Special to IFN

Women leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals from across the region will gather at the Statesville Event Center on March 20 for the 4th Annual Actualize Women’s Leadership Conference, a full-day event designed to equip women with practical tools, leadership strategies, and meaningful connections to advance their careers.

The conference brings together women at all stages of their professional journey — from emerging professionals to executives, nonprofit leaders, managers, and business owners — for a day focused on personal growth, leadership development, and professional empowerment.

This year’s event features keynote speaker Brenda Viola, an award-winning communicator, author, and founder of Vici Communications LLC. A former news anchor, reporter, QVC show host, and public information officer, Viola has built a career helping organizations strengthen corporate culture and helping individuals communicate with clarity and confidence.

Her keynote presentation, “How to Be Heard Without Screaming,” will address one of the most common workplace challenges: making sure your message truly lands. Drawing from decades of real-world experience in media and communications, Viola will share practical strategies to help professionals communicate effectively, build influence, and ensure their ideas are heard.

In addition to the keynote presentation, the conference will offer several interactive breakout sessions led by respected professionals and thought leaders. Topics will include leadership presence, entrepreneurship, managing difficult conversations, overcoming imposter syndrome, strategic leadership, and protecting mental health in demanding leadership roles.

Breakout Sessions 

Breaking Through: Grit and Grace of a Serial Entrepreneur

Dr. Tara Youngblood
Details: Learn how bold ideas evolve into successful ventures and how perseverance fuels entrepreneurial success.

Vibrant Leadership Presence: How You Show Up Changes Everything

Nicole Greer
Details: Using neuroscience and emotional intelligence, this session explores how leaders can better understand the impact they have on others.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Spot the Signals and Rise

Kristy Kuhl
Details: Participants will learn how to recognize self-doubt and confidently step into new leadership opportunities.

From Overextended to Impactful

Michelle Cabell
Details: This session focuses on shifting from doing everything to leading strategically without burnout.

Dealing with Difficult People

Brenda Viola
Details: Practical tools for managing conflict, addressing resistance, and communicating with confidence.

From Burnout to Boundaries: Protecting Your Mental Health While Leading

Boen Nutting & Andrea Sherrill
Details: Presented by Be Well Iredell, this session offers strategies for establishing healthy boundaries, strengthening resilience, and focusing on gratitude to support long-term well-being.

Participants can expect powerful speakers, meaningful networking opportunities, and actionable takeaways they can immediately apply to their careers and organizations.

Actualize is part of the Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce’s professional women’s group called Leading Ladies.

The goal of of the event is simple, according to Chamber Co-President Beth Packman.

“Create a day-long opportunity where women can learn from experts, connect with other professionals, and leave feeling more confident and equipped to make an impact in their careers and communities. You can feel the energy and positivity the minute you walk in the door.”

The Iredell Human Resources Association is an event sponsor, and the conference is approved for 3.5 SHRM and HRCI credits.

TICKETS

Individual tickets are $100 and tables of 8 are still available for $750.  Buy tickets HERE.

LEARN MORE

For conference details, speaker information, and registration, visit https://www.statesvillechamber.org/actualize-2026/.