Business Women's Forum 2026: Leading from Within – How Resilience and Self-Reflection Create Lasting Success
When we talk about leadership, we often focus on strategy or influence. But what about how to lead when everything falls apart? In this honest and empowering session, Michelle Kennedy shares the story of how she rebuilt her life and business with resilience, clarity, and fierce self-belief. After surviving a medical crisis, a devastating betrayal, and a professional upheaval, Michelle founded a new company rooted in values, vision, and voice.
This talk invites attendees to reimagine leadership not as a title, but as a strategic choice, especially when the path is steep. This session speaks directly to the emotional and professional challenges many women face but few talk about: burnout, invisible labor, and chronic illness.
Please Note: If you are attending the event with a friend/colleague, you won't be sitting together at lunch. This is primarily a networking event and we purposely separate people to encourage networking.
This talk invites attendees to reimagine leadership not as a title, but as a strategic choice, especially when the path is steep. This session speaks directly to the emotional and professional challenges many women face but few talk about: burnout, invisible labor, and chronic illness.
Please Note: If you are attending the event with a friend/colleague, you won't be sitting together at lunch. This is primarily a networking event and we purposely separate people to encourage networking.
LUNCHEON AGENDA:
11:00 AM – 11:20 AM Registration/Networking
11:20 AM – 11:25 AM Welcome
11:25 AM – 11:40 AM Networking Lunch
11:40 AM – 11:55 AM Non-Profit Spotlight – YWCA Utah
11:55 AM – 12:00 PM Announcements
12:00 PM – 12:10 PM Sponsor Comments
12:10 PM – 12:55 PM Topic Presentation & Round Table Exercise
12:55 PM – 1:00 PM Closing Remarks & Drawings
ABOUT THE PRESENTER:
Michelle Kennedy, CEO, Plato Media Co.
Michelle Kennedy is the CEO of Plato Media Co., a corporate event production company based in Utah that partners with clients nationwide to deliver high-impact conferences, summits and brand experiences. She began her career as an attorney advising digital media clients and creative entrepreneurs on contracts, branding and business growth. After transitioning into the events industry, Kennedy helped build and scale an event production company from the ground up before launching Plato Media Co. Her work blends strategic planning with a deep focus on relationships, leading teams that prioritize clarity, excellence and connection. In addition to producing events, she is a speaker on leadership, resilience and building strong professional networks. NON-PROFIT SPOTLIGHT:
YWCA Utah Works every day to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. For over 119 years, YWCA Utah has championed marginalized communities by advancing equity through direct services, education, research, and advocacy. As the state's oldest and largest provider of family violence services, YWCA Utah delivers trauma-informed, wraparound support to meet survivors' diverse needs, empowering them to achieve long-term stability and independence.CALL TO ACTION:
One of the Business Women's Forum's goals is to influence positive change in our community. Our Fundraising Partner, Nothing Bundt Cakes, will be at the event selling bundtlets and will donate 20% of the proceeds to our Non-Profit Spotlight. So be sure to check them out, get yourself something sweet, and help support our community!
Serving the complete financial needs of local families & businesses since 1939, America First is Utah's #1 credit union and one of the country's largest and most progressive. The organization is a national leader in embracing technology and innovations to enhance the member's experience and convenience. America First delivers a wealth of products and services, including business banking, free checking, free online banking with bill pay, free mobile banking, free financial counseling, low-rate loans, smart savings programs and more. Get details at americafirst.com, call 1-800-999-3916, or visit a branch. Federally insured by NCUA/Equal Opportunity Lender.
In Utah, an extraordinary event is more than a gathering–it's a lasting impression. Aspen Peak Productions specializes in transforming your vision into a breathtaking reality. For elegant weddings, high-impact corporate functions, and curated social events, they provide meticulous design and flawless execution. Their services include dramatic drape design, immersive projection mapping, and comprehensive AV, lighting, and decor. Let's ELEVATE your next event, together.SAPPHIRE PONSOR:
PEARL SPONSOR:
*Note: If your company is a member of the Salt Lake Chamber, but you are having trouble registering, it could be that we do not have your email in our system. We can help fix that. Please email events@slchamber.com. Thank you for your patience.
Date and Time
Tuesday Mar 24, 2026
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM MDT
Location
Salt Lake Marriott Downtown at City Creek
75 S W Temple St
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Parking Information:
You can park in the Marriott parking garage. Parking costs are not included for this event. It will cost $4 an hour to park.
Additional parking is available at City Creek with 2hr free parking.
Fees/Admission
General Pricing:
Late Registration (AFTER MARCH 17th):
Exhibitor Booth (Members Only): $250
Sponsorships Available - Click Here
*The discounted member rate is available to Chamber members who log into their account when registering. If you do not have your username and password, please contact kkaddas@slchamber.com
Contact Information
Kat Kaddas (801)-859-8676
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