Continuing Education and Outreach

Opening Welcome

Dr. Gretel Stock, Dean of University College, will welcome all attendees, recognize our sponsors and presenters, and introduce our Trailblazer Spotlight to the stage.

Blazing Your Own Trail - While Finding Your Voice 

In this dynamic, interactive talk, Christine Russell, Director of Health & Wellness Programs at the Foundation for Black Women's Wellness, shares her inspiring journey of blazing her own trail. Navigating personal and professional obstacles to discover her genuine, authentic voice. As a 2023 recipient of the UWSP Trailblazer Award, she reflects on the moments that shaped her path, offering powerful insights into how finding her voice not only transformed her life, but also empowered her to inspire and lead others. 

​​Christine will guide our guests through the activation of our energy center that governs communication and self-expression, offering practical exercises to help us connect with our inner voice. We will embrace the power of our collective voice to ignite inner transformation, which will therefore fuel our purpose and passions to ultimately set the world on fire! Let's get ready to blaze our own trails with confidence, alignment and purpose. ​

Provost La Vonne Cornell-Swanson

Gold Keynote Sponsor, Provost LaVonne Cornell-Swanson, will introduce our keynote speaker with reflections on the conference theme, inspiring participants to embrace courage and ignite their voices on their own trailblazing journeys.

How to Win at Failure 

Presenter: Deanna Singh, Founder and Chief Change Agent of Flying Elephant​​

Description: Are you letting the fear of failure hold you back from reaching your full potential? Join Deanna Singh as she unveils the secrets to transforming this common fear into your greatest asset. Drawing from her book "Purposeful Hustle," Deanna will guide you through the process of building unshakeable courage and reframing your relationship with fear.

​​In this transformative program, you'll discover how to use failure as a catalyst for growth and innovation. Deanna will teach you to recognize fear as a natural part of the journey and show you how to transform it into a powerful motivator. You'll learn to embrace failure not as a setback but as a stepping stone to success, enabling you to step confidently outside your comfort zone.

​​This program is tailored for ambitious individuals seeking to break through self-imposed limitations, professionals looking to accelerate their personal and career growth, and anyone ready to harness the power of failure to fuel their success. You'll walk away with practical strategies to:

• ​​​​Recognize fear as a natural part of the journey
• ​​Transform fear into a powerful motivator
• ​Embrace failure as a stepping stone to success
• ​​Step confidently outside your comfort zone
  

Don't let fear dictate your path any longer. Join us for "How to Win at Failure" and discover how to win by failing forward. Unleash your potential and turn your biggest fears into your greatest achievements.​

Visit and interact with the exhibitors, snap a pic in our photo booth, and connect with fellow attendees!​

Platinum Event Sponsor Carie Winn, representing the Sentry School of Business & Economics, will recognize our exhibitors, sponsors, and speakers, reflect on the day's highlights, and encourage networking during lunch. Melinda Osterberg and Nichole Crust from our Gold Keynote Sponsor, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, will showcase key economic development successes from this past year.​​

​​​A1 (Nuts and Bolts) - Bringing New Voices to the Table--Stories of Recruiting and Retaining Diverse Talent

Presenters: Andrea Palas, Organizational Development Manager​ at Sentry Insurance 

                    Hannah Krueger, Talent Acquisition Manager​ at Sentry Insurance ​

                    Maria Harris, College Recruitment and Program Specialist​ at Sentry Insurance

Description:​ Explore the art and impact of recruiting and retaining diverse talent. Participants will learn how to discover their voices as leaders in this crucial area and what inspired their commitment to do so. The session will cover successful strategies for attracting new voices, fostering a sense of belonging, and the vital role of leadership in promoting diversity. This workshop offers practical insights and real-world examples to help you bring new voices to the table and ensure they thrive. ​​

B1 (New Adventures) - Building Something from Scratch--Fresh Stories of Starting New Things

Presenters: Amy Yanzer, Founder/Owner​ of Forward Beverage

                     Jane Johnson, Episcopal Priest and Pastor at Beloved Community Church

​                     Rachel Davis, Native American Center Coordinator at UWSP

Moderator: Brigette Gibson, Director of Institutional Research & Effectiveness and Chief Data Officer​​

Description:​ Join us for fresh insights and practical advice about starting new things. Learn how three trailblazing women found their voices and the overcame barriers. The panelists will discuss the resources and tools the drew upon, the role of networks in their success, and what continues to inspire them as they forge new paths.​

C1 (Deepening our Impact) - Unwavering Voices--Uncertainty, Reckless Pursuit, and Leadership​

This session will be livestreamed and re​corded.

Presenters: Heather Cloud, Executive Director of American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin

                     Harlee Stinson, ​Branch Manager at Summit Credit Union

                     Victoria Schultz, Real Estate Broker / Owner of Stevens Point Realty and Nonprofit Founder of The Playhouse Theatre Group​

Moderator: ​Nicole Terrill, Owner of Nordic Night Sauna

Description:​ Hear stories of bold moves in pursuit of passion, and how the panel managed their doubts and uncertainties along the way. Panelists will also share the critical role of mentorship and networking in navigating these challenges, and how they balance their reckless hope with life’s responsibilities. Join us for an inspiring conversation. 

A2 (Nuts and Bolts) - The Art of Being Known--Developing Your Personal Brand 

This session will be livestreamed and recorded.​

Presenter: Diana Hoover, Proprietor of Strong Heart Cre​ative and UWSP Professor Emerita in Graphic Design​

Description:​​ Dive into the essentials of developing a powerful personal brand. Explore the benefits of personal branding, common pitfalls to avoid, and strategies for creating a compelling narrative. The session will also cover effective ways to engage your audience and the tools that can help you build and sustain your brand. Gain valuable insights and actionable advice to elevate your own brand. 

B2 (New Adventures) - Pioneering your Path--Transitioning Into a New Community 

Presenters: Ola Onitilo, Student Volunteer Coordinator​​

                     Tracie Schweder, Owner of The Wooden Chair

                     Tamra Fletcher, Director of Sales & Marketing for Fabiano Brothers​

Moderator: ​Shari Laffredi, SCORE Certified Mentor​

Description:​ Learn how to effectively use your voice as a newcomer, find your place, and identify gaps you can fill. The panel will explore the journey of building trust within a new community, seeking and finding guidance, and bringing valuable insights from past experiences. Discover how to navigate unfamiliar territory, build relationships, and make your mark as you pioneer your path in a new environment. ​

C2 (Deepening our Impact) - ​​Voices Unbound--Breaking Free from Cultural Bias​

​Presenters: Janice Watson, Executive Director of the ​Ethiopian Community Development Council, Inc.​​

                     Kayley McColley, Community Organizer

                     Tiffany Rodriguez-Lee, Executive Director of CVA and Wausau's Poet Laureate

Moderator: ​Mariana Savela, Founding Director and President of HOLA​, Program Manager and Certified Health Navigator with the Hmong and Hispanic Communication Network (H2N).

Description:​ Delve into the challenges of balancing cultural identity and hear stories about encountering cultural bias. Panelists will share what gives them hope for a more culturally diverse future and discuss the qualities of cultural allyship. This session is a powerful exchange about breaking free and amplifying our voices.​

Closing Event

End the day with inspiring insights from Debbie Beyer, Sentry School of Business faculty member and club founder, and Phalisa Xiong, president of the UWSP Women in Business Club. Their words will empower and motivate, leaving us with valuable perspectives to carry forward.​

Join us for some light appetizers provided by UWSP Catering and mocktails provided by Forward Beverage Company while making new connections with women trailblazers, entrepreneurs, leaders, and other attendees. 

The first 250 in-person attendees will receive a copy of Deanna Singh's book, "Purposeful Hustle"!​ 

Purposeful Hustle helps you answer the question: “How do I use my talents, skills, and resources to create a greater impact?”

To be an effective change maker, you have to blend intentional thought (Purpose) with intentional action (Hustle). When engaging in Purposeful Hustle, you are directing your life’s work toward intentionally making a positive impact in the world. Therefore, a Purposeful Hustler is someone who exists in the world with the ultimate goal of creating change! ​​

Women in Business is inviting attendees to donate essential items such as tampons, pads, feminine wipes, fuzzy socks, and more. These donations will be used to create care kits for women in need, which will be distributed during the holidays through United Way. Help us make a positive impact by contributing to this meaningful cause!​

Below are a list of items we're looking for: 

• Tampons of various sizes
  
• Pads of various sizes
• Feminine wipes
  
• Hairbrushes
  
• Fuzzy socks
  
• ​Travel size Advil/Tylenol or other mild pain reliever (single dose packs)
• Financial Contributions/Cash Donation​​​