Schedule of events is tentative and subject to change. Breakout sessions are listed below. Keynote information will be added as it is confirmed.
Seminar Session I
Seminar Session II
Seminar Session III
Standing out in the Crowd
Developing an executive presence requires that you know the “unspoken language” of high profile business leaders. Uncover the secrets of gaining visibility through everyday interactions. Acquire a blueprint for developing the seven elements of executive presence, including:
- Personal style
- Physical presence
- Vocal quality
Suzanne Bates, president and CEO, Bates Communications and author of Speak Like a CEO
Host: Melissa M. MacDonnell, Liberty Mutual
Stuck on…You?
Syndicated radio host Mel Robbins will teach you how to overcome the obstacles holding you back from pursuing your dreams. Learn how to create sustainable momentum for the life you want. You will learn how to:
- Articulate your life goals
- Reframe your obstacles
- Be the driving force of change in your life
Mel Robbins, host of the hit syndicated radio show Make It Happen with Mel Robbins
Host: Karen Kaplan, president, Hill Holliday
Leading with 20/20 Vision
Creating and implementing a clear strategic plan is the hallmark of superior leadership. Determination, innovation and political savvy have been instrumental to this panel’s success. Learn to further your vision by:
- Acting as a passionate champion
- Building consensus across the organization
- Articulating your plan to disparate audiences
Helen Greiner, co-Founder and chairman, iRobot
Hannah Grove, executive vice president and head of global marketing, State Street Corporation
Julie Gilbert, senior vice president retail learning, learning and innovation,
winning with women, and WOLF (women’s leadership forum), Best Buy
Moderator: Cathy Minehan, managing director, Arlington Advisory Partners LLC
Host: Virginia Meany, executive vice president and head of State Street’s private equity servicing business within State Street Alternative Investment Solutions
The Balancing Act: Best Practices in Action
There may be no “silver bullet” for the work/life balance question, but best practices do exist. Corporate leaders who have embraced the issue will share their strategies about how you can create flexible solutions for yourself and your organization. Learn how to:
- Link flexibility to the bottom line
- Get employer buy-in
- Propose an individualized flexible solution
Mary Jo Johnson, partner, WilmerHale
Karol Rose, chief knowledge officer, Flexpaths
Kathy Simons, manager, of work-life and child care initiatives, MIT
Moderator: Jennifer Sabatini Fraone, assistant director, Marketing and New England Work and Family Association, Boston College Center for Work & Family
Host: Alex Hall, Editor, Boston Globe
Second Acts and New Beginnings
Thoughts of starting over, pursing a passion, and a career makeover are difficult to move from your dreams into your reality. Learn to move beyond fear, uncertainty and excuses to stop dreaming and begin living. Catapult your reinvention by:
- Finding your inspiration
- Clarifying your intentions
- Structuring a tiered action plan for change
Ariane de Bonvoisin, founder, The First 30 days
Barbara Daly, New England sales manager, Continental Airlines
Creating an Inclusive Culture
The 21st century workplace is full of rich opportunities, unique challenges, and diverse talents. Appreciating the perspectives of others while finding common ground builds cohesiveness and drives results. Learn how to:
- Unite a divergent team
- Break down cultural barriers
- Manage misconceptions
Jessica Faye Carter, CEO of Women Suite and author of Double Outsiders: how Women of Color Can Succeed in Corporate America
Jane Hyun, president of Hyun and Associates and author of Breaking the Bamboo Ceiling
Diana Scott, senior vice president of human resources, John Hancock
Moderator: Beverly Edgehill, president and CEO, The Partnership
The Power of Leading with Purpose
Beyond profit margins and market share, there are leaders who are driven to make a difference in the world. Harnessing this dream and leading with purpose creates a long-lasting impact on society. The panel will share:
- The rewards of leading with intent
- How to structure an enterprise to realize your goal
- A call to action in support of societal change
Andrea Silbert, president, EOS Foundation
Vivien Li, executive director, Boston Harbor Association
Cassie Scarano, co-founder and vice president, Commongood Careers
Moderator: Carol Fulp, vice president of community relations and marketing sponsorships, John Hancock Financial Services
The New Healthy You: Finally Making the Change
You know what changes will improve your health…so why is it so hard to do? Learn how to actualize your goals, incorporate them into your lifestyle, and start 2009 on the path to better health. Experts will share:
- Life-enhancing modifiable health behaviors
- How to link “knowing” to “doing”
- Tips for creating sustainable healthy change
Celeste Robb Nicholson, M.D. MPH founding editor-in-chief of Harvard Women’s Health Watch
Demie Stathoplos, health & healing director, Canyon Ranch
Terri Kennedy, PhD., president, Power Living Enterprises
Moderator: Alice Domar, PhD., director of the Domar Center for Mind/Body Health
Host: Lee Sullivan, vice president of sales for the Urology and Gynecology business, Boston Scientific Corporation
YOUNG WOMEN’S PROGRAM
The Respect ConnectDid you know that respect is connected to everything- your feelings about yourself, your choices, your relationships and your future? Learn the secrets to boosting your self-respect, making healthy choices, designing the life you want, and changing your world for the better. You will be inspired to create a vision for your future self and make decisions today that get you life you want to live tomorrow.
Courtney Macavinta, founder, Respect Rx LLC
Jennifer Davidson, founder, Reality Check Coaching
Host: Lindsay Hyde, founder and executive director, Strong Women, Strong Girls
Negotiating for Your Life
Knowing how to influence others to create mutually satisfying solutions is the key to becoming a confident and competent negotiator- at work, at home and in life. Prepare yourself for any negotiation by:
- Anticipating objections
- Maximizing your value proposition
- Elevating your advantage without losing good will
Irma Tyler Wood, partner, Ki ThoughtBridge
Host: Kristy Kucharczak, senior human resources manager for engineering, technology & field operations, Raytheon Technical Services Company, LLC
A Brand New, Brand You
This turbulent economy requires that you maintain and showcase a constant competitive edge. Are you confident that you are your employer’s brand of choice? Acquire the tools to:
- Stand out from the competition
- Market yourself effectively
- Widen your wallet by branding
Lois Frankel, PhD. speaker and author of Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office and Nice Girls Don’t Get Rich
Host: Ruth Bramson, CEO, Girl Scouts of Eastern MA
Working In Good Conscience
The core of corporate social responsibility is the integration of business operations and good values. But CSR must be executed like all business initiatives; with long-range planning, devoted resources, and measurable results. Draw on the panel’s expertise to learn:
- Why principled leadership builds sustainable businesses
- The earmarks of CSR
- The link to the bottom line
Susan Schor, Ph.D., chief culture officer, Eileen Fisher
Lisa Quiroz, senior vice president of corporate responsibility, Time Warner
Priya Haji, co-founder, World of Good
Moderator: Micho Spring, chairperson U.S. Corporate Practice, Weber Shandwick
Freedom from the “Tyranny of To-Do’s”
We all have the ability to move from frenzy and fragmentation to balance and well-being. With a good map and some practical skills, we can tap the inner resources that bring renewal and resilience to daily life. Set realistic goals to:
- Take “time in”
- Tame self-expectations
- Practice presence
Abby Seixas, author of The Deep River Within: Taming the Daily To-Do list and Finding Depth in Everyday Life
Host: Alex Hall, editor, Boston Globe
It’s Your Money- Take it Personally!
Are you aware of how your emotions dictate the state of your finances? In the face of a difficult economy, it’s time to embrace, unravel and redirect your attitudes about money.
Redirect your financial habits to:
- Dismantle mental blocks about money
- Clarify financial goals
- Take ownership of your future
Stacey Tisdale, author, The True Cost of Happiness; the Real Story Behind Managing Your Money
Belinda Fuchs, CEO, Own Your Money LLC
Galia Gichon, founder, Down-to-Earth Finance
Moderator: Susan Kaplan, president of Kaplan Financial Services and co-host of 96.9’s The Money Show
Host: Laurie Krupa, northeast division executive for premier banking & investments, Bank of America.
The Power to Change - The Role of Women in Public Policy
Have you ever considered running for school committee, the State Senate or maybe even the White House? When women bring their voices, vision and leadership to the table, the debate is more robust and the policy is more inclusive and sustainable. Come meet leading Massachusetts women and learn how you too can become politically engaged and create a more equitable culture. Answer the call to action by:
- Identifying opportunities to become involved
- Demystifying the campaign process
- Running a winning campaign
Barbara Lee, founder and president, Barbara Lee Family Foundation
Lisa Wong, Mayor of Fitchburg
Ann Murphy, president, Massachusetts Women's Political Caucus
Katherine Clark, State Representative
Moderator: Lora Pellegrini, vice president of government and community relations, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
Women’s Networks that WORK!
Cutting edge programs designed to recruit, retain and develop women are flourishing across the country. Learn how corporations are moving beyond the basics to build robust networks with measurable impact and how you can become part of the trend. Learn how to:
- Unleash the collective influence of women employees
- Empower marginalized voices
- Win senior management support
Pamela Paton, senior vice president, State Street Corporation
Amy Munichiello, inclusiveness consultant, Ernst & Young
Julie Gilbert, senior vice president retail learning, learning and innovation,
winning with women, and WOLF (women’s leadership forum), Best Buy
Moderator: Kathy Jo Cook, president, Women's Bar Association of Massachusetts
Host: Alison O'Leary Murray, editor, skirt! Boston
Stuck on…You? ENCORE
Syndicated radio host Mel Robbins will teach you how to overcome the obstacles holding you back from pursuing your dreams. Learn how to create sustainable momentum for the life you want.
You will learn how to:
- Articulate your life goals
- Reframe your obstacles
- Be the driving force of change in your life
Mel Robbins, host of the hit syndicated radio show Make It Happen with Mel Robbins
Host: Nagatna Joseph, Municipal/Health and Welfare, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
YOUNG WOMEN’S PROGRAM
Young Women Changing the World
Women at every age have the vision, courage, and power to change the world for the better. Hear from young women who are leaders of social change, working tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of others.
Brittany Bergquist, co-founder, Cell Phones for Soldiers
Ana Slavin, co-founder, Dollars for Darfur
Melissa Cariño, young women’s program coordinator, Boston Women’s Fund
Moderator: Carrie Ellet, national program director, Girls For A Change
Host: Lindsay Hyde, founder and executive director, Strong Women, Strong Girls
The Art of Conflict Resolution
Crucial relationships suffer when you fail to manage conflict. By resolving differences and achieving meaningful resolutions, you’ll reap the rewards of successful relationships.
Enhance your ability to:
- Gain consensus
- Deal with emotions as they arise
- Advocate for your own needs
Irma Tyler Wood, partner, Ki ThoughtBridge
Host: Jackie Glenn, chief diversity officer, EMC
Getting Real to Get Ahead
What’s your boss not telling you that’s keeping you from a promotion? Steel yourself for some “tough love” and realistic advice about what you must do to advance your career.
Learn why you must:
- Redefine mentoring
- Change your image
- Approach work/life balance as a second career
Pamela Lenehan, author of What you Don’t Know and your Boss Won’t tell You
Host: Jacqueline Cooke, regional administrator, Women’s Bureau
No Guts, No Glory
The defining moments of successful leaders often occur during great risk-taking. Learn how to embrace the opportunities to step out of your comfort zone by following the steps of these trailblazers. Bolster your confidence to:
- Assess risky ventures
- Approach the unknown with confidence
- Use your failures for future success
Linda Carlson, Ph.D., vice president of medical operations, EMD Serono
Geri Denterlein, founder and president, Denterlein Worldwide
Joanna Lau, founder and CEO, LAU Technologies
Moderator: Heather Campion, president, Massachusetts Women’s Forum
Host: Renee Connolly, vice president of US Communications, EMD Serono
It’s Hard to Make a Difference When You Can’t Find Your Keys
Chronic disorganization feeds a chaotic life. To make significant long-lasting change, you must leverage essential time management tools and prepare for a fundamental mind shift. Gain organizing wisdom by:
- Naming your action priorities
- Finding organization allies
- Moving from reaction to intention
Marilyn Paul, author of It’s Hard to Make a Difference When You Can’t Find Your Keys: The Seven Step Path to Becoming Organized
Host: Linda Waters, president, Back to Business
Forever Young
Whether you plan to age gracefully or fight it every step of the way, the choices you make now will influence your quality of life for years to come. Experts will share the behaviors that build a healthy heart, strong bones and sharp mind.
Create a healthy tomorrow today by:
- Advocating for your health
- Assessing your risk for heart disease
- Actively embracing nutrition and strength training at every age
Carol Allred, president of the board of directors, WomenHeart
Saralyn Mark, M.D., editor, Bewell.com
Miriam Nelson, Ph.D., community leader and editor, BeWell.com
Moderator: Barbara Morse Silva, health reporter, WJAR
Host: Sara Johnson Davis, associate director of state government affairs, Novartis
Leading High Performance Teams
An exceptional results-driven team is a powerful instrument of change and growth. At the helm of each high-achieving team is a leader who engages the unique passions of its members to create sustainable team performance. Drive dramatic results by:
- Providing actionable performance feedback
- Building trust with and within your team
- Modeling effective communication
Patricia Parcellin, director of global business reporting, State Street Corporation
Megan Wherry, vice president of human resources, EMD Serono
Brigid Sullivan, vice president for children's, educational, & interactive programming
Moderator: Pat Riordan, regional director, Women Unlimited
Host: Debra Miller, senior vice president and director of corporate affairs in New England, Citizens Bank
Fueling Your Entrepreneurial Engine
Whether you are still mulling the idea of making your dream a reality, or you have already taken the leap and started your own business, you can learn from successful entrepreneurs what it takes to create and grow a thriving business. Learn how to:
- Target a marketplace need
- Operationalize your vision
- Create a business that resonates with customers
Morgan First, president and CEO,1st Publications and MAP Boston
Rhonda Kallman, CEO, New Century Brewing
Sheila Lirio Marcelo, founder and CEO of care.com
Moderator: Trish Costello, director, Arthur Blank Center for Entrepreneurship at Babson College
YOUNG WOMEN’S PROGRAM
Girlfriend Power!
Every day, you make choices about how you treat other girls. Aggression, fighting and bullying diminish the contributions and value of those around you. In this workshop, you will learn new behaviors to build healthy relationships and foster the cooperation necessary for girls to realize their collective power.
Moorea Dickason, training coordinator, Girls Circle Association
Vanessa Caveney, program coordinator, Girls Circle Association
Host: Lindsay Hyde, founder and executive director, Strong Women, Strong Girls