ReDo Women's Entrepreneurship Summit
Presented by William Blair, the ReDo Entrepreneurship Summit by VITALIZE Venture Capital is back for its third year—bigger, bolder, and unapologetically focused on empowering women to lead the future of business.
Join us for a day of inspiration with powerhouse speakers like investor and philanthropist Jennifer Pritzker and Hanahana Beauty founder Abena Boamah-Acheampong. Gain actionable insights, strategies that actually work, and a fresh perspective on what’s possible.
Whether you're just getting started, focused on scaling, or just passionate about supporting women entrepreneurs, ReDo is where you belong.
Event proceeds benefit Chicago:Blend, a nonprofit working to create a more inclusive venture capital and entrepreneurial ecosystem for all.
Keynote Speakers
Abena Boamah-Acheampong is the founder of Hanahana Beauty, a consciously clean skincare brand recognized for its ethical sourcing, sustainability, and social impact. A former educator turned entrepreneur, she scaled Hanahana from her kitchen to major retailers like Ulta Beauty, while championing fair-trade practices with women’s cooperatives in Ghana. Abena also supports emerging founders through FNDR FWRD Lab, a community-based program focused on intentional, sustainable growth. As a keynote speaker, she is known for her transparent storytelling, faith-driven leadership, and practical insights on purpose-led brand building.
COL (IL) Jennifer Pritzker is a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel with 27 years of service, including time with the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions, and was later honored as a Colonel in the Illinois National Guard. A decorated veteran, she founded TAWANI Enterprises in 1994, supporting ventures in real estate, education, and military history. She also established the Pritzker Military Museum & Library and several foundations focused on veterans and historical preservation. Pritzker has received numerous military and civilian honors, including the Department of Defense Spirit of Hope Award, and serves on several nonprofit and cultural boards.
Agenda
1:30 - 2:00 PM: Arrival & Networking
2:00–2:05 PM: Welcome Remarks
Gale Wilkinson, Founder & Managing Partner, VITALIZE Venture Capital
2:05-2:30 PM: "Build it Anyway: Leading Through Uncertainty & Creativity" (Keynote #1)
Abena Boamah-Acheampong, Founder & CEO, Hanahana Beauty
2:30-2:55 PM - "Making An Impact"
Nancy Bonges, Head of Community Engagement, William Blair
Paul Sznewajs, Executive Director, The Richard L. Duchossois Foundation
Brenda Darden Wilkerson, President & CEO, AnitaB.org
Gale Wilkinson, Founder & Managing Partner, VITALIZE Venture Capital - moderator
2:55-3:00 PM - Champion Spotlight #1
Alya Adamany Woods, Senior Vice President of Business Development, Cooley LLP
3:00-3:15 PM - "Data, Deals, and Disruption: The VC Outlook Every Founder Needs"
Shiloh Tillemann-Dick, Research Director, National Venture Capital Association
3:15-3:30 PM - BREAK
3:30-3:55 PM - "Risk and Resilience: Building Success Across Battlefields and Boardrooms" (Keynote #2)
COL (IL) Jennifer Pritzker, President & CEO, TAWANI Enterprises, Inc.
3:55-4:20 PM - "Starting an Investment Firm"
Betsy Fore, Founding Partner & Managing Director, Velveteen Ventures
Karen Kerr, Managing Director, Exposition Ventures
Desiree Vargas Wrigley, Founding General Partner, Velocity Catalyst
Dipa Mehta, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Valeo Ventures - moderator
4:20-4:25 PM - Champion Spotlight #2
TBA, Norton Rose Fulbright
4:25-4:55 PM - "WooWoo in Business"
Robyn Miller Brecker, Co-Founder / President / Host, Seeking Center
Michelle Nolan, Photographer & Director, Michelle Nolan Photography
Mary Beth Rodriguez, Founder, With/Ritual
4:55-5:00 PM - Closing Remarks
Gale Wilkinson, Founder & Managing Partner, VITALIZE Venture Capital
5:00-7:00 PM - Happy Hour Celebration
Thank you to the ReDo Summit Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor:
William Blair
Champion Sponsor:
Cooley LLP • Norton Rose Fulbright
Supporting Sponsors:
Greenberg Traurig • Lofty Ventures • Spark • Three Cities Social • Wells Fargo
In-Kind Sponsors:
Mmmm...Enjoy. Wines • Sweet Thing Shop • TAWANI Enterprises, Inc.