Breakout Sessions

Attendees will have two breakout session opportunities with three sessions to choose from! Register today to hear from these insightful presenters.

Empathy-Based Persuasive Communication

Dr. Jessica Albers

Establishing persuasive communication skills in an empathy-based mindset is valuable for active communication that builds trust and respect. These communication skills should be cognitively established and practiced as a part of building leadership skills. The workshop will connect the concepts of empathy, persuasive communication, and motivational interviewing skills by exploring their foundation and perception of the working world. We will work through the spectrum of empathy and discuss how the different types of empathy are elicited and perceived. We will use Aristotle's "Rhetoric" to examine credible, emotional, and logic-based persuasion. Then, we will learn about the steps of Motivational Interviewing and which components we can use in our daily interactions. The workshop will include a worksheet, group discussion, role-playing scenarios, and developing your communication philosophy.

Becoming a Trauma-Informed Leader

Terri Allred 

This workshop is designed for women leaders who aspire to create resilient, inclusive teams and a workplace culture of belonging. This interactive session will equip participants with an understanding of trauma-informed care principles—safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration, and empowerment—and how to apply them effectively in their leadership roles. A significant focus of the workshop will be on building a community of belonging. Participants will emerge with strategies to enhance inclusivity and integrate it into their leadership approach. They will learn how to dismantle barriers to inclusion, enhance team cohesion, and create a nurturing environment that acknowledges and respects the diverse experiences of all employees. This workshop will transform leaders into advocates for a compassionate, inclusive workplace, driving productivity and fostering a culture where every individual can thrive. 

Crimmigration: Intersections of Criminal Justice and Immigration Justice

Karla Esqueda

This session will explore the complex relationship between criminal justice and immigration justice in the United States. Participants will examine the impact of policies on both systems, the role of law enforcement, and the advocacy work of organizations such as the ACLU. By the end of the session, attendees will understand key intersections between these issues and be able to propose potential reforms.

Overcoming Internalized Weight Bias to Advocate for All

Liz Paul

Weight and size stigma remain prevalent in society, particularly for women. Bias for people in larger bodies leads to increased health outcomes and internalized shame for people of all sizes. Learn how to recognize weight bias, including internalized weight bias, and advocate for true access to compassionate healthcare and a society that allows women to take up space.

Financial Justice and the Spectrum of Change

Meghan Olsen Biebighauser 

In a world where financial systems often perpetuate inequality, achieving financial justice requires intentional action and a commitment to equity. This session will explore the concept of financial justice, from understanding the systemic barriers that impact marginalized communities to identifying strategies for driving meaningful change. Participants will engage in a dynamic discussion that covers the spectrum of financial justice, from grassroots initiatives to policy advocacy, and learn how to leverage their leadership to create a more just financial future. Join us to examine the power of collective action, the role of intersectionality in financial equity, and the innovative approaches that can lead to transformative change in our communities and beyond. 

Art and Activism

Ark Kimble 

Art has always played a pivotal role in social movements, serving as a powerful tool for expressing dissent, building solidarity, and envisioning a more just world. In this session, we will explore how creativity and activism intersect to drive progress towards an equitable future. Participants will learn how art can amplify voices, challenge injustices, and mobilize communities. We will also delve into the healing and mindfulness aspects of art, discussing how creative practices can offer solace and empowerment in the face of adversity. Through interactive activities, attendees will discover how to harness the transformative power of art to support personal well-being and collective action, fostering a more inclusive and resilient movement for change.