Save the date for the 2026 conference!

September 11, 2026

The 2025 Conference program can be found below for reference.

Keynote Session w/ Viva McCarver

Opening Keynote Session - 9:30-10:20 AM

Viva McCarver serves as the Chief Human Resources Officer at Bowling Green State University, where she leads the university’s comprehensive HR strategy and operations. With a focus on building a culture of engagement, equality, and accountability, she oversees talent acquisition, employee & labor relations, organizational development, benefits, compensation, and HR compliance for the University. She also serves as a member of the President’s Cabinet, where she provides strategic leadership in support of the University’s mission and long-term goals.

Prior to joining BGSU, Mrs. McCarver served as the Director of Human Resources for Nu Tek Steel (formerly New Technology Steel), a global steel supplier in the automotive industry. She brings more than 25 years of progressive experience in human resources management and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management, as well as a Master of Business Administration in Leadership and Organizational Development from the University of Findlay.

 Viva is a co-author of Women as Leaders: Strategies for Empowerment & Communication. She is a certified professional trainer and coach and a member of the Professional Woman Network, an international organization of women coaches, consultants, and authors. In addition, she serves as the CEO and Professional Coach of Viva McCarver & Associates, a consulting company dedicated to helping individuals reach higher levels of excellence through specialized workshops and trainings. 

Break Out Session One

10:30-11:20 AM

  • In “Keeping Your Flame Ablaze: Aligning Your Career With Your Passion,” Alicia Giangiordano shares her powerful journey of navigating career transitions, rediscovering purpose, and building a life rooted in passion. This session encourages women to embrace change, trust their instincts, and confidently explore new paths—even when they feel uncertain. Attendees will leave feeling empowered to realign their careers with what truly lights them up.

  • Join us for From Buzzword to Bottom Line - A Practical Guide for using AI to Get More Done with Rebecca Jenkins. Let's get real about AI and focus on what it can actually do for you. In this engaging session, you'll get a clear understanding of AI, learn the key terms without any confusing tech talk, and pick up practical skills to write effective prompts. You'll find out how to use AI to streamline your work, make smarter decisions, and achieve real results in your organization.

  • Our early childhood experiences form the foundation for how we view the world, view ourselves, and manage life’s stressors. No two childhoods are identical, and some of this variability can lead to the beautiful diversity seen all around us. However, what is the potential long-term impact when those childhood experiences include traumatic events or chronically stressed environments? During this session, we will explore the general impact of chronic stress, dive into the impact of chronic childhood trauma on brain development and adult functioning, and touch on some ways to manage stress and thrive with awareness of one’s past.

Break Out Session Two

1:10 - 2:00 PM

  • This session will address the power that women can call upon and derive from their knowledge and expertise no matter their area of work. Having confidence and being a subject matter expert in your field is powerful. This power allows us to be courageous enough to be ourselves without apologizing. Owning and harnessing your uniqueness and skills allows us to act genuinely and with self awareness and confidence driving success and opportunity.

  • In this deeply personal and inspiring session, Stephanie Parsons shares her powerful life story—one marked by loss, resilience, transformation, and unwavering faith. From the tragic passing of her mother and grandmother, to the emotional journey of foster care and adoption, to her battle with cancer, Stephanie invites attendees into the valleys and mountaintops that have shaped her both personally and professionally.

    As a leader who has navigated environments with both authentic and inauthentic leadership, she speaks candidly about what it means to lead with purpose, compassion, and integrity. Grounded in her belief that God has walked with her through every trial, Stephanie’s story is one of hope, redemption, and the profound strength found in vulnerability.

    This session is not just about survival—it’s about rising stronger, leading better, and discovering how trials can shape our deepest purpose. In the words that guide her outlook: “If only we could all live our life like we are dying.”

    Ideal for anyone seeking inspiration, clarity, and direction in both life and leadership.

  • In this deeply personal and empowering session, the speaker shares how discovering their autism diagnosis reshaped their understanding of burnout, communication, and career sustainability. By embracing neurodivergence, they rebuilt a professional life that is not only rewarding but also aligned with their strengths and needs.

    This session offers practical insights for anyone navigating the complexities of neurodiversity or mental health struggles in their professional life—whether for themselves, their colleagues, or their teams. Attendees will leave with tools to foster more inclusive, communicative, and resilient work environments.

Lunch & Mentoring Session

11:30 - 1:05 PM

GROUP A

11:30 - 12:10 PM @ LUNCH

12:15 - 1:05 PM @ MENTORING

GROUP B

11:30 - 12:10 PM @ MENTORING

12:15 - 1:05 PM @ LUNCH

Mentorship w/ Dione Somerville

Dive into the transformative power of mentorship in this engaging breakout session. We'll explore the importance of mentorship relationships and how they can ignite personal and professional growth. Learn what it takes to be an effective mentor, the expectations of a mentee, and how to foster a mutually beneficial relationship. Join us to discover how mentorship can clear the path to success and create lasting, impactful connections.

Activity Hour

2:05 - 2:50 PM

OPTION 1 - SPEED NETWORKING

Expand your network with one-on-one networking opportunities

OPTION 2 - HOT TOPIC TABLE DISCUSSIONS

Join a small group in leadership discussion

Panel Discussion

featuring Emily Wolfe, Shayna Pothast, Brittney Bills-Darby, and Erin Schwiebert

Moderated by Kaylee Schleucher

Session - 3:00 - 3:50 PM

Join us for an illuminating panel discussion featuring four extraordinary leaders who have forged their paths through the fires of personal and professional challenges. "Forging Through Fire" delves into the diverse experiences and unique journeys that have shaped their perspectives on leadership. Each speaker will share powerful stories of resilience, lessons learned from adversity, and how these experiences have influenced their leadership styles. Gain invaluable insights into navigating your own journey, leading with authenticity, and turning challenges into opportunities for growth. This panel promises to inspire and equip you with the wisdom to lead with courage and conviction.

Wrap Up

3:50-4:00 PM

Networking Happy Hour

4:00-5:00 PM

Join fellow conference participants for a social happy hour at the conclusion of the conference. Not only can you exchange ideas and learn from others in your industry, but you may also discover new business collaborations or career opportunities. This relaxed and informal environment will let you showcase your expertise, gain exposure, and make a lasting impression on potential employers, clients, or collaborators. So, step out of your comfort zone, grab a drink, and open yourself up to the countless possibilities that a networking social hour can offer.

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