Meet our 2024 Keynote Speaker
Michelle Curran
UPSIDE DOWN DREAMS
Michelle, also known as MACE, led an impressive career as a Fighter Pilot during her 13 years in the United States Air Force. From 2019–2021, she flew as the only female pilot for the Air Force Thunderbirds and performed for millions across the country and internationally. Upon joining this high performing team, she rapidly discovered the best part was not the flying, but the opportunity to inspire others. Michelle was only the 2nd woman to fly as the Lead Solo in the Thunderbird demonstration since the team’s creation in 1953. She realized this put her in a unique position to empower others. Let her share her stories of unbelievable flying, facing fears, and unwavering trust with your team. Michelle will bring real world experience and inspiration to you.
Looking to Encourage & Empower Women?
The Women's Leadership Conference is currently accepting applications for speakers to be a part of our 2024 event. Please find a link to the application below. Speakers chosen by the conference's advisory board will be notified in the spring.
Something New in 2024
The Women’s Leadership Conference will be expanding to a third day. Oct 3rd will be the Rising Women’s Leadership Conference. A half day event for high school girls.
Our Teen girls are in crisis.The challenges that we professional women face start when we are in our teens. Research continues to tell us the issues of belonging, self-esteem and empowerment are significant in teenage girls. We are putting together a day to elevate these wonderful young women’s sense of belonging and self-esteem.
Please reach out to Vicki if you’re interested in being a part of this special event.
Women's Leadership Conference Founder
Vicki Updike is the president and founder of New Sage Strategies. A women’s leadership development company equipping women with the tactics and strategies to continue to build their career. Prior to consulting, Vicki’s corporate leadership journey included various marketing and executive positions. Her last corporate position was president of Silver Star Brands.
Having been a president and c-suite executive gives Vicki a unique perspective in coaching and business advising. She brings experience in the areas of strategic planning and execution, organizational development, and leadership coaching.
Vicki is passionate about helping create strong, effective leaders and leadership team. She loves a good challenge and leans on her knowledge and experiences to help build results-minded leadership qualities in each person or group she gets the privilege to work alongside.
Vicki is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater with a BBA and an MBA from New York Institute of Technology (NYIT).
Vicki is a long-time resident of northeast Wisconsin where she lives with her husband Jim. She has two grown children and realizes that they are her greatest accomplishment.
Vicki Updike • Coach | Advisor | Author
Founder of Women's Leadership Conference