Diversity in the Workplace
Veronica Curry
Let’s face it, we’re living in a rapidly changing society. This change is reflected in our workplaces and there’s no question, diversity matters. During our current times of division, group think and uncertainty, it’s important to understand and address the significance of a diverse workplace. Without careful attention, harmful conflict, which emerges from our differences can affect the overall success of your organization.
About the speaker:
Veronica Curry is an experienced facilitator, educator and business leader, with over 20 years of experience in business management and academia.
Veronica is currently serving as a Counselor and Adjunct Instructor at Germanna Community College. In her current role, Veronica provides counseling and advising for new and returning students and assists with the coordination of programs and activities at Germanna’s Barbara J. Fried Center in Stafford, Virginia.
Accept It, Change It, or Move On
Janel Donohue
We don’t always have control over what happens to us but we always have control over how we react. Learn three phrases that can empower you to react in a positive way, achieve positive results for you and change your life for the better.
About the speaker:
Janel Donohue is the President of Rappahannock United Way. She loves leading an organization that changes lives and improves community conditions.
Janel graduated from Mary Washington College with a Bachelor of Arts in English. She has a Human Resource background and over 20 years of fundraising experience. Most recently, Janel led a statewide effort to engage twenty-two independent local United Ways throughout the Commonwealth to collaboratively work together on the Virginia ALICE Project. United Ways throughout the state of Virginia have come together to produce the Virginia ALICE Report along with the generous financial backing from state-wide sponsors. Now statewide entities such as the Virginia Community College System and the Virginia Department of Social Services are working with Janel’s team to bring systematic change to the way Virginia talks about poverty.
Janel’s passion for her community is evidenced by her community involvement. Janel is a Board member for the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce where she is a graduate, faculty, active alumna, and speaker for the Leadership Fredericksburg program. Janel is a Past President of the Fredericksburg Host Lions Club. She serves on the Mary Washington Hospital Foundation Selection Committee. She works with the University of Mary Washington in creating a Community Engagement initiative. Janel has received community awards such as the Laurie A. Wideman Enterprising Woman’s Award, University of Mary Washington and the Leadership Colloquium’s Patricia Lacey Metzger Award.
Janel and her husband live in Spotsylvania County and own Play It Again Sports. They enjoy coaching and spending time with their two children, Alexis and Evan; volunteering with their church and in the community.
Dazzle with the Art of Surprise and Delight
Meghan Ely
Want to make a lasting impression with clients, colleagues and prospects alike? It’s time to embrace “surprise and delight,” a strategy that originated in the marketing world and is taking root among businesses, both small and large. It is a proven strategy among those looking to make a truly memorable impression. In this fast-paced session, award-winning publicist Meghan Ely will guide you through the steps to implement surprise and delight tactics into your business dealings successfully.
About the speaker:
OFD Consulting owner, Meghan Ely, combines in-the-trenches event experience with a love of public relations to empower her clients to take their businesses to new heights.
A long-time industry speaker and writer, she is a WeddingPro educator with The Knot + WeddingWire, as well as a regular contributor to a variety of industry publications. Meghan represents clients globally and has earned them coverage with the New York Times, Martha Stewart Weddings, The Knot, Refinery 29, Domino, Forbes and Real Simple, among other outlets.
Her team’s publicity efforts are regularly honored by the Public Relations Society of America. Special Events also has featured her as one of the top 25 young professionals in the event industry.
Inclusive Leadership from the Majority
Dr. Janet Gullickson
The term boundary spanning is used to describe any situation where an individual crosses the boundaries of a social group. “Boundary Spanners” are those people who can span across cultures. This is exhausting work as we transform organizations into antiracist organizations. How can we support those who are constantly asked to “represent” their cultures? How do leaders grow a culture where boundary spanners become a resource rather than the only source for cultural transformation?
About the speakers:
Dr. Janet Gullickson has been President of Germanna Community College since July 2017. The college is committed to racial equity as indicated in its “Black Minds Matter” work. Dr. Gullickson will use this experience as the basis of her presentation.
Balancing Family and Work Life
Jessica Marschall
An introduction to being a working mother of 19 years—the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Building a healthy work and family business framework:
- Working remotely with teammates
- Effective communication tools
- Meetings—why, where, and when?
- Building up teammates and yourself to establish trust
- Communication of availability and sticking to a schedule—with flexibility!
Unique challenges to women as we seek to achieve work and family balance:
- The proverbial board meeting and how to deal with interruptions, overtalking, and questions posed ONLY to women, “How do you handle running a business when you have 5 kids?”
- Watching for workplace abuses and speaking up against sexism, sexual harassment, and racism
- Being bold and confident in our interactions with workmates
- Kindness and compassion in the workplace and how we can make our work and family life blend into one positive continuum
About the speaker:
Jessica I. Marschall, CPA, is President and CEO/CFO The Green Mission Inc. and President of Marschall Accounting Services LLC. The Green Mission specializes in deconstruction and personal property appraisals for charitable donations. Marschall Accounting specializes in tax consultation for individuals and small businesses.
Jessica holds a MS in accounting from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and a BA from the University of Virginia, Charlottesville. She has been a practicing CPA for 19 years. Her background includes public accounting consultancy and internal auditing. Jessica currently works as an adjunct professor in tax and accounting at Germanna Community College, volunteers in local community groups, and sits on the Board of three not-for-profit organizations including the Stafford Education Foundation. Her greatest accomplishment is being a mother to five children and a wife of 20 years.
Accountability in Leadership
Lynne Richardson
Accountability in Leadership—Do you struggle holding folks in your unit accountable? Or perhaps you are challenged to hold yourself accountable? This session will give you tools to better hold yourself and others responsible for actions and performances.
About the speaker:
Lynne Richardson is dean of the UMW College of Business. She earned a PhD in Marketing from the University of Alabama and, in addition to Mary Washington, has served as dean of the business schools at Mississippi State and Ball State. Lynne has been active in each of her communities, serving on nonprofit boards and is a three-time Rotarian. She married Woody in 1989 and they have three adult children, each of whom is accountable!
1:1 Coaching
Attendees will have the opportunity to sign up for 1:1 coaching sessions with professional career coaches. A limited number of 45 minute sessions will be available in the afternoon on a first come, first served basis. Attendees will select a time at registration and be randomly assigned to one of seven experienced and engaging coaches.
Coaches:
Susan J. Coleman is a credentialed Executive Life and Leadership Coach under the John C. Maxwell Team and she is also a Director at Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center. Susan’s mission is to help organizations and individuals become all they were created to be and finds joy in the growth of others both personally and professionally.
Jenna Cooley
Jenna Cooley, Certified Leadership Coach and owner of Cooley Coaching and Consulting, specializes in helping leaders and businesses develop the mindset, strategies and culture that result in maximum success, engagement and fulfillment. She is passionate about empowering women to lead their lives and careers with the ideal combination of courage, confidence and compassion.
Barbara Gustavson
Barbara Gustavson is Founder of Discover Next Step, and a certified leadership and brain health coach. She works with purpose-driven teams where she guides them to be more fulfilled in their roles no matter what challenge they are facing.
Rose Heyward
Rose is an accomplished human resources professional and certified leadership/life coach. She leverages her 25 years of management experience to help individuals and teams clarify their goals, create an actionable plan, and live on purpose with excellence and joy.
Theresa Moore
Theresa Moore believes in the transformative power of coaching to help people get unstuck or accelerate performance professionally or personally. Throughout her career in business and leadership, Theresa has empowered women to unlock their potential, beat back the imposter syndrome, and be the best version of themselves. A graduate of the University of Mary Washington, Theresa’s coaching style will challenge you and change you.
Cara Graham Parker
Cara has a 21-year background working in the field of organizational and human development. She specializes in enhancing leadership skills such as project management, strategic planning, team management, work-life balance, time management, presenting/communicating, problem solving, writing performance measures, and career development. Cara’s approach is grounded in academic credibility, and then makes the methodologies relevant to the individual through practical application.
Beth Williams
Beth Williams is a Human Resources executive with a psychology degree from Mary Washington College, and professional coaching certification from the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC). She is currently the Executive Director of Human Resources for the University of Mary Washington and an active member of the Fredericksburg community. Beth believes that too often we focus on what we believe we’re lacking, and fail to fully appreciate our own unique talents and abilities; this is why she is passionate about coaching and supporting those around her.
