Women in Business Summit
The Women in Business Summit is Cottage Grove Area Women in Business' premier event dedicated to empowering, educating, and celebrating women in all stages of their professional journey. Hosted by the Cottage Grove Area Chamber and the Women in Business organization, this high-energy, one-day event brings together inspiring keynote speakers, expert panels, networking opportunities, and a vibrant marketplace. Whether you're a business owner, emerging leader, or seasoned professional, this summit is your space to connect, grow, and lead with purpose.
Learn more about our wonderful speakers at the 2025 WIB Summit!
Princess Paula with Princess Paula Consulting is a high-energy speaker known for her captivating storytelling and fresh take on business development. From networking and marketing to harnessing Google, social media, and AI, she delivers insights that leave a lasting impact.
Whether it's a small workshop or a large convention, her blend of fun, expertise, and professionalism inspires and elevates any audience.
Are you ready for an unforgettable event?
Esme Miranda is a passionate entrepreneur, community leader, and the visionary Founder and President of Squeaky Services, a Minnesota-based cleaning company dedicated to excellence, integrity, and people-first values.
With over a decade of experience in the cleaning industry, Esme has built Squeaky Services from the ground up transforming it into a trusted provider of commercial and residential cleaning, carpet care, and floor maintenance. Her leadership emphasizes high-quality service, detailed attention, and employee care.
Esme is deeply committed to uplifting her team, requiring background checks, promoting professional growth, and creating welcoming workspaces stocked with snacks and support. She also actively gives back, partnering with local organizations and using her business as a platform for community impact.
Driven by faith, family, and purpose, Esme’s mission goes beyond cleaning, she is dedicated to building opportunities, empowering others, and creating a company culture that feels like home.
Stephanie Silvers is the Chief Executive Officer at Dress for Success Twin Cities (DFSTC), where she has worked since the organization was founded in 2010. With more than 10 years of experience in non-profit development and leadership, Stephanie took over as the Executive Director in January 2016.
With a bachelor’s degree in Urban Studies and African American Studies, Stephanie has spent her career advocating and leading social change programs and initiatives to help women thrive in work and life. Throughout her career, Stephanie’s efforts have led to many promotions and increased leadership responsibilities. She has a strong track record of developing successful relationships among agencies, corporations, and clients, which have helped her in the development of all four Dress for Success Twin Cities programs and in growing the company to a half-million dollar organization.
Stephanie is proud of the impact of her work on the lives of women across MN who have been supported through DFSTC programming. She is especially proud of watching a women’s confidence grow so that she is better able to take care of herself and her family, in a way that feels good to her. Stephanie knows that the life changing work she is involved in results in one of the most empowering things one can do for another, and helping provide that at Dress for Success Twin Cities gives her great joy.
In her spare time, she likes spending quality time with great friends and enjoying fantastic food.
Bailey is a strategic thinker, problem solver, people leader and connector with expertise in marketing communications and media, developed while working on global brands across the agency, corporate and sports worlds.
Bailey is currently the Senior Director of Marketing for the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx. In her role, she oversees the strategy and execution of key tentpoles across the brands, including uniform launch campaigns, All-Star voting, and playoffs, and she is a firm believer that this year will be her chance to bring a Finals Championship parade to life. In previous roles, Bailey led brand experience strategy for Old El Paso at General Mills and worked in media for both Carmichael Lynch and Compass Point Media.
Bailey currently resides in Brooklyn Park with her husband and their two dogs, and she can frequently be found hiking, planning her next trip, or eating queso.
Genette is the Chief of Staff and Head of Strategy for the Minnesota Vikings, serving as a strategic thought partner and right-hand to executive leadership and coo. With a background in business strategy, fan engagement, analytics, and insights,
Genette has played a critical role in shaping the organization’s long-term vision and operational success. Previously serving as Senior Director of Business Strategy, Genette has led transformative initiatives, from pioneering fan-facing technology during the development of U.S. Bank Stadium to defining the organization’s mission, values, and strategic direction. Known for her ability to foster alignment, innovation, and efficiency, she is deeply committed to advancing the Vikings' legacy and ensuring sustained success both on and off the field. Genette enjoys skiing, learning something new, and spending quality time with her husband and two little kids.
Kathryn (Katie) Vannelli, Director of Revenue Marketing, began her career with the Minnesota Wild in 2008 as a graphic designer in the Creative Services department, blending her passion for hockey and art into what she considered her dream job. Putting her creativity, positivity, and passion for learning into action, Katie’s career with the Wild evolved as she took on increasing leadership roles in the Marketing department, including email marketing and automation, project management, and advertising. Her current responsibilities include building marketing strategies for revenue generating departments, overseeing advertising and email automation.
Katie’s hockey obsession started early; she played youth hockey in Eagan, MN for one of the first girls’ hockey programs in the state, captained her high school Varsity team, and continued to play through college at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in graphic design. She is still playing hockey to this day in the WHAM (Women’s Hockey Association of Minnesota) league.Â
Katie is a wife and mother of two bright, energetic kids: Vivian (age 7 – also a hockey player) and Vincent (age 5). She moonlights in her spare time as an improviser at ComedySportz-Twin Cities, a hockey coach, and enjoys acting in small festival films. Katie also enjoys photography, drawing, softball, home improvement projects, and most of all, making people laugh.Â
Abby Ellingboe is a New Business Development Representative at Minnesota United FC, driving ticket sales and cultivating long-term relationships with fans and clients. Passionate about creating inclusive spaces in sports, Abby is dedicated to growing the game while empowering the next generation of women in the industry as this comradery helped her thrive early in her career. She brings experience in fan engagement, community outreach, and sales strategy, and is proud to represent a club that values authenticity, teamwork, and innovation both on and off the pitch.
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