Citizens Womens Connection was set up by Melissa Volz-Smith to help others - especially women - establish the connections and networks that are often key to business success. This is part of the Citizens State Bank Mission to help our clients, co-workers, and communities succeed.
Meetings are tentatively scheduled for the first and third Wednesdays of each month and will be held at the Citizens State Bank location for each city specifically. If you have questions about the group or upcoming events, please contact Melissa for details. You can also request to join the CWC Facebook Group or the CWC LinkedIn Group.
CWC Groups
There are currently two CWC groups meeting in Carmel and Pendleton.
The Carmel group meets during the morning hours and the Pendleton group meets mid-day.
Breakfast and lunch are provided, respectively.
Past Speakers
Victoria Odekomaya
Victoria is a Nigerian American and award-winningbrand photographer and strategist. Through her Creative Agency, LiMStudios, she specializes incontent creation (photo/video) and strategic marketing for female entrepreneurs. Her mission is to empower female entrepreneurs to be SEEN, KNOWN, and HEARD, enhancing their visual presence and attracting their ideal customers so they can build a bankable personal brand (i.e. a personal brand that generates consistent monthly revenue). Victoria's scientific background has honed her analytical thinking, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills, which she integrates into her branding strategies.
Evgenia Baikova
Evgenia is a mindset strategist and certified coach who collaborates with female entrepreneurs to achieve success without burnout. Using Co-Active coaching techniques and strengths-based strategies, Evgenia helps women identify their core strengths and apply them effectively in their business ventures, all while maintaining their well-being. As the founder of Fulfillment Coaching and Consulting, LLC, she's committed to guiding women towards sustainable business growth that aligns with their personal values and reduces stress. A mother of three, hiking enthusiast, and animal lover, Evgenia brings both professional expertise and real-life experience to her stress-conscious coaching practice.
Desta's an interior designer, stylist, mom, wife, and business owner. She helps clients create their own unique style by mixing color, texture, and pattern. She loves creating unique spaces and outfits, and can't wait to work with you.
Sue Finkam
Founder/CEO Fire Starter LLC and Republican nominee for Carmel Mayor
Sue Finkam not only boasts a diverse professional background with more than 20 years of experience in marketing, business management and human resources leadership, but also a proven track record of providing solutions to mission-based organizations.
Sue uses her expertise in strategic planning, competitive differentiation, and community outreach to uplift her community. Since 2012, she has served on the city council for Carmel, including several terms as president, vice president and finance chair, and will be on the ballot in November as a candidate for Carmel Mayor. Sue has been recognized as a 2022 IBJ Woman of Influence and an alumna of the IU Tobias Fellowship Program, Stanley K. Lacy Executive Leadership Series and the Richard G. Lugar Excellence in Public Service Series.
One constant throughout Sue’s career and service has been a passion for doing meaningful work helping companies and organizations that serve others. “I founded Fire Starter to bring together a team with proven success in leading brand transformation, marketing plan execution and strategic partnerships to help organizations better fulfill their missions and make a bigger mark in the world.”
Michelle Corrao is an international bestselling Author, keynote speaker and compassionate advocate for victims of violent crimes. For the last 23 years she has worked in victim services.
Through Michelle’s current role as Executive Director at The O'Connor House in Carmel, Indiana, she leads programs that provide women who are single, pregnant, and homeless with safe housing and opportunities to improve life for themselves & their children.
She is the recipient of the Special Courage Award, presented by the U.S. Attorney General, and became first-ever recipient of the Distinguished Hoosier Award.
Michelle speaks to audiences of various influencers and a broad scope of conferences and events aimed at creating stronger, safer communities.
Becca’s mission and purpose is to help others see their greatest potential and pursue their dreams. She is committed to helping people to believe in their ultimate potential in life and inspires them to live a life of excellence, joy and success.
Becca is the poster-woman for living your mission. She has led a large organization with over 300 team members, been recognized as a top recruiter, work with her family’s businesses, helped develop a family foundation, and worked as a family therapist and school counselor. She is married to Michael and has a toddler named Thaddeus. She has her bachelor’s degree from Concordia University and a Masters’ degree from the University of Louisville. You can find Becca volunteering her time raising money for cancer research, The Junior League of Indianapolis, volunteering with Church charities, traveling around the world when she can with her husband and kids, cooking up awesome meals for her family and friends to have some quality time together.
A few of her highlights include:
Was in the Top 50, out of over 10,000 sales associates.
Former top producer in business development by increasing new business sales by over 170%
Experienced merchandiser for several large Fortune 500 companies including the world’s largest retailer.
Former certified corporate trainer and trained hundreds of new consultants
Certified Corporate Sales and Leadership Trainer
Certified Executive Level Sales and Leadership Coach
2022 Boss Lady of Indianapolis
2023 That’s What She Said Speaker
Jennifer Chapman
Mindset Coach | Just Commit Coaching
Jennifer Chapman spent the first 16 years as a sales professional in a variety of roles with several organizations where she thrived. After life had different plans for her in 2017, she had to learn how to accept and embrace this new version of herself. She felt the call to create Just Commit Coaching in 2021 after the power life coaching had on her life after suffering a major health scare.
Jennifer’s passion lies in supporting an individual’s whole self on all levels so they can excel in every area of their life starting with their WHY. She obtained her Certifications through the Institute of Coaching Mastery as well as the Why Institute. Jennifer is passionate about supporting others through 1:1 coaching and team workshops as well as speaking her message on Embracing Your Inner Warrior: Overcoming a Victim Mentality.
Growing up, I came from a broken home. With that, also came the lack of financial literacy. Because of these unfavorable circumstances, I determined at an early age that I did not want to continue living in that ignorance, nor did I want to put my future family through the same struggles. My hunger for success and passion for helping people drove me to becoming a financial representative.
“My mission is to help ease the financial pressure in people’s lives and provide financial literacy to help implement a healthy financial lifestyle. I do this by getting to know you on a personal level and your goals while providing compassion, empathy, and vulnerability.
Personal credentials include an associate degree in accounting from Purdue. Fun fact: I am also a licensed esthetician.
The people most important to me are my husband, Matt, two children, Parker (5) and Lincoln (4), and goldendoodle Daisy. In my free time I enjoy camping with family and friends, crafting, being outdoors, attending church, and volunteering my time to help those with disabilities and victims or at-risk woman of sex trafficking. I am a lifelong Hamilton County native that grew up in the small town of Arcadia.
I'm committed to helping you get closer to your dreams, while striving to provide you the best experience possible.”
Carla Mackie
Crusader for the Properly-Fitted Bra, Uplift Intimate Apparel
I’m a connector of people and a passionate advocate for women. In my nearly 20 years in the intimate apparel industry, I’ve found where I belong helping women find their individual beauty and internal confidence. “Behind the curtain” is a sacred place where we minister to women in all aspects of life – faith, health, comfort, fashion, etc. You name it, and it’s been covered. Intimate apparel is the tool that allows me to serve these lovely ladies, but it’s a heart thing with me.
When most people my age are winding down, I’ve geared up. Uplift Intimate Apparel will celebrate seven years of service in May. There are too many women who need to know the power of a properly fit bra and the coming generations are watching. What we do now leaves a legacy for these young people.
Did you know ... we accept donations of “gently loved” bras that we share with the ladies from Dove Recovery House and The O’Conner House. We treat them to a special evening at the shop throughout the year and provide professional bra fittings, bras and other goodies. It’s a pampering night for women who haven’t received much pampering. We also donate bras to the Horizon House and have just started a relationship with Pink Ribbon Connection. We’re supporting their bra fitting initiative and through one of our long-term vendors, have been able to donate bras for mastectomy patients.
There’s something for everyone at Uplift. We reward our customers with a special referral program when their friends come in to shop with us.
Working together, we’re making a difference, one bra at a time.
