(Mural: Trailblazer by artist Jessie Fritsch)
For Trailblazers Who START NEW THINGS: New Businesses, New Projects, New Social Change
- Wednesday, October 28, 2026
- Time: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Reception: 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
- UWSP Dreyfus University Center
Stevens Point, Wisconsin
Trailblazing looks different for everyone. Whether you’re deep in the work of leading change or just finding your footing, this is a space designed for you — to connect with others who get it, gather real tools and resources, and ignite what comes next in yourself and one another.
Come ready to celebrate the bold work already happening, work through the real challenges, and leave more energized for the road ahead.
Let’s rise, lead, and transform — together. Unmuted.
Lead to the Beat of Change. That’s the invitation — to move boldly through uncertainty, trust your rhythm, and step confidently into what’s next. Join a dynamic community of leaders for a day of inspiration, community and momentum.
This year’s conference will challenge you to embrace change with courage.
Across keynotes, breakouts, and spaces designed for real connection, you’ll gain fresh perspectives and renewed confidence to lead with purpose.
Let’s move forward together — unapologetically.
2026 Conference Schedule
The Women Trailblazers Conference will be the catalyst in our state for those looking to start new things, break barriers, foster bold connections, and lead transformative change. By celebrating diverse voices, dissolving silos, and inspiring action, we aim to create a more equitable, inclusive, and empowered future for all.
The Women Trailblazers Conference, a partnership between the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and women leaders throughout Central Wisconsin, brings our community together to inspire growth, foster collaboration, and ignite bold action. By creating intentional spaces, bringing together multiple perspectives, and providing tools, we inspire attendees to create meaningful impact in their lives and communities.
Our one-day conference showcases and develops women trailblazers, founders, and entrepreneurs from every sector including professionals, artists, volunteers, students, and parents.
Who should attend:
- You are energized about trailblazing, starting new stuff, or thriving as a founder.
- You are inspired by or supportive of female trailblazers.
- You tend towards curiosity, innovation, impact, and taking actions.
- You are a professional, artist, volunteer, retiree, student, parent, fill in the blank ______.
Registration Fee: $120 Regular | $95 Non-Profit & UWSP Faculty/Staff | $50 UWSP Student
Want to bring your friends or colleagues? Purchase a table of 8 at a discounted rate of $800.
Who Is your instructor?
Anne Bonney
Authority On Change Management And Host Of Dancing In The Discomfort Zone Podcast
Anne Bonney is a fun and energetic international motivational keynote speaker and trainer. She is also an authority on Change Management, author of 2 books on embracing the discomforts of change, podcast host of Dancing in the Discomfort Zone Podcast, and an experienced in-person, virtual and hybrid workshop facilitator.
After 20 years in highly successful corporate ad non-profit leadership positions, Anne now uses her experience, education, and expertise to ignite YOUR Courage, Confidence and Resilience in the face of the discomfort of change, courageous communication and emotional intelligence. You’d better turn on the AC because this “ball of fire” will light you up with fun and relevant stories, time-tested knowledge and immediately applicable strategies to make a difference for you, your team, and your organization.
This spunky little redhead shares business lessons from her crazy life experiences, which arms her with relatable and hilariously memorable stories from growing up overseas, running international marathons, animal training, morale building tours to the military in Iraq, volunteering at an elephant sanctuary and singing opera at a performing arts school and yes- there’s more. You won’t want to miss Anne’s session as Anne is a mindset shifting motivator who fires people up to catalyze powerful change in their lives, their teams and their organizations.
For sponsors
We want to make our conference cost as assessable as we can and we can only do that with the generous support from our sponsors. Please support women in leadership and business by supporting our event!
We offer a variety of sponsorship opportunities designed to fit organizations of every size and budget. Whether you’re looking to make a major impact or support the event at a smaller level, there is a meaningful way to partner with us.
Our goal is to build long-lasting partnerships that extend beyond a single event. We value sponsors as collaborators and strive to create opportunities that provide mutual benefit through visibility, engagement, community impact, and meaningful connections with attendees and regional leaders. Together, we can create an experience that not only supports your organizational goals, but also strengthens our community and empowers future growth.
WTC Sponsorship Opportunities
For more information on sponsorships, please contact uwspce.leadership@uwsp.edu.
Coming Soon!
COnference Schedule
View the Agenda
More information coming soon!
The “Women Trailblazers” podcast is brought to you by the Ruth E. Salzmann Center for Women’s Leadership at University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, celebrating women leading change and amplifying their voices. Each episode takes you on an empowering journey through the inspiring narratives of trailblazing UW-Stevens Point women who are boldly shaping their communities and industries. These leaders embody strength, resilience, and a fierce commitment to gender equity.
Join Podcast co-hosts Lyna Matesi and Kelsy Saldivar as they talk with leaders who are making a BIG impact in their communities, Wisconsin and the world.
Listeners will discover how women are forging their own paths in various industries and sectors by fearlessly navigating challenges, shattering stereotypes and embracing vulnerability. The podcast highlights the power of community, collaboration and mentorship, emphasizing that by supporting each other, women can collectively create a more welcoming and equitable world. It’s a vibrant call to action, encouraging everyone to trust their “little girl dreams,” make intentional choices, and impact change through both grand visions and small, consistent steps. This podcast is your inspiration to keep leading, keep thriving and keep making a difference.
The Women Trailblazers Podcast is a product of the Point Out Loud Podcast Initiative, aiming to platform and empower women experts on the UWSP campus and beyond. All series are available for streaming on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
- Carie Winn, Outreach Specialist and Operations Manager, UWSP Sentry School of Business and Economics
- Cartoon Vue, Business Development Specialist, Small Business Development Center, UWSP Continuing Education
- Deborah Beyer, UWSP Assistant Professor of Finance, Director of Ruth E. Salzmann Center for Women’s Leadership, Director of Financial Literacy Program
- Mara Prausa, Program Manager, UWSP Continuing Education
- Sarah Ross, Director of Community Leadership, Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin
- Harlee Stinson, Branch Manager, Summit Credit Union, Plover
- Mariah Singer-Brown, Realtor, The Legacy Group
Thank you 2026 Sponsors!
Click sponsor logos to explore their websites.
Platinum Presenting Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
Bronze Sponsor
Lunch Sponsor
Dessert Sponsor
Networking Sponsor
Book Sponsor
Conference Coordinated By
The event is brought to you in partnership between the UWSP School of Business and Economics, UWSP MBA Program, UWSP Continuing Education, and the Small Business Development Center at UWSP.
continuing education terms and conditions
The Continuing Education and Outreach office reserves the right to reschedule or cancel a program due to low enrollment, instructor illness, or other unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, participants will receive a full refund.
Please provide an active email address that you regularly check when registering, so we can contact you if a program is cancelled or rescheduled.
To cancel your registration, please email ibhwt@uwsp.edu
Refunds will be granted if the Continuing Education and Outreach office is notified at least seven (7) days prior to the start of the program. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made less than seven (7) days before the programs start date.
Additional questions? Please contact us at uwspce.leadership@uwsp.edu.
If you have registration questions, feel free to contact Continuing Education at 715-346-3838 or uwspceweb@uwsp.edu.
Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities will be provided upon request if made at least two (2) weeks in advance. To request accommodations, please contact Continuing Education Customer Service at 715-346-3838 or ibhwt@uwsp.edu.