Athena Kasvikis, founder of BeHave Bras and Shark Tank winner, presented as keynote speaker at Crossroad's third annual Empowering Women's Brunch at the Center for Visual & Performing Arts in Munster. The event, held on Thursday morning, November 7th, has become a signature initiative by the Chamber to celebrate women’s achievements and promote a more equitable future.
This year’s inspiring brunch was launched by a Season 13 Shark Tank participant who secured the fastest deal of the season. Athena shared her story of creating BeHave Inc., a brand designed to meet the needs of over 80 million women with DD+ busts who struggle to find comfortable bras. Her journey from innovative entrepreneur to nationally recognized business leader motivated attendees to overcome obstacles and advocate for themselves in all areas of life.
“I am honored to have been asked to share my story with so many women who are amazing in their own right," said Kasvikis. "Events like this are critically important as we strive to close the gender pay gap. I’m thankful to Crossroads Chamber and all of the generous sponsors who are continuing to bring attention and valuable discussion to the relevant issues that women in business face today.”
Following Athena’s speech, Vanessa Green Sinders, the first female president and CEO of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, provided her insights on leadership and the shifting landscape for women in business. As a trailblazer in her own right, Vanessa emphasized the importance of resilience, advocacy, and support for women at all stages of their careers.
The event also featured a powerhouse panel of accomplished women from Northwest Indiana:
- Gloria Morris - Owner of Great Lakes Sports Hub and Float Sixty, and Cloud Transformation expert at Google.
- Monica Rubio - Community Lending Market Executive, VP, and Northwest Indiana Market President at Old National Bank.
- April Glueckert - CEO of Calumet Lumber.
- Raeann Trakas - Senior Community Relations Representative of Cleveland-Cliffs.
These panelists shared their experiences in balancing professional and personal life, breaking down barriers in male-dominated industries, and championing diversity in the workplace. They encouraged attendees to challenge the status quo and be agents of change in their communities.
Being the presenting sponsor for the Women's Brunch event is one of the many ways PNC supports female financial achievement. With over 5,000 bankers with a Women's Business Advocate certificate, it emphasizes its dedication to women's empowerment.
“We work diligently to meet women where they are in their personal or professional financial journeys, leveraging the insights, perspectives and expertise of our team of bankers," said Corinna Ladd, Regional President of PNC Northern Indiana. "The WBA training represents our corporation's commitment to supporting the achievement of women financial decision-makers in our communities."
Adding a global perspective, Professor Surekha Rao, Professor of Economics in the School of Business and Economics and Associate faculty with Women And Gender Studies at Indiana University Northwest, spoke about the economic factors impacting women in the workforce.
“The scale of the stubbornly persistent gender wage gap in several major towns and cities of Northwest Indiana makes this region the lowest ranking in Indiana," said Professor Rao. "There is an urgency to achieve gender equality and we cannot wait any longer. It is a moral and economic imperative to annihilate this societal problem."
Dr. Rao, who holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of New England, Australia, and a Master’s from the Delhi School of Economics, offered data-driven insights on the systemic challenges women face and underscored the importance of economic empowerment.
This year, the chamber’s WILD (Women in Leadership Development) Committee, an initiative started in January 2024, played a key role in shaping the event’s focus and impact. The committee’s mission is to accelerate opportunities for women to engage in meaningful discussions on leadership, advocacy, and equity. The successful brunch marked a significant milestone for WILD and set the stage for future Chamber events dedicated to promoting women in business and leadership.
The Crossroads Chamber is proud to support initiatives like the Empowering Women’s Brunch, which empower local women and inspire action. For more information, visit our website at crossroadschamber.org.