The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce has announced the upcoming DEFINE. event, which will be part of its Women Empowered Expo in 2026. This event continues the Chamber’s theme for 2025–2026: DREAM. DEFINE. DO.
DEFINE. is aimed at helping participants gain clarity and confidence about their next steps, whether in business, career advancement, or personal leadership. The program will feature speakers, a marketplace with more than 20 vendors, networking opportunities, and a nonprofit spotlight.
According to organizers, attendees can expect “Inspiring Speakers who challenge you to think bigger and move with intention,” as well as a “Vendor Marketplace showcasing the products and services of some of our amazing Chamber members,” and “Purposeful Networking in a space that goes beyond exchanging business cards.” Additional offerings include community impact through a nonprofit spotlight, headshots provided by Elaine Kessler Photography, and a live podcast session titled “The Group Chat Goes Live…Slightly Salty Edition.”
Featured speakers at the event will include Peppur Chambers presenting on “The Art of the Pivot.” Chambers is an international writer, producer, educator, founder of Brown Betties women’s lifestyle brand, former NBA dancer for the Chicago Bulls and published author. She draws on global experience to encourage women to live authentically.
Leanna DeBellevue will present “Dream. Define. Decide.” DeBellevue is the founder of DeBellevue Consulting and previously built and sold a global marketing agency. She now advises entrepreneurial leaders on decision-making and accountability.
The Expo will also highlight College Bound AZ as its nonprofit partner this year. Founder Liz Paulus will discuss how College Bound AZ supports underrepresented students through mentoring and resources for college success: “We’re honored to spotlight College Bound AZ, an organization dedicated to helping underrepresented students succeed to and through college through mentoring, guidance, and essential support resources.”
Attendees are encouraged to bring donations for College Bound AZ’s food pantry such as gift cards (Fry’s or Walmart), snack items like granola bars or cheese sticks, drinks including Gatorade or bottled water, microwaveable meals like oatmeal or mac & cheese, cereal snacks (including BelVita biscuits), Boost protein drinks or iced tea; zip-top sandwich baggies are also requested.
The agenda includes registration starting at 8:45 AM followed by sessions featuring both keynote speakers as well as presentations from local business professionals Shannon Heinz (Guild Mortgage), Stuart Preston (Cingularis), and Deborah Sikes (Employee Benefit Exchange). The event concludes with raffle prize drawings at 1:45 PM.
Sarah Watts serves as president and CEO of the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce (official website). The organization provides leadership development programs established since 1992 (official website) and works to enhance quality of life through education initiatives (official website). As a business advocacy group founded in 1978 (official website), it supports professionals in Gilbert, Arizona by offering events like this expo alongside other networking opportunities (official website). The Chamber operates as a 501(c)(6) focused on business support while its foundation manages community initiatives as a 501(c)(3) entity (official website).
For those seeking professional growth or connection within Gilbert’s business community—“If you’re ready to gain clarity, build authentic connections, and take the next confident step forward,” organizers say that DEFINE. “is where your journey continues.”
