Michael Donnelly

Michael Donnelly has been planning memorable experiences since her 7th birthday party at Leaps n' Bounds. As Founder of the FWD Collective and CEO of Red Suede Shoes, she carries the same tenacity as her 7-year-old self, and leads her events and team with the idea that "business gets done when people have fun."

Michael has been the force behind some of the country's most popular large-scale tech and business events and conferences. After helping to a number of clients, she decided to follow her passion of encouraging professional inclusion at all opportunities and founded FWD (For Women & Diversity) Collective, formerly known as VentureFWD.

FWD Collective hosts summits internationally featuring women, P.O.C., and under-represented communities. FWD summits connect emerging entrepreneurs to established business professionals by facilitating discussions on business development, venture capital, building teams and beyond. To learn more check out www.fwdcollective.io

Additionally, Michael's vibrant personality shines through in building creative experiences and campaigns for clients including Microsoft, Verizon, Walker Sands, and a number of Chicago's small businesses and start-ups, as well as on camera as an affiliate partner with Entrepreneur Media. Through her partnership with Entrepreneur Michael creates content and reports live at national events.

Michael resides in Chicago with her pup Lux,  serves on a few local boards including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago and the mHUB Venture Board, loves to Stand Up Paddle Board, and is all about the #scrappytosavvy life.