The University of Nebraska–Lincoln Women Lead conference, a collaboration between the College of Business and the College of Law, received international recognition with a Silver 2025 Circle of Excellence Award from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). The prestigious competition drew more than 4,400 entries from 640 institutions in 33 countries, recognizing top work in advancement, alumni relations, communications, fundraising and marketing.
“The Circle of Excellence Awards shine a spotlight on the extraordinary creativity, passion and innovation demonstrated by advancement professionals at institutions around the world,” said Sue Cunningham, CASE president and CEO. “These awards not only celebrate outstanding achievements but also underscore how essential this work is to strengthen communities and positively shape lives and society.”
Women Lead began as two separate college initiatives—leadership development programming for women in law and a C-suite speaker series hosted by the College of Business. The colleges combined their efforts to launch the first Women Lead conference in 2020, creating a shared space for women across business, government, law and nonprofits to grow professionally, find inspiration and build networks.
“Women Lead is a powerful example of what happens when dedicated people come together around a common purpose,” said Kathy Farrell, James Jr. and Susan Stuart Endowed Dean of the College of Business. “By aligning our efforts, we created something greater together, and this global recognition reminds us just how impactful collaboration can be."
With breakout sessions, nationally known keynote speakers, a marketplace of women-owned businesses other signature features, the inaugural Women Lead conference sold out in less than two months. Strong demand continued for the 2022 and 2024 events, with 98.6% of participants saying they would recommend the conference to others.
“Women Lead cultivates a dynamic space where women can learn from one another and expand their professional networks. The overwhelming demand and sold-out events are a direct result of the investment from our generous sponsors and the contribution our speakers make of their time and expertise. This international recognition belongs to them as well,” said Molly Brummond, ’00 and ’03, assistant dean for student development and chief of staff for the College of Law.
Past keynotes include Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, chief executive officer of Feeding America; Michelle Coleman Mayes, vice president, general counsel and secretary at The New York Public Library; Connie Collingsworth, ’82, former chief operating officer of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; and Morgan Shaw Parker, '99, president and chief operating officer of the Atlanta Dream.
Brummond and Sheri Irwin-Gish, ’03, executive director of communications, marketing and external relations at the College of Business, co-lead the event. They work with a dedicated planning team that includes Amber Ediger, director of marketing and digital strategy at the College of Law; Laura Niles, director of external relations at the College of Business; Katie Pfannenstiel, assistant director of alumni relations and event planning at College of Law; Kimberly Smith, associate director of communications, marketing and external relations at College of Business; and Kylie Stearns, event specialist, who joined the College of Law in the spring. Together they secure sponsors, speakers, vendors, venues and volunteers and manage logistics, registration, marketing and promotion.
"When attendees share how Women Lead sparked new ideas or provided inspiration and meaningful connections, it's rewarding as that is the heart of our mission, and to have this event recognized among the world’s best educational advancement efforts is a tremendous honor," said Irwin-Gish.
Earlier this year, Women Lead earned a Prism Award for Best Nonprofit Event from the American Marketing Association Lincoln Chapter. It also received the Best of Show Award across all categories for nonprofits.
“This initiative represents what is possible when different disciplines collaborate with intention to build something lasting," said Richard Moberly, dean of the College of Law. “Women Lead is more than an event—it’s an investment in our current and future leaders.”
Planning is already underway for the next Women Lead to be held Friday, March 6, 2026, at Nebraska Innovation Campus. Registration opens in late November. To receive an email when registration is live, Complete This Form.
