2024 Agenda (ARCHIVE)

• Career Coaching*
VIEW CAREER COACHES
• Resume Reviews*
VIEW RESUME REVIEWERS
• Learning Stage: offering mini-classes with actionable takeaways and expert tips for navigating your career
VIEW LEARNING STAGE CLASSES
• Wellness Stage: offering mini-classes with guidance for achieving physical, emotional, and financial well-being
VIEW WELLNESS STAGE CLASSES
• Small Group Networking
VIEW NETWORKING MEETUPS
• Bookstore Lounge: book signings will take place at specific times throughout the day – please be sure to check back here for updates.
VIEW AUTHOR SIGNINGS
• Focused Anchor Hubs: including Career, Community, Learning, Wellness, and Women-Owned Business Marketplace
VIEW ANCHOR HUBS
• Complimentary Professional Headshots*

 
*First-come, first served!

That’s a Good Question | Navigating New Work Environments

The opportunities to build and manage a career have diversified tremendously. There are more tools and technologies than ever before to explore careers, find new jobs, and connect with people to build skills, get noticed, and get promoted, whether working remotely or in an office. 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 on how to ensure your career is on track and what factors to consider when negotiating your scope of work and salary.

Moderator: Kristen Cabrera, Producer & Reporter, Texas Standard

Executive Mentors:

• Delores Rochester, Group Vice President, Oracle Corporation
• Michele Van De Hey, Global Partner Alliance Leader, Amazon Web Services
• Debbie McClure, VP, Global Sales & Channel, Dropbox

That’s a Good Question | Reinventing Your Career Portfolio

The future of work encompasses entire categories of jobs that are rapidly becoming obsolete. In this interactive session, based on our wildly popular Women Amplified podcast segment That’s a Good Question, the audience drives the conversation. We’ll explore what your career framework looks like, and how you can effectively pivot and reinvent yourself to keep your skills relevant, whether switching job functions, entering a new industry, or returning to the workforce after a break. Executive Mentors including Conference board members, senior professionals and community leaders will respond to LIVE attendee questions offering insights into strategies to stay connected with your network and continue to build relationships in time-efficient ways, ensuring you’re ready to embrace the pivot and forge ahead with a focus on your brand and a robust skills toolkit.

Moderator: Juliet, On-Air Personality, Majic 95.5 and Podcast Host

Executive Mentors:

• Norma Dorst, Global Marketing VP, Emerson
• Tamara Fields, Managing Director, Accenture & Board Member, Texas Conference for Women
• Jeanette Ward, President & CEO, Texas Mutual Insurance Company

That’s a Good Question | Bright Futures in Tech Workplaces

The opportunities to work in technology are exciting and women in these “future is now” workplaces are well-positioned to thrive. Yet, gender bias and lack of representation in leadership roles remain ongoing challenges for women. 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, exploring predictions for positive environmental changes and innovative solutions that have been proven successful in creating bright futures for women in this workspace.

Moderator: Sonal Shah, CEO, Texas Tribune

Executive Mentors:

• Brenda Hudson, SVP Commercial Sales, Insight
• Erica Lambert, SVP, Services Customer Success, Dell Technologies
• Savita Raghunathan, Principal, Deloitte

Take Control of Your Stress Response

Science shows that effectively managing our own stress helps us resonate with those around us. This session will teach you methods to develop sustained shifts in behavior, leading to greater productivity, improved health, enhanced mental clarity, increased resilience, and more energy. Join us to learn how the ongoing integration of these strategies can transform your leadership and impact your life.

Speakers:

• Jeff Benton, Founder and CEO, Paragon Performance Evolution
• Dr. Sandra Solano, Stress Management Expert, Paragon Performance Evolution

 
Emcee: Sally Hernandez, Morning News Anchor, KXAN

Board Member Welcome: Tamara Fields, Managing Director, Accenture & Board Member, Texas Conference for Women

Introduction and/or Remarks: Jackie Backes, Group Vice President, Target Stores

Keynote Speaker: Isabel Allende, literary legend, social activist, and feminist icon
in conversation with Madalit del Barco, NPR Arts Correspondent

Introduction and/or Remarks: Carol Lee Mitchell, Diverse Business Segments Executive, Bank of America

Keynote Speaker: Sara Blakely, Founder of Spanx
in conversation with Lulu Garcia-Navarro, Host of The Interview at NYT Magazine Host of The Interview at NYT Magazine

Introduction and/or Remarks: Carrie Palin, SVP & Chief Marketing Officer, Cisco
Keynote Speaker: Tabitha Brown, Actress & Emmy Award-winning Host
in conversation with Sally Hernandez, Morning News Anchor, KXAN

Introduction and/or Remarks: Myrna Estrada, SVP & Field Executive, Liberty Mutual Insurance

Keynote Speaker: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Actor, Producer, Host & Activist
in conversation with Ellen McGirt, Editor-In-Chief, Design Observer

*** LUNCH INTERMISSION | 11:30am – 12:00pm ***

Standard Bento Boxed Lunch

• Main Dish — Sweet Tea Brined Chicken Sandwich
• Side Dish #1 — Quinoa Salad With Texas Caviar
• Side Dish #2 — Roasted Vegetable Salad With Maple Balsamic Dressing
• Dessert — Strawberry Cheesecake Bar

Alternate Bento Boxed Lunch (Vegan & Gluten Free)

• Main Dish — Sweet Tea Brined Vegan Shred Salad
• Side Dish #1 — Quinoa Salad With Texas Caviar
• Side Dish #2 — Roasted Vegetable Salad With Maple Balsamic Dressing
• Dessert — Magic Cookie Bar

Essential Boundaries: The Key to Real Self-Care and Burnout Prevention

Self-care is often promoted as bubble baths and massages, but true self-care runs much deeper and involves making the tough decisions that align with our values. For leaders, embracing and practicing authentic self-care is vital-for their personal well-being, as a powerful example for their employees, and to tackle burnout within their teams. In this session, psychiatrist Dr. Pooja Lakshmin will demonstrate how leaders can transform relationships, workplaces, and systems by providing a roadmap for setting boundaries and fostering a culture of burnout prevention. We will explore strategies to help you prioritize self-care to boost individual resilience, model the importance of health and balance, and create a culture that encourages teams to do the same. Learn how to implement small changes that will redefine success and leadership for the future.

Speaker: Dr. Pooja Lakshmin, Psychiatrist, best-selling Author, and Clinical Assistant Professor, George Washington University

Host: Jackie Backes, Group Vice President, Target Stores

Human-Centered Leadership in Rapidly Evolving Workplaces

In today’s rapidly changing world, leaders face constant disruption and profound challenges. In this session, Christie Smith will guide you on how to redefine and reinvent your leadership approach. Learn to lead with conviction, emotional maturity, and humanity for greater impact. Christie will explore how modern leaders must embrace insatiable curiosity and put humans at the center of progress—both at work and in our communities. Attendees will gain a greater understanding of adapting to the evolving business landscape, addressing changing workforce demands, and incorporating emerging technologies like AI while preserving your organization’s talent and skills. Join us and gain realistic strategies and actionable techniques for immediate, impactful change.

Speaker: Christie Smith, PhD, Leadership Expert and Author

Moderator: China Widener, US Consulting Technology Sector Leader and Member, US Board of Directors & Board Member, Texas Conference for Women

Host: Annie Hardy, Senior Visioneer, Global Partner Engineering, Cisco Systems

Owning Your Authentic Career Voice

When you show up fully in the workplace, your career trajectory has no limits. How do you show up at work? Attend this session to create a deeper understanding of what makes you YOU and gain clarity around your core values and beliefs. Leadership expert and community architect Cyndie Spiegel will offer practical tools and no-nonsense strategies, to help you turn authenticity into your greatest asset, build a powerful sense of your personal and professional purpose, boost your relationships with your colleagues, and advance your career with confidence.

Speaker: Cyndie Spiegel, Author, Personal Leadership & Well-Being Expert

Host: Monica Muñoz Andry, CEO, Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

How to be Engaged, Productive and Happier at Work

Join us for a transformative session focused on enhancing workplace culture and well-being. This session will explore aspects that contribute to employee productivity and success beyond job scope. After initial remarks from the thought-leader, a panel of professionals will offer insights to help leaders create supportive and flexible environments for teams to thrive, and strategies to help individuals navigate corporate systems and complicated dynamics that can negatively impact performance and satisfaction. Attendees will leave empowered, inspired and armed with practical tips to be engaged, productive and happier at work.

Thought Leader: Gloria Chan Packer, International Workplace Mental Wellness Leader, Founder and TED Speaker

Panelists:

• Krista Callaghan, Director, Market HR, US, Google
• Verlinda DiMarino, VP, Head of Benefits, Liberty Mutual Insurance
• Kristine Gatesman, SVP, FI Wealth Mgmt. Technology & Global Co-Chair, Women’s BRG, Fidelity Investments

Living Our Best Lives NOW!

Many of us can feel guilt or shame about our lives, because we’re not always living the ‘highlight reel’ experience that we view others having on social media. Kate Bowler had previous ‘delusions of perfection’ as an Instagram-perfect Duke professor, wine and cheese enthusiast, wife, and mom. After being diagnosed with stage IV cancer four years ago, Kate had a radical shift in her priorities and perspective. In this session, Kate will share how to embrace vulnerabilities more effectively, discover a sense of purpose in everyday life, and approach life with a newfound sense of meaning. She will give insights and tips on the art of self-discovery and personal growth, as well as how to uncover and deepen a sense of beauty and meaning, enabling you to start living your best life now!

Speaker: Kate Bowler, Ph.D., New York Times best-selling Author, podcast Host, and Duke University Professor

Host: Melissa Haire, SVP Customer Success, Q2

Essential Boundaries: The Key to Real Self-Care and Burnout Prevention

Self-care is often promoted as bubble baths and massages, but true self-care runs much deeper and involves making the tough decisions that align with our values. For leaders, embracing and practicing authentic self-care is vital-for their personal well-being, as a powerful example for their employees, and to tackle burnout within their teams. In this session, psychiatrist Dr. Pooja Lakshmin will demonstrate how leaders can transform relationships, workplaces, and systems by providing a roadmap for setting boundaries and fostering a culture of burnout prevention. We will explore strategies to help you prioritize self-care to boost individual resilience, model the importance of health and balance, and create a culture that encourages teams to do the same. Learn how to implement small changes that will redefine success and leadership for the future.

Speaker: Dr. Pooja Lakshmin, Psychiatrist, best-selling Author, and Clinical Assistant Professor, George Washington University

Host: Diana Nuñez, Financial Advisor, Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management

Human-Centered Leadership in Rapidly Evolving Workplaces

In today’s rapidly changing world, leaders face constant disruption and profound challenges. In this session, Christie Smith will guide you on how to redefine and reinvent your leadership approach. Learn to lead with conviction, emotional maturity, and humanity for greater impact. Christie will explore how modern leaders must embrace insatiable curiosity and put humans at the center of progress-both at work and in our communities. Attendees will gain a greater understanding of adapting to the evolving business landscape, addressing changing workforce demands, and incorporating emerging technologies like AI while preserving your organization’s talent and skills. Join us and gain realistic strategies and actionable techniques for immediate, impactful change.

Speaker: Christie Smith, PhD, Leadership Expert and Author

Moderator: China Widener, US Consulting Technology Sector Leader and Member, US Board of Directors & Board Member, Texas Conference for Women

Host: Jennifer Dooling, Market Executive, Bank of America

Owning Your Authentic Career Voice

When you show up fully in the workplace, your career trajectory has no limits. How do you show up at work? Attend this session to create a deeper understanding of what makes you YOU and gain clarity around your core values and beliefs. Leadership expert and community architect Cyndie Spiegel will offer practical tools and no-nonsense strategies, to help you turn authenticity into your greatest asset, build a powerful sense of your personal and professional purpose, boost your relationships with your colleagues, and advance your career with confidence.

Speaker: Cyndie Spiegel, Author, Personal Leadership & Well-Being Expert

Host: Pam Sherman, Culture of Inclusion Leader, Applied Materials

Unlocking the Power of AI: Practical Insights for Everyday Use

AI often feels like an overwhelming and intimidating force, perceived as a threat to jobs and irrelevant to your role in the workplace. However, these are common misconceptions and when utilized correctly, AI can actually help take your career to the next level and free up valuable time at work and in life. Thought-leader Carrie Palin will give initial remarks to help demystify AI and will then be joined by a panel of professionals to share real-world examples and practical tips to explore how AI can be a valuable tool that boosts your productivity and efficiency, enhances brainstorming and elevates innovation. Attendees will leave empowered and with actionable insights to immediately implement in your day-to-day, transforming AI from a daunting concept into a practical ally.

Thought Leader: Carrie Palin, SVP & Chief Marketing Officer, Cisco

Panelists:

• Fara Howard, Chief Marketing Officer, GoDaddy
• Karen Plotkin, SVP, Client Solutions Strategy, Dell Technologies
• Tara Roberts, VP Products, Oracle Corporation

Host: Heather Crowder, Vice President & General Tax Officer, Phillips66

Living Our Best Lives NOW!

Many of us can feel guilt or shame about our lives, because we’re not always living the ‘highlight reel’ experience that we view others having on social media. Kate Bowler had previous ‘delusions of perfection’ as an Instagram-perfect Duke professor, wine and cheese enthusiast, wife, and mom. After being diagnosed with stage IV cancer four years ago, Kate had a radical shift in her priorities and perspective. In this session, Kate will share how to embrace vulnerabilities more effectively, discover a sense of purpose in everyday life, and approach life with a newfound sense of meaning. She will give insights and tips on the art of self-discovery and personal growth, as well as how to uncover and deepen a sense of beauty and meaning, enabling you to start living your best life now!

Speaker: Kate Bowler, Ph.D., New York Times best-selling Author, podcast Host, and Duke University Professor

Host: Jenny Ovalle, Sr Manager-Inside Sales, United Airlines

Details to be announced!