Resilience—it’s the word that fuels us, empowers us, and keeps us moving forward. But let’s be real… no one is resilient all the time. Not you, not us, not even the people we admire most. And that’s okay.
This year, Resiliently You isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about honoring the moments when we can’t. It’s about redefining resilience, not as an expectation but as a rhythm—one that allows for strength and struggle, triumph and rest. It’s about being inspired by the resilience of others and taking notes for when your resilience is challenged the most.
Join us for a day of raw conversations, inspiring speakers, and real community connections as we embrace the full, unfiltered experience of being a woman navigating life, business, and everything in between. You don’t have to have it all together. You don’t have to always be strong. You just have to show up. Come as you are, open to inspiration and leave resilient(ish).
The Agenda
Wednesday, March 26th | 4 pm - 8 pm
We open our event at 4:00 pm on Wednesday, March 26th for an evening of networking, light bites, cocktails, mocktails and inspiring conversation. Enjoy some music, casual programming, local non-profits and a few hand selected small businesses to learn from. This event wraps at 8:00 pm. Come for a short time, or stay the whole evening. Meet the people you'll spend the next day with, unwind, and get a free headshot from Monroe + Co while you're there.
Thursday, March 27th | 8 am - 4 pm
Our main event registration opens at 8 am with programming starting at 8:30 am. We have everything covered for the day. You'll stay fed, hydrated, caffeinated and entertained. We have space if you need to take a call, pump, or take a breather. Lunch and snacks will be provided and include options for all diet restrictions that we could possibly think of. We want you to feel welcome, supported, and inspired from the moment you walk in until the curtain closes.
Need to arrive late or leave early? No worries, but please attend as much as possible so our speakers feel supported and encouraged all day long.
Featured Speakers
Stories of You Speakers
Ashlee Toal Ashlee was a non-traditional student who graduated from Iowa Wesleyan University with a dual degree in Business Management and Accounting. With 13 years of accounting experience—6 in the private sector focusing on hospitality and construction, and 7 in public accounting—She's passionate about equipping clients with the tools they need for strong financial health and enjoys diving into messy books. In her spare time, Ashlee loves traveling, reading, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Ashley Bass is a vibrant and resilient mother of two who will be celebrating her 40th birthday this year with a new sense of purpose and excitement. She has begun a fresh chapter in her life, both personally and professionally. After navigating some of life’s most significant challenges, both getting divorced and losing her job in a matter of a month, she was uncertain about her future.
Ashley realized she could either continue to resist the change or choose to embrace the rebrand. Now, as she enters her 40s, Ashley stands proudly on the other side of it all; stronger, wiser, and more fulfilled than ever. With a thriving new career, a deeper connection to her own strength, and a newfound sense of purpose, she has transformed her life. Ashley’s journey is a testament to resilience, showing that with courage and vulnerability, it’s never too late to rebuild and truly discover yourself. Her story is one of triumph, reminding us that every ending is simply the beginning of a new chapter.
Dani Worrell is a gifted intuitive medium known for her profound connection to the spiritual realm. With years of experience, she has helped countless individuals navigate their journeys by delivering messages from loved ones and offering insights that foster healing and personal growth. She believes that everyone has the capacity to connect with their intuition and the spirit world, and she is passionate about guiding others in this exploration.
Erica Bergfeld-Reed lives in Cedar Rapids with her husband Brad and their dog Theo. She has worked at UFG Insurance for 7 years in various roles that allow her to be her authentic self each day. During her free time, she enjoys traveling, trying out local food and beverages with her friends and volunteering. She is currently a board member for the Cedar Valley Humane Society, a proud sustaining member of Junior League of Cedar Rapids and past board chair for Leadership For Five Seasons Advisory Board. And you probably won’t see her without a great pair of earrings in and has been told she looks like her favorite singer Pink!
Nicole Studt Nicole Studt is the host of The Marvelous Middle Age Podcast, a weekly podcast focused on building a community of people in midlife. She is an experienced Virtual Assistant with eight years in the field, and a certified Enneagram Coach. She is deeply passionate about empowering individuals to thrive in their current season of life—especially women navigating midlife.
She is happily married to her husband of 19 years, and together they are the proud parents of an 18-year-old son. Nicole is a devoted believer and encourager, enjoys advocating for people with disabilities, spending quality time with her family, and listening to true crime podcasts.
Breakout Speakers
Amy Eaton has spent the last three years exploring a more spiritually fulfilling path on the heels of her 25+ year career as a realtor. Becoming a certified Pilates instructor several years ago ignited a profound personal transformation, leading to expand her expertise into somatic movement classes and guided meditations. She is passionate about supporting others on their own journeys of healing, self-discovery, and authentic living.
Jennifer Bishop is a Sr. Quality Assurance Manager with 30+ years' experience in the software development industry as well as part owner of Wild Indigo Coyote where she is a clairvoyant psychic, Reiki Master, Metaphysical Teacher and practicing Hedge Witch. We are all called in our own unique way to hold space and help each other become the best versions of ourselves. This is the goal that Jennifer works from, a sincere desire to help others by sharing her personal experiences and providing insight to others.
Madelyn Pilcher is a native of Cedar Rapids. After moving away for college to St. Mary’s College, Notre Dame and Creighton University, Omaha, NE, she returned to the University of Iowa to complete her Doctorate in Nursing Practice in 2013.
Madelyn was initially interested in dermatology after facing her own skin troubles during her younger years. Understanding the need for skin care providers in Cedar Rapids led her to Innovative Aesthetics. She is trained and certified to perform all laser therapies as well as PRP, Fillers, and neuromodulator injections.
Madelyn uses her experience and education to improve the health of her patients both inside and out.
Teresa Jensen
Trisha Welsh is a Board-Certified Nurse Midwife & Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner with 17 years of experience in obstetrics and gynecology. Trisha is passionate about providing holistic, patient-centered care and embraces the true meaning of the word “midwife,” which is "with woman." She believes in supporting the whole person, valuing the importance of continuity of care, and working closely with patients to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Originally from Wisconsin, Trisha is a lifelong Green Bay Packers fan. She is married, a proud mother of five adult children, and a grandmother to six.
Vera Wallican, known as Coach V, will blow your mind and knock your socks clean off your feet.
Coach V.’s multifaceted journey as a mother, servant leader, ordained minister, child welfare professional, certified coach, national speaker, and author reflects her resilience and unwavering faith. Her journey is marked by both personal and professional resilience, which she brings to every endeavor. Her passion lies in empowering women everywhere to discover their audacity to shift their minds, change their lives, and live free.