Purdue for Life Foundation
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Sessions

Sessions

We have planned a wide variety of sessions for this year’s conference, all of them presented by engaging and thought-provoking speakers. All times are Eastern.

Sessions

Sessions

We have planned a wide variety of sessions for this year’s conference, all of them presented by engaging and thought-provoking speakers. All times are Eastern.

THURSDAY, June 9

Opening Session //

10-10:45 AM

| LOCATION TO BE DETERMINED

Q&A with Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch

Crouch, who was born and raised in Evansville, Indiana, and earned her Purdue degree in political science in 1975, has established a distinguished public service career in Indiana and became lieutenant governor in 2017. She will be joined by Rafael Sanchez, an Emmy Award-winning anchor and investigative reporter at WRTV in Indianapolis, during this wide-ranging discussion.
Crouch, who was born and raised in Evansville, Indiana, and earned her Purdue degree in political science in 1975, has established a distinguished public service career in Indiana and became lieutenant governor in 2017. She will be joined by Rafael Sanchez, an Emmy Award-winning anchor and investigative reporter at WRTV in Indianapolis, during this wide-ranging discussion.
Keynotes //

10:45–11:45 AM

| LOCATION TO BE DETERMINED

Leading with Intention and Impact

Wendy Baker | Vice President Operations | BlueEQ

The concept of creating a safe environment to discuss ideas, experiment, take risks, and interact in a style that allows others to engage and thrive has become critically important to our person and professional success.  Learn about the foundation of positive cultures and discuss tools that can promote success.
The concept of creating a safe environment to discuss ideas, experiment, take risks, and interact in a style that allows others to engage and thrive has become critically important to our person and professional success.  Learn about the foundation of positive cultures and discuss tools that can promote success.

4–5 PM

| XXXXXXXXXX (location)

Women to Rise – A Roadmap to Reboot Our Leadership in a Post-COVID Era

Rebecca Shambaugh | President | SHAMBAUGH Leadership

Women are vital to our teams, companies, and customers, yet an alarming number of women are leaving their roles. Now is the time for women to lean in and champion their careers—to lead and stimulate the real change that is needed for creating equitable and inclusive work environments. Shambaugh will call out critical leadership attributes in a post-COVID world and provide a proven formula for women to create a new and successful path forward.
Women are vital to our teams, companies, and customers, yet an alarming number of women are leaving their roles. Now is the time for women to lean in and champion their careers—to lead and stimulate the real change that is needed for creating equitable and inclusive work environments. Shambaugh will call out critical leadership attributes in a post-COVID world and provide a proven formula for women to create a new and successful path forward.
Early Breakout Sessions //

1:30–2:30 pm

| ALEXANDER BALLROOM

Leading with Intention and Impact – A Deep Dive

Wendy Baker | Vice President Operations | BlueEQ

Baker will expand on her earlier keynote, which focuses on personal and professional growth through awareness of emotional intelligence and psychological safety. 
Baker will expand on her earlier keynote, which focuses on personal and professional growth through awareness of emotional intelligence and psychological safety. 

1:30–2:30 pm

| rogues run

Mentoring works!

Tricia Berry | Associate Dean of Clinical and Practicum Programs | Purdue University Global

Have you ever thought about becoming a mentor or seeking a mentor for yourself? Agreeing to get involved in a mentoring relationship can be intimidating. Potential mentors may feel that they won’t provide value to a mentee or that mentoring is too time consuming. Potential mentees may be reluctant to show vulnerability or concerned about being matched to a mentor they cannot relate to. Join this session to learn how easy it is to get involved in a mentoring program and how both mentors and mentees benefit from the mentoring relationship.
Have you ever thought about becoming a mentor or seeking a mentor for yourself? Agreeing to get involved in a mentoring relationship can be intimidating. Potential mentors may feel that they won’t provide value to a mentee or that mentoring is too time consuming. Potential mentees may be reluctant to show vulnerability or concerned about being matched to a mentor they cannot relate to. Join this session to learn how easy it is to get involved in a mentoring program and how both mentors and mentees benefit from the mentoring relationship.

1:30–2:30 pm

| THE RENAISSANCE

Tap Into Your Sisterhood

BreAnna Davis | Associate Attorney | Frost Brown Todd

Women wear several hats, and our professional and personal lives are intertwined and inseparable. Throughout our lives and experiences, we create an untapped network of like-minded individuals—the sisterhood. In the sisterhood, there is power, partnership, mentorship, and collaboration. Davis will provide the steps to tap into this valuable network, motivating you to make room on a plate that is overloaded. Once you tap in, that mental checklist will feel shorter.
Women wear several hats, and our professional and personal lives are intertwined and inseparable. Throughout our lives and experiences, we create an untapped network of like-minded individuals—the sisterhood. In the sisterhood, there is power, partnership, mentorship, and collaboration. Davis will provide the steps to tap into this valuable network, motivating you to make room on a plate that is overloaded. Once you tap in, that mental checklist will feel shorter.

1:30–2:30 pm

| Fletcher Place

The Neuroscience and Power of Feminine Leadership

Keshawn Hughes | Neurocoach / Marketing Consultant / Instructor

Research shows that women outperform men in 12 out of 16 leadership characteristics. However, many men and women tend to think men are better leaders. Discover the remarkable power of feminine leadership through a neuroscience lens. Walk away with practical steps to embrace those qualities and own your impact for better business outcomes.
Research shows that women outperform men in 12 out of 16 leadership characteristics. However, many men and women tend to think men are better leaders. Discover the remarkable power of feminine leadership through a neuroscience lens. Walk away with practical steps to embrace those qualities and own your impact for better business outcomes.

1:30–2:30 pm

| IRISH HILL

Tune Out the Noise with Daily Silence

Vickie Maris | Speaker / Author / Podcaster / Digital Business Consultant

Adding silence to your daily routine has a wide range of benefits, including a decrease in stress and an increase in creativity, empathy, and productivity. In search of a deeper sense of self-awareness, Maris experimented with 30 minutes of silence for 100 consecutive days and was overwhelmed by the positive results. Learn tips on incorporating the practice in your daily routine and discover how to lean into the inner self that is revealed.
Adding silence to your daily routine has a wide range of benefits, including a decrease in stress and an increase in creativity, empathy, and productivity. In search of a deeper sense of self-awareness, Maris experimented with 30 minutes of silence for 100 consecutive days and was overwhelmed by the positive results. Learn tips on incorporating the practice in your daily routine and discover how to lean into the inner self that is revealed.
Late Breakout Sessions //

2:45–3:45 pm

| Pogue’s Run

Get Your Culture On

Cindi Koh-Knox Sharp | Clinical Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice | Purdue University

Intercultural development is an approach that has been used at Purdue for the past several years. This active-learning session will help you identify mindful ways to make meaning in familiar and unfamiliar cultural contexts. Sharp will explain the four phases of intercultural development, identify personal perspectives of familiar and unfamiliar cultural contexts, and discuss experiences with others to recognize similarities and differences. In small-group discussions, attendees can voice their opinions and share their experiences.
Intercultural development is an approach that has been used at Purdue for the past several years. This active-learning session will help you identify mindful ways to make meaning in familiar and unfamiliar cultural contexts. Sharp will explain the four phases of intercultural development, identify personal perspectives of familiar and unfamiliar cultural contexts, and discuss experiences with others to recognize similarities and differences. In small-group discussions, attendees can voice their opinions and share their experiences.

2:45–3:45 pm

| Cityway Gallery

Inclusion by Design

Karen Korellis Reuther | Senior Fellow | Advanced Leadership Initiative | Harvard University

The advancement of women to top leadership in our businesses and institutions will drive a more equitable world for all. My Advanced Leadership Fellowship at Harvard is focused on harnessing the power and wisdom of women to address 21st century design challenges through advocating for gender diversity in design and design for gender diversity. Amplifying stories of success and raising awareness on the power of gender diversity to deliver on profit and purpose will encourage and support more women to pursue careers in design, lift women to leadership roles and bring their unique, creative voices to the c-suite and boards.
The advancement of women to top leadership in our businesses and institutions will drive a more equitable world for all. My Advanced Leadership Fellowship at Harvard is focused on harnessing the power and wisdom of women to address 21st century design challenges through advocating for gender diversity in design and design for gender diversity. Amplifying stories of success and raising awareness on the power of gender diversity to deliver on profit and purpose will encourage and support more women to pursue careers in design, lift women to leadership roles and bring their unique, creative voices to the c-suite and boards.

2:45–3:45 pm

| Irish Hill

Passing the Baton

Jane Gilbert Sipe | Owner | Managing Your Medications

Sipe will share a Purdue story that begins with a baton in hand, as a Silver Twin twirler with the University’s “All American” Marching Band, and concludes with an opportunity to give back. Along the way, learn how she was mentored, coached, and disciplined by women who served as role models, and discover how we might inspire and empower each other. It’s all about passing the baton to the next generation!
Sipe will share a Purdue story that begins with a baton in hand, as a Silver Twin twirler with the University’s “All American” Marching Band, and concludes with an opportunity to give back. Along the way, learn how she was mentored, coached, and disciplined by women who served as role models, and discover how we might inspire and empower each other. It’s all about passing the baton to the next generation!

2:45–3:45 pm

| Fletcher Place

Passion and Perseverance

Melissa St. John | Chief Executive Officer | Relocation Strategies

During a career that has spanned more than 30 years, including more than 15 years as a business owner, St. John has seen her fair share of challenges and successes. She will share how persistence and passion came in to play in a life spent combating obstacles. Losing a child and her husband to mental-health issues and addiction fueled St. John’s fire and convinced her that she could not depend on anyone but herself to raise her family and fulfill her dream of running a successful business. Have you ever felt like you just wanted to quit? Has a loved one ever told you that you couldn’t do it? What do you do to refresh, rejuvenate, and reinvent yourself? St. John will share how she answered these questions and found a successful work-life balance.
During a career that has spanned more than 30 years, including more than 15 years as a business owner, St. John has seen her fair share of challenges and successes. She will share how persistence and passion came in to play in a life spent combating obstacles. Losing a child and her husband to mental-health issues and addiction fueled St. John’s fire and convinced her that she could not depend on anyone but herself to raise her family and fulfill her dream of running a successful business. Have you ever felt like you just wanted to quit? Has a loved one ever told you that you couldn’t do it? What do you do to refresh, rejuvenate, and reinvent yourself? St. John will share how she answered these questions and found a successful work-life balance.

2:45–3:45 pm

| Alexander Ballroom

Strategies to Take your Emotional and Mental Fitness to the Next Level and Soar

Courtney McWaine | Life Coach / Inspirational Speaker / Wellness Professional

The pressures of work, family, relationships, obstacles, and life commitments can build up and throw you off your game in an instant. In the age of being a superwoman, multitasking, and social media imagery, it is important to remember that even the strongest person needs balance. In this workshop, McWaine will explore ways to create an atmosphere of growth that empowers you to break out of your comfort zone to make your mental and emotional wellness priorities rather than obligations.
The pressures of work, family, relationships, obstacles, and life commitments can build up and throw you off your game in an instant. In the age of being a superwoman, multitasking, and social media imagery, it is important to remember that even the strongest person needs balance. In this workshop, McWaine will explore ways to create an atmosphere of growth that empowers you to break out of your comfort zone to make your mental and emotional wellness priorities rather than obligations.

2:45–3:45 pm

| the Renaissance

The Warrior in You

Stacie Carroll | US Air Force Reserve Special Operations Officer | Founder, Instinct Coaching LLC

In this workshop, you will learn to find and harness the warrior within. Why? Because we are all battling something. Let’s channel Amazon warriors. Let’s find the confidence and skills to take up our spears. Let’s be a wave of female changemakers. Through personal experience, Carroll has come to believe that many women feel they are in a never-ending battle. Many are battling the balance between family and work. Many are battling sexism, racism, or other inequalities at work. Many women in the workforce feel they must change themselves to fit in and be successful. Carroll uses her combat experiences and executive coaching skills to impart the foundations necessary for women to become warriors for positive change.
In this workshop, you will learn to find and harness the warrior within. Why? Because we are all battling something. Let’s channel Amazon warriors. Let’s find the confidence and skills to take up our spears. Let’s be a wave of female changemakers. Through personal experience, Carroll has come to believe that many women feel they are in a never-ending battle. Many are battling the balance between family and work. Many are battling sexism, racism, or other inequalities at work. Many women in the workforce feel they must change themselves to fit in and be successful. Carroll uses her combat experiences and executive coaching skills to impart the foundations necessary for women to become warriors for positive change.

Friday, June 10

Keynotes //

10:30–11:30 am

| XXXXXXX (location?)

Get Ready to GLOW – Grow, Lead, Own It, and Wow!

Robin Kwok | Career Coach and Marketing Consultant / Growth Strategy and Operations Leader / International Expansion Expert

We talk about innovation and growth in the workplace all the time, but we don’t talk so openly about growth in our personal lives. We’re all entrepreneurs here—we are the creators of our own lives, and we get to design our own journeys! In this engaging session, get a front-row seat to Empower Hour, an upbeat and condensed version of three coaching programs that normally take months to master: Innovate, Radiate, and Get Into Your Great State. You’ll walk away feeling inspired to try something new and achieve your personal goals. It’s your time to GLOW!
We talk about innovation and growth in the workplace all the time, but we don’t talk so openly about growth in our personal lives. We’re all entrepreneurs here—we are the creators of our own lives, and we get to design our own journeys! In this engaging session, get a front-row seat to Empower Hour, an upbeat and condensed version of three coaching programs that normally take months to master: Innovate, Radiate, and Get Into Your Great State. You’ll walk away feeling inspired to try something new and achieve your personal goals. It’s your time to GLOW!
Closing Keynote //

2:30–3:30 pm

| Alexander Ballroom

Your Future Self 

Kendra Bracken-Ferguson | Founder | BrainTrust Founders Studio

We often get distracted and lose our center and focus, so how can you show up for yourself every day? How do you stay consistent and guided in the direction of your future self? Unlocking your future self is different for everyone, but Bracken-Ferguson calls it her zone of genesis. Living in our zone of genesis creates the force that guides all aspects of our lives. We must hold ourselves accountable and shift our mindset to unlock our future self, create, and live the life we want. We must live with intention. If we can operate with the lights on through a clear roadmap of where we are going—if we can use the lens of what motivates us, find where our passion lies, and have a clear vision of our future—then we can guide our future self.  
We often get distracted and lose our center and focus, so how can you show up for yourself every day? How do you stay consistent and guided in the direction of your future self? Unlocking your future self is different for everyone, but Bracken-Ferguson calls it her zone of genesis. Living in our zone of genesis creates the force that guides all aspects of our lives. We must hold ourselves accountable and shift our mindset to unlock our future self, create, and live the life we want. We must live with intention. If we can operate with the lights on through a clear roadmap of where we are going—if we can use the lens of what motivates us, find where our passion lies, and have a clear vision of our future—then we can guide our future self.  
Early Breakout Sessions //

7–7:30 am

| TBA

Zumba Session

Maria Whipple | Certified Zumba Instructor

Whipple, who is the director of Affinity Networks at the Purdue for Life Foundation, is a certified Zumba instructor and the former owner of ZAZZ Dance Studio. For nearly a decade, and in numerous countries, she has been leading energetic dance sessions for all levels and age groups. Come join her for an unforgettable party celebrating dances from all over the world!
Whipple, who is the director of Affinity Networks at the Purdue for Life Foundation, is a certified Zumba instructor and the former owner of ZAZZ Dance Studio. For nearly a decade, and in numerous countries, she has been leading energetic dance sessions for all levels and age groups. Come join her for an unforgettable party celebrating dances from all over the world!

9:15–10:15 am

| Fletcher Place

Five Ways to Test if Consulting Is for You

Kris Taylor and Katie McNamee | Entrepreneurs / Consultants

You may be considering independent consulting as a career but hesitating to leave your job for something that is unproven and seems risky. Or, you may not even know how to start. In this interactive session, you will learn five proven and practical ways to test the water before making a move into full-time consulting. Come away with an understanding of current consulting trends; a process for evaluating the risk of starting your own consulting practice; five proven and practical ways to test the market, your skills, and your income potential; the ability to craft an approach that fits you and your current economic situation; and access to no-cost resources offered by LEAP Consulting Time will be allotted for small-group discussions and a Q&A session.
You may be considering independent consulting as a career but hesitating to leave your job for something that is unproven and seems risky. Or, you may not even know how to start. In this interactive session, you will learn five proven and practical ways to test the water before making a move into full-time consulting. Come away with an understanding of current consulting trends; a process for evaluating the risk of starting your own consulting practice; five proven and practical ways to test the market, your skills, and your income potential; the ability to craft an approach that fits you and your current economic situation; and access to no-cost resources offered by LEAP Consulting Time will be allotted for small-group discussions and a Q&A session.

9:15–10:15 am

| the Renaissance

Dust Off That Rolodex

Hillary Gramm | Executive Director | Higher Up Texas

Each of us has a Rolodex sitting in our minds that is often underutilized. Mountains are moved once you discover that your network amounts to your net worth. In this session, gain a deeper understanding of how and where networks develop, and learn how to capitalize on their potential for your personal, professional, and community betterment. Gramm will also discuss the nonprofit organization she helped found, which is teaching the life skill of networking to marginalized young adults who are finding employment and opportunities beyond what they ever imagined.
Each of us has a Rolodex sitting in our minds that is often underutilized. Mountains are moved once you discover that your network amounts to your net worth. In this session, gain a deeper understanding of how and where networks develop, and learn how to capitalize on their potential for your personal, professional, and community betterment. Gramm will also discuss the nonprofit organization she helped found, which is teaching the life skill of networking to marginalized young adults who are finding employment and opportunities beyond what they ever imagined.

9:15–10:15 am

| Pogue’s Run

This is Purdue: Bringing the Boilermaker Community Together through Podcasting

Kate Young | Podcast Host / Writer / Producer | Purdue University Marketing and Communications

What goes into creating a branded podcast for a world-renowned university with nearly 50,000 students? Join This Is Purdue podcast host, writer, and executive producer Kate Young as she takes us behind the scenes of the official Purdue University podcast. From interviews with top-tier scientists to sessions with Purdue President Mitch Daniels and men’s basketball coach Matt Painter, Young uses the podcast as a storytelling vessel for Purdue students, parents, faculty, and alumni. She will explain how Purdue is using This Is Purdue as a marketing tool and how the podcast achieved such explosive growth.
What goes into creating a branded podcast for a world-renowned university with nearly 50,000 students? Join This Is Purdue podcast host, writer, and executive producer Kate Young as she takes us behind the scenes of the official Purdue University podcast. From interviews with top-tier scientists to sessions with Purdue President Mitch Daniels and men’s basketball coach Matt Painter, Young uses the podcast as a storytelling vessel for Purdue students, parents, faculty, and alumni. She will explain how Purdue is using This Is Purdue as a marketing tool and how the podcast achieved such explosive growth.
Late Breakout Sessions //

1:15–2:15 pm

| Alexander Ballroom

Get Ready to GLOW – A Deep Dive

Robin Kwok | Career Coach and Marketing Consultant / Growth Strategy and Operations Leader / International Expansion Expert

Kwok will expand on her earlier keynote, which focused on Empower Hour, a condensed version of three coaching programs that normally take months to master: Innovate, Radiate, and Get Into Your Great State. You’ll learn useful strategies to design your life, achieve your goals, and unlock your inner GLOW!
Kwok will expand on her earlier keynote, which focused on Empower Hour, a condensed version of three coaching programs that normally take months to master: Innovate, Radiate, and Get Into Your Great State. You’ll learn useful strategies to design your life, achieve your goals, and unlock your inner GLOW!

1:15–2:15 pm

| Fletcher Place

Enhancing Sleep for Well-Being

Stephanie Stahl | Physician, IU Health | Assistant Professor, IU School of Medicine

Good sleep quality and duration are essential for our well-being, health, and daytime functioning and productivity. Unfortunately, when we are busy, sleep is one of the first things that is compromised. In this presentation, Stahl will discuss the importance of adequate sleep duration and ways to enhance sleep quality. You’ll explore good sleep practices, relaxation techniques, and mindfulness meditation.
Good sleep quality and duration are essential for our well-being, health, and daytime functioning and productivity. Unfortunately, when we are busy, sleep is one of the first things that is compromised. In this presentation, Stahl will discuss the importance of adequate sleep duration and ways to enhance sleep quality. You’ll explore good sleep practices, relaxation techniques, and mindfulness meditation.

1:15–2:15 pm

| the Renaissance

Flourishing Inside Your Communities

Emily Carter | Founder | Change Agent Studio LLC

There are four relationships that impact your sense of fulfillment and satisfaction: your relationship to self, your relationship to time, your relationship to work, and your relationship with community. In this talk, Carter will share how the four relationships affect each other, the kinds of roles we play in our communities, and how being present in a community is a superpower for making giant leaps in our personal and professional lives—and for creating lasting, impactful change in the world.
There are four relationships that impact your sense of fulfillment and satisfaction: your relationship to self, your relationship to time, your relationship to work, and your relationship with community. In this talk, Carter will share how the four relationships affect each other, the kinds of roles we play in our communities, and how being present in a community is a superpower for making giant leaps in our personal and professional lives—and for creating lasting, impactful change in the world.

1:15–2:15 pm

| Cityway Gallery

Level Up: Strategic Personal Branding

Jessica Hartley | Vice President of Strategy | Instrument

Personal branding can be challenging for many people in corporate America—and even more so for women and women of color. During this interactive session, you’ll discover the importance of personal branding, define and develop your personal brand statement and style, and learn how to promote your personal brand story both internally and externally.
Personal branding can be challenging for many people in corporate America—and even more so for women and women of color. During this interactive session, you’ll discover the importance of personal branding, define and develop your personal brand statement and style, and learn how to promote your personal brand story both internally and externally.

1:15–2:15 pm

| Irish Hill

Joy Now!

Rochelle Asberry | Owner | Dominique’s Enterprise LLC

Would you like to go from a chaotic and hurried life to a more healthy and joyful life? Is it selfish to want more than just happiness? Asberry’s presentation will inspire you to embrace sustainable joy, take a pause, and live in the moment. If not now, when?
Would you like to go from a chaotic and hurried life to a more healthy and joyful life? Is it selfish to want more than just happiness? Asberry’s presentation will inspire you to embrace sustainable joy, take a pause, and live in the moment. If not now, when?

1:15–2:15 pm

| Pogue’s Run

Enhance Workplace Wellness by Living Your Career Purpose

Gina Covarrubias | Founder | Deliberate Doing LLC

Established professionals often strive for rewarding jobs with a bright future. You have invested in your career, and you believe in continuous learning. Why, then, does it seem like your job outcomes do not reciprocate your efforts? Is there something you’re missing? This session will help you assess whether your work goals and objectives are leading you astray. Discover why working is much more profound than money or prestige. Apply the three pillars of career purpose right away so you can stop dwelling and start doing. It is time to elevate your career by making your job work for you!
Established professionals often strive for rewarding jobs with a bright future. You have invested in your career, and you believe in continuous learning. Why, then, does it seem like your job outcomes do not reciprocate your efforts? Is there something you’re missing? This session will help you assess whether your work goals and objectives are leading you astray. Discover why working is much more profound than money or prestige. Apply the three pillars of career purpose right away so you can stop dwelling and start doing. It is time to elevate your career by making your job work for you!