Indiana Conference for Women announces 2025-26 Leadership Development Series cohort

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The Indiana Conference for Women (ICFW) announced Monday the 2025-26 class of its Women’s Leadership Development Series. Now in its second year, the two-year series is designed to advance emerging women leaders across Indiana through skill-building workshops, strategic networking opportunities, and executive mentorship.

The series was co-founded by Marianne Glick, Chair of the Board at the Glick Family Foundation, and Charlie Garcia, President of Garcia Construction Group. Together, they launched the initiative to expand ICFW’s mission beyond its one-day conference – the largest professional development event for women in the Midwest – by providing sustained leadership growth opportunities.

“When we founded the Indiana Conference for Women more than a decade ago, our focus was on a single day of learning and inspiration,” ICFW Co-Founder Dr. Billie Dragoo-Garcia said. “It became clear that women were looking for more – ongoing development, meaningful connections, and long-term support. This program delivers on that promise.”

2025-26 Cohort

The second cohort of the Indiana Conference for Women’s Leadership Development Program includes 15 extraordinary women from across Indiana, representing a wide range of industries and expertise:

• Michelle Allen – Director, State of Indiana – Office of Administrative Law
• Amanda Bonilla – Consultant, ICN Solutions
• Cat Cleary – Vice President of Development, Ivy Tech Community College
• Landry Culp – Studio Project Manager, Cook Medical
• Erica Duncan – Laboratory Analyst-Organic Chemist, Citizens Energy Group
• Ana Esparza – Parking System and Customer Coordinator, Indianapolis Airport Authority
• Mallori Hoffmann – Underwriter, Old National Bank
• Taryn Kincaid – Vice President of Programs, TeenWorks
• Luisa Macer – Senior Manager, Community Outreach and Fan Engagement, Indianapolis Motor Speedway
• Chelsea Marburger – Executive Director, The Indianapolis Propylaeum
• Nicole Meadows – Program Management, Service Request Delivery, UKG, Inc.
• Marcela Montero – Director, Hispanic Business Council, Indy Chamber
• Jessica Overstreet – Clinical Research Scientist, Eli Lilly and Company
• Meaghan Riddle – Marketing Operations Manager, Gene B. Glick
• Ashley Youmell – Branch Manager, KeyBank

Participants will take part in a structured series of leadership workshops, executive mentorship, and curated networking events throughout the year. The program culminates with a capstone experience at the Indiana Conference for Women on Oct. 23, 2025, at the JW Marriott in Indianapolis.

“This experience transforms potential into progress,” Glick said. “It gives women the confidence, community, and leadership skills to take bold steps forward in their careers.”

Leadership Program builds momentum

“Our inaugural class set the bar incredibly high,” said Charlie Garcia, co-founder of the ICFW Leadership Program. “We saw women accelerate their careers, expand their networks, and step into greater leadership roles – and we’re excited to see this next class carry that momentum forward.”

The program has gained strong support from Indiana’s business and philanthropic communities, helping address the growing demand for intentional leadership development opportunities for women.

“This program is more than professional development – it’s leadership in action,” said Joyce Q. Rogers, Board Chair of the Indiana Conference for Women. “We’re developing the next generation of bold, connected women leaders – those who will be a part of shaping Indiana’s future.”

The Indiana Conference for Women will take place Thursday, Oct. 23 at the JW Marriott in downtown Indianapolis. For conference registration, sponsorship, and additional information, visit IndianaConferenceForWomen.com.