Leading Waco Women

Lead. Inspire. Elevate.

The Leading Waco Women series isn’t just an event. It’s a movement. Designed to celebrate, empower, and develop female leaders across our community, this annual series provides transformative professional development experiences. Through dynamic keynote speakers, engaging panel discussions, hands-on workshops, and powerful networking, you’ll gain the tools, insights, and connections to thrive in your career and beyond.

This is your opportunity to invest in yourself and the future of women’s leadership in Waco. Whether you attend solo, bring a friend, or bring your entire team, you’ll leave inspired, equipped, and ready to lead boldly. Don’t just sit on the sidelines. Be part of the change. Join us at Leading Waco Women!

2026 Leading Waco Women Spring Workshop | Thursday, May 7

Spring Workshop: Profit & Purpose

Practical conversations to help women grow their influence, strengthen their financial future, and pursue opportunities with confidence.

Success isn’t just about working harder—it’s about understanding your value, building financial confidence, and advocating for opportunity.

At the Leading Waco Women Spring Workshop: Profit & Purpose, you’ll hear from inspiring speakers and choose breakout conversations designed to help you grow your leadership influence, strengthen your financial future, and lead with greater clarity about what matters most.

Women from businesses, nonprofits, healthcare, education, and entrepreneurship across the Greater Waco community will come together for an afternoon of practical insight, meaningful conversation, and professional connection.

Workshop Information

Who Should Attend?

This workshop is ideal for women who want to:

• Grow their influence and leadership impact within their organization or community
• Strengthen their financial confidence, from understanding compensation to investing and legacy planning
• Learn practical strategies for negotiation, advocacy, and career advancement
• Take the next step in their career with greater clarity and confidence
• Connect with other women leaders across the Greater Waco community
• Align professional success with purpose and long-term impact

Why Attend?

Spring Workshop Schedule

Event Details

Thursday, May 7, 2026

Doors open at 12:30. Program begins at 1:00.

Light snacks will be provided during the Networking Break at 3:15.

After the workshop, stay for Networking Happy Hour and continue the conversation with women from across the Waco community and enjoy some great live music!

Bring a colleague, mentor, mentee, or friend—because the journey toward profit and purpose is even more powerful when women walk it together.

Waco Convention Center

100 Washington Ave, Waco, Tx 76702

Registration is now open!

Chamber members

Package of 8: $900

Single Registration: $125

Not sure if your employer is a member of the Chamber? Reach out to rligon@wacochamber.com to find out!

Non-Members

Package of 8: $1110

Single Registration: $145

Seating is limited. Register today!

Questions?

Workshop Schedule and Speakers

1:00 Keynote Session 1: Profit & Purpose

Profit & Purpose

How do women lead with purpose while building successful careers and businesses? Monica Sedelmeier shares insights on aligning your values, leadership, and financial success.

Monica serves as the Chief Communications Officer for the City of Waco, where she leads citywide communications & marketing and serves as the City’s public information officer. Since joining the City in 2021, she has been responsible for telling Waco’s evolving story, connecting its rich history to its dynamic future, through strategic messaging, community engagement, and innovative branding.

Monica’s professional journey spans municipal government, healthcare, and education, previously serving in executive leadership roles in Iowa and working with Houston ISD and Rice University. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business/marketing, an MBA, and is a Certified Public Communicator. Monica is passionate about servant leadership, civic pride, and strengthening community trust.

1:55 Breakout Session 1

Investing Made Simple: How to Start Building Wealth

Sabrina Moore, Disciplined Investors

Investing doesn’t have to be intimidating. Learn practical ways to begin investing, develop consistent financial habits, and take simple steps toward long-term financial strength.

Be Seen. Be Heard. Be Influential.

Misti Mostiller, Extraco Banks

Strategic presence helps leaders shape conversations and influence outcomes. Learn how to engage confidently, contribute effectively, and strengthen your voice in professional settings.

Beyond the Paycheck: Making the Most of Your Total Compensation

Liz Barton, The First National Bank of Central Texas

Salary is only part of the story. Uncover the full value of your compensation, from benefits and policies to retirement plans and workplace programs. Learn how to advocate for yourself, make informed career decisions, and make the most of your total compensation.

Time Is Power: How to Negotiate Your Most Valuable Resource

Kaylee Hackney, PhD, Elegant Balance

Negotiation isn’t limited to salary. Learn how to advocate for your time, priorities, and focus so you can lead effectively and manage competing demands.

2:40 Breakout Session 2

Know Your Worth: How Women Successfully Negotiate Pay

Kennisha Thornton, Create and Blossom

Confidently advocate for your value. Explore practical strategies you can use to negotiate salary, compensation, and professional opportunities.

Getting to the Table: How Women Gain Access to Opportunity

Amy Gaston, OhmBody

Moderated by Megan Snipes, Baylor Scott & White Health

How do leaders gain access to the rooms where decisions happen? Explore strategies for building influence, expanding opportunity, and positioning yourself for leadership.

Leave a Mark: Using Your Time, Talent, and Treasure for Impact

Carlie Gause, Pakis, Giotes, Burleson & Deaconson P.C.

Robyn Trippe, Ascension Providence Foundation

You don’t have to be a millionaire to leave a legacy. Explore how your time, talent, and treasure can make a meaningful difference in your family, community, and beyond.

Money Questions You Were Afraid to Ask: A Conversation with a Financial Advisor

Nita Tucker, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management

Moderated by Stephanie Peters, Cargill

Curious about investing, retirement, or financial planning? Ask the questions you’ve always wondered about in a candid, pressure-free conversation with a financial advisor.

3:30 Keynote Session 2: Abundance in Action

Abundance in Action: How Women Negotiate Opportunity, Influence, and Growth

Negotiation doesn’t have to be adversarial. Emily Hunter, PhD, explores how women can adopt an abundance mindset to advocate for opportunities, influence decisions, and grow their careers.

Emily is a Department Chair and Professor of Management in the Hankamer School of Business at Baylor University. She earned her Ph.D. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology at the University of Houston. Emily teaches Negotiation to MBA students and to undergraduates on study abroad. She also conducts research on servant leadership, workday breaks, and work-family conflict, which has been published in the Journal of Management and the Journal of Applied Psychology. She has two children in middle school and high school, and her husband founded the Waco Independent Film Festival.

4:15 Happy Hour Live Music

Thanks to Our Sponsors

Baylor University, HEB, The First National Bank of Central Texas, Premier ER