Glen Ellyn Chamber to Host Empowering Women in Business Expo & Luncheon Featuring Local Women Leaders

“Women Leading, Growing & Thriving in Business” will bring together women from across the community for networking, inspiration and a dynamic leadership panel
 
GLEN ELLYN, IL — September 2026 — The Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce will host its 2^nd Annual Empowering Women in Business Expo & Luncheon on Thursday, October 29, 2026, bringing together women business owners, professionals and community leaders for an afternoon focused on leadership, entrepreneurship, connection and balance.
 
The event, themed “Women Leading, Growing & Thriving in Business,” will take place from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Glen Oak Country Club, 21W451 Hill Ave., Glen Ellyn. The Chamber gratefully acknowledges Glen Ellyn Bank & Trust and the Midge Avery Anderson Charitable Foundation as event sponsors.
 
The event will begin with a Business Expo from 10 to 11:30 a.m., providing attendees with an opportunity to connect with local businesses, discover new resources and build relationships. The Expo will be followed by a luncheon and panel discussion from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
 
At the heart of the event will be a panel featuring four accomplished women, each representing a different perspective on success and professional growth:

• Diana Martinez, The Leader — Associate Vice President of Cultural Art and Community Affairs and Executive Director of the McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage. Martinez oversees performing arts programming, exhibitions and community engagement initiatives at one of the Midwest’s premier regional arts centers.
• Kim Seaman, The Entrepreneur — Owner of Chicken Salad Chick locations in Batavia and Glen Ellyn, with a third location currently expanding in St. Charles. After spending 20 years as an elementary school teacher, Seaman made the leap into entrepreneurship and has built businesses centered on service, community and meaningful connections.
• Cheryl Shurtz, The Connector — Designated Managing Broker with RE/MAX Suburban and a longtime member and leader within the Glen Ellyn community. A REALTOR® since 1983, Shurtz has built her career around relationships, referrals and helping people navigate major transitions.
• Carey Carlock, The Balancer — Founder of Mosaic Counseling and Wellness, an integrated outpatient practice serving the Hinsdale, Oak Park, Glen Ellyn and Elmhurst communities. Carlock is a passionate mental health advocate and previously served as CEO of Riveredge Hospital for 13 years.

 
The panel will be facilitated by Dawn Bussey, Executive Director of the Glen Ellyn Public Library, who will guide the conversation around the experiences, challenges and lessons that have shaped each panelist's career.
 
Rather than focusing solely on traditional measures of professional success, the discussion will explore the realities of building a career and business while navigating leadership, risk-taking, networking, confidence, mentorship, boundaries and personal balance.
 
Panelists will share their own experiences and perspectives while addressing questions such as what effective leadership looks like, what it takes to make the leap into entrepreneurship, how meaningful professional connections are built, and how women can define success on their own terms. The program will also include an audience Q&A.
 
“We wanted this conversation to recognize that there isn't one path to success,” said Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Claudia Thornton. “Our panelists have each taken a very different journey, but their stories share common themes of taking risks, building relationships, navigating challenges and finding ways to thrive both personally and professionally.”
 
The event offers attendees an opportunity to learn from accomplished women, meet other professionals, promote their businesses, build meaningful connections and leave inspired by the possibilities ahead.
 
The Empowering Women in Business Expo & Luncheon is sponsored by the Midge Avery Anderson Charitable Foundation and Glen Ellyn Bank & Trust.
 
Event Details
Empowering Women in Business Expo & Luncheon
Theme: Women Leading, Growing & Thriving in Business
Date: Thursday, October 29, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Location: Glen Oak Country Club, 21W451 Hill Ave., Glen Ellyn, IL
Business Expo: 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Luncheon & Panel Discussion: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Registration: https://www.glenellynchamber.com/empowering-women/
 
For additional information, contact the Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce at 630-469-0907.
 
About the Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce
The Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to supporting local businesses, fostering meaningful connections and strengthening the Glen Ellyn business community through advocacy, education, networking and community engagement.