IWIL Women's Symposium 2025 - Save the Date!!
Wednesday, September 19, 2025 

Crowne Plaza, Springfield IL

 Don't miss this day of inspiration, motivation, and actionable tips for professional and personal fulfillment!

Program Overview

Questions? Contact Symposium Chair Sarah Brewer

Two ways to save: 

• Register early for a discounted rate: $125 (Price increases to $149 on Aug. 16)
• Buy 5 registrations, get 1 free! (enter 6 registrations and use the code 6FREE to save!)

Registration will close Monday, September 23, at 11:59 p.m.

*IWIL is unable to provide refunds. If you cannot attend an event for which you have registered, we encourage you to send someone in your place. Simply have your guest indicate at the check-in table that she is your substitute. We appreciate your understanding.

EXHIBIT!

Benefits of Exhibiting

The Symposium exhibits are a highlight of the day! Symposium attendees love shopping, learning more about services in our community. 

For  as little as $125 you can present your business to an enthusiastic audience of hundreds of professional women. Your admission to the conference and lunch are included! Register now or contact [email protected] with any questions.

Three Options for Exhibitors:

$250.00 includes exhibitor registration and 1 registration to Symposium for all sessions, lunch, and cocktail networking reception

$150.00 includes exhibitor registration only - no sessions, lunch, and cocktail networking reception 

$125.00 includes exhibitor registration only, no lunch or cocktail networking reception     

 Download the Exhibitor Form

CURRENT EXHIBITORS:

•  Add your business to the list! 

THE 2024 SYMPOSIUM PROGRAM

Keynote Speakers

 The event will feature TWO dynamic keynote speakers!

April Simpkins is a multi-certified HR Professional with 30 years of executive-level experience. She also is an advocate for mental health,becoming more visible since the passing of her beloved daughter, Miss USA 2019, Cheslie Kryst, who battled depression for many years. April recently honored her daughter's wish by publishing her book. It's called "By the Time You Read This: The Space Between Cheslie's Smile and Mental Illness." April is the Chief Human Resources Officer for Questco, a human resources services firm focused on supporting the HR needs of small- to mid-sized businesses. She has been a requested presenter and guest speaker for organizations that include Harvard University Extension School, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, The Citadel, EEOC, and The National Urban League, to name a few.

 

Kim Becking is a sought-after thought leader on change and resilience who leaves her audiences with a “Momentum Mindset” - ready to conquer change, take bold action, become more resilient and accelerate success no matter what. Kim’s expertise on resilience and thriving in the midst of change has been featured in national media such as People, SELF, The New York Times, USA Today, Good Morning America and Lifetime Television. As an attorney, serial entrepreneur running two successful businesses for over two decades, communications strategist and “recovering” political consultant, Kim has conquered the ever-changing tough worlds of business, government, and politics. She’s also conquered breast cancer and other life challenges. Kim provides practical tools and strategies to effectively adapt to change, manage your energy and boost your resilience. 

 

Breakout Sessions

The day also will feature multiple breakout sessions, incorporating YOUR feedback from last year’s Symposium. You can look forward to topics such as: 

How to be Direct and Fair, But Not Trapped by Being Nice

Wendi El-Amin/Careyana Brenham, SIU School of Medicine, Hope Cherry, SIU School of Medicine and Capital City Improv

Interactive session on how to be authentic female  leaders in today's society.  We will utilize discussion, improv, and review actical strategies to say "yes" and "no" in our roles as female leaders. 

Elevating Women's Leadership Through Rethinking Time Management

Sookyung Suh, SIU School of Medicine 

An interactive session designed to empower women leaders with essential time management skills. Participants will assess their current time management practices, learn prioritization strategies, and apply practical tactics to optimize their time Gain valuable insights to enhance productivity, reduce stress, and lead with confidence in your professional journey. 

Make the shift from battling your body to understanding your body

Sheri Brinkmeyer, Root Cause to Wellness

35000. That's how many decisions a person makes each day. How many of them add to your health?  how many take away?  How many are made without you noticing? We are going to dive into common health myths/claims and brainstorm better choices you can starting making today!Self-Defense Class (Back by popular demand!)

Did You Bring Your Bias Today?
Kelly Hurst, SIU School of Medicine

This session will acknowledge the power and practical interruptions of biases. Using psychologically safe and trauma-informed teaching strategies, participants will identify and reflect on hidden prejudices that condition and socialize us in sometimes harmful ways and offer strategies to interrupt those while on our leadership journeys.

Imposter Syndrome: Women Are Not To Blame 

Sue Hingle/Kelly Hurst SIU School of Medicine

Imposter phenomenon is real and the reality is that many women struggle with it. Our society and workplaces have underlying issues that target women, especially women with intersectional identities.  Rather than telling women imposter phenomenon is caused by a lack of confidence, we need to analyze and improve the treatment of women in the workplace. Participants will take a self-assessment quiz to see how much this is interfering with your success and will workshop ways to mitigate the impact. 

Intergenerational Supervision 

Ann Comerford, University of Illinois Springfield 

Supervising is one line on your job description and often a big part of you job. Join me in a discussion on supervising different generations, the impact of the pandemic on perspectives on work, and the ever present discussion on life and work balance. 

“Mic Check: Tips for Radio Broadcast Interviews”

Vanessa Furgeson, NPR Illinois 

Do you feel nervous when you have to talk about yourself or your organization in a radio broadcast interview? Or maybe you’re a pro, but you want to know what the show hosts are thinking? Join me as we discuss how to reach your audience in a radio broadcast interview. We’ll explore how to prep for the interview, tips to sound your best behind the mic. and what to do once the interview is over.

Women's Self Defense (Back by popular demand!)

Torree Steve-Wolf, Gracie Barra

This session will give you basic takeways for defending yourself, basic movements that can get you through a fall with minimal injury, andknowledge that can help a woman feel more empowered knowing what she can do. 

Reception

Following the symposium, don't miss a chance to relax, chat about the day, and network with fellow attendees at the Crowne Plaza!