GM & Head Coach at Chicago Sky

Amber Stocks enters her second season as the GM & Head Coach for the Chicago Sky. A veteran coach and experienced player of over 20 years, Stocks came to the Sky after two successful seasons as an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Sparks. Stocks was key in scouting and game preparation, spurring the Sparks’ run to 2016 WNBA Champions. In addition to her essential role in strategy preparation, Stocks was also responsible for coaching the LA frontcourt, which included the 2016 WNBA MVP, the 2016 6th Woman and the 2016 Finals MVP.

A long time collegiate women’s basketball coach, Stocks has also taken her coaching expertise to television, appearing as a color analyst on ESPN 3, the Big East Digital Network and FoxSports. A four-year women’s basketball letter winner at University of Cincinnati, Stocks was a four-time Bearcat Scholar honoree, three-time Defensive Player Award recipient and helped lead the Bearcats to a Conference USA Championship. She played 116 games in her career, making 99 starts from 1995-99, and finished her career in the record books for multiple categories including top five rankings in games played and three-point shots made. Also while at UC, Stocks was an All- Conference track athlete, earning two letters in track and field and setting two school records.

Stocks earned a bachelor’s degree with a concentration in Exercise and Sport Science from the University of Cincinnati in 1999.  A midwest native, Stocks is a mother of two sons, LJ (10) and Spencer (7).

Founder, Publisher of Chicago Woman Magazine

Kendra Chaplin is the founder and publisher of Chicago Woman magazine—the voice and community for Chicago women. With a spark of creativity and determination, she built the platforms and team to support and empower women locally and beyond. She has a passion for telling the stories of exceptional women and making the meaningful connections between them. The Chicago Woman media brand includes a bi-monthly print publication, series of events, website and social and digital channels. With a determined and entrepreneurial spirit, the Chicago Woman grows and expands to meet the needs and interests of women locally. In her downtime, Kendra has two young daughters that inspire her and keep her laughing.

Editor & Founder, Modern Brown Girl

Gabriela started her career working with literary agencies in the film and television industry, specifically developing literary talent for studio films and network television. She went on to become a talent agent with Pakula/King &Associates in Beverly Hills, working with casting directors and studio executives. Gabriela was previously the Director of Marketing for Najera Consulting Group, a strategic consulting firm based, and served on the Board of Directors for Teatro Vista, Theater With A View. She founded ModernBrownGirl.com in 2015 and was nominated by the Chicago Latino Network for the 2016 Latino Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Gabriela resides outside of Chicago with her husband and two small children. 

Executive Director, Chicago Sports Commission

Kara Bachman is the Executive Director of the Chicago Sports Commission (CSC), a part of Choose Chicago, the official destination marketing organization for the city of Chicago. As Executive Director, she’s responsible for leading Chicago’s efforts in recruiting high-profile, major sporting events that help create visitor demand, drive significant economic impact, create jobs and generate positive media exposure for Chicago. Under her leadership, Chicago has won highly sought-after business with national and international appeal, such as: 2015 ITU World Triathlon Grand Final, multiple Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournaments, the 2017 NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey Championship, 2016 Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series, the 2015 & 2016 NFL Draft, and many others.

A native Chicagoan and life-long athlete, Bachman started her career in sports as part of the Chicago 2016 Olympic Bid Committee, where as the Development Manager she was part of a powerful team that raised over $77M in private funding. At 32, she was named to Crain’s 40 under 40 Class of 2016, where she was recognized as one of Chicago’s most influential leaders. Bachman is a graduate of the Quinlan School of Business at Loyola University of Chicago, and holds her M.B.A. in International Business and Finance. She earned her B.A. in International Relations from Colgate University, and was a member of Colgate’s Division I Women’ Ice Hockey team.

CEO & Founder, Magnolia Insights

Marketing disruptor Tania Haigh curates and moderates our workshops with her customary flair and stunning track record in the women’s empowerment space. As founder & CEO of Magnolia Insights, Tania and her team are making strides at crafting brands and strategies to win with women consumers. Tania is also an organizer for the Chicagoland TEDxWomen events, where she highlights the progressive footprint that women are bringing to professional worlds in every industry.