Brave Women Brunch – “Courageous Conversations: The Power of Bravery in Action”

Join us as we kick off 2025 with “Courageous Conversations: The Power of Bravery in Action,” an inspiring panel discussion that celebrates the fearless spirit of women who dare to step boldly into their purpose. This empowering event will spotlight personal stories, practical insights, and the transformative power of courage in shaping our lives, careers, and communities. Together, with our panelists, we’ll explore how bravery can drive meaningful change and set the tone for a year filled with action, impact, and intentional growth. Let’s make 2025 the year we lead with courage and inspire others to do the same!

Event schedule:

8:30 – 9:15 – breakfast & networking
9:15 – 10:15 – panel discussion
10:15 – 11:00 – Q&A & networking 

Panelists:

Rosie Fisher, General Manager
Rivers Club

Rosie is the first accomplished female General Manager of the Rivers Club, where she leads a multimillion-dollar operation with a mission to foster community and wellness. A recipient of the prestigious “40 Under 40” award, she has been recognized for her dedication to making Pittsburgh a healthier and more vibrant city. Before her tenure at the Rivers Club, Rosie owned a gym and worked as a life coach and trainer, empowering individuals to achieve their personal best. Rooted in the values of serving with humility, acting with intention, and prioritizing the well-being of those around her, Rosie leads with authenticity and care. She resides in Etna with her fiancé and their two playful Shih Tzus, Donatello and Leonardo. In both her professional and personal life, Rosie strives to make a meaningful impact and create spaces where people can thrive.

Kym Gable, Anchor / Reporter
KDKA-TV

Kym Gable is An Emmy and Telly award-winning journalist and philanthropist. She is a lead anchor at KDKA-TV, and hosts a weekly, sponsored segment called ‘On A Positive Note,’ which highlights the unsung heroes and uplifting stories in our communities. She’s an accomplished voice actress, event emcee and keynote speaker. As a public-speaking and confidence coach, Kym helps individuals and businesses elevate their communication and marketing game, so they not only make an impact, but leave an imprint. Kym and her husband also own a development and real estate investment firm, focused on affordable housing.  Volunteerism and community outreach are her driving forces. Kym is the director of the South chapter of ‘Inspired Women Paying it Forward,’ a charity support organization that rallies local women through networking and collective giving.  The eight chapters in Western PA have donated a total of over $800,000 to non-profits that help women and girls in need.  Kym lives by a motto she crafted herself; “You can’t live an extraordinary life if you keep doing ordinary things.”

Christine L. McClure, EdD, Senior Research Scientist
University of Pittsburgh

Dr. Christine McClure is a Senior Research Scientist of Health Policy and Management and qualitative methodologist at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. McClure earned her bachelor’s degree in health services administration and MBA from Point Park University and her master’s degree in public policy management and doctorate in education from the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. McClure is an expert in disparities research and an experienced qualitative researcher whose research interests include the intersectional experiences of women of color in various contexts including higher education, healthcare, public health, and child welfare to inform the creation of more equitable spaces, policies, and practices. Dr. McClure is committed to community engagement and service and currently serves as a member of the board of directors for Healthy Start, Inc and was the board chair for When She Thrives for three years.  She also serves her Pitt community as a member of the Equipoise leadership committee, and the Staff Council. While Dr. McClure is proud of her professional and educational accomplishments, her most rewarding roles include daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.

Holly Joy McIlwain, M.S., SHRM-SCP, Founder
Brave Women Project

Holly is not only the founder of Brave Women Project, but she is an organizational consultant and the Talent Development Partner at Winner Partners. She is passionate about helping people navigate the narrow spaces between work and life – through coaching, consulting, training, and executive search. She is also a faculty member for the Pittsburgh Leadership Foundation, where she helps leaders and organizations reach their full potential. With more than 15 years of experience in higher education and nonprofit work, her focus on human resources, talent management, and leadership development has impacted thousands. Holly is a national subject-matter expert, with endorsements from Bonus.ly, HR Today, From Day One, and more. She’s the author of the Practical Wisdom series, For She Who Leads: Practical Wisdom from a Woman Who Serves, and For She Who Grieves: Practical Wisdom for Living Hope. Her greatest achievements have nothing to do with work: John and James, ages 9 and 7, are the light of her life and take after their father in too many ways to count! 

Moderators:

Brave Women Project Board Members Kelli A. Komondor, K2 Creative Strategies and Amy Hooper Hanna, AhHA! High-Performance Communication

Amy and Kelli are accomplished facilitators who understand the power of impactful messaging. With a deep appreciation for the art of communication, they specialize in helping individuals and businesses make their message matter. Amy’s expertise in interpersonal intelligence and leadership communication, combined with Kelli’s mastery of visibility and branding, ensures that others’ messages not only stand out but drive meaningful connections.

Individual tickets:

$50 – BWP and Rivers Club members
$60 – nonmembers 

Exhibit Tables: $300 (5 available)

Includes 1 admission 

Event Sponsor: $1500 (1 available)

Includes table of 6 guests + Exhibit Table + Sponsor Benefits (BWP website & social media recognition, opportunity to address the attendees)

Parking options include Forbes, Oxford, and Allies Garages all on Cherry Way. Parking will not be validated.

Rivers Club is in Oxford Center at 301 Grant Street, Suite 411.