Women’s Leadership Confernece: RISE — built around the theme of rising together — offered attendees the chance to network, learn, and hear from some of the most influential women shaping Delaware’s economic and social landscape.

The event brings record attendance, powerful stories, and a renewed call for intentional leadership.

WILMINGTON, Del. — The New Castle County Chamber of Commerce’s annual Women’s Leadership Conference: RISE drew hundreds of business leaders, students, entrepreneurs, and community advocates to a sold-out gathering that blended professional development with honest conversations, economic insight, and the celebration of Delaware’s rising and established female leaders.

The full-day event — built around the theme of rising together — offered attendees the chance to network, learn, and hear from some of the most influential women shaping Delaware’s economic and social landscape. With keynote speakers from health care, higher education, and national nonprofits, plus five leadership award presentations, the program highlighted both the challenges women continue to face and the progress they are steadily driving.

For many, the event’s energy and sense of community were just as impactful as the formal programming.

“I’ve been here many times before and every year it keeps getting better and better and bigger and bigger,” said attendee Eve Pappas, Vice President of Business Development at Hoffman’s Exterminating. “Women are very intuitive to employee and client concerns, and to have an event like this that lifts them up to become better leaders is tremendous.”

A Showcase of Leadership, Ambition, and Collective Progress

The morning program opened with a strong focus on empowerment and perspective, reinforced by rows of exhibitor tables featuring employers, universities, nonprofits, and companies committed to elevating women in the workplace.

Among them was Diamond State Financial Group, whose representatives said the environment creates a sense of alignment and momentum.

“I think the impact is huge,” said exhibitor Allison Oberembt, Financial Advisor. “Seeing a lot of women in different paths just gives you ideas. If you’re unsure of where you belong, you’ll fit in here. The speakers and workshops are just filled with inspiring stories.”

For companies like Fulton Bank, a long-time sponsor, the conference reflects a commitment to economic and community investment.

“This is my first year attending, so I’m excited to be in the room with these amazing women,” said Jvonne Oliver, Financial Center Manager. “Fulton Bank has been sponsoring the event for 15 years or more. It fits into what we’re about — changing lives for the better, one conversation at a time.”

The atmosphere resonated beyond exhibitors. Educators and community leaders also leaned into the networking and shared purpose.

“I love it. I love all the connections we’re making and the feelings of sisterhood and camaraderie,” said Dr. Aisha Monroe, Executive Director of Graduate Programming and Student Success at Delaware State University. “My advice to the attendees is to stay open, never leave the mindset of a student, and be available to the opportunities around you.”

Keynote Speakers Emphasize Intentional Leadership and Personal Well-Being

This year’s keynote speakers tackled the deeper realities of leadership: navigating stress, leading through change, showing up with purpose, and sometimes simply admitting that you can’t do it alone.

ChristianaCare President and CEO Dr. Janice Nevin delivered an honest reflection on the responsibility and weight leaders carry — particularly women, who often juggle multiple roles.

Dr. Janice Nevin: “Leadership Isn’t Accidental”

ChristianaCare President and CEO Dr. Janice Nevin delivered an honest reflection on the responsibility and weight leaders carry — particularly women, who often juggle multiple roles.

“I think this is really, really important to the leaders in this room,” Nevin said. “It’s not a sign of weakness to feel you can’t do it alone. You have to be willing to say, ‘Hey, I could use a little help right now,’ and that’s OK.”

Nevin emphasized that leadership requires self-awareness and intentionality.

“Leadership isn’t accidental. You have to know your values, your purpose. And when those hard times come, and they will, you have to be intentional about your leadership,” she said. “What is it the people, whom you care about deeply, who are doing the work, need from you in this moment? It may not feel comfortable, but it is your job, as a leader, to do that.”

Her remarks resonated strongly with attendees navigating their own leadership journeys in industries ranging from finance to education to public service.

Dr. Laura Carlson: “Show Up — and Notice the Joy”

Dr. Laura Carlson, Interim President of the University of Delaware, focused on showing up fully, even amid demanding schedules and competing pressures.

“You have to show up, right,” Carlson said. “There’s a certain expectation, and taking care of yourself is important so that you can show up. But I also think it’s important to pay attention to the little joys that happen every day.”

Carlson pointed to the conference itself as a source of energy and optimism.

“This event will carry me for the next few days,” she said. “The fact that all of us are assembling and the energy that is here — that is awesome.”

Her remarks tied directly into the conference’s broader message: rising is not a solo act. It takes community, collaboration, and acknowledging the daily moments that keep leaders grounded.

Rosie Allen-Herring: “Respond — Don’t React”

The final keynote came from Rosie Allen-Herring, President & CEO of the United Way of the National Capital Area, who delivered a powerful message about resilience amid constant change.

“It is about, at the end of the day, what does resiliency look like,” she said. “I had to come to a point where I said to my team, ‘respond, but don’t react.’ Responding simply says, I acknowledge what’s happening.”

Her remarks acknowledged the challenges facing communities and nonprofits — rising needs, limited resources, shifting priorities — but stressed the importance of perspective.

“These times are challenging, but they don’t have to last always,” she said. “And so, this is an opportunity for us to think about who we serve, to focus on the community we serve.”

Leadership Awards Honor Women Shaping Delaware’s Future

One of the most anticipated portions of the conference each year is the presentation of leadership awards — recognizing women whose work, impact, and leadership stand out across Delaware’s business, nonprofit, and civic landscape.

This year’s honorees represented students, entrepreneurs, attorneys, community advocates, and emerging professionals — demonstrating the vast range of leadership pathways available to women.

Student Leadership Award: Billi Roman

University of Delaware freshman and Ice Hockey Team member Billi Roman delivered a heartfelt perspective on what she’s learned about leadership at a young age.

“This journey is how I finally understood what leadership means to me,” Roman said. “Leaders speak up when something matters. They ask for what they need. They advocate for themselves, not because it’s easy, but because it’s necessary.”

She emphasized that leadership isn’t only about directing others.

“There’s another side to leadership, a willingness to help,” she said. “Helping others is leadership because it shows you care.”

Young Woman Professional Award: Jacqueline Flowers

Jacqueline Flowers, Project Estimator at EDiS Company, offered one of the most personal reflections of the day — crediting her mother for instilling the foundation of her leadership style.

“Standing here today, I feel grateful, humble, and honestly a bit in awe to be surrounded by so many remarkable women,” she said. “My mom… taught me countless things, but one lesson has become the heartbeat of my life: always look for inspiration in the women around you.”

Her remarks captured the spirit of the event — women learning from women, generation to generation.

State Service Award: Lisa A. Schmidt

Lisa A. Schmidt, Director and Immediate Past President of Richards, Layton & Finger, spoke about the importance of civic stewardship and legal leadership.

“Today’s recognition isn’t just one person’s work,” Schmidt said. “It’s all about Delaware’s shared commitment to stewardship. To protecting what works, improving what we can, and ensuring that future generations inherit a system as strong as the one we have.”

Her comments provided a reminder that leadership includes sustaining systems that work — and courageously addressing those that don’t.

Impact Award: Katie Kutler

Entrepreneur and café owner Katie Kutler, of kaffé KARMA & KARMA’s korner, delivered a message centered on integrity and action.

“Impact does mean so much to me, and thank you for recognizing me today,” Kutler said. “I just think that you have to do the right thing. Even when you’re not sure somebody is going to recognize you and support you for it.”

She also spoke about the misconception surrounding “manifesting” success.

“The universe doesn’t hand you things when you manifest,” she said. “Manifestation without action is just daydreaming.”

Her story, rooted in small business resilience, aligned with broader statewide conversations about entrepreneurship, local economies, and community support.

Female Leader of the Year: Yvette Santiago

The conference’s top honor went to Yvette Santiago, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact at Nemours Children’s Health.

Her speech was emotional, grounded in identity, family, and determination.

“For so many reasons, this award means a lot. One of the reasons that sticks out the most is defying the odds,” she said. “As women. As women of color. As Latinas, we have to defy the odds. And that’s what sticks out to me.”

Santiago credited her parents for shaping her discipline and character.

“Their sacrifice, love, and support enabled my success,” she said. “Success… requires discipline, sacrifice, patience, and consistently working hard to achieve your goals and dreams.”

Her remarks earned a standing ovation — a fitting finale to the award ceremony.

A Conference That Builds Momentum — and Community

By the afternoon, the conference had transformed into more than a networking event. It had become a shared experience — a blend of mentorship, professional development, and affirmation for women across Delaware and the region.

The exhibitors, speakers, and award winners offered a textured narrative of what leadership looks like today: intentional, values-driven, community-minded, and grounded in real lived experiences.

For many attendees, the power of the event wasn’t just in the formal sessions, but in the connections sparked between them.

As DSU’s Dr. Monroe put it: “Stay open. Never leave the mindset of a student.”

And that sentiment — curiosity, growth, and willingness to rise together — is exactly what the Women’s Leadership Conference continues to cultivate year after year.

Staff Writer

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