Women in Biohealth: Leading Through Experience

Real Stories, Real Leadership

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Women in Biohealth | November 4, 2026 | 5:00–7:00 p.m. | URP Irving Shain Conference Room (050)

Leadership rarely follows a straight line. Careers change direction. Opportunities appear unexpectedly. Setbacks test us. And sometimes the most valuable leadership lessons come from the moments that never make it into a professional bio.

Join Women in Biohealth for an evening of candid conversation, practical insights, and meaningful connection with women across Wisconsin’s biohealth community.

Through a series of short, TED-style talks, accomplished leaders will share real experiences that have shaped how they lead—from major career pivots and professional setbacks to stepping into new roles, finding their voice, balancing competing priorities, and learning to lead in different organizational environments.

Following the presentations, attendees will have an opportunity to engage with the speakers through Q&A and continue the conversation during networking.

Whether you are just beginning to think about leadership, navigating your next career move, or already leading teams and organizations, you’ll leave with new perspectives, practical lessons, and connections that can support the next stage of your journey.

What to Expect

• Networking with women from across Wisconsin’s biohealth community
• Five short, experience-driven leadership talks
• Interactive Q&A with featured speakers
• Practical perspectives you can apply to your own career and leadership journey
• Time to build relationships that extend beyond the event

Speakers

Susan Labelle

Topic: A Tale of Two CEOs

Description: Leadership is defined by actions, not titles. Susan shares her experiences working with two CEOs whose different approaches to leading large companies offer valuable lessons in leadership.

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Ann Salm

Topic: Know Your North Star: Leading from Behind in Healthcare, Higher Education, and Beyond

Description: Ann draws on her experience in healthcare, higher education, and medical affairs to explore how women lead with purpose. Learn how knowing your team, your landscape, and your values can create meaningful impact while navigating professional and personal responsibilities.

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Melissa Schneider

Topic: Adapting Your Leadership Style: When What Got You Here No Longer Works

Description: What happens when you’re an expert in your field, but your proven techniques no longer work in a new context? Melissa explores how to recognize when familiar approaches need to change and adapt your leadership style to succeed.

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Connie Lebakken

Topic: Leading in a Startup or Small Organization

Description: How do you help your team set priorities when everything feels important? Connie explores the challenges of leading in a startup or smaller organization and helping teams focus on what matters most.

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Cindy Jisa

Topic: Finding My Voice: Becoming My Own Advocate

Description: After years of advocating for others, Cindy learned to bring that same determination to her own career. She shares how trusting her judgment and challenging limiting perspectives helped her become her own advocate, with leadership lessons other women can apply to their own journeys.

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