Spotlight on the Rochester Speakers

Join us | September 26, 2025

8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Opening Keynote Speaker

Millie March

Meet

We’re kicking off the day with a keynote that’s anything but ordinary!

Millie March, co-founder of Guzman Homes LLC, will bring insight and a fresh perspective on breaking barriers. An immigrant from Colombia, she and her husband have built a highly successful business in Miami, raised a family, and did it all while navigating a new country and culture! She’ll share her journey of resilience, leadership, and growth. Come get inspired to think about shattering ceilings and leadership from a different perspective.​

Closing Keynote Panel: Beyond the Ceiling

As we close out the day, join us for an inspiring conversation with three trailblazing women who have shattered ceilings in their own unique ways. In this dynamic Q&A-style panel, they’ll share their experiences, insights, and hard-won lessons on breaking barriers and redefining what’s possible. Come ready to listen, learn, and leave empowered to forge your own path forward.

  • Marlene Johnson

    Marlene M. Johnson was Minnesota’s first woman lieutenant governor, serving in Governor Rudy Perpich’s administration from 1983 until 1991. She is cofounder of the Minnesota Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners and the Minnesota Women’s Campaign Fund and was executive director and CEO of NAFSA: Association of International Educators for nearly two decades. She is now on the advisory board of Kakenya’s Dream, a board member of the Washington Office on Latin America, and a trustee of The Alexandria Trust. In 1988, she was awarded the Royal Order of the Polar Star by the Kingdom of Sweden. She lives in Washington, D.C.

    Marlene has been a lifelong advocate for women in leadership in politics, business and the non-profit sector.  At each stage of her career, she has also actively supported a variety of local, national and international non-profit organizations through board service, fundraising and general volunteer roles.

  • Ceiling Shatterer!

    We’ll be sharing soon who this final person on the panel will be!

  • Brenda Radichel Quaye

    ​Brenda Radichel Quaye is the owner of Venstar, LLC, one of only a handful of female-owned commercial real estate development firms in Minnesota. Established in 1999, Venstar specializes in owning, managing, and developing Class A real estate across the Minneapolis, Mankato, and Rochester markets. The company's portfolio encompasses over 200,000 square feet of commercial real estate and more than 15 acres of developable land. The firm is in the final planning stages of a $33M, 99 unit Workforce Housing project in downtown Rochester.

    As a Board Member and Past President (2002) of Minnesota Commercial Real Estate Women (MNCREW) she has advocated for decades for women in the commercial real estate industry. She has also served on the board of Kipp MN, The Edina Community Foundation and is currently a Trustee of the Women's Foundation of Minnesota.

Breakout Session Speakers

  • Julie Page

    Elevating Team Performance: The Power of Connected Communication

    IMPACT Coaching Solutions LLC, Executive Coach, Professional Speaker & Trainer, Maxwell Leadership Executive Program Leader & Best-Selling Author

    In this engaging and interactive workshop, we’ll dive into the different communication styles that shape our interactions with team members. Participants will DISCOver their own communication preferences and learn how to adapt their approach to connect more effectively with others. We’ll explore strategies to minimize misunderstandings, enhance collaboration, and resolve conflict in the workplace. Leave with actionable strategies to elevate team performance through stronger, clearer communication. Attend my breakout session and enter to win a free DISC assessment and Coaching Session.

  • Michelle Massman

    From Stuck to Unstoppable

    CEO, Massman Companies Inc.

    Discover the reasons behind feeling "stuck" and unleash the power to break free from obstacles hindering your progress. Join us to explore actionable strategies that propel your goals forward. We'll delve into getting unstuck now, equipping you with tools to prevent future obstacles, and helping you recognize when it's time to call in reinforcements. This energizing session promises to set you on a transformative path from feeling stuck to becoming truly unstoppable. Don't miss the opportunity to unlock your potential and navigate your journey with confidence!

  • Terri Allred

    Put Down the Cape: Leading Without Losing Yourself

    Owner, Allred Coaching & Consulting

    Women in leadership often hold it all together—for everyone. But what happens when stress becomes the norm and not the exception? This interactive session offers a quick, powerful introduction to trauma-informed leadership practices designed to help you lead with more clarity, connection, and care. You’ll walk away with:

    • A simple framework for understanding how chronic stress impacts your leadership

    • A practical tool to regulate your nervous system in real time

    • A fresh perspective on what it means to lead like a human—without burning out

    Let’s explore what’s possible when we lead from a place of wholeness, not just hustle.

  • Peggy Paul

    Clearing the Clutter: Releasing the Head Trash Holding You Back

    Owner, SheTaxi & Entrepreneurship Director Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation

    It doesn’t matter who you are—everyone has head trash. Join us for a meaningful conversation as Peggy, a self-proclaimed "master" in head trash, unpacks where these limiting beliefs come from and why it’s so important to take out the mental garbage. Through stories of her own struggles and breakthroughs, Peggy will help you recognize the thoughts that hold you back. You’ll leave more self-aware, empowered, and ready to clear out the clutter that’s been standing in your way.

  • More Speakers Coming!

    Check back for the growing list of breakout speakers being added regularly. We’ll have at least 12 breakout sessions for you to chose from, 3 in each of these topic areas:

    Organizational Leadership – Topics related to workplace leadership, team dynamics, or company culture.

    Entrepreneurial Leadership – Topics focused on launching, growing, and sustaining a business.

    Community Leadership – Topics on leading and making an impact in your local community, at home or in personal circles.

    Personal Development – Topics focused on self-leadership, growth, and success strategies.

Join us for a transformative day where women from all walks of life come together to empower, inspire, and grow in a supportive community.

  • Transformative Sessions

    Gain actionable insights from experts and connect with other women facing similar leadership challenges.

  • Safe, Supportive Space

    Ask questions, share your journey, and learn from each other. This is your chance to learn in an open, non-competitive environment.

  • Community Building

    Build lasting relationships with like-minded women from across the state—together, we’re stronger.

  • Wellness for Mind & Body

    Start your day with yoga, enjoy meaningful networking, and wind down with a happy hour where connections grow beyond the event.