Rise 2026

The Global Leadership Experience That Brought Women Together Across Industries, Cultures, and Communities.

Nearly 300 women gathered in Kansas City for an unforgettable evening of leadership, meaningful conversations, strategic connections, and celebration.

From corporate executives and entrepreneurs to nonprofit leaders, healthcare professionals, educators, and community changemakers, Rise 2026 became more than a conference, it became a community committed to building stronger businesses, stronger families, and stronger futures.

Rise 2026 At A Glance

📍 Kansas City

🌍 Women representing multiple cultures and backgrounds

👥 Nearly 300 attendees

🏆 15 Fortress Builder Honorees

🤝 12 Sponsors

🛍️ 20 Vendors

🎤 Leadership Panel + Keynote

❤️ Community Impact Project

A night of purpose, leadership, and connection

What Made Rise Different?

Nearly 300 women gathered for an evening of meaningful conversations, authentic stories, and community.

Leadership Conversations

Practical discussions from accomplished leaders sharing real experiences, wisdom, and strategies for leading with excellence.

Strategic Connections

Meaningful relationships formed between women from diverse industries, cultures, and professional backgrounds.

Celebrating Excellence

Recognizing extraordinary women whose leadership is transforming businesses, organizations, and communities.

Marketplace

Supporting women-owned businesses, nonprofit organizations, and community partners.

Inspiration Into Action

Every session was intentionally designed to move attendees from inspiration toward implementation.

Voices That Inspired

At Rise 2026, respected leaders from healthcare, banking, business, nonprofit leadership, and entrepreneurship shared practical wisdom, personal journeys, and leadership insights that challenged attendees to grow with courage and purpose.

Dr. Tolulope Olabintan MD

FAAFP DipABLM DABOM

CEO Livingspring Family Medical Center, Speaker and Writer

Tsedenia Tesfaye

IT Director, MBA Candidate, Community Builder & Founder

Mary Kimani

Sr. Advanced Quality Engineer

Trane Technologies NA CHVAC

Vice Chair Women in Manufacturing SC Chapter

Min. Saya Doe-Sio

CPA, MBA, PMP

Founder, Annie T Doe Fdn & The Power of Possibilities

Julie Robinson

RISE

Refugee & Immigrant Services & Empowerment Outreach Manager

Hidy Aguilar

RISE - Moderator/Honorarees
VP, Branch Manager

Enterprise Bank & Trust

Why Women Attend Rise

Women join Rise to...

Build authentic relationships

Expand their leadership capacity

Learn practical strategies

Celebrate remarkable women

Discover business opportunities

Connect across industries

Be encouraged in purpose

Leave equipped to make greater impact

From Kansas City to the World

Her Fortress is building a community where women from every nation, profession, and stage of leadership can connect, collaborate, and grow together.

Whether you're leading a business...

serving your community...

building a nonprofit...

raising a family...

or launching your first vision...

there is a place for you here.

Keep Rising...

Thank you to every attendee, speaker, sponsor, volunteer, vendor, and community partner who made Rise 2026 possible. We look forward to welcoming even more women at our next Her Fortress Experience.