Next Gen Women: WiB Career Summit Schedule
Monday, November 13, 2023
7:45am-8:30am; Second Floor Student Union - Check in at the K-State Student Union. Coffee and continental breakfast provided.
8:30am; Main Ballroom - Welcome and Overview of the Day
8:35am; Main Ballroom - Keynote Speaker: Kristine Davis, NASA
Kristine Davis is a spacesuit engineer at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. She graduated in December 2015 with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and a minor in Leadership Studies from Kansas State University, and she just finished a masters degree in polymer science and engineering from Lehigh University this past August. She currently supports several projects of the EVA and Human Surface Mobility Program including the integrated test team and hardware technology development. She was the component owner for the xEMU government reference design's helmet, sun visor, and waist-brief-hip assembly.
9:10am-9:40am; Main Ballroom - Women in Business Student Panel:
Join us for a conversation with current college students in a variety of majors and grade levels as they reflect on their transition from high school to college, and all of the things they have experienced since then. You will have the opportunity to learn from their mistakes and revelations, and even ask your own questions at the end!
Student Panelists:
Julia Robbe, junior in organizational management
Maddie Rimmer, senior in finance
Sophie Schumacher, freshman in marketing
Alyssa Gonzalez-Holguin, sophomore in management information systems
Alyssa Ansay, junior in professional strategic selling
Alyson McCallop, sophomore in accounting
9:50am-10:30am - Breakout Session 1 (High School Students)
Careers in Finance; Room 227
Lois Cox, Chief Investment Officer, K-State Foundation, retired
Careers in finance span a broad array of skill sets. You will leave this session with an introduction to the many different careers available to someone with an undergraduate degree in finance and which of those may match up with your own strengths.
What do leaders need to know in the era of quantum computers?; Room 224
Natalia Rozhkovskaya, K-State Mathematics
In today's tech-driven world, the ability of company leaders to assess the economic potential of new technologies is paramount. What should we glean from our college education to become confident leaders in this era of technological advancement? To answer this question, let's take the development of quantum computing as an example. This field is actively pursued by industry giants like IBM, Amazon, and Google, even though quantum computers are not yet a reality. However, they have the potential to revolutionize various industries due to their unparalleled problem-solving speed. From optimizing supply chains to transforming cryptography, the impact of quantum computing could be far-reaching.
Leadership Styles; Cottonwood Room
Holly Loncarich, K-State College of Business
In this workshop, we will discuss leadership styles and how students can work to seek out opportunities that will allow them to further develop their voices as leaders in school, college, and the workplace. Students will begin the workshop by taking a personality inventory that will allow them to identify their leadership style. Students will break into smaller groups to discuss how they can choose activities that will allow them to further develop their skills as leaders.
Meet our K-State “ladies who launch”: A day in the life of a student entrepreneur; Big 12 Room
Rachel Mui, K-State College of Business
We all know that being a college student is challenging. You're trying to make friends, pass your classes, and hopefully, catch some decent sleep now and then. So, how the heck do you run a business on the side?! Join our engaging panel discussion where a group of aspiring student entrepreneurs will share their experiences, challenges, and successes. These entrepreneurs have either launched their businesses while in high school or since joining K-State. They will provide practical insights, tips, and valuable lessons on how they successfully balance their academic, personal, and entrepreneurial pursuits. Whether you aspire to start your own business soon or wish to continue growing your current venture, this panel will leave you feeling motivated and inspired. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with the future startup leaders of tomorrow!
Student Entrepreneurs:
Makenna Baldwin, Junior in Entrepreneurship Delta Athletics
Sammy Kopecky, Senior in Marketing Sammy Kopecky Photography
Natalie McCosh, Sophomore in Entrepreneurship Sweet Pieces by Natalie
Anna Nordberg, Junior in Accounting Cupcakes by Anna
Reese Reitz, Junior in Entrepreneurship Room Decor Alley
10:40am-11:20am - Breakout Session 2 (High School Students)
College of Business High School and First-Year Program Opportunities (for high school educators and chaperones); Cat's Pause
Marcia Hornung, Sheila Coomes, Olivia Law-DelRosso, Julia Parcell, K-State College of Business
This session is for business educators, counselors, and other high school representatives. Learn about opportunities for current high school students, as well as incoming students at the K-State College of Business. We will discuss our high school summer institute, high school accounting course, Rise Up Scholars Program, Menard Family Scholars Program, and Herbel Accounting Fellows.
Are You a Reluctant Leader?; Room 224
Clarissa Steele, K-State College of Business
Have you ever been asked to take on a leadership role but were reluctant to? Maybe you thought you would not do a good job or you were not ready to take on a new or challenging role, you were afraid of creating conflict with others or hurting your personal relationships, or you were afraid that you would take the blame if you were not successful. If any of these sound like you, you may be a reluctant leader! Reluctant leaders, although they may not seek leadership roles, are often some of the best leaders. Despite their reluctance, they take on leadership roles when others will not, are motivated to do the right thing, are seen as very responsible and approachable by others, and focus on helping the group achieve their goal. We will learn what reluctant leadership is, why we may be reluctant leaders, and how to overcome our reluctance to take on leadership roles. You will leave the session with an understanding of why women and people of color in particular may be reluctant leaders.
Financial Futures; Room 227
Jodi Kaus and Halle Schindler, Powercat Financial
Prioritize your financial well-being today so your financial future will be secure. Come learn your money beliefs, how to build healthy financial habits, and ways to successfully navigate building credit and paying for college.
Tech Up! The latest apps or programs to help you in college; Cottonwood Room
Anna Salas, K-State Global Campus
Are you a high school student preparing for the exciting journey of college life? Join us in this engaging breakout session where we'll explore the latest and most useful technology tools that can empower you to thrive in your college experience.
In today's digital age, technology is a valuable ally for students, providing innovative solutions for time management, study techniques, and overall academic success. Our facilitator will showcase a range of apps, programs, and online resources designed to simplify your college life, boost productivity, and enhance your learning process.
During this interactive session, you'll learn about tools that can help you:
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- Stay organized and manage your time effectively
- Improve study habits and ace your exams
- Collaborate with peers and professors effortlessly
- Streamline your research and writing projects
- Navigate the challenges of remote learning or hybrid classes
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Discover the power of technology and equip yourself with the knowledge and tools to excel in your college journey. Don't miss out on this opportunity to "Tech Up" and get a head start on your academic success.
Adventure Awaits; Big 12 Room
Colleen Helmers, K-State Leadership Studies
The world is open to you! What contribution do you want to make? How can you explore options and discover your path? Start by better understanding your strengths and values, and how you can build on them to exercise leadership on your path to success, however YOU define it. Join us for an interactive workshop where you will prepare to make confident choices for the adventures that await!
11:30am; Grand Ballroom - Luncheon
College students and guests may arrive at 11am for check-in and to begin lunch!
11:50am; Grand Ballroom - Keynote Speaker: Jeanette Hernandez Prenger, ECCO Select
Jeanette Hernandez Prenger is the Founder and CEO of ECCO Select, an IT solution services and talent acquisition, and advisory consulting company. She leverages her expertise to develop innovative solutions that help businesses strengthen operations, revenue, profitability, and competitive advantages. She has put these skills into practice at ECCO Select since she started the company in 1995. ECCO Select is one of the Top Hispanic businesses in the country, with over 500 employees serving clients across North America. ECCO Select is a leading provider of technology talent for Fortune 1000 companies and government agencies, with offices in Kansas City, MO, Washington, D.C., and Dallas, TX. Jeanette has been recognized for her leadership and excellence within the tech space and philanthropic community.
12:30pm- 2:00pm; Business Building - High School Session in College of Business/Scholarship Ceremony
12:30pm-1:20pm - Breakout Session 1 (College Students)
Ethical Excellence - Navigating the Hiring Landscape; Room 224
Rebecca Gould, Olivia Law-DelRosso, K-State College of Business
"Ethical Excellence: Navigating the Hiring Landscape with Integrity and Inclusion" is a dynamic and insightful presentation that explores the critical intersection of ethics, morals, and legality in the hiring process. This engaging session delves into the ethical considerations hiring professionals and organizations must uphold to ensure fairness, diversity, and respect for all candidates. Participants will gain valuable insights into distinguishing between legal and illegal interview questions, emphasizing the importance of respecting privacy and confidentiality. Furthermore, the discussion of implicit bias highlights the need for self-awareness and strategies to create a more inclusive hiring environment. Attendees will leave with a deep understanding of the ethical principles that underpin responsible and equitable hiring practices.
Financial Futures; Room 227
Jodi Kaus and Halle Schindler Powercat Financial
Prioritize your financial well-being today so your financial future will be secure. Come learn your money beliefs, how to build healthy financial habits, and ways to successfully navigate building credit and paying for college.
How to Win the Interview; Cottonwood Room
Ivy Bass, Enterprise Mobility
We will talk through best practices for interviewing as well as some life hacks to increase confidence when discussing your skills.
Making Meetings Meaningful; Flint Hills Room
Deborah Kohl, K-State Research and Extension
No matter whether they are virtual or in-person, meetings are essential for moving projects forward. Designing effective meetings is a crucial skill that can make your leadership stronger and work more meaningful. This highly interactive session will provide an opportunity to model effective meeting design and strategy.
United WE: Representation in Civic Leadership; Big 12 Room
Beth Felski, United WE
Across the nation, women are historically underrepresented on civic boards and commissions. This gender disparity is especially glaring on “power boards” that have enormous impacts on public policy and the allocation of financial resources. Established by United WE in 2014, the Appointments Project® works to empower women and strengthen communities by improving the number of women serving on appointed boards and commissions to fully represent the diversity of the populations they serve. Join us as we discuss the research and learn how to navigate your civic leadership journey.
1:30pm-2:20pm - Breakout Session 2 (College Students)
Stocking Your Toolbox; Room 224
Sarina Maneotis, Natalie Barlett, Chi-Leigh Warren, K-State Psychological Sciences
This session will draw from psychological research to introduce 3 key career-oriented tools that support young women as they enter the workforce and begin their journey as future business leaders. We will focus specifically on 1) self-development, 2) self-advocacy, and 3) self-management. Self-development will focus on the types of activities that support interest exploration in young adults, build resources for career and social support, and may facilitate later life and career satisfaction. Self-advocacy will focus on overcoming gender-related barriers in the job application and offer process, fighting for entrepreneurial and intrapreneural ideas, and managing conflict through healthy assertiveness. Finally, self-management will draw on motivation research to develop habits for balanced goal setting, self-regulation, and identifying work and business opportunities that best match one's work styles.
Introduction to Investments; Room 227
Lois Cox, Chief Investment Officer, K-State Foundation; retired
Whether you have money of your own to invest or plan on pursuing a career in helping others invest their money, you will want to join us in this session where we will discuss the basis building blocks to create and implement an investment plan. Along the way, we will demystify the sometimes confusing nomenclature used in describing various types of investments.
Impact, Influence, and Inspiration; Cottonwood Room
Jenna Myhre, William Yeo, and Emily Fehr, Fastenal
In this session, we will discuss influential leadership and why a title doesn't necessarily make a leader. Leadership happens in 360 degrees starting with leading yourself, your peers, and even up to your management. Learn about why worrying more about your impact than a title can lead to a more well-rounded and meaningful career.
Advanced Education - A Path for Women to Raise to the Top; Flint Hills Room
Megan Miller, K-State Graduate School
In general, the more education one has, the more one earns and the more likely one is to be employed. Ultimately, the education level that one has leads to positive impacts on families and communities and leads to higher rates of happiness and health. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Current Population Survey analysis of earnings and unemployment rates by education shows that workers’ median weekly earnings vary by level of education: doctoral degree holders $1,885, master degree holders $1,545, bachelor’s degree holders $1,305, compared with $781 for workers with a high school diploma. Higher education is a vehicle to lessen those equity gaps, to building your success as a professional and as a person. Graduate education empowers people to have more control over their lives, to build satisfying careers, to get into the “board room”, to handle impostor syndrome, and to have financial stability, in their families and communities while building a happier and healthier life.
United WE Panel Conversation - Women Serving in Elected Positions; Big 12 Room
Moderator: Beth Felski, United WE
Join us for an engaging breakout session, where a panel of accomplished women will share their experiences serving in various elected positions, including school boards, city commissions, and our state legislature. This dynamic panel discussion will shed light on the positive outcomes that result from women's engagement in public policy and provide insights into advocating for women in business.
Panelists:
Andrea Bough: Councilmember, Kansas City, Missouri City Council, 6th District-at-Large
Jayme Morris-Hardeman: USD 383 School Board
Linda Morse: Manhattan City Commissioner
Usha Reddi: Kansas Senator, District 22
Kristey Williams: Kansas Representative, House Majority Chair
2:30pm-3:00pm; Bluemont Room - College student and working professional networking
3:00pm-3:20pm; Bluemont Room - Closing program and Scholarships