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 sessions will take place at the Purdue Memorial Union unless otherwise noted. 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.

SUNDAY, JUNE 16

PRECONFERENCE SPECIAL EVENT //

6–10PM

| Boiler Up Bar

Networking Gathering

Join the Purdue Women’s Network as we connect with fellow Purdue women before the conference. Attendees are responsible for their own food and drinks. Space is limited, so register soon! You can sign up for this free gathering as an add-on when you register for the conference.
Join the Purdue Women’s Network as we connect with fellow Purdue women before the conference. Attendees are responsible for their own food and drinks. Space is limited, so register soon! You can sign up for this free gathering as an add-on when you register for the conference.

MONDAY, June 17

Welcome //

10–10:15AM

| North Ballroom

Welcome Remarks

Jillian Henry

Opening Session //

10:15–10:45AM

| North Ballroom

Fireside Chat

Kathleen St. Jean and Jillian Henry

St. Jean left a 29-year career in the pharmaceutical industry with 40-hour work weeks, six weeks of vacation, a generous salary, and bonuses to join a two-person startup with none of those features. It isn’t easy to leave a comfortable and successful career, but St. Jean says we must find the courage to leave if we find something that ignites our brains and hearts. She will be joined by Jillian Henry, vice president for engagement at the Purdue for Life Foundation, during this discussion on how and why to take the leap.
St. Jean left a 29-year career in the pharmaceutical industry with 40-hour work weeks, six weeks of vacation, a generous salary, and bonuses to join a two-person startup with none of those features. It isn’t easy to leave a comfortable and successful career, but St. Jean says we must find the courage to leave if we find something that ignites our brains and hearts. She will be joined by Jillian Henry, vice president for engagement at the Purdue for Life Foundation, during this discussion on how and why to take the leap.
Keynote //

11AM–NOON

| North Ballroom

Discovering the Value in Your Story

Cara Putman

All women have voices and stories that the world needs to hear. During her interactive keynote, Putman will share stories from her life and encourage us to connect with the women around us. She will help us unpack the value and power in our journeys so that we can motivate others.
All women have voices and stories that the world needs to hear. During her interactive keynote, Putman will share stories from her life and encourage us to connect with the women around us. She will help us unpack the value and power in our journeys so that we can motivate others.
Early Breakout Sessions //

Balancing Act: Navigating the Intersection of Business Success and Mental Well-Being for Women

Meg Duke

As women, we sometimes underscore the importance of mental well-being while striving to achieve professional success. Duke will discuss the challenges women face and the link between success and mental health. She will share stories of resilience, mental health resources, and techniques for goal setting and self-reflection so that we can walk away with an action plan for creating balance in our lives.
As women, we sometimes underscore the importance of mental well-being while striving to achieve professional success. Duke will discuss the challenges women face and the link between success and mental health. She will share stories of resilience, mental health resources, and techniques for goal setting and self-reflection so that we can walk away with an action plan for creating balance in our lives.

Born to Sparkle: You are Glitterally Amazing

Lexie Appleby

Rather than embracing their light, some women are quick to dim their radiance to fit within the mold of societal expectations. Appleby will inspire and empower us to let our inner glitter shine through life’s challenges. She will provide practical tips on facing adversity and share personal stories of triumph and resilience to remind us that we are capable of achieving anything we desire.
Rather than embracing their light, some women are quick to dim their radiance to fit within the mold of societal expectations. Appleby will inspire and empower us to let our inner glitter shine through life’s challenges. She will provide practical tips on facing adversity and share personal stories of triumph and resilience to remind us that we are capable of achieving anything we desire.

7:30–9AM

| South Ballroom

Breakfast

3:15–3:30PM

| North Ballroom

Closing Remarks

Jillian Henry

10:30–11:30AM

| North Ballroom

Decision-Centric Leadership: Shaping a Culture of Trust and Respect

Kelly Hiller

Boilermakers possess innate traits of grit and resilience. Hiller will tap into those strengths and provide actionable techniques to enhance our decisive leadership. We will explore the art of decision-making and learn to empower our teams and create a culture of trust. Become the leader your team deserves!
Boilermakers possess innate traits of grit and resilience. Hiller will tap into those strengths and provide actionable techniques to enhance our decisive leadership. We will explore the art of decision-making and learn to empower our teams and create a culture of trust. Become the leader your team deserves!

Developing Your Personal Board of Directors

Sabrina Wilson

Companies need a strong board of directors. Do you have your own personal board to guide, challenge, and champion you? Start thinking of your career as a business with you as CEO and a powerful board of directors accelerating your success. Wilson will help us analyze the current state of our support systems and discuss tips to build a strategic and impactful board of directors.
Companies need a strong board of directors. Do you have your own personal board to guide, challenge, and champion you? Start thinking of your career as a business with you as CEO and a powerful board of directors accelerating your success. Wilson will help us analyze the current state of our support systems and discuss tips to build a strategic and impactful board of directors.

11AM–NOON

| North Ballroom

Discovering the Value in Your Story

Cara Putman

All women have voices and stories that the world needs to hear. During her interactive keynote, Putman will share stories from her life and encourage us to connect with the women around us. She will help us unpack the value and power in our journeys so that we can motivate others.
All women have voices and stories that the world needs to hear. During her interactive keynote, Putman will share stories from her life and encourage us to connect with the women around us. She will help us unpack the value and power in our journeys so that we can motivate others.

Embrace Life’s Opportunities

Lisa Hanson

As Amelia Earhart once said, “When a great adventure is offered, you don’t refuse it.” Hanson will share her journey from being a young introvert to becoming a risk-taker in college and in her career. We will leave feeling inspired to seek out our own opportunities for personal and professional growth.
As Amelia Earhart once said, “When a great adventure is offered, you don’t refuse it.” Hanson will share her journey from being a young introvert to becoming a risk-taker in college and in her career. We will leave feeling inspired to seek out our own opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Lunch //

NOON–1:30PM

| South Ballroom

Lunch

Breakout Sessions // 1:30–2:30pm

Embrace Life’s Opportunities

Lisa Hanson

As Amelia Earhart once said, “When a great adventure is offered, you don’t refuse it.” Hanson will share her journey from being a young introvert to becoming a risk-taker in college and in her career. We will leave feeling inspired to seek out our own opportunities for personal and professional growth.
As Amelia Earhart once said, “When a great adventure is offered, you don’t refuse it.” Hanson will share her journey from being a young introvert to becoming a risk-taker in college and in her career. We will leave feeling inspired to seek out our own opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Grit, Grateful, and Golden

Giovanna “Spice” Krozel

Krozel is a firm believer in hope, perseverance, and optimism—whether she’s facing challenges personally or professionally. She will take us on her journey from graduation to fighting breast cancer and discuss the importance of early detection and finding a circle of support.
Krozel is a firm believer in hope, perseverance, and optimism—whether she’s facing challenges personally or professionally. She will take us on her journey from graduation to fighting breast cancer and discuss the importance of early detection and finding a circle of support.

Moving From Employee to Full-Time Entrepreneur

Vickie Maris

It’s never too late to make a career shift. After climbing career ladders, Maris is now enjoying simple things, such as doing breath work, incorporating silence into her day, and making decisions that align with her heart. She will share tools that we can apply in our personal and professional lives to help us make next-level career choices and improve job satisfaction.
It’s never too late to make a career shift. After climbing career ladders, Maris is now enjoying simple things, such as doing breath work, incorporating silence into her day, and making decisions that align with her heart. She will share tools that we can apply in our personal and professional lives to help us make next-level career choices and improve job satisfaction.

Taming the Burnout Beast: Seven Strategies to Catapult Professional and Personal Success

Janessa Rhoades

We may experience burnout as we try to balance our personal and professional lives. Rhoades will shed light on our common struggles and help us explore practical strategies to beat fatigue. We will leave inspired to bring balance back to our workplaces.
We may experience burnout as we try to balance our personal and professional lives. Rhoades will shed light on our common struggles and help us explore practical strategies to beat fatigue. We will leave inspired to bring balance back to our workplaces.

Shaping the Future: Latina Women as Change Agents

Cassandra Salazar

Celebrate the strengths of Latina women! Salazar will share personal narratives, diverse successes, and societal contributions to illuminate the transformative power of Latina women. She will encourage us to connect with fellow Purdue women and embrace our own strengths.
Celebrate the strengths of Latina women! Salazar will share personal narratives, diverse successes, and societal contributions to illuminate the transformative power of Latina women. She will encourage us to connect with fellow Purdue women and embrace our own strengths.
Breakout Sessions // 2:45–3:45pm

Born to Sparkle: You are Glitterally Amazing

Lexie Appleby

Rather than embracing their light, some women are quick to dim their radiance to fit within the mold of societal expectations. Appleby will inspire and empower us to let our inner glitter shine through life’s challenges. She will provide practical tips on facing adversity and share personal stories of triumph and resilience to remind us that we are capable of achieving anything we desire.
Rather than embracing their light, some women are quick to dim their radiance to fit within the mold of societal expectations. Appleby will inspire and empower us to let our inner glitter shine through life’s challenges. She will provide practical tips on facing adversity and share personal stories of triumph and resilience to remind us that we are capable of achieving anything we desire.

Exploring Personal Interactive Styles

Karen Mellen

We all have a behavioral style that affects how we react. Mellen will show us how to identify behavioral styles so that we can learn the best way to communicate with each style and avoid pitfalls.
We all have a behavioral style that affects how we react. Mellen will show us how to identify behavioral styles so that we can learn the best way to communicate with each style and avoid pitfalls.

Take Your Power Back

Jeannie Rapstad

In 2018, Rapstad completed her master’s degree from Purdue Northwest after 13 years. Along the way, she faced many obstacles, including her mother’s failing health, breast cancer, and sciatica pain. During her session, Rapstad will share how she faced her obstacles and took action to overcome them, opening many rewarding and remarkable possibilities.
In 2018, Rapstad completed her master’s degree from Purdue Northwest after 13 years. Along the way, she faced many obstacles, including her mother’s failing health, breast cancer, and sciatica pain. During her session, Rapstad will share how she faced her obstacles and took action to overcome them, opening many rewarding and remarkable possibilities.

Restore With Yoga Nidra

Karil Sommers

Learn to let go of the never-ending to-do list. Sommers, a certified yoga instructor, will introduce us to yoga nidra, a guided meditation where the body and mind are at rest and the consciousness is awake. She will discuss the benefits of slowing down and giving ourselves permission to do nothing for a short period of time. Sommers will also lead a yoga nidra session on Tuesday morning.
Learn to let go of the never-ending to-do list. Sommers, a certified yoga instructor, will introduce us to yoga nidra, a guided meditation where the body and mind are at rest and the consciousness is awake. She will discuss the benefits of slowing down and giving ourselves permission to do nothing for a short period of time. Sommers will also lead a yoga nidra session on Tuesday morning.

Get Anchored: Saying Yes to Yourself

Shanita Starks

Discover the power of saying yes. Starks will use interactive techniques to help us practice the CEO mindset—confident, empowered, and on target. We will discover the importance of putting ourselves first and focusing on our self-worth.
Discover the power of saying yes. Starks will use interactive techniques to help us practice the CEO mindset—confident, empowered, and on target. We will discover the importance of putting ourselves first and focusing on our self-worth.
KEYNOTE //

4–5PM

Recycle Pain to a Purpose

Leanna Chroman

Chroman has maintained a positive outlook on life despite enduring obstacles while pursuing her career. We all need to feel empowered, inspired, and motivated, but many of us have trauma that can hold us back from stepping into our best selves. Chroman has developed a unique process of recycling pain into a purpose, and she will guide us to find meaning even when life is hard and unfair.
Chroman has maintained a positive outlook on life despite enduring obstacles while pursuing her career. We all need to feel empowered, inspired, and motivated, but many of us have trauma that can hold us back from stepping into our best selves. Chroman has developed a unique process of recycling pain into a purpose, and she will guide us to find meaning even when life is hard and unfair.
Keynote //

Balancing Act: Navigating the Intersection of Business Success and Mental Well-Being for Women

Meg Duke

As women, we sometimes underscore the importance of mental well-being while striving to achieve professional success. Duke will discuss the challenges women face and the link between success and mental health. She will share stories of resilience, mental health resources, and techniques for goal setting and self-reflection so that we can walk away with an action plan for creating balance in our lives.
As women, we sometimes underscore the importance of mental well-being while striving to achieve professional success. Duke will discuss the challenges women face and the link between success and mental health. She will share stories of resilience, mental health resources, and techniques for goal setting and self-reflection so that we can walk away with an action plan for creating balance in our lives.

Born to Sparkle: You are Glitterally Amazing

Lexie Appleby

Rather than embracing their light, some women are quick to dim their radiance to fit within the mold of societal expectations. Appleby will inspire and empower us to let our inner glitter shine through life’s challenges. She will provide practical tips on facing adversity and share personal stories of triumph and resilience to remind us that we are capable of achieving anything we desire.
Rather than embracing their light, some women are quick to dim their radiance to fit within the mold of societal expectations. Appleby will inspire and empower us to let our inner glitter shine through life’s challenges. She will provide practical tips on facing adversity and share personal stories of triumph and resilience to remind us that we are capable of achieving anything we desire.

7:30–9AM

| South Ballroom

Breakfast

3:15–3:30PM

| North Ballroom

Closing Remarks

Jillian Henry

10:30–11:30AM

| North Ballroom

Decision-Centric Leadership: Shaping a Culture of Trust and Respect

Kelly Hiller

Boilermakers possess innate traits of grit and resilience. Hiller will tap into those strengths and provide actionable techniques to enhance our decisive leadership. We will explore the art of decision-making and learn to empower our teams and create a culture of trust. Become the leader your team deserves!
Boilermakers possess innate traits of grit and resilience. Hiller will tap into those strengths and provide actionable techniques to enhance our decisive leadership. We will explore the art of decision-making and learn to empower our teams and create a culture of trust. Become the leader your team deserves!

Developing Your Personal Board of Directors

Sabrina Wilson

Companies need a strong board of directors. Do you have your own personal board to guide, challenge, and champion you? Start thinking of your career as a business with you as CEO and a powerful board of directors accelerating your success. Wilson will help us analyze the current state of our support systems and discuss tips to build a strategic and impactful board of directors.
Companies need a strong board of directors. Do you have your own personal board to guide, challenge, and champion you? Start thinking of your career as a business with you as CEO and a powerful board of directors accelerating your success. Wilson will help us analyze the current state of our support systems and discuss tips to build a strategic and impactful board of directors.

11AM–NOON

| North Ballroom

Discovering the Value in Your Story

Cara Putman

All women have voices and stories that the world needs to hear. During her interactive keynote, Putman will share stories from her life and encourage us to connect with the women around us. She will help us unpack the value and power in our journeys so that we can motivate others.
All women have voices and stories that the world needs to hear. During her interactive keynote, Putman will share stories from her life and encourage us to connect with the women around us. She will help us unpack the value and power in our journeys so that we can motivate others.

Embrace Life’s Opportunities

Lisa Hanson

As Amelia Earhart once said, “When a great adventure is offered, you don’t refuse it.” Hanson will share her journey from being a young introvert to becoming a risk-taker in college and in her career. We will leave feeling inspired to seek out our own opportunities for personal and professional growth.
As Amelia Earhart once said, “When a great adventure is offered, you don’t refuse it.” Hanson will share her journey from being a young introvert to becoming a risk-taker in college and in her career. We will leave feeling inspired to seek out our own opportunities for personal and professional growth.
SOCIAL HOUR //

5PM

French Connections

Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and a glass of French wine while mingling with fellow conference attendees at this French-themed event. Be one of the first to experience an exclusive preview tour of the Degas Collection at Purdue. Donated to the university by Avrum Gray (ME’56), the collection is comprised of 74 sculptures by French impressionist Edgar Degas. The collection features “La Petite Danseuse de Quatorze Ans (Little Dancer, Aged Fourteen),” one of Degas’s signature creations and most iconic works.
Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and a glass of French wine while mingling with fellow conference attendees at this French-themed event. Be one of the first to experience an exclusive preview tour of the Degas Collection at Purdue. Donated to the university by Avrum Gray (ME’56), the collection is comprised of 74 sculptures by French impressionist Edgar Degas. The collection features “La Petite Danseuse de Quatorze Ans (Little Dancer, Aged Fourteen),” one of Degas’s signature creations and most iconic works.

TUESDAY, JUNE 18

Early Session //

7–7:45AM

Morning Mindfulness: A Yoga Nidra Session

Karil Sommers

Sommers, a certified yoga instructor, will lead yoga nidra, a guided meditation. Start your morning by letting go, focusing on the present, and tuning inward. All attendees are welcome to take part.
Sommers, a certified yoga instructor, will lead yoga nidra, a guided meditation. Start your morning by letting go, focusing on the present, and tuning inward. All attendees are welcome to take part.
Breakfast //

7:30–9AM

| South Ballroom

Breakfast

Breakout Sessions // 9:15–10:15am

Balancing Act: Navigating the Intersection of Business Success and Mental Well-Being for Women

Meg Duke

As women, we sometimes underscore the importance of mental well-being while striving to achieve professional success. Duke will discuss the challenges women face and the link between success and mental health. She will share stories of resilience, mental health resources, and techniques for goal setting and self-reflection so that we can walk away with an action plan for creating balance in our lives.
As women, we sometimes underscore the importance of mental well-being while striving to achieve professional success. Duke will discuss the challenges women face and the link between success and mental health. She will share stories of resilience, mental health resources, and techniques for goal setting and self-reflection so that we can walk away with an action plan for creating balance in our lives.

Former Journalist Takes on the World of Supply Chain Management

Mary Farucci

Career transitions can be scary, but they don’t have to be. We can learn transferable skills in one industry that we can apply to another industry. Farucci pivoted from one male-dominated industry to another by accident and ended up enjoying it. She will share how to transfer your skills and make your mark as a leader no matter the industry.
Career transitions can be scary, but they don’t have to be. We can learn transferable skills in one industry that we can apply to another industry. Farucci pivoted from one male-dominated industry to another by accident and ended up enjoying it. She will share how to transfer your skills and make your mark as a leader no matter the industry.

Gaining a Seat at the Table: How to Harness Your Influence

Jody Sunna

Gaining a seat at the table requires credibility, a network, and a reputation as a trustworthy, results-oriented leader. With decades of experience providing strategic counseling, Sunna will share insights on establishing and elevating our voices and positioning ourselves to succeed.
Gaining a seat at the table requires credibility, a network, and a reputation as a trustworthy, results-oriented leader. With decades of experience providing strategic counseling, Sunna will share insights on establishing and elevating our voices and positioning ourselves to succeed.

Mastering the G.A.M.E. of Life: Strategies for Personal and Professional Success

Sophia Toh

Embark on a journey as Toh helps you unveil the secrets to a fulfilling life. She will focus on growth, authenticity, meaning, and excellence, inspiring us to navigate our lives and careers with purpose and passion. Toh will also incorporate positive psychology, Aristotle’s timeless eudaimonia concepts, and strengths-based leadership into her session.
Embark on a journey as Toh helps you unveil the secrets to a fulfilling life. She will focus on growth, authenticity, meaning, and excellence, inspiring us to navigate our lives and careers with purpose and passion. Toh will also incorporate positive psychology, Aristotle’s timeless eudaimonia concepts, and strengths-based leadership into her session.

Not Difficult, Determined

Victoria Trabosh

We need determination to face the storms of life. As a five-time cancer survivor, Trabosh will discuss her storms with humor and clarity and share wisdom for women of all ages. We will discover how being strong can help us change the world.
We need determination to face the storms of life. As a five-time cancer survivor, Trabosh will discuss her storms with humor and clarity and share wisdom for women of all ages. We will discover how being strong can help us change the world.
Keynote //

10:30–11:30AM

| North Ballroom

Decision-Centric Leadership: Shaping a Culture of Trust and Respect

Kelly Hiller

Boilermakers possess innate traits of grit and resilience. Hiller will tap into those strengths and provide actionable techniques to enhance our decisive leadership. We will explore the art of decision-making and learn to empower our teams and create a culture of trust. Become the leader your team deserves!
Boilermakers possess innate traits of grit and resilience. Hiller will tap into those strengths and provide actionable techniques to enhance our decisive leadership. We will explore the art of decision-making and learn to empower our teams and create a culture of trust. Become the leader your team deserves!
Lunch //

11:30AM–1PM

| South Ballroom

Lunch

Breakout Sessions // 1–2pm

Leading With Purpose: Influencing Positive, Impactful Change Through Design and Sustainability

Annalise Dum and Christina Piper

Dum and Piper studied interior design at Purdue nearly a decade apart. Now colleagues at JLL, they will share how they turned their passions into careers that positively impact people and the environment. They will dive into how their roles in sustainability and workplace design create meaningful change.
Dum and Piper studied interior design at Purdue nearly a decade apart. Now colleagues at JLL, they will share how they turned their passions into careers that positively impact people and the environment. They will dive into how their roles in sustainability and workplace design create meaningful change.

Remaining True: A Mission of Emotion, Innovation, and Determination

Julie Gordon

“No, you can’t do it that way!” Gordon has heard those words since the beginning of her career. She was met with resistance when she wanted to reimagine therapy and education by leading with emotional intelligence and being herself. Gordon will address the adversity we might experience as leaders and encourage those of us who don’t see ourselves in conventional leadership roles.
“No, you can’t do it that way!” Gordon has heard those words since the beginning of her career. She was met with resistance when she wanted to reimagine therapy and education by leading with emotional intelligence and being herself. Gordon will address the adversity we might experience as leaders and encourage those of us who don’t see ourselves in conventional leadership roles.

The Cost of Clutter

Shelley Johnson

Clear your clutter and your path to success! Johnson will guide us through decluttering our minds, homes, and finances by providing us with quick personal outcomes, tax tips for donating used goods, and clarity on the most important financial sectors.
Clear your clutter and your path to success! Johnson will guide us through decluttering our minds, homes, and finances by providing us with quick personal outcomes, tax tips for donating used goods, and clarity on the most important financial sectors.

Developing Your Personal Board of Directors

Sabrina Wilson

Companies need a strong board of directors. Do you have your own personal board to guide, challenge, and champion you? Start thinking of your career as a business with you as CEO and a powerful board of directors accelerating your success. Wilson will help us analyze the current state of our support systems and discuss tips to build a strategic and impactful board of directors.
Companies need a strong board of directors. Do you have your own personal board to guide, challenge, and champion you? Start thinking of your career as a business with you as CEO and a powerful board of directors accelerating your success. Wilson will help us analyze the current state of our support systems and discuss tips to build a strategic and impactful board of directors.

Embracing Diversity: Blending Asian and American Cultures

Rochelle and Sara Zou

Twins Rochelle and Sara Zou will discuss their journey of blending Chinese and American cultures. They will showcase the power of embracing identity and highlight the positive aspects, including cultural competence, bicultural skills, and a global perspective. We will learn how women can navigate diverse landscapes with grace and confidence, breaking free from stereotypes and societal expectations.
Twins Rochelle and Sara Zou will discuss their journey of blending Chinese and American cultures. They will showcase the power of embracing identity and highlight the positive aspects, including cultural competence, bicultural skills, and a global perspective. We will learn how women can navigate diverse landscapes with grace and confidence, breaking free from stereotypes and societal expectations.
Keynote //

2:15–3:15PM

| North Ballroom

How to Get Unstuck in Life and at Work

Julie Thornton

We all have hit a roadblock and felt stuck at some point in our lives. Thornton has the answers to help us create new momentum in our personal and professional lives. She will share her own story of getting unstuck and provide us with step-by-step processes for breaking down barriers.
We all have hit a roadblock and felt stuck at some point in our lives. Thornton has the answers to help us create new momentum in our personal and professional lives. She will share her own story of getting unstuck and provide us with step-by-step processes for breaking down barriers.
Closing //

3:15–3:30PM

| North Ballroom

Closing Remarks

Jillian Henry