The Women's Summit

Cuyahoga Community College embraces and affirms the value and power of women.

Catch the Fire: Women as Agents of Change in the Workplace

Friday, March 1 | 9 a.m.
Corporate College East, Warrensville Heights

Join us as we explore techniques for adapting to a changing workforce through the latest technologies, business models and success strategies.

Thank you for a great summit from the 2024 committee!

2024 Program Schedule

9-9:30 a.m.	Continental Breakfast and Registration Lobby and Super Conference Room (Room 126)
9:30-9:35 a.m.	Summit Opening *Opening Remarks: Sonja Elekhtaby and Terrii Zernechel* Super Conference Room (Room 126)
9:35-9:45 a.m.	Welcome Address Speaker: Standish Stewart Super Conference Room (Room 126)
9:45-10:30 a.m.	Opening Keynote Speaker: Renee Tramble Richard, J.D. *Interviewer: Danita Harris, News Anchor, Founder of S.H.I.N.E.* Super Conference Room (Room 126)
10:45-11:30 a.m.	Concurrent Breakout Sessions #1 ― Set Your Voice on Fire: Public Speaking as an Agent of Change Presenter: Holly Craider, Ph.D. Room 223 Do you feel stuck in your ability to get your voice heard during a meeting? Do you willingly pass up an opportunity to present in front of a group even if that risks career advancement? You’re not alone! Join us for an interactive session where you will learn tips to overcome the fear of public speaking and ways to ensure that, when you get your moment to do it, you will set your voice on fire to affect change! #2 ― Fostering Collaborative Leadership for Impactful Workplace Transformation Presenter: Jennifer Bosco, Ed.D. Room 224 In today's dynamic workplace, collaborative leadership styles have emerged as a cornerstone for driving positive change. Women, in particular, possess unique strengths that can be elevated and harnessed to find innovative ways to move our workplaces forward. We will explore the benefits of collaborative leadership styles and how women can effectively leverage these approaches to foster change in their professional environments. From coalition building to pushing against traditional workplace barriers together, we will delve into actionable strategies for developing teamwork skills and creating pathways for impactful transformation. #3 ― Fire Up Your Passion: Developing an Entrepreneurial Mindset *Presenters: Ronna McNair and Suzanne Ortiz* Room 229 Have you ever been passionate about something or curious about solving a problem? How do you fire up that passion and think like an entrepreneur? Join us as we explore how to bring an entrepreneurial mindset to the workplace or a small business. Understand how entrepreneurs turn their passion into profit from start to finish. #4 ― Striking a Harmony in the Pursuit of "F.I.R.E." in Our Lives *Presenter: Reverend Gloria Chaney* Room 230 In the aftermath of the COVID-19 era, our expectations, environments and priorities have undergone significant modifications, adjustments and shifts. It's time to reflect, evaluate and contemplate where we stand on the spectrum of BALANCE in various aspects of our lives — be it in our careers, day-to-day routines, influence within our circles, academic pursuits or what lies ahead. Let's delve into examining, considering and weighing in on achieving equilibrium in these areas. There exists a middle ground, even within the concept of FIRE, and it is within our reach. Join us in acquiring the toolbox of BALANCE for the year 2024.
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.	Lunch Super Conference Room (Room 126)
12:30-1:30 p.m.	Networking Session Presenter: Dee Dee Pfister Super Conference Room (Room 126)
1:30-1:45 p.m.	Mindful Movement/Well-Being Session Presenter: Sabrina Cali Super Conference Room (Room 126)
1:45-2 p.m.	Snack Break
2-3 p.m.	Trailblazer Panel: Women Who Paved the Road for Those Who Follow Moderator: Tari S. Rivera Panelists: Gina DeVito-Staub, Deidre R. Jones, Ariane Kirkpatrick, Lauren Phillips and Sara Stucky Sayner Super Conference Room (Room 126) Hear the stories of exceptional Cleveland women who have taken risks, risen against adversity, broken new ground and challenged the status quo. Their voices will impart an important message to each of us.
3-3:15 p.m.	Closing Remarks *Speaker: Magda Gómez, Ed.D.* Super Conference Room (Room 126)