Women Entrepreneurs Panel
Your next chapter starts with someone else's story. Hear from three women who took the leap.
Join us for an afternoon of honest conversation with three dynamic women entrepreneurs who've navigated the ups and downs of building successful companies.
From Wall Street to AI-powered staffing, aerospace compliance software to authentic branding, these founders bring diverse experiences and hard-won wisdom to share.
Whether you're dreaming about your first venture, in the early stages of building, or exploring a leap from corporate life, you'll leave inspired and equipped with practical insights to move forward.
What to Expect
3:00–3:30 PM
Check-in & Interactive Networking Activity – We'll help you kickstart conversations. Start building unique and fun connections from the moment you arrive.
3:30–4:00 PM
Attendee Introductions – This is your chance to find your people and ask for help (if you need it). Everyone gets 15 seconds to share who they are, what they do, what they hope to get out of the event experience or a specific need they have.
4:00–4:45 PM
Panel Discussion with Q&A – Hear stories and lessons from the startup journey, the resources and people that made a difference, and how these founders tackled real challenges along the way.
4:45–5:00 PM
Wrap-up & Continued Networking
Meet Our Panelists
Jennifer Ryan
Co-Founder & CEO, Croux
Jennifer is the co-founder and CEO of Croux, an AI-native platform backed by two NFL teams that powers smarter staffing for industries that never stop — from hotel banquets to stadium game days. A former Wall Street exec turned restaurateur, she built and sold a healthy fast-casual restaurant in Birmingham, Alabama, where she first felt the sting of the staffing chaos she's now solving with AI. Her career journey from Wall Street grit to Silicon Valley speed gives her a rare blend of financial discipline and tech vision. A four-year Division I team captain, Jen brings the drive, resilience, and competitive edge that power winning teams and thriving communities. She now calls Green Bay home, where she lives with her husband, young daughter, and two Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
Lonni Kieffer
Co-Founder & COO, SmartCert
Lonni is the Co-Founder and COO of SmartCert, a Wisconsin-based SaaS platform transforming how aerospace and critical supply chains manage documentation and compliance. With over 20 years of entrepreneurial experience spanning retail, healthcare, and software, she brings a unique perspective on modernizing legacy processes and leading teams and customers through growth and change.
Amanda Miceli
Founder & CEO, The BOLD Marketing Agency & BOLD EVENTS
Your Personal Brand Commander, Amanda [Camanda in Chief] Miceli is on a personal mission to inspire and assist others in being their most authentic selves. She does this through being a creative, speaker, fashion designer, and entrepreneur. She is the Founder & CEO of The BOLD Marketing Agency & BOLD EVENTS, where they ignite human connection through authentic branding and intentional gathering. She envisions a world where individuals better understand themselves and others so we can all live authentically, communicate clearly, and gather meaningfully.
Meet Our Panel Moderator
Emma Snyder
Program Manager, gener8tor
Emma is a Program Manager at gener8tor, where she leads the UW-Green Bay Pre-Accelerator, helping early-stage founders refine their business models, prepare for investors, and connect with mentors and local resources. Previously, she ran operations and logistics as Program Manager for the U.S. Venture Sustainability Accelerator, supporting startups in clean energy and transportation solutions. Emma holds a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor's in Political Science from Bowling Green State University and is passionate about building bridges between founders, communities, and investors to grow Wisconsin's startup ecosystem.
Why Attend?
Practical insights from founders who've been in the trenches — hear what actually worked (and what didn't).
Inspiration and permission to take the leap, pivot, or keep going when things get tough.
Meaningful connections with fellow entrepreneurs, aspiring founders, and supporters of Wisconsin's startup community in an intimate, engaging setting.
Access to resources — discover the people, programs, and tools these founders leaned on to build their businesses.
Our Supporting Organizations
Startup Wisconsin
Helping tech founders, startups, investors, and talent connect, find resources, and discover events in Wisconsin since 2017.
Greater Green Bay Chamber
Supporting business growth and economic development in the Greater Green Bay region through advocacy, connections, and resources.
The BOLD Marketing Agency & BOLD EVENTS
Igniting human connection through authentic branding and intentional gathering.
gener8tor
A nationally ranked accelerator that invests in high-growth startups and connects founders with mentors, customers, and investors.