Carmel’s inaugural ‘She L.E.A.D.S.’ conference packs 502 East Event Centre

Submitted by City of Carmel

The She L.E.A.D.S. 2025 Mayor’s Conference, hosted by Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam, attracted a capacity audience on Feb. 20, with 350 professional women and 160 middle school students learning and networking as part of the inaugural event.

Funded through generous sponsorships, the conference held at 502 East Event Centre focused on inspiring women and middle school-aged girls in Carmel through Leadership, Empowerment, Advancement, Development, and Service.

She L.E.A.D.S. was designed to bridge generations to create mentorship, professional growth and career exploration opportunities. The event’s interactive programming, presented in two engaging sessions, inspired attendees to dream big and achieve their goals. By fostering connections, providing resources, and showcasing women as role models, the event was committed to ensuring that Carmel remains a place where all generations of women can thrive and lead.

Balancing career aspirations and personal fulfillment was a key theme of the women’s sessions. Panelists from various professions shared their experiences and wisdom on this topic. Consuelo Poland Lockhart, founder of the Latinas Welding Guild and Executive Director of Project Azul, powerfully conveyed the importance of self-advocacy, saying, “Build the chair you want at the table.”

Building on the success of the inaugural event, plans are already taking shape to repeat the offering in 2026 with a companion event supporting emerging male students and leaders.

“This is just the beginning,” Finkam said. “We’re already envisioning an even more impactful event next year, expanding our reach while deepening the connections that make She L.E.A.D.S. special. Together, we’re creating a legacy of women who lead with purpose, lift as they climb and transform their communities.”

Special thanks to emcee Beairshelle Edmé of Fox59 News and other participants:

• Nadine Dyer, Purposeful Living
• Heather Haas, ADVISA Consulting
• Isabelle Helton, Miss Hamilton County
• Lisa Hendrickson, Lisa Hendrickson Communications
• Katie Lucas, Lucas Oil Products
• Consuelo Poland Lockhart, Latinas Welding Guild

Thank you to these sponsors and activation station participants whose gifts of time and treasure entirely covered the cost of the putting on the program for students:

• Duke Energy Corporation
• Lucas Oil Products
• Indiana University Indianapolis
• Indiana University Health
• Runnebohm Construction Company, Inc.
• Ascension St. Vincent Carmel
• Lake City Bank
• ADVISA Consulting
• Spokenote
• HWC Engineering
• Gaither Management Group, Inc.
• Faegre Drinker
• Pacers Sports & Entertainment
• Sease Gerig
• Indiana Women’s Running Festival
• Milestone Contractors LP
• Wessler Engineering
• 1st Maker Space
• Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine
• STEM Experience Center at Girl Scouts of Central Indiana

Thank you to student ambassadors, volunteers, and these vendors:

• 321 Photo Booth Co.
• 502 East Centre
• Carmel Clay Schools
• Jonathan Byrd’s Events & Catering
• Linx Permanent Jewelry

Thank you to these City teams and Carmel City Councilors:

• Carmel Fire Department
• Carmel Police Department
• Carmel Street Department
• Carmel Utilities
• Marketing and Community Relations
• Councilor Teresa Ayers
• Councilor Dr. Anita Joshi
• Councilor Shannon Minnaar