❋

The 17th Annual Monarch Leadership Conference

2026 Conference Theme

Saturday, February 7th, 2026

This year's theme celebrates the connection between self-discovery and purposeful growth. Through interactive workshops and hands-on sessions, attendees will uncover what truly drives them, whether that be their values, motivations, and strengths, and learn how to channel that awareness into meaningful action.

❋ 2 Keynote Speakers

This year, we were proud to welcome Tiffini Grimes and Kim Macko as our morning and afternoon keynote speakers. Learn more about our inspiring takeaways from these incredible women below.

❋ 2 Interactive Workshop Sessions

Featuring eight different workshop speakers, the 17th Annual Monarch Leadership Conference welcomed the most interactive workshops yet, allowing participants to fully engage in a motivational day.

❋ Networking Hour

Networking hour was led by sponsors such at Caterpillar, Crowe, Lumen, Bayer, John Deere, Sherwin-Williams, The Dean V. White Real Estate Finance Program, and The Brock-Wilson Center.

❋ Breakfast, Lunch, and Merchandise

Our event featured catered and buffet-style meals with customized merch for every attendee.

Five women in business attire smiling and posing together at a Women in Business event with purple balloon decorations and a purple backdrop.

A woman giving a speech at a podium at Purdue University during the 17th Annual Empowere in Action conference.

Morning Keynote Speaker:

Tiffini Grimes

Tiffini N. Grimes is the Deputy Director of Athletics and Senior Woman Administrator at Purdue University, where she oversees the operational, financial, and strategic direction of a Big Ten Conference athletics department. Her leadership portfolio includes executive oversight of Football and Women’s Basketball, strategic leadership across 18 varsity sports, and management of more than 300 staff members spanning business operations, compliance, academics, HR, and performance services.

With nearly two decades of senior leadership experience, Tiffini has led transformational change at some of the nation’s most competitive athletic programs, including The University of Alabama. Her work has spanned NIL strategy development, major capital projects, organizational restructuring, and initiatives advancing equity, compliance, and student-athlete well-being. A recipient of the SBJ Forty Under 40 recognition, Tiffini brings extensive expertise in strategic planning, program growth, and competitive excellence. Her leadership centers on accountability, innovation, and creating environments where student-athletes and staff can thrive.

A woman in a magenta suit speaking at a podium on a stage in a large auditorium or conference room, with an audience seated facing the stage. There are large balloon columns on either side of a projection screen displaying a football game.

A woman in a black suit standing at a wooden podium decorated with purple and white paper butterflies, speaking into a microphone in a wood-paneled room.

Afternoon Keynote Speaker:

Kim Macko

Kim Macko is a seasoned business leader and strategist with extensive experience driving growth, transformation, and innovation at Eli Lilly and Company. In addition to being a Purdue Alum, Kim also has an MBA from Harvard, which has led her to her current role as Associate Vice President of Corporate Strategy at Lilly. Kim has held numerous leadership roles spanning global product marketing, R&D strategy, investor relations, and operations. She has also served as Chief of Staff to Eli Lilly’s Chief Scientific Officer, bringing strategic insight and operational excellence to high-impact initiatives.

Kim began her career in finance and treasury at Eli Lilly and ExxonMobil, and has since leveraged her financial acumen and strategic mindset to deliver results in complex, global organizations. She holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BS in Management from Purdue University. Kim is passionate about mentoring emerging leaders and sharing her expertise on strategy, transformation, and leadership in high-growth environments.

A woman speaking at a podium on a stage decorated with balloon columns in shades of purple, pink, and gold, in a wood-paneled room with a large projection screen displaying information about Grand Canyon National Park fire closures.

A woman with short, curly hair speaking in front of a classroom, gesturing with her hands, with a computer and water bottles on her desk, and students listening.

A woman giving a presentation in a classroom or conference room, standing in front of a whiteboard with a projection screen, with audience members visible in the foreground.

Breakout Session Speakers 2026

Professor standing in front of a classroom whiteboard presenting to students, with students seated and a computer on a cart to her left.

Two women sitting at a panel table during an event, one with dark hair in a black blazer and the other with light brown hair in a gray blazer, both wearing name tags, with papers and a water bottle on the table.

Group photo of nine diverse women, smiling, in professional attire, with some standing outdoors and others indoors in front of neutral backgrounds.

Thank You To Our Incredible Sponsors

People seated in a classroom or conference room, engaging in a discussion, with water bottles, papers, and food on the tables.

A young woman giving a speech at a podium during an event at Purdue University, with a large screen behind her displaying the words 'Powered Action.'

A young woman with blonde hair speaking at a podium with a microphone at Purdue University. She is wearing a white blazer and a black top. Behind her is a large screen with text, partially visible, and beige curtains on the side.

A woman standing in front of a classroom giving a presentation, with students seated in the foreground and an exit sign in the background.

A woman in a dark purple blazer speaking to an audience, with one audience member raising their hand, in a conference room setting.

Four women standing on a stage holding colorful flower arrangements, with purple and pink balloon decorations on either side.

About The Monarch Leadership Conference

The Monarch Leadership Conference, hosted by Purdue Women in Business, is the School of Business's premier event for young professionals. Since its inception in 2008, Monarch has become a cornerstone event that fosters professional growth and personal development.

A young man and a woman standing on stage at an event, smiling. The young man is wearing a navy suit and tie, and the woman is in a black blazer. There is a podium with a microphone in front of them, and a large screen behind displaying the name 'DANIELS' and 'SCHOOL OF BUSINESS'. To the right, there are gold and black balloons. An event banner indicates it is at Purdue University.

Through inspiring speakers, networking opportunities, and engaging workshops, Monarch empowers students to be adaptable, growth-oriented, and confident along the way to becoming the best leaders they can be.

The Annual Monarch Leadership Conference is one of two key conference events Women in Business hosts each year. Click below to learn more about our other signature event, Daniels Leads.

Learn About Leads

❋