Reflections from Lift As We WRISE Forum

October 2, 2026 | Chicago, IL

On October 2, we brought together 50 Black women professionals in Chicago for the inaugural Lift As We WRISE Forum. The day was filled with thoughtful conversations, shared experiences, new connections, and opportunities to learn from one another. Our goal was to create a space where women could show up as their whole selves, share openly, and leave feeling supported and inspired. As we reflected on the success of our first forum, we asked both our team and attendees to share their biggest takeaways. Their responses highlighted not only the impact of the day but also the importance of continuing to create spaces like this for Black women to connect, grow, and celebrate one another.

Quinn:

I left the forum thinking about how connected personal wellness is to your ability to show up as your best self at work, and about how taking care of your physical and mental needs is critical to leading well and managing the day-to-day stresses of normal work life. You are doing yourself a disservice by not prioritizing yourself, and you are a better professional when you take time to rest and invest in activities that bring you joy outside of work.

Patrice:

One thing I’m leaving the forum with is just a reminder of how expansive Black women are. We’re so multifaceted, and I love seeing the different ways we show up in a room and the impact we have.

Another thing I’m taking with me is the idea of having an SOP for your life. We think about how important standard operating procedures are in the business sense, but they’re just as important in our personal lives. Having standards, systems, and processes in place can help you make sure you’re operating at your best. It can easily get overlooked, but when you’re intentional about it, it can make a real difference. I find myself integrating it more into my own life.

Lastly, I’m leaving with a reminder of how good it feels to be in community that isn’t pretentious, but instead feels supportive and natural. There’s something about being in a space where you can just be yourself that allows you to unlock different parts of yourself and thrive. Getting to witness other women do the same, and sharing in that experience together, is such a powerful thing.

Kristin:

Overall, I always take away the room’s energy, but in particular, the conversations about finding your “why” stood out to me. The opening panelists’ transparency about what shaped their career paths and how they came to understand their purpose in their fields surprised me. They described their passion for the bigger picture of their work, making it not feel like work. I took away that you can have an idea of career fulfillment, but you never know when you might discover something that inspires you.

Attendees:

When asked to describe the Lift As We WRISE Forum, attendees shared words like uplifting, invigorating, transformational, and Black excellence. But their reflections went far beyond a few words. They spoke about the power of being surrounded by accomplished, inspiring Black women from different industries and backgrounds, engaging in candid conversations, and connecting through shared experiences.

For many, the forum provided a safe space to be themselves, learn from one another, and find encouragement in knowing they were not alone in their journeys. Some described it as a much-needed “waiting to exhale” moment, an opportunity to recharge, feel supported, and simply enjoy being in community with one another. As one attendee shared, “My cup was filled and I was inspired to continue the work I’m doing because I know others are doing the same.”

Another called it "more than a forum—a movement of sisterhood.” Their words capture what made the day so special: the opportunity to celebrate Black excellence, build real connections, and leave with a renewed sense of purpose and community.

Information about the Black Women in Energy Summit on February 7 in Nashville will be available soon.