CHICAGO — The She Owns It She Biz Conference will return to Chicago April 10–11, 2026, marking its fifth year of convening women across industries for two days of networking, professional development, and community engagement.
Founded by publicist and cultural strategist Christi Love, the conference has grown from a small gathering into a recurring event that centers the leadership and contributions of women—particularly Black women—while remaining open to all participants, including allies and community stakeholders.
This year’s theme, “She Creates,” focuses on the role women play in shaping business, culture, and community life, particularly at a time when many are redefining their professional paths amid economic shifts and job displacement nationwide.
“Five years ago, we created a space rooted in connection and intention,” Love said. “As the conversation around diversity, equity, and inclusion shifts, this moment calls for us to come together and find solutions for ourselves.”
The two-day conference will take place in Chicago and is expected to draw entrepreneurs, corporate professionals, creatives, educators, and nonprofit leaders. Programming will include panel discussions, workshops, keynote sessions, and networking opportunities focused on leadership, financial growth, wellness, and community impact.
The opening day, titled “She Moves,” will center on career advancement and strategic growth, concluding with the conference’s signature “She’s Honored” reception. Among those being recognized this year is U.S. Congressman Danny K. Davis, along with other honorees whose contributions to community and professional leadership will be highlighted throughout the event.
The second day, “She’s Community,” will focus on collaboration and collective impact, emphasizing the role of women in strengthening communities and supporting one another across sectors.
In addition to its programming, the conference will feature a historical component honoring journalist and civil rights activist Ida B. Wells. Organizers said the recognition is intended to connect contemporary conversations about leadership and advocacy to Wells’ legacy of using journalism as a tool for justice. Members of her family are expected to participate, underscoring the intergenerational impact of her work.
Returning for a fourth year, artist Dana Todd Pope will present her “Giving Her Her Flowers” exhibit. The collection features portraits of notable women from Chicago, painted by women artists, highlighting figures whose contributions to the city’s cultural and professional landscape have often gone unrecognized.
The conference has also announced a partnership with Girls Like Me Project, a nonprofit focused on leadership development and empowerment for young Black girls. Organizers said the collaboration is intended to bridge generational gaps by connecting youth with mentors and professional networks cultivated through the conference.
The event arrives as more women, particularly Black women, are launching businesses, pivoting careers, and building independent platforms in response to economic uncertainty. Organizers said the conference is designed to provide resources and connections that support those transitions.
Earlier this month, the conference’s fifth anniversary programming began with a Women’s History Month mixer held at The Press Room Chicago. The event brought together past attendees, sponsors, and community members and served as a lead-in to the April conference.
Corporate and community partnerships continue to play a role in the event’s growth. Moors Brewing Company returns as a sponsor for the third consecutive year, alongside partners including With an Eye PR, NBC and Telemundo, Black Girl Vitamins, and several local media and creative organizations.
“Supporting this conference is about investing in communities,” said Jamhal Johnson, co-founder of Moors Brewing Company. “When you invest in women, especially Black women, you are contributing to long-term impact.”
The conference is produced by With an Eye PR, a Chicago-based public relations firm. Organizers describe the event as a space for participants to build relationships, access information, and engage in conversations that extend beyond the conference itself.
Over five years, the She Owns It She Biz Conference has positioned itself as part of a broader network of events and initiatives aimed at advancing women in business and leadership roles while maintaining a focus on cultural relevance and community engagement.
Tickets and additional information are available at www.sheownsitshebiz.com.
