Upcoming events

Follow Us

Menu
Log in

Log in

WIL events

Upcoming events

    • 02/25/2026
    • 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
    • Miles Market, 6235 Gratiot Rd, Saginaw, MI
    Register


    Beth Gaertner, owner and travel advisor, of Destination Dreams Unlimited and has been in the travel industry since 2020. She specializes in cruises, the Caribbean, and Europe, but no matter the destination, you dream it—she plans it.

    Beth will share the story of how her passion to make every journey seamless, memorable, and stress-free was her inspiration in launching her business.


    NOTICE: Members and guests are asked not to register unless they plan to attend, as host businesses request an accurate head count in order to prepare appropriately.

    • 03/20/2026
    • 11:15 AM - 1:00 PM
    • GREAT HALL Banquet Center 5121 Bay City Rd, Midland, MI 48642
    Register


    Women in leadership face a reality rarely discussed in empowerment talks: while managing your actual job, you're also constantly monitoring reactions, managing perceptions, and navigating double standards. Your nervous system is working overtime. This isn't about confidence or mindset—it's about neuroscience. When your body perceives threat (even subtle, constant threat), it fundamentally changes how you lead: your thinking narrows, creativity disappears, and you can't access your best judgment.

    Join us for a talk that goes beyond the usual advice to explore:

    • How to distinguish between growth discomfort and genuine threat
    • Why the "push through" narrative is gaslighting your body's wisdom
    • What becomes possible when you lead from safety instead of survival

    ______________________________________________

    Malynnda Stewart, PhD, BCPA is a leading expert on regulated difficult conversations. Her work is grounded in three values: courage, curiosity, and compassion. Across her work, she integrates trauma-informed mediation, neuroscience-based feedback, and health communication. As a board-certified patient advocate, certified conflict mediator, grief advocate, and as the CEO of Compassionate Navigation, LLC, she helps professionals navigate high-stakes dialogue by working with human biology rather than against it. She is the creator of the Regulated Conversation Framework and the BRIDGE Method, and the host of the Communication Compass podcast. Her work is grounded in courage, curiosity, and compassion.


    Attendance Guidelines

    To maintain the intended atmosphere and minimize disruptions, we ask that attendees refrain from bringing children. This helps us keep the event focused, timely, and professional.

    • 03/25/2026
    • 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
    • DoubleTree by Hilton-Side Lounge, One Wenonah Park PL, Bay City, MI
    Register


    Sales Manager, Clarissa Lange, will share how DoubleTree supports our community with their facility thru events, food and beverage service, and a professional setting that attracts people to Bay City. We will learn who their target market, advertising tactics and how the last 5 years has changed the entertainment and business environment.


    NOTICE: Members and guests are asked not to register unless they plan to attend, as host businesses request an accurate head count in order to prepare appropriately.

    • 04/17/2026
    • 11:15 AM - 1:00 PM
    • GREAT HALL Banquet Center 5121 Bay City Rd, Midland, MI 48642
    Register

    The Great Lakes Bay Health Center’s team will highlight its mission to provide accessible, high‑quality healthcare in Saginaw, spotlight their expansion with Bayside Heath Center Uptown, and introduce the Medical Diamond model as a framework for coordinated, patient‑centered care.

      _______________________________________

    Jill Armentrout has been the Fund Development Coordinator at GLBHC for 10 years. She moved to grant writing and fund development after 15 years working as a newspaper reporter. Sharing patient stories is one of the best parts of her job now. 

    She lives in Birch Run with her husband and two college-age daughters and two dogs. She serves on the Saginaw County Community Mental Health Authority board. She’s been a WIL member for five years and is a Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassador. 


    Marlana Cork is a seasoned leader and strategist with nearly two decades of experience in workforce development, grants management, and strategic planning across Michigan’s Great Lakes Bay Region. She currently serves as the Grants and Projects Manager at Great Lakes Bay Health Centers.

    A proud graduate of Davenport University, Marlana earned her Associate’s degree in Business Administration, a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, and a Master’s degree in Management. Recognized for her impact and service, she is a recipient of the Nonprofit Heart of the City Award and the Women of Achievement Award for Civic and Nonprofit Leadership.

    She and her husband, Charles, are proud lifelong residents of Saginaw. They are the parents of three sons—Trenton Sr., Charles II, and Caleb—and the joyful grandparents of Trenton Jr.


    Jeff Larsen was born and raised in Saginaw, where he lives with his wife and three children. He earned both a BA in Communication and Management and MA in Education from SVSU. After spending the first two decades of his professional career in sales and education, respectively, he turned to the non-profit sector. Following 6 years with the American Cancer Society he joined the leadership team at Great Lakes Bay Health Centers in April 2022 to focus his efforts on real-time solutions for local community health. He loves to spend time with family and friends engaged in sports, games, and performing arts.



    Attendance Guidelines

    To maintain the intended atmosphere and minimize disruptions, we ask that attendees refrain from bringing children. This helps us keep the event focused, timely, and professional

    • 04/29/2026
    • 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
    • Believe Inspire Beauty, 906 Washington Ave, Bay City, MI
    Register


    Ever walk into a room and instantly feel more confident just because you love what you’re wearing? That’s not luck—that’s knowing your body type + your colors.

    At our upcoming networking event Amy Thomas will be talking about:

    ✔️ How to dress for your shape (not trends)

    ✔️ Why the right colors make you look brighter, healthier, and more confident

    ✔️ How style becomes a silent introduction before you even speak


    Because when you feel good in what you wear…

    You stand taller

    You speak up

    You connect easier


    Come network, learn, and leave feeling confident—inside and out. Style meets connection. You don’t want to miss this!

    10% of purchases made during the event will be donated to WIL Gives Back



    NOTICE: Members and guests are asked not to register unless they plan to attend, as host businesses request an accurate head count in order to prepare appropriately.

    • 10/23/2026
    • 10/25/2026
    • Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center, 104 Conservation Dr. Roscommon, MI 48653
    Register




    Looking for a refreshing weekend escape in the company of inspiring women?
    Join us for the WIL Women’s Retreat—a special opportunity to unwind, connect, and invest in your personal well-being.

    Our time together begins Friday evening with a welcoming meet-and-greet, giving you the chance to build connections with the amazing women who will share this meaningful experience with you.

    Throughout Saturday and Sunday, dynamic speakers and a selection of engaging activities will support both personal growth and relaxation, ensuring a balanced and enriching retreat experience.

    We are delighted to host this event at the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center, a cozy and scenic setting designed to help you relax, recharge, and enjoy every moment.

    ___________________________________________

    We can’t wait to share this memorable weekend with you!


    ***More details to come***

    Schedule subject to change


    Registration includes:

    Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Saturday

    Breakfast on Sunday

    Retreat Rates:

    Early Bird $175 - now until 2/28/26

    Preferred Rate $195 - 3/1/26 - 5/31/26

    Standard Rate $225 - 6/1/26 - 10/5/26

    Lodging: *

    Friday & Saturday Night

    Single occupancy - $160

    Double occupancy - $120

    Saturday Night Only

    Single occupancy - $90

    Double occupancy - $68


    *Your lodging preference will be collected during registration. WIL will invoice you separately for your lodging selection.


    Please note: This event is exclusively for members.
    Become a member today and join us on the adventure! We’d love to have you with us!



Past events

02/20/2026 RISE 2026: Create Your Life Revolution by Awakening Your Inner Heroine!
02/04/2026 WIL Headshot Special
01/28/2026 January Networking Session
01/23/2026 Tell Me Your Story
12/03/2025 Women in Leadership's Holiday Party
11/21/2025 Growth in our Future Leaders
11/15/2025 Cookie Walk
11/12/2025 November Networking Session
10/17/2025 Growth and Women’s Health
10/17/2025 Retreat at Lost Arrow Resort for Members
10/08/2025 Savvy Self Confidence with Christine Tessmer, Mary Kay Senior Sales Director
09/19/2025 Growth and Your Finances
09/10/2025 Invest in yourself with Stacey Miller
08/15/2025 Why Marketing Matters for Growth
08/06/2025 Growing Community Connections - With Kristal Meyer Corrion
07/16/2025 The Farm At Apple Acres- Family Gathering
06/13/2025 Why Networking Matters for Growth
06/04/2025 How to Network - Grow Your Network With Erin & Kait
05/16/2025 Growing in Company Culture
05/07/2025 May Networking Session
04/25/2025 April Luncheon
04/02/2025 April Networking Session - Building Community Connections
03/21/2025 March Luncheon
03/12/2025 March Networking Session
02/21/2025 February RISE
02/12/2025 February Networking Session
02/05/2025 Pop-Up Event - Professional Headshots
01/17/2025 January Luncheon
01/08/2025 January Networking Session: Get in the right mindset - With Lex Hallberg
12/30/2024 Gives Back Rewards Card
12/03/2024 Women in Leadership's Holiday Party
11/06/2024 November Networking Session
10/25/2024 October Luncheon
09/27/2024 September Luncheon
09/20/2024 Superhero Strategies: Unleash Your Communication Powers with D.I.S.C.
09/11/2024 September Networking Session - Speednetworking
08/23/2024 August Luncheon
07/17/2024 July Networking Session - Let's get to know each other
05/24/2024 May Luncheon
05/08/2024 May Networking Session - What makes you unique
04/26/2024 2024 Rise Summit
04/10/2024 April Networking Session - Imposter Syndrome and Professional Headshots
03/22/2024 March Luncheon
03/13/2024 March Networking Session
02/23/2024 February Luncheon
02/07/2024 Vision Board - Networking Night
01/26/2024 WiL's 20th Anniversary Kick Off!
12/06/2023 WIL Holiday Gathering
10/27/2023 Closing the Gap - From Good Enough to Astounding!
10/21/2023 WIL Costume Party WIL
10/18/2023 Johnson's Pumpkin Farm
09/22/2023 Reinventing Yourself
09/18/2023 Board & Brush Pop-Up!
08/25/2023 Putting Emotional Intelligence to Work
08/10/2023 Boozy Milkshakes, Beer, & Pretzels.....Oh My!!!!
08/03/2023 Believe Inspire Beauty's Women Expo on the ROOFTOP
08/03/2023 VENDORS - Believe Inspire Beauty's Women Expo on the ROOFTOP
07/28/2023 Lunch at the Golf Course
07/28/2023 WIL Gives Back Annual Golf Outing 2023
07/08/2023 Rueger Farms Annual Fireworks Party - MEMBERS ONLY
06/21/2023 WIL Hangout - Concert in Wenona Park
05/30/2023 Women's Self Defense Workshop
05/26/2023 Succeeding through Challenges
05/22/2023 New Member Orientation
04/28/2023 RISE Summit 2023
03/24/2023 Avoiding Burnout
03/18/2023 Saginaw Spirit Game - MEMBERS and their Guests ONLY
02/24/2023 Leading a Community
02/15/2023 Canvas Vision Board Event
01/31/2023 Painterly Pottery Party
01/27/2023 Leading with Vision
12/06/2022 WIL Gives Back Holiday Party
11/18/2022 1st Annual WIL Gala: A Gatsby Prom
10/25/2022 Looking Back to the Road Ahead!
09/27/2022 Seasons of Change and Transformation
08/23/2022 Honest Feedback
08/10/2022 A Night of Flights: Boozy Milkshakes and Popcorn - Members and Visitors Welcome!
07/22/2022 Applied Innovation | WIL Gives Back Annual Golf Outing
07/13/2022 Board & Brush Pop-Up!
06/02/2022 LOONS BASEBALL TIME
05/24/2022 Becoming You
04/26/2022 Exploring Emotional Intelligence
04/19/2022 Ladies: Locked & Loaded - Members Only Event
03/22/2022 The Isolated Leader
02/24/2022 Vision Board
02/22/2022 Refreshing Yourself and Others
01/27/2022 RISE Summit
12/16/2021 WIL Holiday Gathering
11/16/2021 WIL November Luncheon - Facing Breast Cancer in 2021
10/26/2021 WIL October Luncheon - Make the Most of your Marketing: Effective Strategies for Businesses of All Sizes
10/20/2021 WIL @ DryDock for Ascension St. Mary's Wig Room
09/16/2021 WIL Nonprofit Mixer Event
08/24/2021 WE ARE WIL - Bring Your Superpower to the Table
08/17/2021 New Member Orientation - Zoom
07/23/2021 2021 Golf Outing
05/25/2021 New Member Orientation
05/25/2021 Find Hire Keep
04/19/2021 Let's Unwind Together
03/23/2021 Claiming the Power of "I AM"
02/23/2021 Overcoming Workplace Incivility and Building Stronger Teams
02/17/2021 Publicity Portrait & Social Event
01/26/2021 New Year. New Connections.
12/15/2020 WIL Gives Back
11/24/2020 Leading with Gratitude in Challenging Times
11/17/2020 After Hours Networking Event - Saginaw Art Museum
11/05/2020 WIL Membership Orientation
10/27/2020 Learning to Rise, part 2
09/22/2020 Learning to Rise, part 1
08/25/2020 Braving Trust
06/23/2020 Living Our Values
05/26/2020 Rumbling with Vulnerability
04/28/2020 Daring to Lead because Courage is Contagious
04/21/2020 CANCELED - Reschedule Date TBD - Biography Statement Workshop - Members Only
03/24/2020 CANCELED - Psychological Safety in the Workplace
02/26/2020 WIL Membership Orientation
02/25/2020 Daring to Lead, Stories from the Field
01/28/2020 Digital Marketing 101: Modern Marketing Strategies For Small Business - Members Only Free Event
12/18/2019 Holiday Mixer
12/17/2019 Love + Purpose + Collaboration: Recipe for Working Toward a Shared Vision
11/26/2019 Building Connection and Understanding through Effective Confrontation
10/22/2019 Mental Wellbeing for the Everyday Woman
10/02/2019 WIL Membership Orientation
09/24/2019 Leading Where You Are At
08/27/2019 Counterintuitive Leadership
07/26/2019 GOLF OUTING: WOMEN LAWYERS ASSOCIATION OF MICHIGAN GLBR & WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP
06/25/2019 Speed Dining and Networking
05/28/2019 Beyond the Business Card: Harnessing the Power of Relationships and Networks
04/16/2019 Conscious Capitalism: Elevating Humanity Through Business
04/05/2019 Inaugural Women in Leadership Retreat: Put Your SOUL on the Agenda
03/19/2019 Optimal Performance
02/26/2019 Ambition Meets Inner Peace - An Introduction to Desire Mapping
02/21/2019 She Designed a Life She Loved - Vision Board Party for Members Only
02/05/2019 Biography Writing Workshop - Members Only
01/15/2019 Vision and Values Masterclass - Free Event for Members Only
12/18/2018 A Giving Spirit; Holiday Party & Adopt-A-Family
11/29/2018 Annual Meeting-Celebrating Our Accomplishments
10/16/2018 Principle Centered Leadership Practice for Performance, Growth & Empowerment
09/18/2018 The Art of the Side Hustle
08/21/2018 Girls and Guns!
07/26/2018 July Hang out
06/19/2018 Women Leaders Roundtable

Women in Leadership 
Great Lakes Bay Region

PO Box 6717
Saginaw, MI 48608

wilteam@wilgreatlakesbay.org

Member Links

Member Directory

Follow us on social!

Stay up-to-date on the latest news and events

Official photographer for WIL


Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software