Join us as we raise a glass to Purdue women everywhere!
Cocktails and Conversation is a free online event created by the Purdue Women’s Network to highlight outstanding Purdue women and stimulate engagement in an informal setting. Events take place once a month during the academic year and last an hour.
Each session covers a new topic and features one or more Purdue faculty member, staff member, student, alumni or friend sharing their professional expertise and personal experiences. Attendees have the opportunity to gain insight on new or impactful subjects, ask questions, and make new connections with other Boilermaker women.
The best part? Every time we get together, the event opens on a light note and closes with a toast!
Upcoming Events
To explore and register for upcoming events in this series, go to the Purdue for Life Foundation events page and search “Cocktails and Conversation.” Information can also be conveniently located on the Purdue Women’s Network Facebook page.
Archives
Check out some of our past speakers and drink recipes. Cocktails can be modified for nondrinkers by simply skipping the alcohol. If you’re interested in viewing past events from this series in their entirety, you can visit our dedicated YouTube archive.
October 2026
Cathy Wright-Eger, leadership advisor for Purdue Athletics and founder of CWE Leads, will share the challenges and successes of her career as former head coach for the Purdue women’s swim team.
May 2026
Vanessa Tavares Kanaan, wildlife conservationist and biologist, will share how to lead boldly in challenging environments and male-dominated fields.
View the recording
April 2026
Niwako Ogata and Leanne Nieforth, College of Veterinary Medicine professors, discussed the science behind the human-animal bond.
View the recording
March 2026
Kenitra Hendrix, associate dean for Purdue’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories, shared practical approaches for supporting colleagues affected by domestic violence.
View the recording
January 2026
Rola Kaakeh, founder and CEO of Salus Vitae Group, began Purdue courses at age 10. She shared how to turn small moments into a meaningful life.
View the recording
Past drink recipes
December
February
April
May
October
Contact us
Purdue Women’s Network
purduewomen@purdueforlife.org
Maria L. Whipple
Sr Director, Affinity Networks
Purdue for Life Foundation
mlwhipple@purdueforlife.org