PAST AGENDA « R.I.S.E

PAST AGENDA

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AGENDA

7:30-8:30AM – Registration

8:00-8:30AM – Mimosas and Marketplace, Marketplace Area

8:30-9:00AM – Team Building Exercise, Main Stage

9:00 – 9:10AM – Welcoming Remarks and Sponsor Recognition, EMCEE, Main Stage

9:10 – 9:20AM – Welcoming Remarks, Hilina D. Ajakaiye, Founder & CEO, Main Stage

9:20 – 10:00AM – Morning Keynote Speaker, Main Stage

10:00-10:15AM – Transition/Networking

10:15 – 11:15AM – Morning Breakout Sessions

From Intention to Action: Diversity Equity, Inclusion and BELONGING (DEIB)
Over the past several years employees, rightfully so, have demanded their organizations to take action on diversity and inclusion, many companies have taken significant actions but the work isn’t done. YOUR voice is critical in ensuring organizations continue to prioritize this important mission. YOU are empowered and you should be equipped to have conversations with your employers on how to operationalize strategies on DEIB and hold them accountable to their promises. In this session, experts will share their insights about how you can advocate for the advancement and prioritization of DEIB so everyone has a seat at the table.

WORKSHOP: Leveling Up Your Career Toolkit
Are you being upfront about what you want from your career and using all of the tools in your toolkit? Are you looking to change courses in your career and reinvent yourself, but not sure where to begin? Are you one of the nearly 12 million women who left the workforce during the height of the pandemic and need advice to update your resume and cover letter? Join this workshop to learn more about all of the toolkits at your disposal to position yourself and execute your personal and career goals.

Exploring the Evolution of Giving Back
Over 1 billion people volunteer worldwide and one in four Americans volunteer. But have you ever paused to think about whether you are volunteering in the right way? Yes, volunteerism can be a joyful act, but it can also be a way of demonstrating what you stand for and consider personally or professionally valuable. Hear from a group of experts who optimize volunteering their time, talent and treasure and are evolving the way we think about giving back.

Caregiving Starts with You: Are You REALLY Okay?
According to the National Center on Caregiving at Family Caregiver Alliance, an estimated 66% of caregivers are women providing care to spouses, parents, friends, neighbors, and the list goes on. Women are the major providers of long-term care in this country, but they also have long-term care needs of their own. And it’s not often that people stop to ask: are they really okay. Join this session to hear tips from experts on how to be a caregiver while also balancing health and wellness for yourself.

Women and Money: Building Generational Wealth
Financial strength and confidence is key when working to close the gender wealth gap, but do you feel confident in your ability to create your own financial goals? Building generational wealth requires several steps, and some can seem much steeper for women and particularly women from marginalized communities. Various gender-related obstacles can narrow the path to financial success such as wage disparities and caregiving burdens. Hear from our experts on how you can build generational wealth and build confidence in your financial security.

Men Who Get It: It Takes Two to Make a Thing Go Right
Since the 19th century, men have been part of the much-needed cultural and political responses to feminism within each “wave” of our movements. If society is going to evolve and be built to include women as decision-makers, we need ‘men who get it’ advocating for why it needs to happen. Hear from our panel of Men Who Get It to learn about efforts to create a more equal society and how we can work together to all be feminists leading the change.

11:15 – 11:30AM – Marketplace / Break, Marketplace Area

11:30 – 12:00PM – Scholarship presentation & Awards, Main Stage

12:00 PM – 1:00PM – Lunch + CEO Panel, Main Stage
Women in Leadership: The Roadmap to Becoming a Powerhouse CEO
According to a new Korn Ferry analysis of the nation’s 1,000 largest corporations across eight industries, women now hold 25% of the five critical C-suite positions. Even more staggering than that: only 6% of CEO spots are held by women, unchanged from 2018. Getting to the top requires a powerhouse mentality and having a roadmap to get there is critical. Hear from this empowering group of women leaders who made it to the c-suite and the advice they have for you as you pull up your seat at the table!

1:00-1:15PM – Transition/Networking

1:15 – 2:15PM – Afternoon Breakout Sessions

Say My Name, Say My Name!
As you advance in your career, are you reaching back out to uplift other women? Are you saying their names in rooms they are not in? If not, you need to say their name, say their name, when no one is around you and show baby you love them! Join this session to hear from experts who have tips on how to create a suite of supporters that can help get you to the next level of your personal and professional achievements and why having this support system matters.

Corporate Boards: Monetize Your Expertise and Intellectual Capital
Let’s start here: we need to stop giving it away for free! Study after study shows diverse boards mean better business for all stakeholders but we are far from where we want to be. In public company boardrooms, women represent less than a third of directors and among the most heavily funded, high-growth private companies, 40% have all-male boards and 78% don’t include a single woman of color. Women and underrepresented groups are missing from these networks and closing the gap on these paid opportunities is a network problem. Hear from a panel of leaders about what you can do now to prepare for that next phase of your career.

Creating Work and Life Harmony
When “work-life balance” first appeared in use, it was in the ’80s as part of the Women’s Liberation Movement, advocating flexible schedules and maternity leaves for women. But this concept misses one big factor: sometimes in life, harmony is more important than balance. Critical life moments can require you to pour into one category of your life more than others like preparing for a planned career shift, getting married, moving across the country or welcoming a new family member into your life. Hear from a panel of women who have tips and tricks to creating work and life harmony and the fluidity that it requires.

Women Are Leading the Gig Economy
The gig economy, as explained by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), is activity where people earn income providing on-demand work and services or goods, and a gig worker is often defined as an independent contractor or freelancer. Post-pandemic, the gig economy is providing unprecedented levels of opportunity for women who want to have it all, both at work and at home. Everyone deserves to find fulfillment through their jobs, and women are now in the driver’s seat on their path to accomplishing that as they’re able to ask employers for what they need in order to feel fulfilled. Learn how you too can jump into the gig economy and build the entrepreneurial spirit, flexibility and income that you deserve.

WORKSHOP: Pay Equity: How to Negotiate Your Worth
Negotiation skills are invaluable and apply to situations beyond just your salary and benefits. In the market for a contractor for a project at home? Trying to land that next contract or sign on a new vendor at work? Figuring out who is going to cook dinner? We are always negotiating, but research shows that women are statistically less likely to reach their desired outcome through the course of a negotiation. Join us to learn how to leverage your existing skill set to lean in, become more assertive and ask for (and get!) what you want.

Boss Up Your Brand!
According to Gartner, executive presence skills are ranked second in the top twenty leadership traits that make a difference. But do you know how to develop executive presence into meaningful influence and impact? Join this session to hear how you can boss up your brand and apply strategic techniques to help your personal growth, build the network you need, and effectively communicate your values. We’ll cover everything from maximizing your LinkedIn, interviewing in a competitive market and maintaining your authenticity.

2:15 – 2:30PM – Marketplace / Break, Marketplace Area

2:30 – 3:15PM – Keynote Speaker, Main Stage

3:15 – 4:00PM Young Women’s Circle Panel, Main Stage
Sam Altman, entrepreneur, investor, programmer and blogger, once said: “young people willing to push super hard to make something happen are among the most powerful forces in the world.” We’ve gathered these young women who are rising stars to share their thoughts on becoming the leaders of tomorrow. We’ll hear from them to understand what they view as a priority, how they put their values into action, and what their dreams are for our collective future.
The R.I.S.E Women’s Leadership Conference is proud to foster the importance of mentorship and paying it forward through the Young Women’s Circle. This critical platform is created in partnership with our key sponsors to provide young women and girls of all backgrounds the opportunity to attend the conference and participate in workshops throughout the year and day of at the annual conference. R.I.S.E Women’s Leadership Conference is firmly grounded in the importance of early education and the empowerment of young women. We seek to connect young women with dynamic leaders of diverse backgrounds.

4:00 – 4:15PM – Closing remarks, Main Stage

4:00 – 5:00PM – VIP Reception, Rotunda (Ticketed Event)

AGENDA

Registration 7:30-8:30 AM

Marketplace 8:00-8:30 AM

8:00-8:30 AM Mimosas and Marketplace, Marketplace Area

8:30-8:45 AM Welcoming Remarks and Sponsor Recognition, Main Stage

8:45 – 9:30 AM Opening Keynote Speaker Lenora Dawson Lassiter, Main Stage

How did they keep me around? Why Did I Stay? I was optimistic and I was hoping for change. Her from Lenora Lassiter on ways you can pivot to your purpose!

9:30 – 10:15 AM Keynote Speaker Nishita Roy-Pope, MBA, Main Stage

What makes some people rise quickly and others feel like they are constantly playing catch up? And doesn’t this race feel infinitely harder as a woman trying to advance your career?! Do we just have to accept where we are is where we deserve to be? Or is there a way to actually learn how to level up? In her keynote talk, Nishita shares how you can level up as a corporate professional or entrepreneur through tangible and practical strategies to get that next promotion, project or opportunity to be a better you!

10:15 – 11:15 AM Morning Breakout Sessions

PANEL: Financial Empowerment: Leveling the negotiation playing field

Negotiation skills are invaluable, and apply to situations beyond just your salary and benefits. In the market for a contractor for a project at home? Trying to land that next contract or sign on a new vendor at work? Figuring out who is going to cook dinner? We are always negotiating, but research shows that women are statistically less likely to reach their desired outcome through the course of a negotiation. Join us to learn how to leverage your existing skill set to lean in, become more assertive and ask for (and get!) what you want.

PANEL: Diversity Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace: Dare to navigate microaggressions and pull up to the table with your own chair

The word “micro” denotes small in value, however there is no such thing as a small assault, invalidation, or insult. Microaggressions are attempts, often subtle, to further devalue the differences of marginalized groups. Whether behavioral, environmental, and/or verbal in nature, they target the very differences that should be celebrated. Addressing microaggressions in the workplace is challenging and takes courage. Join us for a discussion where the goal is not only to learn how to navigate these challenges but also to be seen, heard, and understood. Grab a chair, we have a seat at the table waiting for you.

PANEL: Inspiring Entrepreneurs: Don’t be afraid to start: learn from women who took the leap

The hardest thing about change is taking that first step. There are so many unknowns..Where do I start? What if I don’t have all the answers? What will my family and friend’s think? Where will I get the money? The fact of the matter is that starting your own business will envelope a wide range of emotions, most of which are centered in fear. Even the fear of success can be terrifying. With the appropriate planning, that very same fear can be harnessed as the driving force to your success. Sit with us and listen to women who were once right where you are. Learn how they overcame to create personal success.

PANEL: Health and Wellness: Putting the ME in WE: strategies to support your mental health when the world is on your shoulders

Burnout, simply put, is the result of “too much”. It is disregard for, and depletion of oneself due to outside demands. In a report published by McKinsey and LeanIn.org regarding women in the workplace, “the burnout gap between men and women doubled compared to a year ago and one in three women have considered leaving the workforce or downshifting their career.” More demands have been placed on women than ever before, so how do we put the ME back in WE? How do we carve out time for our own mental, emotional, and physical well-being when it already feels as though there aren’t enough hours in the day? Join us as we uncover strategies to put the “self” back in care.

WORKSHOP: Women in Leadership: Personal Branding: How to tell them who you are!

What is personal branding? According to Jeff Bezos, Amazon’s founder, “Your brand is what people say about you when you’re not in the room.” It has also been said that you only have one shot to make a first impression. Both of these statements carry a degree of validity, so how do we communicate authentically to let people know who we are, what we stand for, and where we are going? That is exactly what this workshop is about! We all have a story. What do you want yours to say about you? Let’s interact together to create a roadmap for success because although personal branding is unique, it cannot be achieved independent of others.

11:15 – 11:30 AM Marketplace / Break, Marketplace Area

11:30 AM – 1:00 PM Lunch + Young Women’s Circle Panel

11:30 AM – 12:15PM Keynote Speaker Bianca Anderson , Main Stage

Join Bianca Anderson as she shares a keynote presentation that explores how women can actively embody practices that accelerate race equity through their leadership. This conversation will support women leaders with applying an intersectional power analysis to their experience and support them with identifying additional ways to create and sustain more equitable experiences in the workplace.

12:15 – 1:00 PM Lunch/Young Women’s Circle Panel, Main Stage

Sam Altman- entrepreneur, investory, programmer and blogger- once said: “young people willing to push super hard to make something happen are among the most powerful forces in the world.” We’ve gathered these young women who are rising stars to share their thoughts on becoming the leaders of tomorrow. We’ll hear from them to understand what they view as a priority, how they put their values into action, and what their dreams are for our collective future.

The R.I.S.E Women’s Leadership Conference is proud to foster the importance of mentorship and paying it forward through the Young Women’s Circle. This critical platform is created in partnership with our key sponsors to provide young women and girls of all backgrounds the opportunity to attend the conference and participate in workshops throughout the year and day of at the annual conference. R.I.S.E Women’s Leadership Conference is firmly grounded in the importance of early education and the empowerment of young women. We seek to connect young women with dynamic leaders of diverse backgrounds.

1:00 – 1:15 PM Scholarship presentation & Awards, Main Stage

1:15 – 2:15 PM Afternoon Breakout Sessions

PANEL: Women in Leadership: The next chapter: transition & life changes in the workplace

The “Motherhood Penalty” is real- women in the workforce experience less mobility, less frequent pay increases, and are frequently labeled “distracted” when discussing their children at work. Becoming a mother is not the only transition that a woman experiences throughout her life, though. Transitioning into the workplace from school, becoming a caregiver for a family member, re-entering the workplace, joining a brand new field- these are all significant transitions that can occur throughout a woman’s career. Managing the mental, physical and social elements of these transitions can take a toll on a person. Join this session to explore thoughtful ways to navigate these transitions with strength and confidence while prioritizing your mental and physical health.

WORKSHOP: Women in Leadership: Advocacy 101: How to use your voice, take action and get involved

A constant barrage of sensational news headlines and political polarization surround us all on a daily basis. We often experience a lot of emotions in response- overwhelm, sadness, anger, frustration. “What can we do about it?” we ask ourselves, “how can things change?” Join us in this interactive advocacy workshop that will explore the where, when, how, and who of making your voice heard and contributing to REAL change.

PANEL: Paying it Forward: Lift while you climb!

Looking for guidance on ways to give back? Not sure the best way to jump in and share what you’ve learned throughout your career? Explore what it means to truly pay it forward and lift while you climb! This dynamic panel will talk about successful ways to be a mentor and inspire the future generation of fearless leaders that will allow everyone to lift others while they continue to achieve success.

PANEL: Health and Wellness: Wake up: learning to live your life consciously and with intent

Sometimes it can feel like we aren’t taking an active role in our own life; that it’s just happening to us instead of for us. It’s time to take back control- to set boundaries, live with intention, set and track your goals and examine your impact on the world around you. Join us to explore what it means to live consciously, and learn about ways to help form the habit of examining your decision making, your choices and your impact.

PANEL: Women in Leadership: You’re not the Imposter; you’re meant to be here!

Have you ever felt inadequate, doubted yourself and your abilities, or simply found yourself confused as to how you “got here”? In a research study published by Forbes magazine, it was discovered that “98% of professional women experience at least one of the 7 most damaging power gaps that prevent individuals from reaching their highest and most thrilling potential, and 75% face three or more of these gaps at the same time.” Power gaps are the divisional factors that perpetuate that feeling of estrangement, that feeling that says you’re not meant to be here. We are here to tell you that YOU ARE NOT AN IMPOSTER! It is not by luck or chance, rather a compilation of hard work, aptitude and learned experiences which have EARNED you your current status. It’s time we embraced who we are and even more so, where we can go. The sky’s the limit!

2:15 – 2:30 PM Marketplace / Break, Marketplace Area

2:30 – 3:15 PM “Men Who Get It” Panel, Main Stage

Since the 19th century, men have been part of the much-needed cultural and political responses to feminism within each “wave” of our movements. If society is going to evolve and be built to include women as decision-makers, we need ‘men who get it’ advocating for why it needs to happen. Hear from our panel of Men Who Get It to learn about efforts to create a more equal society and how we can work together to all be feminists leading the change.

3:15 – 3:45 PM End of Day Keynote Diana Pagano, Main Stage

In our personal and business lives we always say that we strive to be a better version of ourselves and somehow few can answer what that truly means to them. We often get caught up with the everyday whirlwind and lose focus on what will actually moves the needle. Join Diana for a peak into her journey that turned into the inspirational “make things happen” movement!

3:45 – 4:00 PM Closing remarks, Main Stage

4:00 – 5:00 PM VIP Reception, Rotunda (Ticketed Event)

Women leaders are suffering from an exhaustion gap at work. Compared with men, women report higher levels of chronic stress, and working moms are most at-risk for burnout. So, how do women balance it all? They don’t. In this inspirational talk, women’s leadership expert Nikki Groom will share how you can make a difference by staying off balance on purpose, becoming your own best advocate, and role modeling a different way to lead.

7:30 – 9:00 a.m. – Registration

7:30 – 8:15 a.m. – Networking, Breakfast & Marketplace

8:15 – 8:30 a.m. – Opening remarks

8:30 – 8:45 a.m. Welcome: Hilina D. Ajakaiye, Founder, Executive Director of R.I.S.E. Women’s Leadership
Conference

8:45 – 9:00 a.m. Award Ceremony Part 1

9:00 – 10:00 a.m. Morning Keynote Speaker

10:00 – 10:30 a.m. Marketplace

10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Morning Breakout Session Options

Financial Literacy – Taking the reins: financial freedom belongs to women

George Washington University conducted a recent study surrounding gender gap as it relates to financial literacy, finding that a woman’s lack of confidence contributes to the breach in equality. Statistically, women also tend to have shorter work tenures, battle gender pay gaps, and are 3 times more likely to quit their jobs to assume caretaking responsibilities. It is time to take the reins to educate and equip yourself to make informed financial decisions that will get you one step closer to your next major milestone.

Women in Leadership – Excuse me, I’m speaking

Harvard Business Review published an article titled, “Women, Find Your Voice,” outlining how to conduct oneself in the boardroom. As women, we must master the pre-meeting, prepare to speak, and keep an even keel. Why does the desire to be heard come with instructions? It Shouldn’t. Hear the challenges women are facing pertaining to leadership equality, and ways to become a champion of your own voice and for other women. Excuse me, I AM speaking!

Health & Wellness – Hi, I’m new here: prioritizing self-care

I will, right after I walk the dog, get the kids ready for school, and throw a load of laundry in before heading to my full time job, then fight the lines at the grocery store because I had to stop and pick something up for dinner on my way home, before helping the kids with their homework while fixing supper, making sure everyone is all set for the next day, and then finishing my presentation which is due tomorrow. Prioritizing self-care is a selfless act which promotes resilience and increases our ability to cope and adapt to life’s challenges. There is only time if you make it and that time is now!

Entrepreneurship & Education – The path to success is long and winding

In an interview, Sara Blakely, an American businesswoman, entrepreneur, and philanthropist told how every night at the dinner table her father would ask, “what did you fail at today? Because if you are not failing, then you are not trying.” The path to success is rarely vertical, rather long and winding. Challenging perceived failures to be viewed as learning experiences and opportunities for growth will inevitably translate into continued success. Learn how embracing setbacks, triumphing complacency, and acknowledging even the most minute wins will propel you along your path.

A Better You! – Never waste a good crisis: finding your north star

We all possess an internal compass guiding us towards an authentic life of purpose, driven by deeply held beliefs, principles and moral values. One’s North Star, or personal mission statement, are the coordinates to which we set our compass. When crisis presents itself, it can either derail you from your set course or be the seeds of opportunity that, when cultivated, enable you to reach your most Northern point. Never waste a good crisis!

Mentorship & Paying It Forward – How to become a hype woman

“It takes a village to raise a child.” Inherently inside each of us is a little girl who has goals and dreams, and in order to see those dreams come to fruition we surround ourselves with a tribe that challenges, encourages, and supports both our personal and professional growth. Hype women pay it forward, they lean in to build others up. This altruistic movement is not void of reciprocity, rather the benefits are a bi-product from supporting other women to do what they could not otherwise do alone. Come see what all the hype is about!

Diversity & Inclusion in the Workplace

It is the right of ALL people to feel equally involved in and supported in the workplace so why is there such a slow uptick towards significant progress in diversifying companies, and alarmingly, an even slower progression towards inclusivity. Having differential representation within an organization is merely a stepping stone to humanization where ALL people feel safe, valued, and a part of. Join us to discuss what is working and what is not, and how we win as one.

#IamRemarkable

In this session, you will develop the confidence to promote yourselves in the workplace and personal life, thereby breaking modesty norms and glass ceilings. This program aims to: 1. Improve the motivation and self-promotion skills of women and underrepresented groups; 2. Change social perceptions and refresh the conversation around self-promotion.

11:30 – 12:00 p.m. Market Place\Break

12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Lunch & Young Women’s Circle

1:00 – 1:45 p.m. Lunch Keynote Speaker

1:45 – 2:00 p.m. Award Ceremony Part 2

2:00 – 3:00 p.m. “Men Who Get It” Panel Discussion

3:00 – 3:15 p.m. Marketplace\Break

3:15 – 4:15 p.m. Afternoon Breakout Session Options