2026 10th Annual Montana Women’s Leadership Conference

The vision of the Junior League of Billings’ Annual Montana Women’s Leadership Conference is to empower women to become mindful leaders in the community. The conference will span themes of professional, personal, and community leadership to inspire and elevate Montana. This conference will offer exposure to diverse, nationally recognized speakers and accomplished female role models. In addition, through our workshops, attendees will learn practical applications to take back to their businesses, homes, and community organizations.

March 27,2026

THIS YEARS THEME: Next is Now! Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future.

Transformative workshops led by trailblazing women who are breaking barriers and building bridges in Montana.  

The 2026 Montana Women’s Leadership Conference is coming Friday, March 27th at the Northern Hotel in Billings — and this year is extra special. 🎉

We’re celebrating our 10th conference anniversary with exciting new additions — making this sold-out event more powerful than ever.

🎉 Introducing the First-Ever Montana Women’s Leadership Awards!

📅 Thursday, March 26, 2026 | 🏨 The Northern Hotel, Billings

Join us for an inspiring evening celebrating the women who are shaping Montana’s future. The Montana Women’s Leadership Awards Ceremony honors remarkable women across the state whose vision, courage, and leadership create meaningful impact in their communities, workplaces, and beyond.

✨ Held the night before the Montana Women’s Leadership Conference, this inaugural event will shine a light on leaders at every stage of their journey—from emerging trailblazers to those whose legacies have paved the way for others.

Presented by the Junior League of Billings as part of the 10th Annual Montana Women’s Leadership Conference.

We are honored to announce the inaugural recipients of these awards, recognizing extraordinary women whose leadership, service, and innovation are shaping communities across Montana.

This year’s honorees include:

• The Summit Award – Visionary Progress and Bold Firsts

Recipients: Penny Ronning and Stephanie Baucus

• The Legacy Award – A Lifetime of Impact and Influence

Recipient: Karen Frank

• The Trailblazer Award – Emerging Brilliance and Boundless Potential

Recipient: Britney Higgs

• The Catalyst Award – Innovation, Equity, and Organizational Change

Recipient: Mary Jane Knisely

• The Beacon Award – Compassionate Community Leadership

Recipient: Lynn Mullowney Cabrera

These remarkable women represent the strength, resilience, and leadership that continue to shape our communities and inspire others across Montana.