7th Annual Women in Leadership Event
Give to Gain: The Power of Connection,
Where Small Actions, Shared Support and Lasting Impact Begin
This Women in Leadership Event brings together women in business and leadership roles from across the region for a powerful day of connection, insight and conversation. For the first time, The MBA will host this event at the Bayfront Convention Center in Erie, Pennsylvania and will feature dynamic speakers, a panel of influential business women, networking opportunities and leadership growth.
JOIN US
Our bigger than ever Women in Leadership Event will take place Thursday, March 26, 2026, from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm.
What to Expect
- Keynote Speakers
- Dynamic Panel of Women Leaders
- FREE Professional Headshots
- Book Nook (Give a Book, Take a Book and Leave a Note of Inspiration)
- Peer-to-Peer Networking
- Empower Women with Purse & Jewelry Donations Hosted By The Mercy Center for Women - Dress Program
- Latte Lounge Featuring Specialty Coffees
Full agenda to come!
Pricing
Members: $65 | Nonmembers: $85
Location
Bayfront Convention Center
1 Sassafras Pier
Erie, PA 16507
Meet the Keynote Speaker
Christy Uffelman, MHCS, BCC
Meet the Panelists
Rachel Artise is an entrepreneur, CEO, and business coach focused on helping people and organizations lead with clarity, confidence, and purpose. As the owner of six The UPS Store locations across Pennsylvania and the founder of Boss Up Inc., she builds high-performing teams and coaches women to scale their businesses through practical strategy and strong leadership. A sought-after speaker, Rachel brings an authentic, no-nonsense approach to entrepreneurship, leadership, and owning your power at work and in life.
Christine Blashock, Esq. is Chief Diversity and Community Development Officer at Erie Insurance, where she leads efforts focused on community impact, inclusion, and long-term economic development. An Erie native and former corporate attorney with ERIE, she brings deep experience across legal strategy, investments, governance, and community initiatives. Christine is an active civic leader, serving on multiple regional boards and organizations dedicated to strengthening the Erie community.
Janel Bonsell is a Partner at Schaffner Knight Minnaugh CPAs and a trusted advisor to closely held businesses, manufacturers, and nonprofit organizations. She leads the firm’s Client Accounting Services and outsourced Controller/CFO initiatives, helping leaders use financial insight to make smarter, more strategic decisions. A strong advocate for women in leadership, Janel brings a practical, real-world perspective shaped by years of guiding organizations through growth and change.
Amy Bridger, Ed.D., is Assistant Dean and Senior Director of Innovation and Corporate Strategy at Penn State Behrend, where she leads industry engagement, workforce development, and applied research that supports regional economic growth. With nearly two decades of experience advising entrepreneurs and innovators, she has played a key role in developing Knowledge Park, one of the region’s most successful university and industry partnership initiatives. Amy also co-founded a woman-led small business and brings a community-centered, hands-on approach to leadership and innovation.
Elisabeth Smith is President and CEO of Acutec Precision Aerospace, a woman and LGBT owned small business supplying critical machined components to the aerospace and defense sector, with more than 500 employees across four facilities in Pennsylvania and South Carolina. She leads Acutec’s focus on teamwork, technology, and Industry 4.0 innovation, including advanced automation, data analytics, and employee ownership through an ESOP established in 2022. With a background in aerospace consulting and operations leadership, Elisabeth is an active industry and community leader who brings a people-first approach to manufacturing excellence.
Andrea Bierer will be our panel moderator. She is an educator, instructor, and marketing professional with a passion for making complex topics accessible and engaging. With a background in marketing and years of experience teaching, she specializes in breaking down emerging technology, communication strategies, and business concepts into clear, practical takeaways. An early adopter who’s always eager to explore what’s next, Andrea helps professionals and business owners navigate change with confidence. Whether she’s leading a class, speaking at an event, or guiding teams through new ideas, she brings an approachable, down-to-earth style that makes learning both fun and impactful.
Past Events
Sponsorship
We would like to thank all our event sponsors for making the Women in Leadership Event possible and offering premium services to our attendees!
2026 sponsors include:
When you sponsor our annual Women in Leadership Event, you access unique, valuable opportunities interacting with key leaders from regional companies. Our popular event sponsor packages sell out every year!
Contact us now to learn more about being a sponsor.
Women in Leadership Event 2025
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