St. Louis is home to a faith-based event designed to inspire and unite professional women from across industries and states. Formerly known as The Christian Business Women’s Breakfast, this gathering is uniquely marked for encouraging spiritual and professional growth in female leaders. It has been so successful, in fact; it has sold out early each year, outgrowing its last five locations.
Now, in its ninth year, the breakfast transforms into a conference, called The Christian Business Women’s Summit, and takes place at St. Charles Convention Center Oct. 15. Growing into a summit has allowed 500 additional tickets to open. Yet, this event has grown such notoriety that attendance is nearly at its capacity of 1,300 female leaders now.
The group that produces this event is The Rooted Sisters, a 501(c)(3) founded 11 years ago by two CEOs. Business leader Lisa Nichols, CEO of Technology Partners, and nonprofit leader Cindy Owens, then-CEO of American Red Cross (Missouri and Arkansas), joined forces to create this ministry to serve the spiritual needs of professional women.
The Rooted Sisters provides a safe place for professional women to study the Word of God, grow in their faith in Christ and lead others to do the same. They produce 120 events each year, with locations in St. Louis and Houston, plus a robust online community nationwide. The summit is their signature event with the greatest turnout.
Behind the scenes of this national nonprofit, headquartered in Chesterfield, is a powerful board with leaders from various sectors. Two board members are partnering with staff as 2026 co-chairs: Leah Spiros, calligrapher and owner of Wrapped + Written Fine Art Services, and Maria Granados, co-founder & COO of Life Pulse Inc. Together, they leverage their passion, talents and connections to make this a transformative day for women.
“We're no longer a ‘breakfast’ but a true summit, an experience that doesn’t just inspire but equips women to lead in the workplace from a heart for Christ,” says Maria. “I’m eager for women to feel that they have a space to be equipped not just motivated in this professional journey as a Christian."
What draws in so many leaders? The answer is world-class speakers, relevant breakout topics, powerful worship and meaningful networking. Yet, there's something more, something special in the air. Some call it marketplace revival.
"Sometimes the greatest investment we can make is stepping away long enough to let God refresh our vision,” says Leah. “Our desire and prayer is for this to be more than a conference. We hope to cultivate a place where women will be enriched with wisdom, authentic connections and renewed purpose!”
This year’s keynote is Demi Leigh Tebow, speaker, best-selling author and entrepreneur. As former Ms. Universe, she will speak on rooting one's identity in Christ from her acclaimed book, A Crown That Lasts.
The summit also lauds renowned national breakout speakers to renew hope and purpose within attendees.
TheRootedSisters.com/Summit