Creating Community, One Conversation at a Time
For years, Lisa Carmichael felt like something was missing. Despite living in the Eagan area for over three decades, she found herself searching for local connections in her field. As a fractional CMO and founder of lisarcarmichael.com, she wanted to get deeper into local SEO but couldn’t find others nearby who shared her interests. That’s when she had an idea—why not create a space where women entrepreneurs could meet, learn from each other, and grow together?
Enter Tracie Munce, a restaurateur in the Eagan business community and co-owner of Eagan Arms Public House, Merlin’s Market, and Merlins Rest Pub. When Lisa reached out, Tracie didn’t hesitate. "I had been on my own journey of growth and knew I wanted to surround myself with strong, driven women," she recalls. "Lisa’s idea immediately clicked—we needed a space where women could come together and elevate each other."
And just like that, the Female Entrepreneurs’ Happy Hour was born.
A Safe Space to Show Up, Inspire, and Grow
Launching the happy hour was about more than gathering a group of women in a room—it was about creating a space where real conversations could happen. Post-pandemic, many entrepreneurs and budding business founders still hesitated to step outside their comfort zones. Social circles had shrunk, and virtual networking had replaced face-to-face interactions. Lisa and Tracie wanted to change that.
"The first time we hosted, we weren’t sure what to expect," Lisa admits. "But then, every month, women kept showing up. Not just once or twice, but consistently. We had an average of 25 women at every event, all eager to connect, share ideas, and support one another."
Tracie had long envisioned her restaurant as more than just a place for food—it was a community hub. "Hosting these events wasn’t just about business—it was about creating something meaningful. I also wanted a partner to do it with. Lisa was that person. She follows through on ideas and makes them happen."
A Movement Beyond Networking
As attendance grew, Lisa and Tracie realized they could do even more. The happy hours had become a launching pad for women entrepreneurs to step into their own power, but they wanted to take it further.
"We started hosting quarterly Power Luncheons to introduce attendees to local women who are making an impact," Tracie says. "The idea was to help women not just build connections but also to see what’s possible when they step up. We wanted them to walk away feeling fueled and ready to go after their own goals."
The luncheons also became a way to give back. A portion of the proceeds from their events supported Operation Dignity International, a non-profit organization that provides resources for vulnerable communities in Ghana, West Africa. "When we handed over that donation, we saw firsthand how our efforts could ripple outward," Lisa shares. "That moment solidified our mission—we wanted to create something even bigger."
Shattering the Glass Ceiling
That “something bigger” turned into Glass Ceiling Foundation, an initiative dedicated to equipping women with the knowledge, connections, and confidence to build their businesses. "Women receive just 2% of all venture capital funding—the lowest percentage since 2016," Lisa points out. "That’s not because women aren’t capable—it’s often because they don’t have the same networks, resources, or mentors to help them take that first big step."
Women are expected to hold around 15% of CEO positions by 2025, marking a significant increase from the current percentage, with some estimates suggesting this could reach 20% by 2030. However, this number is still considered low and indicates a continued underrepresentation of women in top leadership roles. Glass Ceiling is working to change that by giving women access to mentorship, education, and the right connections to break into leadership and create lasting change.
Through workshops, mentorship, and scholarships, Glass Ceiling is working to change that narrative. "We don’t just want to talk about breaking barriers—we want to actively help women push past them," Tracie says. "We’re helping them think differently, approach business with confidence, and step into leadership roles in their own industries."
The Power of Showing Up
Perhaps the most powerful part of what Lisa and Tracie have built is the impact it has on the women who walk through the door. "We’re now the stewards of this growing community of women entrepreneurs," Lisa says. "We’ve watched them step up, amplify their voices, and embrace who they are—not just as business owners, but as leaders."
Tracie agrees, adding, "Helping women feel seen and heard is one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. There’s something incredible about watching someone go from feeling uncertain to stepping into a room with confidence, ready to tell their story."
Looking Ahead
The movement Lisa and Tracie started in Eagan isn’t slowing down. With more events on the horizon and a growing network of women looking to support each other, The Glass Ceiling Foundation has positioned itself to make an even bigger impact.
"The desire to create a legacy doesn’t require a specific background or a certain level of education," Lisa says. "It starts with showing up, finding your voice, and being willing to grow. And that’s exactly what we’re here to help women do."
For any woman in the Eagan area looking for that ‘something more,’ Lisa and Tracie are ready to welcome them in. "There’s a seat at the table," Tracie says with a smile. "Come join us."
When women connect, support, and step up, we all rise together