July 2026 News - Leadership, Community & What's Next
We met on July 14 for our July 2026 meeting. The meeting welcomed members with introductions and a fun icebreaker before moving into league business.
Members learned about volunteer opportunities for the upcoming Make, Bake & Buy event and the chapter's contribution to the Summer Sizzler silent auction through a "Crafting Basket" donation.
One of the meeting's highlights was President Shirley New presenting a check for $3,275.58 to Women of Magnitude, representing proceeds from Booth 129 at the Indianapolis 500. A special thank you goes to Jaime Wilsey-Heckman, Jessica Franklin, and Cheryl Schmandt for volunteering their time to make this fundraiser a success.
The chapter was also honored to welcome ABWA National President Barbara Pedersen as a special guest during her nationwide tour of local chapters.
In addition, six guests joined the meeting, and members heard an inspiring presentation from Cassie Beer of the Women's Fund of Greater Fort Wayne, who shared information about the organization's impact in our community and presented Women in the Workplace.
Looking ahead, members are encouraged to register for upcoming ABWA webinars, attend the Cardinal Crossroads Council Summer Sizzler in August, and make plans for the National Women's Leadership Conference this fall.
Beginning in August, Women of Magnitude meetings will be held at the Neoti Tech Center across from Parkview Field.
League Business:
1. Make, Bake and Buy: If you are interested in being involved on the committee, please reach out to Leigh Roberson, Co-Chair of MBB. Her email address is: leigh@thegadgetgirlllc.com.
2. Auction Items for Summer Sizzler: Women of Magnitude will be donating a basket for the Silent Auction for Summer Sizzler. The name of the basket is, "Crafting Basket." If you would like to donate items to the basket, you may bring items to the July and August meetings, or you may reach out to Shirley New.
3. Monthly Meal Sponsors: We are taking meal sponsors for the 2026-2027 (August - July) league year. If you know of anyone who would like to be a meal sponsor, please reach out to Michelle Crone. Her email address is MichelleCrone@outlook.com. For only $60, get a lunch ticket and a chance to speak for 5 minutes to the attendees about your business and leave behind marketing materials on tables.
DATES TO REMEMBER:
July 23, 2026 - Just In Time Webinar. This is hosted by the Executive Director, Elizabeth Johnson, ABWA National President, Barbara Pedersen and the ABWA National Team. Please register in the "Your Membership" platform under "View National Event Calendar."
Registration is required.
July 25, 2026 - Cardinal Crossroads Council 2nd Quarter Meeting. 10am - 12noon at Henry County REMC Building, 3400 SR-3 S, New Castle, IN 47362.
August 11, 2026 - Women of Magnitude's August Meeting. “Powerful Pivots” Networking plus annual meeting to kick off a new year. Please note that we will be meeting at the Neoti Tech Center on the opposite side of the Tincaps Stadium for our meetings during the 2026-2027 league year.
August 21-22, 2026 - Summer Sizzler hosted by Cardinal Crossroads Council will be held at Knights of Columbus, 3600 W Purdue Ave, Muncie IN 47304. Further details to follow shortly.
September 8, 2026 - Women of Magnitude's September Meeting.
NATIONAL EVENT: September 30 - October 3, 2026 – National Women's Leadership Conference -- Register in the "Your Membership" platform to attend this 4 day event. The conference is being held at the Houston Marriott - Sugar Land, Texas. Early Bird Registration is open, cost is $665 thru August 30th. Late Registration starts August 31, cost will be $750.
October 13, 2026 - Women of Magnitude's October Meeting.
October 17, 2026 - Cardinal Crossroads Council 4th Quarter Meeting. 10am - 12noon at Henry County REMC Building, 3400 SR-3 S, New Castle, IN 47362.
November 7, 2026 - Make, Bake & Buy - our annual fundraising holiday kick off event. 10am-2pm. Live and silent auctions, bake sale, and prizes for first-time attendees. Funds raised go towards educational scholarships. Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/make-bake-and-buy-2026-tickets-1995199263707