This is the must-attend event for Missouri women in business! Join women leaders from all across Missouri for our seventh statewide summit. The 2-day schedule will be a mix of interactive workshops and impactful keynotes that blend tangible takeaways, motivational stories and authentic opportunities for networking!
Member registration: $325
Non-member registration: $425
All credit card payments will be charged a 3% convenience fee.
Our 2026 agenda is now available for download! And, to be totally biased, the line up is amazing.
Haven’t registered yet? It’s not too late! Join us in Branson on July 21 & 22 by registering here.
All conference functions will be held at Branson Convention Center.
The discounted room block has closed. Please contact the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel for any assistance.
Mahjong is having a moment in Mid-Missouri and we’re bringing beginner-friendly lessons to our 2026 Women in Leadership’s networking reception!
Mahjong isn’t quiet. And thank goodness for that. It’s wildly social, beginner-friendly and makes for a sharper, calmer you.
These lessons are included in your conference registration but seats are limited!
Stephanie Bell is a Missouri attorney, entrepreneur, and radio host whose career sits at the intersection of law, public policy, media, and business. A graduate of Truman State University and the University of Missouri School of Law (JD, MPA), she is a partner at Ellinger Bell, where she represents businesses, public officials, and organizations in complex regulatory, election, utility, and governmental disputes.
Stephanie also co-hosts the statewide morning radio program Wake Up Missouri, providing daily commentary on politics, business, and current events. She previously served as Mayor Pro Tem of Ashland, Missouri, and is co-owner of The Trolley Company in Jefferson City. She lives in Ashland with her husband and three children.
Flavia D’Souza is co-founder and Head of Quality at Sentio BioSciences LLC, a St. Louis-area pharmaceutical manufacturer focused on strengthening domestic production of complex and critical hospital medicines.
She has helped build Sentio’s culture of integrity, quality, safety, and customer service, supporting the company’s growth in highly regulated development and manufacturing of FDA-approved products. Under her leadership, Sentio has advanced complex pharmaceutical programs while creating high-quality jobs and expanding manufacturing capacity in Missouri.
D’Souza serves on the board of the Missouri Chamber Foundation and is an Executive Steering Committee lead with the BioMaP Consortium, where she helps advance initiatives focused on supply chain resilience, advanced manufacturing, and public health preparedness.
She was recognized as a 2025 YWCA Metro St. Louis Leader of Distinction and is passionate about growing pharmaceutical manufacturing in Missouri while expanding opportunities for innovation, workforce development, and long-term economic growth across the region.
Dr. Karla Eslinger is a lifelong educator and public servant with more than 30 years of experience in Missouri’s education system. She served as Missouri Commissioner of Education from July 2024 until her retirement on June 1, 2026.
Dr. Eslinger began her career as an elementary school teacher and went on to serve as a principal and superintendent in the Ava and West Plains school districts. She later joined the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) as Assistant Commissioner in the Office of Educator Quality and also worked nationally as a senior analyst supporting the U.S. Department of Education.
Prior to her appointment as Commissioner, she represented southwest Missouri in the Missouri General Assembly, serving in both the House of Representatives (2019–2020) and the Senate (2021–2024), where she focused on policies supporting public education.
As Commissioner, Dr. Eslinger led efforts to strengthen Missouri’s education system, including updating DESE’s strategic plan, improving literacy outcomes, increasing transparency in education data, and modernizing systems to better serve schools and communities. She is recognized for her collaborative leadership and commitment to student success.
Dr. Eslinger holds degrees from the College of the Ozarks, Missouri State University, and the University of Missouri–Columbia, including a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis.
She resides in Wasola, Missouri, and comes from a family of educators, with both of her daughters working in Missouri schools. She is also a proud grandmother of four.
Stephanie Garrett is the Controller at Nucor Steel Sedalia, where she leads financial operations and supports strategic initiatives that drive growth and operational excellence. She plays a key role in aligning financial discipline with business strategy to support long-term success in Missouri’s manufacturing sector.
Stephanie is passionate about workforce development and leadership growth, actively supporting mentorship, training, and talent pipeline initiatives. She is also engaged in community and economic development efforts in Sedalia and is committed to strengthening opportunities for future generations across Missouri.
Outside of her professional responsibilities, Stephanie is married to her husband, Kyle, and they have two teenage children. She enjoys spending time with her family, managing a lively household full of pets, and gardening—interests that keep her grounded and connected to both her family and community.
Liz’s enthusiasm and passion aren’t easily matched. Her ability to bring an attitude of unwavering optimism and to focus on impact are her two biggest strengths. She is at her best in front of a group or working to creatively solve a challenge.
Liz joined Dale Carnegie St. Louis in 2015 and purchased the St. Louis territory four years later. In 2021, she expanded the territory to Kansas City. She now consults with clients in a variety of industries and sizes from Fortune 500 companies to local family-owned businesses. She brings a unique perspective to clients, always thinks out of the box, and doesn’t settle for average. Whether she is consulting on business needs, in front of a room facilitating an experience, or at home with her husband and two kids, you will find a big smile on her face and can feel the energy she brings to any room or organization.
Seeing the impact of her work and finding opportunities to be creative are what motivate Liz in her career. In no particular order, Liz loves her husband and kids, doing ninja warrior, and banana pudding ice cream.
Liz has worked with clients like The US Air Force, Nestle Purina, Boeing, Alberici, Smithfield Foods, UPS, Cigna, and many more.
Michelle Hataway is Director for the Missouri Department of Economic Development. She leads the department in promoting economic growth across the entire state by establishing strong relationships with local partners, businesses and communities. The Department is focused on helping Missourians prosper, by providing businesses the resources they need in order to achieve success, build sustainable growth, strengthen our communities, promote Missouri as an ideal place to visit, develop a talented and skilled workforce, and maintain a high quality of life.
Michelle has been with DED for 10 years and was appointed Director in 2023. She previously served as the Department’s Deputy Director and Regional Engagement Director.
Michelle obtained her M.A. in Communication Studies from The University of Alabama, and she is a proud graduate of the inaugural class of the Missouri Leadership Academy.
Michelle and her husband, Jackson, live in Jefferson City, MO and are the proud parents of three children, Jack (8), Gabrielle (5) and Sophia (1).
Valerie Huhn has served as Director of the Missouri Department of Mental Health (DMH) since January 1, 2022. She was selected following a nationwide search led by the Missouri Mental Health Commission.
Huhn brings more than 20 years of experience in Missouri state government. She began her career in 2000 as a Budget and Planning Analyst in the Office of Budget and Planning and has since held leadership roles across several key agencies, including the Department of Health and Senior Services, Department of Social Services, Office of Administration, and the MO HealthNet Division.
She joined DMH in 2014 as Director of the Division of Developmental Disabilities and was promoted to Deputy Director in 2020 before being appointed Director in 2022.
As Director, Huhn is committed to strengthening services for individuals and families, fostering collaboration with community partners, and working closely with state leadership to enhance access to high-quality behavioral health and developmental disability services. Under her leadership, DMH serves approximately 170,000 Missourians each year through a statewide network of facilities, programs, and provider partnerships.
Huhn is also an active community volunteer, having served as a school-based mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters for more than 19 years.
With nearly 25 years of experience, Angela brings a uniquely comprehensive perspective to her role as Director, grounded in a career that spans multiple facets of the insurance industry. Her background includes service as an agent, regulator, and executive, equipping her with a deep and well-rounded understanding of insurance operations and consumer needs.
Angela previously served within the Department from 2002 to 2020, where she held several key leadership roles. From 2009 to 2012, she was Division Director of the Insurance Consumer Affairs Division, where she led the Department’s response to the devastating Joplin tornado, ensuring critical support and advocacy for affected consumers. She then served as Director of the Market Regulation Division from 2012 to 2020, overseeing complex regulatory initiatives and strengthening protections for Missouri policyholders.
Prior to her appointment as Director, Angela was Vice President of Public Affairs and Government Relations for the Automobile Club of Missouri, part of the Automobile Club Enterprises Group. In this role, she managed legislative and regulatory strategy across a broad portfolio, including insurance policy, motor club operations, and traffic safety initiatives. She also spent time with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City, where she led compliance operations.
Angela earned her bachelor’s degree in management, graduating summa cum laude, and went on to receive her MBA from William Woods University. Her commitment to excellence and consumer advocacy has been recognized with the Graduate College Award from William Woods University in 2012 and the Paul DeAngelo Memorial Teaching Award from the Insurance Regulatory Examiners Society (IRES) in 2018.
Katlin Owens brings a blend of strategic vision and creative passion to her role as Director of Brand Strategy at CPKC. With over a decade of experience elevating brands through times of crisis, change and transformation, Katlin thrives on unifying teams and stories, especially in fast-paced environments blending legacy with innovation. At CPKC, she orchestrated the post-acquisition brand launch, harmonizing the histories of Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern into a forward-focused identity resonating across North America.
Katlin is at her best when connecting big-picture thinking to real-world action. She leads high-profile initiatives, from viral service launches and company celebrations to safety campaigns and facility openings, always with an eye toward engaging audiences, building reputation, and making change feel meaningful. Whether guiding collaborative projects, or coaching teams, Katlin specializes in transforming organizational ambiguity into a defined brand strategy, turning the friction of transition into a clear framework for action that inspires confidence and delivers results.
Catina (Tina) R. Shannon was appointed to the Board of Curators in 2022. Currently the director of Government Relations for Ameren Missouri, Shannon earned her Bachelor of Science in criminal justice/political science from Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Missouri, and her Master of Public Administration from DeVry University – Keller School of Management in St. Louis. She previously served as the legislative representative for Ameren Missouri and as the conference coordinator for the Missouri Legislative Black Caucus Foundation Inc. Shannon also served as the deputy director of Legislative Affairs and the director of Constituent Affairs for the Office of Gov. Bob Holden and as the chief of staff for Missouri Sen. Paula J. Carter.
Shannon is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and a board member of the Missouri Society of Governmental Society, the Friends of the Governor’s Mansion, the United Way of Mis-Missouri Fund Allocation Board and St. Louis AMIKids Organization.
In 2010, I began my career at Edward Jones. As an Edward Jones financial advisor, I spend time finding out what is most important to my clients — whether you’re planning for retirement, saving for college for children or grandchildren, or just trying to protect the financial future of the ones you care for the most.
I attended Missouri State University and graduated with a degree in risk management and insurance. After college, I moved back to my hometown, St. James, MO. Shortly after moving home, I had the opportunity to start my career with Edward Jones.
Here at the office, Leslie, Makayla and I partner together to get to know our clients personally. We use a developed and refined process to serve as a road map, by understanding what’s important to you. I building personalized strategies to help you reach your goals and then partner with you throughout your life to help keep your journey smooth.
We enjoy our community and being able to serve our clients locally. We welcome the opportunity to learn more about you and your family.
Amber Stevens is an Assistant Project Manager at Prost Builders, bringing more than 22 years of hands-on experience in the construction industry. A Jefferson City native, Amber developed her passion for building at an early age, working alongside her father in masonry and helping construct two family homes.
Her career includes experience in construction logistics and safety management, with work spanning from Indianapolis to projects across the country in the energy sector. These roles strengthened her skills in coordination, procurement, and risk management.
Today, Amber supports residential and commercial projects from preconstruction through closeout. Her responsibilities include managing RFIs and submittals, coordinating change orders, tracking project documentation, conducting site inspections, and reviewing plans and specifications.
Amber is also committed to community engagement. She has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build program, helping provide homes for first-generation homeowners.
Dr. Leigh Anne Taylor Knight is a resourceful, future-focused leader who serves as the Executive Director and COO of The DeBruce Foundation, a foundation whose mission is to expand pathways to economic growth and opportunity. It seeks to help people discover what they want to do and what they’re good at doing, to open more career possibilities for the future of work.
At The Foundation, Dr. Taylor Knight leads a team who develops innovative solutions to positively impact the way youth and adults might become more agile in the ever-changing world of work. A teacher at heart, Dr. Taylor Knight has also served as a K-12 assistant superintendent, advised learning institutions across the nation, and led a bi-state consortium providing powerful tools for data-driven educational research to inform practice and policy. Today, in addition to her leader-ship role at The DeBruce Foundation, she also serves on several boards and as a mentor to many.
Sarah Willson serves as Director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), appointed by Governor Mike Kehoe on January 14, 2025. A Missouri native, Willson brings more than a decade of leadership experience in clinical care, healthcare operations, and regulatory policy.
Willson began her career as a practicing nurse and has built a reputation as a collaborative healthcare leader focused on improving patient outcomes, advancing quality care, and strengthening healthcare systems. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with state and federal policymakers to support the development of effective healthcare legislation and has led statewide efforts to enhance care for children, women, seniors, and other vulnerable populations.
Prior to joining DHSS, Willson served for nearly 10 years as Vice President of Clinical and Regulatory Affairs at the Missouri Hospital Association. In that role, she provided expert guidance to more than 140 hospitals across Missouri, helping ensure compliance with regulatory standards and supporting high-quality care in rural and urban communities alike.
Willson has also held executive leadership positions with Compassus Hospice and Palliative Care, where she oversaw multi-state operations, and at Capital Region Medical Center, where she directed patient care services across multiple departments. She is a Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Administrator and a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
She holds a Master of Business Administration in Health Management from William Woods University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
Hi, I’m Grace. Let’s play.
I teach Mahjong in Jefferson City, and I’m pretty convinced it’s the best hobby you haven’t tried yet. It started, like a lot of good things do, with curiosity. A friend invited me to a Mahjong class, I had no idea what I was doing, and somehow I left that table completely hooked.
What pulled me in wasn’t just the strategy (although… it is chef’s kiss). It was the rhythm of the tiles, the inside jokes that built up by hand three, and the way a group of near-strangers ended the night swapping numbers and planning the next game.
That’s the magic I want to bring to Mid-Missouri. Mahjong has this rare gift of being actually challenging and actually social at the same time, and there are way too few hobbies that pull off both.
Reach out to Brian Crouse with any conference questions!
