OUTLOOK | NEWS
LEADING OUTSIDE THE LINES
Women Together International inspires individuals and organizations to lead outside the lines The Women Together conference returned virtually on Feb. 3, with a new theme for the second-annual event: Leading Outside the Lines. Kirsten Olson kicked off the daylong event of speakers, breakout groups, and networking by asking the attendees to ponder what leading outside the lines looks like in 2022. Olson, the chief listening officer at Old Sow Coaching and Consulting, has been a driving force guiding a team from the San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE) and Lodi Unified School District working to grow the new, inclusive Women Together International network. The network aims to recognize the contributions of women and empower them in the workplace. The conference, which further inspires the work, included a dynamic lineup of speakers: Dr. Tina Opie,
Dr. Carrie Arnold, Dr. Lucy Vezzuto, Jennifer Janzen, Jodi-Ann Burey, and Cori Takkinen. Back for the second year was Dr. Tina Opie, an award-winning researcher and founder of Opie Consulting Group. She discussed questioning norms of professionalism and challenged participants to think about how they can encourage authenticity in the workplace. “Notice your organization’s norms – who’s considered professional and who isn’t? Reflect on if those judgments have anything to do with getting the work done,” said Opie. “Then, don’t just reflect. Promote actual behavioral change, revisit policies, brainstorm with colleagues, and role-model authentic behavior.” The conference wrapped up at the end of the day with a panel of local leaders:
Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln, San Joaquin County Public Health Officer Dr. Maggie Park, SJCOE Business Services Director Terrell Martinez, and A.G. Spanos Companies Vice President of Community Relations Brenna Butler Garcia. The panelists shared their thoughts about what they learned throughout the day. “Everything from the beginning to the end was encouraging,” said Martinez. “As women in a world where we know that men have it easier, I think we have to help each other,” she said
WOMENTOGETHERINTL.ORG
Nurturing our Resilience and Wellbeing in Challenging Times Women Together International is providing an interactive online series focused on strength-based perspectives to cultivating one’s resilience and wellbeing, not only for self-benefit but also for the benefit of others. The threepart virtual series includes: Calm and Alert on April 28 from 12- 1 p.m., Aware and Present on May 5 from 12-1 p.m., and Connected and Curious on May 12 from 12-1 p.m. Learn more and register at https://conta.cc/3JkZff8.
6 | SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION
