Women of Innovation Summit

Women of Innovation Summit

Tuesday, Mar. 10, 2026  |  9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

at Graduate East Lansing Hotel
133 Evergreen Ave., East Lansing, MI 48823

Founders, Builders, and Leaders:

Strengthening Innovation Through Women’s Leadership

Join us for a half-day summit that brings together founders, leaders, and ecosystem partners to explore innovation through the experiences of women building and leading across research and industry. The Women of Innovation Summit creates space for shared learning, practical insight, and connections that help ideas—and organizations—move forward.

Who should attend: Researchers, industry professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, students and early-stage professionals.

Highlights from the Women In Tech Summit 2025

Check-in, refreshments, and casual connection as leaders from across the ecosystem gather. 

Opening remarks framing the role of women’s leadership in strengthening innovation systems.

Welcome
David Washburn, CEO, MSU Research Foundation

Opening Remarks
Lisa Prasad, Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer, Henry Ford Health 

Exploring how women-led entrepreneurship and research can drive breakthroughs in women’s health and innovation.

Teresa Woodruff, President Emerita & MSU Research Foundation Distinguished Professor, Michigan State University

Women leaders share lessons from building and scaling innovative organizations across health, technology, and industry.

Lindsay A. Joseph, Co-Founder and CEO, BedConnect
Sunny Nadolsky, Founder and CEO, BridgeCare

A candid conversation on capital, decision-making, and how investors support women-led innovation.

Christina Drake, Partner, Renaissance Venture Capital
Dawn Batts, Co-Founder, Commune Angels

Buffet lunch and networking break

Connection across sectors with time to exchange ideas and perspectives. 

Facilitated Activity

Innovators share short stories of turning ideas into impact, followed by guided prompts to turn inspiration into meaningful conversation.

Rebecca Anthony, Center Midwest R&D Director, Fraunhofer

Continue conversations sparked throughout the day. 

Speakers & Advisors

Rebecca Anthony 
Fraunhofer and MSU 

Leslie Batchelor
PNC

Christina Drake
Renaissance Venture Capital  

Lindsay A. Joseph 
BedConnect  

Jennifer Middlin
Apple Manufacturing Academy | MSU 

Anum Mughal 
MSU Research Foundation

Sunny Nadolsky
Santiero Ventures, BridgeCare Technologies 

LeTasha Peebles
Michigan Economic Development Corporation  

Lisa Prasad 
Henry Ford Health

David Washburn
MSU Research Foundation

Teresa Woodruff 
Michigan State University

Help Create Our Future of Innovation:

Register to Attend

Let us know you’re attending the Women of Innovation Summit. We’ll keep you updated on the agenda, speakers, and ways to engage with others.

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