Women in Business: She Leads It

About this event

What does leadership look like when there’s no single path to getting there? Join the Evanston Chamber of Commerce for Women in Business: She Leads It, an honest conversation with women whose paths to leadership span entrepreneurship, healthcare, the arts, community development, media, and nonprofit leadership. From building businesses and organizations to creating spaces for community, navigating established institutions, and turning ideas into something entirely new, our panelists have taken very different routes to leadership. On November 5, we’re bringing them together to talk about what they’ve learned along the way. Expect a candid conversation about the parts of leadership that don’t always make it into the professional bio, from stepping into new opportunities and trusting your own voice to making difficult decisions, navigating change, managing responsibility, and defining what leadership looks like for yourself. Our panel will feature: L’Oreal Thompson Payton, Founder of Zora’s Place, author, award-winning journalist, and speaker. L’Oreal’s work centers storytelling, community, mental health, and the experiences of Black women and girls. Tosha Wilson, Co-Owner of The Laundry Cafe and Co-Developer of The AUX, is a fifth-generation Evanstonian whose work brings together entrepreneurship, community-building, and economic opportunity. Her efforts to support Black-owned businesses in Evanston helped grow into The AUX, the very space hosting this conversation. Mary Fedorowski, Founder and CEO of Avoa Health, a private health advisory and advocacy firm serving individuals and families across Chicago’s North Shore. Mary founded Avoa after more than 20 years working within major healthcare and insurance systems, bringing that experience to a new model designed to help families navigate healthcare with greater confidence, clarity, and support. Lea Pinsky, Executive Director of Art Encounter, artist, and longtime arts leader. Lea brings more than 25 years of experience in arts management, arts education, and public art programming, with leadership experience at organizations including Lifeline Theatre, Urban Gateways, Chicago Humanities Festival, and Columbia College Chicago. Moderating the conversation will be Candance Chow, Co-Founder and CEO of NextGroup, an executive search firm and professional talent network that partners with nonprofit organizations to identify, recruit, and advance leaders. Candance brings decades of experience spanning management consulting, technology, nonprofit leadership, entrepreneurship, and community service. Following the panel, attendees will have the opportunity to continue the conversation and connect with other women from across Evanston’s business community. Thursday, November 5, 2026 ⏰ 11:30 AM–1:30 PM The AUX Whether you’re leading an organization, building a business, managing a team, growing into your next role, or figuring out what leadership means for you, come be part of the conversation. About The Aux The AUX is a community-owned commercial hub in Evanston designed to support Black-owned businesses, wellness, and community connection. Home to a growing collective of entrepreneurs and organizations, The AUX creates space for businesses to grow, collaborate, and build lasting impact in the community.