2026 International Women’s Day Luncheon in Goshen: Give to Gain
Women have always been vital to the strength and success of Goshen.
The City of Goshen’s Community Relations Commission is hosting its third-annual 2026 International Women’s Day Luncheon on Thursday, March 5. This year’s event is in partnership with the Goshen Chamber of Commerce Women In Business Network.
The event recognizes women whose leadership shapes business, education, nonprofit work, and civic life across our community.
Event Details
- WHEN: Thursday, March 5, 2026
- TIME: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Doors open at 11 a.m.
- WHERE: Bread & Chocolate, Old Bag Factory, Goshen, Indiana
How to PurchaseTickets
Individual tickets, which includes a catered lunch buffet, dessert and refreshments, are $45. You can reserve yout spot and purchase your ticket(s) by clicking the link button below:
2026 IWD Theme: Give to Gain
The 2026 theme, “Give to Gain,” highlights the power of reciprocity.
When women invest time and guidance in others, leadership expands and opportunity grows. The luncheon examines how mentorship, service, and shared responsibility create long-term impact.
The event reflects the global observance of International Women’s Day while focusing on leadership here at home.
Special Guest Speakers for 2026
Goshen Mayor Gina Leichty will kick off the luncheon before turning it over to four special guest speakers who have demonstrated considerable leadership and service to our city and broader region. We are pleased to welcome the following wonderfully accomplished women:
- Goshen resident Kari Tarman serves as director of Hesburgh Women of Impact at the University of Notre Dame, where she advances leadership, philanthropy, and community engagement supporting women and girls. Her work focuses on building meaningful partnerships and investing in programs creating lasting social impact.
- Tami Hicks is president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County, where she leads efforts supporting youth development, equity, and opportunity across the region. She brings a career of experience in education, leadership, and community advocacy focused on helping young people reach their potential.
- Giselle Hernandez is a Realtor® with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northern Indiana Real Estate, specializing in residential real estate and client advocacy. But her passion is working with first-time buyers and guiding them through the process. She is a member of the Goshen Chamber of Commerce Women in Business Network, supporting professional growth and community connections. An advocate for Concord Community Schools as a Concord parent and translator she recently has joined the Boys & Girls Club of Elkhart County as a board member for their Goshen Club. As a wife and mom to five, as well as a dog momma of two, Giselle keeps busy with her home life as well as providing the utmost service to her clients and dedication to the organizations she gives her time.
- Megan Hessl is a Trust and Charitable Administrator at Everence Financial, where she fuels the generosity of others by guiding thoughtful stewardship of their unique gifts. A passionate community advocate, she serves the City of Goshen on multiple boards and commissions and is President of the Historic Southside Neighborhood Association. Megan is committed to strengthening neighborhoods, cultivating civic engagement, and helping her community grow with intention and purpose.
2025 International Women’s Day Luncheon Recap
The 2025 International Women’s Day luncheon in Goshen centered on the theme “Breaking Barriers.” It recognized women advancing leadership across healthcare, finance, public safety, and emergency response.
Speakers included Julia Chairez, a family nurse practitioner with Beacon Health; Amy Sink, CEO of Interra Credit Union; Tara Powell, a school resource officer with the Goshen Police Department; and Hannah Estes, one of Goshen’s first female firefighters. Each addressed the challenges within her field and the responsibility of expanding opportunity for others.
The City of Goshen’s Community Relations Commission hosted the luncheon at Bread & Chocolate. Roughly 70 attendees gathered for a focused discussion on resilience, representation, and progress. Mayor Gina Leichty underscored the importance of recognizing women whose leadership strengthens Goshen’s core institutions and shapes future leaders.
About the Community Relations Commission
The Community Relations Commission (CRC) is dedicated to improving the quality of life in Goshen by creating programs and initiatives that benefit all community members. The Commission is committed to establishing a city free from racism and discrimination. It fosters strong bonds among residents and within neighborhoods, addresses complex issues, advocates for health, safety, and wellness, and encourages courteous and respectful interactions among Goshen’s diverse population.
About the Women In Business Network
The Goshen Chamber of Commerce Women In Business Network connects professional women across industries through leadership development, networking, and mentorship. The network creates space for candid conversation, skill building, and collaboration while supporting women at every stage of their careers. Its partnership with the City of Goshen for the 2026 International Women’s Day Luncheon reflects a shared commitment to strengthening local leadership through service, experience, and peer support.
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