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Celebrating 20 Years of Leadership, Wisdom, and Connection

For two decades, 100 Wise Women has brought together accomplished women and emerging leaders to share stories, build confidence, and grow meaningful connections. As one of the Leadership Louisville Center’s signature women’s leadership experiences, this quarterly breakfast series creates space for honest conversation, practical insight, and powerful relationships.

In 2026, we proudly celebrate the 20th anniversary of 100 Wise Women – honoring the wisdom in the room while continuing a tradition of learning from extraordinary women leaders shaping our community and beyond.

PRESENTING SPONSOR:

 

20 Years. Four Powerful Conversations. One Unmissable Series.

Join us for the 20th anniversary of 100 Wise Women and make 2026 a year of insight, connection, and leadership growth.

The 2026 100 Wise Women series features four extraordinary women leaders, including a visionary real estate developer, a transformative faith and community leader, a nationally recognized corporate executive, and a global humanitarian and civic icon.

👉A Special 20th Anniversary Year –
Make it a Year of Wise Women: Register for all three upcoming events below.

Individual Event Tickets: $65 | $45 for Leadership Louisville Center Members

Location for all 2026 events: The Olmsted, 3701 Frankfort Ave., Louisville, KY 40207
(On the campus of Masonic Homes Kentucky)

Meet the 2026 Speakers still to come this year

Rev. Dr. Jamesetta Ferguson

June 26, 2026 | 8:00–10:00 AM

Rev. Dr. Jamesetta Ferguson

Transformational faith and community leader advancing empowerment, service, and neighborhood revitalization

Rev. Dr. Jamesetta Ferguson is a transformational faith and community leader whose work bridges spiritual leadership, economic development, and neighborhood revitalization. Since 2007, she has served as Senior Pastor of St. Peter’s United Church of Christ in Louisville, where she is known for empowering individuals, mentoring future leaders, and strengthening community connections.

In 2011, Dr. Ferguson founded the MOLO Village Community Development Corporation, leading efforts that resulted in the opening of a 30,000-square-foot mixed-use facility in Louisville’s Russell neighborhood. The project provides essential services, supports economic growth, and reflects her belief that leadership must be rooted in action and service.

A proud graduate of Bingham Fellows (2014), Dr. Ferguson brings a systems-level perspective grounded in collaboration, equity, and long-term impact. At this event, she will share insights from her leadership journey before participants engage in facilitated table conversations.

Register for June Event


Gina Tobin

August 28, 2026 | 8:00–10:00 AM

Gina Tobin

President of Texas Roadhouse and nationally recognized leader in building people-first culture at scale

Gina Tobin is President of Texas Roadhouse and a nationally respected business leader known for building a people-first culture at scale. Since joining the company in 1996, she has held roles spanning operations, training, leadership development, and culture, helping shape one of the most successful restaurant brands in the country.

As President, Gina provides direction across daily operations and long-term strategy while remaining deeply committed to developing leaders and fostering inclusive workplaces. Her leadership has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Texas Roadhouse Legends Award and national recognition as one of the top women in foodservice.

With more than four decades of industry experience, Gina brings a practical and grounded perspective on leadership, accountability, and growth. She will share lessons from leading large teams and complex organizations, followed by table conversations designed to spark reflection and connection.

Register for August Event


Lonnie Ali

November 20, 2026 | 8:00–10:00 AM

Lonnie Ali

Global humanitarian and civic leader advancing a legacy of compassion, courage, and social responsibility

Lonnie Ali is a global humanitarian, business leader, and civic steward whose work reflects a lifelong commitment to service, advocacy, and impact. She currently serves as Interim President and CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center, where she continues to advance her late husband’s legacy.

Earlier in her career, Lonnie managed Muhammad Ali’s business affairs and played a central role in launching and overseeing Muhammad Ali Enterprises. She has also been instrumental in advancing Parkinson’s research, humanitarian initiatives, and children’s advocacy efforts worldwide.

Lonnie has served on national advisory boards and has received numerous honors recognizing her leadership and philanthropy. At this event, she will reflect on leadership, legacy, and purpose, followed by facilitated table conversations.

Register for November Event


register for INDIVIDUAL events:

June 26 will feature Rev. Dr. Jamesetta Ferguson, a transformational faith and community leader.

REGISTER

August 28 will feature Gina Tobin, whose people-first leadership has shaped Louisville’s own Texas Roadhouse.

REGISTER

Close out the year on November 20 with Lonnie Ali, a global humanitarian and civic leader known around the world.

REGISTER


 

BECOME A 100 WISE WOMEN SPONSOR IN OUR 20TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR

100 Wise Women is made possible by generous partners who believe in the power of women’s leadership and community connection.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

Presenting Sponsor

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Speaker Sponsors

Why Attend?

You Need a Network of Strong Women.

We’ve Put Them at Your Table.

Each 100 Wise Women event features a nationally or regionally recognized woman leader, paired with facilitated table conversations designed to spark connection, reflection, and insight.

Whether you’re early in your leadership journey or bringing decades of experience, this is a space to:

  • NETWORK
    Connect with distinguished women from all career stages and backgrounds.
  • LEARN
    Exchange ideas, share concerns, and discover expertise from women you might not otherwise meet.
  • GROW
    Empower yourself and strengthen your leadership capacity.

Past 100 Wise Women Speakers

Since 2007, our 100 Wise Women events have featured keynote speakers who share their stories that are candid, inspirational, and wise beyond measure. Here just a few of the past 100 Wise Women speakers.

Contact us to learn more

Get in touch with a member of our team to learn more about this event.

Contact Us