Conference Schedule

9:00 – 9:30

Event Kick-Off and Intention Setting

Mandy Ryle

Mandy will bring her powerful background as a Certified Nutrition Coach and Chronic Pain Specialist straight to the real lives of women in the room as she connects nervous system health, mindset and movement.⁠

9:30 – 10:00

Speaker #1

Cara Kirsch

With more than 30 years of experience in employee benefits and consulting, Cara brings a sharp strategic lens to leadership, paired with a deeply human approach. At Ignite, she shares real world insights on advocating for yourself, building sustainable systems, and making confident decisions that support long term growth.⁠

10:40 – 11:00

Fireside Chat

Business of Becoming

Cara Kirsch and Libby Henry share lessons from the journey, not just the destination.
Two women’s stories of what they have learned during the climb, not just after success.

11:00 – 12:00

Speaker #2

Alexis Lawson

A transformational speaker, 8-year sober entrepreneur, and founder of Detox Sober Lounge, Alexis uses her powerful story—from addiction and incarceration to entrepreneurship and lasting sobriety—to ignite hope and healing in others.⁠

12:30 – 1:15

Speaker #3

Liz Ring Carlson

With over 25 years in the insurance and financial services industry, Liz brings deep wisdom and lived experience to her session: “How to Lead Without Burnout.” Expect practical tools, powerful mindset shifts, and the kind of real talk that only comes from someone who’s been there.⁠

1:15 – 2:00

Speaker #4

Janae Harris

Former Miss Nebraska Teen, now a freshman at the University of Alabama, Janae is blazing trails in science and technology while using her platform to champion students with learning differences. From being named Most Inspirational Teen at Miss America to speaking internationally on dyslexia advocacy, her story is one of courage, service, and unstoppable ambition.⁠

2:00 – 2:15

Community Partner Presentation

Village Roots

We’re thrilled to have Village Roots as this year’s Ignite Women in Business Conference Community Sponsor, shining a light on the importance of whole-family care for foster families. Introduction by Molly Stickels.

2:30 – 3:30

Panel Presentation

Resilience and Reinvention

Panel facilitator Quinn Texmo welcomes panelists: Sarah Podany, Stephanie Lewis and Andrea Batten to discuss real stories of bouncing back from layoffs, failed ventures, or personal challenges. Lessons on how growth fuels success.