2023 Agenda (ARCHIVE)

• Women Owned Business Marketplace: Support and learn about women-owned business organizations.
• Learning Stage: Attend mini masterclasses featuring bite-sized actionable takeaways on leadership, career advancement, or personal development. Full schedule will be available in our digital program book closer to the event. Space is limited and first-come, first-served.
• Career Services: Sign up to meet with a career coach 1:1, meet with recruiters, and to have your resume reviewed. Sign-ups are in person in the Interactive Hall starting at 8:00 a.m. Spaces fill up quickly!
• Networking & Meet-Ups: Stop by the Career Connections Meet-Up area to participate in both structured and informal opportunities with peers, conference sponsors, and board members.
• Bookstore: Find books for purchase by authors speaking at the Conference.

That’s a Good Question: Navigating Board Dynamics

Whether you are on the board for a local non-profit, corporate organization, the school committee or PTO, the role requires a unique set of skills to maximize your impact. Your fellow board members may have different agendas than you, more aggressive personalities and/or distinctive end-goals that make it challenging to contribute or advance the board’s goals. In this interactive session, based on our wildly popular Women Amplified podcast segment That’s a Good Question, the audience drives the conversation. Executive Mentors including senior professionals, community leaders and conference board veterans will offer insights for how to navigate the job skillfully, help your board succeed and learn how to secure a board position that leverages your background and expertise.

Moderator: Laura Rice, Managing Producer, Texas Standard, the National Daily New Show of Texas

Executive Mentors:

Speaker: Myrna Estrada, SVP & Field Executive, Liberty Mutual Insurance

Speaker: Laurie Dalton White, Founding Executive Director and Strategic Advisor, Conferences for Women

Speaker: Michelynn “Miki” Woodard, CEO, Amalgamation Group

That’s a Good Question: Navigating the Tech Workplace

The tech community has historically had a lack of visible mentors and role models for women. While that is slowly changing, more change is needed. In this interactive session, based on our wildly popular Women Amplified podcast segment That’s a Good Question, the audience drives the conversation. Executive Mentors including Conference board members, senior tech professionals and community leaders will respond to LIVE attendee questions offering insights and lessons learned for how to navigate the male-dominated tech field.

Moderator: Amber Gunst, Co-Founder & CEO FundLyst

Executive Mentors:

Speaker: Tamara Fields, Austin Office Managing Director, South Market Unit COO, Accenture & Board President, TX Conference for Women

Speaker: Shane Woods, Executive Director, GirlStart

That’s a Good Question: Getting to the Next Level

Career growth took a back seat over the last several years. Now, women have significant ground to make up with a renewed focus on climbing the ladder. In this interactive session, based on our wildly popular Women Amplified podcast segment That’s a Good Question, the audience drives the conversation. Executive Mentors including Conference board members, senior professionals and community leaders will respond to LIVE attendee questions offering insights and lessons learned for how you can get a seat at the table and take the leap into a leadership role.

Moderator: Jennifer Sanders, Anchor & Reporter, KXAN

Executive Mentors:

Speaker: Madeyline Brown, VP, North America Channel Inside Sales, Dell Technologies

Speaker: Brenda Hudson, SVP, Commercial Sales, Insight

Speaker: Rose Smith, CEO & Founder, Black Women in Business

Learning Bursts

Held at the Learning Stage in the Interactive Hall, these mini masterclasses – bite-sized actionable takeaways – feature one speaker addressing a focused leadership, career or personal development topic. Five minutes is reserved at the end for audience Q&A.

8:45 – 9:10 AM – Annie Hardy, Senior Visioneer, CX, Cisco Systems
Chickonomics: Eliminating Roadblocks and Taking Control of Your Financial Future

9:20 – 9:45 AM – Mayerland Harris, Group Vice President of Talent, H-E-B
A Journey: Turning Your Job into Your Joy

9:00 – 10:00am – Small Group Networking

These peer-to-peer Meet Ups take the intimidation out of networking. Join a table to participate in small group conversations. Facilitated by an ICF Coach, this guided process will offer suggested topics to break the ice and deepen your conversations.

 
Emcee: Sally Hernandez, KXAN News Today Anchor
First Lady Cecilia Abbott and Liz McDaniel Watson
Board Member Welcome: Tamara Fields, Austin Office Managing Director, South Market Unit COO, Accenture & Board President, TX Conference for Women

Introduction: Amy Magro, Executive Director, Patient Advocacy, Horizon Therapeutics, now a part of the Amgen family
Speaker: Gail Devers (DEE-vrz), Olympic Gold Medalist & Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) Patient Advocate

Introduction: Anna Beninger, VP & Director, DEI Business Advisor, Liberty Mutual
Speaker: The Rt. Hon. Dame Jacinda Ardern (juh· sin· duh  aar·durn), Prime Minister, New Zealand (2017-2023); Senior Fellow, Harvard University; Special Envoy, Christchurch Call to Action; Board Member, The Earthshot Prize in conversation with
Lulu Garcia-Navarro, Opinion Section Host & Writer, The New York Times, podcast Host, First Person & former NPR Journalist

Standard Lunch
Chicken Salad Sandwich
Side Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette
Potato Chips
Lemon Basil Cookie

Alternate Lunch (Vegan & Gluten Free)
Quinoa Chickpea Salad
Side Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette
Potato Chips
Vegan/GF Cookie

 
Introduction: Mariely Franzetti, VP, Product Lifecycle & Supply Chain Engineering, Cisco
Speaker: Michelle Zauner, Musician, Japanese Breakfast; Author, Crying in H Mart in conversation with
Nora McInerny, best-selling Author, Creator & Host, Terrible Thanks for Asking and It’s Going to Be OK podcasts

Introduction: Vanice Hayes [vuh-NEES], Chief Culture, Diversity & Inclusion Officer, Dell Technologies
Speaker: Elizabeth Banks, Actor, Producer, Writer & Director in conversation with
Jameela Jamil, Actor, Host & Activist

Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter

There are two dramatically different types of leaders: the leader who drains your intelligence, energy, and talent and the one who amplifies the smarts and capabilities of the people around them. These are the “Multipliers”. And the world needs more of them, especially now when leaders are expected to do more with less. In this session, Liz Wiseman, the author behind the acclaimed New York Times bestseller, Multipliers, will share the five disciplines behind this leadership style so that you can learn how to be the type of leader who gets the ideas flowing and inspires employees to stretch themselves to deliver results that surpass expectations. Whether you are a new manager or an experienced leader, you will leave this session with the skills to get more done with fewer resources, develop and attract talent, and cultivate new ideas and energy to drive organizational success. Plus you’ll discover how being a Multiplier can lead to greater job satisfaction and fulfillment, leaving you feeling enlightened, inspired and motivated.

Speaker: Liz Wiseman, CEO & New York Times best-selling Author

Host: Melissa Haire, Sr Vice President, Customer Success, Q2

Executive Spotlight: Lara Abrash, Chair, Deloitte US

Power Leaks: Communicating Effectively to Create Impact & Influence

There is an art and science to influential communication and it starts with the voice. Yet, very few know how to use the power of voice effectively. Worse, we have many unconscious habits that undermine our authority and negatively impact the way we are perceived – ultimately getting in the way of our success. Join this session to explore the biggest communication power leaks that siphon away our impact and influence. You will learn the strategies to navigate common communication challenges so that you can establish trust, have your voice heard, and your ideas respected. Walk away with the skills to better advocate, influence and move people to action.

Speaker: Hillary Wicht, Executive Leadership Coach & Human Systems Expert

Host: Carol McGarah, CEO, Blackridge & TX Conference for Women Board Member

Harnessing an Inside Out Approach to Career Growth

As we emerge from times of continuous change and uncertainty, a renewed focus on career growth in a new world of work is priority. In this session, business coach and former tech executive Liz Tran will explore pragmatic and spiritual ways to progress your career by harnessing your wisest mentor – the inner genius that lies within us all. Learn how intuition can be a powerful tool to spark breakthrough ideas, innovative problem-solving and help you make wise and powerful decisions. Participants will be able to identify your competence areas, motivators and where you slide into strength overload, so that you can produce your best work, know where you want to grow and how best to get there. Walk away ready to look inward to find the meaning and success that awaits.

Speaker: Liz Tran, Founder, Reset & Author, The Karma of Success: Spiritual Strategies to Free Your Inner Genius

Host: Carolyn Richards-Chacon, VP, Secure Connected Edge Operations Engineering, NXP Semiconductors

Executive Spotlight: Ritu Favre President, Test & Measurement Business Group, NI, now a part of Emerson

Creating Workplaces that Work for Everyone

Facilitating collaboration and creating connections among in-person and remote employees is tough. And employees are requiring more from companies in terms of purpose, flexibility and career growth. So how do organizations create a sense of belonging and team unity in this changing environment while honoring employee’s individual needs? Join this panel led by workplace consultant Minda Harts to explore how to create inclusive environments and sustainable cultures that truly welcome and maximize each employee’s talent and diversity. She will be joined by a panel of experts who will share their strategies for accountability and inclusive leadership to engage and retain valuable team members.

Thought Leader: Minda Harts, Assistant Professor, Public Service, N inYU & best-selling Author, The Memo and Right Within

Panelists:

Speaker: Katie Kriete, VP, Sales, Oracle NetSuite – ORACLE

Speaker: Jeanette Ward, President & Chief Executive Officer, Texas Mutual Insurance Company

Speaker: China Widener, Principal, US Consulting Technology Sector Leader & DEI champion, Deloitte

Host: Lisa Heritage McLin, Global VVP, Channels & Alliances, Unisys and TX Conference for Women Board Member

Strengthening Social Connection, Community, And Collaboration… And Why It Matters

The need for connection is fundamentally human and underlies everything—our health, our motivation, our work, and our sense of who we are. And yet, we are in the middle of a loneliness epidemic and our communities are disconnected. In this session, Dr. Marisa Franco will share insights into the science of connection and why belonging makes individuals and communities more resilient. She will share skills and hands-on tips for initiating and maintaining collaboration, community, and friendship.

Speaker: Dr. Marisa Franco (frang-ko), Psychologist, Professor & New York Times best-selling Author, Platonic

Host: Jennifer Dooling, Business Banking, SVP, Bank of America

Session Handouts:

Learning Bursts

Held at the Learning Stage in the Interactive Hall, these mini masterclasses – bite-sized actionable takeaways – feature one speaker addressing a focused leadership, career or personal development topic. Five minutes is reserved at the end for audience Q&A.

1:45 – 2:10 PM –  Alicia May, VP Workplace Regional Leader, Fidelity Investments
5 Money Musts

2:20 – 2:45 PM – Deb Green, Principal Executive Assistant to CEO, NI
“Just an Admin”: Igniting a Movement to Elevate the Administrative Profession

Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter

There are two dramatically different types of leaders: the leader who drains your intelligence, energy, and talent and the one who amplifies the smarts and capabilities of the people around them. These are the “Multipliers”. And the world needs more of them, especially now when leaders are expected to do more with less. In this session, Liz Wiseman, the author behind the acclaimed New York Times bestseller, Multipliers, will share the five disciplines behind this leadership style so that you can learn how to be the type of leader who gets the ideas flowing and inspires employees to stretch themselves to deliver results that surpass expectations. Whether you are a new manager or an experienced leader, you will leave this session with the skills to get more done with fewer resources, develop and attract talent, and cultivate new ideas and energy to drive organizational success. Plus you’ll discover how being a Multiplier can lead to greater job satisfaction and fulfillment, leaving you feeling enlightened, inspired and motivated.

Speaker: Liz Wiseman, CEO & New York Times best-selling Author

Host: Pilar Schenk, VP, Global Specialists, Strategy & Planning, Cisco

Executive Spotlight: Joyce Mullen, President & CEO, Insight Enterprises

Power Leaks: Communicating Effectively to Create Impact & Influence

There is an art and science to influential communication and it starts with the voice. Yet, very few know how to use the power of voice effectively. Worse, we have many unconscious habits that undermine our authority and negatively impact the way we are perceived – ultimately getting in the way of our success. Join this session to explore the biggest communication power leaks that siphon away our impact and influence. You will learn the strategies to navigate common communication challenges so that you can establish trust, have your voice heard, and your ideas respected. Walk away with the skills to better advocate, influence and move people to action.

Speaker: Hillary Wicht, Executive Leadership Coach & Human Systems Expert

Host: Bobbi Dangerfield, Strategic Advisor & Consultant and Former SVP, Global Business Operations, Dell and Vice Chair, Texas Conference for Women Board

Harnessing an Inside Out Approach to Career Growth

As we emerge from times of continuous change and uncertainty, a renewed focus on career growth in a new world of work is priority. In this session, business coach and former tech executive Liz Tran will explore pragmatic and spiritual ways to progress your career by harnessing your wisest mentor – the inner genius that lies within us all. Learn how intuition can be a powerful tool to spark breakthrough ideas, innovative problem-solving and help you make wise and powerful decisions. Participants will be able to identify your competence areas, motivators and where you slide into strength overload, so that you can produce your best work, know where you want to grow and how best to get there. Walk away ready to look inward to find the meaning and success that awaits.

Speaker: Liz Tran, Founder, Reset & Author, The Karma of Success: Spiritual Strategies to Free Your Inner Genius

Host: Ali Carmichael, Women@Austin, Chapter Lead, Google

How to Advocate for Yourself and Others

The ability to advocate for yourself or others can be complicated, especially in the workplace. In this session, bestselling author Minda Harts will explore advocacy and what she has learned about inclusion in the workplace. After her remarks, a panel of leaders on the frontlines will share their experiences around allyship and effective language that make speaking up a lot easier. Walk away with the confidence to assert yourself and become a pioneer for positive change.

Thought Leader: Minda Harts, Assistant Professor, Public Service, N inYU & best-selling Author, The Memo and Right Within

Panelists:

Speaker: Brenda Brinson, GM, Culture & People Strategy, Chief Diversity Officer, Phillips 66

Speaker: Leteshia Lowe, Senior Technical Staff Member, Test Engineer, IBM

Speaker: Shanell Snyder, VP, HR, Fidelity Investments

Host: Raquel F. Mestemaker, Director, HR Business Partner, LATAM, HSC & International Recruiting, Business Coach & Consultant, United Airlines

Strengthening Social Connection, Community, And Collaboration… And Why It Matters

The need for connection is fundamentally human and underlies everything—our health, our motivation, our work, and our sense of who we are. And yet, we are in the middle of a loneliness epidemic and our communities are disconnected. In this session, Dr. Marisa Franco will share insights into the science of connection and why belonging makes individuals and communities more resilient. She will share skills and hands-on tips for initiating and maintaining collaboration, community, and friendship.

Speaker: Dr. Marisa Franco (frang-ko), Psychologist, Professor & New York Times best-selling Author, Platonic

Host: Laysha Ward, EVP, Chief External Engagement Officer, Target

Learning Bursts

Held at the Learning Stage in the Interactive Hall, these mini masterclasses – bite-sized actionable takeaways – feature one speaker addressing a focused leadership, career or personal development topic. Five minutes is reserved at the end for audience Q&A.

3:15 – 3:40 PM – Marlene Phillips, Director, Center for Women in Politics and Public Policy, Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership
Seeking Leaders: Women Wanted

• Women Owned Business Marketplace: Support and learn about women-owned business organizations.
• Learning Stage: Attend mini masterclasses featuring bite-sized actionable takeaways on leadership, career advancement, or personal development. Full schedule will be available in our digital program book closer to the event. Space is limited and first-come, first-served.
• Career Services: Sign up to meet with a career coach 1:1, meet with recruiters, and to have your resume reviewed. Sign-ups are in person in the Interactive Hall starting at 8:00 a.m. Spaces fill up quickly!
• Networking & Meet-Ups: Stop by the Career Connections Meet-Up area to participate in both structured and informal opportunities with peers, conference sponsors, and board members.
• Bookstore: Find books for purchase by authors speaking at the Conference.
• Bookstore Author Signings (@ 4:30 pm): Get a chance to have your book signed by the below authors. Purchase required.
  • Dr. Marisa Franco
  • Minda Harts
  • Nora McInerny
  • Liz Wiseman