For over 60 years, Inforum has been at the forefront of helping women in Michigan advance in their careers, breaking through barriers and reshaping industries.
As an organization, we've remained steadfast in our commitment to fostering a culture that embraces women leading and succeeding, and the annual Capstone Dinner is one of the many ways we celebrate this vision.
This year's Capstone Dinner, taking place on November 21, 2024 at the JW Marriott in downtown Grand Rapids, is particularly special for the women of West Michigan. Our regional council prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, and this event serves as a tribute to the women who have defied expectations, taken risks and paved the way for others. Each year, we dedicate this gathering to women who have broken barriers—both personally and professionally.
In years past, we've had the privilege of hearing from trailblazing women such as Tarana Burke, founder of the #MeToo movement; Kelley L. Carter, a senior writer at ESPN's Andscape; Sarah Thomas, the NFL's first full-time female official; and Kate Germano, who fought against the "bigotry of soft expectations" within the Marine Corps. These women, and many like them, inspire us to continue pushing the boundaries of what women can achieve in male-dominated spaces.
This year, we are thrilled to welcome Ilhiana Rojas Saldana as our keynote speaker. Ilhiana is an executive and leadership coach, a DEI consultant and the founder of BeLIVE Coaching & Consulting. Her global experience working with Fortune 500 companies, combined with her passion for empowering others, makes her the perfect voice to lead this conversation. Ilhiana's message of self-advocacy and embracing one's unique voice, reminds us that stepping into our power and amplifying our influence is not only necessary for individual success, but also for the collective advancement of women in leadership.
As I reflect on Inforum's legacy, I feel immense pride in the impact we've made over the past six decades. From networking events to leadership programs, we've been a steady resource for women across Southeast and West Michigan. But the Capstone Dinner holds a special significance. It's not just an event—it's a symbol of how far we've come and a powerful reminder of the work that still lies ahead.
In today's fast-paced, competitive business landscape, the success of organizations often hinges on their ability to promote and retain diverse voices in leadership positions. At Inforum, we believe that companies that create space for women leaders gain a distinct edge. That's why we continue to focus on creating environments where individual professionals can thrive alongside forward-thinking companies.
The Capstone Dinner also serves as a valuable opportunity for women to build and strengthen their professional networks. It's a space where leaders can connect, share ideas, and support one another in their journeys. The conversations sparked at this event are not only meaningful—they are transformative.
We invite everyone—whether seasoned professionals or emerging leaders—to join us at this year's event. It's a night to celebrate our achievements, reflect on the progress we've made, and look ahead to the future we're building together.
I hope to see you there as we continue to champion a culture where women lead, succeed and inspire future generations to do the same.
Event Details:
November 21, 2024
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
JW Marriott, Grand Rapids, MI
For more details, visit Inforum.
Written by Becky Wood, Vice President of Corporate and Member Engagement at Inforum.
Photo courtesy of Inforum.
