15th Annual San Diego Women's Week Leadership Conference Nurtures Inspiration and Empowerment

Fifteenth Annual San Diego Women's Week Leadership Conference Nurtures Inspiration and Empowerment 

For Immediate Release 

San Diego, Calif. – The North San Diego Business Chamber is excited to announce the full powerhouse lineup for the 15th Annual San Diego Women's Week Leadership Conference on March 1 at the Rancho Bernardo Inn. This one-day event will offer a transformative experience for women in the workplace, promising inspiration, empowerment, and valuable insights into navigating professional and personal growth. This is the third and final event in the San Diego Women’s Week series, which commences on February 26 with a Kick-Off Lunch at the University of San Diego. 

Guests may attend the Leadership Conference in person or virtually. Leadership Passes are $269 and include in-person attendance, keynote speakers, panel discussions, networking opportunities, Vendor Village access, swag bag (while supplies last), morning coffee bar, lunch, view On-Demand for 3 months, and speaker books including Career Forward, Your First Million, and Energy Rising. 

Virtual passes are $99 and include live virtual access to keynote speakers, panel discussions, virtual networking via the mobile app, virtual vendor village, and the ability to watch On-Demand for 3 months. 

Leadership Conference Highlights: 

Networking Opportunities: Embrace the magic of mingling with a community of women and like-minded individuals, fostering meaningful connections. 

Keynote Speakers: Engage with inspirational keynote speakers from diverse backgrounds, sharing unique stories to motivate and uplift attendees in their daily lives. Gain insights into emotional intelligence, the entrepreneurial journey, building professional value, and using your skills for the greater good of humanity. 

Panel Discussions: Participate in thought-provoking panel discussions and workshops addressing pertinent topics relevant to women in the workplace and daily life. 

Exhibitor Interaction: Connect with diverse exhibitors, support local businesses, and enter exciting giveaways. 

Enriching Keynote Sessions: 

Dr. Julia DiGangi - The Neuroscience of Using Emotional Energy to Build Exceptional Teams 

Research shows that the #1 threat to leader and team effectiveness is an inability to handle emotional challenges. During her session, neuropsychologist Dr. Julia DiGangi will uncover the power of emotional energy in leadership and team effectiveness. Attendees will learn to empower themselves to work directly with their brain’s systems, enabling them with tools to thrive in high-pressure circumstances. This keynote session is moderated by Susan Cort, HR Program Director at Oracle. 

Arlan Hamilton - Your First Million: Why You Don’t Have to Be Born into a Legacy of Wealth to Leave One Behind 

Having lived nearly her entire life below the poverty line before becoming one of the wealthiest Black women in America, Hamilton knows that we don’t have to let the circumstances we are born into define our legacy. In her talk, Arlan will share how anyone, no matter where they come from, can tap into financial tools to transform their situation in life. This keynote is moderated by Heather Diamond, Senior VP of Business Development and Community Relations at San Diego County Credit Union. 

Grace Puma & Christiana Smith Shi - Career Forward: Strategies from Women Who've Made It 

Former PepsiCo COO Grace Puma and former Nike President of Consumer Direct Christiana Smith Shi will offer groundbreaking insights from their novel, Career Forward: Strategies for Women Who’ve Made It, on how to prioritize a career path, build professional value, and enjoy a full life both in and out of the workplace. At a time when many long-held workplace structures and beliefs are changing, Career Forward is a beacon for women aspiring to achieve success and satisfaction in rewarding careers. This keynote is moderated by Kristi Larson, Senior Finance Director, US Region at BD. 

Dr. Kwane Stewart - Unity in Action: Nurturing Your Career and Passion for the Betterment of All 

Explore the collective potential for positive change with Dr. Kwane Stewart, CNN’s 2023 Hero of the Year and founder of Project Street Vet, a non-profit public charity providing free veterinary care to the pets of individuals experiencing homelessness. Having worked in nearly every part of the veterinarian profession before founding Project Street Vet, Dr. Kwane is on a mission to change lives with his inspirational message of “no judgment, just help.” Throughout his keynote, he will unveil a profound narrative of intertwining personal and professional growth for the greater good of humanity. This keynote is moderated by Diana Kowalsky, Head of Partner Communications at Petco. 

Dr. Alessandra Wall - Unleashing Your Leadership Authority: A Blueprint for Women in Male-Dominated Industries 

Dr. Alessandra Wall, a clinical psychologist turned executive coach, specializes in empowering women in senior leadership within male-dominated industries. In her keynote, Dr. Wall will share actionable 5-minute strategies to elevate leadership and authority so attendees can lead with ease, impact, and fulfillment in today’s workforce. Dr. Wall’s keynote session is moderated by Karimah Lamar, Shareholder at Littler. 

Additional Panel Discussions: 

EmpowerHer: Advocating for Oneself in the Workplace 

Join an engaging discussion with accomplished women leaders sharing personal journeys and strategies for self-advocacy. Your esteemed speakers include Diana Aldrete, Founder of Empowered Purpose; Tara Ceranic Salinas, Professor of Business Ethics and Management Department Chair at University of San Diego Knauss School of Business; Kristine Wexler, Managing Director at Bernstein; and moderator Sarah Hassaine, Head of Global Diversity & Inclusion at ResMed. 

Leading Ladies: Mastering the Art of Building and Leading Teams 

Join a dynamic discussion with accomplished women leaders sharing insights on creating and leading high-performing teams. Expert panelists include Karin Burns, Chief Executive Officer of San Diego Community Power; Sheri Nasim, President & CEO of Center for Executive Excellence; Leah Sicat, Global Head of Employee Giving & Regional Community Engagement at ASML; and moderator Lori Cornin, HR Director at Hologic. 

Strength in Unity: Women's Empowerment through Mentorship and Networking 

Join an illuminating session featuring accomplished women sharing insights on the transformative power of mentorship and networking. Discover the impact of meaningful connections as our panelists delve into the intricacies of navigating careers, breaking barriers, and fostering supportive networks. Distinguished panelists include Laura Bashore, Executive Coach at Anew Resume and Career Services; Jenica Bertalan, Financial Advisor at Edward Jones; Tracie Stender, Corporate Director of Compliance – Senior Counsel at Rancho Bernardo Inn; and moderator Mariam Solomon, Chief of Staff of the Trust and Privacy Organization at HP, Inc. 

Event Details: 

Date: March 1st, 2024 

Time: 8 am to 4 pm 

Location: Rancho Bernardo Inn 

Virtual Option: Attendees can participate virtually or watch the event later. 

Join us for a day of inspiration, empowerment, and connecting at the Fifteenth Annual San Diego Women's Week Leadership Conference. For more information and to register, visit SDWomensWeek.com. 

For media inquiries, further information, and direct engagement please contact Marketing & Member Relations Specialist Kayleigh Venne at kayleigh@sdbusinesschamber.com. 

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ABOUT SAN DIEGO WOMEN’S WEEK San Diego Women’s Week is a week of dynamic speakers and events designed to inspire, empower, and connect women of all ages and professions. Women from San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino counties come together during this week to address relevant topics impacting their lives today. Whether you are a professional trying to grow and balance your life or just out of college seeking the connections and inroads to your next steps, Women’s Week provides is the place to find inspiration, perspective, and enrichment in all aspects of your professional and personal lives.