On Thursday, the Indiana Chamber and its partner, Indiana Sports Corp, welcomed more than 200 attendees to the inaugural Indiana Women’s Summit!

This was a passion project for Chamber President and CEO Vanessa Green Sinders and the entire organization. That’s because collaboration is a defining feature of the Chamber’s leadership approach, and it goes hand in hand with economic development and success.

The aim of the Women’s Summit was to further empower female professionals and provide them with opportunities to share experiences, learn best practices and make connections.

Attendees chose from two separate course tracks that explored the impact sports has on the economy and as an individual engine for Hoosier women. Session topics included individual brand building, leadership in the field to leadership in business, obstacles for women in the workplace (building benefits to support women) and living longer, happier lives through health, work and family.

The first-ever Empower Award was given to Melissa Thompson, vice president of bids and external affairs for the Indiana Sports Corp. The honor will be given annually to an individual who has made significant contributions by empowering women in various spheres of life.

It was extremely energizing to hear from and see the awesome leaders in attendance who get things done in their organizations, communities and companies each and every day – making a difference in Indiana’s future and allowing our state to continue growing.

Among the highlights from the Summit:

  • Opening panel on the “Economic Impact of Women in Sports,” moderated by Indiana Fever President and COO Allison Barber, and featuring Pacers Sports & Entertainment President and COO Mel Raines, Horizon League Commissioner Julie Roe Lach and Melissa Thompson
  • Empower Awards Luncheon keynote entitled, “The Impact of Mental Health on Work Performance,” from Kalen Irsay, Indianapolis Colts vice chair and owner, and Brett Kramer, director of Kicking the Stigma for the Indianapolis Colts
  • Closing panel on “Advocating for Yourself in a Male-Dominated Industry,” moderated by Jalea Brooks, 13Sunrise anchor and WTHR reporter, and featuring: Elaine Bedel, Indiana Destination Development Corporation CEO; Kate Bruce, IU Indy women’s basketball head coach; The Honorable Loretta Rush, chief justice of the Indiana Supreme Court; and Rupal Thanawala, CEO, Trident Systems, LLC