The University of Montana College of Business will host the 2026 Women in Business Symposium on Friday, March 27, in downtown Missoula. Co-hosted by the UM Women in Business student club, the inaugural event is free and open to the public and will take place on the second floor of the historic Florence Building.
Designed to inspire, connect and empower students, professionals and community members, the symposium will feature a dynamic lineup of speakers, networking opportunities and career-focused sessions for students throughout the day.
The event begins at 11 a.m. with a networking reception and lunch, followed by welcome remarks from Suzanne Tilleman, the Sprunk and Burnham Endowed Dean of the College of Business, and Maya Haugan, president of the Women in Business student club.
The keynote address will be delivered by Merrilee Kick, founder of BuzzBallz and CEO of GourmetLand, who also will participate in a moderated Q&A session. Along with being a UM alumna, Kick is a nationally recognized entrepreneur whose company grew into a global brand before being acquired in 2024.
Afternoon sessions will focus on student career development and leadership learnings from Sharilyn Campbell, senior vice president and CFO of Sentara Health Plans, and Denise Grills, a certified coach in career and leadership development
The symposium will conclude with closing remarks at 3:15 p.m.
Generously funded by Marilyn Prideaux Porter, the Women in Business Symposium reflects the College of Business’ ongoing commitment to fostering leadership, professional growth and meaningful connections for students and the broader community.
Community members, students and professionals from all backgrounds are invited to attend. RSVPs are encouraged online.
By: UM News