ERIE – The Manufacturer & Business Association (The MBA), in conjunction with The MBA Business Magazine, will hold its seventh annual Women in Leadership Event, “Give to Gain: The Power of Connection — Where Small Actions, Shared Support and Lasting Impact Begin,” from noon to 3:30 p.m. (registration at 11:30 a.m.) Thursday, March 26, at the Bayfront Convention Center, 1 Sassafras Pier. The event is sold out. All media are invited to attend.
“The MBA’s Women in Leadership Event is one of our signature events, and we are excited to expand it and bring it to the Bayfront Convention Center this year,” said MBA President and CEO Lori Joint. “It is a very empowering and educational afternoon with a host of opportunities for our guests to network and engage with other professionals in our region.”
More than 300 attendees will hear from keynote speaker and bestselling author Christy Uffelman, MHCS, BCC, chief executive officer and founder of EDGE Leadership, a boutique leadership development firm based in Pittsburgh, on “Getting Unstuck: Navigating Your Personal and Professional Growth Mountains.” The presentation is powered by attendees (the voices in the room), creating a dynamic and interactive experience with tools that guests can apply at work and home — and everywhere leadership shows up.
Following Uffelman’s address, there will be a short break followed by a presentation on “Drive Your Growth, Draw Your People: The best connections form where everyone is hungry to improve,” by MBA instructor Andrea Bierer, marketing manager and co-owner of DBC Remodeling & Construction in Erie. Bierer will then lead a panel discussion with a group of five dynamic area businesswomen including:
- Rachel Artise, entrepreneur, CEO and business coach as well as the owner of six The UPS Store locations across Pennsylvania and the founder of Boss Up Inc.;
- Christine Blashock, Esq., chief diversity and community development officer at Erie Insurance;
- Janel Bonsell, partner at Schaffner Knight Minnaugh CPAs;
- Amy Bridger, Ed.D., assistant dean and senior director of Innovation and Corporate Strategy at Penn State Behrend; and,
- Elisabeth Smith, president and CEO of Acutec Precision Aerospace
This year, guests are encouraged to bring gently used handbags and/or jewelry to donate to the Mercy Center for Women’s Dress for Success Program. There also will be a Latte Lounge featuring specialty coffees by Mill Creek Coffee; a Book Nook, sponsored by E.E. Austin & Son, where guests can bring a book and take a book, along with complimentary bookmark that includes a recommended reading list by Tia Book Cellar; complimentary professional headshots by R. Frank Media; and, raffle prizes and giveaways – including Uffelman’s recent “Wayfinding” book provided by Tia Book Cellar, $300 luxe beauty basket courtesy of Panache Salon + Spa, and a special Easter-themed cookie cutter gift set provided to each guest by Greens Choice. A post-event networking and wine tasting is sponsored by Mazza. Amanda Post of Erie News Now will serve as emcee.
The 2026 Women in Leadership Event is presented by The MBA and MBA Business Magazine. Sponsors include MacDonald Illig Attorneys, C.H. Reams & Associates, Loesel-Schaaf Insurance Agency, Northwest Bank, MetLife, R. Frank Media, Mill Creek Coffee, Tia Book Cellar, Panache Salon + Spa, Greens Choice Baking Supplies and Mazza.
Cost is $65 for MBA Members, $85 for Nonmembers and includes lunch. For more information, visit mbausa.org.
DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in these presentations reflect the views and opinions of the presenter and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of The MBA or any of its officers and directors.
###
The MBA (Manufacturer & Business Association), founded in 1905, represents more than 2,000 member companies in 54 counties across the Commonwealth. The MBA is dedicated to helping employers face challenges by delivering services that lower the cost of doing business, ease the burden of compliance and increase productivity for its members. For more information, visit mbausa.org.