Registration for the 2026 Women in Business Conference is now open!
IMU ALUMNI HALL, 900 E 7th St, Bloomington, IN; January 24, 10:15 AM - 4:00 PM
Join us on January 24th to hear from three inspirational keynote speakers, participate in breakout sessions of your choice, complimentary catered lunch & refreshments, corporate roundtables with WiB corporate partners, and networking opportunities with peers and professionals!
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/women-in-business-conference-2026-registration-1964609385558
Registration is open until January 16th at 11:59 PM!
More about our keynote speakers below:
Tiffany Joi Lanier
Tiffany is a dynamic Keynote speaker, Facilitator and Expert in personal growth, change, and well-being. She works with organizations to help their teams and audience move through disruptive seasons of change and re-establish clarity, focus and resiliency.
Her Keynote for Conference 2026 will be called: Be The Shift.
Leaders today are often tasked with doing more with less, pushing through exhaustion to meet the demands of their teams, clients and organizations. But to create a culture that truly thrives, leaders must first prioritize their own well-being.
In “Be the Shift: Your Outward Impact is an Inside Job”, I encourage leaders to take ownership of their well-being and what I call the “inner work” to create the stage for a healthier, more sustainable impact for their lives, leadership and work
Katie Spotz
After 70 days alone at sea, Katie Spotz became the youngest person ever to row the Atlantic ocean solo at age 22, and is just one of many records to her name. No stranger to overcoming challenges, Katie's list of accomplishments is long, including 5 Ironman triathlons, cycling across the country, a 325-mile river swim, and running 138-miles nonstop. Most recently, Katie set the new female world record for the most consecutive ultramarathons by running 11 ultramarathons in 11 days — and she's already planning her next adventure. Surprisingly enough, Katie describes herself as having been the "benchwarmer" throughout her life. However, one day Katie made a discovery: you don't have to be extraordinary to achieve incredible things. Katie's story of reaching new limits is one every student, teacher, professor and individual can relate to. She is an ordinary woman, whose extraordinary personal story will make you laugh, cry, reflect, and leave you inspired to reach higher.
Sani Sisters
Niki and Ritika Shamdasani are the sisters who co-founded Sani, a culturally inspired fashion brand that brought South Asian style to Rent the Runway and Nordstrom for the first time. Sani was featured by the TODAY Show, Vogue, and Forbes, worn by celebrities like Karlie Kloss and Ashley Park, and its TikTok/Instagram community (@sanisisters) grew to 195K+ by turning design and production into story - driving product launches, double-digit DTC growth, and retailer partnerships. In 2025, they’re closing the Sani chapter and translating those lessons into actionable frameworks for creators and founders.
more about our Breakout Speakers below:
Emily Esola
Dr. Emily Esola is an educator and scholar dedicated to inclusive, learner-centered teaching. At Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, she designs business writing courses that help students develop professional communication skills through real-world projects. With a Ph.D. in English Literature focused on American women’s fiction and gender studies, she brings a thoughtful, values-driven approach to teaching. At the 2026 Women in Business Conference, Dr. Esola will connect the theme “Root, Rise, Radiate” to her own journey of purpose and growth, guiding participants through reflective exercises to identify their values and envision meaningful, sustainable work.
Nichelle Wash
Nichelle Wash is the Founder and CEO of The Guarden LLC, an organization dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion through education, strategy, and empowerment. As an organizational strategist, she helps communities and workplaces create meaningful, sustainable change grounded in grace, accountability, and reconciliation. In addition to leading DEI programs like Diversity Ed 101 and Grace and Embrace, Nichelle serves as a Trustee for Monroe County Public Libraries and a Board Member for Court Appointed Special Advocates. At the 2026 Women in Business Conference, she will connect “Root, Rise, Radiate” to fostering authenticity and belonging .
Hallie Patel
Hallie Patel is an entrepreneur, content creator, and podcast host who left her corporate career to build a life driven by creativity and purpose. Alongside her husband Suketu, she co-founded a successful media production company called SPatelProductions, and hosts Half Past Chai, a podcast that explores wellness, relationships, and ambition through honest, down-to-earth storytelling. Hallie is passionate about encouraging others to redefine success, take bold risks, and create work that aligns with who they are, both in business and in life.
Ashley Miah
Ashley Miah is an Afro-Latina artist and the founder of The Culture Candy, a woman- and minority-owned arts organization empowering young creatives of color, women, and LGBTQ+ artists through community programs, pop-up events, and exhibitions. Since its founding in 2020, The Culture Candy has built a network of over 300 artists and partnered with youth employment programs to help emerging talent launch their careers. Ashley also writes the Art and the City column for UP Magazine and has been recognized by Crain’s New York Business, Forbes 30 Under 30, and Adweek for her impact in art, culture, and entrepreneurship.