Upcoming Events
our history
About Us
Women Leading Kentucky is a non-profit, non-membership organization founded in 1999. We provide networks, mentors, business connections, and educational opportunities for women to elevate their personal and professional lives. We are inclusive and offer professional growth for women to feel empowered and develop their leadership abilities. Over $200,000 has been awarded scholarships to deserving women attending Kentucky college.
We look forward to seeing you at our next event! Welcome to our network!
Testimonials
Dr. Janelle McNeal, Director, True North Counseling & Development, PLLC
After attending Women Leading Kentucky conferences and networking events, it was a delight to provide a webinar to more than 100 women for one of the first Networking on the Net events. Months later, we still receive calls from people who learned about our services from attending that event. It’s an honor to have worked with a premier organization with a shared commitment to improving the lives of women in Kentucky!
Victoria Russell, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, Beam Suntory
It was a pleasure participating in the Women Leading Kentucky Power Hour. I am inspired by the organizations mission of inclusivity and empowering women to lead in Kentucky. Thank you for the work you continue to do to advance all women throughout the Commonwealth.
Yajaira Aich West, VP, Client & Community Relations Director, PNC Bank
Women Leading Kentucky creates a supportive environment where event guests can be comfortable and encouraged to network. Our shared commitment to the success of women leaders is just one reason by PNC continues to maintain a long term relationship with the organization. We look forward to providing our employees ongoing opportunities to expand their professional careers and personal growth through PNC’s year-round sponsorship of Women Leading Kentucky and the quality programming they deliver.
Ozlem Eva Davis, CPA, CFF, CFE, Owner, Peer House, LLC
I absolutely love being a part of Women Leading Kentucky! Thanks to this wonderful network, I have grown my circle of friends and influence significantly. Their events are always a joy to be a part of, informative, and beautifully executed. You feel welcome and a part of the family from day one! We all need a group of strong, inspiring women we can rely on in the middle of all the daily challenges we face. Thank you WLKY for all you do to keep us connected!
Christopher T. Carney, Director of MBA Recruitment, Gatton College of Business and Economics
When I first moved to Lexington, Women Leading Kentucky was one of the first groups that I started building my network with. They’ve always been inviting and welcoming. We’ve participated in many of the Roundtables discussions over the years and always attend the annual conference. As a result of my relationship with WLK, I’ve had the pleasure of building a very meaningful network (personally and professionally) that I will cherish for years to come.
Mayor Linda Gorton
I have admired Women Leading Kentucky for many years. It has a very important mission: to inspire and educate women to become leaders. Janet Holloway founded an organization that helps women find successful careers, and encourages them to pursue meaningful leadership opportunities. Carole Siler, who is now Executive Director, is building upon Janet’s vision. In 2020, we need Women Leading Kentucky, now more than ever!
Lesley Fluke, Regional President, Central KY Field & Main
I am honored to serve as a member of the Women Leading Kentucky board of directors. We are driven by a passion to help and serve others. The Women Leading Kentucky’s mission to support and promote women-owned businesses by helping them achieve greater prosperity and quality of life is creating a lasting legacy that makes Kentucky better and stronger.
Jaclyn Badeau, CPA – CGMA – MBA – EQ Certified, Owner, Badeau Consulting LLC
Women Leading Kentucky provides a platform for women to connect and learn from each other in a variety of ways. I’ve attended Roundtable Luncheons and their virtual events as they pivoted during the pandemic, and have led virtual programming around Emotional Intelligence and facilitated Networking before the Power Hour Leadership series. I can say I have seen and continue to see first-hand that WLK really wants to understand what women want and need in order to grow and prosper, personally and professionally.
Gwyn Everly, Owner, J. Render’s Southern Table & Bar
As the owner of J. Render’s Southern Table & Bar, I feel that Women Leading Kentucky is a great partner to my business. Their organization and events enable me to meet other women in leadership roles and I am able to learn from their experiences. And, the networking opportunities are invaluable because as a small business it has introduced us to women from all walks of life. And, one of J. Render’s driving missions is to give back to the community in which we work and live and WLK is a great avenue to achieve this. My donations have a direct impact on women in our community, so it is a win-win. I feel there is nothing more powerful than women supporting other women and WLK is a perfect example of this.
Mary Kate Gray, Community Relations Manager, LG&E and KU Energy LLC
After years of attending Roundtables, joining the Women Leading Kentucky board of directors has been incredibly rewarding! I am so grateful for the professional networking this group provides. I currently sit on the strategic planning committee and have been working alongside some awesome women to ensure this organization continues to be sustainable and impactful.
Mark Turner, Chief Communications Officer, Commerce Lexington Inc.
Commerce Lexington Inc. has partnered with Women Leading Kentucky for many years. Our team has found both the Roundtables and the Annual Business & Leadership Conference to be valuable and educational while creating networking opportunities. Relationship-building is key to enhancing personal and professional development, and Women Leading Kentucky continues to provide top-notch programming that helps our team connect with others in the community and learn from many successful businesses and community leaders across the Bluegrass Region.
Connect With Our Network
Attend Our Events
We are a non-membership organization so once you attend one of our events, you are part of our inclusive network. From attending a luncheon to networking after work hours, we host a variety of events that best suites your schedule.
Women Leading Kentucky hosts a variety of events throughout the year in different locations. From networking to professional development opportunities, we create events based on the current needs of our attendees and how we can support them best as leaders and business professionals.
Our events are:
- Networking After Hours
- Lunch With A Purpose
- Annual Business & Leadership Conference
- Women In Leadership Awards Luncheon
- Leadership Labs
- Special Events
Join us to showcase your brand to a network of business professionals and decision makers. This setting will allow you to bring awareness of your business products and services.
EXHIBITORS RECEIVE • 6′ skirted table • lunch or drink ticket (depending on event) • opportunity to give 30-second pitch • opportunity to participate during the program
As a VIP Exhibitor, you will reserve a prime location at the event registered.
Become An Exhibitor
At each event Women Leading Kentucky hosts, we encourage businesses to showcase their brand in a more visible way through exhibiting. Each exhibitor has the opportunity to give their 30-second pitch in front of all in attendance.
Become A Sponsor
Women Leading Kentucky is able to serve business professionals and leaders in the Commonwealth with excellence because of our Sponsors. Sponsoring our events allows your brand and company to build brand equity in front of our network.
These sponsorship opportunities allow you to be recognized in front of all attendees as a brand that supports elevating women. Each sponsor will have logo with link to your website on WLK e-newsletter and website, and with seats to the event.
The directory is your guide to connecting with businesses, individuals and professional services. Consider this your rolodex! Attract new clients and be a part of a great network when you choose to be added to the Business Directory. WLK will promote the Business Directory through the e-newsletter, which reaches a market of over 3,000 professionals in the Commonwealth.
All listings are $60 and remain on our website for one year (you must renew annually to remain on the WLK website).
Business Directory
We have over 60 business professionals listed in our Online Directory. From Accounting to Health Care to Website & SEO, we have over 26 categories listed so you can find a contact based on your current needs.