News Article

Eighth Annual Women’s Leadership Conference Planned for April 4 at A-State

JONESBORO – A day filled with networking, learning and engagement awaits attendees of the eighth annual Women’s Leadership Conference on Thursday, April 4.    

The event, hosted by the Women’s Leadership Collaborative and Women’s Business Leadership Center at Arkansas State University, will begin at 9:30 a.m. Check-in for the conference will begin at 8:30 a.m. outside of Centennial Hall at Reng Student Union.  
 
The event will feature a keynote speaker, breakout sessions, networking, lunch, and the opportunity to learn and gain inspiration. Attendees can choose from a wide range of informative sessions and workshops about career success and leadership.  
 
“It is important for employers to encourage their female employees to attend this empowering event," said Dr. Patricia Quinn Robertson Johnston, executive director of the Women’s Business Leadership Center. "Studies show that promoting and including women in the boardroom improves decision-making in organizations. Attendees will have the opportunity to celebrate and connect with a diverse group of leaders.” 

Special guests include Dr. Calvin White Jr., provost and executive vice chancellor; Dr. Jim Washam, dean of the Neil Griffin College of Business; and keynote speaker Patricia Riddlebarger, vice president of corporate social responsibility at Entergy Corporation.  

“This event motivates girls and women to seek new opportunities, gives them the courage to embark on exciting adventures, and inspires perseverance to accomplish lofty goals. In addition, we hope to inspire attendees to increase their network of mentorship and support for women and girls,” said Johnston. 
 
Breakout sessions will be held at two times with the first one beginning at 11 a.m. Lunch will be provided at noon followed by the second breakout sessions that will begin at 12:30 p.m. Attendees will get to choose which breakout sessions they would like to attend upon registration. 
 
The first breakout sessions attendees can choose from include:  

— “Creating Your Own Personal Board of Directors,” featuring Sandy Alstadt, owner of Alstadt Solutions and former director/group manager of customer communications and public information officer at Entergy Services, Inc. 
 
— “Stability and Clarity in Crucible Moments,” led by Sabrina NeKay Lewellen, deputy director and assistant secretary of the Arkansas State Senate.  
 
— “Authentic Leadership for Life and Career Success,” featuring Dr. Cindy Goodwin-Sak, founder of Valiant Leadership; Basia Skudrzyk, senior faculty specialist at the University of Maryland, executive director and principal investigator of the STEM Opportunities in Prison Settings Program, and workforce equity director and bridges to baccalaureate program director for Prison-to-Professionals; and Kristen Prince, COO of Therapy First. 
  
The second breakout session has four more sessions from which attendees can choose as follows:  
 
— “Workforce 2050: Navigating the Future of Careers,” led by Debi Dault, principal of Dault Global Solutions.  
 
— “She Made It: Women Leading the Future of Manufacturing,” featuring a panel of women including Andi Lett, human resource manager at PepsiCo.; Mandy Atwal, factory director of beauty and wellbeing at Unilever; Shelle Randall, vice president of chamber administration for the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce, and director of workforce development and existing industry for Jonesboro Unlimited Christy Valentine, manager of academic and philanthropic programs at Hytrol; Parisa Brown, manufacturing director at Frito-Lay; Bethania Baray-Harrison, director of talent attraction at Jonesboro Unlimited; and Ashley Mann, talent attraction team member at Jonesboro Unlimited.
 
— “Strengthening Leadership with a Holistic Approach,” led by Dr. Evette Allen Moore, assistant dean for diversity, equity and inclusion at New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine. 
 
— “From Zookeeper to Executive: Working Through the Lions, Tigers and Bears of Leadership,” featuring Courtney Janney, chief zoological officer at the Memphis Zoo.  
In addition, girls from several Arkansas high schools will attend and participate in a Scarlet to Black financial literacy workshop.

Johnston said this event is a day of celebration, discussion and learning about women in leadership. Admission is free, but registration is required at AStateAlumni.org/wlc. 

Attendees at the 2023 Women's Leadership Conference listen to one of the speakers.