Featured Speakers

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Meet Our Speakers:

 

​​​We are excited to welcome an incredible lineup of speakers for this year's Women United Annual Breakfast, each bringing unique insights and inspriation to our theme, "Growing a Thriving Legacy,."

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Meet our Featured Speaker​: Christine Nojd

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We’re excited to welcome Christina Nojd, Founder of Reflections in Bloom Early Childhood Consulting, as one of our featured speakers at Women United’s 2026 Annual Breakfast. In her segment, “𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙊𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙋𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣: 𝙃𝙚𝙡𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙁𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙏𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙚,” she will share how building authentic, trusting partnerships between families and educators helps children truly flourish. With over 25 years in early childhood education, Christina’s work centers on strengthening family connections so every child feels supported, at home and in the classroom.

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More speakers coming soon 

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Meet our Fireside Chat panelist:

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​        Cindy DeGroot - Is a passionate and dedicated nurse leader with 44 years of service advocating for seniors, their families, and healthcare education, including an impressive 47.5-year tenure at Riverside Healthcare. For 27 years, she has served as Nurse Educator for Riverside Senior Life Communities and also inspires future healthcare professionals as a CNA Instructor and Adjunct Faculty member at Kankakee Community College. A Certified Dementia Practitioner, Cindy is deeply engaged in Alzheimer’s advocacy and dementia leadership, serving in key roles with the Alzheimer’s Association, Dementia Friendly Kankakee, and as a Walk to End Alzheimer’s team captain in honor of her mother. Her extensive community involvement reflects her lifelong commitment to education, caregiver support, and increasing dementia awareness across Kankakee County.​​​​​​

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         Fawn Hendershott  -  is the Executive Director of UpliftedCare, a community-based nonprofit hospice, palliative care, and grief support organization serving Ford, Grundy, Iroquois, Kankakee, Livingston, and Will counties. With more than a decade of experience in hospice, shaped by her nursing background, Fawn brings a people-centered approach and a deep commitment to compassionate care, grounded in a respect for life’s transitions and the importance of connection. She serves as Co-Chair of the Illinois Hospice and Palliative Care Organization Board and was honored as the 2023 recipient of the ATHENA Young Professional Award, recognizing emerging women leaders who demonstrate professional excellence, community impact, and a commitment to uplifting and inspiring other women.​​