Date
June 18, 2026
Time
Time 5 PM onwards
Location
Maple Grove Community Center
Members
Free
What To Expect
An evening to celebrate, elevate and connect.
Our inaugural summit brings together the women leading Minnesota's business, public service and cultural life — with keynote speakers, the TrailBlaze awards ceremony, a dinner buffet and a networking social built for real connection. Free for Chamber members.
GUEST OF HONOR
Sia Her
Executive Director, Minnesota State Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans
More than a decade as a cultural bridge builder — advising the Governor and Legislature and advocating for the economic, social and political equality of Asian Pacific Minnesotans. A respected voice for refugee and immigrant communities, she joins us to celebrate the women leaders shaping Minnesota's future and the next generation rising behind them.
ON STAGE
Speakers
From elected officials and senior state leaders to accomplished executives and innovators — voices shaping policy, driving industry and strengthening our communities.
Radha Chavali
CIO, Affinity Plus FCU
Dr Madhuri Rao
Thoracic Surgeon, UofM Medical School
Officer Shafali Sood
Richfield Police Department
Nirmala Rajasekar
World-renowned composer, educator and Artistic Director
Vishla Pamulaparthy
Medical Researcher, Physician and Community Leader
From Past Events
TrailBlaze in pictures
What's Included
01
Awards Ceremony
Honoring women leaders across Community Impact, Cultural Excellence and Business Leadership.
02
Keynote Speakers
Leaders from business, public service and community impact on advancing opportunity in Minnesota.
03
Dinner buffet & networking
An evening social to connect with the women — and allies — shaping Minnesota business.
Six reasons to be in the room.
1
Hear from women leading across business, medicine, public safety, the arts and public service
2
Celebrate honorees at the inaugural TrailBlaze awards ceremony
3
Connect with women executives, founders and professionals from across Minnesota
4
An evening with Guest of Honor Sia Her, Executive Director of the Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans
5
Dinner buffet and a networking social included with every ticket
6
Free for Chamber members — bring a colleague or a rising leader you mentor
Meet Your Host
Vallabha Tantry
Executive Vice President · Board of Directors
Vallabha brings energy, insight and structure to the summit — guiding the evening's program and keeping it focused, engaging and meaningful for every guest, speaker and honoree.
Why Attend?
An evening built to celebrate and connect.
✓ Hear from women leading across business, medicine, public safety and the arts
✓ Celebrate honorees at the inaugural TrailBlaze awards
✓ Meet women executives, founders and rising professionals
✓ Dinner buffet and a networking social included
✓ Free for Chamber members
Who Should Attend?
Ideal for
✓ Women business owners and executives
✓ Emerging leaders and young professionals
✓ Mentors and allies who champion women in leadership
✓ Community and cultural leaders
✓ Organizations looking to recognize women leaders
Women in Leadership Awards
Community Impact Award
For a woman whose service or advocacy has strengthened the Indian-American community.
Cultural Excellence Award
For a woman who has advanced Indian arts, heritage or cultural expression.
Business Leadership Award
For a woman whose achievements in entrepreneurship or professional leadership have made exceptional impact.