BENTON HARBOR, Mich., (March 4, 2022) – Cornerstone Alliance, Berrien County's lead economic development agency, will host FLEX: Female Leadership Excellence, a women-led panel discussion on March 24, 2022 at Union + Social Event Venue located at 216 Court St. in St. Joseph, Michigan from 4:30 - 6:30 PM.

In honor of National Women's History Month, Cornerstone Alliance will present a panel discussion led by women in powerful executive leadership roles. FLEX will focus on career acceleration, personal development, and excellent leadership for women in business.

"Empowering women is critical to having a vibrant and successful community," said Chris Frank, Cornerstone Alliance Vice President of External Affairs. "Economically empowered women contribute to and invest more in their families, promoting human-capital accumulation. Communities actively empowering women can drive economic growth. It is an expectation and responsibility in communities everywhere to create opportunities for women in the workplace."

Participating panelists for this inaugural event include: Krista Flynn, President of West Michigan Region, Huntington Bank; Jen Nelson, Chief Operating Officer, Michigan Economic Development Corporation; Sonia Hollies, Senior Vice President, Perrigo Company; Pam Klyn, Senior Vice President, Communications, Public Affairs & Sustainability, Whirlpool Corporation; Lynn Chen Zhang, Chief Executive Officer, Zhang Financial and President, Board of Trustees, Western Michigan University; and Lynn Jekkals, Central Regional Leader, Aon. The panel discussion will be moderated by Cornerstone Alliance Vice President of External Affairs, Chris Frank.

Several ticket options are available to those who want to attend FLEX, including a corporate sponsorship package for companies to reserve a table for their employees. In an effort to make this event truly inclusive and an opportunity for everyone to attend, there is also a free option for individuals.

“When we say we want everyone at the table, we mean it,” said Frank. “By offering a free option for individuals and a significantly low-cost option for corporate tables, we are being intentional about removing the financial barrier oftentimes associated with opportunities like this, because everyone should have a seat at the table.”

To register, visit cstonealliance.org/FLEX.