Summati
THE
n Weekly USPS Publication Number 16300
T h is C om mu n i t y N ewsp a p er is a pu bl ica t ion of E sca m bia / S a n ta Rosa B a r Assoc ia t ion
Section A, Page 1
Vol. 17, No. 7
Visit The Summation Weekly Online: www.summationweekly.com
February 22, 2017
1 Section, 8 Pages
LE A DING L A D I ES By Haley Weaver
It’s time again for the fourth annual University of West Florida Women in Leadership Conference. The theme for 2017 is “Designing Your Future,” featuring guest speakers from local businesses such as Gulf Power Vice President of Customer Service and Sales Bentina Terry and Saltmarsh Managing Director Christina Doss. This year the speakers will dedicate more time to giving the attendees knowledge they can use in their future employment rather than sharing personal testimonies. For example, Terry’s closing address will discuss the importance of putting the information retained from the conference, as well as books on leadership, into practice and taking action. Sherry Hartnett, director of the UWF Executive Mentor Program, created the event while trying to recruit speakers for the students in the Executive Mentor Program; she determined they needed to show
women in business positions of authority. Hartnett also realized they couldn’t choose just one woman, and opted for a panel instead. “Then, I realized it would be fun to have a couple of panels of women – and from there the original idea to have one speaker, turned into a nearly full-day conference and we’ve never looked back,” she explained. Hartnett says they specifically book local guest speakers in order to keep the experience personal; they represent what local companies are looking for and how they operate, and provide a view of the careers one can have without migrating to fish bowl cities such as New York City and Los Angeles. What’s more, this makes contacting the speakers more accessible. “What makes every year unique is hearing the very real
and inspiring stories from the speakers,” says Hartnett. The primary audience are young professionals and upcoming graduates, but Hartnett assures diverse speakers are recruited in order to reach attendees of all ages, industries, ethnicities, experiences, and life stages. There will be opportunities for networking throughout the event during breaks between speakers; along with the attendees, many panelists and speakers will be available to chat with after the conclusion of the conference. The biggest networking opportunity is the Round-Table Luncheon included in the conference ticket, wherein a facilitator sits at each of the ten tables to assist in cultivating conversations among the attendees. Local companies also use this conference as a team building opportunity for their employees. Navy Federal, Saltmarsh, and Gulf Power are just a few of the companies who use the conference to benefit their employees, says Hartnett. Hartnett hopes the attend-
ees will take away valuable knowledge they can use in their current or future careers and endeavors, even if they simply gain confirmation that their current path is the right one. Half the speakers’ time is dedicated solely to audience questions, really catering to enrich the experiences of the attendees. “I believe,” she says, “the attendees will enjoy the enthusiasm and honesty of the speakers. They’re just such real people; you can tell they’re speaking from the heart and that’s meaningful.” If you’re interested in getting involved, Hartnett says, you’ll need to act fast. Tickets are free, but this event has sold out quickly every year. However, that shouldn’t discourage you as there will be a waiting list for potential attendees if someone with a ticket is unable to attend. The conference will be on March 3, from 11:45 am to 5 pm in the UWF Conference Center and Auditorium, Building 22. To register or learn more about the event, visit uwf.edu/
Commons Auditorium Building, First Floor 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Registration and Check-In for Roundtable Luncheon
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Preconference Roundtable Luncheon Facilitated by Pensacola Young Professionals
Conference Center Building, Second Floor 11:45 AM - 12:45 PM
Registration and Check-In for Conference
12:45 PM - 1:00 PM
Opening Remarks/Welcome • Dr. Martha SaundersPresident, University of West Florida • Introduced by Dr. Tim O’Keefe- Dean College of Business, University of West Florida
1:00 PM - 1:45 PM
Opening Session: Propelling Women’s Careers: A Developmental Network Approach • Dr. Wendy Murphy- Associate Professor of Management, Babson College
1:45 PM - 2:45 PM
2016 Roundtable luncheon
Panel 1 Discussion: Women in Leadership • Sue Straughn- News Anchor/ Senior Editor, WEAR-TV – Moderator • Dr. Kim LeDuff- Dean & Associate Vice Provost, University College, University of West Florida • Mary Hoxeng- Owner & General Manager, Cat Country 98.7 FM/NewsRadio 92.3 FM/ NewsRadio1620 AM • Christy Manderson- Vice President of Sales, Highpointe Hotel Corporation • Amy Miller- Port Director, Port of Pensacola
Panelists Lisa Reese and Christina Doss
2:45 PM - 3:00 PM Break
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Panel 2 Discussion: Investing In Your Future & Owning Your Destiny • Christina Doss- Managing Director, Saltmarsh Financial Advisors – Moderator • Allison Hill- Chief Executive Officer, Lakeview Center Inc. and Senior Vice President, Baptist Health Care • Xia Liu- Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Gulf Power Company • Cecilia Nanni- Vice President, Wealth Advisor, Regions Private Wealth Management • Kristen Rushing- Chief Operating Officer, Risk Consultant for Beck Partners Insurance
4:00 PM - 4:45 PM
Closing Session: You, Them, Us…Leadership in Practice • Bentina Terry- Vice President, Customer Service and Sales, Gulf Power Company
4:45 PM - 5:00 PM
WILC-Speakers-and-Panelists
2016 captains
Closing Remarks • Dr. Tim O’Keefe- Dean College of Business, University of West Florida