Authenticity as Power: Belonging and Well-Being During Turbulent Times 

Milagros Marrero-Johnson 

Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives and Community Engagement 

School of Social Work 

 

This workshop engages participants in building community, expanding professional skills, increasing knowledge, and strengthening networks to promote inclusive and supportive working environments. This session incorporates a guided social identity exercise to support women’s self-reflection and shared learning. Participants will examine how identity, authenticity, and empowerment intersect in professional spaces and explore practical tools for everyday practice. 

Leading with Presence: Mindfulness, Leadership, and AI Copilots at Work 

Pavan Bolla 

AI Agents Specialist 

Student Life & Enrollment 

 

This session combines mindfulness, leadership, and AI copilots to enhance productivity and reduce burnout. Participants will engage in a guided meditation using sound instruments, followed by a live AI demo and interactive take aways to integrate human-centered leadership with practical AI tools. 

 

“Across Every Border: Intercultural Intelligence as a Tool for Women ChangemakHers” 

Fauziah Ibrahim 

LLM Student 

LLM/ US Legal Studies-Human Rights Concentration 

 

In a time of rising division, this interactive workshop empowers women to lead across differences by developing Intercultural Intelligence (CQ). Through self-assessment, dialogue, and skill-building, participants explore identity, power, and culture, gaining practical tools to foster inclusive, equitable environments in their workplaces, classrooms, and communities 

 

The Heroine’s Journey at Work: Owning Your Story, Navigating Conflict, Leading Change 

Valerie Gordon 

Communications Coordinator 

School of Public Policy 

 

This interactive and engaging workshop uses storytelling tools to help participants examine how their personal narratives shape leadership, communication, and impact. Through reflection and discussion, participants identify character strengths, current conflicts, and create a “Next Chapter” action plan to create personal success while contributing to more inclusive, supportive workplaces. 

 

Navigating Scientific/Scholarly Inquiry and Community in Challenging Times 

Kathleen Holgerson  

Interim Assistant Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion 

Office for inclusion and Civil Rights 

 

Michelle Williams 

Associate Vice President for Research Engagement 

Office of the Vice President for Research 

 

In response to evolving federal orders and funding restrictions, this session convenes faculty and staff navigating contested areas such as diversity, immigration, and climate sustainability. Through community conversation, participants will share strategies to pivot, resist, and sustain vital work while addressing the personal and moral impacts of these changes.