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Join the Professional Women’s Club of Chicago (PWCC) for an inspiring evening of conversation, connection, and empowerment at our upcoming Spotlight Session, Breaking Barriers: Women Leading in Male-Dominated Industries. This engaging panel brings together accomplished leaders who are redefining what it means to lead, thrive, and drive change in fields where women have historically been underrepresented.
Through candid stories and practical insights, panelists will share their experiences navigating bias, building credibility, advocating for themselves and others, and creating opportunities for the next generation of women leaders. Attendees will walk away with actionable strategies to build confidence and influence, overcome barriers while staying authentic to their leadership style, and leverage mentorship, sponsorship, and allyship to accelerate career growth.
The evening will feature a dynamic panel discussion with:
· Alexia Jackson, CFP®, CRPC®, AWMA®, Wealth Management Advisor, Merrill
· Melinda Linas, Chief of Police, Lindenhurst Police Department
· Heather Bailey, Partner and Co-Chair of the Labor & Employment Service Group at Amundsen Davis, LLC
Moderated by Sam Steinberg, Insurance Advisor and Senior Project Manager at NFP Insurance Solutions.
Whether you are navigating your own leadership journey or looking to support and uplift women in your industry, this session offers meaningful perspectives, real-world advice, and opportunities to connect with a powerful community of professionals.
SPEAKER BIOS
Moderator Sam Steinberg, Insurance Advisor and Senior Project Manager at NFP Insurance Solutions, brings over seven years of experience in the insurance industry with a strong focus on client-centric, technically sophisticated solutions.
Known for her dedication to delivering exceptional results, Sam works closely with families, advisors, and stakeholders to develop customized insurance strategies that align with their financial goals.
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Panelist Melinda Linas is Chief of the Lindenhurst, Illinois Police Department and a veteran law enforcement executive with over 25 years of leadership experience. She previously served with the Chicago Police Department as Commander of the 14th District and led key citywide initiatives in constitutional policing, community safety, and operational reform.
A Juris Doctor and practicing attorney since 2008, Melinda also served as a Lieutenant in the Wisconsin Army National Guard and Illinois Army Reserves. A breast cancer survivor, her leadership is deeply informed by lived experience and a strong commitment to mental health, trauma-informed policing, and the empowerment of women and underserved communities. She is an active member of the International Association of Women Police and advocates nationally for destigmatizing PTSD among law enforcement and veterans.
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Panelist Alexia Jackson, CFP®, CRPC®, AWMA® Alexia Jackson is a dedicated Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill in downtown Chicago with a passion for helping clients achieve financial freedom through personalized, goal-driven planning. A graduate of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Alexia began her career at Merrill in 2020 and holds the CFP®, CRPC®, and AWMA® designations.
In addition to her client work, Alexia is deeply committed to giving back. She volunteers over 50 hours each year, serves on the Junior Council board for Lurie Children’s Hospital, Goodman Scenemakers Board, and Josephinum Academy of the Sacred Heart Board. She also holds a leadership role with the Health & Wellness SIG of the Professional Women’s Club of Chicago.
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Panelist Heather Bailey brings 24 years of focused experience in management-side labor and employment law. Her practice spans employment counseling and litigation, including discrimination and trade secret/non-compete matters, FLSA class actions, labor negotiations and arbitrations, affirmative action and OFCCP/DOL audits, and issues involving FMLA/ADA, sexual harassment, union avoidance, BIPA, and FINRA.
As co-chair of the firm’s Labor & Employment Service Group and a recognized thought leader, Heather regularly publishes, presents nationwide, and co-authored the Illinois Chamber of Commerce’s Illinois Employment Law Handbook. She also previously co-chaired the firm’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee and is deeply committed to mentoring and developing the next generation of attorneys, while advising clients across a wide range of industries throughout the U.S.
