Women's Day Event 2026 by Augment-Ann Arbor
We are excited to be back with our annual flagship Women’s Day Celebration on March 18 in partnership with the Zell Lurie Institute at the Ross School of Business, University of Michigan.
Hosted in Ann Arbor, this year’s high tea gathering, themed Women in Action, brings together founders, operators, investors, and community leaders for an afternoon of thoughtful conversations, shared experiences, and meaningful connections. Join us as we celebrate the stories, ideas, and collective energy of women shaping what comes next.
We are delighted to welcome a special guest for this edition of the event. Christine Gibbons will join us in conversation with Sonali Vijayavargiya, Founder and Managing Director of Augment Ventures, for an engaging and forward looking discussion. Together, they will explore leadership, innovation, and the evolving landscape shaping our industry, bringing candid insights and real world perspectives to the room.
About Christine
Christine Gibbons is a serial entrepreneur with 30+ years of operating and fundraising experience and whose passion is partnering with inventors of transformative technology to drive innovation to the marketplace. Together with other founders, Chris has launched fourteen ventures and raised over $86 million in start-up capital.
Chris enjoys mentoring entrepreneurs, supporting foundation development and value enhancement for their early-stage ventures. She draws from her experience in previous roles, including: Co-Founder/Interim CEO of HistoSonics, Inc. (medical device company using sonic beam therapy to non-invasively destroy tissue), Executive-in-Residence for Venture Investors, CFO for Sensicore (lab-on-a-chip company acquired by a division of GE), VP of Finance for Ardesta (“small-tech” venture investor), and Partner and CFO of Seaflower Ventures (venture investor focused on early-stage biomedical opportunities).
Chris currently serves on the Board of Pine Rest, a West Michigan based mental health service provider, is a member of the Grand Angels investment community, and previously held several board and advisory positions with start-up companies and university venture programs. Chris holds an MBA from Wayne State University and a BA (Accounting) from Michigan State University.
About Augment Ventures
Augment Ventures backs AI-native founders transforming the real economy — from manufacturing and logistics to energy, supply chain, and climate.
We invest early, when conviction matters more than consensus, and bring strategic depth, operational rigor, and a track record of realized exits to every partnership.
Augment unites bold builders and visionary funders to create enduring companies at the intersection of industry and AI.
About ZLI
The Zell Lurie Institute offers entrepreneurship and venture capital resources. Serving all students and alumniof the University of Michigan located in the Ross School of Business.
Our Sponsors
Rehmann
Rehmann is a professional advisory firm that provides accounting and assurance, business solutions and outsourcing, specialized consulting, and wealth management services. For over 80 years, Rehmann has provided forward-thinking solutions to our clients. With over 1,100 associates in our offices across Michigan, Ohio, and Florida, and those working remotely across the country, we are the momentum behind what’s possible. We focus on the business of business – allowing companies and individuals to focus on what makes them extraordinary. We help you look to the future with confidence, thanks to our unrivaled expertise and integrity. We’re a proud member of HLB International, a global network of independent accounting and advisory firms, and through our partnerships with our clients and communities, we drive impact that empowers our world.
Independent Bank
Independent Bank, headquartered in Grand Rapids, and proudly serving Michigan for more than 160 years, is one of the state’s largest and most enduring financial institutions. With nearly 1,000 employees statewide, our team is deeply tooted in the communities we serve and committed to helping Michigan businesses thrive. Our Commercial Banking Group partners closely with middle market companies, offering tailored financing, responsive service with local decision making, and relationship driven guidance that supports our customer’s growth at every stage. With the strength of a major Michigan-based bank and the personal touch of a community-minded team, we help middle-market business invest, expand and thrive.