Women's Leadership Conference, Sept. 18
Published Wednesday, August 13, 2025
Southwest Minnesota State University will host the Women’s Leadership Conference on Thurs., Sept. 18, 2025 from 8:00 am–4:00 pm in the Conference Center Upper Level. The conference was launched by the SMSU Foundation and is now presented by the SMSU Alumni Association.
The Women’s Leadership Conference is a powerful gathering designed to support women of all ages and stages in their lives and careers as they navigate challenges, embrace change, and grow with purpose. This year, we focus on the theme of Resilience and Growth—celebrating the strength it takes to rise, adapt, and thrive. Through inspiring conversations and meaningful connections, we aim to empower attendees to recognize their inner resilience, and cultivate a life rooted in authenticity and balance. Join us for a day dedicated to building confidence, fostering camaraderie, and igniting personal and professional growth. This is your moment—let’s grow together. This year’s conference features keynote speaker, Jaclyn Gallo.
Jaclyn Gallo, Keynote Speaker
Jaclyn Gallo is a speaker, author, and entrepreneur on a mission to redefine leadership through the power of hope. She’s the author of Stop Getting In Your Own Way and host of the globally ranked Spark Your Light podcast. Beyond the stage, Jaclyn teaches entrepreneurship at Penn State and owns a thriving ice cream shop, where she brings her entrepreneurial spirit to life through community and joy.
Desiree Petrich '15, Workshop Facilitator and Keynote Speaker at Intentional Action
Desiree is a leadership development and team engagement consultant, best-selling author, and keynote speaker. As the founder of Intentional Action, she equips organizations with tools like DiSC, Working Genius, and the 5 Dysfunctions of a Team to strengthen communication, build trust, and enhance teamwork. She brings practical insights to help organizations create stronger leadership pipelines, more engaged teams, and high-impact partnerships. She also hosts You're The Boss, Now What?, a podcast for emerging leaders.
Melinda Kassandra Lopez '20, Organizational Nurse Consultant at Vista Prairie Communities
Melinda Kassandra Lopez is more than a nurse executive—she’s a catalyst for change. With a career leading multi-state healthcare systems, she blends clinical grit with executive strategy to drive transformation where it matters most. Her leadership has turned crises into culture shifts and built care models that evolve with the times. Rooted in real-world experience and delivered with fire-tested clarity, her message doesn’t just inspire, it activates. With heart and passion, she challenges audiences to rethink what leadership truly means: not position, but purpose.
The Women's Leadership Conference encourages women to take time for themselves, to learn how to lead where they are, to leverage a network of other professional women, and to leave with a sense of purpose.
The Women’s Leadership Conference is open to attendees of all ages, including students and retired women. The early bird registration fee is $150 for those who register by Aug. 18. After Aug. 18, the cost is $175 with registrations requested by Sept. 11. The conference is free to students.
Register on the website: www.smsu.edu/go/womenlead
The conference is sponsored in part by Avera, Bremer Bank, Marshall Radio, Runnings, and US Bank.
CONTACT: Hannah Abel, Director of Alumni Relations & Outreach abel@SMSU.edu 507-537-6820Related Articles
