International Women’s Day 2025

Date: Tuesday, March 4, 2025
Location: Indiana Government Center South (Auditorium)
Address: 10 N. Senate Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46204

Join us in celebrating the power, achievements, and resilience of women worldwide at the Indiana Commission for Women’s 2025 International Women’s Day event, presented by Event Chair Rupal Thanawala. This year's theme, #AccelerateAction, will focus on strategies to advance women's leadership and empowerment.

Event Highlights:

Inspiring Talks & Panel Discussions
Networking Opportunities
Expert Speakers & Exhibitors
A Supportive Community of Change-Makers

This is a FREE event! Seats are limited, so secure your spot today!

8:00 – 9:00 AM
Rise & Shine: Registration, Breakfast, Networking, Professional Headshots, & Vendor Exhibits
9:00 – 9:15 AM
Welcome to the International Women’s Day Event
Mistress of Ceremonies: Cat Sandoval, Reporter, WISH-TV
Courtney Arango - Chair, Indiana Commission for Women
Rupal Thanawala – President, Trident Systems (IWD Event Chair)
9:15 -9:30 AM
Suzanne Jaworowski - Secretary of Energy and Natural Resources
9:30 – 10:15 AM
Accelerate Panel: Accelerating Women’s Advancement Across Health, Education, and Economic Opportunities
Moderator: Shannon Williams – Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President, The Mind Trust
Kim Thomas –Interim Chief Human Resource Officer and Head of Inclusion/Community Affairs, OneAmerica
Dr. Tanuja Singh – President, University of Indianapolis
Rafael Sanchez – Chief Impact Officer, Old National Bank
10:20 – 10:45 AM
Fireside Chat:
Moderated by Rupal Thanawala
Tamara Winfrey Harris - President, Women’s Fund of Central Indiana
BREAK
11:00 – 11:45 AM
Empower Panel: Building Pathways for Women and Girls in Leadership, Business, and Beyond
Moderator: Samantha Battle – Senior DEI Business Partner, Republic Airways
Brandy Davis-Handy - President, AES Indiana
Deana Howorth – Chief Executive Officer, Hirons
Ann Lathrop - Chief Strategy Officer, IEDC
11:50 – 12:10 PM
Closing Keynote:
Amber Cox - Chief Operating Officer and General Manager, Indiana Fever
12:10 - 12:15 PM
Closing Remarks :
Jordan Teske-Harrison - Director, Indiana Commission for Women
12:10- 12:15 PM
Group pictures
12:30 – 2:00 PM
Lunch & Link: Lunch, Networking, Professional Headshots, & Vendor Exhibits