Massachusetts

• • Career Coaching* and Resume Reviews*

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• • Learning Stage offering mini-classes with actionable takeaways and expert tips for navigating your career

• • Wellness Stage offering mini-classes with guidance for achieving physical, emotional, and financial well-being

• • Small Group Networking

• • Bookstore Lounge & Author Signings

• • Anchor Hubs including Career, Community, Learning, Wellness, and Women-Owned Business Hub

• Complimentary Professional Headshots*

*First-come, first served!

That’s a Good Question | Effectively Managing Hybrid Teams

In today’s increasingly dynamic and hybrid work environments with accelerating rates of change, a company’s ability to remain competitive and relevant is as good as their flexibility and adaptability. Breaking down silos and empowering teams with peer-to-peer accountability and decision-making infuses passion and purpose in employees, enabling them to problem-solve efficiently. 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 on how to remain nimble and flexible as a leader with a team empowered to tackle the necessary tasks in any environment.

Moderator: Jennifer Peñate, Weekend Evening Anchor & General Assignment Reporter, WCVB Channel 5

• Heather Campion, MA Conference for Women Board Member
• Jessica Levenson, VP, Digital Strategy & SEO, Oracle
• Colette Phillips, CEO, Colette Phillips Communications

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: Sue Tabb, “Morning Magic” Co-Host, WMJX Magic 106.7

Executive Mentors:

• Carmen Arce, COO, The Partnership
• Jamie Haney, General Counsel North America/Head of Legal Specialty Care GBU, Sanofi
• Amanda Morgan, Chief Commercial Officer, Lantheus
• Dr. Tina Opie, Associate Professor, Babson College

Unlocking Success: The Transformative Power of Compassion in the Workplace

Forging connections and common ground with colleagues in today’s divisive landscape is complicated, and they are key in your ability to problem solve and achieve business goals. In this session, inclusion strategist and cultural innovator Vernā Myers will explore the importance of compassion and offer tools to help you become a bridge builder in this new world of work even when you have differing viewpoints. Learn how kind discourse and compassion can increase connectedness, enhance teamwork, productivity and engagement and transform your culture. Whether you are an individual contributor seeking ways to increase your effectiveness or a leader managing teams, this session will offer inspiration and practical tips to help you and your organization thrive.

Speaker: Vernā Myers, DEI Pioneer and Inclusion Strategist

Moderator/Host: Yvette Hollingsworth Clark, EVP & Global Chief Compliance Officer, State Street
Corporation

Brought to to you by: MA Conference for Women and State Street

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: Shirley Leung, Columnist and Podcast Host, The Boston Globe

Executive Mentors:

• Dominique Brewer, Head of Culture & Engagement, HR Chief of Staff, Takeda
• Naeemah Elias, Founder, Elias Presence Ventures
• Ann Stanberry, Chief Strategy Officer, Liberty Mutual

That’s a Good Question | Bright Futures in STEM 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: Zeninjor Enwemeka, Senior Business Reporter, WBUR

Executive Mentors:

• Jessica Beyer, Sr Director, Global Quality Strategy & Culture Excellence, Bristol Myers Squibb
• Casey Connelly, SVP, Sales License Compliance, PTC
• Michelle De La Isla, CEO, Hack.Diversity
• Amy Kao, SVP Global Head, Research Unit, Neuroscience & Immunology, Billerica Campus Head, EMD Serono

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
• Erin Toppenberg, Paragon Master Trainer, Paragon Performance Evolution

Host: Melanie Foley, EVP & Chief Purpose Officer, Liberty Mutual Insurance and Board Member, Massachusetts Conference for Women

Hearing the Whispers: From Intuition to End Goals

In this session, Carrie Kerpen will explore the delicate balance between being perceived as likable and the potential pitfalls of prioritizing external validation. She will guide participants through strategies for quieting external expectations and silencing negative self-talk to make space for hearing their inner intuition. By tuning into these inner whispers, attendees will learn how to align their intuition with their personal and professional goals. Carrie will also introduce her unique WHISPER methodology, offering a practical framework for leveraging intuition to achieve success and fulfillment.

Speaker: Carrie Kerpen, Founder and CEO, The Whisper Group

Normalizing Meditation During the Workday

In this session, Kristi Duncan, brings a relatable and practical approach to meditation that seamlessly fits into the modern workday. Kristi will share how meditation can be practiced anywhere, by anyone, and how its benefits extend beyond personal well-being to positively impact the workplace. Participants will explore the science behind meditation, with a focus on the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) and Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS), how meditation rewires the brain, and its short- and long-term health benefits like stress reduction and improved focus. Enjoy a 10-minute guided meditation on empowerment and self-love, specifically tailored for women and leave with practical tools to integrate mindfulness into your daily routine, enhancing both individual and organizational well-being.

Speaker: Kristi Duncan, Founder, Meditation at Work

The Neuroscience of Leadership — A Recipe for Longevity

In this session, Dr. Yaro Fong-Olivares delves into the brain science behind leadership, offering insights into how neuroscience shapes decision-making, learning, energy, and leadership styles. Through thoughtful storytelling and science-backed data, attendees will gain strategies to prevent burnout and enhance leadership stamina. This talk will empower leaders with tools and brain-based practices that increase energy at work and home and ensure they remain resilient and effective over the long term.

Speaker: Dr. Yaro Fong-Olivares, Executive Director, Gloria Cordes Larson Center for Women and Business, Bentley University

Rewriting Your Financial Identity: A Journey to Empowerment

In this inspiring session, Cathy Pena, a seasoned investor with over 28 years of experience will share her journey of overcoming self-doubt and redefining what it means to be an investor. This session will focus on how we can rewrite our relationship with money by expanding our identity around it. Drawing on insights from behavioral economics, participants will explore their own money beliefs and how they influence financial decisions and recast the path forward by changing limiting beliefs about money, creating a vision for their empowered financial future, and taking small, tangible steps to build confidence in managing finances. Whether you’re just starting your financial journey or looking to break through mental barriers, this session will help you reframe your financial identity, making room for growth, confidence, and a more secure future. Join us to take the first step towards confidently managing your financial life and achieving your dreams.

Speaker: Cathy Pena, Chief Investment Officer, Strategic Advisors, Fidelity

The Power of Purpose: Developing Your Personal Brand

In this session, Burcu Eryilmaz will explore the transformative power of understanding your life’s purpose and how it forms the foundation of your personal brand. By aligning your unique strengths (your “super-powers”) with your core values, you’ll discover a practical method for living authentically and leading more effectively. She will cover how purpose drives clarity, motivation, and impact in both your personal and professional life, empowering you to build a personal brand that resonates with who you truly are. Perfect for leaders and aspiring leaders seeking to lead with intention and authenticity, this session offers essential tools for bringing your personal brand to life.

Speaker: Burcu Eryilmaz, Global Head, Rare Diseases Franchise, Sanofi

How to Feel Better at Every Stage

Ready to learn one tiny habit that can transform your well-being? In this insightful session, Amanda Henry will show you how to listen to your body throughout the M’s of womanhood—Menstruation, Mental Well-Being, Motherhood, and Menopause. You’ll learn simple strategies for better managing your health and prioritizing self-care, plus how to empower yourself to live in sync with your body’s needs.

Amanda Henry, VP, Business Development & Women’s Wellness, TheraBody

Girl, I’m Tired – Getting Back to Your Best Self by Setting Boundaries at Work

In today’s demanding work culture, finding balance can sometimes feel impossible, but it starts with one critical factor: YOU. Connie Dimitroff dives into the importance of setting clear work boundaries and managing your energy to reclaim control over your well-being by exploring practical tips for setting and maintaining boundaries to prevent burnout and managing your energy for that elusive sense of balance. Through a personal story of the consequences of neglecting boundaries, you’ll learn why it’s crucial to recognize the signs of burnout and take action before it’s too late. This session will empower you to take the first steps toward protecting your energy and being your best self.

Speaker: Connie Dimitroff, Sr Director, Duo Go-to-Market, Cisco

Money on my Mind: 5 Steps for Financial Wellness

Building financial confidence is just like building confidence in life—it grows with practice. In this session, Kristin Kanders will guide you through five key steps to take control of your financial future. You’ll learn how to start with a solid foundation by educating yourself, understanding your risk tolerance, and ensuring your money works for you. Discover strategies for investing that fit your comfort level and learn how to negotiate job offers and advocate for your worth. Finally, you’ll learn the importance of goal setting and the power of practice—it’s the repetition that builds true financial confidence. Leave this session ready to take actionable steps toward mastering your money.

Speaker: Kristin Kanders, Head, Marketing & Engagement, Plynk

Karen Holmes Ward, Director of Public Affairs and & Community Services, WCVB Channel 5

Gloria Cordes Larson, MA Conference for Women Board President

Amy Magro, Executive Director, Patient Advocacy, Rare Disease Business Unit, Amgen Inc.

Gail Devers, Olympic Gold Medalist and Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) Patient Advocate

Erica Birke, Head, Institutional & Asset Management Marketing, Fidelity Investments

Beverly Johnson, American Supermodel, New York Times best-selling Author, Actress, & Businesswoman
in Conversation with Lulu Garcia-Navarro, Award-winning journalist, Host of The Interview at NYT Magazine

Julie Khani, Corporate Vice President, Government Affairs & Corporate Communications, Hologic, Inc.

Caitlin Clark, Professional Basketball Player
in Conversation with Robin Roberts, Co-Anchor, Good Morning America & President, Rock’n Robin Productions

Molly Snyder, VP Stakeholder Engagement, Target

Marian Heard, Founding Board Member, Massachusetts Conference for Women

Renee Connolly, Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer & Head, Engagement, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany

Maura Healey, 73rd Governor of Massachusetts

Kathy Horgan, EVP, Chief Human Resources & Citizenship Officer, State Street, MA Conference for Women Board Member

Oprah Winfrey, Global Media Leader
in Conversation with Gayle King, Co-host, CBS Mornings, Editor-at-Large, Oprah Daily

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

Regular Mediterranean Meal

• Mediterranean Salad With Chicken
• Mixed Berry Cup
• Vegan Chocolate Mug Cake
• Bottled Water

Alternate Mediterranean Meal (Vegan & Gluten Free)

• Mediterranean Salad with Tofu
• Mixed Berry Cup
• Vegan Chocolate Mug Cake
• Bottled Water

VIEW LUNCH INGREDIENTS

Allyship: Accelerating Advancement For All

Twenty years ago, Rosalind Wiseman wrote a book about teen-girl dynamics, which became the basis for the cult-classic movie, Mean Girls. In her latest research, she has turned her lens on how women can leave behind the social conditioning from adolescence and instead nurture and support each other in the workplace and beyond – from the lunchroom to the boardroom. This session will explore how allyship can level the playing field and accelerate women’s advancement, allowing you and others to go further faster. Learn practical tools for seizing leadership moments, resetting challenging relationships with female coworkers, and collaborative ways to stop competing and instead foster a community of support based on celebrating and advocating for each other.

Speaker: Rosalind Wiseman, Author & Cultural Expert Inspiring Courageous Leadership in Others

Host: Lee-Ann Hensin, Sr Director Operations, Johnson and Johnson MedTech

Unlocking Growth Through Intelligent Failures: The Strategic Advantage of Embracing Fallibility

After decades of award-winning research, Amy Edmondson is here to upend our understanding of failure by showing us how to frame, discuss, and practice failure wisely to the benefit of our teams and the bottom line. In this session Amy will demonstrate how as leaders we can embrace our humanity, learn when failure is our friend, and when it is not – by pursuing smart risks and preventing avoidable harm in our teams and organizations. With vivid, real-life examples from business, pop culture and more, Edmondson gives us the tools, skills, and mindsets to replace shame and blame with curiosity, vulnerability, and personal growth. You’ll never look at failure the same way again.

Speaker: Amy Edmondson, Professor, Harvard University; Author

Host: Selma Ferhatbegovic-Fede, SVP & Chief Information Officer, Point32Health

Building Belonging Cultures: How to Cultivate Engaged, Productive, and Happier Teams

One of the most crucial factors influencing whether people stay or leave a job is the company’s culture. As individuals become more socially conscious, a focus on wellness, work-life balance, and meaningful connections become vital elements to consider beyond the work itself. We will explore employee productivity and success beyond job scope and tangible shifts to achieve a fulfilling work experience where everyone feels like they belong. 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, nurture environments of belonging, and develop strategies to navigate complicated dynamics that can negatively impact employee performance and satisfaction. Attendees will leave empowered, inspired and armed with practical tips to develop a culture of belonging and be engaged, productive and happier at work .

Thought Leader: Nellie Borrero, Sr Strategic Advisor, Global Inclusion & Diversity, Accenture

Panelists:

• Carmel Galvin, Chief People Officer, Klaviyo
• Jennifer Nicholson, Vice President & Manager, Office of Purpose and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Liberty Mutual
• Lauren von Stackelberg, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer; Global Head, Wellbeing, The LEGO Group

Host: Molly Snyder, VP Stakeholder Engagement, Target

Tackling Menopause to Boost Your Career Progression

Menopause represents a pivotal phase in a woman’s life that can influence both personal well-being and professional performance. Taking charge of the impacts of menopause can help you navigate at work while experiencing symptoms such as brain fog, hormonal fluctuations and exhaustion, which affect not only how you react and are perceived by others but can directly affect career progression. In this session, renowned expert Dr. Mary Claire Haver, provides valuable tools and resources such as evidence-based lifestyle adjustments, medication options and self-advocacy techniques designed to help women manage symptoms and enhance their career progression. Tailored for women navigating menopause while striving to excel professionally, attendees will leave with actionable insights on how to not only survive but thrive during a crucial period that often coincides with peak career advancement.

Thought Leader: Dr. Mary Claire Haver, MD, FACOG, CMP & best-selling Author

Host: Kelli Kirwin, Senior Director, Global Software Sales, Cisco Systems & Massachusetts Conference for Women Board Member

Self-Empowerment: Becoming the CEO of Your Career

Women must overcome unique challenges and opportunities to advance their careers. We often struggle with taking control of our destinies and take a wait and see approach rather than proactively stepping into the driver’s seat. In this session, Dethra Giles will present her MINE methodology (Manage, Invest, Network and Execute) to equip you with the strategic mindset to manage your career with the precision of a corporation. From how to optimize resources to cultivating a robust professional network and harnessing its power to open doors to new opportunities, this session will equip you with practical strategies and actionable insights to accelerate your career progression from a place of personal power and strategic decision making.

Speaker: Dethra Giles, CEO, ExecuPrep

Host: Michelle Randall-Berry, Global Head, Talent, Teradyne

Powered by Me: From Burned Out to Fully Charged

When we are burned out, our productivity suffers, our health declines, and we are more reactive in our relationships. So how can we beat burnout before it beats us down? In this session, Dr. Sangwan identifies five energy levels—physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual—where burnout occurs and provides powerful tools that enable you to expand your awareness, transform your mindset, communicate with integrity, and align your decision-making with what matters most.

Speaker: Neha Sangwan, MD. Physician and CEO & Founder, Intuitive Intelligence

Host: Barbara Daly, Sales Manager, United Airlines

Practical Optimism: How to Create a Healthier Relationship with Work and in Life

In today’s fast-paced world, where digital connectivity blurs the lines between personal and professional life, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by high expectations. In this session, Dr. Sue Varma provides practical tools to shift your mindset, helping you recognize areas that need balance and develop a more positive, empowered outlook. She will share her eight pillars for creating a joyful and purposeful work-life balance, offering strategies to nurture both personal growth and professional success. This session will equip you to build a healthier, more confident future aligned with your core values.

Speaker: Sue Varma, MD, board-certified Psychiatrist & Author, Practical Optimism

Host: Cathy Callahan, Market Executive, Bank of America

You Do You: Your Life. Your Career. A Guide to Authentic Leadership

In this session, Chris Schuster will explore authentic leadership through the lens of a personal set of guiding principles designed to navigate life and leadership. From trusting your own judgment and taking risks early on, to balancing work and life, embracing failure, and surrounding yourself with a strong team, these principles emphasize resilience, boldness, and collaboration. Chris will discuss the challenges of leadership, such as navigating personal loss, and the importance of unplugging for self-care. Authentic leadership, as she’ll share, is not about perfection but perseverance and continuous growth.

Speaker: Christine Schuster, President & CEO, Emerson Health

The Science of Mindfulness: Enhancing Well-Being and Performance at Work

This introductory session on mindfulness, led by expert instructor Tara Healey, focuses on how mindfulness can help manage life’s challenges with greater steadiness and ease. Tara will explain what mindfulness is and how to leverage the brain’s natural abilities to develop and sustain it. The session will include practical exercises to help participants manage difficult emotions, maintain balance during stress, overcome distractions, and foster new ideas and perspectives, enabling them to engage more fully with their lives at work and beyond.

Speaker: Tara Healey, Director, Mindfulness Program, Point 32 Health

Leading Through Change

In this session, go-to-market (GTM) strategy leader Jessica Anselmi delves into the essential skill of change management, a unique blend of hard and soft skills that requires continuous development. In a world where change is the only constant, the ability to navigate change has become a core leadership competency — especially for women who often face added scrutiny around communication and leadership style. Drawing from her hands-on experience managing innovation and change initiatives for major brands like Dunkin’ and various venture-backed start-ups, Jessica will share what’s worked, what’s gone wrong, and how to continuously evolve. Attendees will gain actionable insights and practical tools to build their own change management approach, blending their unique style with best practices to lead with resilience and impact.

Speaker: Jessica Anselmi, Senior Director, GTM Strategy and Programs, Klaviyo

The Importance of Prioritizing Your Health

Holistic employee well-being is essential for a productive, engaged workforce, and women’s health needs often require unique support. In this session, we’ll discuss how employers can create a workplace culture that recognizes and addresses these needs through tailored programs, policies, and communications. Learn from Vertex’s approach to empowering women to prioritize their health and well-being, and gain insights into fostering open conversations around wellness. Attendees will take away actionable strategies to ensure that employees feel supported and have the resources necessary to thrive.

Speaker: Diana Cruz Solash, Vice President of Talent and ID&E, Vertex Pharmaceuticals

Making a Career Pivot at Any Stage

In this dynamic session, Amanda Argentieri shares practical insights from her own experience successfully navigating a career pivot, so that you can do the same – no matter the stage you’re in. By emphasizing the importance of networks and relationships, and examples from the beloved show Friends, she will demonstrate that career changes aren’t meant to be faced alone. Drawing on career shifts in both the U.S. and China, Amanda will explore the emotional and practical aspects of pivoting, covering key areas such as understanding what a career pivot truly means, navigating the personal decisions involved, activating current and new networks, identifying transferable skills, and reshaping your story. You’ll leave with inspiration and actionable tools to take charge of your own career pivot— to boldly rewrite your professional path.

Speaker: Amanda Argentieri, Sr. Director of Change Management and Communications, PTC

Caregiving and Balance: Supporting Caregivers in the Modern Workforce

Session Description: The U.S. General Surgeon recently issued an urgent advisory highlighting the mental health challenges faced by parents and caregivers, underscoring the need for increased support. In this session, Priya Krishnan will explore key stressors, such as career demands, rising inflation, and the increasing costs of caregiving, and discuss practical solutions. She will examine how employers and the government can collaborate to ease the burden on working parents through enhanced employee benefits, flexible work options, and support programs. Join us to learn how organizations like Bright Horizons are helping caregivers find joy and balance in their personal and professional lives, ensuring that parents can thrive in both roles while pursuing career growth and family well-being.

Speaker: Priya Krishnan, Chief Digital & Transformation Officer, Bright Horizons

Allyship: Accelerating Advancement For All

Twenty years ago, Rosalind Wiseman wrote a book about teen-girl dynamics, which became the basis for the cult-classic movie, Mean Girls. In her latest research, she has turned her lens on how women can leave behind the social conditioning from adolescence and instead nurture and support each other in the workplace and beyond – from the lunchroom to the boardroom. This session will explore how allyship can level the playing field and accelerate women’s advancement, allowing you and others to go further faster. Learn practical tools for seizing leadership moments, resetting challenging relationships with female coworkers, and collaborative ways to stop competing and instead foster a community of support based on celebrating and advocating for each other.

Speaker: Rosalind Wiseman, Author & Cultural Expert Inspiring Courageous Leadership in Others

Host: Trinh Le, VP, Next Gen Beverages & Omni Channel Marketing, USA, Ocean Spray

Unlocking Growth Through Intelligent Failures: The Strategic Advantage of Embracing Fallibility

After decades of award-winning research, Amy Edmondson is here to upend our understanding of failure by showing us how to frame, discuss, and practice failure wisely to the benefit of our teams and the bottom line. In this session Amy will demonstrate how as leaders we can embrace our humanity, learn when failure is our friend, and when it is not – by pursuing smart risks and preventing avoidable harm in our teams and organizations. With vivid, real-life examples from business, pop culture and more, Edmondson gives us the tools, skills, and mindsets to replace shame and blame with curiosity, vulnerability, and personal growth. You’ll never look at failure the same way again.

Speaker: Amy Edmondson, Professor, Harvard University; Author

Host: Erin Bentz, Sr Director, Global Talent Development, New Balance

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 [TBD] 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: Cassie Roach, VP, Cloud & AI Infrastructure Partner Architecture, Cisco

Panelists:

• Liz Asai, Sr Director, Global Head, Artificial Intelligence & Connected Health, Hologic, Inc.
• Talinn Demirjian, Senior Vice President, Head of Risk Superstructure, Emerging Risks, and Country Risk, State Street
• Crysta Dungee, US Region Head, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, Takeda Pharmaceuticals

Host: Karen Madden, Chief Technology Officer, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany

Tackling Menopause to Boost Your Career Progression

Menopause represents a pivotal phase in a woman’s life that can influence both personal well-being and professional performance. Taking charge of the impacts of menopause can help you navigate at work while experiencing symptoms such as brain fog, hormonal fluctuations and exhaustion, which affect not only how you react and are perceived by others but can directly affect career progression. In this session, renowned expert Dr. Mary Claire Haver, provides valuable tools and resources such as evidence-based lifestyle adjustments, medication options and self-advocacy techniques designed to help women manage symptoms and enhance their career progression. Tailored for women navigating menopause while striving to excel professionally, attendees will leave with actionable insights on how to not only survive but thrive during a crucial period that often coincides with peak career advancement.

Thought Leader: Dr. Mary Claire Haver, MD, FACOG, CMP & best-selling Author

Host: Amanda Henry, VP, Business Development & Women’s Wellness, TheraBody

Self-Empowerment: Becoming the CEO of Your Career

Women must overcome unique challenges and opportunities to advance their careers. We often struggle with taking control of our destinies and take a wait and see approach rather than proactively stepping into the driver’s seat. In this session, Dethra Giles will present her MINE methodology (Manage, Invest, Network and Execute) to equip you with the strategic mindset to manage your career with the precision of a corporation. From how to optimize resources to cultivating a robust professional network and harnessing its power to open doors to new opportunities, this session will equip you with practical strategies and actionable insights to accelerate your career progression from a place of personal power and strategic decision making.

Speaker: Dethra Giles, CEO, ExecuPrep

Host: Christine Schuster, President, Emerson Health

Powered by Me: From Burned Out to Fully Charged

When we are burned out, our productivity suffers, our health declines, and we are more reactive in our relationships. So how can we beat burnout before it beats us down? In this session, Dr. Sangwan identifies five energy levels—physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual—where burnout occurs and provides powerful tools that enable you to expand your awareness, transform your mindset, communicate with integrity, and align your decision-making with what matters most.

Speaker: Neha Sangwan, MD. Physician and CEO & Founder, Intuitive Intelligence

Host: Lisa Wieland, President, New England, National Grid

Practical Optimism: How to Create a Healthier Relationship with Work and in Life

In today’s fast-paced world, where digital connectivity blurs the lines between personal and professional life, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by high expectations. In this session, Dr. Sue Varma provides practical tools to shift your mindset, helping you recognize areas that need balance and develop a more positive, empowered outlook. She will share her eight pillars for creating a joyful and purposeful work-life balance, offering strategies to nurture both personal growth and professional success. This session will equip you to build a healthier, more confident future aligned with your core values.

Speaker: Sue Varma, MD, board-certified Psychiatrist & Author, Practical Optimism

Host: Celia Johnston Blue, President & CEO, MAWOCC

Unlocking Commercial Real Estate Investment for Women Entrepreneurs

This session, led by experienced investor and lending expert Nancy Rosedale, equips women entrepreneurs with a practical roadmap for purchasing and owning commercial real estate. Nancy will break down the advantages of property ownership over leasing, guiding attendees through the acquisition process and providing insights on various property types to suit different business needs. Attendees will gain a strong understanding of financing terms, empowering them to navigate the lending landscape with confidence. This session ultimately empowers women to make informed, strategic investment decisions that support financial independence and long-term stability.

Speaker: Nancy Rosedale, VP Business Community Office, BofA

Encore: Money on my mind: 5 Steps for Financial Wellness

Building financial confidence is just like building confidence in life—it grows with practice. In this session, Kristin Kanders will guide you through five key steps to take control of your financial future. You’ll learn how to start with a solid foundation by educating yourself, understanding your risk tolerance, and ensuring your money works for you. Discover strategies for investing that fit your comfort level and learn how to negotiate job offers and advocate for your worth. Finally, you’ll learn the importance of goal setting and the power of practice—it’s the repetition that builds true financial confidence. Leave this session ready to take actionable steps toward mastering your money.

Speaker: Kristin Kanders, Head, Marketing & Engagement, Plynk

Recalibrating Workload Overload

Join Dr. Annie Winkler, Chief Medical Officer at Werfen, as she explores the realities of managing career demands and the elusive concept of work-life balance. As professionals advance, true balance can be difficult to achieve, and Dr. Winkler will guide participants through strategies for recognizing imbalance, building safe spaces, and recovering from periods of high stress. Attendees will gain insights into the power of pausing to reset priorities, the importance of setting boundaries and delegating, and the value of leaning on a supportive community. This session offers essential tools for navigating career growth without sacrificing personal well-being.

Speaker: Dr. Annie Winkler, Chief Medical Officer, Werfen

Details to be announced!