2023 Agenda

• 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.
• 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 and participate in author book signings.

That’s a Good Question: Navigating Board Dynamics

Whether you serve on the board for a local non-profit, corporate organization, in the school committee, or Parent Teacher Organization, the role requires a unique set of skills to maximize your impact. Your fellow board members might 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: Loraine Ballard Morrill, Director, News & Community Affairs, iHeartMedia

Executive Mentors:

Speaker: Alexandra Dailerian, VP, Impact & Inclusion, Comcast NBCUniversal & PA Conference for Women Board Member

Speaker: Lt. Susan Slawson, Executive Director, Philadelphia Police Foundation

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

That’s a Good Question: Setting Career Goals to Thrive at Work and in Life

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 Thats 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: Fran Hauser, best-selling Author, The Myth of the Nice Girl & Embrace the Work, Love Your Career

Executive Mentors:

Speaker: Monica Chung, VP, Dermatology Sales, Bristol Myers Squibb

Speaker: Suzanne Quigley, Director, Corporate Responsibility, Qurate Retail Group & PA Conference for Women Board Member

Speaker: Dr. Nina Ahmad, President, Pennsylvania, NOW

That’s a Good Question: Navigating the STEM Workplace

The STEM 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 STEM professionals and community leaders will respond to live attendee questions offering insights and lessons learned for how to navigate the male-dominated STEM field.

Moderator: ​​Lisa Desphy, Director of Sales, WURD

Executive Mentors:

Speaker: Sushma Akunuru, SVP Business Technology Services, Independence Blue Cross

Speaker: Dr. Tia Lyles-Wiliams, Founder and CEO, LucasPye BIO and HelaPlex

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 – Session information forthcoming
9:10 – 9:45 AM – Session information forthcoming

Small Group Networking

Discuss topics that are meaningful to you in small groups. ICF Coaches will facilitate these conversations, with guidance to break the ice, deepen your conversations and forge connections.
8:45 – 9:10 AM – Topic forthcoming
9:10 – 9:45 AM – Topic forthcoming

 
Emcee: Alicia Vitarelli, Co-anchor, Action News at 4pm, 6abc
Board Member Welcome: Leslie Stiles, Board President, Pennsylvania Conference for Women
Remarks: Philadelphia Mayor James Kenney

Remarks & Introduction: Theresa Podredbarac, SVP, Clinical Development, Research & Development, Horizon Therapeutics
Speaker: Gail Devers (DEE-vrz), Olympic Gold Medalist & Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) Patient Advocate

Remarks & Introduction: Amanda Poole, SVP, People Strategy, Solutions & Services, Bristol Myers Squibb
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
Herb de Provence Chicken – Chicken breast with herbs
Pasta Salad – Cheese tortellini, Sun Dried tomatoes, Italian Dressing
Mixed Berry Cup – Strawberries and Blueberries

Alternate Lunch (Vegan & Gluten Free)
Veggie Wrap – Hummus, Zucchini, Bell Pepper and Eggplant
Garden Salad – Lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, carrots, red wine vinaigrette
Mixed Berry Cup – Strawberries and Blueberries

VIEW INGREDIENTS

 
Emcee: Alicia Vitarelli, Co-anchor, Action News at 4pm, 6abc
Board Member Welcome: Leslie Stiles, Board President, Pennsylvania Conference for Women
Remarks: Philadelphia Mayor James Kenney

Introduction/Remarks: Carol Lee Mitchell, Head, Small Business, Specialty & Consumer Vehicle Lending Strategy, Bank of America
Speaker: José Andrés (ho-zay aan-drays), Chef & Humanitarian in conversation with
Laysha Ward, EVP, Chief External Engagement Officer, Target

Introduction/Remarks: Celeste Warren, VP, Global Diversity & Inclusion Center of Excellence, Merck
Speaker: Tina Fey, Writer, Comedian, Actress, Producer & Author in conversation with
Ann Marie Baldonado, Director, Talent Development & Contributor, Fresh Air

Cohesive Culture: Creating a Team Built for Success

A cohesive culture is critical to creating a positive and productive work environment. Building strong and trusting relationships within teams requires a deep understanding of individual emotions, motivations, and perspectives. This session will share practical strategies for developing these skills and avoiding the common triggers that undermine our ability to connect. Discover how these enhanced relationships can strengthen communication, collaboration, and conflict-resolution skills to build stronger teams and better workplaces.

Speaker: Sally Helgesen, Internationally best-selling Author, Speaker & Leadership Coach

Host: Dr. Chureen Carter (She/I/Her), VP, Global Data, Platforms & Partnerships, Janssen

Embrace the Work, Love Your Career

Fran Hauser is a bestselling author and expert career coach whose first book, The Myth of the Nice Girl, has been translated into eight languages; and her latest book, Embrace the Work, Love Your Career, provides a holistic resource to help guide your career journey! Join this special session to hear insights about achieving a career you love while staying true to yourself. After brief introductory remarks, the audience will drive the conversation through an extended Q&A where Fran will answer your questions about career growth and offer guidance around creating a personal career action plan.

Speaker: Fran Hauser, best-selling Author, The Myth of the Nice Girl & Embrace the Work, Love Your Career

Career Progression: Getting From Here to There

More people are feeling stuck in their careers, unsure of how to progress to the next level. In this session, we will explore the concept of career progression and how to reimagine your future. The session will cover strategies for achieving career progression, including centering your values, moving forward when you’re unsure of what to do next, and using the power of story to help you write your next chapter. You will have the opportunity to explore how to redefine what’s important in your career and move forward to achieve satisfaction and success.

Speaker: Erica Williams Simon, Principal, Story Strategy Group; Founder, Snapchat’s Creators Lab; Author, You Deserve the Truth & Social Impact Strategist

Host: Keesha Boyd, VP, Entertainment Emerging Products, Comcast NBCUniversal

Fixed Flexibility: How to Negotiate What You Need to Stay

The workplace has evolved over the last several years, and employee priorities have shifted dramatically as well. Beyond compensation, professionals are placing tremendous value on flexibility, quality of life and career growth – and they are willing to walk away if their needs are not met. This session will offer negotiation strategies that leverage your skills and strengths to secure what you need to stay. Learn actionable steps that allow you to emerge in the strongest position possible.

Speaker: Meg Myers Morgan, PhD, Author & Executive Coach

Regaining Connection Through Community

Sisterhood is that sacred space where all the masks that are worn for the world fall off. It’s the place where you lay down your load, refill your cup, and laugh until your belly aches. Building and keeping healthy friendships take work but offer important health benefits that prolong lives. As we emerge from long periods of separation and learn how to live fully again, strategies for strengthening connections are more important than ever. This session, led by psychologist, author and award-winning podcast host Dr. Joy Harden Bradford will offer practical tips to help you reconnect and forge strong relationships that are positive, healing and transformative.

Speaker: Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, Licensed Psychologist, Host, Therapy for Black Girls Podcast & Author, Sisterhood Heals

Host: Alison Young, Managing Partner, Red, White and Blue Strategies, Board Director, Pennsylvania Conference for Women

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 – Session information forthcoming
2:20 – 2:45 PM – Session information forthcoming

Small Group Networking

Discuss topics that are meaningful to you in small groups. ICF Coaches will facilitate these conversations, with guidance to break the ice, deepen your conversations and forge connections.
1:45 – 2:10 PM – Topic forthcoming
2:20 – 2:45 PM – Topic forthcoming

How to Advocate for Yourself and Others…Without Risking your Career

The ability to advocate for yourself or others can be complicated, especially in the workplace. In this session, inclusion coach and bestselling author Amber Cabral will offer a mix of communications tactics and tools to deploy on your behalf or others – without fear or walking on eggshells. After her remarks, a panel of leaders on the frontlines will share their experiences around diversity and belonging initiatives so you can do the same within your organization.  We will explore advocacy, 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: Amber Cabral, Founder, Cabral Co, Inclusion Strategist & Author, Say More About That

Panelists:

Speaker: Reetika Kumar, MD, FACP, VP Strategic Clinical Solutions, Independence Blue Cross

Speaker: Gina Papush, SVP, Chief Analytics Officer, Bristol Myers Squibb

Speaker: Alicia Sundberg, President, Digital Brokerage Services, Fidelity Investments

Host: Funmi Williamson, Chief Customer Officer & SVP Customer Operations, PECO, an Exelon Company, Board Director, Pennsylvania Conference for Women

Cohesive Culture: Creating a Team Built for Success

A cohesive culture is critical to creating a positive and productive work environment. Building strong and trusting relationships within teams requires a deep understanding of individual emotions, motivations, and perspectives. This session will share practical strategies for developing these skills and avoiding the common triggers that undermine our ability to connect. Discover how these enhanced relationships can strengthen communication, collaboration, and conflict-resolution skills to build stronger teams and better workplaces.

Speaker: Sally Helgesen, Internationally best-selling Author, Speaker & Leadership Coach

Host: Diane VanNatta, Human Resources Executive, Bank of America

Career Progression: Getting From Here to There

More people are feeling stuck in their careers, unsure of how to progress to the next level. In this session, we will explore the concept of career progression and how to reimagine your future. The session will cover strategies for achieving career progression, including centering your values, moving forward when you’re unsure of what to do next, and using the power of story to help you write your next chapter. You will have the opportunity to explore how to redefine what’s important in your career and move forward to achieve satisfaction and success.

Speaker: Erica Williams Simon, Principal, Story Strategy Group; Founder, Snapchat’s Creators Lab; Author, You Deserve the Truth & Social Impact Strategist

Host: Lorina Marshall-Blake, President, Independence Blue Cross Foundation, Board Director, Pennsylvania Conference for Women

Fixed Flexibility: How to Negotiate What You Need to Stay

The workplace has evolved over the last several years, and employee priorities have shifted dramatically as well. Beyond compensation, professionals are placing tremendous value on flexibility, quality of life and career growth – and they are willing to walk away if their needs are not met. This session will offer negotiation strategies that leverage your skills and strengths to secure what you need to stay. Learn actionable steps that allow you to emerge in the strongest position possible.

Speaker: Meg Myers Morgan, PhD, Author & Executive Coach

Host: Erica Spencer, VP, Global Talent Management, HR Technology & HRIS, Axalta Coating Systems

Creating Workplaces that Work for Everyone

Facilitating collaboration and creating connections among 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 employees’ individual needs? Join this panel, led by Nydia Han, 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: Nydia Han, Consumer Investigative Reporter, Co-anchor, Action News, 6abc Philadelphia

Panelists:

Speaker: Terri Lee, VP, State Government Affairs & Policy, Merck & Co.

Speaker: Kristina Nicoles, SVP, Human Resources, Holman

Speaker: Jenny Kim Park, D&I Client Executive, Tech, Ops, GSEP, Staff Support, Bank of America

Embrace the Work, Love Your Career

Fran Hauser is a bestselling author and expert career coach whose first book, The Myth of the Nice Girl, has been translated into eight languages; and her latest book, Embrace the Work, Love Your Career, provides a holistic resource to help guide your career journey! Join this special session to hear insights about achieving a career you love while staying true to yourself. After brief introductory remarks, the audience will drive the conversation through an extended Q&A where Fran will answer your questions about career growth and offer guidance around creating a personal career action plan.

Speaker: Fran Hauser, best-selling Author, The Myth of the Nice Girl & Embrace the Work, Love Your Career

Regaining Connection Through Community

Sisterhood is that sacred space where all the masks that are worn for the world fall off. It’s the place where you lay down your load, refill your cup, and laugh until your belly aches. Building and keeping healthy friendships take work but offer important health benefits that prolong lives. As we emerge from long periods of separation and learn how to live fully again, strategies for strengthening connections are more important than ever. This session, led by psychologist, author and award-winning podcast host Dr. Joy Harden Bradford will offer practical tips to help you reconnect and forge strong relationships that are positive, healing and transformative.

Speaker: Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, Licensed Psychologist, Host, Therapy for Black Girls Podcast & Author, Sisterhood Heals

Host: Karen Farmer White, Educational Consultant & Chair, Pennsylvania Board of Education, Board Secretary, Pennsylvania Conference for Women

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 – Session information forthcoming
3:50 – 4:15 PM – Session information forthcoming

Small Group Networking

Discuss topics that are meaningful to you in small groups. ICF Coaches will facilitate these conversations, with guidance to break the ice, deepen your conversations and forge connections.
3:15 – 3:40 PM – Topic forthcoming
3:50 – 4:15 PM – Topic forthcoming

• 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.
• 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 and participate in author book signings.