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BOWLING GREEN, KY., March 25, 2026 – The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its 2026 Women’s Leadership Conference – UNSCRIPTED, presented by SHE•OLOGY, on March 24, 2026. The event welcomed more than 400 businesswomen, entrepreneurs, and community leaders from across South Central Kentucky for a full day of inspiration, networking, and professional growth.
Held annually as one of the Chamber’s premier signature events, the Women’s Leadership Conference continued to evolve as a space designed to empower, enlighten, and engage women in business.
This year’s theme, UNSCRIPTED — Because Doing It All Was Never the Plan, encouraged women to step away from unrealistic expectations and lead with authenticity, confidence, and resilience.
The 2026 conference featured keynote speaker Seema Sheth, Senior Vice President and Regional Executive of the Louisville Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Since becoming head of the Louisville Branch in December 2021, Sheth has served southern Indiana and western Kentucky, providing economic insight and leadership across the region. Her perspective on economic development, financial leadership, and regional growth anchored this year’s program.
Additional speakers included:
- Lauren McClain Grantibly
- Erica Hildreth, Hayden Outdoors
- Nikki Adams, Real Estate
- Kristina Denham, RN
- Mary Lee Snodgrass, RPH
- Shannon Atkinson, APRN, NP-C
Throughout the day, attendees enjoyed breakfast, networking, lunch, vendor shopping, and multiple impactful sessions focused on leadership, wellness, resilience, and professional growth.
In addition to the speaker program, the conference featured a vibrant Women’s Business Expo, highlighting small businesses across the region that are owned and led by women. Vendors included Kevin + Renee Photography, Lit & Linked Permanent Jewelry, Vintage Jewelry & Silver by Heidi Shaye, The Dixie Gypsy Boutique, Holiday World & Splashin' Safari, and additional women-owned businesses representing the entrepreneurial strength of South Central Kentucky.
“The Women’s Leadership Conference continues to grow because it reflects the real experiences of women leading in today’s business world,” said Meredith Wilson, Interim President and CEO for the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce. “This year’s theme, ‘UNSCRIPTED,’ recognizes that leadership is rarely linear or perfectly planned. It takes courage, resilience, and authenticity. Our goal is to create an environment where women feel seen, supported, and equipped to lead boldly — without feeling like they must do it all.”
The 2026 Women’s Leadership Conference was proudly presented by Title Sponsor SHE•OLOGY.
Supporting Sponsors included:
- ACES
- CROWN Cork & Seal
- Graves Gilbert Clinic
- Kelley Construction
Community Sponsors included:
- Atmos Energy
- Farmers Bank & Trust
- First Financial Bank
- Houchens Insurance Group
Student Sponsor included:
- BAIRD Private Wealth Management
The Chamber extended sincere appreciation to its sponsors and vendors for helping make this signature event possible.
For more information about the Women’s Leadership Conference, visit www.bgchamber.com
About the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce:
Incorporated in 1935, the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce is a 5-Star Accredited Chamber by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. As the fourth largest chamber in Kentucky, the Chamber serves as a premier business advocate for its more than 1,300 partners and is the driving force for economic development in South Central Kentucky. Its primary goals are to promote growth and success in the business community, reaching its small business partners and those in large industries alike. With leadership programs, governmental relations projects, educational initiatives and involvement opportunities, the Chamber aims to support the community and its neighbors in order to enhance the business climate and continue to grow the region.