simone brings a fresh perspective on how to identify and engage the right people at every stage of growth. This conversation explores how to hire aligned team members, collaborate with purpose-driven partners, and welcome diverse talent—including seasoned professionals who bring wisdom and resilience. Together, we’ll share experiences, uncover challenges, and exchange strategies for building networks that truly support sustainable success.

Heather Hetchler: Modern Connection: Beyond the Coffee Chat
Many women today are seeking deeper, more reciprocal relationships in their personal and professional lives. Drawing from her expertise in guiding women through life’s transitions, Heather explores what authentic connection looks like in 2025—from peer advisory groups to reverse mentoring—and how we can foster support systems that honor every stage of growth. Together, we’ll share what’s working, where gaps remain, and how both paid and unpaid opportunities can strengthen the communities we’re building around us.

Annette Garsteck: Big Bold Moves: Redefining Risk and Reward
Every woman reaches a point when she feels called to make a bold move—whether in career, leadership, or personal life. As a career strategist who helps women clarify purpose and direction, Annette invites us to explore what “bold” means on our own terms. This conversation dives into the mindset shifts, inner critics, and external barriers that shape our biggest decisions. Together, we’ll share stories, surface common themes, and define the next best steps that move us from contemplation to courage—with clarity, confidence, and lasting impact.

Bonnie Miller Ladds, LISW: Overcoming Overwhelm & Burnout
In today’s fast-paced world, many women leaders and entrepreneurs find themselves juggling competing demands that lead to exhaustion, disengagement, or even burnout. With her background as a counselor, Bonnie brings a compassionate and practical lens to help us recognize the signs of overwhelm, set boundaries, and reclaim energy and focus. Together, we’ll share what has helped us manage stress, uncover what still holds us back, and identify how we can support one another in building resilience. Participants will leave with insights and tools to move from survival mode to thriving—personally and professionally.

Danielle M. Locke, MPA, CAP: The Business of Impact: Turning Purpose into Sustainable GrowthFor entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders, impact and income don’t have to be at odds. Drawing on her experience as CEO of Locke Step Partners and advisor to mission-driven organizations, Danielle explores how purpose-driven businesses and nonprofits can collaborate to fuel both missions and markets. This conversation will highlight creative partnerships, shared campaigns, and community initiatives that amplify resources and expand reach. Together, we’ll uncover strategies to align purpose with profit—and create lasting change that strengthens both organizations and communities.

Lorraine Schuchart: Visibility & Credibility: Building Authority That Lasts
In a crowded market, visibility alone isn’t enough—what women entrepreneurs truly need is credibility. Drawing from her experience as a brand strategist and PR expert, Lorraine explores how to stand out with authority, especially in male-dominated industries or when building a new business. This conversation addresses the challenges of being overlooked or underestimated, the struggle to grow a recognizable brand, and the fear of “selling out” or oversharing online. Together, we’ll uncover strategies to market authentically, claim expertise with confidence, and build the kind of trust that turns visibility into long-term influence.