Women in Leadership: The Power of Being Asked, Encouraged & Heard
What holds women back from stepping into politics and public leadership? Sometimes, it’s simply that no one has ever asked them to consider it.
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.
We’ll explore how women bring different perspectives to the table, elevate important conversations, and advocate for issues that might otherwise go unheard—from workplace protections for pregnant and nursing mothers to addressing gender disparities in lifesaving CPR training.
Because representation matters. Encouragement matters. And having women in the room can change the conversation.
Sometimes, all it takes is someone saying, “Have you ever thought about running?”
Michelle Mussman
State Representative 56th District
Full-time legislator; Chair of the Elementary & Secondary Education Policy Committee; Board member: Women In Need Growing Stronger, Children’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’s Caucus, Green Caucus, Special Needs Caucus, Children’s Caucus, Neurodiversity Caucus, and Cancer Caucus; B.S. in Design, University of Cincinnati; married, has three young adult children. Representative since 2011.

2026 SWAG REBRAND
A space created exclusively for women!
To eliminate confusion between SBA Women in Business (WIB) events and the SBA Women’s Alliance Group, we are bringing all women-focused programming under one unified brand: SWAG – SBA Women’s Advocacy & Gratitude initiative. Moving forward, the Alliance Group name will be retired, and all activities will be organized under the SWAG umbrella.
MISSION:
SWAG unites, empowers, and elevates women in the Schaumburg Business Association through connection, professional development, gratitude, and community engagement.
WHO WE ARE:
SBA Women’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.
WHAT:
SWAG events will consist of monthly lunches, after-work socials, volunteer opportunities, and more.
2026 LUNCH DETAILS:
Dates: 2nd Thursday of every month, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Sponsorships: Table Sponsors at $275 per event
For sponsorships, contact Kayleigh Endicott at KBurnitz@SchaumburgBusiness.com
Thursday Nov 12, 2026
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM CST
$37 SBA Member
$55 Non SBA Member
$275 Display Table Fee