Date:
November 17, 2024 – November 18, 2024
10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Location:
Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
187 Monroe NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Cost:
$249-$299
Registration for this event has closed.
MASSP Women’s Summit offers professional school and student leaders from across the state a platform to address the most important issues facing women leaders today. Through the lens of Inspire, Connect and Empower, this two day summit will feature widely-respected thought leaders, exhibits, networking, and breakout sessions. The summit is designed to empower and inspire women from all over the state of Michigan to positively influence and change the world around them.
Who Should Attend
Any female-identifying school leader at middle and high school levels: advisers, principals, assistant principals and central office personnel are all welcome. We also encourage any middle and high school level female-identifying students to attend!
SCECHs
7.75
Agenda At A Glance
- Keynote Speakers
- Breakout Sessions
- SheTalks
- Evening Activities
- Prizes and more!
Cost:
- Student Price (with adult leader) $249 per person
- Adult Leader (with students) $269 per person
- Adult Leader (not bringing students) $299 per person
MASSP Cancellation Policy
Cancellations made ten (10) business days or more in advance of the training/event date, will receive 100% refund. Cancellations made after this date, including no-shows, are nonrefundable. Registration fees may be transferred to another individual by contacting the MASSP office at (517) 327-5315.
In the event that MASSP must cancel a training due to unforeseen circumstances, including inclement weather, participants will be refunded the cost of registration or may credit the fee toward an upcoming training. MASSP does not assume responsibility for any additional costs, charges or expenses; to include, charges made for travel and lodging.
MASSP Cancellation Policy
Cancellations made ten (10) business days or more in advance of the training date, will receive a 100% refund. Cancellations made after this date, including no-shows, are nonrefundable. Registration fees may be transferred to another individual by contacting the MASSP office at (517) 327-5315.
In the event that MASSP must cancel a training due to unforeseen circumstances, including inclement weather, participants will be refunded the cost of registration or may credit the fee toward an upcoming training. MASSP does not assume responsibility for any additional costs, charges or expenses; to include, charges made for travel and lodging.
November 17, 2024
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Registration
November 17, 2024
1:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Conference Opening & Welcome
Wendy Zdeb, MASSP
November 17, 2024
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Keynote Presentation
November 17, 2024
2:30 PM – 2:45 PM
Passing Time
November 17, 2024
2:45 PM – 3:30 PM
Breakout Round 1
November 17, 2024
3:30 PM – 3:45 PM
Passing Time
November 17, 2024
3:45 PM – 4:30 PM
Breakout Round 2
November 17, 2024
4:40 PM – 5:10 PM
General Session – Reflection & Journaling
November 17, 2024
5:10 PM – 6:00 PM
Break / Downtime in Rooms
November 17, 2024
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Dinner
November 17, 2024
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
She-Talks
November 17, 2024
8:00 PM – 8:15 PM
Group Reflection & Sharing
November 17, 2024
8:25 PM – 9:25 PM
Evening Activity
November 17, 2024
9:25 PM – 9:30 PM
Passing Time
November 17, 2024
9:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Student Celebration
November 18, 2024
7:45 AM – 8:30 AM
Breakfast & Morning Announcements
November 18, 2024
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Keynote Presentation 2
November 18, 2024
9:30 AM – 9:45 AM
Passing Time
November 18, 2024
9:45 AM – 10:30 AM
Breakout Round 3
November 18, 2024
10:30 AM – 10:45 AM
Passing Time
November 18, 2024
10:45 AM – 11:30 AM
Breakout Round 4
November 18, 2024
11:30 AM – 11:45 AM
Passing Time
November 18, 2024
11:45 AM – 12:30 PM
Breakout Round 5
November 18, 2024
12:30 PM – 1:15 PM
Lunch
November 18, 2024
1:15 PM – 2:15 PM
Keynote Presentation 3
November 18, 2024
2:15 PM – 2:45 PM
Closing Activity
November 18, 2024
2:45 PM – 3:00 PM
Closing Session
Amway Grand Plaza
187 Monroe Aven NW
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503
Hotel Room Rate: $172 per night + taxes & fees
Areas of Focus
Please note that sessions have been organized using the following tracks:
A = Adults
S = Students
E = Everyone
Session Track Key
- Adults – A
- Students – S
- Everyone – E
Breakout Session 1
November 17, 2024 | 2:45 PM
Empowering Women in Educational Leadership: Strategies for Success and Impact
Track: E
Tammy Jackson, MASSP
Join us for an empowering breakout session designed to inspire and equip women leaders in education. This session will delve into the current landscape of women in educational leadership, exploring key roles, responsibilities and the unique challenges faced. Participants will gain practical strategies for personal and professional growth, including building confidence, networking and continuous learning.
Breakout Session 2
November 17, 2024 | 3:45 PM
Life in the SLOW Lane
Track: E
Lauren Kazee, Living SLOW LLC
Session Presentation
As women and professionals in education, it is natural to focus on the needs of others. It is not easy to attend to our own needs, they often get neglected or ignored. Join in the discussion of simple self-care strategies to reprioritize you. You will have an opportunity to identify and try practices that are a good fit for you. This workshop will be engaging, interactive and include a variety of practical ways to focus on your own well-being.
Breakout Session 4
November 18, 2024 | 10:45 AM
How to Have Hard Conversations
Track: E
Rene Ribant, Dakota HS
Session Presentation
This workshop will employ a myriad of strategies, techniques, and knowledge to equip leaders with the communications skills necessary to make hard conversations productive and meaningful. Participants will revisit their unique communication style, apply it to real world scenarios, and evaluate how to optimize communication in personal and professional contexts.
Breakout Session 2
November 17, 2024 | 3:45 PM
Managing Your Own Storm is Key to Your Success
Track: A
Julie Williams, Lake Fenton Community Schools
Participants will learn about one female leader’s journey from High School Secretary to Superintendent and surprisingly, who supported her and didn’t support her along the way. She will share tips on how she learned to identify and calm her own internal storms, which had a significant impact on how others viewed her as a leader. She will also expand on her belief that “Balancing your Bitch” is critical to becoming a well-respected, trusted and successful leader.
Breakout Session 1
November 17, 2024 | 2:45 PM
Take the Risk!
Track: E
Tricia McPheron, Coopersville HS
Session Presentation
“Take the Risk” explores the transformative power of risk-taking in professional and personal contexts. This presentation will delve into how embracing strategic risks can drive innovation, enhance leadership, and foster growth among staff, students, and within the community. Attendees will learn practical strategies for facing change, overcoming doubt and leveraging opportunities to achieve meaningful impact. Together we will work through how taking risks can lead to remarkable progress and success! YOU are capable, just take the risk!
Breakout Session 4
November 18, 2024 | 10:45 AM
Escape to Leadership: Unlocking Creative Leadership Skills
Track: E
Stacey Schuh, Michigan Virtual
In this exciting and immersive session, you’ll dive into a leadership-themed escape room challenge designed to unlock your creativity and sharpen your leadership skills. Working in teams, you’ll navigate through a series of puzzles and scenarios that require quick thinking, collaboration, and leadership to “escape” successfully. This experience will show you how leadership skills can be developed and applied in fun, engaging ways—even in your school life!
Breakout Session 5
November 18, 2024 | 11:45 AM
Social Media & Its Affect on Women
Track: S
Kendall Sutton & MASC/MAHS Board of Delegates
As women, it is so easy to be overwhelmed by social media! All of the beauty standards, filters, and editing can create overwhelming feelings of insecurity and isolation, especially for teenagers. In this session, we will explore how social media shapes our self-esteem, relationships, and well-being. Join us for a meaningful and vulnerable conversation on both the positive and negative impacts of social media, as well as a discussion about effective ways to cope with our common experiences and struggles.
Breakout Session 5
November 18, 2024 | 11:45 AM
Balancing the Teeter-Totter of Life & Work Expectations
Track: E
Shant’L Olovson, Holt HS
It is normal to struggle on the path of work-life balance. I will share my journey of being a full-time stay-at-home, returning to the classroom, and advancing to be an assistant principal- while navigating a divorce, caring for an aging parent, and establishing a new normal. The presentation will address balance, self-care, self-advocating & overcoming adversity. I hope the audience will gain encouragement no matter their stage of life. A balance can be found, though it may take a while.
Breakout Session 3
November 18, 2024 | 9:45 AM
Valuing Your Kaleidoscope 101
Track: E
Kajiah Massey & Da’Kaila Bell, Mona Shores HS
Session Presentation
Project Kaleidoscope’s goal is to encourage the betterment of our student body through character development. We have founded a project to promote racial equality and cultural respect in our communities; to encourage others to see and respect all of our colors.
Breakout Session 1
November 17, 2024 | 2:45 PM
From the “House of the Mouse” to the School House
Track: E
Robin Caporuscio, Lapeer HS
Are you a creative person who loves all things theater? You may be surprised how those skills translate into effective leadership. This session will focus on my journey as a theater artist, a professional stage manager both in Detroit and with Walt Disney Entertainment, an educator, and now a high school administrator. Regardless of the “role” I’ve played, the skills are the same, enabling the “show” to go on. Learn which skills will empower you to lead on life’s “stages.”
Breakout Session 2
November 17, 2024 | 3:45 PM
Be the Kind Of Leader You Would Choose to Follow
Track: E
Angie Vandecar, Harvey Edu. Center
Session Presentation
Building capacity, developing trust, leading bravely and retaining staff is no easy feat. Join me in sharing the path of building a new school from the ground up, while leading a team of more than 75 women, and retaining 95% of the certified staff. Leaders get the culture they create. Lead fearlessly! Learn how to leverage your leadership through growing your team, mentoring women, finding your voice and leading authentically.
Breakout Session 3
November 18, 2024 | 9:45 AM
Exploring Careers in State Government: Opportunities for Women in Leadership PANELSESSION
Track: E
Dr. Sue Carnell, Dr. Delsa Chapman, Dr. Michele Harmala, & Dr. Diane Golzynski, Michigan Department of Education
Explore careers in state government with women leaders from the Michigan Department of Education (MDE). This session will provide an overview of state departments, personal career stories, and advice on public service careers. Learn about opportunities for women in leadership, challenges, benefits, and career preparation tips for students and educators alike.
Breakout Session 5
November 18, 2024 | 11:45 AM
Protect Your Peace: Setting Healthy Boundaries
Track: E
Molly Kennedy, MollyKennedySpeaks.com
Boundaries are the distance at which I can love you and me simultaneously. This is an empowering workshop designed specifically for women who want to master the art of setting healthy boundaries while nurturing their relationships at work and home. In this interactive session, with guided exercises and group discussions, you’ll explore how to assert your needs, communicate effectively, explicitly and maintain strong, respectful connections with those you care about.
Breakout Session 2
November 17, 2024 | 3:45 PM
College Life Discussion PANEL SESSION
Track: S
CVFC: Emily Mundorf, MSU; Lily Belle West, SVSU; Madeline Card, U of M; & Emma Apap, CMU
Calling all seniors! What are your questions about the application process? Are you curious about how to go about choosing a college? What is being in college really like? Come hear from MASC/MAHS College Volunteer Facilitator Corps- a group of college-aged women who have been through it and want to help you! You will have the opportunity to ask CVFC members about their college experiences and advice.
Breakout Session 1
November 17, 2024 | 2:45 PM
Health, Wellness and the Women’s Healthcare Space
Track: S
CVFC: Maddie Hutchins, MSU & An Ligenza, Schoolcraft CC
Join us for an interactive session dedicated to exploring the intersection of health, wellness, and career opportunities in the healthcare field. Whether you’re passionate about practicing medicine, or your own personal health and wellness journey, this session will give you all the tools needed to take the next step of bettering yourself personally and professionally.
Breakout Session 1
November 17, 2024 | 2:45 PM
Control Your Inner Weather
Track: S
Caitlyn Smith, CMU Athletics
Everyone has an idea of how their life will go, but rarely does it happen how we thought it would. How we respond to this often projects where we are truly headed. This session aims to explore how we can face different challenges head on and how to pick ourselves back up when down. Although mental toughness cannot be taught in a day, participants of this session will lay out a foundation for how they will work toward controlling their “inner weather,” rather than letting outside noise dictate their mental space.
Breakout Session 2
November 17, 2024 | 3:45 PM
Icons & Influence: What Pop Culture Taught Us About Being Women
Track: E
Lydia Cadena & Abby Goosen, MASSP
Session Presentation
Join us for a dialogue that aims to bring together different generations to analyze and reflect on the influence of iconic women in pop culture. Looking at the evolution of societal values, we’ll delve into the lenses through which generations have embraced cultural phenomena in music, film, TV and sports. We’ll watch clips, listen to lyrics, read quotes and discuss some of the most talked about women in pop culture history. Everyone has a voice at the table in this intergenerational discussion session!
Breakout Session 4
November 18, 2024 | 10:45 AM
Creating a Framework to Foster Change
Track: A
Elaine Stiefel, West Ottawa Public Schools
Session Presentation
Implementing systemic change in a school and/or organization can be challenging, especially when a district is implementing new technology for classrooms. Learn how to make the experience more positive and get everyone not just on board, but excited — it’s possible! Participants will learn about key components to support systemic change. Examples from adopting new educational technology into an organization will be used. This framework can be applied to other topics to foster change in a district.
Breakout Session 3
November 18, 2024 | 9:45 AM
Social Media & Its Affect on Women
Track: S
Kendall Sutton & MASC/MAHS Board of Delegates
As women, it is so easy to be overwhelmed by social media! All of the beauty standards, filters, and editing can create overwhelming feelings of insecurity and isolation, especially for teenagers. In this session, we will explore how social media shapes our self-esteem, relationships, and well-being. Join us for a meaningful and vulnerable conversation on both the positive and negative impacts of social media, as well as a discussion about effective ways to cope with our common experiences and struggles.
Breakout Session 3
November 18, 2024 | 9:45 AM
Empowering Equality: Navigating Title IX for Leaders of Today and Tomorrow
Track: E
Catherine Tracey, Miller Johnson
Session Presentation
Miller Johnson Attorney Catherine Tracey will provide an essential overview of Title IX for both adult and student female leaders. Explore the legal protections against gender discrimination, focusing on creating safe, inclusive educational spaces. Attendees will learn how to advocate for themselves and others, recognize challenges, and understand reporting processes. Join us to empower your leadership journey and promote fairness and equity in all areas impacted by Title IX.
Breakout Session 4
November 18, 2024 | 10:45 AM
Rise and Lead: Empowering Women to Take the Next Step in Educational Leadership
Track: A
Teresa Weatherall Neal, Michigan Leadership Institute Consultant, Retired from Grand Rapids Public Schools
Session Presentation
Learn more about The Michigan Leadership Institute, The Superintendents Academy and Improving Your Leadership Skills. This session will guide you through the next steps in your journey. Learn strategies to build leadership skills, navigate career progression and prepare for roles from assistant principal to superintendent. Gain insights on networking, interviewing, overcoming challenges and balancing personal fulfillment with career growth. There will be time for Questions and Support!
Breakout Session 4
November 18, 2024 | 10:45 AM
Girl Talk
Track: S
CVFC: Gaby Nasr, MSU; Amelia Orlowski, MSU; Sofia Poulos, MSU; & Annah Stang, GVSU
Being a person who identifies as a woman is hard – being a person who identifies as a woman in high school can be even harder. With the pressures of being leaders in your student organizations, balancing classes, friends and family, it can get to be too much at times. And the silliest part – everyone feels that way and nobody talks about it! That’s why we created a space for you to chat with women who have been there and survived it. You deserve to feel heard, understood and get some good advice – and we are here to provide that to you!
Breakout Session 4
November 18, 2024 | 10:45 AM
Happy TRAILS to You
Track: E
Lauren Kazee, TRAILS
Session Presentation
TRAILS (Transforming Research into Action to Improve the Lives of Students) is a multi-tiered professional development organization funded by the State of Michigan and available to all schools at no cost. Already in over 1,200 schools across the state. Come learn more about this program, and how your school can get involved to help support your efforts to meet the needs of all students.
Breakout Session 3
November 18, 2024 | 9:45 AM
Deeper Dive into Economic Empowerment and Leadership
Track: E
Dr. Geneva Williams
In this follow-up to her keynote, Dr. Geneva will lead a session on applying the data and insights shared earlier, with practical strategies for advancing women’s leadership and economic empowerment. Participants will engage in discussions and explore specific, actionable pathways to create meaningful, sustainable impact for women in their communities and workplaces.
Breakout Session 5
November 18, 2024 | 11:45 AM
Leading While Female – Women School Superintendents PANEL SESSION
Track: A
Public School Superintendent Panelists: Heidi Kattula, East Grand Rapids; Brandi-Lyn Mendham, Zeeland; Kristin Perkowski, Grand Haven Area; Arnetta Thompson, Godfrey-Lee –– Moderator: Wanda Cook Robinson, Retired Superintendent, Oakland Schools & Southfield Public Schools, former Superintendent of the Year
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.
Breakout Session 5
November 18, 2024 | 11:45 AM
Navigating the World as a Female Leader PANEL SESSION
Track: E
CVFC: Olivia Blaufuss, MSU & Juhi Pawar, U of M MASC/MAHS Board of Delegates: Jessica Chai, HH Dow HS; Ivana Goff, Belleville HS; & Stephanie Haviaras, Rochester Adams HS
Explore key topics around leadership, identity, and DEI in this interactive session for female students (ages 11+). Through discussions on unconscious bias, women stereotypes, and intersectionality, participants will learn about building community, finding their voice, and effective communication. With Q+A panels and collaborative activities, students will gain insights on overcoming challenges and shaping their leadership journey.
Dr. Geneva Williams
As the CEO of Dr. Geneva Speaks, I’ve helped numerous entrepreneurs, leaders, and executives achieve their goals and take their businesses to new heights. With over forty years of experience in business management and personal development, I am one of the most recognized personal development and leadership coaches in Michigan, and I’m committed to helping you achieve success.
Whether you’re a 6-figure earner looking to scale your business or a 7-figure earner seeking to ignite change in the status quo, I’m here to help you navigate your personal and professional growth with my proven ‘What’s Next Formula.’ Through my coaching and consulting services, I’ll help you create a high-value, personal action plan for a vibrant, happy life and business full of purpose and power.
My expertise comes from a diverse range of experiences, including serving as the first Black Woman Executive Leader of the United Way of Metropolitan Detroit, founding City Connect Detroit, and launching Figure Skating in Detroit, a leadership development program for girls. I’ve raised millions for community change initiatives, served as a university professor, and even won Ms. Black Fit & Fine at 69.
I coined the term Vibrantpreneur because looking good, feeling good, and doing good is essential for living a vibrant life and creating a better world around us.
KEYNOTE PRESENTATION DESCRIPTION
Join Dr. Geneva Williams as she presents the Women in Michigan Workforce Report, shedding light on key statistics and the current landscape of women’s economic empowerment in Michigan. Discover impactful initiatives and actionable steps Michigan is taking to address challenges and drive change. This session promises insight into closing gaps and empowering women leaders across the state.
Dr. Lisa Hinkelman
Dr. Lisa Hinkelman is a nationally recognized researcher, speaker and author who is a foremost authority on educating and empowering girls and creating environments that foster girls’ confidence, self-esteem and successful decision-making. She has spent nearly 20 years researching and counseling girls and educating adults, first as a professor at The Ohio State University and currently as the Founder and CEO of the national non-profit Ruling Our eXperiences (ROX), an organization that delivers evidence- based programming, research, education and training focused on the critical issues impacting girls.
Lisa is the author of the groundbreaking research report, The Girls’ Index™ , a national study with more than 17,000 girls and her best-selling book ’Girls Without Limits: Helping Girls Succeed in Relationships, Academics, Careers and Life’, (Corwin Press, 2021) was featured as an Amazon Hot New Release. Her work has been featured by The Wall Street Journal, Parents Magazine, Newsweek, USA Today, SXSW and Education World. She works with schools, corporations, associations and organizations across the country to address the social, emotional, educational, safety and leadership issues impacting girls.
Dr. Hinkelman earned her bachelor’s degree in Education and Psychology from Chatham College, her master’s and doctorate degrees in Counselor Education from The Ohio State University and completed the Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management program at Harvard Business School. She is a former collegiate softball and ice hockey player, a rescue dog lover and mom to young, wild and four-year old daughter, Irene.
KEYNOTE PRESENTATION DESCRIPTION
Despite progress in many areas, women remain underrepresented in leadership positions across the United States and girls face a confidence crisis that can hinder their future leadership potential. In this keynote address, leading girl expert, Dr. Lisa Hinkelman, will draw upon groundbreaking research from The 2023 Girls’ IndexTM to explore the factors contributing to the confidence crisis and the connection between girls’ confidence, their leadership aspiration and their future leadership roles. Participants will gain invaluable insights from the largest-of-its-kind national survey, and leave with actionable strategies to foster confidence, resilience and leadership skills for the girls in their buildings and the women in their talent and leadership pipeline.
Molly Kennedy
Molly Kennedy is an award-winning, international resilience speaker and author of Creating the Champion Within. She has spent the past 26 years empowering others to Get UP When Life Knocks Them Down.
Her heart’s work is to inspire you to flip your mindset and develop your empowering beliefs with intention and consistency to become unstoppable.
Molly’s message will empower you to get UNstuck from any challenge or transition life throws at you. You’ll learn practical, user friendly strategies applicable to every aspect of life. This is NOT a one and done message! It will stick to your ribs!
She ‘walks the walk’ when it comes to resiliency, grit and perseverance. Molly grew up in a dysfunctional family with addiction, divorce, abuse, neglect, abandonment, suffered from an eating disorder, was suicidal and a runaway at 15 years old. If you are looking for a message of how to overcome obstacles, reach goals and create the best version of yourself, Molly is your speaker!
Molly is a bodybuilding champion, an Empire State Games Gold Medalist in olympic-style weightlifting, has finished a full Ironman Triathlon (140.6 miles), completed multiple marathons, jumped out of an airplane twice, walked across fire twice, climbed the equivalent of Mt. Everest in 32 hours and summited all of New York State’s highest 46 mountains.
Her enthusiasm, vulnerability, sense of humor and gut-level honesty will inspire you to believe in yourself and create the champion within YOU!
KEYNOTE PRESENTATION DESCRIPTION
Molly Kennedy is an award-winning resilience speaker and author of Creating the Champion Within. With 26 years of experience, she empowers audiences to shift their mindset and develop resilience. Molly’s powerful story of overcoming personal hardships, including abuse and addiction, underscores her message of perseverance. A bodybuilding champion and Ironman finisher, she inspires others to unlock their potential with practical, lasting strategies.