CONNECT.
EMPOWER.
ACHIEVE.
Saturday, February 7, 2026
Purdue Memorial Union and Rawls Hall
Open to all Purdue students!
Breakfast & Lunch
2 Keynote Speakers
2 Workshop Sessions
Complimentary Merch
Networking
SAVE THE DATE
February 7, 2026
This year's theme, Empowered in Action, celebrates the connection between self-discovery and purposeful growth. Through interactive workshops and hands-on sessions, attendees will uncover what truly drives them, whether that be their values, motivations, and strengths, and learn how to channel that awareness into meaningful action. By understanding themselves better, participants will gain the clarity and confidence to make intentional choices that propel their personal and professional success. This conference is designed so everyone leaves not just inspired but equipped with practical skills and self-knowledge they can put into action immediately.
Kim Macko is a seasoned business leader and strategist with extensive experience driving growth, transformation, and innovation at Eli Lilly and Company. In addition to being a Purdue Alum, Kim also has an MBA from Harvard, which has led her to her current role as Associate Vice President of Corporate Strategy at Lilly.
Kim has held numerous leadership roles spanning global product marketing, R&D strategy, investor relations, and operations. She has also served as Chief of Staff to Eli Lilly’s Chief Scientific Officer, bringing strategic insight and operational excellence to high-impact initiatives. Kim began her career in finance and treasury at Eli Lilly and ExxonMobil, and has since leveraged her financial acumen and strategic mindset to deliver results in complex, global organizations. She holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BS in Management from Purdue University. Kim is passionate about mentoring emerging leaders and sharing her expertise on strategy, transformation, and leadership in high-growth environments.
Tiffini N. Grimes is the Deputy Director of Athletics and Senior Woman Administrator at Purdue University, where she oversees the operational, financial, and strategic direction of a Big Ten Conference athletics department.
Her leadership portfolio includes executive oversight of Football and Women’s Basketball, strategic leadership across 18 varsity sports, and management of more than 300 staff members spanning business operations, compliance, academics, HR, and performance services. With nearly two decades of senior leadership experience, Tiffini has led transformational change at some of the nation’s most competitive athletic programs, including The University of Alabama.
Her work has spanned NIL strategy development, major capital projects, organizational restructuring, and initiatives advancing equity, compliance, and student-athlete well-being. A recipient of the SBJ Forty Under 40 recognition, Tiffini brings extensive expertise in strategic planning, program growth, and competitive excellence. Her leadership centers on accountability, innovation, and creating environments where student-athletes and staff can thrive.
For any inquiries, please contact us via email at wib@purdue.edu.
Kristin Stapleton is a leadership development expert who helps young leaders redefine success by elevating others. A former athlete turned corporate leader with 12 years of experience and over 1,500 leaders coached, she uses a scientific approach to build teams that accelerate growth and unlock collective potential.
Sabrina Wilson, a Purdue alum and executive coach with over 30 years of experience, helps leaders navigate transformation and high-stakes transitions with confidence. A two-time Power 100 Woman in Security honoree and founder of Spill the T Consulting, she’s known for turning complex challenges into opportunities for growth.
Bri Madren is a financial advisor and founder of Madren Financial who helps widows, families, and business owners find clarity and confidence through life’s biggest transitions. Rooted in faith, family, and service, she blends compassionate guidance with strategic planning to help clients align their money with their values and feel in control of their futures.
Jill Lehman is the Founder & CEO of a fractional HR firm that helps leaders and companies scale people and strategies to drive transformation. A seasoned executive and coach, she’s guided teams through scaling, successful exits, and culture-building while leading High Frequency Arts, a gallery that uses visual storytelling to inspire innovation.
Purdue alum Mickey Swortzel is an entrepreneur, investor, and ecosystem connector. Now focused on strengthening startup ecosystems, she connects founders, talent, and capital across universities and investors while mentoring the next generation of innovators through programs at institutions like Purdue, Notre Dame, and Yale.
Founder and CEO of Awesome People Leaders Heather Polivka utilizes her expertise to help organizations build thriving workplaces. A former leader at UnitedHealth Group and Target, her neuroscience- and AI-powered platform has earned national recognition for redefining manager development and promoting human-centered leadership
Katarina is a marketing associate at Eli Lilly and Company, the world's leading pharmaceutical company. She is a proud graduate of Purdue University, and leads personal workshops across universities on personal branding, networking 101, landing internships, public speaking, and critical thinking.
Leanne Bourdage is Manager of FP&A Procurement at SC Johnson, where she leads the Global Procurement Finance team. A Purdue Daniels School of Business alum with over a decade at SC Johnson, she combines financial and operational expertise to translate analysis into strategies that advance efficiency and long-term growth.
Cara Putman serves as the Marsha B. Allen Director of the Brock-Wilson Center and is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Strategy Department. An award-winning member of the faculty, she teaches undergraduate and graduate core courses in business law, employment law, and business ethics.
