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Katrina Ruts previews 'Women Leading the Way' conference in Aitkin County
Summary
Katrina Ruts, human resources manager at American Pete Technology and organizer of the second annual Women Leading the Way, said the April 22 event in Aitkin County will bring women of all ages together for panels, a keynote and lunch; proceeds support Biogirls. Register at www.wltwmn.org.
Katrina Ruts, human resources manager at American Pete Technology and a community leader in Aitkin County, said the second annual Women Leading the Way conference will be held April 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the 40 Club Convention Center and is designed to help women of all ages connect, reflect and build confidence. "Investing in yourself is not selfish. It's powerful," Ruts said during an interview on the Coffee with the County podcast.
Ruts said the daylong program will begin with a welcome and a 45-minute panel of local women leaders, followed by lunch and an hourlong keynote. She described the event's theme as "becoming a better version of you" through self-awareness, self-affirmation and self-reflection, aiming to help women show up more confidently for family, work and community.
The event grew from Ruts's experience attending a leadership gathering in the Twin Cities in 2024. She said she took the idea to her employer's CEO, Brad Piper, who offered support. Ruts recounted that Piper asked, "How can I help?" which helped secure organizational backing and sponsorships. Community Health partner CRMC is listed as a sponsor.
Panelists scheduled for the conference include Jill Casper (CTC), Deb Guber (Riverwood HR), Emily Kllinanin (counselor) and Jamie Westerman (advanced practice nurse practitioner). Christy Huber will deliver the keynote on "finding yourself again," a talk Ruts said will encourage attendees to reconnect with personal values and passions.
Proceeds from the event benefit Biogirls, a youth program with a local chapter in Crosby. Ruts named Hannah Wesner as the local chapter director and said Biogirls serves third- through sixth-grade girls with programs that foster kindness, confidence and support among peers.
Registration is available only in advance at www.wltwmn.org; organizers say there will be no tickets sold at the door. Ruts encouraged women unsure they "belong" in a room like this to attend, calling vulnerability and openness to growth part of the experience.
The host asked Ruts to return after the event for a recap. For details and sponsorship information, organizers direct prospective attendees to the event website.
