Friday, September 22, 12:30-5:30pm at
University at Buffalo, Alumni Arena

Elevate Your Skills, Amplify Your Network, Empower Your Community

Attire: This conference will be a wonderful opportunity to interact with some of the most influential women in WNY, so business casual is recommend. We highly encourage casual shoes as this event takes place in Alumni Arena. 

Schedule

12:00pm Registration Opens for Aspiring Leader Students

12:15pm Aspiring Leader Students

"Transitioning from Academic to the Workplace"

As graduation approaches, the prospect of stepping into the business world can be both exciting and daunting. This session is designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge to make a smooth and successful transition from academia to the corporate realm. This engaging and informative session will address the key challenges and opportunities that arise when entering the workforce by providing invaluable insights and actionable strategies to help you flourish in your new role. Our expert speakers will draw from their real-world experiences to empower you with valuable advice and proven techniques to make a strong impression from day one.

12:30pm General Registration Opens for Aspiring and Emerging Leaders

1:00pm Welcome & Opening Remarks

1:15pm Spark Talk

Jillian Hanesworth

This is your quick power boost before the jumping into the day's sessions. Get ready to to fire up your inspiration, spark curiosity, and gear you up to own the day. It's like your morning espresso for confidence, wrapped in compelling stories that'll light up your path.

1:35pm Aspiring Leader Track

"Managing Up, Down, and Across Your Organization"

Learn practical strategies to navigate office dynamics, foster collaboration, and make a lasting impact in your career. Handle workplace challenges with professionalism by asserting your presence, communicating with confidence, and building strong relationships with colleagues and superiors. Attendees will leave with the tools to
navigate the complexities of the modern workplace with poise and ambition while fostering a positive work culture to influence organizational success.

1:35pm Emerging Leader Track

"Leading With Differences in Mind"

This leadership development opportunity is for those who want to be intentional about building effective relationships with their team specifically across racial and gender differences. The session will focus on how to cultivate a team culture that is high-performing and inclusive. Leaders will leave understanding how values, mindsets, and asset-based thinking interconnect and build diverse, long-standing, strong teams.

2:25pm Aspiring Leaders Panel

"Through the Looking Glass: Lessons Learned from Lived Experience"

Led by successful women leaders who have navigated various industries, this panel offers a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities young professionals encounter as they embark on their career journeys. Drawing from their real-life experiences, the panelists will share valuable insights and personal anecdotes, providing a candid and authentic exploration of the professional landscape. Attendees will gain practical advice on building resilience, fostering self-confidence, and embracing growth opportunities during this pivotal stage of their careers.

2:25pm Emerging Leaders Panel

"Changing the Game: Women Redefining Systems for Gender Equity"

This engaging panel brings together accomplished women leaders who have successfully challenged traditional norms and paved the way for gender equity in various industries. Through insightful discussions and inspiring personal experiences, the speakers will shed light on the current state of gender disparities in the workplace and explore effective strategies for driving change. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of their unique role in reshaping organizational cultures and systems to create a more inclusive and equitable environment.

3:25pm Aspiring Leaders

"Networking 101: It's Who You Know"

In the fast-paced and competitive business landscape, building and nurturing a strong network can be the key to unlocking exciting opportunities and career growth. Led by seasoned professionals and networking experts, this engaging session provides practical tips and actionable insights to help attendees navigate the world of networking with confidence and authenticity. This session will empower you to develop your personal brand, forge meaningful relationships, and leverage your connections to accelerate your professional journey.

3:25pm Emerging Leaders

"Networking Your Way Up: Prioritize Relationships to Elevate Your Career Amidst the Busyness"

In a world driven by perpetual motion, women face the daunting task of balancing work, commitments, and networking in their career journey. Today's Hustle Society teaches us that busyness is good, it is a status symbol, a sign of productivity. But it has a downside that leaves women frustrated, burned out, not performing optimally, and keeps them from having time for what's important to achieve next level success. This session offers a transformative escape from the busyness cycle. You will discover a three-step process for building a career that is productive, fulfilling, and enjoyable while learning to prioritize networking to drive success in your respective field.

4:20pm All Attendees

"Unlock Your Network"

An exhilarating and unique speed networking session designed to connect ambitious professionals with experienced women leaders across our region. This session offers an unparalleled opportunity to build meaningful connections, seek guidance, and glean insights from accomplished women who have made significant strides in their respective fields. During this fast-paced and interactive session, participants will have the chance to engage in one-on-one conversations with a diverse group of Experienced Leaders. Whether you're seeking career advice, exploring new opportunities, or simply eager to practice your networking skills, this event is the perfect platform to unlock your full potential and accelerate your professional growth.

5:20pm Closing Remarks