The Women's Summit

Opening Address: The Courage To Use Your Power

Jerry Sue Thornton, Ph.D.

The keynote address will challenge you to understand the nature of your power and to be courageous in employing, executing and engaging that power. Discover the power within you and explore its impact on personal and professional aspects of your life.

View a recording of the opening address (00:00-21:19)

View a recording of the opening address via Boxcast (closed captioning)

Cleveland Women Trailblazers: Paving the Way for Those Who Follow

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.

Micki Byrnes, President and General Manager, WKYC

Margot Copeland, Retired Executive, KeyBank

Alberta Lee, Vice President of Human Resources, Cleveland Cavaliers

Karen Miller, Ph.D., Provost, Cuyahoga Community College

Moderator: Megan O'Bryan, Vice President of Development, Cuyahoga Community College and President, Cuyahoga Community College Foundation

View a recording of the Cleveland Women Trailblazers panel (21:20-1:24:30)

View a recording of the Cleveland Womens Trailblazers panel via Boxcast (closed captioning)

Breakout Session 1: Superpowers: Daring to Be Powerful

Karen Hilderbrand, BSIE, CEO, Twin Sisters Digital Media

Living a happy life is about doing what you naturally love. So why is it that we want everyone to work on their weaknesses instead of concentrating on their strengths? Karen will teach you how to live a happy and fulfilling life by harnessing your “superpowers” and helping others identify and use theirs.

View a recording of Breakout Session 1 (30 minutes)

Breakout Session 2: The Juggling Act: Balancing Your Personal and Professional Priorities in a Pandemic 

Michele Seyranian, MNO, CEO, The Gathering Place and Meltrice Sharp, CPA, Managing Partner, CLE Consulting Firm

As women practicing resilience in a pandemic, we are constantly toggling between personal and professional priorities. Whether it’s an urgent meeting with our work team, managing a course load with looming deadlines or trying to complete homework while cooking dinner, we’re constantly in “figure-it-out” mode. Michele and Meltrice will share how they practice resilience while managing roles and responsibilities, as well as how they find time to prioritize themselves and their well-being.

View a recording of Breakout Session 2 (30 minutes)

Breakout Session 3: Turning Career Challenges Into Bad A** Opportunities

Stamy Paul, Vice President of Human Resources, Airgas and President and Founder, Graffiti HeArt

In this highly engaging session, Stamy will describe the challenges she encountered while figuring out what she wanted to be when she “grew up.” After sharing her journey of overcoming defeat, realizing success and paying it forward, she will engage in a Q&A with participants.

View a recording of Breakout Session 3 (26 minutes)

Powerful Practices

View a recording of Powerful Practices (2:07:02-2:15:40)

View a recording of Powerful Practices via Boxcast (closed captioning)

Closing Address: Change Your Habits, Change Your Life

Tamsin Astor, Ph.D., Chief Habit Scientist, Founder and CEO, Yoga Brained LLC

Changing your life involves changing your habits — whether it's adding new ones or replacing the ones that don't serve you. And behavioral change, whether positive or negative, can be demanding. A recent NPR study shows that 92% of Americans who make new years’ resolutions give up on them by February. This is where neuroscience and knowing how to harness your brain’s natural goal-achieving power can be hugely impactful. Learn how to add new habits, automate brain processes to increase energy and save time, and align habits to your vision.

View a recording of the closing address (2:15:41-2:43:20)

View a recording of the closing address via Boxcast (closed captioning)

Virtual Power Networking Session (Optional)

Dee Dee Pfister, Ph.D., AVP, Academic Professional Development, Online Learning and Academic Technology, and Transfer and Articulation
Jen McCall, Coordinator, Contract Training, ED Client Solutions and Program Management

Round out the day with a power virtual networking session. After a brief introduction on the importance of personal branding and networking, engage in speed networking, exchange contact information and make lasting connections with other Tri-C Women’s Summit participants. Learn, connect, laugh and relax virtually with your lunch during this wonderful networking opportunity.