Grateful Connections hosts that bring women together for real conversations, professional growth, and meaningful connection — right here in Lake County, Illinois. Whether you're attending a speaker event, a hands-on workshop, or a casual networking social, you'll walk away feeling inspired, supported, and better equipped to grow your business with confidence. Our topics range from sales, branding, and mindset to wellness, leadership, and the next chapter of your life — because you’re building more than a business, you’re building a life that reflects who you truly are.
Events
Grateful Connections is a professional development community for women building passion-driven businesses — and lives — they love. Our in-person events and virtual workshops bring together women seeking growth, clarity, and connection in a non-competitive, deeply supportive environment.
Join us for an event to see for yourself.
You don’t have to grow your business alone.
Become a Speaker at Grateful Connections
We’re always looking to highlight speakers who empower women, lead with heart, integrity, and purpose — and who can inspire, educate, and uplift women on their journey in business and life.
If you have a story, strategy, or lesson that aligns with our mission, we’d love to hear from you. While our community centers around women in business, we welcome speakers of all identities whose message supports our values and helps create meaningful impact.
We welcome speakers who lead conversations that are educational, inclusive, and uplifting — and who can share insights aligned with our values and messaging pillars. Here’s what guides every event we host:
Core Values
Gratitude
Connection
Empowerment
Integrity
Support
Inclusivity
Growth
Messaging Pillars
Professional Development & Business Growth
Meaningful Connections & Community Building
Empowering Women in their Next Chapter
Personal Branding & Visibility
Gratitude, Giving Back, & Purpose-Driven Success
What We’re Looking For
We are especially interested in speakers who can offer practical insight, inspiring stories, or hands-on strategies that help our members with a shift in mindset, a new business strategy, or a sense of renewed confidence. We want our attendees to walk away thinking differently, feeling empowered, or taking action in their business or life.
Here are a few topics to consider:
Build confidence as business owners or professionals
Navigate mindset blocks or life transitions
Improve visibility through branding, sales, or marketing
Foster purpose and sustainability in their work
Cultivate stronger connections and self-leadership
Apply to be a Speaker
If the information above resonates with your mission and message, we invite you to apply below. We review all submissions with care and reach out personally when we see a great fit. Thank you for your interest in helping women grow through gratitude, connection, and community.