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Chicago

October 6, 2026

Le Méridien Chicago - Oakbrook Center

2100 Spring Rd, Oak Brook, IL 60523
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Join us in Chicago as we take the Women in Retail Leadership Circle “on the road”! Like the popular Women in Retail Leadership Summit, these invitation-only events enable executive women in leadership positions at retail companies the opportunity to network, learn from each other, and improve business processes.

WIRLC events are like no other, featuring content focusing on both executive professional development and retail business strategy. Attendees will hear inspiring keynote presentations from C-level women at enterprise retailers as well as from founders of startup companies disrupting the retail space. In addition to engaging keynote presentations, WIRLC: On the Road events feature thought-provoking panels as well as fun, unique networking opportunities. Take advantage of these opportunities to share your knowledge with new contacts, discuss industry issues, and find inspiration on how to conquer challenges in both your personal and professional lives.

The agenda below reflects the finalized 2025 agenda. The 2026 schedule will be announced soon.

Tuesday, October 14

  • 1:00 pm 1:30 pm
    Registration and Networking
  • 1:30 pm 1:45 pm
    Welcome and Introductions

    Kick off the event with a brief welcome from our senior director of membership, Susan Koger, and get an overview of the day’s schedule.

    Speaker
    • Susan Koger Senior Director, Membership Women in Retail Leadership Circle
  • 1:45 pm 2:15 pm
    Leading Through Change and Building People-First Cultures

    In this fireside chat, Molly McCabe, senior vice president, people success at Ulta Beauty, will share insights on leading through change, fostering inclusion, and developing the next generation of leaders. With more than 20 years of experience, she has helped shape Ulta Beauty’s people-first culture, driving engagement, retention, and leadership development. Attendees will leave inspired with practical advice for building strong teams and navigating organizational transformation.

    Speaker
    • Molly McCabe Senior Vice President, People Success Ulta Beauty
    Moderator
    • Melissa Campanelli Co-Founder Women in Retail Leadership Circle
  • 2:15 pm 2:20 pm
    Meet Our 2025 Nonprofit Partner!

    Each year, Women in Retail Leadership Circle partners with a nonprofit that gives back to our community in some way. This year we are partnering with Susan G. Komen, the world’s leading breast cancer organization that addresses breast cancer on multiple fronts, including research, community health, global outreach and public policy initiatives in order to make the biggest impact against this disease. Learn more about Susan G. Komen in this inspiring presentation.

    Speaker
    • Hannah Hatch Director, Corporate Partnerships Susan G. Komen
  • 2:20 pm 2:30 pm
    The Power of Perspective: Women Leading Transformation 

    Discover how women leaders at Bunzl Retail Services are driving cultural shifts that build accountability, celebrate collaboration, and embrace change to transform the traditional distribution business model into a true solutions-based partnership.

    Speakers
    • Debbie Chan Vice President of Finance Bunzl Retail Services
    • Christine Huffer Vice President of Customer Experience Bunzl Retail Services
  • 2:30 pm 3:15 pm
    Breaking the Hard Rules: Redefining Strength in Women’s Leadership

    Are you ready to break some rules? Shelley Brown challenges the deeply ingrained belief that women leaders must be “hard” to succeed. Drawing from her own corporate journey and the experiences of countless women, she explores how the pressure to be “bada$$” has created a leadership culture that forces women to choose between authenticity and authority. Through compelling storytelling and actionable strategies, Shelley reveals how embracing our whole selves, both our hard and soft qualities, is not only acceptable, but essential for lasting influence and impact.

    Speaker
    • Shelley Brown International Keynote Speaker
  • 3:15 pm 3:25 pm
    Networking Break
  • 3:25 pm 3:30 pm
    Member Moment

    What’s it like to be a part of the Women in Retail Leadership Circle? Hear directly from a member of this amazing community of women.

    Speaker
    • Courtney Graybill Vice President, Marketing Content, Personalization, Operations and Capabilities Kohl's
  • 3:30 pm 3:40 pm
    Women Leading Digital Transformation: Empowering Female Leadership Through Data and Strategic Decision-Making
    Speakers
    • Jeniza Ketay Senior Customer Success Leader Centric Software
    • Bailey Hanson Customer Success Leader Centric Software
  • 3:40 pm 4:10 pm
    Top Challenges: A Collaborative Discussion

    Join us for an engaging and interactive session where we will tackle the most pressing challenges facing retail leaders today. Participants will have the opportunity to share their top business challenge, which will be compiled and analyzed for common themes. Our moderator will then lead a dynamic discussion around key topics based on these shared challenges. This collaborative forum will provide valuable insights, peer-to-peer learning, and practical takeaways as we explore solutions to the issues that matter most to you.

    Speaker
    • Stephanie Pugliese President and CEO Duluth Trading Co.
  • 4:10 pm 4:20 pm
    Building a Powerful Creator Marketing Program for Retail

    This session will dive into the value of a creator marketing program designed for retail. Shany Caidar, Chief Revenue Officer of Creatable, will share live examples with key partners, including Ulta Beauty, Banana Republic, Signet, and Catalyst Brands. See how these and other brands activate influencers, store associates, and affiliates on social media and in the online store with creator storefronts, product page widgets, and a shoppable TikTok-like experience in the mobile app; all with the Creatable platform.

    Speaker
    • Shany Caidar Chief Revenue Officer Creatable, Inc.
  • 4:20 pm 4:55 pm
    Retail Leadership Unfiltered: Insights on Growth, Grit and Getting Ahead

    Get ready for an unfiltered, energizing conversation with some of the most influential women in retail. This candid discussion goes beyond the highlight reel to explore what leadership really looks like — from bold career moves to navigating setbacks, managing high-performing teams, and staying grounded through it all. These powerhouse leaders will share the habits, mindset shifts, and sources of inspiration that fuel their success, including the books, podcasts, and rituals that keep them going. Walk away with fresh perspectives, actionable advice, and a renewed sense of purpose. This is one session you’ll be talking about long after the event ends.

    Speakers
    • Sarah Casalan President The UPS Store
    • Janice Tennant Global Brand President Merrell
    • Rosalind "Roz" Johnson Senior Vice President, Chief People Officer Build-A-Bear Workshop
    • Jenica Myszkowski CEO CAMP
    Moderator
    • Annette Repasch Former Group Vice President, Apparel, Home and Product Design/Development Meijer
  • 4:55 pm 5:00 pm
    Closing and Thank Yous
    Speaker
    • Susan Koger Senior Director, Membership Women in Retail Leadership Circle
  • 5:00 pm 6:00 pm
    Reception/Networking

Speakers

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