The Indiana Conference for Women exists
to help women build careers, develop professionally,
and experience lives that are rewarding, healthy, and fulfilling.
CO-FOUNDERS
Billie Dragoo-Garcia
Deborah Collins Stephens
The Indiana Conference for Women co-founders set out to create a practical, inspiring, educational resource for women in Indiana and the Midwest. Since 2010, Billie and Deborah have turned that idea into the largest one-day conference for professionals and entrepreneurs in the Midwest. Serving more than 2000 people each year, the event welcomes attendees from all walks of life to grow together and be inspired by our nationally- and internationally-known keynote speakers and breakout leaders.
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Deborah & Billie believe (and research shows) that environments that foster the growth and development of a diverse workforce create healthier, more resilient communities and stronger economic growth. As a resource for the Midwest and beyond, the ICFW strives to create content and connections to empower people to create positive change in their own lives and, thus, their communities.
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In 2020, the ICFW set out to create a scholarship fund for women continuing their educational journey. With the help of the Central Indiana Community Foundation, the fund was established and is now accepting donations. You can support women's education by donating here (you will be redirected to the CICF page).
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dr. Billie Dragoo-Garcia
Indiana Conference for Women
Co-Founder
RepuCare, Inc. Founder/Owner
Dr. Laurie Burns McRobbie
Board President
First Lady Emeritus, Indiana University
Tavonna Harris Askew
Executive Director,
Investigations & Right Environment
Cummins Inc.
Deana Haworth
CEO,
Hirons
Charlie Garcia
President & CEO
CGarcia & Associates, Inc.
Marianne Glick
Owner & President
GlickArt
Jennifer Merrell
Vice President,
TechPoint (retired)
Amy Pauszek
Award-winning Film Producer
Society Editor for
Sophisticated Living Magazine
Mario Rodriguez
CEO/President,
Indianapolis Airport Authority
Courtney Roberts
President,
Ivy Tech Foundation
Joyce Q Rogers
Vice President, Development & External Relations for OVPDEMA and
EVP, Development, IU Foundation
Melissa St. John
CEO and Owner,
Relocation Strategies.
The Indiana Conference for Women strives to create a welcoming and inclusive experience for all attendees at its annual conference and in all organizational matters. As a 501(c)(3) organization, the Indiana Conference for Women:
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Empowers and celebrates women and all people within and beyond the borders of the state of Indiana;
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Supports equity of opportunity and advancement for women and other marginalized groups;
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Is non-partisan and open to diverse viewpoints;
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Serves as a neutral platform for the exchange of ideas, information, and guidance;
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Exemplifies the values of civility and respect for the opinions and backgrounds of others;
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Catalyzes the making and nurturing of connections across the many communities, backgrounds, age groups, professions, and life experiences of conference attendees.