Crossroads Chamber Hosts 4th Annual Empowering Women’s Brunch, Featuring Powerful Voices in Leadership and Equity

Crossroads Chamber’s Women in Leadership Development (WILD) Committee proudly hosted its 4th Annual Empowering Women’s Brunch yesterday at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Munster, bringing together community leaders, professionals, and advocates for a morning of inspiration, networking, and empowerment.

The event opened with a breakfast buffet and a performance by the Hobart High School’s Wolfgang Choir, setting the tone for a morning centered on unity and purpose. Through fireside chats, keynote messages, and shared experiences, the brunch shone a light on the vital role women play in strengthening and sustaining the business community.

The fireside chat was moderated by Vanessa Green Sinders, President & CEO of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, and featured:

• Dr. Surekha Rao, Professor of Economics at Indiana University Northwest, who addressed pay disparity and strategies for advancing women’s empowerment.
• Jenny Craig-Brown, Executive Director of GreatNews.Life, who shared her personal journey to leadership.
• Alejandra Y. Castillo, Senior Fellow at Purdue Northwest and former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, who spoke on fostering innovation and regional growth.

“What an energizing convening that brought together some of Northwest Indiana’s exceptional women leaders,” said Sinders. “It was an honor to be included as the panel discussion moderator for the second year. Kudos to Crossroads Chamber for advancing these conversations and providing career development opportunities for Hoosier business leaders.”

Dr. Rao added, “Crossroads and WILD excelled in bringing together an incredibly accomplished group of women speakers, making me more optimistic than ever that women’s march to empowerment is thriving. The big takeaway from my brief chat is that for true empowerment, we must ensure women have financial empowerment—through education, skill building for higher incomes, and training in financial planning and resource management.”

Following the panel, attendees heard from Jessica Koscielniak, Washington Bureau Pictures Editor for Reuters and Crown Point native, as the keynote speaker. Koscielniak, who oversees White House and Capitol Hill photography coverage, delivered a powerful message about informed leadership and women’s influence in shaping the future.

“An informed woman doesn’t just navigate the world—she leads it,” said Koscielniak. “When she understands the forces shaping society, she can step forward with undeniable confidence and authority. I hope every woman who attended left ready to lead with empathy, strength, and unwavering courage.”

As Northwest Indiana’s regional chamber, Crossroads continues to bridge the gap between industries, using events like the Women’s Brunch and the WILD committee to connect business and community leaders in meaningful dialogue about empowerment and opportunity.

“Our message is simple: your voice and your story matter,” said Christina Holloway, Chair of the WILD Committee. “The Empowering Women’s Brunch brought women together to share strategies for holding our power and building our skills in the workplace.”

“The Women’s Brunch not only highlights the achievements of remarkable women but also encourages the next generation to lead boldly,” said Deann Patena, CEO & President of Crossroads Chamber. “Events like this showcase the importance of lifting each other up.”

Crossroads Chamber and the WILD Committee continue to empower women across Northwest Indiana through resources, networking opportunities, and educational programming. With more events planned for next year, the committee remains dedicated to pushing its mission forward—creating spaces where women can connect, grow, and lead.

“The Women’s Brunch is such a powerful opportunity to come together, share experiences, and remind one another that our voices and stories matter,” added Craig-Brown. “My hope is that attendees left feeling encouraged, connected, and inspired to take their next step with confidence.”

For more information about Crossroads Chamber and the WILD Committee, visit www.crossroadschamber.org.