The Empowered Citizen
Teri McNally
Learn from a tried and true community leader how you can become involved and engaged to provide maximum value to your community. Topics include a regional overview, the meaning of effective board service, and a few words on the role and value of philanthropy.
About the speaker:
Teri McNally is the Executive Director of The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region, a position she has held since 2002. With over 28 years of experience as an executive in the private and nonprofit sector, McNally has seen a shift in the level of community and corporate engagement in philanthropy. She directs 152 donor-advised, scholarship and designated funds currently valued at $23 million. She oversees the foundation’s board committees on investment strategy and management, community impact initiatives, and effective grantmaking. Each year, the foundation delivers $1 million in essential grant dollars to hardworking nonprofits serving our community.
McNally holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business from Columbus State University. She has one son, Thomas, who is busy trying to save the world.
Empowered Through Difference
Sabrina Johnson
Why are teams that have women more effective? What is it about differing opinions that helps groups come to better decisions? In this session, participants will learn how to hear differing opinions and have civil discussion even when you don’t agree.
About the speaker:
Sabrina Johnson is the vice president for equity and access at the University of Mary Washington. She also serves as the University’s chief diversity officer. Johnson earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in public administration from Virginia Commonwealth University. She holds a juris doctorate from the College of William and Mary’s Marshall-Wythe School of Law and is a licensed member of the Virginia State Bar.
The Empowered Life
Carter Fitch
Have you ever thought of what it means to have a team in your personal life? Hear from a trusted advisor on the topic of self advocacy and how advisors can support decision making at key milestones. This session will generate dialogue that will help participants understand how to leverage these advisors (such as attorney, accountant, coach, financial advisory, physician) to take charge of their lives and advocate for themselves.
About the speaker:
Carter Fitch is currently the Director of Finance and Human Resources of The George Washington Foundation. Prior to her current role, Carter worked for a number of non-profit clients doing audit and tax work as a CPA in the public accounting world and was an adjunct instructor for accounting at the University of Mary Washington. She currently serves on the board of directors for St. Margaret’s School in Tappahannock, Virginia and is the chair of the board of directors of the Fairy Godmother Project in Fredericksburg, Virginia. She has been involved in a number of other local non profit boards and continues to donate her time to help various organizations with tax and accounting services. Carter received a B.S. in Accounting and Information Systems and a M.S. in Accounting and Information Systems specializing in Financial Reporting and Assurance Services from Virginia Tech and was awarded the Top 10 of the Next Gen Award from the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce in 2015. She lives in Fredericksburg with her husband, Andy, and three sons, Macon, Sam and Henry.
Empowered Presence
Cara Parker
Have you ever wondered why some people command attention when they walk into a room or stand up to speak? Executive Presence and confidence can be developed with tools and practice. Take the first step with this session.
About the speaker:
Cara Parker is President/CEO of C Parker Consulting, Inc. (CPC). CPC is located in Fredericksburg, Virginia and specializes in organizational development for small and mid-sized organizations. She and her team facilitate leadership workshops, retreats, strategic planning, and coaching for individuals and organizations. Cara resides in Caroline County with her husband, 2 boys and very large doberman. She enjoys learning through international travel and is a volunteer for the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society.
Empowered Through Purpose
Jenna Cooley
When was the last time you stopped to think about what you really want in your career and life? How clear are you on why you do what you do? If you’re like most women, you’re too busy to reflect on these incredibly important questions. This workshop will be your opportunity to stop, reflect, dig deep and envision your purpose, goals and dreams.
About the speaker:
Jenna Cooley, M.Ed, PCC is a Certified Leadership and Personal Development Coach, Trainer and Speaker and Founder of Cooley Coaching and Consulting. She is also responsible for community outreach and volunteer management at Capital Caring, a not-for-profit hospice, palliative care and counseling organization in Fredericksburg. In each of her roles, Jenna is passionate about inspiring individuals to know their purpose and discover meaningful ways to live in alignment with it in each season of their lives.
Financial Empowerment
Lynne Richardson
We’ve all heard the story about the woman who is unexpectedly widowed and has no idea what the family financial situation is. We also know that as times change an increasing amount of women must be financially accountable as a single person well into their early adult years. This session explores the realities of financial literacy and provide practical tools and tips to make sure that you can feel financially empowered no matter what stage of life you are in.
About the speaker:
Lynne Richardson is VP for Administration and Finance at the University of Mary Washington (UMW). Previously she was dean of the business schools at UMW, Mississippi State and Ball State. She is passionate about individuals understanding and owning their personal financial situations. Her session will focus on this very topic; participants will walk away with a plan that will empower them to do this!
The Empowered Enterprise
Panel Discussion
These entrepreneurs will share their wisdom, best practices and “what-not-to-dos” while juggling life, work and a thriving business. Come, be a witness to this lively discussion about how they continue to build, lead and live with the realities of being an entrepreneur and balancing all the demands of being an empowered woman.
Stacey Lampman
As Co-Founder and Principal Interior Designer, Stacey is relentless in the pursuit of her client’s goals and a passionate advocate for her team. With over 15 years experience in the design field, Stacey has worked as Project Manager and Senior Designer at world-renowned firms such as the Ward Hale Design Group, Smithgroup, and HOK. Her past projects include both residential and commercial work, with an emphasis on Hospitality, Institutional, Healthcare, and Master Planning projects. She also specializes Space Planning for both the office and home.
Scarlett Pons
Scarlett Pons is the co-owner of PONSHOP Studio- a retail space selling all handmade items in Downtown Fredericksburg. She is also owner of scarlettwares a ceramic design company selling both handmade and ready made items trough a variety of brick and mortar and on-line retailers.
Ameeta Rajagopal
Getting a doctoral degree can lead to many paths. For Ameeta Vashee Rajagopal, life before children was spent as director for the Multicultural Center and teaching in the graduate program at The University of Mary Washington. Post-children, this mother of two devoted her time to volunteering at their school. Staying home turned out to be rewarding but creatively stifling. The solution? A licensed home-baking business that provides her with a flexible schedule and a creative outlet! You can follow her work at www.facebook.com/ameetabakes or Instagram @ameetabakes.
Erin Salo
Erin Salo i
s one of the founders of Pueo Business Solutions. Pueo Business Solutions was founded by a select team of Veterans, government executives, academic professors, and business leaders to meet mission requirements. Before being a founding member of Pueo Business Solutions, Erin Salo was oversaw application development for the Department of Defense.
Michelle Caldwell Thompson
Michelle Caldwell Thompson is the Owner of CTI Real Estate, the largest African American owned residential real estate firm in the five counties of Planning District 16. She has been the Principal Broker of Caldwell Thompson Incorporated, CTI Real Estate, since 2004 and is responsible for corporate strategic initiatives, ensuring regulatory compliance, and managing its team of over fifty real estate professionals in five regional offices. Michelle has had the pleasure of speaking at the UMW Women’s Colloquium, a NAACP Spring Tea, the Virginia Black History Month Gala, Leadership Fredericksburg, and various other Community engagements. Michelle Caldwell Thompson has served as the real estate subject matter expert on radio shows; such as, “Healthy, Wealthy & Wise” on WURD and “The Daily Drum Talk Show” and “Beyond the Bling” on WHUR.
