Inspiring Women in Public Administration Conference
This year's event will take place on Friday, August 21, 2026, at the Overland Park Convention Center.
Click here to register!This year's event will take place on Friday, August 21, 2026, at the Overland Park Convention Center.
The Inspiring Women in Public Administration Conference is a one-day annual event that brings women together for a day of inspiration, rejuvenation, and camaraderie. While this day is not limited to women, it focuses on the unique challenges women in the public sector face.
2026 Tentative Conference Schedule | Speaker bios here!
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. | Conference check-in
|
| 9:00 a.m. - 9:25 a.m. | Welcome
|
| 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | Keynote | SEEN – Systems Change When People Know They Matter At a time when workplaces, communities, and institutions are experiencing growing division and disengagement, leaders face a critical challenge: how do we bring people together to create meaningful change? In this keynote, Wendy Doyle explores a simple but powerful truth: people withdraw when they feel invisible, but contribute when they know they matter. Drawing on research, leadership insights, and real-world examples, Wendy offers fresh perspectives on how systems reflect what leaders choose to value, why civility is essential to solving problems together, and how leaders can create cultures where people feel seen, valued, and energized to contribute. Because systems do not change simply because policies change. Systems change when people do.
|
| 10:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. | Break |
| 10:45 a.m. - 10:55 a.m. | Wellness & intentions
|
| 10:55 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. | Panel | The Power of Significance: Finding Your Voice in Public Service Across every level of government—from frontline staff to executive leadership—every role has the power to shape culture, influence outcomes, and make a meaningful impact. This session brings together women at different stages of their careers to explore what it means to matter in public service. Through guided discussion and interactive reflection, participants will examine how to identify opportunities to lead, use their voice authentically, and create a culture of significance at work and at home. The session also highlights the role of leaders in recognizing contributions and building environments where individuals feel seen, valued, and empowered to make a difference. Moderated by Meg McCollister, COO of The Midland Group and former Region 7 EPA Administrator
|
| 12:15 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. | Lunch
|
| 1:15 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | The Power of Mattering
|
| 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. | Supported Networking
|
| 2:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Happy hour |
| 3:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. | Recentering & grounding
|
| 3:15 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. | Mattering application
|
| 4:15 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Closing remarks
|