News Summary
The Kentucky Chamber’s 5th Annual Women’s Summit drew over 600 attendees, focusing on female empowerment and leadership. Speakers included notable figures who discussed personal challenges, mentorship, and the importance of representation in various fields. The event honored Diane Medley with the Woman in Leadership Award and highlighted significant milestones like women’s majority on the Kentucky Supreme Court.
Lexington, Kentucky – The Kentucky Chamber’s 5th Annual Women’s Summit took place in June 2025, attracting over 600 attendees committed to celebrating and learning from women making a significant impact in the state. The event highlighted the essential role of women in leadership and featured various speakers and panel discussions that addressed current issues and showcased personal stories of empowerment.
The summit focused on empowering women to triumph over both professional and personal challenges. Ashli Watts, the President and CEO of the Kentucky Chamber, underscored this vision, emphasizing that the event aimed to be a platform for women to exchange experiences and gain insights. Among the notable moments, Kentucky’s First Lady, Britainy Beshear, delivered a video message that praised women’s leadership throughout the Commonwealth and reiterated the importance of supporting women in various sectors.
Keynote addresses included a segment from Kenny Brooks, the head coach of the University of Kentucky Women’s Basketball team. He discussed his experiences and the role of sports in empowering young women. Additionally, Tara Conner, Miss Kentucky 2006 and Miss USA 2006, shared her personal recovery journey and her advocacy for raising awareness about substance use disorders.
In recognition of outstanding contributions to Kentucky’s economy and community, Diane Medley received the prestigious Woman in Leadership Award. Medley is the Principal and Managing Member of Waterfront Financial Group and co-founder of MCM CPAs and Advisors, the largest CPA firm in the region. She highlighted her dedication to mentorship and civic involvement, particularly with the University of Louisville.
Other notable discussions included insights from Jennifer Barber, a partner at Frost Brown Todd LLP. She shared how her immigrant background shaped her leadership approach and emphasized the significance of mentorship in navigating her career. Damaris Phillips, a celebrity chef, also contributed by discussing her journey and the importance of finding and defining one’s purpose in life.
The summit featured a panel discussion among female journalists, who addressed the evolving role of women in media and the unique challenges they face within the industry. This panel underscored the importance of representation and the need for diverse perspectives in journalism.
In a significant development, women now hold a majority of seats on Kentucky’s Supreme Court. A panel of justices shared their personal journeys, reinforcing the need for diverse legal perspectives and the importance of mentorship within the judiciary. They noted how such mentorship can help expand access to justice for all citizens.
Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman discussed her nonprofit initiative, Lead Kentucky, which is dedicated to empowering young women for leadership roles. Coleman also touched on the vital role educators play in society and addressed the ongoing challenges teachers in Kentucky face regarding compensation and resources. She emphasized the importance of building a network for women to better recognize their leadership potential from college through their professional careers.
The overarching theme of the summit was female empowerment and leadership, demonstrating that by sharing stories, experiences, and resources, women can inspire one another to overcome obstacles and thrive in their respective fields. With these discussions and recognitions, the Kentucky Chamber’s 5th Annual Women’s Summit not only celebrated current achievements but also laid the groundwork for future generations of women leaders in the state.
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HERE Resources
Chanel Minnifield: From Lexington to Hollywood Success
Additional Resources
- Kentucky Chamber Bottom Line: Women’s Summit
- Kentucky.com: UK Women’s Basketball Article
- Kentucky Today: Baptist Women Cohort Article
- Site Selection: Workforce Reality Article
- NKY Tribune: Outstanding Women Awards
- Wikipedia: Women in Leadership
- Google Search: Female Empowerment Kentucky
- Google Scholar: Women Leadership Kentucky
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Women’s Leadership
- Google News: Kentucky Women Empowerment
