Women who thrive in business lead with resilience, authenticity, and vision—breaking barriers while lifting others. Their influence extends beyond boardrooms, shaping communities and inspiring future generations. By embracing leadership with purpose and passion, they redefine what success looks like across every industry.

What Does It Take for Women to Thrive in Business and Beyond?

Women Who Thrive: Leading the Way in Business and Beyond is more than just an event—it’s a powerful space for women to gain clarity, confidence, and community. In a world where female leadership continues to shape industries and drive innovation, this gathering offers essential tools and inspiration to elevate every attendee’s personal and professional journey. It’s a moment to connect, grow, and step fully into the leader you are meant to be.

What You’ll Learn:

✨Strategies for Authentic Leadership, Learn how to lead with purpose, confidence, and integrity in any industry.
✨Overcoming Barriers, Gain tools and inspiration for navigating challenges women face in business and leadership roles.
✨Networking & Collaboration, Connect with like-minded women and leaders who can support your growth and success.
✨Actionable Growth Tools, Walk away with real-world practices to elevate your mindset, skillset, and business impact.

Who Should Attend?

This event is perfect for:
✔Women in Leadership are looking to expand their impact and influence.
✔Entrepreneurs and Business Owners are ready to grow with intention and purpose.
✔Professionals and Career Women seeking clarity, confidence, and community.
✔Aspiring Leaders are eager to learn from powerful women who are breaking barriers.
✔Anyone Passionate About Empowerment and creating a meaningful legacy, both in business and beyond.

✨ Ready to rise, lead, and thrive?

Join us for a powerful experience designed to equip, inspire, and connect women who are ready to lead with purpose.

Secure your seat today and be part of the movement shaping the future—one bold woman at a time.

July 10, 2025

8:30-10:00 AM

Capital Area Michigan Works.

$25 | The event’s proceeds will be dedicated to support a local non profit

Register here:

Speakers

Justine Bell is the owner and ship’s captain at BeneGuides. She grew up in the Lansing area, left for a few years to attend Earlham College in Richmond, IN, and then returned to Michigan with her new husband in tow. She worked exclusively for animal shelters until her son was born in 2014 and she had to find a job that wasn’t with a non-profit in order to cover the cost of daycare. With a constant need to feel like she was making the world around her a better place to live, she quickly found her niche in the health insurance field, where people seemed to have a lot of questions and even more anxiety. She found that if she could help people understand their choices and feel comfortable and safe in the choices that they were making, she would head home each day feeling happy and fulfilled.

Outside of work, you will find her spending time with her husband Nate, and son Harrison. She loves being a part of her community, and she enjoys volunteering with many groups including Junior League of Lansing, Lansing Women’s Forum, and consulting for L-Town Jubilee. She has a rescue Aussie/Border Collie named Asher, and they can often be found walking around their hobby farm checking on the chickens or cows together.

Jessica Starks is an exit strategist and owner of Transworld Business Advisors and an exit factor for Grand Rapids and Lansing. Transworld Business Advisors is the world leader in the confidential marketing and sales of businesses and franchises. Exit Factor helps businesses prepare for sale by increasing profitability, time, and freedom, making their business worth more when they are ready to sell while enjoying the benefits now.

Jessie Stipcak is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in the restaurant industry. As the owner of three high-volume Reno’s Sports bars, she has built a strong reputation for community engagement and hospitality, hosting the Michigan State University coaches shows for more than 18 years. Jessie also served as the operating partner at Timber Ridge Golf Club, for eight years. Beyond the food and beverage world, she is an active member of the pickleball community and manages a local pickleball club, continuing her commitment to promoting active lifestyles and community connections.

Rise and Thrive is a dynamic and empowering event series hosted by Lisa Fisher and Leia Cooper Rigg, dedicated to supporting the growth, leadership, and advocacy of women. This series offers a unique blend of personal and professional development, designed to inspire women to rise to new heights of success.

Past sessions have covered essential topics such as Professional Growth and Development for Women, Leadership and Legislative Initiatives for Women, Smart, Savvy, & Secure, Leading with Grace: Elevate Your Influence Beyond Titles, and Women Rising: A Continuation of Advocacy and Leadership.

In 2025, we’re continuing the journey with these powerful themes: