Women in Leadership: The Power of Being Asked\, Encouraged &\; Heard

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What holds women back from stepping into politics and public leadership? Sometimes\, it&rsquo\;s simply that no one has ever asked them to consider it.
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Join us for an inspiring conversation about overcoming imposter syndrome\, recognizing our own potential\, and the powerful role we play in encouraging other women to lead.
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We&rsquo\;ll explore how women bring different perspectives to the table\, elevate important conversations\, and advocate for issues that might otherwise go unheard&mdash\;from workplace protections for pregnant and nursing mothers to addressing gender disparities in lifesaving CPR training.

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Because representation matters. Encouragement matters. And having women in the room can change the conversation.
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Sometimes\, all it takes is someone saying\, &ldquo\;Have you ever thought about running?&rdquo\;

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Michelle Mussman

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State Representative 56th District

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Full-time legislator\; Chair of the Elementary &\; Secondary Education Policy Committee\; Board member: Women In Need Growing Stronger\, Children&rsquo\;s Advocacy Center of Illinois\; member of: Congress of Women Legislators\, Education Commission of the States\, Illinois Housing Council\, Schaumburg Business Association\, League of Women Voters\, Illinois House Democratic Women&rsquo\;s Caucus\, Green Caucus\, Special Needs Caucus\, Children&rsquo\;s Caucus\, Neurodiversity Caucus\, and Cancer Caucus\; B.S. in Design\, University of Cincinnati\; married\, has three young adult children. Representative since 2011.

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2026 SWAG REBRAND
\nA space created exclusively for women!
\nTo eliminate confusion between SBA Women in Business (WIB) events and the SBA Women&rsquo\;s Alliance Group\, we are bringing all women-focused programming under one unified brand: SWAG &ndash\; SBA Women&rsquo\;s Advocacy &\; Gratitude initiative. Moving forward\, the Alliance Group name will be retired\, and all activities will be organized under the SWAG umbrella.

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MISSION:
\nSWAG unites\, empowers\, and elevates women in the Schaumburg Business Association through connection\, professional development\, gratitude\, and community engagement.

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WHO WE ARE:
\nSBA Women&rsquo\;s Advocacy &\; Gratitude (SWAG) is the unified home for all SBA women-focused events. Our goal is to create an inclusive environment where women professionals and allies can thrive through learning\, networking\, and shared experiences.

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WHAT:
\nSWAG events will consist of monthly lunches\, after-work socials\, volunteer opportunities\, and more.

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2026 LUNCH DETAILS:
\nDates: 2nd Thursday of every month\, 11:30 am &ndash\; 1:30 pm
\nSponsorships: Table Sponsors at $275 per event
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\nFor sponsorships\, contact Kayleigh Endicott at \;KBurnitz@SchaumburgBusiness.com

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