Collective Strength:

Women Leading Generations Forward

Women in Thought Summit

March 13, 2025 - 10 AM - 3 PM - Dublin, OH

Women in Thought Summit Recap

The Women in Thought Summit opened with intentionality and warmth.

Upon arrival, guests were welcomed with curated breakfast samplings—setting the tone for a day filled with insight, storytelling, and community.

Here’s a look back at the moments that made the day unforgettable.

Welcome with Purpose - Where the Conversation Begins

The Summit officially opened with words of welcome that set the tone for the day—grounding everyone in purpose, presence, and the power of collective thought.

Making Women Wealthy and FREE - Kelley Griesmer, President & CEO, Women's Fund of Central Ohio

In a powerful and data-driven keynote, Kelley Griesmer unveiled groundbreaking research from The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio, spotlighting the direct connection between financial independence and women’s freedom. Drawing from community insights, Kelley shared what women in Central Ohio say they need to build wealth, achieve economic freedom, and thrive.

Her session was both eye-opening and action-oriented, challenging attendees to rethink systemic barriers and inspiring them to champion solutions that truly support women’s prosperity. From policy shifts to personal empowerment, Kelley reframed wealth not as an end—but as a tool for liberation.

Panel Recap: Insights to Impact: Turning Data Into Action

Moderated by Jennifer Lestini, this powerhouse panel brought together trailblazing women leaders—Erica C. Crawley, Jennifer E. Edwards, Elizabeth Martinez, and Dr. Alyncia M. Bowen—to share how they actively transform insights into real-world solutions that empower women.

The discussion explored systemic challenges facing women, such as workplace discrimination, access to paid leave, affordable childcare, and flexible work structures, and how each leader is pushing for policy and practice changes in their spheres of influence.

What made this session especially powerful was its focus on actionable impact—from legislative advocacy to mentorship pipelines to reshaping corporate cultures. Attendees left with a deeper understanding of the structural shifts needed and the bold leadership it takes to drive them.

Midday Connection: Lunch & Networking

Attendees took a well-earned break to recharge over a bountiful salad and soup bar, curated for both comfort and conversation. As plates were filled, so were hearts—with connections forming across industries, generations, and lived experiences. Hosted by Generational Emcee Laura Broadway, the lunch hour offered space for reflection, networking, and meaningful dialogue—setting the stage for a collaborative and energized afternoon.

Session Recap: Generational Collective

In a dynamic midday session, the Generational Collective Table Brainstorm invited attendees to break into generational cohorts—Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z—for a powerful exchange of insight, experience, and ideas. Facilitated by Catrena Cannon, Noni Banks, Maylin Sambois, and Brianna Pina, this interactive dialogue focused on one shared mission: advancing women’s wealth, financial education, and economic freedom.

Each group reflected on its role in community impact, generational responsibility, and actionable ways to uplift women across age groups. The session sparked collaboration, cross-generational empathy, and a sense of shared accountability, setting the stage for deeper connection and long-term change.

Activating Your Team’s Best Work through Cognitive Diversity

Led by Diane S. Jordan and Lawson Mohl of V. Randolph Brown Consulting, this interactive session introduced attendees to the power of cognitive diversity—the idea that teams thrive when they harness different thinking styles, perspectives, and problem-solving approaches.

Using the Herrmann Brain Dominance Instrument® (HBDI®) and the concept of Whole Brain Thinking, the speakers demonstrated how organizations can improve collaboration, productivity, and innovation by intentionally embracing diverse cognitive styles.

Participants left with actionable insights on how to better understand their own thinking patterns, foster more inclusive teamwork, and unlock their team’s fullest potential by valuing not just who is at the table—but how they think.

Fireside Chat Recap: Mentorship at the Margins

In a heartfelt and unfiltered conversation, Brianna Pina and Fadjanie Cadet explored what mentorship truly looks like when it’s grounded in authenticity, vulnerability, and cultural truth. Their dialogue centered on the idea that mentorship is not just professional—it’s generational, familial, and personal.

They emphasized the importance of embracing discomfort, learning from past generations, and doing the hard work of unlearning and relearning. The session challenged attendees to see mentorship as a radical act of care—especially when uplifting women and families navigating the margins of society.

The conversation ended with a call to action: “Pay it forward, and build bridges that last beyond the moment.”

In The Meantime - Charlene Free, Founder of Flow of Life, LLC

Charlene Free closed the summit with a message that was both spiritually grounding and powerfully relevant. Her keynote, “In The Meantime,” invited attendees to embrace the stillness and uncertainty of waiting periods—not as passive moments, but as fertile ground for purpose and alignment.

Framing today’s climate as “these mean times”, she offered insight on how to navigate the current emotional, political, and financial realities with grace, focus, and resilience. Her words encouraged women to honor the pause, lean into available resources, and move intentionally—even when the path isn’t fully clear.

Charlene’s message was a reminder that the meantime is not wasted time—it’s preparation for breakthrough.

A Day of Wisdom, Wealth & Collective Power

The Women in Thought Summit 2025 was more than a gathering—it was a catalytic experience. From data-backed insights and cross-generational dialogue to strategies for economic empowerment and the embrace of cognitive diversity, each session layered knowledge with intentionality.

Through every keynote, panel, and breakout, one message echoed: real change happens when insight meets action. The day culminated with Charlene Free’s powerful call to honor “the meantime”—even in these “mean times”—as a space for reflection, strategy, and breakthrough.

As the Summit closed, attendees didn’t just leave inspired—they left activated. Armed with new connections, deeper clarity, and a renewed sense of shared purpose, this community is ready to lead generations forward.

Each photo tells a story...

Through these featured snapshots, we’re capturing just a glimpse of the inspiration, laughter, and meaningful connections that made the Women in Thought Summit unforgettable.