|
MFDA WIFS Conference Schedule Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Parkview Meeting + Event Center, Mall of America
5204 Center Court, Bloomington, MN Your Presence has POWER Join us at the Women in Funeral Service Conference and be part of a vibrant community of death care professionals and supporters making an impact, fostering connection, and honoring the vital work we do. Celebrate your strength, connect with fellow professionals, and elevate your career backed by a community of women who want to see you thrive! The WIFS Conference welcomes all – women and those who support them – to build a supportive death care community that celebrates the dedication and excellence of every woman death care professional.
SCHEDULE 8:30 - 9:00 AM | Welcome Coffee & Attendee Registration Open 9:00 - 9:15 AM | Opening Remarks & Welcome 9:15 - 10:00 AM | Tina Vansteenbergen: Debunking the Confidence Myth (1 General CEU) 10:00 - 10:30 AM | Vendor Introductions & Morning Break 10:30 - 11:15 AM | Ali Kahlert: Ergonomic Considerations for Funeral Service Professionals (1 Professional Practices CEU) 11:15 - 11:30 AM | Break 11:30 - 12:15 PM | Tracy Pleschourt: Resilience, Voice, & Vision: Women Leading with Purpose (1 General CEU) 12:15 - 1:00 PM | Lunch Break & Vendor Visits 1:00 - 1:45 PM | Amber Miller of Brighter Days Family Grief Center: Extending Care Beyond the Service: Women Leading the Way in Grief Support (1 CEU) 1:45 - 2:15 PM | Afternoon Break & Vendor Visits 2:15 - 3:15 PM | Generational panel with moderator Janet McGee (1 Professional Practices CEU) 3:15 - 3:30 PM | Closing Remarks & Thank You 3:30 PM | WIFS Networking Happy Hour - Why sit in traffic when you can join us at the FireLake Grill House and Cocktail Bar in the Radisson Blu for a drink and continue conversations with WIFS attendees (cash bar)
MEET OUR SPEAKERS 
Tina VanSteenbergen Tina has been speaking professionally since 2013 with a fairly simple message: women need women. To be successful in the workplace. To feel understood. To feel less alone in the world… women need women. And that’s the message she flies thousands of miles to spread. Her speaking style gives women permission to open up, have honest conversations, and connect. With a combination of authenticity, storytelling, and humor, she’s been able to help hundreds of thousands of women tear down the walls we’ve built between us. Together with her audience, she helps women build relationships with one another, believe in themselves, and take up space at companies, campuses, and organizations. Her work sets her soul on fire. So does a good nap. An excellent pour of bourbon. A beautiful snow. A peaceful and reflective sunset flight. A well-written West Wing quote. Her husband, her son, her dog, and a Minnesotan accent, of course. 
Tracy Pleschourt Tracy is a dynamic leader, life coach, and founder & CEO of Self-MadeU, a personal and professional development school dedicated to empowering individuals—especially women—to claim their voice, lead with confidence, and build purposeful careers. Before founding SMU, Tracy spent 20 years in advertising, working her way up to an executive role. In that time she led teams, managed operational strategy, and developed an award winning culture in a high-stakes creative environment. She has also contributed significantly in civic leadership: she has served on the Minneapolis Downtown Council / Downtown Improvement District board, and was a member of Leadership Twin Cities for over five years. Tracy’s work is rooted in values of resilience, authenticity, service, and growth. Whether speaking at conferences, coaching individuals, or leading workshops, she is known for bringing together heart and strategy—helping people turn challenges into leverage, build visibility, and take bold, aligned action in their lives.
 Ali Kahlert Ali is a PhD candidate at the University of Minnesota: Twin Cities in the College of Design. She is both a lab supervisor and designer at the Earl E. Bakken Medical Devices Center, designing medical devices and training tools for physicians, students, and patients alike. Additionally, she researches occupational injury and musculoskeletal pain in funeral service professionals in an effort to understand areas of need within the industry. 
Amber Miller Amber Miller has a B.S. in Mortuary Science and B.A. in Biology from the University of Minnesota. She has been a licensed funeral director since 2012 in Wisconsin and Minnesota. She also earned a Certificate in Thanatology from the Association of Death Education and Counseling (ADEC) from 2021-2024, and is a member of the Minnesota Coalition of Death Education and Support (MCDES). She currently works for Brighter Days Family Grief Center as their Community Development Coordinator. Much of her career has been spent working side by side with funeral directors and grief professionals as they care for grievers. She is a strong advocate for educating funeral directors on the importance of continuous professional grief training, and its impact on creating more meaningful services for the families they serve.
WHAT OUR SPEAKERS WILL COVER Tina VanSteenbergen - Debunking the Confidence Myth Growing up, we were all sold a myth about confidence. You know the one—how it magically appears once we achieve something big in life. Or that we can simply “think” confident thoughts and suddenly, boom, we’ve got it. The truth? That’s a lie. Confidence isn’t a switch you flip—it’s a spectrum we move along every single day. In this powerful, fun, and engaging program, Tina gets real about confidence. She encourages women to own their moments of true confidence while confronting the negative experiences that hold them back. Her core message? Confidence isn’t a solo journey—it’s a team sport. Tina emphasizes the power of lifting each other up through genuine compliments and support, showing that when we rise together, we all become stronger and more confident than ever before. Tracy Pleschourt - Resilience, Voice, & Vision: Women Leading with Purpose If you are ready to lead beyond the immediate, reframe challenge as invitation, and build a leadership life that honors both your calling and your well-being, this session is for you. In a profession where grief, service, and legacy intersect, women leaders carry a unique weight. In Resilience, Voice & Vision, you’ll discover how to transform that weight into power: not just to survive, but to lead with clarity, purpose, and endurance. You’ll gain: - A deeper understanding of the emotional labor we all do - how caring for others, holding space, and managing unseen burdens can drain us when left unchecked.
- Tools to build authentic resilience that replenishes rather than just sustain, through mindset shifts, boundaries, and regenerative practices.
- Strategies to sharpen your voice - how to name what matters, speak your truth with influence, and live your values in your day-to-day life.
- A path toward vision - how to anchor your leadership in purpose, guide toward change, and hold a long-term legacy that shapes your organization and the profession.
Amber Miller- Extending Care Beyond the Service: Women Leading the Way in Grief Support As women in funeral service, we often bring a unique blend of empathy, intuition, and community-minded leadership to our work. But when the service ends and families walk out the door, are we truly continuing to care. This workshop invites women funeral professionals to reflect on the depth of their aftercare practices and the power of collaboration. Are the grief resources you share current, inclusive, and trauma-informed? Do you know which local organizations offer more than virtual support—and are those connections active and reciprocal? Together, we’ll explore how to: • Build and sustain meaningful partnerships with grief support providers • Audit and elevate the resources you offer to families • Position your funeral home as a trusted connector in the continuum of care Wraparound support doesn’t need to happen within your walls—but it does require intention, visibility, and heart. This session honors the leadership women bring to funeral service and equips you to extend that care with clarity and confidence. Let’s lead with compassion, collaborate with purpose, and ensure no family grieves alone.
REGISTRATION FEES - MFDA Member $175
(MFDA Member Funeral Directors, Transfer Care Specialists, Preneed Insurance Agents, Crematory Operators, Cemetery Staff, Funeral Home Staff, and Allied/Suppliers) - Other Death Care Professionals $225
- Mortuary Science Student $75
Seats are limited, register today!
FAQs Why should I attend? Professional Development Because investing in yourself is essential. The WIFS Conference is your space to grow, recharge, and gain fresh perspective. Through powerful sessions and intentional connections, you'll leave with new skills, renewed confidence, and a clear sense of direction. Professional development helps you lead and thrive in the ever-evolving world of death care. It opens doors, builds your network, and equips you to take on what's next. When women grow, funeral homes and death care organizations succeed. And when you show up for yourself, everyone benefits.
Personal Development Personal development is a lifelong investment in yourself. It's about growing your mindset, strengthening emotional well-being, and building the skills and self-awareness needed to serve with purpose and confidence. When you commit to personal growth, you gain clarity on your values, goals, and passions. You become better equipped to handle the unique challenges of death care—both personal and professional. Personal development empowers you to lead with authenticity and unlock your full potential. At the WIFS Conference, we believe that investing in personal development isn't a luxury. It's simply necessary.
Community Community offers connection, encouragement, and a shared sense of purpose. It's where you can be yourself and feel understood by others who are walking a similar path in death care. When you're part of a strong community, you gain more than support—you gain confidence and inspiration. It becomes a space for collaboration and genuine friendships that can last well beyond the conference. It's not just about who you meet at the WIFS Conference. It's about who you become when you're surrounded by people who see your potential and help you rise. Safe Space WIFS is a trusted space where real conversations can happen. It’s a place to be open, ask questions, and share your story—both the joys and the struggles—with people who can relate to your role and organization. You’ll find support, fresh ideas, renewed perspective, and a true sense of belonging. In WIFS, you’re not alone. You’re part of a local network that lifts each other up and moves forward with purpose.
What Should Attendees Wear? Elevate your presence and express your power at our WIFS conference with a dress code that celebrates strength, individuality, and unity. We encourage vibrant colors, bold accessories, cultural expression, and outfits that make you feel confident and comfortable. Whether you show up in sneakers or stilettos, a blazer or a bold print—come as you are. Feel good, look great, and wear what empowers you.
Is WIFS for men? In today's dynamic and diverse world, attending a women's conference can be a transformative experience for everyone, regardless of gender. The value of these events goes beyond the gender divide: - Even if you don't identify as female attending in-person or supporting your staff to attend WIFS is a powerful statement of support for diversity, inclusion, and professional growth.
- The impact of support and presence is profound, sending a strong message that equality and empowerment matter to the entire organization.
Social Media One of the best ways to share your experience with others is by telling them via social media. We encourage you to share highlights, connections, and your experience with the hashtag #WIFS25
Dietary + Accessibility Needs If you have any special dietary and/or accessibility needs or requirements, please indicate on your registration and we will do our best to accommodate. You may also reach out to the Minnesota Funeral Directors Association team to make arrangements.
Parking The best parking for Parkview Meeting + Event Center is the West Parking Ramp, located between Nordstrom + Macy's. - Open to the public at 7 a.m.
- Accessible from Killebrew Drive
Hotel Accommodations For an extensive list of hotel options please click here. The hotels that are attached to the mall are the Radisson Blu and JW Marriot Minneapolis.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS (as of October 21) 
Breakfast Sponsor
 Lunch Sponsor 
Conference Mobile App 
Name Badge Flair/Pins Interested in sponsoring our WIFS Conference? Learn more here!
WIFS MARKET Supportive death care vendors including our MFDA endorsed partners, female owned business, allied members and more! VENDORS (as of October 9)  
 
 
 
PARKVIEW MEETING + EVENT CENTER LOCATION AND PHOTOS 
 
|
Print Page