October 1, 2026
Event featured nationally recognized business leader Diane Primo, women in skilled trades and remarks honoring a student journalist involved in reporting on the Cornell University sexual assault allegations.
Northwest Indiana – Crossroads Chamber’s sixth annual Empowering Women’s Brunch brought together women breaking barriers in business and skilled trades Oct. 1, with an unexpected appearance connecting the Northwest Indiana event to the nationally scrutinized sexual assault allegations at Cornell University.
Held at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Munster, the event featured remarks from local educator Dr. Louise A. Chickie-Wolfe, grandmother of Cornell University student journalist Cereese Qusba, whose reporting helped bring national attention to sexual assault allegations involving seven fraternity members.
Chickie-Wolfe expressed pride in her granddaughter’s determination to pursue the story, emphasizing the importance of speaking up even when doing so is difficult.
“I want you to take note of the fact that doing the right thing isn’t always the easiest, but it’s so important to step forward and stand up for the right thing,” Chickie-Wolfe told attendees. “As a grandmother, I am bursting with pride. And as a woman, I am elated with how she is taking us forward in the future.”
The brunch also featured a fireside panel moderated by Jenny Craig-Brown, spotlighting women in traditionally male-dominated trades. Panelists included Amy Henningfield, director of workforce development at Superior Construction; Heather Gabinski, an ironworker with Iron Workers Local 395; and Zoe Orosz, a 22-year-old member of Plumbers Local 210 and the panel’s youngest participant.
Representing different career stages and industries, the women discussed workplace challenges, mentorship and the importance of increasing female representation in skilled trades. Their perspectives emphasized the need for greater visibility and opportunities for women entering these fields.
Keynote speaker Diane Primo, CEO of Chicago-based Purpose Brand, encouraged attendees to recognize their professional value, invest in themselves and create opportunities for career advancement.
“There was so much ambition and energy in that room. I loved having the opportunity to remind women in Northwest Indiana to know their value, invest in themselves and never be afraid to create their own door when one doesn’t open for them. That’s how we move ourselves and each other forward,” Primo said.
The program, emceed by Vanessa Green Sinders, president and CEO of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, also featured Dr. Surekha Rao of Indiana University Northwest, who discussed artificial intelligence’s impact on women in the workforce.
The event concluded with the presentation of Crossroads Chamber’s inaugural Women in Leadership Award to Dr. Alexis Nelson, founder and CEO of B.E.S.T. (Be Exceptional Support Together). Nelson was recognized for her leadership and community impact, including helping secure $100,000 in emergency housing assistance to support mothers and children.
“For me, leadership is about serving, advocating, empowering other women, and using my voice for those who are disenfranchised, unseen, or may have lost hope,” Nelson said.
Organized by the chamber’s Women in Leadership Development (WILD) Committee, the annual brunch provides opportunities to recognize women’s achievements, strengthen professional connections and encourage leadership throughout Northwest Indiana.
“From women breaking barriers in the skilled trades to the courage of a young journalist making her voice heard on a national stage, this year’s program reminded us that leadership takes many forms,” said Deann Patena, president and CEO of Crossroads Chamber.