Women of Influence Luncheon

The fifth annual Women of Influence Luncheon took place on Thursday, August 27, 2026.

Women significantly influence the workplace each and every day. The Women of Influence celebrates the impact women have in our work environments and includes insights shared by this year’s panelists who are paving the way for future generations of female leaders.

Tickets include access to the luncheon and grounds access to watch the Pro-Am.

The luncheon was hosted on the 17th hole in the Miller Lite Beer Garden. Cart shuttles were provided from the tournament entrance.

2026 Speakers (see below for bios):
- Erin Stone, Tournament Director, The Ally Challenge presented by McLaren
- Tisha Alyn, Golf Media Personality + Content Creator 
- Linda Bielskis, President and CEO, Shelter of Flint
- Laurie Prochazka, Vice President of Community Partnerships, McLaren Health Care
- Kathie Patterson, Chief Human Resources Officer, Ally Financial
- Vivian Pickard, President & CEO, The Pickard Group
- Amy Peterson, Co-Founder and CEO, Rebel Nell
- Rebecca Bentley, Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Dow Inc.

SUPPORTING SPONSORS

2026 Speaker Bios

HOST

Erin Stone is the tournament director for The Ally Challenge presented by McLaren. Stone joined HNS Sports Group and The Ally Challenge team prior to the 2023 tournament and has more than 20 years of professional career experience in sports and event marketing. Prior to her time with HNS Stone was the tournament director for a PGA TOUR FedExCup playoff event, the FedEx St. Jude Championship.

Stone, who grew up in Metro Detroit, graduated Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Northwood University in Midland, Michigan.

EMCEE

TISHA ALYN is a former pro golfer, media host, content creator, certified coach, trick-shot artist, and Co-Founder & CEO of ALYN Golf, the first women’s apparel line by a former pro. Since 2015, she’s built a massive following, partnering with top brands, production entertaining content, and showcasing fashion trends. Alyn advocates for LGBTQ+ visibility and youth golf, hosts international tournaments, and continues breaking barriers in golf, women’s sports, and entertainment.

KATHLEEN (KATHIE) L. PATTERSON the Chief Human Resources and Corporate Citizenship Officer at Ally Financial, where she has been a leader since 2007 and, since 2016, has overseen human resources, talent management, employee experience, corporate citizenship, and community relations. With more than three decades of experience in human resources, organizational development, and leadership, Kathie brings a wealth of knowledge and perspective on building strong organizations and developing people.

A proud native of Detroit, Kathie is equally passionate about giving back to her community. She has devoted much of her time to mentoring and coaching young people throughout Metro Detroit and recently served as chair of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeast Michigan. She is also active with CareerSpring and Impact100 Metro Detroit. Her leadership has earned numerous honors, including recognition as a Woman of Excellence and a Notable Nonprofit Board Leader.

REBECCA BENTLEY is Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Dow, one of the world’s leading materials science companies. She is also a member of Dow’s Enterprise Leadership Team, where she leads global efforts across corporate affairs, government affairs, communications, brand and reputation, and stakeholder engagement.

Since joining Dow, Rebecca has played a key leadership role through some of the company’s most significant transformations, including major joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, and Dow’s landmark merger-and-spin transaction with DuPont.

Beyond her professional leadership, Rebecca is committed to community and employee engagement. She serves as Chair of the United Way of Midland County Board of Directors and is an executive sponsor of Dow’s employee resource group for colleagues with fewer than seven years of service. She was also recognized by PRWeek as one of its “40 Under 40” MVPs.

AMY PETERSON is the Co-Founder and CEO of Rebel Nell, a women-owned social enterprise dedicated to creating meaningful employment opportunities for women facing significant barriers to work. Under her leadership, Rebel Nell goes beyond employment by providing financial literacy, business education, and wellness programming to help women build confidence, independence, and long-term self-sufficiency.

Amy’s work is deeply rooted in her commitment to community. Inspired by the women she met while living near a Detroit shelter, she founded Rebel Nell with a mission to help women regain control over their futures. She is also a Co-Founder of The Congregation, a beloved community gathering space in Detroit, and has continued her commitment to neighborhood revitalization through the development of a neighborhood pizzeria.

Prior to Rebel Nell, as an attorney Amy has held roles at Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality and the Detroit Tigers.

Amy’s leadership and impact have been widely recognized, including being named Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year for Michigan and Northwest Ohio.

VIVIAN PICKARD is President and CEO of the Pickard Group. Vivian is an accomplished Fortune 500 Executive with expertise in business development, strategic planning, corporate & community relations, finance, marketing, public policy, health care and philanthropic endeavors. Over the last 20 years, Vivian’s depth of knowledge and experience led to General Motors' philanthropic leadership on a national and international level.  Her ability to combine her corporate and community relations and business acumen with partnership development has contributed to her success.

As a community advocate and philanthropist, Vivian serves on numerous boards including the Women’s Commission for the State of Michigan, National Cares Mentoring Movement, and Black Women’s Agenda. She was the 2023 recipient of the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award and most recently received the Philanthropy Award for Community Giving from the Charles Wright Museum.

CHARITY SPOTLIGHT

LINDA BIELSKIS is a lifelong Flint-area resident and has dedicated the past 30 years to serving others through nonprofit and human service organizations. Her career has focused on supporting individuals and families impacted by mental illness, addiction, homelessness, trauma, and domestic violence. In her role at Shelter of Flint, Linda brings together her passion for compassionate service, nonprofit leadership, and building stronger communities. With an impressive background in psychology, healthcare, and nonprofit management, as well as a deep commitment to mentoring and developing others, Linda is making a lasting difference throughout Genesee County.

Outside of her professional life, Linda is a trained yoga instructor, animal lover, and enjoys spending time outdoors.

MODERATOR

LAURIE PROCHAZKA has worked at McLaren Health Care for 40 years, currently serving as Vice President of Community Partnerships. In this role, she is instrumental in the promotion, activation and community outreach in McLaren’s tremendous support of The Ally Challenge. She greatly values giving back to the community, currently serving on the boards of the United Way of Genesee and Shiawassee Counties, the McLaren Flint Foundation and as a Lifetime board member of the YWCA of Greater Flint.

A proud graduate of Michigan State University and a resident right here in Grand Blanc, she and her husband have three grown daughters and three grandchildren.