Breakout Sessions – Round #1
PANEL: I Want to be an Education Policy Researcher. Now What?
Katharine Strunk, MSU; Sarah Lenhoff, WSU; Ramarra Garret, EMU; Kathy Michelmore UofM; & Sheneka Williams, MSU
This panel brings together a diverse group of academic scholars at different career stages to discuss pathways into research positions for women in Michigan. Education research has a vibrant community of scholars working in non-profits, research firms, school districts, and institutes of higher education. Research can be a fulfilling career for women who work in education, and experience as a practitioner is highly valued in ensuring that research is relevant and actionable. Dr. Katharine Strunk will moderate a panel with women researchers from Eastern Michigan University, Michigan State University, the University of Michigan, and Wayne State University. They will share their varied pathways into research, including working in K-12 schools, corporations, non-profits, and politics. They will discuss how their racial and gender identities shaped their interests in research and their experiences conducting research. In addition, they will share the unique opportunities a research career offers to women at various life and professional stages.
Everything a Future Boss Girl Needs to Know About Money
Leanne Rahn, Fiduciary Financial Advisors
Financial Advisor Leanne Rahn will share her personal background and career path along with providing the 101 of what every young woman needs to know about personal finance. Key learning will include: What is a credit score and how is it calculated? How to wisely utilize a credit card and what happens when you don’t wisely utilize a credit card? The basics of budgeting (and how budgeting can be fun!). Why investing is important. What the word “fiduciary” means, and some warnings about student loans. This interactive session will engage attendees as each topic is explored.
PANEL: Rising Above Adversity
Sarah Allen, Grayling HS, Principal; Nina Davis, MASSP; Danelle Scott, Caldonia HS, Principal; & Madison Rzeppa, Ferris State University, Student
Life can be tough and sometimes you wonder how you will get through difficult times. These panelists have faced adversity and overcome obstacles: being placed in foster care; being raised by a single mother and losing her at a young age; being faced with an unexpected pregnancy; and being in a home with substance abuse. Join this session to hear their stories and find inspiration knowing better times are ahead. Time will also be reserved for Q & A.
Leading Like a Wolf
Tammy Southworth, Paw Paw HS, Principal
There’s a common mythology that alpha female wolves lead from the back of the pack, assuring that no one falls behind. Leadership is not about being in the front, it means taking care of the team and setting clear direction. While many of our role models are men, it’s important for women to find their voice as leaders and use what is distinct about us to our advantage. One mistake female leaders make in their early years is trying to emulate the men that preceded them instead of being true to themselves as women.
PANEL: College Life Discussion
Brenna Bustard, Hope College; Julianna Belanger, GVSU; Bella Lee, MSU; Caitlin Smith, CMU; & Mikayla Davis, Kendall & Ferris State
Are you considering heading to college after high school? This panel of current students from public and private Michigan colleges and universities will share their experiences and best advice regarding: choosing the school that’s right for you, the college application process, navigating roommates, college life, finding your voice and being safe on campus. Time will also be reserved for Q & A.
Title IX Laws Protecting Women’s Rights
Jennifer Starlin, Thrun Law Firm, P.C.
It’s been more than 50 years since Title IX was enacted, opening doors for women in school programs and sports. Title IX remains as relevant today as it was in 1972. This legal session will address the history of Title IX, its applicability today, and a forecast of what lies ahead.
This Too Shall Pass: Conquering All the Curve Balls Life Throws at You
Melissa Belanger, Dakota HS, Teacher; Makayla Belanger, Delta College, Student; Ava Belanger, Macomb Community College, Student
Life is not a perfect plan from beginning to end. It can be a struggle trying to balance family, career, self — and it may get messy, leaving you covered in … Don’t allow gravity to weigh you down; you are not alone. This is a journey; be present and know that when you are challenged “This Too Shall Pass.”
Tiny Actions. Big Results.
Jessica Beebe, Spring Lake HS, Teacher & Author
This presentation is a combination of stories/advice from her book about how to break down goals into small enough pieces so that anyone can accomplish anything. It includes specific stories and methods of EXACTLY how to design little steps to help change your life in whatever area you want. Attendees will finally achieve goals because they will feel that the little piece they are contributing every day will eventually add up.
Heels at the Helm: I Was Built for This!
Dr. Marie Feagins, Detroit Public Schools Community District, Chief of Leadership & High Schools
Courageous leadership is tough and sometimes you need to be reminded about how dynamic you are, the power of your presence, and the significance of your journey. During this interactive session, prepare to explore power principles to spark a “leadhershift,” create a “heelprint” for the next generation of “leadhers,” and depart with a renewed energy to take your school community to the next level with confidence. You were built for this!
PANEL: Like a Boss! A Panel of Women Who Own Small Businesses
Lindsey Simmons; Mara Carbines, Star Shooters; Mary Breier, Kona Ice, Owner & Brianna Cousineau, General Manager
Have you ever wondered what it takes to start your own business? Check out this panel of women entrepreneurs, adults and a high school student, who have done just that! Learn from women who: own/operate a dance studio, a Kona Ice franchise and a jewelry business. Time will also be reserved for Q & A.
Breakout Sessions – Round #2
PANEL: Why Not? Women Training for Careers Outside the Box
Stephanie Hoekenga, Muskegon ISD, Student Outreach/Resource Specialist, Heaven Davenport, Auto Service Technology student, Ravenna High School, Emma-Lyn St. Germain, Auto Service Technology student, North Muskegon High School, Cara Hammond, Criminal Justice student, Orchard View High School, Sylena Fuller, Welding Technology student, Reeths-Puffer High School, Abbi Gouine, Machining/Engineering Technology student, Reeths-Puffer High School
Career and technical education centers provide many training opportunities that can help women to break into fields that are traditionally male-dominated. Female students around the state are earning certifications in trades such as welding, automotive, construction and mechtronics. During this session you will hear from a panel of students currently enrolled. Learn about their training, experiences and opportunities as well as what they aspire to do beyond high school.
Everything a Future Boss Girl Needs to Know About Money
Leanne Rahn, Financial Advisor, Fiduciary Financial Advisors
Financial Advisor Leanne Rahn will share her personal background and career path along with providing the 101 of what every young woman needs to know about personal finance. Key learning will include: What is a credit score and how is it calculated? How to wisely utilize a credit card and what happens when you don’t wisely utilize a credit card? The basics of budgeting (and how budgeting can be fun!). Why investing is important. What the word “fiduciary” means, and some warnings about student loans. This interactive session will engage attendees as each topic is explored.
ALIGNed
Jenn Schultz, School Climate & Culture Coach, Muskegon Area ISD
Brian Tracey said it well, “Just as your car runs more smoothly and requires less energy to go faster and further when the wheels are in alignment, you perform better when your thoughts, feelings, emotions, goals, and values are in balance.” Sometimes easier said than done, right? Let’s take a dive into how we can not only live more inspired and empowered through ALIGNing our life, but also create a space for those around us to do the same!
Champion a Positive Work Culture Rooted in Empowerment
Vickie Swanson, Oakridge Public Schools, Director of Resilience and Tiered Supports & Emily Kienke, MTSS Consultant, Kent ISD
Be a champion of a collaborative work environment where each person’s voice is not only heard but considered and valued. Create a positive culture where each staff member is genuinely appreciated. Learn asset based approaches to creating a climate and culture where everyone belongs. Learn how to lift the voices of those who might be left behind through proactive restorative practices and how to mend and repair staff relationships through responsive restorative practices. Discuss challenges women face when leading restorative practices and how to acknowledge and overcome them.
You Can’t Pour From an Empty Cup – Let’s Talk About Self-Care
Amy Wassmann, School District Consultant, Michigan Department of Education
Before we can support and help others, we first need to support ourselves. But how do we fit it all in? How do we do “all the things” and STILL find time for ourselves? This session will focus on habits that can support your physical and mental wellbeing. Participants will leave the session being able to: 1) Select at least three strategies that fit their interests and lifestyle, 2) Make a 1% commitment to themselves, 3) Identify ways they can empower one another in their wellbeing.
Women Who Do It All: Finding Work-Life Balance
Chandra Madafferi, Michigan Education Association, Vice President & Nicole Carter, Novi High School, Principal
This session will focus on how successful leadership is a lifelong process. The presenters will share their educational and professional journeys; provide tips and strategies to ignite curiosity and motivate women to realize their full potential while maintaining a work/life balance. Attendees will be inspired to inhale confidence and exhale doubt in every classroom, board room or leadership setting. The importance of continual skill development and the acquisition of a strong network of supportive women will be emphasized. The world needs you to lead us!
10 Lessons from a Superintendent
Dr. Dania Bazzi, Superintendent, West Bloomfield School District
Being a school administrator/leader can be a lonely position. Politics, drama, community, and other factors are constantly taking your focus away from your most important task: doing what’s best for kids. In this session, Dr. Dania Bazzi will provide administrators the 10 most important lessons she has learned during her educational career.
PANEL: Leading While Female – Women School Superintendents
Angie McArthur, Eastern UP Intermediate School District, Superintendent; Dr. Brandi-Lyn Mendham, Zeeland Public Schools, Superintendent; Dr. Monica Merritt, Plymouth Canton Community Schools, Superintendent; & Dr. Heidi Kattula, Superintendent, East Grand Rapids Public Schoolsz
Although the glass ceiling still exists in public education, this panel has overcome the odds to become leaders of school districts throughout the State of Michigan. Panelists will share their career paths, twists and turns they encountered along the way, and their best advice for those considering following in their footsteps. Time will also be reserved for Q & A.
Getting Past “No” – a Young Woman’s Struggle to Build Bridges of Her Own
Madison Rzeppa, Ferris State University, Student
As an 18-year-old female high school senior, being told “no” was something very familiar to me. Not only am I young, but I am a woman. Those two things alone are enough to hold someone back for the rest of their life. I was exhausted from this constant story that is made for us as women: that we have to comply, we can’t be loud, we can’t talk openly about our challenges because it makes our male counterparts uncomfortable – so instead of allowing myself to be silenced, I paved my own way and started creating my own bridges. This is what became the start of “Building Bridges,” a $5,000 project that brings books on mental health into every single school in my district. As students, and as women, we have faced a monstrosity of mental health challenges not only from the pandemic, but from the systematic inequalities we face at such a high level. Gender inequality is a pandemic of its own. This is my story of how I built my own bridges not only in my schools but in my life, and got past the millions of “no”s that were thrown at me throughout this journey.
Your Role in School Safety
Jessie Houghton, Principal, Traverse City Central HS
Have you needed to close or delay school because of a school threat? Ensuring your school is safe for all students, staff and community is vital for daily operations. School leaders must engage in an active role in planning, communicating, developing relationships and more to increase safety on our campuses. As female leaders we face unique challenges ensuring that our schools are seen as safe. During this session we will reflect on the work we do to increase safety in our communities – how we communicate it to others, how we develop relationships with critical community organizations, how we monitor for school safety, and how mental health connects with school safety.
Breakout Sessions – Round #3
Entrepreneurship: What it Takes to Launch Your Own Business
Karen Malsbury, Director of Career Readiness and CTE, Rochester Community Schools
Do you have what it takes to be a woman entrepreneur? Do you have a business idea? Do you currently run a business around school and your leadership positions? Malsbury has more than 20 years of small business and entrepreneurship experience teaching students how to take an idea and leverage it, seek funding and network their community. Walk away with a step by step guide on how to take an idea and turn it into a thriving money making business.
The 5 C’s of Effective Communication
Chelsey Martinez, MASA, Chief of Staff & Director of Communications
We communicate using a myriad of different mediums and to many different audiences. But how do you differentiate the message to meet people where they are and grab their attention? Participants in this session will walk away with ready-to-use tactics to get people to read, listen, and most importantly, engage, as well as useful information to more effectively communicate in every facet of their life.
Super Awesome, Totally Amazing, Best Marketing Presentation Ever
Lydia Cadena & Abby Cousineau, MASSP
Are you looking for ways to simplify and organize your communications/social media? Are you interested in pursuing a career in marketing, social media, PR or journalism? Do you want to learn how to market your next event, program or fundraiser? If you answered YES to any of those questions, this is the session for you. Lydia and Abby are the dream team duo responsible for MASSP communications and have vast background working in communications and marketing. Join the fun as they walk you through the steps to promote your club, class or event using simple and free tools to keep you organized and make your communications dynamic.
Network Like a Champion
Nina, MASSP Associate Director
One of the benefits of bringing women together from around the state is the opportunity to network and make connections. MASSP’s Associate Director of Member Services & Middle Level will open the session with a few tips on networking, then facilitate networking for all attendees in a speed dating format. During this fun and highly interactive session participants will talk one-on-one with each other using question prompts for 3 min., then we will switch. This will be fast paced, providing the opportunity to share ideas, meet new people and make connections. Participants are asked to bring business cards, or to fill out cards provided, to be able to exchange information with those they want to stay connected with after the conference. We encourage adult and student attendees to participate for the potential to connect mentors/mentees and positive peers.
True Colors: Knowing Your Personality & How It Interacts With Others
Michigan Student Leadership College Volunteer Facilitating Corp (CVFC)
Your personality influences almost every aspect of life. Personality tests can shed light on the values, likes and dislikes that help explain why we are the way we are. Workplaces use them to help teams learn to value their differences. Students take them to discover future careers. Personality tests help us identify opportunities for our personal and professional growth by better understanding ourselves and those around us. True Colors is a user-friendly temperament and personality program that has helped people of all ages understand and recognize differences in behavior and personal interactions. Discover your True Color and how color dynamics can lead to powerful group dynamics and increasing performance!
Difficult Conversations: How To Keep Your Emotions in Check
Tammy Jackson, MASSP Path to Leadership Program Manager
One thing that never changes about leadership is the need to have difficult conversations. The key to effective difficult conversations is preparedness. When prepared, you can focus on the facts and are less likely to be overly emotional. In this session, you will learn critical steps of preparedness for an effective difficult conversation and helpful strategies to deliver your message without letting your emotions kidnap the message.
Tackling Controversies in the School Environment
Rebecca L. Meyer, Jr/Sr High School Assistant Principal, Lakeland School Corporation
This workshop is designed to better prepare female leaders and students to meet the challenges of tackling inevitable controversies that occur in the professional work environment. Using research-based literature from Komives and Wagner’s (2016) “Controversy with Civility,” participants will be encouraged to apply insight gained into their professional intervention strategies. The presentation will focus on the lens of cultural diversity and rapid societal change. Concurrent with the study of leadership and organizational theories, participants will receive an overview, understanding, and application into the value and elements of controversy and awareness into how leaders can foster positive dialogues in person and online.
PANEL: Lawyer Up with these Ladies!
Catherine Tracey, Chelsea Austin, Madeline Verhey, Alex Page, Sandy Andre, Miller Johnson Attorneys
A panel of female attorneys from the Miller Johnson Law Firm will share information about their personal journeys and career paths to work in the legal industry. Panelists will also provide insights into what they most enjoy and find challenging in their work, what work/life balance looks like as well as providing advice for those who might be interested in going into a career in the legal field. Time will also be reserved for Q & A.