About Us

Our Mission and Work

Let’s Talk Women believes in the transformative power of collaboration and the importance of elevating voices dedicated to advancing women’s health. Our mission is to spotlight pioneering work that addresses the women’s health equity challenge from every angle, including frontline care, research innovation, and funding. We achieve this through our quarterly panel series, educational events, and strategic partnerships with leading organizations and companies in the health sector. Our platform serves as a catalyst for awareness, connecting those at the forefront of health equity to foster understanding and drive meaningful change.

Three women talking at a Let's Talk Women event

Why We Exist

Let’s Talk Women isn’t just a conversation–it’s where real systemic change starts. We bring together trusted experts in frontline care, research, innovation, and investment and spotlight emerging solutions for women–across all stages of life.

This is where the right voices connect to learn, inspire, and make things happen. Women’s health can’t wait. Join us and let’s take action.

Meet The Team

Katie Hjelmstad Severt

Founder

Katie Hjelmstad Severt is a consulting professional with a recognized ability to drive process improvement while engaging stakeholders, community partners, and donors. Katie is an energetic leader with a natural affinity for building relationships and fostering connections to produce mutually beneficial outcomes. She is a problem solver, a driver of change, and a connector. She thrives in uncertain environments and likes to get things done with excellence.

Chanda Smith Baker

Moderator and Strategic Advisor

Chanda Smith Baker has spent her 25-plus year career at the intersection of philanthropy, business, government and community. An experienced CEO nationally renowned for her power and poise in leadership, Chanda has proven success leading complex organizations, recognizing and nurturing talent, and engaging and activating audiences toward racial equity and a broadened social impact. Smith Baker brings both her executive leadership experience in philanthropy and the credibility of a life and career spent advancing equity to Conversations with Chanda. Her interview style, rooted in her natural curiosity, love of reading and a deep knowledge of community issues, has struck a chord both locally and nationally.

Chanda is the Founder and CEO of Smith Baker, LLC, Co-Founder in Residence with The Black Collective Foundation, serves on The Board of Directors of several high impact organizations and a Co-Curator of Portraits of Us: A Book of Essays Centering Black Women Leading Philanthropy.

Let's Talk

Join us in advancing women's health through education, innovation, and connection. Explore expert insights, cutting-edge research, and emerging technologies shaping the future of healthcare. Attend events, access valuable resources, and be part of a movement empowering women to take charge of their well-being. Looking to make an impact? Partner with us or sponsor an event to help drive meaningful change. Let’s talk, learn, and lead—together.