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. 

Breakout Session Sponsor ​

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. 

​Deanna Singh 

Deanna Singh is a renowned speaker and trailblazer in the field of social change, impacting over 100,000 people annually with her dynamic presence an inspirational messages. As an award-winning author, educator, business leader, and social justice champion, she has dedicated her life to creating positive change.

She holds degrees from Fordham University, Georgetown University, and the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and has received a multitude of awards and recognitions. Deanna Singh is a true inspiration and a powerful force for change.

Deanna leads four social ventures as the Founder and Chief Change Agent of Flying Elephant, all of which work towards creating a more equitable society. These ventures are united in their mission to shift power to marginalized communities, covering inclusion in the workplace, healthcare, children's literature, and leadership. Deanna's impact extends beyond her social ventures, as the author of six books including Actions Speak Louder and A Girl's Guide to Race & Inclusion in partnership with American Girl.

Christine Russell, B.A.

Amy Yanzer

Panelist 

Amy Yanzer and her husband Paul founded Forward Beverage Co., a non-alcoholic beverage company, in 2023. Prior to opening the business, she worked as a professional musician in Madison, WI. She holds degrees from the University of St. Thomas and The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., and loves living in Wausau, WI, with her husband and three boys.
​

Andrea Palas​

Panelist 

Andrea is an experienced Organizational Development Manager focused on aligning people strategies with business objectives, she specializes in talent management and associate engagement. Working at Sentry has led to initiatives in associate development and coaching, while promoting an associate driven feedback culture. ​

Brigette Gibson

Moderator

Dr. Brigette Gibson serves as the Director of Institutional Research & Effectiveness and Chief Data Officer at UW-Stevens Point. In this role, she is responsible for providing leadership for institution-wide data, data compliance, data governance, data management, and supporting institutional planning and evaluation activities.​

Diana Hoover

​Speaker

Diana is the founder of Strong Heart Creative Studios where she works with clients to build beautiful brands and strong relationships. She is passionate about collaborating with socially and environmentally conscious organizations, creative small businesses, and women as they define their goals. Diana holds an MFA from UW Madison and a BFA from UW Milwaukee and has taught design for 25 years. ​

Gretel Stock​ 

Conference Host

Dr. Gretel Stock is Dean of University College at University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. She manages a dynamic organization that provides coordinated and inclusive experiences, services, resources and opportunities that foster student success. Units in University College include the library, core student and faculty support operations, the General Education program, and two branch campuses. Gretel received a Masters in Library Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, a Masters in Management and Organizational Behavior from Benedictine University, and a doctorate in Organization Development from Benedictine University. Previously she was the Executive Director of Academic Affairs and the Library at Viterbo University. She has also worked in other academic, association and corporate settings.​​

Panelist

Experience across various industries recruiting talent and helping to career path associates. ​

Harlee Stinson

Panelist​

Starting in the financial field in 2017 as a teller, with a zero experience background unsure of what I wanted to do in life & wow it's been a ride! I successfully opened one of Summit Credit Union's newest locations in 2023, as Branch Manager. Throughout my 7 years, I have worn many hats throughout organizations to provide the best financial education I can for our community & Portage County. ​

Heather Cloud

​Panelist 

Heather Cloud (Wakajapi) is the Executive Director of the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin, a role she took on in October 2024. She is a Thunder Clan member of the Ho-Chunk Nation and a veteran. She earned a Bachelor's and Master's degree from the UW Green Bay. She has 20+ years in leadership roles, customer service, and advocacy. ​

Jane Johnson

Panelist 

Jane is an Episcopal priest, currently serving as priest and pastor of the Beloved Community. Beloved Community Church is both Episcopal and ELCA-Lutheran. Together they are striving to learn what it means to be a diverse people who walk the Way of Love. Jane is the wife of a wonderful librarian, Murray; mother to four amazing adults, and grandmother to five incredible humans.​

Janice Watson

Panelist 

Janice Watson is the Executive Director of the ECDC Multicultural Community Center in Wisconsin, where she supports refugees worldwide like Afghanistan, Congo, Burma, Cuba, and Haiti. She is also the founder of A Taste of Jamaica, a catering business. Janice's mission is to make a difference by helping to change the lives of the refugee families she serves and anyone she comes in contact with.​

Kayley McColley

Panelist

Kayley McColley has her Associate's degree in human services and is currently a full-time student pursuing a double major in sociology and social work at the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point. Kayley has been involved in community organizing in several capacities including the Wausau George Floyd March, the Wausau Juneteenth celebrations, and a fundraiser to purchase books about Black history.​

La Vonne J. Cornell-Swanson

Keynote Speaker Introducer

​La Vonne comes to UW-Stevens Point from St. Cloud State University, Minnesota, where she was associate provost for faculty and student affairs since 2016. She also served as provost designee, overseeing operations in the Division of Academic Affairs. La Vonne has served in a variety of higher education leadership roles since 1994, including several in Wisconsin. She worked for UW System Administration as director and associate professor for the Office of Professional and Instructional Development. Among strategic initiatives there, she led development of the Wisconsin Teaching Fellows and Scholars Program and the Wisconsin Task Force for Access to Success for Native American Students

Maria Harris

Panelist

Maria is a first-generation Latina and alumna of UW-Stevens Point. As a strategic leader at Sentry Insurance, she is dedicated to fostering meaningful connections and creating pathways to new opportunities. Her focus is to bring diversity of background, thought, and ideas through strategic programs and initiatives.​​

Nicole Terrill

Moderator

Nicole Terrill, DPT, began her career working as a physical therapist with a career focus on parent-child attachment and bonding and trauma informed care. She left clinical practice to pursue the start up of Nordic Night Sauna  and also serves as a PI on an AHW grant to combat secondary trauma in minoritized community health workers. She is also a co-owner in Northern Lights Sauna in Wausau, WI.​

Ola Onitilo

Panelist​

I am a student volunteer coordinator for a refugee relocating nonprofit in Wausau and I founded a student advocate group that helps refugee youth in Wausau. I am always looking for ways to help grow the voices of people who are often ignored or forgotten in a community! 

Rachel Davis

Panelist

Rachel Davis is a citizen of the Sac and Fox Nation of Missouri in Kansas. Rachel works as advocate for students and Restorative Justice, has a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and is a current Doctoral Student in Educational Sustainability. 

Tamra Fletcher​​

Panelist

Tamra Fletcher is the director of sales and marketing for Fabiano Brothers - Wisconsin, a Michigan based beer and beverage wholesaler. She has relocated several times within her 18 years with the company to support smooth transitions during and after acquisitions. Tamra has adjusted by seeking new experiences and leveraging relationships to cultivate a community of positivity and growth. ​

Tiffany Rodriguez-Lee

Panelist

Tiffany utilizes her background in the nonprofit industry to lead the Center for Visual Arts creatively. Her passion lies in community-building and increasing access to the arts while advocating for the creative economy. As a queer and Latina writer and leader, she views her work and the community through a unique lens with passion and empathy in everything. ​

Tracie Schweder

Panelist

Tracie Schweder is the owner and Chief Heart Officer of The Wooden Chair, located in historic downtown Stevens Point. With a 20+ year background in digital marketing, branding, and online engagement, Tracie brings expertise in storytelling and human connection. Having moved to Point with her family during the pandemic, she brings a unique perspective to transitioning into a new community.​

Victoria Schultz

Panelist

23 year career in Real Estate as the Real Estate Broker / Owner of Stevens Point Realty, Inc. The Founder and Director of the Nonprofit Children's Theatre company The Playhouse Theatre Group.....We believe every child deserves a Standing Ovation!​​

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​​​