WOMEN IN CPG
2025 Fall Event Series
ABOUT US
Naturally Chicago is part of a dynamic national movement dedicated to fostering a thriving regional community for mission-driven, better-for-people and better-for-the-planet brands. As one of 11 chapters within the Naturally Network, we connect, support, and elevate emerging CPG leaders across the U.S.
Naturally Network’s Women in CPG Symposium is an annual event that spotlights influential female leaders driving innovation in the natural products industry. As part of this nationwide initiative, Naturally Chicago is proud to host 2 exclusive, in-person events featuring and led by trailblazing women founders and entrepreneurs.
These events offer rare access to the current and next generation of better-for-you CPG leaders—and provide an unparalleled opportunity for intimate connection, knowledge sharing, and high-impact networking with leading industry changemakers.
Host Committee
- Kim Feil, Aspire
- Beth Kimmerle, Attribute Analytics
- Laura Luckman Kelber, Lighten
- Julia Gregg-Albers, Barilla
- Paloma Vidgen, BMO
- Meagan Arensdorff, C.A. BUILD
- Kelly Spengler, JP Morgan Chase
- Liz Carter, Chomps
- Jim Rolfe, CBIC
- Emily Groden, Evergreen
- Trish Thomas, Everbody Eats
- Katie Paul, KeHE
- Kelly Follmar, Presence
- Susan Ellis, Simple Mills
- Jessica Murphy, S2G
- Jordan Hoppe, SG Credit
- Suzy Richard, SPINS
- Hannah Law, SPINS
- Kate Weidner, CA-FORTUNE/SRW
- Alison Velazquez, Jindilli Farms
- Mollye Santulli, Springdale Ventures
- Tracy Halama, Supergut
- Margaret Mueller, TILIA
- Kim Holstein, Twisted Alchemy
- Jennifer Amdur-Splitz, Voxley
- Margie Omastiak, Whole Foods
- Erica Kuhlmann, Women's Biz Dev Center
- Morgan Lerner, GoNanas
- Annie Slabotsky, GoNanas
- Rheanna Wadlow, Distribution 2000
WHY PARTNER WITH US
1 CONNECTION
Naturally Network brings together the most important regional leaders in our industry to connect, exchange ideas, and explore new business opportunities.
2 ENGAGEMENT
Women in CPG series offers you and your organization the opportunity to engage with CPG founders, leaders, investors, and emerging entrepreneurs in Chicago.
3 COMMUNITY
Two touchpoints for exposure + lasting community impact.
Women in CPG
Fall Celebration
Our marquee fall event hosted by BMO at their Chicago HQ, will be a moment to connect, inspire, and reflect on the future of women in CPG. Key elements of the program include:
- Honoring Erica Kuhlmann (President & CEO, Women’s Business Development Center). Former food and beverage banking lead at BMO.
- Dynamic panel of women-led CPG leaders including Melissa Tendic, President Barilla of the Americas, Liz Carter, COO, Chomps, and Katie Paul, SVP of KeHE.
- Financiers discussing the need to invest in female CPG founders, including Mollye Santuli, Springdale Ventures.
- Networking, storytelling and impact
- Light appetizers and networking reception.
Thank You To our Sponsors
Women in
CPG Retreat
Hosted by Supergut CEO, Full Frame Growth Partners and Creekside Ventures Managing Partner Tracey Halama at her private wellness retreat, this intimate invite-only gathering brought together 122 early and mid stage founders, entrepreneurs, board members and senior women leaders in CPG.
Guests indulged in a roaming culinary experience with seasonal small plates and handcrafted farm to table bites designed by a local woman owned business.
Fresh wellness cocktails and mocktails were curated by Inspiro Tequila, Twisted Alchemy featuring Supergut.
- There was a Poolside Leadership Chat led by host Tracey Halama
- Mara Smith of Inspiro Tequila
- Emily Groden of Evergreen
- Annie Slabotsky Nasatir & Morgan Lerner of Go Nanas
- Laura Gardner of Local Style
- Trish Thomas of Every Body Eat
- Christie VanderVeen of Big Bold Health
- Intro by Suzy Richard of SPINS
- Gift bags featuring women-led brands
- Professional Headshots
- Other immersive experiences
