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Women's Leadership Conference: Midwest

When was the last time you were in a room full of women and thought, "I want to know every single person here"?

That's what we're creating in Chicago on April 12. And we want you there. 

 
 

Join us for an afternoon where inspiring Jewish woman will talk about the issues you care about. Where you’ll hear the truth, not the LinkedIn version. Where you’ll meet women you'll want to know. 

We'll talk about money decisions when life changes. Building businesses. Mentoring that goes both ways. The real costs of success. And, most importantly, what it means to be a Jewish woman, now. 

And there'll be brunch and cocktails.

Featured Speakers

Schedule of Events

Opening Panel: Women to Watch honorees on being a Jewish woman leader now

Breakout Sessions:

Managing Money Through Life Transitions

Ellen Rogin, Melissa Widen

  • Financial strategies for navigating divorce, career changes, grad school, family planning, and other major life transitions.

The Burnout Tax: What Success Cost Me and How I Recovered

Leslee Cohen, Meredith Jacobs, Ellie Kirshenbaum, Hannah Spevak; moderated by Carrie Seleman

  • Honest conversation about what burnout costs—your health, your relationships, your focus—and how to recover.

The Business of Community Building

Sophia Huard, Lisa Schneider, Mara Smith; moderated by Lindsay Pinchuk

  • How entrepreneurs built businesses where community is the foundation, not just the marketing strategy.

Intergenerational Mentoring

Kim Holstein, Lindsay Levin, Marina Rostein

  • Mentoring across generations—what works, what doesn't, and what both sides gain.

Closing Panel: YWIN members share findings from JWI's survey on post-October 7 antisemitism; moderated by Sofie Greif

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Event Details & Registration

Date: Sunday, April 12, 2026
Location: Chicago
(exact location shared post registration)
Time: 12-5 PM
Individual Tickets: $40 (Ages 22-34) | $100 (Ages 35+)
Register now—space is limited.

Get Your Tickets

Interested in sponsoring instead?

Secure Your Sponsorship

 Sponsors

Supporting Sponsors:

Tandem
The Law Office of Erin M. Wilson LLC

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Event Committee:

  • Leslee Cohen, Managing Partner, AllRise Legal

  • Sofie Greif, Associate Brand Manager, Conagra Brands

  • Kim Holstein, Co-Founder, Twisted Alchemy; JWI President Emeritus

  • Ellie Kirshenbaum, Engagement Manager, Heidrick & Struggles; Former YWIN Chicago President

  • Lindsey Pinchuk, Founder, Dear FoundHer (2025 Women to Watch)

  • Marina Rostein, Head of Platform, NVNG Investment Advisors; JWI Board Member

  • Carrie Seleman, Attorney, Office of the Cook County Public Guardian

  • Mara Smith, Founder, Inspiro Tequila (2024 Women to Watch)

  • Melissa Widen, Co-Founder & Chief Legal Officer, First Women's Bank (2025 Women to Watch)

Accessibility: The venue is wheelchair accessible.

Questions? Contact Sara Hefez, JWI Chief Development Officer at [email protected] or 617-872-8922.

About JWI: At JWI, we believe that when women are supported, communities are stronger — and lasting change begins with how we show up for one another.