C-Sweet upcoming events

C-Sweet Denver: Inside the Pages | Lives Lost and Leadership Found, Lessons from Special Somebodies (23 Sep 2026)

Wed, 23 Sep 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Denver Chapter Event

Inside the Pages | Lives Lost and Leadership Found, Lessons from Special Somebodies

Wednesday, September 23rd

05:00 - 06:15 PM MDT / 07:00 - 08:15 PM EDT

How has a special somebody shaped the leader you've become?

That question sits at the heart of the book, Lives Lost and Leadership Found: Lessons from Special Somebodies.

This 75-minute panel discussion explores how the people we've lost or learned from continue to influence the way we live and lead. Whether your special somebody was a mentor, family member, friend, or colleague, their impact becomes a source of inspiration and guidance.

Moderated by Steve Fitzgerald, you'll hear from lead author Ian Ziskin as well as essay contributors Liz Andora and Sophia Kristjansson who discuss how loss shaped how they lead in both business and life. It's an honest, heartfelt look at the connection between loss, learning, and the leaders we become.

If you're interested in leadership, personal growth, or the power of storytelling, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

Early Registration Bonus: The first 25 registrants will receive a complimentary copy of Lives Lost and Leadership Found: Lessons from Special Somebodies—a thoughtful collection of leadership lessons and insights to continue the conversation beyond the event.

Complimentary for C-Sweet members. Non-member ticket - $25.

Meet the Panelists

Ian Ziskin

President of EXec EXcel Group LLC and Author of Lives Lost and Leadership Found: Lessons from Special Somebodies

Ian Ziskin has 40+ years of experience as a business leader, board advisor and member, coach, consultant, CHRO, entrepreneur, teacher, speaker, and author. His clients and corporate work span more than 25 industries and include Fortune 1000, entrepreneurial, publicly traded, and privately held businesses. Ian is recognized as a trusted advisor to CEOs, C-level executives, operating and HR leaders, and board members.

He is Co-Founder of the Consortium for Change and the CHREATE Project and an Adjunct Professor in the Binghamton University School of Management MBA program. His global business leadership experience includes 28 years in CHRO and other senior leadership roles with Northrop Grumman, Qwest Communications, and TRW.

Ian has served on numerous Boards of Directors and Advisory Boards and has held Executive in Residence appointments at Binghamton University, Cornell University, and USC. His current pro bono work includes teaching and coaching CHROs at the National Academy of Human Resources and leading the HR HeRoes Academy.

Ian has written or co-edited four books, is a contributing author to several leadership publications, has written dozens of articles, blogs, and book chapters, and is a frequent podcast guest.

Liz Andora

Chief People Officer, DHI Group

Liz Andora is Chief People Officer at DHI Group, Inc. and Founder & Principal of Andora Consulting Solutions LLC. A seasoned human capital executive, she brings extensive leadership experience across private equity, venture-backed, and public companies, helping organizations build people strategies that accelerate growth, innovation, and long-term business success.

Throughout her career, Liz has partnered with startups, midsize organizations, and Fortune 500 companies across the technology, software, consumer products, and financial services sectors. She specializes in designing high-impact talent strategies, strengthening leadership capabilities, and aligning organizational priorities with business objectives. Her expertise spans IPO readiness and execution, mergers and acquisitions, executive succession, talent management, total rewards, and organizational transformation.

Known as a trusted strategic advisor and executive coach, Liz works closely with senior leaders to navigate growth, scale teams, and cultivate high-performing cultures. She is passionate about empowering leaders to lead authentically, elevate their effectiveness, and create meaningful impact within their organizations.

Anna-Sophia Kristjansson

CEO & Founder, Lexicon Lens | Business Strategist

Anna-Sophia Kristjansson is a business strategist and founder of Lexicon Lens, with 25 years of experience guiding organizations in connecting strategy to execution. She advises executive teams on aligning business goals with practical action, driving planning, collaboration, and long-term performance. With expertise spanning neuroscience, business strategy, organizational development, and cross-functional leadership, Anna-Sophia brings clarity and grounded insight to complex challenges. She teaches graduate-level courses in strategic leadership and organizational transformation at the University of Denver, connecting academic insight with real-world application.

Meet the Moderator

Steve Fitzgerald

Chief Executive Officer, Firestorm Group Ltd

Steve Fitzgerald is the Chief Executive Officer of FireStorm Group Ltd., an eclectic collection of enterprises spanning human capital consulting, art, and real estate. He coaches C-suite executives (with a special program for Chief Human Resources Officers who are new to their roles) and consults on talent management, with a focus on developing critical talent, executive succession, creativity, culture and change, M&A integration, and human capital strategy. He thrives on solving complex people challenges.

Steve's executive career spans more than 30 years, during which he held the top HR and talent leadership positions at organizations including Bridgewater Associates, Visteon, Vail Resorts, and Fairlane Credit. He also held executive roles at Silicon Valley companies such as Sun Microsystems and Avaya, spending more than a dozen years of his career in the technology sector.

Steve credits his early years at Ford Motor Company, after graduating from Michigan State University, as foundational in shaping his approach to the systematic development of talent within a century-old enterprise.

***Check your calendars and join us! All event fees are non-refundable.***

New to C-Sweet?

Are you a female executive at the Board, C-Suite, Director, or Vice President level in a Fortune 1000, middle market, or fast-growth company? C-Sweet is perfect for you.

C-Sweet is a dynamic global community of female executives dedicated to working with each other, as well as uplifting and empowering women in the workplace. Our mission is to create an environment fostering innovation, collaboration, and professional development for women in leadership positions.

Join us today and be part of a powerful movement redefining what it means to be a woman in business.

✨C-Sweet Members get free and discounted attendance for many C-Sweet events! ✨

Not a member yet? No problem! Click here to become a member TODAY.

Want to stay connected?

Join our LinkedIn Community and follow our podcast on Instagram.

C-Sweet Chicago Executive Networking Happy Hour (24 Sep 2026)

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 22:00:00 GMT

C-Sweet Chicago Chapter Networking Event

Happy Hour

Thursday, September 24th

05:00 – 07:00 PM CT

POPS for Champagne

601 N State St., Chicago, IL 60654

Join us for an engaging evening of connection and conversation at the C-Sweet Chicago Chapter Networking Happy Hour at POPS for Champagne in the heart of Chicago.

This gathering brings together executive women and business leaders for an evening designed to strengthen relationships, expand networks, and create meaningful connections within the Chicago C-Sweet community.

What to Expect:

Connect with Chicago Leaders: Meet accomplished women executives and professionals from across industries.
Expand Your Network: Build authentic relationships and discover new opportunities for collaboration.
Strengthen Our Community: Reconnect with familiar faces while welcoming new connections into the C-Sweet network.
Bring a Friend: Invite a colleague or fellow executive who would benefit from being part of this dynamic community.

Come raise a glass, make new connections, and enjoy an evening with an exceptional community of women leaders.

This is a non-hosted gathering.

Guests are responsible for their own food and beverages, available for purchase at the venue.

***Check your calendars and join us! All event fees are non-refundable.***

New to C-Sweet?

Are you a female executive at the Board, C-Suite, Director, or Vice President level in a Fortune 1000, middle market, or fast-growth company? C-Sweet is perfect for you.

Join us today and be part of a powerful movement redefining what it means to be a woman in business.

✨C-Sweet Members get free and discounted attendance for many C-Sweet events! ✨

Not a member yet? No problem! Click here to become a member TODAY.

Want to stay connected?

Join our LinkedIn Community and follow our podcast on Instagram.

September Women in Transition with Van Lai-DuMone (25 Sep 2026)

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 15:30:00 GMT

Women in Transition

We meet for 60 minutes once per month.

Friday, September 25th

08:30 am PT/ 11:30 am ET

Are you navigating the waves of change in your career path?

Join us for this month's exclusive workshop, tailor-made for women executives like you, who are in the midst of a career transition. Whether you're aiming for a coveted board seat, exploring avenues between jobs, or seeking to reposition post-retirement, we've got you covered!

This isn't just another program; it's a lifeline for career rejuvenation.

Join a vibrant community of female leaders who are in the same boat. Together, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of networking, skill enhancement, job hunting, and mastering the art of salary negotiation.

Bring your resume, your aspirations, and your challenges. We are here to turn them into stepping stones for your next big leap.

This month's workshop is

Following Your Curiosity to New Possibilities

Transitioning from one chapter of life to the next can feel daunting, even for the most disciplined and accomplished individuals. In this interactive workshop, that Van Lai-DuMone brings to the Navy SEAL vetreran community - she guides participants through a practical framework for following their curiosity to uncover new opportunities, pathways, and possibilities.

Using creative thinking participants explore the question: “What’s next?”, with the empowering reminder that while past experiences inform your next steps, they do not dictate them!

Complimentary for C-Sweet members. Non-member tickets - $25.

Meet the Facilitator

Van Lai-DuMone

Founder & CEO, Worksmart Advantage

Van Lai-DuMone is an interactive keynote speaker, author, and creative leadership expert known for helping organizations unlock innovation through curiosity and creativity. She is the Founder and CEO of worksmart Advantage, a progressive leadership development and team training company that transforms traditional learning into engaging, experiential programs.

With a focus on solving challenges such as low employee engagement, leadership impact, and lack of innovation, Van equips organizations with practical tools to build stronger, more connected teams. Her work emphasizes embedding creativity into everyday business practices to drive retention, collaboration, and long-term performance.

A speaker at global platforms including SXSW and TEDx, Van is also the author of What If Pigs Can Fly? and a certified LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Methods Trainer. Through her interactive keynotes and hands-on programs, she empowers leaders to think differently, lead with curiosity, and create cultures where people and ideas thrive.

***Check your calendars and join us! All event fees are non-refundable.***

New to C-Sweet?

Are you a female executive at the Board, C-Suite, Director, or Vice President level in a Fortune 1000, middle market, or fast-growth company? C-Sweet is perfect for you.

Join us today and be part of a powerful movement redefining what it means to be a woman in business.

✨ C-Sweet Members get FREE admission to the Business Roundtable series (+much more!) ✨

Not a member yet? No problem! Click here to become a member TODAY.

Want to stay connected?

Join our LinkedIn Community and follow our podcast on Instagram.

Business Roundtable | Stability Before Scale: The Missing Link in Execution (1 Oct 2026)

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 14:30:00 GMT

C-Sweet Business Roundtable
We meet for 90 minutes once per month.

Thursday, October 1st

7:30 am PT / 10:30 am ET

Session Format:

7:30 am Welcome & general catch up

7:45 am: Icebreaker and introductions

8:00 am Member presentation begins

8:45 am Needs, Deals and Wants

Program wraps by 9 am sharp!

Stability Before Scale: The Missing Link in Execution

Every Company Thinks They’re Fine - Until Growth Exposes What’s Broken (and the Warning Signs You’ve Learned to Ignore)

As organizations grow and evolve, execution often becomes more complex, requiring more effort, more coordination, and more oversight. While this is frequently attributed to execution challenges, the underlying cause is often structural misalignment between how the business operates and what it needs to support at its current stage.

In this session, Erica Hansen shares insights from working inside high-growth, turnaround, and complex organizations, where increasing friction is often the first signal that something deeper is out of alignment. Attendees will explore how patterns emerge across accounting, operations, and decision-making, and how seemingly isolated issues compound over time into broader organizational strain.

This discussion will focus on how to recognize early signals, distinguish between temporary fixes and systemic issues, and develop a clearer lens for identifying when structure is no longer aligned with reality.

Key Learning Objectives

Recognize how operational and financial friction develops over time, even in healthy, high-performing organizations.
Understand the relationship between execution challenges and underlying structural misalignment.
Identify common patterns and signals that indicate increasing complexity, reliance on workarounds, and reduced system reliability.
Distinguish between temporary solutions (bridging) and long-term inefficiencies that require structural correction.
Explore how accounting and financial data can be used as an early indicator of broader operational issues.
Develop a practical lens for assessing when increasing effort is a symptom of deeper organizational misalignment.

Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of why work often becomes more difficult as organizations grow, how to interpret the signals that precede larger issues, and how to evaluate whether current challenges are execution-related or structural in nature.

This event is open to ALL!

Complimentary for C-Sweet members. Non-member tickets - $25.

Meet the Speaker

Erica Hansen

CEO/Founder - Operations & Accounting Expert Consultant, The Wisdom Collective LLC companies

Erica Hansen is a business transformation expert and company strategist specializing in accounting, finance, and operational realignment for organizations navigating growth, complexity, and change. She has held executive leadership role and has led transformations across public and private companies ranging from high-growth environments to large, complex organizations, including turnarounds and startups.

Her work focuses on identifying structural and operational misalignment that impacts execution, using accounting and financial data as a starting point to uncover underlying patterns behind operational strain. Known for her practical, inside-the-organization approach, Erica helps leadership teams move beyond surface-level fixes to address root causes and build stability that supports scalable performance.

***Check your calendars and join us! All event fees are non-refundable.***

New to C-Sweet?

Are you a female executive at the Board, C-Suite, Director, or Vice President level in a Fortune 1000, middle market, or fast-growth company? C-Sweet is perfect for you.

Join us today and be part of a powerful movement redefining what it means to be a woman in business.

✨ C-Sweet Members get FREE admission to the Business Roundtable series (+much more!) ✨

Not a member yet? No problem! Click here to become a member TODAY.

Want to stay connected?

Join our LinkedIn Community and follow our podcast on Instagram.

Dr. Bonnie Wims | BEYOND THE HUSTLE: The Psychology of Wellness, Resilience, and Redefining Success (14 Oct 2026)

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Jump Forward Forum

We meet for 60 minutes once per month.

Wednesday, October 14th

12:00pm PT / 3:00 pm ET

BEYOND THE HUSTLE

The Psychology of Wellness, Resilience, and Redefining Success

Success is often measured by what we achieve—but rarely by how we feel while achieving it.

In this engaging and interactive workshop, Counseling Psychologist Dr. Bonnie Wims explores the hidden psychological costs of high achievement, the impact of chronic stress on women’s well-being, and why resilience is about more than simply pushing through. Through evidence-based insights, guided workbook exercises, and meaningful discussion, participants will learn how to redefine success in ways that support both professional growth and personal wellness.

Attendees will leave with practical strategies for reducing stress, strengthening resilience, protecting their energy, and creating a more sustainable version of success.

This event is open to ALL!

C-Sweet Members Free. Non-Members - $25.

Meet the Speaker

Dr. Bonnie Wims

Counseling Psychologist, Founder & CEO, Wims and Associates

Dr. Bonnie Wims was professionally trained as a Counseling Psychologist in London, England. While abroad, she founded her private practice, Wims & Associates, and began working with individuals and couples. It was at this point that she clarified her mission to work with individuals who held limited belief in themselves and their potential to live a fulfilled life. In addition to working with clients one-on-one, Dr. Wims has designed workshops and courses on identity and self. Now based in NYC, she continues online work with clients from around the world.

***Check your calendars and join us! All event fees are non-refundable.***

New to C-Sweet?

Are you a female executive at the Board, C-Suite, Director, or Vice President level in a Fortune 1000, middle market, or fast-growth company? C-Sweet is perfect for you.

Join us today and be part of a powerful movement redefining what it means to be a woman in business.

✨ C-Sweet Members get FREE admission to the Business Roundtable series (+much more!) ✨

Not a member yet? No problem! Click here to become a member TODAY.

Want to stay connected?

Join our LinkedIn Community and follow our podcast on Instagram.

C-Sweet Community Networking Pop-Up (15 Oct 2026)

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 00:30:00 GMT

C-Sweet Community Networking Pop-Up

Thursday, October 15th

05:30 - 07:30 PM PT

THE HUB

A unique and enchanting co-working / co-living space

owned by a C-Sweet Member

Sawtelle Area

405 / Santa Monica Blvd interchange

1431 S Westgate Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90025, USA

Join C-Sweet for a relaxed evening of meaningful connections, engaging conversation, and a little Summit spirit.

Connect with fellow executives from the Los Angeles and Orange County communities over appetizers and drinks while helping us assemble swag bags for the upcoming C-Sweet Summit. Whether you are reconnecting with familiar faces or expanding your executive network, this casual pop-up is the perfect opportunity to strengthen relationships and enjoy the company of accomplished women leaders.

Guests are invited to bring a bottle of wine or another favorite beverage to share.

Come for the connections, stay for the camaraderie, and help us add the finishing touches to an unforgettable Summit experience.

A special thank you to our host, Terrisa Duenas, for her generous support!

Visit The Hub Co-Living for more information.

The exact address will be sent in the registration confirmation email.

C-Sweet member and Non-member tickets - $25.

***Check your calendars and join us! All event fees are non-refundable.***

New to C-Sweet?

Are you an executive at the Board, C-Suite, Director, or Vice President level in a Fortune 1000, middle market, or fast-growth company? C-Sweet is perfect for you.

Join us today and be part of a powerful movement redefining what it means to be a woman in business.

✨C-Sweet Members get free and discounted attendance for many C-Sweet events! ✨

Not a member yet? No problem! Click here to become a member TODAY.

Want to stay connected?

Join our LinkedIn Community and follow our podcast on Instagram.

Executive Edge: The CEO Insight Series (21 Oct 2026)

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Executive Edge:

The CEO Insight Series

Wednesday, October 21st

12:00 pm PT / 3:00 pm ET

The Perimenopause Blind Spot: Capacity, Performance, and Women at Work

Presented by Dr. Jennifer Kacmar, OB/GYN, and Rose Planer, Mental Health Therapist & FemTech Founder

Perimenopause often begins during the very years when women are reaching the height of their careers, taking on greater leadership responsibilities, managing complex demands, and contributing at their highest levels. Yet the cognitive, emotional, and physical changes that can accompany this transition remain largely absent from conversations about workplace performance and employee support.

This presentation examines perimenopause through both a medical and behavioral health lens, with a particular focus on functional capacity in the workplace. Dr. Jennifer Kacmar and Rose Planer will explore how changes in sleep, cognition, mood, stress tolerance, energy, and executive functioning can influence how women experience and navigate the workday, even when their underlying capability, expertise, and ambition remain unchanged.

The session introduces an important distinction between capability and capacity: a woman's skills and professional value have not suddenly diminished, but her available capacity may fluctuate as her biology changes. Understanding that distinction can change how women interpret their own experiences and how organizations support and retain experienced female talent.

Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of perimenopause, its potential impact on emotional health and workplace functioning, and practical ways women and organizations can recognize and respond to these changes.

The goal is not to frame perimenopause as a deficit. It is to bring an overlooked biological transition into the workplace conversation and give women better tools to understand what is happening, adapt, and continue to lead, contribute, and thrive.

Complimentary for C-Sweet members. Non-member tickets - $25.

Meet the Speakers

Rose Planer

Mental Health Therapist & FemTech Founder, Brea

Rose Planer is the Co-Founder of The Recalibrate Program and Brea, where she is helping build a new model for supporting women at work and advancing an innovative category called Capacity Intelligence.

A mental health therapist, Rose works at the intersection of women’s health, mental health, leadership, and workplace performance, with a particular focus on perimenopause and its often-overlooked impact on women’s capacity, confidence, and ability to remain fully engaged at work.

Through her clinical work, Rose has seen firsthand how highly capable and ambitious women can struggle with exhaustion, anxiety, brain fog, disrupted sleep, emotional overload, and fluctuating capacity during this transition, often at a pivotal point in their careers. Her work challenges the assumption that women should simply push through these changes and instead advocates for systems and workplaces that better recognize and support women’s evolving capacity.

Rose co-founded Brea, an AI-powered performance and capacity companion designed to help women understand their capacity in real time, navigate work and life with greater clarity, and access personalized, practical support. Developed through the combined perspectives of a therapist, an OB-GYN, and a leadership expert, Brea brings together women’s health, mental health, and workplace performance in one personalized experience.

Through The Recalibrate Program and Brea, Rose is focused on creating scalable solutions that support women while addressing broader organizational priorities including retention, leadership continuity, and sustainable performance. Her work is grounded in a simple principle: women’s capability does not disappear when their capacity changes, and the systems around them should be designed to recognize the difference.

Dr. Jennifer Kacmar

OB/GYN, Co-Founder, Brea

Jennifer Kacmar, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN, women’s health advocate, consultant, and executive coach with more than 25 years of experience across academic medicine, clinical practice, public health, and organizational leadership. Throughout her career, she has taught, published, mentored emerging leaders, developed programs, and held senior roles within medical and volunteer organizations.

Dr. Kacmar is the co-founder of The Recalibrate Program, an initiative designed to support high-performing women navigating perimenopause and menopause. Integrating physiology, psychology, and leadership, the program provides personalized support for women and scalable solutions for organizations. She also provides executive coaching through Edit & Evolve, helping professionals strengthen communication, collaboration, and leadership performance.

Passionate about transforming awareness into meaningful action, Dr. Kacmar equips women with practical, science-based strategies to sustain their clarity, confidence, and effectiveness during pivotal stages of their careers.

***Check your calendars and join us! All event fees are non-refundable.***

New to C-Sweet?

Are you a female executive at the Board, C-Suite, Director, or Vice President level in a Fortune 1000, middle market, or fast-growth company? C-Sweet is perfect for you.

Join us today and be part of a powerful movement redefining what it means to be a woman in business.

C-Sweet Members get free and discounted attendance for many C-Sweet events!

Not a member yet? No problem! Click here to become a member TODAY.

Want to stay connected?

Join our LinkedIn Community and follow our podcast on Instagram.

Bar & Billiards Night at The Hall with C-Sweet San Francisco Chapter (21 Oct 2026)

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 00:30:00 GMT

San Francisco Chapter

✨Bar & Billiards Night at The Hall – Let’s Play, Laugh, and Connect!✨

Wednesday, October 21st

5:30 PM to 7:30 PM

The Hall SF Bar & Billiards

2565 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94110

Clear your calendar and chalk your cue—C-Sweet San Francisco is taking over The Hall SF Bar & Billiards for an evening of friendly competition, new skills, and effortless connection.

Join us for a night that blends billiards lessons, big laughs, and the kind of camaraderie that only happens when powerhouse women get together.

Whether you’re a pool shark in heels or someone who still aims by closing one eye, this event is all about fun, community, and discovering what makes C-Sweet.org such a vibrant home for executive women.

What’s in the Mix

Light‑hearted billiards instruction (no pressure, all fun)
A stylish venue perfect for mingling and unwinding
A chance to connect with the CSweet San Francisco community and explore membership

Grab your spot, bring your best game face (or your best laugh), and sign up today—your future bragging rights are waiting on the table.

C-Sweet member and Non-member ticket - $39.

***Check your calendars and join us! All event fees are non-refundable.***

New to C-Sweet?

Are you a female executive at the Board, C-Suite, Director, or Vice President level in a Fortune 1000, middle market, or fast-growth company? C-Sweet is perfect for you.

Join us today and be part of a powerful movement redefining what it means to be a woman in business.

✨C-Sweet Members get free and discounted attendance for many C-Sweet events! ✨

Not a member yet? No problem! Click here to become a member TODAY.

Want to stay connected?

Join our LinkedIn Community and follow our podcast on Instagram.

October Women on Boards | Earning the Invitation, Not Chasing the Seat (22 Oct 2026)

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Are you interested in a For-Profit, Non-Profit or Advisory board position?

Or, are you currently on a Board and willing to share insights?

Join C-Sweet for the Women on Boards Roundtable, our on-going national initiative to discover how to land a board position. We discuss what is required when you serve on a corporate board. What are the challenges? What are the perks?

How can you land one of these highly coveted positions?

Women on Boards Roundtable

Thursday, October 22nd

12:00 pm PT / 3:00 pm ET

Earning the Invitation, Not Chasing the Seat

The goal isn’t to chase the seat. It’s to build the reputation, relationships and judgment that earn the invitation.

What does it take to earn a board seat—and, once there, make a meaningful contribution?

Our October Women on Boards conversation, led by Kim Clark Pakstys, an experienced Board Director, Operating Executive, Investor, Entrepreneur, and Educator, explores how women can leverage experience, reputation and relationships to create board opportunities—and rethink how they lead once they get into the boardroom.

The transition from executive to director requires a fundamental shift. Great directors don’t stop being experts. They learn when to use their expertise and when the better contribution is a question, a different perspective, or the wisdom to help management find its own answer. It is all about moving from:

Expert → Curious | Doer → Overseer | Manager → Guide

Complimentary for C-Sweet members. Non-member tickets - $25.

Meet the Speaker

Kim Clark Pakstys

Board Director, Operating Executive, Investor, Entrepreneur, and Educator

Kim Clark Pakstys is an experienced Board Director, Operating Executive, Investor, Entrepreneur and Educator, working in critical infrastructure, transportation, energy, aerospace, defense, and technology sectors. She works at the intersection of strategy and execution translating strategic intent into operating models, leadership structures, capital allocation, technology enablement, and workforce capabilities that drive measurable performance during times of significant, structural change.. Her board service spans public trust, private company, non-profit and university boards with experience in CEO succession, governance, M&A, enterprise risk, cybersecurity, audit, finance, and development. She has a longstanding commitment to advancing women on boards through NACD, WOB 50/50, and Women in Technology’s Leadership Foundry.

***Check your calendars and join us! All event fees are non-refundable.***

New to C-Sweet?

Are you a female executive at the Board, C-Suite, Director, or Vice President level in a Fortune 1000, middle market, or fast-growth company? C-Sweet is perfect for you.

Join us today and be part of a powerful movement redefining what it means to be a woman in business.

C-Sweet Members get free and discounted attendance for many C-Sweet events!

Not a member yet? No problem! Click here to become a member TODAY.

Want to stay connected?

Join our LinkedIn Community and follow our podcast on Instagram.

C-Sweet Chicago Chapter Networking Event | Executive Inclusion (22 Oct 2026)

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 21:30:00 GMT

C-Sweet Chicago Chapter Networking Event

Executive Inclusion: From Intention to Impact

Thursday, October 22nd

04:30 – 06:30 PM CT

Nuveen Chicago

333 W Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606

Executive inclusion involves intentionally building diverse leadership teams and fostering an inclusive culture to drive innovation, better decision-making, and financial performance. It requires leaders to move beyond compliance to active, VISIBLE commitment, such as adjusting recruitment strategies, mitigating unconscious bias, and modeling inclusive behaviors.

Key Aspects of Executive Inclusion

Strategic Advantage: Diverse leadership teams improve innovation and financial performance, with studies showing companies with diverse executives often outperform competitors.
Actionable Behaviors: Leaders should adopt inclusive practices like rotating meeting times, structuring communications, and using "getting to know me" manuals to understand team preferences.
Intentional Recruitment: Overcoming bias in hiring is essential, requiring tailored recruitment strategies and diverse candidate networks to build representative senior teams.
Accountability: Executives must hold themselves and others accountable for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) goals, treating them as core business objectives.
Key Principles: Effective, inclusive leaders display character, connection, cognition, capability, compassion, courage, and commitment.

Complimentary for members. Non‑member tickets – $49.

Meet the Panelist

Tara Giuliano

Chief Marketing Officer at Nuveen, a TIAA company

Tara Giuliano is the Chief Marketing Officer of Nuveen and a member of the Executive Management Team. She plays a central role in delivering the firm's collective investment capabilities to clients around the world. Tara leads a global marketing and communication organization responsible for developing and executing Nuveen's go-to-market strategy - focused on acquiring, retaining, and expanding client relationships while addressing complex investor needs. Her team is recognized for producing compelling investment stories that differentiate Nuveen in a competitive marketplace. Tara spearheaded Nuveen's 2025 enterprise brand refresh, anchored by the new tagline "invest like the future is watching." The campaign elevated Nuveen's brand by sharpening its purpose-driven narrative and reinforcing the firm's commitment to reliability, access and foresight.

Before joining Nuveen in 2018, Tara held senior roles at UBS Asset Management as institutional global head of marketing and head of marketing for the Americas. She also served as director of asset management marketing at Morningstar and held marketing leadership roles at Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty and Nationwide. In addition to her marketing leadership, Tara is a mental-health champion, advocating for greater awareness of how financial stability and long-term wellbeing intersect with mental health. She has spoken publicly about the impact of personal family loss, using her experience to help reduce stigma and encourage employees and clients to seek support when facing financial or emotional strain

More Panelists to Be Announced

Meet the Moderator

Veronica Ramirez, MBA

AVP Global Investment Operations at Nuveen, a TIAA company

Veronica Ramirez, MBA is Assistant Vice President of Global Investment Operations at Nuveen, where she brings more than 17 years of experience in investment operations and financial services.

Throughout her career, Veronica has focused on operational excellence across investment accounting, reconciliation, and client service. Her experience includes leading teams responsible for supporting accuracy and efficiency across diverse investment strategies, as well as contributing to significant account launches, system conversions, and outsourcing initiatives.

Thank you to our Sponsors

***Check your calendars and join us! All event fees are non-refundable.***

New to C-Sweet?

Are you a female executive at the Board, C-Suite, Director, or Vice President level in a Fortune 1000, middle market, or fast-growth company? C-Sweet is perfect for you.

Join us today and be part of a powerful movement redefining what it means to be a woman in business.

✨C-Sweet Members get free and discounted attendance for many C-Sweet events! ✨

Not a member yet? No problem! Click here to become a member TODAY.

Want to stay connected?

Join our LinkedIn Community and follow our podcast on Instagram.

SNV/Las Vegas Chapter Event | The Next Chapter Strategy: Navigating What’s Next (28 Oct 2026)

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 00:30:00 GMT

Save the Date! SNV/Las Vegas Chapter Event!

The Next Chapter Strategy: Navigating What’s Next

Wednesday, October 28th

The Nest at SafeNest

3844 Meadows Lane, Las Vegas, NV 89107

What does your next chapter look like—and how do you approach it with intention?

Join the C-Sweet Las Vegas Chapter for a timely conversation on navigating what comes next in your professional journey. From career pivots and portfolio careers to board service and reinvention, this discussion will explore the possibilities that can emerge as experienced leaders consider their next move.

Speaker announcement and additional event details coming soon.

Complimentary for C-Sweet members. Non-member ticket - $49.

***Check your calendars carefully! All event fees are non-refundable.***

New to C-Sweet?

Are you a female executive at the Board, C-Suite, Director, or Vice President level in a Fortune 1000, middle market, or fast-growth company? C-Sweet is perfect for you.

Join us today and be part of a powerful movement redefining what it means to be a woman in business.

✨C-Sweet Members get free and discounted attendance for many C-Sweet events! ✨

Not a member yet? No problem! Click here to become a member TODAY.

Want to stay connected?

Join our LinkedIn Community and follow our podcast on Instagram.

October Women in Transition with Eva Balint (30 Oct 2026)

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 15:30:00 GMT

Women in Transition

We meet for 60 minutes once per month.

Friday, October 30th

08:30 am PT/ 11:30 am ET

Are you navigating the waves of change in your career path?

This isn't just another program; it's a lifeline for career rejuvenation.

Bring your resume, your aspirations, and your challenges. We are here to turn them into stepping stones for your next big leap.

This month's workshop is

Overcome Barriers and Achieve What’s Next

Are you thinking of your next move: a promotion, a new career, a new business, or a new direction in retirement?

Are you acting on your aspirations?

What gets in the way?

What keeps you stuck in your old life?

In this interactive workshop, we will explore barriers, fears, and old narratives that keep you from pursuing your new direction. Dr Eva Balint, executive leadership coach, advisor, and former physician executive, will guide you through practical steps to get you back on track towards the future you desire.

Complimentary for C-Sweet members. Non-member tickets - $25.

Meet the Facilitator

Eva Balint, MD, MS

Executive Leadership Coach, C-Sweet | Founder and CEO, Eva Balint Leadership

Eva Balint, MD, is an executive leadership coach for accomplished leaders navigating growth, transition, and complex systems. Drawing on lived experience across medicine, the C-suite, large organizations, startups, and entrepreneurship, she helps clients identify the real barriers in their way, strengthen the leadership skills their next chapter requires, and create a practical path forward.

***Check your calendars and join us! All event fees are non-refundable.***

New to C-Sweet?

Are you a female executive at the Board, C-Suite, Director, or Vice President level in a Fortune 1000, middle market, or fast-growth company? C-Sweet is perfect for you.

Join us today and be part of a powerful movement redefining what it means to be a woman in business.

✨ C-Sweet Members get FREE admission to the Business Roundtable series (+much more!) ✨

Not a member yet? No problem! Click here to become a member TODAY.

Want to stay connected?

Join our LinkedIn Community and follow our podcast on Instagram.

C-Sweet San Francisco Chapter Event | Women on Board: Take Your Seat. Shape the Future. (4 Nov 2026)

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 02:00:00 GMT

C-Sweet San Francisco Chapter

Women on Board

"Take Your Seat. Shape the Future."

Wednesday, November 4th

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm PT

Miro Tower – Sky Deck

181 E Santa Clara Street, San Jose, CA 95113

Strong boards don't happen by chance—they're built through diverse perspectives, strategic leadership, and a commitment to effective governance. This engaging panel explores how more women can earn seats at the board table and help shape the future of organizations across every sector.

Hear from experienced directors as they discuss what boards are looking for today, how to become board-ready, and the leadership skills needed to navigate today's most pressing governance challenges while creating lasting organizational impact.

Complimentary for C-Sweet members. Non-member ticket - $49.

Meet the Panelists

Carol Eastman

CEO at ReadyAI.dev

Carol Eastman is a visionary CEO, entrepreneur, and technology leader with a strong track record of helping organizations navigate transformation with confidence. As CEO of ReadyAI.dev, she is leading the mission to make internal AI adoption secure, compliant, and approachable for enterprises. Throughout her career, Carol has built and successfully exited two technology companies to a Global System Integrator, led global partnerships, and helped executive teams turn innovation into meaningful business results.

Carol has also served as a board member of Karma Tequila for more than a decade and is active in the aviation community, where she supports and encourages women to pursue their passion for flying. As a private pilot, Carol brings the focus, confidence, and calm decision-making of aviation into the way she leads and inspires others.

Julie Goshorn

CEO, Founder at Beacon Advisory Group

Julie Goshorn is an accomplished legal and regulatory leader with two decades of experience navigating complex issues at the intersection of technology, competition, platform governance, and regulatory enforcement. Her career spans leadership roles across both government and the private sector, including the U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Trade Commission, and Visa Inc.

Most recently, Julie served as Senior Managing Counsel at Visa, where she led global litigation and competition strategy in a highly regulated environment. Earlier in her career, she investigated platform dominance and contributed to the development of technology enforcement policy at the DOJ and FTC.

Known for bringing clarity and sound judgment to novel, high-stakes matters, Julie translates complex regulatory risk into practical guidance for business and legal leaders. As CEO and Founder of Beacon Advisory Group, she brings a perspective shaped by experience on both sides of the regulatory table, with a focus on responsible growth, thoughtful risk-taking, and connecting legal strategy to meaningful business impact.

Dr. Anita Polite-Wilson

Founder & CEO at Dr. Anita Enterprises, Inc. | Board Director

Anita Polite-Wilson, Ph.D., affectionately known as Dr. Anita, is a C-Suite trusted advisor, board director, executive coach, workshop facilitator, organizational development consultant, international speaker, author, and host of the Keeping It Real with Dr. Anita podcast.

With more than 20 years of experience, Dr. Anita helps leaders and organizations navigate complexity and change, particularly around diversity, inclusion, belonging, and organizational culture. As a scholar-practitioner, her expertise spans adult learning theory, change management, organizational leadership, workforce psychological safety, and sustainable culture transformation across corporate, government, and nonprofit organizations.

Dr. Anita holds a B.S. in Management from Pepperdine University, an M.A. in Organizational Leadership from Biola University, and both an M.A. and Ph.D. in Human and Organizational Systems from Fielding Graduate University.

Meet the Moderator

Kim Kaselionis

former Bank CEO, Board Chair at Circle Bank

Kim Kaselionis is a seasoned financial services executive with more than 20 years of leadership experience spanning strategic planning, business development, profitability and expense analysis, sales and marketing, risk management, regulatory relations and compliance, talent recruitment, and public and media relations.

A former Bank CEO and Board Chair of Circle Bank, Kim brings extensive executive and governance experience to helping organizations navigate growth, transformation, and complex financial environments. Her expertise also includes mergers and acquisitions, policy and procedure development, and building high-performing teams grounded in collaboration, excellence, and integrity.

As Chief Operating Officer at O'Donnell Financial Group, Kim oversees the firm’s daily operations and growth while helping advance its mission of creating customized retirement strategies based on each client’s vision, goals, and needs. She leverages her experience in strategic planning, business development, and operational leadership to deliver meaningful outcomes for clients, partners, and stakeholders.

***Check your calendars and join us! All event fees are non-refundable.***

New to C-Sweet?

Are you a female executive at the Board, C-Suite, Director, or Vice President level in a Fortune 1000, middle market, or fast-growth company? C-Sweet is perfect for you.

Join us today and be part of a powerful movement redefining what it means to be a woman in business.

✨C-Sweet Members get free and discounted attendance for many C-Sweet events! ✨

Not a member yet? No problem! Click here to become a member TODAY.

Want to stay connected?

Join our LinkedIn Community and follow our podcast on Instagram.

Dr. Bonnie Wims | Overthinking: Why Smart Women Get Stuck (and How to Break Free) (11 Nov 2026)

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 20:00:00 GMT

Jump Forward Forum

We meet for 60 minutes once per month.

Wednesday, November 11th

12:00pm PT / 3:00 pm ET

Overthinking: Why Smart Women Get Stuck (and How to Break Free)

Discover why your brain gets caught in overthinking—and learn simple, science-backed strategies to quiet the mental chatter and move forward with greater clarity and confidence.

Have you ever replayed a conversation long after it ended, second-guessed a decision, or found yourself lying awake while your mind refuses to turn off? If so, you're not alone. Overthinking isn't a sign that you're weak or incapable—it's often your brain trying to protect you.

Join Counseling Psychologist and Executive Coach Dr. Bonnie Wims for an insightful session exploring the neuroscience behind overthinking and why our minds get stuck in unhelpful thought loops. You'll learn the difference between healthy reflection and rumination, discover why high-achieving women are especially vulnerable to overthinking, and leave with practical, evidence-based strategies to quiet mental chatter, make decisions with greater confidence, and reclaim your peace of mind.

This event is open to ALL!

C-Sweet Members Free. Non-Members - $25.

Meet the Speaker

Dr. Bonnie Wims

Counseling Psychologist, Founder & CEO, Wims and Associates

***Check your calendars and join us! All event fees are non-refundable.***

New to C-Sweet?

Are you a female executive at the Board, C-Suite, Director, or Vice President level in a Fortune 1000, middle market, or fast-growth company? C-Sweet is perfect for you.

Join us today and be part of a powerful movement redefining what it means to be a woman in business.

✨ C-Sweet Members get FREE admission to the Business Roundtable series (+much more!) ✨

Not a member yet? No problem! Click here to become a member TODAY.

Want to stay connected?

Join our LinkedIn Community and follow our podcast on Instagram.

C-Sweet Summit 2026 | Grow + Thrive = Success (12 Nov 2026)

Thu, 12 Nov 2026 16:00:00 GMT

C-Sweet Summit 2026

Grow + Thrive = Success

Thursday, November 12th

08:00 AM - 08:00 PM PT

Sony Studios Lot

10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232

Join C-Sweet on November 12, 2026, at Sony Studios in Los Angeles for the C-Sweet Summit 2026, a national gathering of executive women and emerging leaders designed to inspire connection, insight, and leadership growth.

Centered on the theme Grow + Thrive = Success, this year’s Summit will bring together accomplished leaders from across industries for a dynamic day of thought leadership, peer networking, and practical conversations about the issues shaping today’s business landscape. Through focused panels and executive-level discussions, attendees will explore board leadership, CEO decision-making, capital and economic strategy, AI and business transformation, governance, risk, innovation, succession, and the evolving responsibilities of modern leadership.

The Summit is designed for women who are leading now, preparing for their next level of influence, and committed to helping organizations grow with clarity, resilience, and measurable impact. Attendees will leave with fresh perspective, valuable connections, and actionable insight to grow their leadership, thrive through change, and define success with purpose.

Attendees may also choose to extend their experience with an optional additional day in Los Angeles, featuring a behind-the-scenes studio tour of Sony Studios and an executive lunch. This curated experience offers a unique opportunity to continue building connections while enjoying some of the culture, creativity, and energy that make Los Angeles an iconic destination.

Member Early Bird: $595

Member Early Bird with extended experience: $745

Non-Member Early Bird: $1,195 (includes 1 year membership)

Non-Member Early Bird with extended experience: $1,345 (includes 1 year membership)

***Check your calendars and join us! All event fees are non-refundable.***

New to C-Sweet?

Are you a female executive at the Board, C-Suite, Director, or Vice President level in a Fortune 1000, middle market, or fast-growth company? C-Sweet is perfect for you.

Join us today and be part of a powerful movement redefining what it means to be a woman in business.

✨C-Sweet Members get free and discounted attendance for many C-Sweet events! ✨

Not a member yet? No problem! Click here to become a member TODAY.

Want to stay connected?

Join our LinkedIn Community and follow our podcast on Instagram.

Thank you to our Sponsors and Swag Partners

C-Sweet DC Chapter Event | Hillwood Mansion & Garden Tour (15 Nov 2026)

Sun, 15 Nov 2026 15:00:00 GMT

C-Sweet DC Chapter

Hillwood Mansion

& Garden Tour

A Private Sunday Experience of Art, History & Connection

Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens

4155 Linnean Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

Sunday, November 15th

10:00 AM | Private Mansion Tour

11:30 AM Private Garden Tour

Step away from the everyday and experience one of Washington, D.C.’s most distinctive cultural treasures with C-Sweet.

Join fellow executive women leaders for a private experience at Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, where art, history, and extraordinary surroundings create the perfect setting for meaningful connection.

We’ll explore the historic mansion and its remarkable collections before continuing through Hillwood’s beautiful gardens. More than a tour, it’s an opportunity to slow down, discover something inspiring, and enjoy engaging conversation with women who understand the value of both leadership and connection.

Following the tours, we’ll continue the conversation over an informal lunch at a nearby restaurant, with each guest covering their own meal.

Space is limited for this private C-Sweet experience.

Registration closes November 1. We encourage you to reserve your spot early.

Come for the experience. Stay for the conversation and connection.

C-Sweet members and Non‑member tickets – $45.

***Check your calendars and join us! All event fees are non-refundable.***

New to C-Sweet?

Are you a female executive at the Board, C-Suite, Director, or Vice President level in a Fortune 1000, middle market, or fast-growth company? C-Sweet is perfect for you.

Join us today and be part of a powerful movement redefining what it means to be a woman in business.

✨C-Sweet Members get free and discounted attendance for many C-Sweet events! ✨

Not a member yet? No problem! Click here to become a member TODAY.

Want to stay connected?

Join our LinkedIn Community and follow our podcast on Instagram.

C-Sweet SoCal/OC Event | The Woman Behind the Title (18 Nov 2026)

Thu, 19 Nov 2026 01:30:00 GMT

C-Sweet SoCal/OC Chapter

The Woman Behind the Title

A Conversation on Women's Health, Wellness & Longevity

Wednesday, November 18th

05:30 - 07:30 PM PT

Make-A-Wish® Orange County & the Inland Empire

7515 Irvine Center Drive, Suite 100, Irvine, CA 92618

As women leaders, we spend a lot of time thinking about what our career, businesses, teams and families need from us.

But how often do we stop and ask... What do I need?

Join OC/SoCal C-Sweet for a candid conversation about the woman behind the title and what it looks like to prioritize our health and well-being while continuing to lead full, ambitious lives.

Our panel will bring together experts across women's health, wellness, longevity, healthy living and communication to explore the bigger picture of living well, now and in the future.

Together, we'll talk about caring for our bodies as we move through different stages of life, making everyday choices that support our health, staying connected to relationships and interests outside of work, navigating caregiving and aging, and becoming better advocates for what we need.

Because our success isn't only about what we accomplish, it's also about creating the health, relationships and quality of life that allow us to enjoy what we've worked so hard to build.

Hosted at Make-A-Wish in Irvine, we'll also get an inside look at the incredible work they do for children and families and have an opportunity to support their mission.

Bring a Backpack

We're asking each guest to bring a new backpack to donate to Make-A-Wish. Their team will fill the backpacks with goodies and essentials for children heading out on their wish trips.

Pick something fun, colorful or special that you'd be excited to give a child heading off on an unforgettable adventure.

You'll walk away with:

A broader perspective on what it means to live and lead well at every stage of life.
Practical ideas for making your health and well-being a greater priority.
New ways to think about longevity, healthy living, connection and the life you're creating beyond your career.
Greater confidence to recognize, communicate and advocate for what you need.
Inspiration to make intentional choices today that support the life you want in the years ahead.

C-Sweet Members: $25. Non-Members: $49

50% of ticket proceeds will benefit Make-A-Wish

Panel participants will be announced soon.

***Check your calendars and join us! All event fees are non-refundable.***

New to C-Sweet?

Are you a female executive at the Board, C-Suite, Director, or Vice President level in a Fortune 1000, middle market, or fast-growth company? C-Sweet is perfect for you.

Join us today and be part of a powerful movement redefining what it means to be a woman in business.

✨C-Sweet Members get free and discounted attendance for many C-Sweet events! ✨

Not a member yet? No problem! Click here to become a member TODAY.

Want to stay connected?

Join our LinkedIn Community and follow our podcast on Instagram.

Dr. Bonnie Wims | The Space Between Who You Were and Who You're Becoming (9 Dec 2026)

Wed, 09 Dec 2026 20:00:00 GMT

Jump Forward Forum

We meet for 60 minutes once per month.

Wednesday, December 9th

12:00pm PT / 3:00 pm ET

The Space Between Who You Were and Who You're Becoming

A year-end reflection on growth, identity, and stepping into the next chapter with intention.

As the year draws to a close, it's natural to focus on what's next—but meaningful growth begins by understanding where you've been. Join Counseling Psychologist and Executive Coach Dr. Bonnie Wims for a thoughtful 20-minute Zoom session exploring the psychology of personal growth, identity, and change.

Through research-backed insights and practical reflection, you'll discover how to recognize the strengths you've gained, release what no longer serves you, and step into the new year with greater clarity, purpose, and confidence.

Because the most important transformation isn't becoming someone new—it's becoming more fully yourself.

This event is open to ALL!

C-Sweet Members Free. Non-Members - $25.

Meet the Speaker

Dr. Bonnie Wims

Counseling Psychologist, Founder & CEO, Wims and Associates

***Check your calendars and join us! All event fees are non-refundable.***

New to C-Sweet?

Are you a female executive at the Board, C-Suite, Director, or Vice President level in a Fortune 1000, middle market, or fast-growth company? C-Sweet is perfect for you.

Join us today and be part of a powerful movement redefining what it means to be a woman in business.

✨ C-Sweet Members get FREE admission to the Business Roundtable series (+much more!) ✨

Not a member yet? No problem! Click here to become a member TODAY.

Want to stay connected?

Join our LinkedIn Community and follow our podcast on Instagram.