2024 CEO Roundtable Highlights

February 15, 2024


On behalf of the team at Female Strong and YEA! Chicago, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you for making this year’s CEO Roundtable lively, fun, and unforgettable. The panel discussion underscored the value of communication, empathy, and trust as critical elements of the future of work. A special thank you goes to Christy, Suzet, Desiree, and Caralynn for their thoughtful conversation and to our generous sponsors at Sweet Briar College, JSI, & LevelReps for making this event possible!

Connect With the Speakers!

Christy Hiler - Moderator


Moderator Christy Hiler is the President & Owner of Cornett, an independent, full-service advertising agency proudly based in Lexington, KY, with clients such as Busch Light and Legoland.


Christy stressed the importance of empathy and understanding in communication – “Start with the heart, especially during hard conversations.”

Suzet McKinney


Suzet McKinney is the Principal & Director of Life Sciences at Sterling Bay, a Chicago real estate firm that develops award-winning urban headquarters for some of the world’s largest companies, including McDonald’s, Dyson, and BCG.


Suzet highlighted the influence of young professionals in shaping new workplace norms – “Young people have the power to ask for what they want.”

Desiree Vargas Wrigley


Desiree Vargas Wrigley is the Chief Innovation Officer & Executive Director of TechRise by P33 Chicago, a multi-stakeholder initiative to support historically underrepresented tech founders from Chicago. She is also the Serial Founder of GiveForward, Pearachute, & The Josephine Collective.


Desiree left us with a great statement on the critical importance of in-person connection – “Opportunities are built on relationships.”

Caralynn Nowinski Collens


Caralynn Nowinski Collens is the Co-Founder & CEO of Dimension Inx, a Chicago Biotechnology Research firm that designs and develops therapeutic products to restore tissue and organ function.


Caralynn emphasized the importance of creating healthy environments that fulfill employee needs – “It’s all about culture-building.”

RECENT ARTICLES

Female Strong expands the leadership team to scale long-term impact for girls.

June 2, 2026
Female Strong announces the appointment of nonprofit leader Mimi LeClair as Interim CEO, strengthening the organization's leadership capacity as it expands programs, partnerships, and impact for girls and young women.

2026 YEA! Investor Panel Recap

April 3, 2026
Congratulations to the YEA! Chicago Class of 2026!

Rituals for Resilience: A Night with Erin Coupe & Female Strong

February 12, 2026
On February 11, Female Strong welcomed 60 inspiring women from across Chicago for a special Galentine’s Day evening of connection, conversation, and community in support of our mission to build confidence in the next generation of female leaders. Hosted at the Allsteel Showroom, the event featured Erin Coupe, former Fortune 150 executive and author of I Can Fit That In: How Rituals, Not Routines, Transform Your Life . In a thoughtful conversation moderated by Female Strong founder Emily Smith, Erin shared insights on shifting away from rigid routines and toward meaningful rituals that strengthen resilience, protect energy, and create clarity. As we move into a new year, the discussion offered practical strategies for intentional living and leadership rooted in self-awareness. Attendees reflected on how small, purposeful rituals can help navigate growth, transition, and the full demands of modern life. The evening was made possible by the generous support of Allsteel . Thank you to Erin Coupe for sharing her perspective with our community, and to Sugar Bliss , Grazing Table , and Salud Bartending for adding festive touches to the night. Missed it? Order your copy of I Can Fit That In here .