From Chicago’s skyline to the global stage of women’s leadership, the 3rd Millennium Women’s Entrepreneurship, Leadership & Wellness (WEL) Conference is poised to be a transformative gathering. Scheduled for May 8-9 2026, this edition marks the eleventh in the WEL series, bringing together thought leaders, researchers, entrepreneurs, wellness experts, and changemakers under the powerful theme: “A Summit for Future-Driven Leadership & Innovation.”
Hosted by TextScribe LLC and affiliated with the Universal Journal of 21st Century Women’s Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Technology & Publishing (UJWEL), the WEL Conference seeks to provide a platform for women to share research, ideas, and strategies across four core tracks: Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Management, and Wellness.
What to Expect: Program Highlights & Speaker Lineup
The published scientific program outlines a two-day agenda filled with plenary sessions, talks, panel discussions, networking breaks, and tabletop book showcases. Each day begins with a networking breakfast (7:30–9:00) and transitions into thematic sessions with formats such as plenary talks (25 min + Q&A) and standard sessions (20 min + Q&A).
Day 1 (May 8)
- The event opens with a plenary talk by Dr. Kleczyk, Editor-in-Chief, UJWEL, Healthcare Executive, USA (Women of Distinction Magazine) Co- Founder, The Kleczyk-Strout Foundation. Affiliate Graduate Faculty, The University of Maine
- Subsequent speakers include Dr. May Li, presenting on “Millionaire Mindset for Women,” Dr. Debra Mrock, and Carmen Croonquist, among others.
- Afternoon sessions cover multiple voices: Sarah Hill, Regie Tiu, Jean Criss, and others who address topics spanning wellness, entrepreneurship, recovery, innovation, and leadership.
- The day concludes with a panel discussion led by Dr. Kleczyk (Senior Vice President, Analytics & Data Operations at Target RWE, among other roles).
Day 2 (May 9)
- The morning begins similarly with breakfast and networking, followed by sessions with speakers such as Vimi Seeramsingh, Jacquelyn Bhones, and Al West.
- Some slots are still open for speaker opportunities, hinting at room for late entries or surprise additions.
- The flow continues into breakout sessions, stakeholder dialogues, and scheduled networking breaks
Across both days, tabletop book shows will allow participants and speakers to showcase publications.
Why This Conference Matters
In recent years, the WEL series has grown in ambition and reach, spanning cities such as Mississauga, Madrid, Barcelona, Paris, Porto, and now Chicago. What sets this edition apart is its location in the U.S. and its continued commitment to integrating wellness and mental health into dialogues traditionally reserved for business and leadership.
While many conferences focus entirely on leadership or entrepreneurship, WEL’s distinct value lies in its holistic framework — recognizing that sustainable leadership and innovation come when personal well-being, mental health, and management practices are honored equally. This makes it particularly appealing to women who navigate the dual demands of professional ambition and personal growth.
Another significant dimension is publishing opportunity: accepted abstracts may be published in UJWEL, giving presenters both visibility and academic credibility.
Finally, the networking potential is considerable. Attendees will include women founders, corporate executives, academics, HR and DEI professionals, wellness practitioners, social entrepreneurs, NGO leaders, mentors, and student researchers. For many, this provides access to cross-sector bridges that spark new collaborations.
Who Should Attend & How to Get Involved
Ideal participants include:
- Women entrepreneurs and founders
- Aspiring female leaders and mid-career professionals
- Corporate women in leadership or management
- Women in social enterprise or impact sectors
- Wellness coaches, mental health professionals
- Academics, researchers, and students in leadership, psychology, or related fields
- HR / DEI professionals, investors, policy advocates, mentors
How to participate:
- Submit an abstract (if you wish to present) in one of the core tracks.
- Attend as a delegate to access all sessions, networking, and book showcases
- Sponsors or partners may engage for visibility, media, and exhibition opportunities
- Plan early: lodging, travel, and registration can fill up quickly
Strategic Tips for Prospective Attendees
- Choose sessions intentionally. Because the program spans multiple domains (entrepreneurship, wellness, leadership), align your schedule to what adds the most strategic value to your goals.
- Leverage the book showcase. If you have written or plan to write a book, exhibiting it provides exposure to a global, invested audience.
- Network across disciplines. Don’t limit yourself to your niche — engage with wellness, tech, mental health, and management speakers for cross-pollination.
- Plan for publication. If your abstract is accepted, explore how to maximize your presentation and eventual publishing footprint in UJWEL.
- Extend your stay. Given Chicago’s rich cultural offerings, arrive early or depart late to meet with contacts, visit relevant organizations, or enjoy the city.
A Look Ahead
The Chicago edition of WEL signals ongoing momentum. The organizers continue to foster global reach, previous events in Europe, Canada, and Asia suggest future editions will continue to rotate geographies.
Beyond geography, the integrative focus on positive psychology, mental health, and leadership places the conference at the intersection of emerging trends. As work culture emphasizes holistic well-being and empathy, WEL is well-positioned to lead the conversation.
If you’re seeking not just career growth but a sustainable, balanced, purpose-driven leadership path, this is a conference worth considering.
