Association Forum of Chicagoland
Association Forum of Chicagoland is the “association of associations” in Chicago, serving over 1,100 member organizations through leadership development and networking.
AUDIENCE: 125 female association executives and nonprofit leaders
LOCATION: Chicago, Illinois
CHALLENGE: Managing limited resources, adapt to new technologies, and navigate workforce dynamics, including talent retention and diversity, to sustain organizational growth and relevance.
CARA BROOKINS’ SOLUTION:
Delivered 45-minute keynote + 15-minute Q&A
Hosted book signing for deeper post-session engagement
Coordinated via Keppler Speakers and Forum leadership
At the Women’s Executive Forum in Chicago, the Association Forum gathered a powerhouse audience of women executives from the nonprofit and association sectors. The goal was to create space for connection, strategic growth, and candid conversations on leadership, branding, and resilience.
Cara Brookins was selected to open the forum with a keynote that met the moment, honest, empowering, and filled with practical wisdom. Her 45-minute presentation challenged attendees to rethink what personal agency and professional success look like in an industry built on collaboration and advocacy.
The audience responded with high engagement, particularly during the extended Q&A. Afterward, Cara held a book signing, giving leaders a chance to reflect and continue the conversation one-on-one.
With topics ranging from career planning to emotional resilience, Cara’s session helped set the tone for a day of transformation and authentic dialogue.
