Grab coffee, enjoy amazing bakery breakfast items, and connect with women from across the industry as the day begins.

We’ll officially launch WIN with a welcome from Tracy Wright, CAE, CNAP, Co-CEO from NARI National, a respected executive leader and champion for collaboration, growth, and volunteer-driven success. Tracy’s insight and enthusiasm will set the tone for a day designed to energize, inspire, and empower.

We will also be sharing the “why” behind the new NARI Milwaukee Foundation scholarship for women pursuing (or advancing) a career in the trades. This scholarship was created in memory of Amber Czech, so her story is remembered, her name is honored, and her legacy helps open doors for women in construction.

This empowering two-part experience helps you build a confident plan for staying safe—at work, in public, and at home. You’ll learn awareness and boundary-setting strategies that feel practical (not paranoid), plus simple, effective self-defense skills designed for real-life situations.

• Personal Safety Presentation: awareness, intuition, boundaries, “premade decisions,” Cooper’s Color Code, self-defense tools, and home safety planning—brought to life with real stories that stick.
• Self-Defense Workshop: applied, legal, and practical responses to violence (not martial arts)—including body language, verbal strategies, and principle-based physical skills like palm strikes and responses to ambush attacks.

Smart prevention beats expensive problems. Learn the essential ways business owners can reduce liability—starting with the right entity setup, proper insurance coverage, and solid client contracts. Lunch will be an organic soup and salad bar, so bring your appetite! Lunch begins at 12:00; program starts at 12:15.

In this engaging session, you’ll explore how the products we specify for homes and offices can promote environmental wellness and long-term sustainability. Learn how thoughtful material choices impact not only design — but health, longevity, and the future of our industry. And yes… we’re making it fun. Sustainability Bingo + Gift Card Giveaway and a hands-on activity such as stamping your own leather key chain or creating a custom WIN-logoed coaster. This session blends meaningful industry insight with creativity, giving you space to slow down, recharge, and connect.

Designer, author, and entrepreneur Aga Artka shares her story of reinvention—from a creative childhood in Poland to building a design career in the U.S. This motivational talk is packed with perspective for women in remodeling and design: how to navigate change, define success on your terms, and build a career that aligns with your values.

• Own your origin story — your background is a strength.
• Master the foundations — skills, business basics, and connection.
• Adapt with intention — disruptions can become turning points.
• Build your brand + voice — your story matters in leadership and business.
• Stay curious — your career can keep evolving.

Before we transition into networking, Riley Zobel, Business Development Associate from NARI National, will share a brief look at the power of being part of the NARI community and how NARI membership supports professional growth, collaboration, and lasting connections within the remodeling industry.