Women Empowerment Breakfast, Presented by Aptitude Fitness

Description

Join us for the Women Empowerment Breakfast, hosted by the Urbandale, Windsor Heights, and Des Moines West Side Chambers, a dynamic and inspiring event designed to empower, connect, and uplift women in the workplace and their personal lives. On April 22, 2026, we are thrilled to bring together a diverse group of influential keynote speakers, all of whom will share their expertise, stories, and strategies for success. This event is an incredible opportunity for professional growth, learning, and networking.

Whether you're looking to expand your leadership skills, gain insights from inspiring women, or simply build meaningful connections with fellow professionals, the Women Empowerment Morning has something for everyone. Take part in powerful conversations, hear from remarkable thought leaders, and leave feeling motivated to take your career and personal goals to the next level.

Don't miss out on this exceptional morning of growth, empowerment, and networking!

Agenda: 
8:00-8:30 | Networking & visiting exhibitors
8:30-8:40 | Welcome 
8:45-9:30 | Speaker 1 | TBA
9:35-10:20 | Female CEO Panel
10:20-10:40 | Break
10:50-11:35 | Rachelle Keck: Overflow: Lead with Energy, Not Exhaustion
11:40-12:00| Speaker 4 | Tricia Rivas
12:00-12:30 | Networking/Exhibitor Time


Attendees encouraged to please visit exhibitors during breaks in programming! 

Meet our Speakers:
Dr. Rachelle Keck serves as the President of Grand View University and is the first woman to lead the institution. A proud first‑generation college graduate, she earned her B.A. from Wartburg College, her J.D. from the University of Iowa College of Law, and her Ph.D. in Education from Drake University. Her career began in law, where she practiced for nearly two decades before transitioning into philanthropy and higher education leadership. She has held philanthropy roles at the University of Iowa Foundation and Indian Hills Community College, and served as President of Briar Cliff University prior to joining Grand View.
 
Dr. Keck serves on the Iowa Economic Development Authority Board and the Greater Des Moines Partnership Board, bringing the voice of higher education into statewide and regional economic strategy. Nationally, she serves on several boards and advisory councils focused on the future of higher education. A sought‑after speaker, she is known for her dynamic and practical insights on leadership and impact. In 2024, she delivered the American keynote address at Denmark’s historic Rebild celebration.
 
Her leadership has been recognized with numerous awards, including Pioneering President (Council for Independent Colleges), Woman of Influence (Des Moines Business Record), Woman on Fire (FuseDSM), Woman of Vision (Altoona Chamber of Commerce), and Inspiring Advocate for Women (Girls Scouts of Greater Iowa).
 
She and her husband, Jim, are the proud parents of four children.


Tricia Rivas is a visionary consultant, lifelong entrepreneur, and unapologetic small business cheerleader.

With over two decades of experience in the beauty industry and small business development, she helps mission-driven business owners align their culture with their big, bold visions.

She doesn’t do fluff, and she’s not your accountability buddy, she’s the one who rolls up her sleeves, sits beside you, and maps out a path that finally matches the passion in your head and heart. ​

Tricia is especially passionate about supporting rural business owners, nonprofits, creative thinkers, and community-centered brands who are ready to stop playing small.

When she’s not helping businesses realign, you can find her leading her award-winning salon, Trixies Salon & Spa, serving those experiencing hair loss, or cruising rural Iowa with a cup of local coffee and a head full of new ideas.


CEO Panel
Nikki Russell supports women across Des Moines, Clive, and central Iowa who are seeking practical, sustainable fitness solutions designed for real life, through Aptitude Fitness.

Driven by her own experiences, she dove deep into professional development, completing multiple certifications and trainings to better serve women navigating similar struggles. Nikki is a Certified Fitness Coach (AFAA), Certified Nutrition Coach (PN Level 1), and Certified Perimenopause & Menopause Coach (Integrative Women’s Health Institute). She also holds additional certifications in yoga foundations, barre, Axle, TRX, and Pound.

Her approach is rooted in real-life balance—helping women connect fitness, nutrition, and mindset so they can thrive at every stage of life. Her work in hormone and cycle-based nutrition has been featured on NBC WHO-TV 13 (Your Cycle Optimized) and the Your Sasstastic Life Podcast (YouTube and audio).

Nikki’s mission is simple: to provide practical tools and reliable guidance—the very tools she wishes she had earlier in her own journey. She believes that taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential. And she is passionate about helping women find the balance they’ve been craving.

Melissa Ness is the Founder and CEO of Connectify HR, a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) dedicated to simplifying HR for businesses and emphasizing local service and community involvement. With a career spanning 25 years, Melissa has held key leadership roles, including CEO, CFO, COO, and President in the PEO, IT and Telecommunications Industries in companies from 30 employees to 16,000 employees.

Melissa is committed to servant leadership and is deeply involved in her community, including serving on several nonprofit and business boards. Additionally, Connectify HR donates a percentage of its revenue and time to local non-profits, driven by a mission to support those in need.

Outside of her professional life, Melissa enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband of 23 years and their two kids. They love camping, reading by the beach, and exploring nature together.