Shine On Summit 2025: Illuminating the Future for Women & Underrepresented Voices in Tech

In 2019, Shine & Rise was founded with a simple yet powerful mission: to create a community for women and nonbinary professionals in tech to connect, learn from, and support each other. Since its founding, the organization has grown from a small group of 10 members in Ann Arbor to a thriving network spanning Ann Arbor, Detroit, and beyond. Now, as Shine & Rise prepares to host its second annual Shine On Summit: Networking, Storytelling, Building Community on April 16 at TechTown Detroit, the momentum behind this movement is stronger than ever.

What to Expect at the Shine On Summit 2025

The event’s theme, “How do we design a meaningful future where we shine as individuals and rise together?” is at the heart of Shine & Rise’s mission. With a lineup of engaging speakers, dynamic breakout sessions, and community-driven discussions, the Summit is designed to inspire and equip attendees with the tools to grow as professionals and human beings.

Image courtesy of Shine & Rise

Four dynamic breakout tracks will help foster a more inclusive tech industry with lightning talks guiding the discussions that address the event’s theme from different perspectives:  

I am a whole, complex human who contains multitudes 

This track will tackle questions like:

• How do we prioritize well-being in high-pressure tech roles?  
• What does authentic self-care look like for underrepresented professionals?  

I want to expand and evolve

This track will tackle questions like:

• Negotiation, leadership, and visibility—what’s holding women back?  
• How can we build allyship to open doors for others?  

I believe in the power of collective resilience

This track will tackle questions like:

• What does inclusive tech leadership look like in practice?  
• How can we leverage networks to drive systemic change?  

I am creating, building, and shaping something

This track will tackle questions like:

• How do we challenge the status quo?
• What resources and mindsets help underrepresented entrepreneurs thrive?
  
  

Image courtesy of Shine & Rise

Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to attend: 

• Keynote Fireside Chat: Featuring Abby Gates (Sproutwise) and Megan Ward (Femology), this discussion will dive deep into leadership, innovation, and overcoming challenges in tech through the lens of the event theme
• Community Tables: A new addition this year, these tables will showcase local groups, female-focused vendors, and resources for ongoing professional and personal development.
• Networking Opportunities: Attendees will have the chance to connect with peers, mentors, and industry leaders, with the full Shine & Rise community available for continued engagement beyond the event.
  
  

Why You Should Attend

The Shine On Summit is open to everyone, but the topics and themes will be focused on supporting women and non-binary individuals working in or interested in tech and startups, or adjacent fields. Whether you’re a seasoned tech professional, an aspiring founder, or an ally looking to learn, you can expect to walk away with:

• Strategies for navigating career and life challenges  
• A supportive network of peers and mentors  
• Inspiration to keep pushing for equity in tech  

With the support of several key ecosystem supporters and sponsors, the Shine On Summit will be held on Wednesday, April 16th, in Detroit. Scholarships are also available. Email hello@shinerise.org for more information. 

Interested in attending?