Together, we're helping make
Northern Kentucky shine more
brilliantly.
Since 2010, PNC has been a proud sponsor of the Northern Kentucky Chamber Women's Initiative and honored to join them in providing professional women brilliant opportunities to connect, grow and achieve.
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
On behalf of the Northern Kentucky Chamber and the Women’s Initiative, we are delighted to welcome you to our Women’s Initiative Annual Breakfast centered around “The Craft of Empowerment: Fresh Perspectives for Success.” This year, we’re spotlighting the insights of a remarkable female entrepreneur in the bourbon business — a testament to the creativity, resilience, and innovative spirit women bring to every industry.
At the core of everything we do is the Women’s Initiative mission: to provide opportunities for women of all career stages to Connect, Grow, and Achieve in business. It’s important to recognize that we continue to build upon the legacy of those who shattered countless glass ceilings before us. Not too long ago, women were still fighting for basic rights that men have long taken for granted. Today, while we celebrate significant progress, we remain steadfast in our commitment to ensure future generations benefit from the steps we take now.
Events like this serve as markers of our collective journey. They reflect our ongoing efforts — and successes — in pushing boundaries, challenging assumptions, and driving meaningful change for women in every sector. Our featured speaker Tia Edwards — a trailblazer in the bourbon industry — exemplifies the spirit of empowerment and the importance of championing women’s voices in traditionally male-dominated fields. One day, we hope these gatherings will be viewed as pivotal moments that advanced women to the next wave of progress.
Thank you for being part of this inspiring event. Your presence here enriches our community and propels us closer to our shared vision of strengthening Northern Kentucky’s economic and social vitality. We encourage you to take advantage of every opportunity to learn, collaborate, and support one another.
Cheers to “The Craft of Empowerment” and to all of you who will carry these Fresh Perspectives for Success back into your workplaces and communities. Together, we stand on the shoulders of the trailblazers who came before us, and we blaze a path for those who will come after.
Warmly,
Megan Elfers Annual Breakfast Chair
NKY Chamber Women’s
Initiative
Caroline Weltzer Steering Committee Chair NKY Chamber Women’s Initiative
Welcome to the Women’s Initiative Annual Breakfast
Kathrine Nero, Emcee
Annual Breakfast Committee Chair
Megan Elfers, Elemeno Creative Services
Spoken Word
Tracy Stokes, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital
Message from Title Sponsor
November Kate Redleaf, PNC Bank
Spirit of Achievement Award sponsored by C-Forward
Shannon Schumacher, HUB International
Nonprofit Recipient Award sponsored by CIVISTA Bank
Dress for Success Cincinnati
Keynote Presentation sponsored by Dinsmore & Shohl LLP
Tia Edwards, Fresh Bourbon
Closing Remarks
Kathrine Nero, Emcee
Meet the Speaker
Owner’s Suite
Proud sponsor of the
2025 Spirit of Achievement Honoree Shannon
Schumacher
Account
Executive
HUB International
Shannon Schumacher is an Account Executive at HUB International and Kentucky Market Leader. Shannon provides innovative employee benefit solutions with legendary service to clients. She is dedicated to improving outcomes, lives and business results. Aside from her work with the Women’s Initiative, Schumacher is a Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Leadership NKY graduate. She is also on the Foundation Board at Gateway Community & Technical College, serves as the cochair on the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Executive Board, is a member of the Learning Grove Cabinet Campaign, and also served on the Newport Central Catholic High School Cabinet Campaign in 2023.
Schumacher is a dedicated member of the Women’s Initiative and served as the chair of the Engagement Committee from 2022 to 2024, after previously serving as vice chair from 2020 to 2022. Outside of her work with the Engagement Committee, Schumacher also developed the “Morning Connect Hour,” a networking opportunity to reach an audience of professional women who may have conflicts during typical evening Connect Hour events. She’s the chair of the Women’s Initiative Mentoring & Roundtables Committee and has mentored many women within the community.
“My work with the Women’s Initiative has provided long-lasting meaningful connections and opportunities for which I’m grateful,” said Schumacher. “Being able to mentor and play a role in the empowerment of professional women of all ages and stages in their careers is a truly rewarding and fulfilling experience. I’m honored to receive this award and to join the ranks of all the women who have been recognized with this award throughout the years. I look forward to continuing to uplift women in their careers through our Women’s Initiative efforts for years to come.”
Owner: April Fleming
Known affectionately as “Ape” by friends and customers, April offers a diverse range of products, including custom-made items, beaded jewelry, and trendy clothing at her boutique in Bellevue, KY. As a proud U.S. military family member and Blue Star mom, April volunteers with The Barracks Project Inc., supporting veterans and active military personnel. She emphasizes the importance of shopping local and small, especially during the holiday season, to support community businesses.
Co-Owners: Mary Beimesch, Liz Elleman and Wendy Tobergte
Opening in late 2024 in Boone County, KY, Archer & Co. Roasters was co-founded by three Northern Kentucky women who share a passion for great coffee for great families. Their coffee roasting business is built on the values they hold closest to their hearts — family, faith, and fun. Specialty coffees, ethically sourced from around the world, are roasted in Boone County and are available for sale online. “We believe that coffee is more than just a beverage; it’s a catalyst for family connections, creativity, and conversation.”
Owner: Mary Brandstetter
Mary, a proud Chicago native, is the founder and owner of Bourbon House Pizza, a woman-owned business dedicated to bringing authentic Chicago-style deep-dish pizza to Northern Kentucky. Since opening in 2007, she has built a reputation for high-quality, homemade dishes. Mary credits the restaurant’s success to her hardworking team and commitment to exceptional customer service, proving that passion and dedication can create a lasting impact in the food industry.
Owner: Rebecca Goldrich & Owner/Provider: Andrea Lawrence
With extensive backgrounds in healthcare — Goldrich has managed private practices while Lawrence is a registered nurse with 18 years of experience — Rebecca and Andrea say their shared passion for health and wellness led them to establish Elite MedSpa — a Northern Kentucky business that emphasizes “skinclusive” care, ensuring treatments are suitable for all skin types and ethnicities. As the first business in the Union Promenade development, Elite MedSpa is setting the standard for wellness and beauty in the area.
Owner:
Charia Mam
Hue Aesthetics is a woman-owned medical spa in Bellevue, KY. Charia prioritizes patient education, ensuring clients feel confident in their treatments. Hue Aesthetics fosters an inclusive and welcoming environment, helping individuals enhance their natural beauty. Charia passionately cares about giving back to her community, saying “I want to empower women not only in here but in the entrepreneurial space, to give... I want to be a part of Northern Kentucky. I want to feel that I contributed something to the community…I want people to find their hue — their glow.”
President: Mollie Lewis, CEO: Hannah Lowen
Almost one year ago, New Riff Distilling entered a bold new era under women-led leadership, with Hannah Lowen as CEO and Mollie Lewis as President. Lowen, one of the company’s earliest employees, brings expertise from political organizing and nonprofit management and provides a fresh and strategic approach to the bourbon industry. Lewis, continuing her family’s legacy, strengthens New Riff’s vision with her sales leadership experience. Their leadership marks a unique shift in the traditionally maledominated bourbon world, driving innovation while maintaining the brand’s commitment to quality and independence.
At Dress for Success Cincinnati, we believe every woman deserves the tools and support to achieve her dreams. Our Styling and Thriving Services are designed to empower women, boost their confidence, and provide lasting success
Styling Services
One-on-one styling sessions providing professional attire for interviews and additional outfits after employment Available at our Norwood boutique and satellite locations in Loveland (The Care Center) and Covington (The Life Learning Center). and Center)
Thriving Services
True success means building a fulfilling life. We support women through one-on-one coaching, career development, wellness events, and Women’s Circles for community and growth.
Dress For Success
Meggan Thompson President and CEO
Meggan Thompson is the President and CEO of Dress for Success Cincinnati, where she leads with a strong commitment to empowerment and community impact. She holds a dual Master of Public Administration and American Government from Regent University, complemented by a certificate in Law and Public Policy. Meggan also earned a BA in Political Science from Elon University, with dual concentrations in Human Services and Leadership.
The mission of Dress for Success Cincinnati is to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and development tools to help them thrive in work and in life. Dress for Success Cincinnati is one of the few programs in the Greater Cincinnati Tri-State area focused specifically on the needs of unemployed and under-employed women and their families. Our successful programs empower women first to secure employment and ultimately to thrive in their careers, their lives and their communities.
In 2024, we served nearly 200 women in NKY, with 160 of those women being served through our satellite studio inside the Life Learning Center (LLC). Our Styling empowers women to feel ready and able to secure employment. Each client receives a complete interview outfit when she has a job interview and an additional week’s worth of work-appropriate apparel and accessories when she becomes employed. She works one-on-one with a highly trained volunteer personal stylist who helps her select professional attire and provides support and encouragement.
A national powerhouse for legal excellence
• Ann Arbor, MI
• Bloomington, IN
• Boston, MA
• Charleston, WV
• Chicago, IL
• Cincinnati, OH
• Cleveland, OH
• Columbus, OH
• Covington, KY
• Dayton, OH
• Denver. CO
• Detroit, MI
• Frankfort, KY
• Groton, CT
• Houston, TX
• Huntington, WV
• Indianapolis, IN
• Lewisburg, WV
• Lexington, KY
• Los Angeles, CA
• Louisville, KY
• Miami, FL
• Morgantown, WV
• Orlando, FL
• Philadelphia, PA
• Pittsburgh, PA
• San Diego, CA
• Tampa, FL
• Washington, D.C.
• Wheeling, WV
Tia Edwards Co-Founder Fresh Bourbon
Tia Edwards holds an Integrated Strategic Communications degree from the University of Kentucky College of Communications with a minor in African American Studies.
Tia has over 24 years of professional sales experience, including 18 years of top sales recognition in the billion-dollar health care industry, and developing entertainment options for University of Kentucky Alumni.
Tia and her husband, Sean, founded Fresh Bourbon Distillery in 2017 to create a “Fresh” approach to the bourbon industry. Recognized by the state of Kentucky as the First African Americans to make Bourbon in the state since slavery and with an African American Master Distiller. They created a gold medal award winning bourbon.
The couple have three children: Sean Jr., Laura, and Kadyn.
Inviting new drinkers and veterans
Ashley Blevins RJE Business Interiors
Catrena Bowman NKCAC & Inspired Fashion
Allyson Cook Erigo Employer Solutions
Elizabeth Day YMCA of Greater Cincinnati
Megan Elfers elemeno creative services
Khila Fields 1N5
Caitlin Flaherty Turfway Park Racing & Gaming
Mariah Frommeyer Paul Hemmer Company
Blanche Gaynor Writing Enhancement Services
Angela Hagedorn Heritage Bank
Brandy Hammons
Dayton Freight Lines
Barb Johnson Wells Fargo Advisors
Melissa Koester St. Elizabeth Healthcare
Melissa Lutz Champlin Architecture
Sharon Mann Mubea
Sydney Pepper Children’s Law Center
Nancy Piatt IPR Group
Carla Quercioli meetNKY
November Kate Redleaf PNC Bank
Nancy Schreiner Goering Center for Family and Private BusinessesUniversity of Cincinnati
Tracy Stokes Cincinnati Children’s Hospital
Anna Wright Prysmian Group
Title Sponsor
AV Sponsor
Speaker Sponsor
Event Sponsors
Paul Hemmer Company
Prysmian
Viox & Viox, Inc.
Spirit of Achievement Sponsor
Centerpiece Sponsor
Nonprofit Recipient Sponsor
Networking Sponsor
Breakfast & Coffee Sponsor
Community Partner
Host Sponsor
YMCA of Greater Cincinnati
Corporate Sponsors
Barnes Dennig
Brighton Center, Inc.
Business Benefits Insurance Solutions
Champlin Architecture
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport
Designs Direct LLC
Drees Homes
Duke Energy
Erigo Employer Solutions
FFR Wealth Team
Fifth Third Bank
Heritage Bank
HUB International
JP Morgan Private Bank
Keating Muething & Klekamp PLL
Northern Kentucky Community
Action Commission
Perfetti Van Melle USA
Republic Bank
St. Elizabeth Healthcare
The Kable Group
Toyota Boshoku America
Triversity Construction
Turner Construction
Writing Enhancement Services, LLC
