Breakout Sessions
This page presents information on the breakouts for the Powerful Women Paving the Way Conference.
Morning Breakout Session I (10:15 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.)
Working Smarter: What I Wish I Knew When I Took My First Job
(Room 206, Student Focus)
- What: Ways to accomplish tasks more efficiently and not having to ask the ‘silly questions’
- Topics of Discussion: When to ask for help or when to say no, when a problem merits going to HR, when to disconnect from office/email
- Moderator: Ashley Leineweber
- Panelists Include: Kati Wrieden, Consumer Sales Leadership Development Program at Johnson & Johnson, Natalie Jaworski, Executive Director of Enterprise IT Sourcing and Supplier Management, Allie Miller, Second Year Audit Associate, KPMG, LLP
Be Your Own Boss
(Room 207, Professional Focus)
- What: Everything you need to know about starting your own business.
- Topics of Discussion: Where to begin, struggles along the way, marketing techniques, is it the right choice for you
- Moderator: Leanne Hoover
- Panelists Include: Bernice Innocent, Senior Human Resources Project Manager, Lockheed Martin, Allison Tibbs, International Speaker, Author, Entrepreneur, Danielle Jenkins, Director of Category Management and Shopper Marketing, Johnson & Johnson
Get Your Head in the Game: A Look at Sports and Business
(Room 208, Mixed Focus)
- What: How to get involved in this competitive industry
- Topics of Discussion: First steps, what types of jobs there are in the industry, how to stand out in this male dominated field
- Moderator: Rebecca Carey
- Panelists Include: Julie Moore, Charmelle Green, Billy Langenstein, Manager of Guest Operations, Washington Nationals
Morning Breakout Session II (11:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.)
Landing the Internship
(Room 206, Student Focus)
- What: How to land your first internship
- Topics of Discussion: When to start looking/applying, how to follow up with the company, what to expect, accepting the offer
- Moderator: Leah Virbitsky
- Panelists Include: Erica Trotta, Territory 4 University Relations Manager, Kohl’s, Allison Davis, Senior University Relations Specialist, Global Recruiting, Johnson & Johnson, Kelly Naudain, Senior Account Manager in Sales and Distribution, Altria
Making Business Last: Sustainability in Today's World
(Room 207, Professional Focus)
- What: How to be ‘green’ in business today while still being productive and successful
- Topics of Discussion: Being conscious of current efforts and steps your company can take
- Moderator: Abby Motsch
- Speaker: Judy Wicks, Entrepreneur
Networking 101
(Room 208, Mixed Focus)
- What: How to network effectively in a competitive business world
- Topics of Discussion: When to network and who to network with, appropriate topics of discussion, the ‘awkward silence’
- Moderator: Sami Taylor
- Panelists Include: Nancy Wentzler, Retired Chief Economist and Deputy Comptroller, Currency Department of the U.S. Treasury, Susan McKelvey-Goggins, Executive Coach, Career Concepts, Andrea Petronello, FMP Leader, GE Capital
Afternoon Breakout Session III (1:45 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.)
Dress for Success
(Room 206, Student Focus)
- What: Business professional vs. business casual (including colors, accessories, high heels, etc.)
- Topics of Discussion: Where to shop, may also include hair/makeup, anything and everything you will need to look good in the professional world
- Moderator: Christina Lerch
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Panelists Include: Jeannine Bedford, Store Manager, Kohl's
Managing Your Finances in Today's Economy
(Room 207, Professional Focus)
- What: Keeping your wallet under control during controversial times
- Topics of Discussion: How to invest, when and where to invest, getting involved in the stock market, saving techniques
- Moderator: Pallavi Khare
- Panelists Include: Katie Thomas, Lauren Blew, Instructor of Personal Money Management, Personal Investing & Accounting at Monroe Community College, Lori McLaughlin
Stress and Relaxation
(Room 208, Mixed Focus)
- What: How to manage your busy work/school schedules, as well as other stressful situations
- Topics of Discussion: Techniques that can be used on the spot, support groups, classes, etc
- Moderator: Rebecca Carey
- Facilitator: Gina Oliva, Senior Consultant, Grant Thorton’s Global Public Sector, Pamela Turner, Senior Vice President of Originations, GE Capital Healthcare Financial Services, Jill Garrigan, Fitness Coordinator, Penn State University
Afternoon Breakout Session IV (2:45 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.)
School After School: Graduate Programs and Law School
(Room 206, Student Focus)
- What: Anything and everything you want/need to know about graduate programs
- Topics of Discussion: When to apply, how to finance, is it the right choice for you, what to expect when you get there
- Moderator: Erin Lautenbacher
- Panelists Include: Carrie Marcinkevage, Managing Director, Penn State Smeal MBA Program
Negotiating Effectively
(Room 207, Professional Focus)
- What: How to negotiate confidently and respectfully for what you want
- Topics of Discussion: How to as for a promotion, raise, vacation, negotiating for your company as well as yourself
- Moderator: Samira Gourama
- Panelists Include: Cindy Cornell, Executive Coach and Founder, The Hoshin Group, Patti Yoder, Americas People Leader, Ernst & Young, Peggy Means, CMR Excellence Manager, GE Transportation’s Global Service Operation
Navigating A Healthy Lifestyle
(Room 208, Mixed Focus)
- What: How to stay healthy and make good choices while still managing your busy schedules
- Topics of Discussion: Quick meal ideas/examples, what to buy in the grocery store, planning ahead
- Moderator: Julia Dolinsky
- Speaker: Jody Whipple, Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator
