Carmel’s inaugural She Leads conference draws 350; mayor, business and nonprofit leaders press pay equity, well‑being and workforce pathways

Carmel’s inaugural She Leads Conference drew a sold‑out crowd of about 350 women on a weekday afternoon, Mayor Sue Finkham announced, bringing together city leaders, business sponsors and nonprofit organizers for panels, a keynote address and networking aimed at promoting women’s leadership and creating pathways for the next generation.

The conference, hosted by the City of Carmel and introduced by a Fox 59 News presenter, included a lunchtime conversation with Mayor Sue Finkham, a moderated panel with local executives and nonprofit founders, a keynote by author Lisa Hendrickson and a closing raffle of leadership‑coaching sessions. Mayor Sue Finkham told the room, “We sold it out. 350 women here today.”

Why it matters: organizers said the event seeks to expand networks for women in Carmel and create concrete touchpoints — from mentoring middle school girls to business and workforce connections. The program included a materials drive for 75 middle‑school girls who were…