Lead(her)ship Speaker Series
Across the world, women are stepping up as leaders in their family businesses, breaking barriers and redefining what leadership looks like. This dynamic speaker series celebrates their journeys — from ownership and leadership to family councils and beyond. Learn how these trailblazing women are driving success and shaping the future of their families and their businesses. Together, let's champion their work and celebrate their accomplishments!
Join us as we dive into powerful stories, bold insights, and inspiring conversations.
Everyone is welcome to attend. These virtual Q&A sessions take place over the lunch hour via Zoom and allow an opportunity for the audience to ask questions of the speakers.
September 25, 2025 / noon-1 p.m. CST
Online
Lisa Daniel is married into the Lodge Cast Iron family — what we lovingly refer to as a "value-add" member of the fam. She and her husband Jay represent the fifth generation of the Lodge family business. What you might not know is that Lisa and Jay also run an IT business together that they founded over 25 years ago. As Lisa reflects on her responsibilities and how she's contributed to both family businesses, she will also discuss raising children (now in their 20s and 30s) in a multigenerational business.
This informal lunchtime webinar will outline Lisa's journey through two different types of family companies. Register now to explore how a Family Business Magazine Transformational Woman of 2024 tackles the hardest pieces of working with business and family.
January 13, 2026 / noon-1 p.m. CST
Online
Brittany McKee East is part of the fourth generation at McKee Foods Corporation — the family behind iconic snack brands like Little Debbie, Drake’s Cakes, and Sunbelt Bakery. She currently serves as Director of R&D and Quality, working alongside her father, uncle, and cousins to keep the company’s sweet legacy thriving. Brittany’s been involved in the business for over twenty years, and she’s still energized by the mix of innovation, tradition, and family ties.
Outside the office, Brittany is a passionate advocate for family business leadership. She speaks at conferences and universities across the country, sharing insights from her own journey and serving on advisory boards to support others navigating the family business space. She holds a B.S. in Health Science from Southern Adventist University and an MBA from Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida.
When she’s not in the lab or on a panel, Brittany’s all about family. Her husband, Jarred East, is a realtor and CrossFit coach, and together they spend weekends hiking and traveling with their two young boys.
This lunchtime webinar will explore Brittany’s path through leadership, legacy, and life in a multigenerational business. Register now to hear how she balances innovation and tradition — and why family always comes first.
June 2026 / noon-1 p.m. CST
Online
Mary Andringa's life has contained many chapters that wind in and out of Vermeer Corporation. As a member of the second generation, Mary watched her dad lead the business to great success. She actually started her career teaching public school before stepping into the role of CEO at Vermeer. Mary has broken ground for women in the manufacturing industry, being the only woman to have led the National Association of Manufacturers. She also created a runway to bring in the third and fourth generations of Vermeer, including for her son, Jason, who now serves as president and CEO of the company.
As she looks back on her extensive career, Mary has thoughts about what it means to mentor women within their family business — to take on bigger roles and balance these chapters of leadership with each stage in one's life. Join us for a lunchtime session where you get to pick Mary's brain about leading and leaving a legacy at every stage in your career.
About the speaker series
More and more women are becoming leaders of their family businesses. This speaker series centers on the experiences of women in leadership positions. Everyone is welcome to attend. These virtual Q&A sessions take place over the lunch hour via Zoom and allow an opportunity for the audience to ask questions of the speakers.
Questions?
Contact Jayne Kielman at (319) 559-0050 or jayne.kielman@uni.edu.
