Coffee & Conversations

YWCA Northeast Indiana invites women to come together for Coffee & Conversations! These quarterly events provide a welcoming space for women to connect, learn, and empower one another by sharing experiences and insights.

Coffee & Conversations provides an opportunity for women to learn from each other through:

Shared experiences
Women can relate to similar challenges and obstacles faced by other women, fostering understanding and empathy.

Mentorship and guidance
Experienced women can provide valuable advice and support to those navigating career paths or personal situations.

Building confidence
Sharing successes and overcoming insecurities within a female network can boost self-esteem and confidence.

Unique perspectives
Women often bring different viewpoints and approaches to problem-solving, enriching the learning process.


Our 2026 Coffee & Conversations theme is “Chapter by Chapter: Wellness & Wisdom for Life StagesJoin us as we discuss important health issues for women. 

The topic of our third conversation is Financial Health and will take place on September 23rd from 8-9:30am at YWCA Northeast Indiana, 1313 W Washington Center Rd. 

The Financial Health Chapter

In today's world, financial health is an essential component of overall wellness. This chapter will explore the intersection of financial literacy and women's health, providing valuable insights and practical tools to empower women in managing their finances effectively. This event will cover topics such as budgeting, saving for the future, understanding credit, and planning for retirement.
Whether you're just starting your financial journey or looking to enhance your existing knowledge, this event is for you! Connect with other women in the community, share experiences, and gain the confidence to take charge of your financial future.

Meet our Guest Speaker:

Jess Hopkins

Jess Hopkins is the First Vice President and Regional Sales Manager for First Merchants Bank, leading growth and development initiatives across the Fort Wayne/Michigan Region, which includes 30 banking centers in Michigan and 13 in Northeast Indiana. With more than 17 years of experience in the financial industry, Jess has built a career marked by leadership, community engagement, and a commitment to helping both teams and communities thrive. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master of Science in Human Resource Management from Indiana Wesleyan University and has earned numerous professional and community recognitions, including the 2025 Outstanding Women in Banking award from BankBeat Magazine and the 2024 Influential Woman Award from Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Jess is deeply involved in community service through leadership roles with YWCA, TeenWorks, and other local organizations. She is also a dedicated wife and mother who values family and community as the foundation of her personal and professional success.


Check out the topics for our 2026 events.

March: The Menopause Chapter – Learn to embrace every stage of the menopause journey.

June: The Pre- and Postnatal Chapter Discuss the joy and complexity of the transition into and through motherhood.

September: The Financial Health Chapter Dive into understanding the key financial decisions that shape your future security and independence. 

November: The Survivor Chapter – Understanding the survivor’s journey.

December: The Mental Health Chapter – Discover robust mental and emotional health tools to help navigate the pressures and transitions of life.


Check out recaps from our past Coffee & Conversations events!

June 12, 2026 – Chapter by Chapter: The Pre- and Postnatal Chapter

March 12, 2026 – Chapter by Chapter: The Menopause Chapter

December 11, 2025 – Empower Your Spark: Reigniting Strength in the Face of Burnout

November 6, 2025 – Empower to Empathize: Understanding the Survivor’s Journey

September 18, 2025 – Empower to Change: Breaking Patterns & Building New Habits

June 17, 2025 – Empower & Engage: How to Have Courageous Conversations

March 18, 2025 – Empower Your Journey: Work-Life Balance Tips for Moms

December 13, 2023 – Be a Flamingo in a World of Chameleons: Branding the Uniqueness of You!

September 27, 2023 – Be a Forrest Gump: Refusing to Let Your Fears Stop You!!

June 28, 2023 – The Power of Positive Gossip.

March 29, 2023 – Power of Words: Change Your Words, Change Your World.