Empowered to Excel: Insights from Visionary Female Entrepreneurs

REGISTER

Ever wonder what sets thriving companies apart? Curious about the pivotal decisions that can propel a business to new heights?

Join us for an inspiring session with trailblazing entrepreneurs who are transforming their industries and achieving phenomenal success. This dynamic panel, hosted by NAWBO and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), features powerhouse leaders ready to share their secrets about sustainable growth and impactful decision-making. Don’t miss this chance to gain invaluable insights from these visionary executives who have mastered the art of elevating their businesses. This complimentary event will take place at The Brick, 1145 Northside Boulevard, South Bend, IN 46615.

Learn, network, and ignite your entrepreneurial journey! Space is limited for this event. RSVP using this link by October 18.

Note: Please be aware the event is from 7:00 – 9:00 am CT/8:00 – 10:00 am ET (local time).

Panelists:

Tess Albanese, Co-President of Albanese Confectionery Group
More information coming soon!

Mylese Tucker, Owner of Nature’s Cupboard

Mylese Tucker is the second-generation owner of Nature’s Cupboard, a natural food store with two locations in Michigan City and Chesterton. With over 30 years of experience running the family business her mother LaVora started in 1980, she is passionate about providing her community with healthy, organic options. For the past nine years, she has also served on the board of the Independent Natural Foods Association, where she collaborates with other independent store owners to address the challenges of online sales competition and increasing operational costs, working to keep brick-and-mortar businesses thriving. Mylese’s deep commitment to community wellness remains at the core of her mission. As the mother of three children—Anna, Lyle and Blaine—Mylese is thrilled that her daughter, Anna, is poised to take over the business as the third-generation owner. While business is important, family is her top priority. She enjoys working alongside her husband, Bruce, in other entrepreneurial ventures.

Michelle Wainwright, Owner, Founder and CEO of Cute as a Cupcake!

Michelle Wainwright Owner and Founder of Cute as a Cupcake! Cupcakery & Bake Shop Merrillville, Indiana Established in 2015, Cute as a Cupcake! is renowned in Northwest Indiana for its hand-crafted, made-from-scratch cupcakes, featuring over 30 flavors daily. The cupcakery operates through mobile cupcake trucks, online sales, catering, retail partners, and its brick-and-mortar location. A native of Terre Haute, Indiana, Michelle Wainwright graduated from Indiana University in 1998 with a B.S. in Public and Environmental Affairs and earned her MBA from Indiana University-Northwest in 2005. Following a successful career in the pharmaceutical industry, Michelle turned her passion to entrepreneurship. In her 9th year with Cute as a Cupcake! and a team of 10 employees, her mission remains to foster an inclusive environment that reflects her dedication to quality and love for cupcakes.

Moderator:
Tiffany Irving, Senior Vice President of Mesirow

Tiffany Irving is a Senior Vice President and Wealth Advisor in Mesirow Wealth Management. She specializes in working with high net worth individuals, families, and non-profit organizations by providing comprehensive wealth management advice and customized asset allocation strategies to help them accumulate, grow, protect, and distribute their wealth. Tiffany draws on 25 years of experience. Prior to joining Mesirow in 2021, she held roles at BMO as a Director within their Private Wealth group and US Trust as a Senior Vice President within their Private Client Advisor group. These recognized subject area experts provide perspective on the markets and what is top of mind for institutional and individual investors. She is a member of NAWBO Chicago and of Legacy Partners, an association of the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago Foundation. She is a Board Member for the Caring Place and is a long-time member of the Women’s Impact Fund for the Porter County Community Foundation in Indiana.