Sponsored By
Presented by Karen M. Fowler,
Executive Vice President for Strategy and Business Innovation
Award-winning, business-focused, collaborative, global executive with experience in corporate, non-profit, and higher education environments. Effective strategist and change agent with a proven track record of accomplishment in leading organizational initiatives, building programs, managing change, and influencing employees at all levels.
In 2023, women represented 57.3 percent of the workforce in the United States. With five generations of women actively participating in the labor market, it is crucial to implement solutions that promote work-life balance, pay equity, healthcare access, leadership development, mentorship, and networking opportunities for professional engagement. Addressing these critical factors is essential for enhancing the success of women in the workforce and in business.
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Women in Thought creates business-focused solutions that empower individuals to realize their full potential and excel in both their professional and personal lives. We achieve these objectives through Talent Development, Engagement, Performance Management, Talent Acquisition, as well as Lectures and Conferences.
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM - Welcome
Karen M. Fowler, Executive Vice President, Strategy and Business Innovation, INTETHIQ
10:15 AM - 10:45 AM - Making Women Wealthy and FREE
Kelley Griesmer, President & CEO, Women's Fund of Central Ohio
Kelley will present new research from the Women's Fund of Central Ohio on how wealth contributes to women’s freedom and the actions our community can take to support women’s prosperity. The study explores the critical link between financial independence and empowerment for women. She will unveil findings from this groundbreaking research report and share what Central Ohio women said they need to build wealth and thrive.
10:45 AM - 10:55 AM - Drawing & Break (Big Box of Gift Cards)
10:55 AM - 12:00 PM - From Insights to Impact: Turning Data into Action
Moderator: Jennifer Lestini, Strategic Procurement Executive, Chemical Engineer
Panelists:
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Erica C. Crawley, Franklin County Commissioner and Exec. Director, MACC
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Jennifer E. Edwards, Partner, Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP
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Elizabeth Martinez, President & CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio
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Dr. Alyncia M. Bowen, Dean, Ross College of Business, Franklin University
These leaders will share how they are turning insights into action to address women's systemic barriers in building wealth, gaining financial education, and achieving economic freedom. From tackling workplace discrimination to advocating for paid leave, affordable childcare, and flexible work policies, this conversation will highlight real solutions that empower women to thrive.
12:00 PM - 12:45 PM - Generational Emcee: Laura Broadway,
Manager Professional Engagement, American Diabetes Association
Event Planner, Women in Thought Summit
Lunch - Enjoy networking and the bountiful salad and soup bar
12:45 PM - 1:10 PM - Generational Collective
Facilitators:
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Catrena Cannon, V.P., Culture, and Inclusion, Columbus Chamber of Commerce
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Noni Banks, Director of Development, New Directions Career Center
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Maylin Sambois, Co-Founder and Executive Director at Femergy® Ohio
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Anita Smith, President and Founder, Diversified Recruiting
During the Generational Collective Table Brainstorm Session, participants will engage in meaningful discussions within their generational groups—Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z—to identify concrete actions that promote women’s wealth, financial education, and economic freedom. Facilitated conversations will encourage individuals to reflect on their role and community impact while exploring the shared responsibility of supporting women across generations. This session fosters collaboration, cross-generational learning, and the development of tangible solutions to drive lasting change.
1:15 PM - 1:45 PM - Activating Your Team’s Best Work through Cognitive Diversity
Cognitive Diversity Emcee: Anita Smith, President & Founder, Diversified Recruiting
Speakers:
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Diane S. Jordan, Consulting Partner, V. Randolph Brown Consulting
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Lawson Mohl, Consulting Specialist, V. Randolph Brown Consulting
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Explore the often-overlooked concept of cognitive diversity and how different ways of thinking and communicating can enhance workplace dynamics. Diane and Lawson will introduce the Herrmann Brain Dominance Instrument® (HBDI®) and "Whole Brain Thinking" as tools to improve collaboration, innovation, and productivity by leveraging cognitive thinking.
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1:45 PM - 1:55 PM - Break & Drawing (Luxury Package - Massage, Pedicure, Hair Stylist appointment, Wine)
1:55 PM - 2:15 PM - Fireside Chat - Mentorship at the Margins: Uplifting Women and Families Across Generations
Speakers:
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Brianna Pina, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, PTC
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Fadjanie Cadet, Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Forrester
This fireside chat highlights the importance of intentionally building relationships, embracing discomfort, and staying authentic in mentorship. Through personal narratives, we’ll discuss the significance of learning from and being inspired by previous generations, the resilience required to unlearn and relearn behaviors, and the profound responsibility to pay it forward to family and community.
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2:20 PM - 2:45 PM - In The Meantime
Charlene Free, Founder of Flow of Life, LLC
An inspirational address to motivate attendees to persist in achieving their aspirations and objectives. It will also provide guidance on the efficient use and integration of resources to navigate the current financial, political, and emotionally charged environment.
2:45 PM - 2:55 PM - Drawing - Weekend Getaway - One-night hotel stay, Dinner for 2, Brunch for 2, Wine
2:55 PM - Final Thoughts and Close of The Women in Thought Summit 2025
Karen M. Fowler, Executive Vice President, Strategy and Business Innovation, INTETHIQ
Kelley Griesmer
10:15 AM - 10:45 AM - Making Women Wealthy and FREE
President & CEO
Kelley Griesmer is the President and CEO of The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio, a public foundation committed to transforming the lives of women and girls through research, grantmaking and advocacy. Kelley’s career includes both for-profit and non-profit roles. In 2008, she left her career as a partner at the Jones Day law firm to help found Pelotonia, a social movement that raises funds for transformational cancer research. Thereafter, Kelley served on The Columbus Foundation’s leadership team where she focused on special initiatives. Kelley graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and history from Indiana University. She also holds a juris doctorate degree with honors from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law.
10:55 AM - 12:00 PM - From Insights to Impact: Turning Data into Action
These leaders will share how they are turning insights into action to address women's systemic barriers in building wealth, gaining financial education, and achieving economic freedom. From tackling workplace discrimination to advocating for paid leave, affordable childcare, and flexible work policies, this conversation will highlight real solutions that empower women to thrive.
12:00 PM - 12:45 PM - Generational Collective Lunch
12:45 PM - 1:10 PM - Generational Collective
During the Generational Collective Table Brainstorm Session, participants will engage in meaningful discussions within their generational groups—Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z—to identify concrete actions that promote women’s wealth, financial education, and economic freedom. Facilitated conversations will encourage individuals to reflect on their role and community impact while exploring the shared responsibility of supporting women across generations. This session fosters collaboration, cross-generational learning, and the development of tangible solutions to drive lasting change.
1:15 PM - 1:45 PM - Activating Your Team’s Best Work through Cognitive Diversity
Explore the often-overlooked concept of cognitive diversity and how different ways of thinking and communicating can enhance workplace dynamics. Diane and Lawson will introduce the Herrmann Brain Dominance Instrument® (HBDI®) and "Whole Brain Thinking" as tools to improve collaboration, innovation, and productivity by leveraging cognitive thinking.
1:55 PM - 2:15 PM - Fireside Chat -
Mentorship at the Margins: Uplifting Women and Families Across Generations
This fireside chat highlights the importance of intentionally building relationships, embracing discomfort, and staying authentic in mentorship. Through personal narratives, we’ll discuss the significance of learning from and being inspired by previous generations, the resilience required to unlearn and relearn behaviors, and the profound responsibility to pay it forward to family and community.
2:20 PM - 2:45 PM - In The Meantime
Charlene Free
Founder of Flow of Life, LLC
Charlene Free is a transformational leader and speaker, inspiring audiences nationwide. She authored the curriculum Assessment and Treatment of Apraxia of Speech and Swallowing for Cross Country Education and has been a keynote speaker for church conventions in South Carolina and Ohio since 2010.
As President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, Alpha Sigma Omega Chapter, she delivered speeches, led meetings, and represented the chapter at community events. She received the 2021 Outstanding Chapter President award and chaired the Board of Directors for Lead with Purpose Academy.
Ms. Free founded Mind Your Mind, an online forum launched in 2020, providing leadership and mental health resources. She authored The Leader’s Ship: Navigating and Team Building (2022), received the WELD Award for leadership (2023), and was featured in Who’s Who in Black Columbus (2024).
Collective Strength:
Women Leading Generations Forward
March 13, 2025 - 10 AM - 3 PM - Dublin, OH
Women in Thought Summit provides connection, motivation, and inspiration to empower women by responding to generational differences and fostering connections that transcend these differences. This summit highlights the importance of recognizing individual values and building an inclusive community that challenges biased thinking generationally to reach positive individual and business solutions.
Explore how women are contributing to advancements in leadership, mentorship, economics, health, and education.
The summit offers incredible opportunities for business networking, professional development, and personal growth.
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This will be a sold-out event! Registration and sponsorship opportunities are below.
Thank You to Our Sponsors