2026 May Newsletter 
President's Message
Dear Members,
I hope this message finds you well and energized as we continue towards the end of our programming year, “Rooted in Strength, Rising Together.” This past month, we had the privilege of gathering for our Professional Development Day—an experience that truly embodied the spirit of our theme.
Supporting women in their educational journeys is at the core of RNPW’s mission and we were delighted as an organization to be able to present our 2026 Continuing Education Scholarships to Kamrin Muhammad and Anabel Morales at PD Day!! In addition to our scholarship recipients, we were honored to welcome Sherrin Ross Ingram as our featured speaker. Her powerful presentation on the Seven Keys to Standing in Our Power challenged each of us to reflect deeply, stand firmly in our worth, and move with intention in both our personal and professional lives. She reminded us that reclaiming our power is not a one-
time act, but a continuous journey—one that requires courage, clarity, and community – let’s keep those keys in our focus!
Throughout the day, I witnessed something remarkable: women showing up authentically, supporting one another, and leaning into growth. Whether it was through shared insights, meaningful conversations, or quiet moments of reflection, it was clear that we are building something strong together—something rooted and resilient.
PD Day would not have happened if not for the generosity and support of our amazing sponsors, particularly our presenting sponsor, Medicare 411, as well as our in-kind and table sponsors: AdVice Marketing, Members Alliance Credit Union, Fresh Printz, Flying Hearts Photography, The Landscape Connection, Rock Hospitality, Prairie Street Brewing Company, Mid-States Concrete
Industries, Rockford Career College, ILMS, Murphy’s Pub, Mo Cara Hospice, Byron Bank, the Morrissey Family Businesses, Tobin Ramon Barber Attorneys at Law, Rockford Community Bank/Wintrust Community Bank, KB Chiropractic, and Rockford University. Thank you!
And lastly, but certainly not least, a tremendous thank you to Victoria Graf and her PD Day committee for organizing a vibrant and engaging morning of professional development and networking. What a wonderful day it was!
As we move into our last 2 meetings of our program year, I encourage each of you to revisit the seven keys and consider how they can guide your next steps. Let’s continue to uplift one another, hold space for growth, and remain grounded in the strength that defines this organization.
Thank you for your continued commitment, presence, and passion. Together, we are not only rising—we are thriving.
With appreciation,
Danielle Burza-Smith
President, RNPW
Member News and Events
Saturday, May 9, 2026
3:00–6:00PM
Join us for an afternoon of margarita tastings, live music, and shopping throughout the mall.
Celebrate Mother’s Day weekend with that special someone while enjoying exclusive tastings inside your favorite shops and strolling the Mall with friends.
(must be 21+ to purchase). Limited quantity.
Grab yours here: https://buytickets.at/edgebrookshoppingcenter/2076114
Your ticket automatically enters you to win exciting door prizes:
• A $250 gift certificate to the Edgebrook Dermatology: Medical, Laser & Aesthetic Center
• A complimentary Diamond Glow Facial ($200 value)
Drinks provided by Lucha Cantina
Grab your friends and kick off Mother’s Day weekend in style. We’ll see you on the Mall!
Sandy Dingus, Marketing and Events Coordinator
Office: 815-398-8957 Email: [email protected] www.edgebrookshops.com
Join the Conversation on Top Floor, Please
We’re always looking to feature strong, thoughtful leaders on Top Floor, Please.
If you’re someone who leads at a high level—or you know someone whose perspective would add real value to the conversation—we’d love to connect. This podcast is about more than success stories. It’s about how leaders think, decide, and show up when it matters most. Interested in being a guest or making an introduction? Send us an email.
Melissa McCormick [email protected]
Healing Path of Rockford
695 N. Perryville Rd Suite 1
Rockford, IL 61107
815-977-5480
www.healingpathrockford.com
Congratulations to the 71st graduating cohort of Leadership Rockford! 
Here are the accomplished members of the Rockford Network of Professional Women:
Imelda Campuzano-Barajas, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Crosby Starck
Wendy Iverson, William Morrissey Accountants, Inc.
Ann Kossman, Rock Valley Credit Union
Rachel Odell, Cord Construction Company
Jessica Powers, Schmeling Construction
Over the past 10 months, this group showed up, leaned in, and made the Rockford Region proud.
Ann Kossman – Business Development Specialist, Rock Valley Credit Union
815-282-0300
Emma Gray 779-208-7378 | OfficeManager@
Belvidere Area Chamber of Commerce
Member Spotlight
Meet Maren Sanders, a financial advisor with Edward Jones who believes financial planning is about so much more than dollars and cents — it’s about helping people build secure, meaningful futures. With more than 25 years of experience across small businesses, nonprofits and large corporations, Maren brings both knowledge and heart to every client relationship. Since joining Edward Jones in 2018, she has been passionate about guiding individuals, families and business owners through life’s financial decisions with personalized strategies and genuine care.
Maren is known for taking the time to truly listen, helping clients feel supported and confident as they plan for retirement, education savings, estate considerations and life’s many “what ifs.” Her commitment to service extends beyond the office as well. She actively gives back through organizations including the Boone County Council on Aging, Rotary, and several local chambers and women’s networking groups.
When she’s not helping clients or serving the community, Maren enjoys hiking, reading, music and spending time outdoors with her husband, Denny, and their three children, Jon, Athena and Alex. Her warmth, dedication and people-first approach make her a valued member of both the financial community and our professional women’s network.
Introduce yourself to Maren at our next meeting or you can contact het at [email protected]
109 N Show Place Dr.
Suite 1
Rockford, IL 61107
8153325788
Inspirations
Follow-Up Matters More Than We Think
I’ve come to realize that some of the strongest relationships I’ve built didn’t come from one great conversation—they came from what happened after.
A simple follow-up, a quick message, or remembering something someone shared can go a long way. It shows intention and care, and honestly, it’s something many people don’t take the time to do.
This month, I’m making it a point to reconnect with a few people I’ve met recently. Nothing complicated—just a genuine check-in. Relationships don’t grow in big moments alone; they grow in the small, consistent ones.