Leaders from across business, law, education and nonprofit sectors gathered March 6 at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln for the fourth Women Lead conference, a sold-out event focused on the power of collective leadership.
Hosted by the Nebraska College of Business and the College of Law, the biennial conference — themed “The Power of We” — featured keynote speakers, breakout sessions and personal reflections from leaders sharing defining moments in their careers.
Jewel Rodgers, Nebraska’s state poet and a 2019 University of Nebraska–Lincoln graduate, opened the conference with a high-energy presentation blending storytelling and poetry. She encouraged attendees to show up authentically and believe in their value as leaders.
"When you are engaging in your work, think about the people who came before you and how you're building something for the next generation," Rodgers said. "We are all passing the baton and the point of life is to live it, so it helps to have folks along the way. Being an icon is not a solo project. My father (Johnny Rodgers, Husker football player and Heisman Trophy winner) always said, 'Anything you can do alone just isn't big enough.'"
Rodgers also urged attendees to respond when something resonated with claps, snaps and words of encouragement, setting an interactive tone for the day.
The conference has gained national recognition since its launch in 2020. In 2025, the biennial event received international recognition with a Silver 2025 Circle of Excellence Award from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) and earned an American Marketing Association (AMA) Prism Award for Best Nonprofit Event and AMA Best of Show Award across all categories for nonprofits.
“Women Lead was created to bring people together in ways that spark ideas, build confidence and strengthen the connections that help leaders grow and made possible through the generosity of many sponsors: Cline Williams; Baylor Evnen Wolfe & Tannehill, LLP; Foster Group; Hilgers PLLC; Husch Blackwell; Rembolt Ludtke and Woods Aitken,” said Molly Brummond, assistant dean for student development for the College of Law and co-founder of the conference. “When you gather people willing to share their stories and support one another, you create momentum that carries far beyond a single day.”
Danielle Conway, dean and Donald J. Farage Professor of Law at Penn State Dickinson Law, delivered the plenary keynote. Conway reflected on the historical meaning of “we” in the nation’s founding documents and encouraged attendees to continue expanding opportunities for future generations.
Marilyn Moore, '71, '74 & '80, retired president of Bryan College of Health Sciences and past associate superintendent of Lincoln Public Schools, closed the conference with remarks emphasizing the importance of connection and shared purpose in leadership.
Participants selected from eight breakout sessions with topics ranging such as career advancement, navigating challenges in business, selling your ideas to leadership, artificial intelligence and conflict resolution. Sessions were led by experts including Katie Bell, '96, senior partner and global account lead at Korn Ferry; Stephanie Dinger, '03, vice president of small business banking at UBT; Lori Heffelfinger, '82, president at The Heffelfinger Company; Heather Hilgers, founder and CEO of Hilgers PLLC; Rose Hunter Jones, partner of Hilgers PLLC; Maria Isquierdo, system vice president and chief human resource officer at Bryan Health Systems; Elsbeth Magilton, '10, director of externships and law lecturer; Laura McLeod, assistant professor of practice in marketing; Sejal Patel, '93, president of Sage Ivy Consulting; Tara Tesmer Paulson, '10, CEO and attorney at Rembolt Ludtke; and Kimberly Rath '83, chair and co-founder of Talent Plus.
"A hallmark of the conference is what we call Leadership Moments. These are defining moments that shaped accomplished leaders — moments that tested their resolve, clarified their values and ultimately strengthened their impact. These candid insights are practical and personal, offering lessons that resonate across many different career paths and experiences. This year we had an inspiring lineup." said Sheri Irwin-Gish, '03, executive director of Communications, Marketing and External Relations at the College of Business and founder of the event.
Speakers sharing Leadership Moments included Miss USA Audrey Eckert, '24; Hon. Marcela Keim, judge of the County Court for Nebraska’s 4th Judicial District; Christie Stukenholtz, ’08, co-founder and CEO of Senior Care Finder; Liz Cole, director of the Nebraska Innocence Clinic and law lecturer; and Liza Mendoza-House, founder of LP Fitness Transformation Center.
"They shared raw and real stories. These were the complete opposite of filtered final snapshots we see on social media these days," said Lindsay Thomsen, assistant professor of management, who also encouraged her students to attend.
While the speakers represented a range of industries and experiences, their stories shared a common thread: leadership is often shaped through challenge, reflection and connection with others.
“Women Lead was a powerful reminder of the strength that comes from connection and shared leadership. The speakers were inspiring, the stories were deeply moving, and the room was filled with ambitious, thoughtful women committed to making an impact in their professions and communities,” Jennifer Lea, executive director at Woods Aitken, who sponsored Rodgers' keynote.
Attendee Emily Koopmann, executive director of the Belmont Community Center, noted how the conference created space for support and an opportunity to think bigger.
“I came into the conference feeling a bit stuck. I am fulfilled and content in my career and at the top of my organization, but also know I still have more to give,” Koopman said. “The conference energized me to think beyond that, and those around me encouraged me to stretch my leadership by pursuing things like getting published, running for office or mentoring others.”
Woven throughout the conference, the theme of connection came into focus during the closing keynote.
“Grounded people, firm in belief, seeing what’s possible and fully determined,” Moore said. “Every effort for a more just and nurturing community arises from this pattern, from those united by common purpose, bringing beliefs and actions to make it happen.”
To illustrate how so-called soft skills are often the most powerful leadership skills, Moore shared a story about former Nebraska volleyball standout Mikaela Foecke during the team's 2018 championship season. Expectations were modest after several star players graduated, yet the team rose to dominance again.
"When asked by a reporter what changed and who made it happen, Foecke didn’t point to individual achievements," Moore said. "Her answer was simple: 'I think we found each other.'”
For Moore, that response captured the spirit of the day. She encouraged attendees to write a note to their colleagues and friends not in the room.
“That’s what we do,” Moore said. “We find each other."
