The MBA welcomed members and guests to Cranberry on June 25 for a day focused on leadership, connection and professional growth. The morning featured our Women in Leadership: Mix, Mingle & Mocha event before opening our doors for an afternoon Open House.
The event began with keynote speaker Blayre Holmes Davis, Senior Director of Community Relations for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who challenged attendees to think differently about leadership and the impact they can have on those around them. She reflected on the progress women have made in the workplace, noting that as recently as 1942, Pennsylvania law prohibited women from working second and third shifts. Her message encouraged attendees to appreciate those who paved the way while recognizing the responsibility today’s leaders have to create opportunities for the next generation.
Throughout her keynote and facilitated conversation with MBA President & CEO Lori Joint, Davis shared lessons that have shaped her leadership journey. She spoke about the importance of setting the tone rather than reacting to it, encouraging attendees to “be a thermostat, not a thermometer.” She also emphasized that meaningful change begins when someone is willing to go first and someone else refuses to be last. Her message reminded attendees that leadership is built through consistent actions, authentic relationships and a commitment to serving others.
Drawing from her experience with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Davis offered a behind-the-scenes look at an organization known for its strong culture. She shared how owner Art Rooney II remains highly visible and engaged with employees, reinforcing the organization’s values every day. From encouraging rookies to give back through community service to helping players develop as communicators and leaders, she illustrated how investing in people creates a lasting impact both on and off the field.
The morning concluded with a panel discussion facilitated by Megan Wollerton, Owner of Life Force Wellness LLC, featuring Kristen Hull, Associate Director of Financial Planning of Duncan Financial Group; Reneé Coyner, Regional Manager of Business Banking at Citizens Bank; and Tammy Schuey, Publisher and General Manager of the Butler Eagle, Cranberry Eagle and Butler County Business Matters.
The conversation opened with an overview of trends affecting women in the workforce, including overcoming imposter syndrome, building confidence in leadership roles, navigating the balance between assertive communication and workplace perceptions, and creating psychologically safe workplaces where employees feel comfortable asking questions, sharing ideas and learning from mistakes.
Building on those themes, the panelists shared practical leadership lessons drawn from their own careers. They emphasized that effective leadership starts with making every person feel valued and heard, showing up with intention, and creating environments where respect, collaboration and open communication can thrive. The discussion also highlighted the importance of investing in people through recognition, maintaining healthy boundaries, building authentic professional relationships and having the confidence to advocate for what you believe in while remaining open to learning from others.
One quote that resonated throughout the discussion came from Winston Churchill: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” It served as a fitting reminder that leadership is a continual journey of growth, resilience and perseverance.
Following the event, guests stayed to celebrate The MBA’s growing presence in Cranberry during our Open House. Visitors connected with our team, and learned more about the training, HR & legal, insurance and business resources available to employers across the region.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for a memorable day of learning, networking and meaningful conversation. We look forward to continuing to create opportunities that help businesses and leaders thrive.