2026 Women in Business Luncheon 9/22 Sponsored by KerberRose

Description

WOMEN IN BUSINESS LUNCHEON - Tuesday, September 22, 2026

Our Women in Business events offer a welcoming space for women in the Central Wisconsin area to network, discuss professional challenges, gain new insights, and enjoy themselves.  Attendees will enjoy a delicious lunch, have a chance to win door prizes, participate in a 50/50 raffle, and connect with like-minded professionals. The event is open to the public.

Tuesday, September 22, 2026
11:15AM to 1:00PM
​Master of Ceremonies: Mikala Hall, Radio Personality from Midwest Communications
Location: Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center, 1001 Amber Avenue, Stevens Point, WI

Special Guest Speaker is Karli Klismith, MSHRM, CSP
Director of KerberRose Human Resources


Presentation: The Power of Showing Up

Life and leadership rarely unfold exactly as planned. The biggest opportunities often arrive before we feel confident, prepared, or certain that we belong in the room.

In this authentic and inspiring keynote, Karli Klismith shares how her journey--from an introverted student who preferred the back of the classroom to a business leader, community advocate, and keynote speaker--was shaped by one simple decision: continuing to show up, even when she didn't feel ready.

Through personal stories, professional lessons, and unexpected moments, Karli explores a powerful truth: confidence isn't something we have before taking the next step--it's something we build by taking it. With warmth, humor, and honesty, she encourages women to let go of the pressure to have everything figured out, embrace authenticity, and trust themselves enough to move forward.

Whether you're stepping into leadership, navigating changes, or simply wondering what's next, you'll leave inspired to embrace new opportunities with courage, confidence, and the belief that your next step doesn't require certainty--it simply requires showing up. 

Because sometimes, simply showing up changes everything.

Key Takeaways
-- Discover how showing up consistently creates opportunities for personal and professional growth.
-- Learn practical ways to move through self-doubt and embrace new challenges with courage and authenticity.
-- Understand why confidence is built through action--not perfection.
-- Recognize how unexpected moments can become life's greatest opportunities.
-- Leave inspired to take your next step with greater purpose, resilience, and confidence.

About Our Speaker: Karli Klismith, MSHRM, CSP, is the Director of KerberRose Human Resources, where she leads a team dedicated to helping organizations and individuals grow through executive recruiting, HR consulting, leadership development, coaching, assessments, and career transition services.

A relationship-driven leader, Karli is passionate about developing people, connecting others, and creating meaningful impact. She believes that authentic leadership begins with investing in others, embracing lifelong learning, and having the courage to step outside your comfort zone.

Throughout her career, Karli has embraced opportunities that challenged her to grow as a leader, mentor, and speaker. Today, she is recognized for building meaningful relationships, strengthening organizations, and helping others recognize potential they may not yet see in themselves.

Deeply invested in the Central Wisconsin community she calls home, Karli serves on several local boards and actively supports initiatives that strengthen businesses, professionals, and future leaders. She was recognized as the 2025 Ignite Young Professional of the Year and has also received the Portage County Business Council Ambassador of the Year and KerberRose Spirit of the Community awards.

Outside of work, Karli enjoys spending time with her fiance, family, friends, and animals. Whether she's fishing, boating, hiking, curling, traveling, or bringing people together, she approaches life with the same enthusiasm, curiosity, and heart that define her leadership.

We are honored to have her join us! Don't miss this event!

Delicious Lunch - Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry (chicken, broccoli, carrots, onions, mushrooms, red and green peppers served with seasoned white rice), side salad with toasted sesame vinaigrette, rolls, iced tea, water with lemon wedge, coffee and  dessert.

(Vegetarian or Gluten Free Options available only upon request)
  
Agenda:
11:15AM - Registration
11:30AM - Welcome
11:35AM - Lunch Served
12:15PM - Special Guest Speaker
12:45PM - Door Prize Giveaways
1:00PM - Closing 

SPECIAL THANKS TO KERBERROSE FOR THEIR PRESENTING SPONSORSHIP OF THIS EVENT!

Register Today and Be Part of the Experience. Please contact Karen Myers at 715-344-1940 or karenm@portagecountybiz.com   if you have ideas or requests for speakers or topics.

Click on the pictures below from past Women in Business events. Please note that pictures are taken at our events and if you opt out of your image being used to promote the event and the Portage County Business Council please contact us. Thank you!