"Be Bold. Be Confident. Be You." at the 10th Annual WE KC Conference 2025

Gather with other women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) on Thursday, August 14th, 2025 for an evening of networking and educational programming. This year is the 10th Annual WE KC, featuring 2 keynote addresses- both centered around the theme: "Be Bold. Be Confident. Be You". The first speaker is Dr. Ashley Smith, presenting: "Courageously Confident: The Visionary Approach to Bold Living". The second speaker is Kerrie Greenfelder, Engineering Director of Water Division at Burns & McDonnell as well as incoming FY26 SWE President-Elect, presenting: "Sorry, I'm Not Sorry: A Tale of Unapologetic Ambition".

There will also be networking time in between the two keynote addresses.

Attire is business casual or smart business.

• Are you a SWE member? Email [email protected] to get your discount code before registering with Eventbrite!
• Did you receive a Promo Code from your employer/2025 conference sponsor? Make sure you apply their associated Promo Code before checkout!

WE KC is excited to partner with Housewife KC and Embrace the Grape, both women-owned catering businesses local to Kansas City!

Attendees can decide whether to purchase their ticket with or without a meal (leaving the option to bring your own dinner).

One drink ticket is provided with ticket purchase. Good for one drink from Embrace the Grape.

Dinner options from Housewife KC include:

SANDWICH OPTIONS:

THE MAYOR

Thick sliced turkey breast, bacon, provolone, chipotle mayo, apricot mustard banana peppers, on our house made focaccia

THE BLT

Four slices of thick cut bacon, tomato, maldon sea salt, bibb lettuce, garlic aioli, on Ibis english muffin bread

COUNTRY CLUB

Thick sliced turkey breast, bacon, provolone, tomato, bibb lettuce, garlic aioli, on Ibis english muffin bread

THE HOUSEWIFE

Thick sliced turkey breast, whipped goat cheese, roasted red peppers, basil pesto mayo, arugula, on our house made focaccia

THE ITALIAN

Mortadella, fresh mozzarella, banana peppers, basil pesto mayo, arugula, on our house made focaccia 

TOMATO, BASIL, MOZZARELLA

Fresh tomato, fresh basil, fresh mozzarella, maldon sea salt, balsamic glaze, on our house made focaccia

THANKSGIVING CLUB

Thick sliced turkey breast, bacon, brie cheese, cranberry sauce, arugula, on Ibis english muffin bread

THE REUBEN

Corn beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, pickles, thousand island dressing on house made focaccia 

TUNA AND WHITE BEAN

Albacore tuna, white beans, celery, dill, lemon, mayo served on bibb lettuce on our freshly baked croissant

CHICKEN SALAD SANDWICH

chicken breast, grapes, celery, roasted pecans, fried sage, lemon mayo dressing served on bibb lettuce on our freshly baked croissant

CHICKEN CURRY SALAD SANDWICH

Chicken breast, celery, green onions, sliced almonds, raisins, carrots, cilantro, and a curry lemon mayo dressing served on bibb lettuce on our freshly baked croissant

*gf multigrain and gf white bread available upon request

SALAD OPTIONS:

CAESAR- 

romaine, shaved parmesan, pangrattato, and house made caesar dressing, chicken breast

TUSCAN KALE- 

kale, pecorino romano, pangrattato, lemon vinaigrette, chicken breast

THAI CHICKEN- 

 romaine, chicken breast, cabbage, carrots, peanuts, cilantro, chipotle soy dressing

*contains nuts

HARVEST SALAD-

Mixed greens, roasted butternut squash, goat cheese, dried cherries, roasted pepitas, french fried onions, and balsamic vinaigrette

Info: Dr. Ashley Smith is a licensed psychologist, speaker, and author who challenges audiences to master their minds, push past limits, and live boldly. As the co-founder of Peak Mind: The Center for Psychological Strength, she translates cutting-edge psychology and brain science into actionable insights for overcoming fear, building courage, and expanding what people believe is possible.

Born with a rare visual impairment that makes her legally—and increasingly—blind, Dr. Ashley knows firsthand what it takes to conquer both real and perceived limits. She has built a life filled with bold choices—and now teaches others how to do the same. By blending science with powerful storytelling and practical strategies, she shifts the way audiences see the world—and themselves.

Her message is simple: Your mind will hold you back—if you let it.

Info: Kerrie Greenfelder (she/her) treasures Kansas City as her home and she serves as the Engineering Director for Burns & McDonnell’s Water Division. She holds a BS in chemical engineering with an emphasis in environmental engineering from the University of Kansas. During her 25-year career in the water sector as a manager of people and projects, Greenfelder’s experiences with “the uncomfortable” are plentiful. She has never been one to shy away from a difficult conversation with her clients, staff, or friends.
Greenfelder’s welcoming demeanor and transparent communication style makes her a go-to resource. Always available to lend an empathic ear or shoulder, she’s known for empowering individuals to open up and talk about awkward topics in a safe environment. As she’s entering the later stages of her career, Greenfelder frequently uses humor to describe the new-to-her effects of aging and seniority, particularly the impacts in the workplace.

Host or Publisher Society of Women Engineers Kansas City