2018 CONFERENCE THEME: LEADERSHIP IN ACTION
This year, we tackled Leadership in Action. Each keynote speaker and breakout session topic was intended to invoke action. We invited you to consider in a word what motivates you to take action in achieving your goals. What word represented what you want to manifest over the next 12 months?
Schedule & Sessions
A powerful day filled with passionate keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and panel workshops which offered a variety of topics designed to meet all levels of leadership—from those you are currently undertaking, as well as challenges you may face in the near future.
REGISTRATION / LIGHT BREAKFAST 7:45am – 8:30am
OPENING REMARKS 8:30am – 8:45am
MORNING KEYNOTE 8:45am – 9:45am
Rising Up: The Science behind Lasting Leadership
SPEAKER: Dr. Jacinta M. Jiménez
As women leaders, we desire to accomplish goals that matter, inspire others to join us in working toward those aspirations, and leave a lasting impact. In order to do this, we not only need the right skills, but also sustainable energy and vitality. Unfortunately, getting to the top of what is already an unequal playing field has resulted in women being told they have to push harder and work more. Drawing from her experience of hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro as part of a women-only led expedition summiting on International Women’s Day, Stanford University- trained psychologist and motivation expert, Dr. Jacinta M. Jiménez will deliver a more grounded and empowering message. Join Dr. Jiménez as she uncovers how to translate cutting-edge leadership science into sustainable action. Her talk will reveal a new, evidence-backed model for sustainable success—so that when you do make it to the top, you’ll have the energy, oxygen, and bandwidth to do the important work you came there to do.
Handout: Lasting Leadership Monitoring Worksheet pdf
BREAK 9:45am – 10:00am
SESSION A 10:00am – 11:30am
Speakers: Renée Riley-Adams and Jessica Wakefield
Room: Cosmos Ballroom (lower level)
How are you a leader in your own life? Are you running ragged, at the mercy of time and someone else's agenda?
This session meets you where you are, seeing what you want to improve, as well as celebrating what is already working well. Embrace your values and your ability to communicate as the keys to your motivation and action.
Rediscover what it means to be capable, confident, and compassionate both at work and at home. Walk out knowing your Next Best Step, along with a new appreciation for yourself and your relationships.
Lead with confidence and ease as you reclaim your ability to see, accept, value, and embody your own magnificence. It all begins with YOU!
Handout: Leading with Confidence and Ease pdf
Speakers: Beth Budwig, Mamta Suri and Harika Adivikolanu
Room: Stardust Lounge (main level)
Are you stressed out or negative at work? Do you react to situations at work impulsively? Being positive and well-balanced is a learnable skill. In this workshop, you will practice mindfulness and apply techniques from Cognitive and Dialectical Behavior Therapy to the workplace. You can use these tools daily to help manage your stress, stay calm, and improve your mood. These techniques are applicable for professionals at all stages in their careers who wish to manage stress and difficult situations objectively and positively.
Resources: Tools for Managing Your Moods
Speaker: Carolyn Stern
Room: Orion Ballroom (main level)
In school, we were put into teams, but we were never taught how to work within those teams. Our instructors gave us stress, but they never taught us how to handle and manage our stress. You see, most of these life skills are not taught in school or the workplace. In today’s day and age, soft skills are just as, if not more, important than hard skills. Being aware of your emotions and those of others and learning to lead with emotional intelligence are skills that can be taught, and this keynote will start you off with the basics.
Learning Objectives
- Discover the 15 emotional intelligence competencies and explore the five composite scales of self-perception, self-awareness, interpersonal relationships, decision making, and stress management.
- Identify how you can apply emotional intelligence in your life to increase personal and professional effectiveness.
- Build your confidence and ability as a leader to connect authentically, communicate effectively, and thrive collectively with your supervisors, peers, and direct reports.
Handout: Leading with Emotional Intelligence pdf
Speaker: Solé Thernell
Facilitators: Kate McGrath, Mali Wileman, Deonna Tuulik, David Spetner
Room: Galaxy Ballroom (lower level)
It is Not Always What You Do, But When and How You Do It.
When do you know it’s time to take action and do something? When someone is saying something that is insensitive or judgmental. When no one is saying much no matter what you do to prompt them. When long periods of silence show no indication that it will stop. Worst of all, when someone starts freaking out right before your eyes, making the rest of the group very nervous. At this juncture of leadership, it’s not important that you know what to do as long as you know you must do something. Understanding the connection between our individual mindset and beliefs accelerates a stronger sustainable outcome.
During this 90-minute experiential workshop you will attend to your personal development in a live group experience. We will examine your personal vulnerabilities and turn them into your greatest strengths and assets.
LUNCH 11:30am – 12:45pm
JOLIE JOHNSON AWARD PRESENTATION 12:15pm
SESSION B 12:45pm – 2:15pm
Speakers: Dr. Hala Schepmann and Dr. Emily Reeder
Room: Cosmos Ballroom (lower level)
We all face challenges in our work environments – how we choose to respond to them is what sets us apart and often directly influences our career satisfaction and trajectory. Sometimes, we fail to recognize workplace cultures that create a less than optimal work environment. Or, having identified a problem, we remain passive despite the availability of practical methods to improve our situation.
During this session, we will work together to identify workplace challenges and share approaches in establishing supportive and equitable practices and policies. Additionally, we will delineate methods to promote a shift in cultural paradigms conducive to ongoing success.
Speaker: Catie Hogan
Room: Galaxy Ballroom (lower level)
How can we eliminate the gender pay gap? How do we lift women out of poverty? How do we create a future of female leaders and innovators on an equal playing field with their male counterparts? Catie Hogan believes the answer lies in combining feminist values with financial literacy advocacy. In this presentation, we’ll examine how financial literacy among girls and women will create a society which more accurately reflects our values. We’ll explore the crucial links between financial literacy and feminist principles to learn what we need to teach the next generation now. Finally, we’ll discuss how to lead by example through your own financial education and everyday feminism.
Handout: A Better Future Through Financial Literacy and Feminism Word document
Speaker: Donnie Maclurcan
Room: Stardust Lounge (main level)
Imagine there was a simple, actionable way you could flatten power dynamics within your teams. Imagine your organization proactively celebrated and honored introversion. Imagine there was a way you could make your workplace decisions even more participatory and efficient. And imagine all of this was possible, without saying a word!
Join this participatory session to explore how silence and silent leadership can be a powerful antidote to being silenced!
Speaker: Angela Durant
Room: Orion Ballroom (main level)
Build a stellar personal brand and differentiate yourself in the marketplace!
- Position yourself as the leading authority in your industry and get paid for the value you bring.
- Find clarity, purpose and confidence in what you are created to do in the world
- Gain instant credibility and recognition to enable access to more opportunities
- Start attracting instead of chasing the right opportunities
- Learn the secret iconic brands like Apple, Coke, Nike and Starbucks use to dominate their industries.
- Plus a bonus...discover the #1 most powerful tool in branding that will give you an unfair advantage over your competitors.
If you’re a leader who wants to increase your influence, impact, and income, then this session is one you won’t want to miss!
BREAK 2:15pm – 2:30pm
SESSION C 2:30pm – 4:00pm
Speaker: Valeria Carillo
Room: Galaxy Ballroom (lower level)
Your story is a differentiator for your destination! Ever felt like your story has been misplaced? Like your story is just another chapter in your life? Stop! Your story does matter and, believe it or not, it will impact and change somebody else's life. Join me to discover the inner you and help map out what made YOU—from rocky paths to sunlight breaks you encounter through your journey. This fun and active workshop will help you write those awesome speaker bios and give you many stories to share with colleagues. Come prepared to get creative, learn, and make meaningful connections with like-minded individuals.
Speakers: Sam Osheroff and Kris Danford
Room: Orion Ballroom (main level)
In this age of technology, effective communication skills can get lost in a sea of texts, tweets and impersonal interactions. This workshop addresses the so-called “soft skills” that truly set a leader apart: authenticity, active listening, dynamic speaking, flexibility, and a host of additional competencies used to build gravitas, trust and rapport between speaker and listener. Through a series of presentations and fun, practical exercises, we will work on issues of clarity, voice and breath awareness, body language, presence, dynamism, conflict resolution and the mind-body connection.
It is our goal that workshop participants will leave with the following skills:
- Increased awareness of both positive and negative physical and vocal habits that affect communication effectiveness
- An understanding of best vocal practices in the areas of pitch, variety, tone and clarity
- An enhanced ability to actively listen with genuine empathy and interest
- A new approach to handling conflict with increased flexibility and strategic use of communication skills
Speakers: Patty Casebolt and Keith Casebolt
Room: Cosmos Ballroom (lower level)
Do you want to deliver feedback in an open, honest and accountable way? Do you struggle with being too nice, too harsh, or just shutting down altogether? How much energy do you put into trying to manage your conversations?
Effective leadership requires the ability to communicate and develop trust, and trust is built through openness and accountability. How important is trust in your relationships? Are you willing to give and receive feedback in a non-defensive manner?
This course will show you how to develop more effective leaders (yourself included) through an application of accountable feedback processes. Examples and hands-on practice for giving and receiving accountable feedback will be shared for creating an environment that minimizes blame and maximizes problem solving. Lastly, an opportunity to look at defensiveness: how it gets in the way and how to interrupt the cycle.
Handouts:
Expectations of Managers at MEC
Facilitating Stop/Start/Continue
How to Work with Defensive People
Human Element Article Leadership Development
Human Element Watch Your Language
Just Trust Me
New Role Feedback Process
Recommended Books
Stop Start Continue
The Language of Accountability
Working Procedure New Role Feedback Process
Speaker: Dr. Jacinta M. Jiménez, PsyD, BCC
Room: Stardust Lounge (main level)
Join Stanford University trained psychologist and motivation expert Dr. Jacinta M. Jiménez for an in-depth interview about the science of sustainable success. This breakout will also include an open-ended Q&A discussion in which audience members will have the opportunity to ask about her experience in coaching women leaders, and putting the science of leadership into action through design thinking and positive psychology principles.
Handout: Lasting Leadership Monitoring Worksheet pdf
BREAK 4:00pm – 4:15pm
CLOSING SPEAKER 4:15pm – 4:45pm
Impossible Dreams
SPEAKER: Mildred Ruiz-Sapp
At what point do we fight to reach the elusive dream? The thing everyone, even our subconscious, tells us we can never have. We are all constructed by a series of events in our lives; and the voices of many along the way, who whisper in our ear even long after they’re gone. As children, we dream in color. As we age, dreams live in a space between black and white. Eventually, we forget and live life in a struggle to recollect. When we finally arrive at “the edge”, what dreams can we conjure that will save us? Will we believe enough in ourselves to dream in color again?
CLOSING REMARKS 4:45pm – 5:00pm
RECEPTION 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Speakers
Dr. Jacinta M. Jiménez
Morning Keynote Speaker
Rising to the Top: The Science behind Lasting Leadership
Keith Casebolt
Breakout Session C
Communication Toolbox: Deliver Authentic, Accountable and Effective Feedback
Patty Casebolt
Breakout Session C
Communication Toolbox: Deliver Authentic, Accountable and Effective Feedback
Dr. Jacinta M. Jiménez
MORNING KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Dr. Jacinta M. Jiménez is a Stanford University trained and licensed Doctor of Clinical Psychology and a Board Certified Coach. Spanning more than a decade, Dr. Jiménez’s professional work is dedicated to synthesizing scientific research and directly applying it to the positive development of leaders, innovative programs, and technology. A contributor to national news outlets, including CNN, Women’s Health, ABC News, Oxygen and Headline News, Dr. Jiménez provides her expert opinion and thought leadership on a wide variety of psychology topics. Her deep knowledge of human behavior and psychological theory makes her an authority in catalyzing positive behavior change within individuals.
Dr. Jiménez currently serves as Head of Coaching for BetterUp, overseeing the strategic design, development and implementation of learning for their global network of leadership coaches within BetterUp’s mobile platform. Additionally, she serves on the science board of a technology start-up aimed at promoting health behavior change and social support for women.
Jacinta’s word is RISE.
drjacintajimenez.com
betterup.co
linkedin.com/in/dr-jacinta
Mildrid Ruiz-Sapp
AFTERNOON KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Mildred is a Poet/Playwright/Actor/Singer. Everyone has a story that either defines them or influences them. We are a culmination of our collective experiences, which empower us to act. Mildred was born and raised on the Lower East Side, known as Alphabet City, in New York City. Surrounded by all manner of drama that city life has to offer, it is no wonder she was drawn to a life in the theater.
In 1993, Mildred co-founded the non-profit organization, THE POINT Community Development Corporation, dedicated to youth development and the cultural and economic revitalization of the Hunts Point section of the South Bronx. Two years later, she co-founded UNIVERSES Theater Company, a poetic musical theatre ensemble, fusing poetry, theater, politics, jazz, hip-hop, down-home blues and Spanish boleros to tell American stories through their urban lens.
Some of Mildred’s playwriting/acting credits include: UNISON (Directed/Developed by Robert O’Hara); PARTY PEOPLE (Directed/Developed by Liesl Tommy); AMERIVILLE (Directed/Developed by Chay Yew). Acting only credits include: The Merry Wives of Windsor (Director: Dawn M. Williams); DJ Latinidad (Directed by Mark Valdez); The Comedy of Errors (Directed by Kent Gash); The Unfortunates (Directed by Shana Cooper). Awards/Affiliations: 2015 Doris Duke Performing Artist Award (Theatre); Oregon Shakespeare Festival Acting Company Member and well as Ensemble in Residence, to name a few.
Publications: UNIVERSES’ Big Bang-The Revolution will be Live! (2018 release- TCG Books); SLANGUAGE in The Fire This Time (TCG Books); BLUE SUITE in The Goodman Theatre’s Festival Latino – Six Plays (Northwestern University Press.
Mildred’s word is ACT.
universesonstage.com
facebook.com/mredruiz
twitter.com/mredruiz
instagram.com/mredruiz
linkedin.com/in/mredruiz
500px.com/mredruiz
Harika Adivikolanu
BREAKOUT SESSION A
PLEASANTON, CA – Harika is currently a Financials Application Developers at Workday. She recently graduated from Arizona State University, receiving a bachelor’s degree in Business Computer Information Systems with a certification in International Business and a minor in Digital Arts. Her studies include an emphasis in psychology, sociology, and cultural communication, cognitive science and gamification. After she started working, Harika also managed to find time to complete her advanced instructor certification in alignment yoga. Yoga, and the study of its philosophy, has centered her in all areas of her life.
Harika’s word is AWARENESS.
linkedin.com/in/harikaadivikolanu
twitter: @harika294
Beth Budwig
BREAKOUT SESSION A
PLEASANTON, CA – Beth has been a User Experience (UX) professional since 1999. Her whole level of professionalism and work life blossomed when she began applying Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) techniques in 2009. To her surprise, this provided an opportunity to manage people, something she’d never previously considered. Beth’s desire is to share these coping mechanisms and techniques with women, as they tend to fall prey to imposter syndrome and other forms of negative self-talk, although all genders may find these techniques helpful.
Beth’s word is SELF-MANAGE.
eeblet.com
linkedin.com/in/bethbudwig
Valeria Carrillo
BREAKOUT SESSION C
GALVESTON, TX – Valeria Carrillo Garcia migrated from Mexico City, Mexico at the age of five and was raised in Galveston, Texas. Her desire to retain and own her heritage propelled her to complete her Spanish degree at Texas State University with the intent of becoming a Spanish teacher. However, she set her sights higher by pursuing Bilingual Education and Leadership Development. During her time at Texas State University, she was actively involved in the community as a member of the prestigious Student Foundation and as the president of the Bilingual Education Student Organization Chapter. She was a presenter at the National Association for Bilingual Education Conference on topics such as, “How To Incorporate Leadership In The Bilingual Classroom,” and developed her own curriculum, “Bilingual Yoga in the Classroom.”
She recently landed an AmeriCorps position with College Dreams in Grants Pass, as a College and Career Prep Coach, helping students live a purposeful life. Her goal is to learn from the community and become an asset to both the organization and Rogue Valley Community. Her role as an aunt motivates her to make this world a place where children are given equal opportunities to be successful, regardless of their socioeconomic status or race.
Valeria’s word is AUTHENTIC.
linkedin.com/in/valeriacarrillo
Keith Casebolt
BREAKOUT SESSION C
MEDFORD, OR – A student of healthcare management over the past 32 years, Keith has shown his wealth of knowledge in transforming a small practice of just 2 MDs and 2 ODs into a thriving clinic and ambulatory surgery center with 8 MDs, 3 ODs, a staff of 150 and a successful medical spa. Since 1996, he has created a strong team culture able to accommodate and embrace a growing number of providers of varying specialties, including more than 8 new practitioners in 2 years. As a Licensed Human Element Practitioner, Keith takes occasional consulting projects, and also writes and speaks about management topics with an emphasis on accountability and high feedback cultures.
Keith’s word is ACT.
medicaleyecenter.com
linkedin.com/in/keith-casebolt
Patty Casebolt
BREAKOUT SESSION C
MEDFORD, OR – Patty is the Clinical Director at the Medical Eye Center. Her passion to providing a profoundly different ophthalmological experience is evident in her personal project, the launching of the Medical Eye Center’s medical spa in 2009. Her most recent program additions to the facility include peer review, risk management, and service training on the topics of empathy, customer service, communication, and team accountability. A Licensed Human Element Practitioner, Patty also consults as her schedule allows.
As a result of her extensive knowledge gained during her participation in the original FDA studies on LASIK, Patty has conducted over 1,000 LASIK patient seminars. Additionally, Patty has served as a LASIK speaker, and has authored sales, tracking and follow-up procedures, as well as LASIK marketing approaches. She was instrumental in establishing refractive surgery programs at four satellite offices in the 1990’s, building the collective practice to scheduling more than 200 cases per month.
Patty’s word is AUTHENTIC.
medicaleyecenter.com
linkedin.com/in/patty-casebolt
Kris Danford
BREAKOUT SESSION C
TALENT, OR – Kris is an Assistant Professor of Voice and Speech at Southern Oregon University. A professional actor and singer, Kris has performed in New York and regionally in both straight and musical theatre, bringing her experience and mastery of the stage to universities all over the country, including the University of Iowa and University of West Florida. Her knowledge of the power of voice is evident in her roles as both a voice/text and dialect coach and singing instructor. She is an Associate Teacher of Fitzmaurice Voicework® and holds an MFA in Acting from the FSU/ Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training. She is also a member of the Actors Equity Association.
Kris’s word is LISTEN.
krisdanfordvoice.com
Angela Durant
BREAKOUT SESSION B
BURLINGTON, NJ – Angela Durant is a seasoned business professional with over 20 years in corporate and personal leadership and the founder of the Durant Hospitality Group, a boutique hotel consulting firm, and the Be Brilliant Movement. She believes that given the right support and environment, individuals can produce phenomenal results. A talented speaker and master storyteller, Angela has the ability to inspire companies and individuals to take action and deliver their brilliance to the world. By giving women the proper tools, support, and a roadmap, she helps transform their lives, show them how to create the freedom they desire, and bring their “Brilliance” to the world.
Angela attended the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. She holds a Certificate of Hotel Administration from Cornell University and is a Certified John Maxwell Team Speaker, Trainer, and Coach.
Angela’s word is SHINE.
beBrilliantMovement.com
facebook.com/BeBrilliantMovement
linkedin.com/in/angela-durant
Catie Hogan
BREAKOUT SESSION B
COLUMBUS, GA – Catie Hogan is the founder and president of Hogan Financial Planning. She’s a personal finance expert, educator, and comedy writer. Catie is on a mission to empower women and marginalized communities through financial literacy education, using a unique approach that combines both humor and relatability to teach personal finance and career building skills.
Her debut book, The Millennial’s Guide to Getting Your Sh*t Together, is a collection of humorous essays on money management, career advice, and healthy relationships. Catie harnesses the power of media to bring financial literacy to her target demographic through her Get It Together blog and Get It Together with Catie Hogan podcast. When she’s not speaking or advocating for financial literacy, she’s a writer and performer with Sketchworks Comedy in Atlanta. Her satire and sketches can be found on McSweeney’s, Funny or Die, The Belladonna Comedy and several others.
Catie’s word is ADVOCATE.
hoganfinancialplanning.com
catiehogan.com
facebook: @CatieHoganWrites
facebook: @HoganFinancialPlanning
twitter: @CatieHogan
@Hogan_Financial
@GetItTogether20 (podcast Twitter)
Dr. Jacinta M. Jiménez, PsyD, BCC
BREAKOUT SESSION C
Dr. Jacinta M. Jiménez is a Stanford University trained and licensed Doctor of Clinical Psychology and a Board Certified Coach. Spanning more than a decade, Dr. Jiménez’s professional work is dedicated to synthesizing scientific research and directly applying it to the positive development of leaders, innovative programs, and technology. A contributor to national news outlets, including CNN, Women’s Health, ABC News, Oxygen and Headline News, Dr. Jiménez provides her expert opinion and thought leadership on a wide variety of psychology topics. Her deep knowledge of human behavior and psychological theory makes her an authority in catalyzing positive behavior change within individuals.
Dr. Jiménez currently serves as Head of Coaching for BetterUp, overseeing the strategic design, development and implementation of learning for their global network of leadership coaches within BetterUp’s mobile platform. Additionally, she serves on the science board of a technology start-up aimed at promoting health behavior change and social support for women.
Jacinta’s word is RISE.
drjacintajimenez.com
betterup.co
linkedin.com/in/dr-jacinta
Donnie Maclurcan
BREAKOUT SESSION B
Dr. Donnie Maclurcan is passionate about all things not-for-profit. Originally from Australia, Donnie moved to the U.S. in 2013, from where he co-leads the Post Growth Institute, exploring how we accelerate the transition to a society that thrives within ecological limits. Donnie sees purpose-driven business as central to this shift, drawing from his work as a consultant to more than 400 not-for-profit projects. His own initiatives include developing: Free Money Day, the Post Growth Alliance, the (En)Rich List, the Offers and Needs Market process, Cascades Hub, and Project Australia. An Affiliate Professor of Social Science at Southern Oregon University and Fellow of the Royal Society for the Arts, Donnie holds a Ph.D. in social science, with his research having explored nanotechnology’s implications for global inequality and sustainability. He is currently completing his third book: How on Earth: Our future is not for profit.
linkedin.com/in/donniemaclurcan
plus.google.com/+DonnieMaclurcan
twitter.com/donmacca
Sam Osheroff
BREAKOUT SESSION C
TALENT, OR – Sam Osheroff is a professional actor, educator, director and communications coach. His work focuses on building clear, effective communication skills in order to foster increased dynamism and presence, heighten emotional intelligence, and facilitate genuine connections between speakers and listeners. As an actor/director, Sam has performed and directed all over the United States, as well as in Argentina and Brazil.
Since 2007, Sam has coached entrepreneurs, politicians, and all levels of the New York City business world from names such as J.P. Morgan Chase, Deutsche Bank, Beazley Insurance and Barclay’s Capital. He is the former Head of Acting at The University of West Florida and holds an MFA from The FSU/ Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training. He is also a member of the Actors Equity Association.
Sam’s word is LISTEN.
Dr. Emily Reeder
BREAKOUT SESSION B
JACKSONVILLE, OR – Dr. Reeder’s teaching at SOU includes general psychology, social psychology, psychology and the law, and research methods and statistics. Her research related topics include decision making for risk and psychology, law, violence against women, and jury decision making, among other domains. Outside of work, Dr. Reeder enjoys hiking, running, camping, and wine and food tasting with family and friends.
Dr. Emily Reeder received her Bachelor’s degree from Willamette University, earned a Master’s degree from Wake Forest University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Kentucky in 2010.
Emily’s word is RECOGNIZE.
Renée Riley-Adams
BREAKOUT SESSION A
ASHLAND, OR – At Balanced Life Coaching, Renée supports people through times of transition, helping them embrace possibilities for choice, growth, life balance, and resilience. She also provides health coaching at Northwest Memory Care in Ashland, working with doctors, patients, and families. At both businesses, Renée encourages people to understand their core motivations and how to be accountable and communicate effectively. She recently led a team that designed a facilitator-in-training program for Wings Seminars, and started her own YouTube channel that offers encouragement and coaching tools.
For over 20 years Renée has presented and facilitated personal growth weekends for a variety of organizations across the US, South Africa, and the UK. Locally, she serves on the board of her Rotary club, staffs an annual summer leadership camp for 170 high school and college students, and supports the Oregon Community Foundation to strengthen non-profits in the Rogue Valley.
Prior to pursuing a career in personal growth and development, Renée worked in Washington, D.C. as a Pentagon reporter and in London as a photographer. Many people call Renée by a name coined from her initials and her enthusiasm, “RARA!”
Renée’s word is VALUE.
balancedlifecoaching.biz
linkedin.com/in/renéerileyadamslifecoachpcc
youtube Balanced Life Coaching
Twitter@BalancedRARA
Dr. Hala Schepmann
BREAKOUT SESSION B
TALENT, OR – Dr. Schepmann specializes in teaching organic chemistry and spectroscopy, biochemistry, and scientific communication. Her drug-discovery research focuses on the identification of bioactive natural products for pharmaceutical applications. In 2013, Professor Schepmann co-founded SOU X-Factor, an advocacy group focused on advancing the careers of female faculty with an emphasis on career-life balance. This coalition works collaboratively with internal groups to establish supportive University policies. X-Factor accomplishments include spearheading the creation of the Faculty Ombuds Office, as well as proposing and implementing SOU’s first Distinguished Faculty Teaching and Service Awards. In pursuit of her own career-life balance, Dr. Schepmann volunteers in her community and relishes time spent with family hiking, biking, and camping in the Pacific Northwest.
Dr. Schepmann graduated summa cum laude from the University of Texas at Austin with a B.S. in Chemistry. She earned an M.S. in Synthetic Organic Chemistry from the University of California at Berkeley and a Ph.D. in Bioorganic Chemistry from Rice University. Prior to her appointment at SOU, Professor Schepmann taught at Cornell College and the University of Texas at Austin.
Hala’s word is ACT.
inside.sou.edu/chemistry/faculty/schepmah
Carolyn Stern
BREAKOUT SESSION A
VANCOUVER, B.C. – As a life-long learner and academic, Carolyn is a professor, corporate trainer, certified Emotional Intelligence Expert, author, and professional speaker. Carolyn’s success as an entrepreneur is a result of her focus and passion teaching emotional intelligence, leadership, and team building skills in the workplace. She helps professionals get unstuck by learning how to connect authentically, communicate effectively, and thrive collectively, interweaving emotional intelligence along the way.
Due to her undeniable passion for all things EQ, Carolyn recently launched EI Experience, a division of Carolyn Stern & Associates Inc., providing a comprehensive learning and development experience for corporations. She is a Certified Facilitator in the area of Emotional Intelligence in association with MHS Inc.
Carolyn holds a Bachelor of Commerce, Marketing, a Bachelor of Education, Business Education and a Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Primary Education from the University of British Columbia. She earned a Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in International Business from the University of Copenhagen in Denmark and completed a Master of Arts in Leadership from Royal Roads University. A professional member of the Canadian Associates of Professional Speakers, the National Speakers Association, and the Global Speakers Federation, Carolyn is a popular speaker at national and international conferences and seminars.
Carolyn’s word is AUTHENTIC.
twitter.com/carolynstern
facebook.com/CarolynStern.GetUnstuck
linkedin.com/in/carolynstern
youtube.com/carolyntalks
instagram.com/carolynstern
carolynstern.com
eiexperience.com
Mamta Suri
BREAKOUT SESSION A
PLEASANTON, CA – Mamta has been managing people all around the world, with different cultures and different personalities, for over 10 years. She earned a double bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Molecular Biology from University of California, Santa Cruz. She received a masters degree in Software Engineering Management from Carnegie Mellon University. Mamta has been applying mindfulness and meditation techniques based in neuroscientific principles to boost her creativity, innovation, productivity, and effectiveness in building high performance teams.
Mamta’s phrase is BE BOLD.
linkedin.com/in/mamtasuri
twitter: @mamtasuri3
Solé Thernell
BREAKOUT SESSION A
PHOENIX, OR – For the past ten years, Ms. Thernell has been teaching group dynamics involving team building, leadership training, personal and social adjustment, communication skills, and basic group function. Her formal study of human behavior and social processes are the basis for her one-to-one experiential learning. Group participants engage in dynamic activities, requiring them to dig deep to discover hidden strengths and building confidence that translates to both professional and personal environments.
Solé received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, with a minor in Women’s studies, in 2005. She continued her education, earning a Master’s Degree in Applied Psychology and Organizational Training and Development in 2007. While pursuing her academic career, Solé acted as Facilitator and Co-facilitator for Women’s Domestic Violence support groups in the Josephine County Jail system. Immediately following, Solé was Program Evaluator for the Asante Health System Domestic Violence Program and was asked to present her findings at the Governor’s Council Domestic Violence Public Hearing.
Having facilitated numerous team building workshops from all age groups, ranging from high school youth to adulthood, Solé is a firm believer that personal insights come from experiential learning. She is currently developing a private consulting business to facilitate team building and conflict management training and development across all disciplines.
Solé’s word is EMPOWER.
Jessica Wakefield
BREAKOUT SESSION A
PHOENIX, OR – As the Learning & Development Coordinator at La Clinica, Jessica supports training and education for Medical and Dental Primary Care. Her three-day training series, Our Compass: A Guide to La Clinica’s Purpose, Passion and People, offers an educational and experiential feast of the unwritten norms and skills needed to navigate La Clinica’s culture. Jessica has been providing Leadership Development training and workshops to California and Oregon for over 15 years.
Previously, Jessica worked for the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI), the Eugene Family YMCA, AmeriCorps, and the College of the Redwoods, Del Norte. Her other roles include College Professor, Behavioral Specialist, Service Coordinator, Program Manager, and Science Educator. She has worked with diverse populations, such as early childhood, at-risk youth, family-interaction, and adults with disabilities and mental illness. In all her endeavors, Jessica’s focus is always on team
development and goal-driven services for her community.
Ms. Wakefield earned her Master of Arts in Leadership Development from Bellevue University. She received Bachelor Degrees in Psychology and Social Sciences, with a Minor in Sociology, from Portland State University.
Jessica’s word is ACCEPT.
laclinicahealth.org
linkedin.com/in/jessica-wakefield
