WARREN – Women leaders will be honored by the Michigan Business and Professional Association at its 17th Annual Women and Leadership in the Workplace Symposium and Awards program on January 16, 2013 at The Henry in Dearborn.

Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. followed by a lunch. The conference runs until 1:00 p.m.

The event is held to promote high professional standards, encourage leadership, provide education and assure equal advantages for women. This year?s theme is ?Power Forward With Your Strength.? More than 500 women are expected to attend the event.

This year?s honorees represent extraordinary professional women who have excelled in distinct categories. They include:

Business: Nancy Hickey, Steelcase

Professional: Anne Doyle, Anne Doyle Strategies

Civic & Community Affairs: Kathleen Stiso Mullins, Edsel & Eleanor Ford House and the Henry Ford Estate

Philanthropic: Linda Forte, Comerica Foundation

Media: Rochelle Riley, Detroit Free Press

Education: Stephanie Bergeron, Walsh College

Small Business Achievement: Amanda Christides, Plymouth Technology

Shooting Stars (women under age 40): Kenyetta Campbell, Cody Rough Community Action Alliance; Maxine Gray, HermanMiller; Elissa Hillary, Local First; and Dawn Stokes, RBS Citizens

?These women are making a significant impact in our state and we are pleased to give them the recognition they so richly deserve,? said Jennifer Kluge, MBPA president.

This conference offers workshops on the transforming workforce and self-awareness, networking opportunities and a celebration honoring these top women. This event is sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan, Corp! magazine, Davenport University, Detroit Free Press, DTE Energy, MGM Grand Detroit, Pepsi, Staples, Styleline magazine and St. John Providence Health System, as well as a distinguished advisory committee of leading businesswomen and community leaders.

Association members can purchase tickets for $85 and non-member tickets are available for $95. Admission includes all workshops and the awards brunch. For more information, to register or learn about sponsorship opportunities, call 586-393-8800 or visit www.michbusiness.org.

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Based in Warren , Mich. , the Michigan Business