Women's Leadership and Empowerment Conference

EmpowerHer: Nourishing Minds, Living Authentically, Leading Fearlessly

This one-day conference is a unique opportunity for women from different backgrounds to connect, grow, and be empowered. The goal is to support the whole woman on her leadership journey for creating a stronger tomorrow.

Join us for breakout sessions with experts in:

• Health and Wellness
• Professional Development
• Financial Success
• Personal Growth

In addition to an inspiring keynote speaker, there will also be a panel of professionals who address what it means to take care of the whole woman. No matter your role or title, you'll walk away stronger and more empowered in your leadership journey.

Cost: $129. Student cost: $50.

Breakfast and lunch are included in your registration.

The agenda and speakers will be added to this page as details are finalized.

Cost: $129 Register online Student RegistrationRegister online

Keynote: The Sweet Life

As Christina celebrated her premier on the Food Network’s Cupcake Wars with a gathering of friends and family, she was also facing one of the most challenging moments of her life. She had hired her mother as her first employee and only seven months into her business, scored a 1000-cupcake event that transformed her business and allowed her to expand into her unique dream, a dessert bar and lounge. She consistently accumulated awards and accolades and was asked to film an episode of Cupcake Wars.

Takeaways

In the middle of this abundance, she was stopped in her tracks by two major life altering changes. As her heart was torn between family and business, Cupcake Wars called, asking her to film an episode. Christina continued to thrive, focusing on the core of her dreams and building her family. She encourages the audience with her story:

• How to turn difficult moments into transformational experiences.
• How to balance the needs of her family with her thriving business.
• The situations you need to say no.
• Using change for the good. Lessons learned during the pandemic.

Keynote Speaker — Christina Moffatt

Christina Moffatt, Certified Business Advisor, Entrepreneur, Consultant, Growth Strategist

It was a battle to the end when Christina Moffatt appeared on The Food Network’s Cupcake Wars but not only was she battling it out on live television she was in her own personal battle behind the scenes.

Christina took all lessons learned in these battles and but it to use helping promote and grow entrepreneurs. In addition to owning her own small business, Crème Cupcake + Dessert, she served as the Regional Director for Mid Iowa SBDC, Director of Small Business Development for the Greater Des Moines Partnership, she has helped launch a new division of a bank, focusing on women and minority businesses. She currently is focusing on customer growth strategy in a Fortune 500 business in the financial industry with a special focus on the small to midsized businesses.

Christina, along with her awesome Crème team, owned her own small business for twelve years prior to selling in 2022. They had the opportunity to serve their product to many celebrities and politicians when visiting Iowa and continued to survive and thrive during Covid. Christina created a sense of belonging with her team where all ideas were welcomed, and profit was shared. The team all came from extremely different backgrounds but were truly a family that we named the Crème Crew.

Christina is a graduate of DMACC, Iowa State University, and University of Toledo Certified Business Advisor Program. She also devotes her time and talents to many local boards. Christina has won several awards for her business including DSM Top List for Best Bakery, Cityview’s Best Dessert, Sweet Equality Best Dessert, Runner up for the Iowa Mixology Competition and runner up on The Food Network’s Cupcake Wars. Christina has also been featured in Pastry & Baking North America in the Regional Showcase and Baker in Focus. Christina is also a Business Record’s Forty Under 40, 2012 Deb Dalziel Woman Entrepreneur Achievement Award Winner by the Iowa Small Business Development Center for the State of Iowa, 2013 Woman of the Year by the Metro Women’s Network, 2015 Women Business Owner of the Year by National Association of Women Business Owners Iowa Chapter, 2016 Finalist for Iowa Women Entrepreneurial Innovation and Leadership Award by Technology Association of Iowa, 2017.

Outstanding Alumni of the Year by DMACC, 2018 Ivy Women in Business Inspiration Award by Iowa State University, 2018 Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute Distinguished Leaders Community Vision Inspiration Award, 2019 40 Women To Watch by the Iowa Restaurant Association and Winner of the Character Award for 2020 Inspiring Women of Iowa by the Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa.

Christina’s true joy in life is her family. She is partner to Ryan Moffatt and they have a beautiful 11 year old son, Evan.

Tags

1. community events
2. corporate and business solutions
3. diversity and inclusion