Thank you to everyone who attended the 2023 Women’s Conference of Florida!
Please be on the lookout for our 2024 schedule.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2023 | TAMPA CONVENTION CENTER

7:00 AM - 11:00 AM

MORNING SESSIONS

7:00 AM

REGISTRATION OPENS, EXPO AREA OPENS AND CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST BEGINS

Registration will take place in the MAIN FOYER located on the first floor of the Tampa Convention Center. Once registered, please proceed to the EXPO area located in the MAIN FOYER for exhibitor and vendor booths and continental breakfast.

8:00 AM

MAIN BALLROOM

CONFERENCE DOORS OPEN FOR MORNING SESSION

8:30 AM

MAIN BALLROOM

CONFERENCE OPENING REMARKS

SPEAKER: Arlene DiBenigno, Founder and CEO, Women's Conference of Florida

8:40 AM

MAIN BALLROOM

CONFERENCE WELCOME REMARKS

SPEAKER: Elizabeth Frazier, Executive Vice President, Community Development and Social Impact, Tampa Bay Lightning and Executive Director, Lightning Foundation

8:45 AM

MAIN BALLROOM

NCAA PRESENTATION

SPEAKER: Claire Lessinger, Vice President of Events, Tampa Bay Sports Commission

8:50 AM

MAIN BALLROOM

FINDING YOUR SUPERPOWER IN THE WORKPLACE

Have you discovered what you naturally do best? The CliftonStrengths Assessment unlocks who you are, and how you can maximize your potential. Learn how Marty Lanahan, executive vice president and south regional president of First Horizon Bank, has taken her talents, and through her investment, developed them into strengths. Marty’s team has benefited from CliftonStrengths development, and so have the business outcomes of her teams, contributing to profitability. Diane Obrist, senior workplace consultant with Gallup, will showcase Marty's strengths and guide you through the science of CliftonStrengths. Through development, conference attendees can learn to aim their strengths at their personal and professional goals. Get ready to put a language to your superpowers with strengths!

MODERATOR: Marty Lanahan, Executive Vice President and South Regional President, First Horizon Bank

SPEAKER: Diane Obrist, Senior Workplace Consultant, Gallup

9:50 AM

MAIN BALLROOM

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS PRESENTATION

PRESENTED BY: Darcie Glazer Kassewitz, Owner and President, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

10:00 AM

MAIN BALLROOM

“TRAILBLAZING THE PATH TO FINANCIAL WELLNESS” KEYNOTE WITH LAUREN SIMMONS

Lauren shares her story from zero to one where she incorporates having all odds against her. Through perseverance, the power of the mind, and being open to opportunities, she landed a role at the NYSE, in which she made history. She shares her personal journey growing up in Georgia, having a disabled twin brother, and what her brother and mother instilled in her to get her to achieve her biggest dreams. From there, she will share ways for women, minorities, gen zer’s, and millennials to reach financial wellness by not only investing in the stock market but finding other avenues to save.

INTRODUCED BY: Lauren Thomas Compton, CFP®, CLU®, CEO, Thomas Financial

10:50 AM

MORNING SESSION CONCLUDES

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

MORNING BREAKOUT SESSIONS

MORNING BREAKOUT SESSION I – BALLROOM 118/119

YOUR SUPERPOWER IN THE WORKPLACE DISCUSSION

Diane Obrist, speaker and executive coach, will leverage her Gallup tenure of four decades to show you how you can identify what you do best and how to maximize your potential by using your CliftonStrengths. Gallup research proves that people succeed when they focus on their talents. When their talents become strengths, people are more productive, perform better and are more engaged. Diane will lead the breakout audience through some key discoveries through the 34 CliftonStrengths.

MODERATOR: Marty Lanahan, Executive Vice President and South Regional President, First Horizon Bank

SPEAKER: Diane Obrist, Senior Workplace Consultant, Gallup

MORNING BREAKOUT SESSION II – BALLROOM 120/121

MEANT FOR MORE: EMBRACE YOUR EVOLUTION TO CREATE A FULFILLING LIFE AND CAREER

In this presentation, international business, personal branding, and success coach, Allison Walsh, is on a mission to help you actualize and optimize your potential. After working with thousands of women over the last 15 years, Allison’s developed a signature framework to help you identify “what’s next” and take meaningful steps to create a fulfilling future as you confidently evolve into the person you’re intended to be. In addition to the 60-minute workshop, attendees will be encouraged to implement the advice shared by accessing supplemental resources. Every attendee will receive a downloadable workbook with complimentary resources to help them. Training videos may also be provided based on the audience's interests during the presentation.

INTRODUCED BY: Kim Mirabella, Vice President, Business Development and Strategic Sales, Verizon

SPEAKER: Allison Walsh, JD, Business Consultant, Founder, Bestselling Author, International Speaker, and Influential Leader

MORNING BREAKOUT SESSION III – BALLROOM 122/123

PASSPORT TO EXCELLENCE; LEADERSHIP COMMUNICATION INTENSIVE

Are you prepared to be Brilliant? Communication is the cornerstone of success in your professional world and your personal life. Tami helps you and your team, develop a solid foundation of communication skills. Then she provides you with helpful tips and tools that allow you to build powerful connections, plan solid “life maps”, and incorporate a lot of laughter into the journey of reaching your fullest potential. The time you with Tami prepares you to evaluate where you are, identify where you want to be, and gives you tools to chart your course for future fabulousness. You will be able to use this content in your professional and personal life, and without exception, will be a better communicator because of this program. Live. Laugh. Learn. Sounds like a pretty good day!

SPEAKER: Tami Evans, Employee Engagement and Levity Leadership Expert

MORNING BREAKOUT SESSION IV – BALLROOM 124/125

CHANGING NARRATIVES AND CHALLENGING NORMS

You see others showing up in life, owning who they are. They have a certain walk and a certain air about them and appear to be the most amazing and most confident people around—the most amazing and most confident people on the planet! How do they do it?! In this high-energy session, you will know the factors that can cause you to dim your shine, and you will know how to take control of how you show up in life every day. You will know the four pillars of communication that determine your overall effectiveness and how well your image and message leave a memorable impression on others. Get practical action items, and immediately turn them into habits that position you to show up and show out as the most confident one in the room.

INTRODUCED BY: Nikki Foster, Community Investment Manager, Diversity & Inclusion, The Mosaic Company

SPEAKER: LaQuinda Brewington, Senior Communications Manager, The Mosaic Company and Founder, SisterLadyGirl

12:00 PM

MORNING BREAKOUT SESSIONS CONCLUDE

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

LUNCHEON SESSIONS

12:00 PM

MAIN BALLROOM

CONFERENCE DOORS OPEN FOR LUNCH SESSION

12:15 PM

SUPER LEAGUE TAMPA BAY PRESENTATION

SPEAKER: Christina Unkel, President, Super League Tampa Bay

12:20 PM

COLLEGE WOMEN ON THE RISE PRESENTATION

Sponsored by the Lightning Foundation, State Farm Insurance, Ultimate Medical Academy, 200 Muslim Women Who Care, Tampa Bay United, Creative Contractors, Wawa, ProtectEd, and Skanska, join us as we highlight the 2023 College Women on the Rise class!

12:30 PM

MAIN BALLROOM

“THE CONFIDENCE CODE” DISCUSSION WITH KATTY KAY

Confidence! With it, we can take on the world; without it, we don’t ask for raises, request that important meeting or take risks. In the success equation, research shows that confidence is even more critical than competence. But what is confidence? Where does it come from? Are we born with it, or do we acquire it? And why do women have less of it than their talents deserve? Katty will inspire you with the latest scientific research and anecdotes from her own career and the many women and girls she interviewed. Katty’s talk inspires audiences to take action – to go outside their comfort zones, to try new hard things, to take risks, to be prepared to fail and to discover the secret to success.

INTRODUCED BY: Miriam King, Senior Manager of Recruiting and Engagement, Vinik Sports Group Group
Angela Lanza, Director of Event Marketing, Vinik Sports Group

1:45 PM

LUNCHEON SESSION CONCLUDES

2:00 PM

BOOK SIGNING WITH KATTY KAY

Make sure to purchase your book at the Oxford Exchange vendor booth.

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

AFTERNOON BREAKOUT SESSIONS

AFTERNOON BREAKOUT SESSION I – BALLROOM 118/119

WOMEN IN THE WORKPLACE: ADDRESSING CRACKS IN THE WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP PIPELINE AND FIXING THE BROKEN RUNG

There are always winners and losers in the war for talent, and the stakes are higher than ever for companies that want to achieve gender equality. Women are demanding more from work, and they’re leaving their companies in unprecedented numbers to get it. Women leaders are switching jobs at the highest rate we’ve ever seen—and at a higher rate than men in leadership. This could have serious implications for companies. Women are already significantly underrepresented in leadership. For years, fewer women have risen through the ranks because of the “broken rung” at the first step up to manager. Now, companies are struggling to hold on to the relatively few women leaders they have. And all of these dynamics are even more pronounced for women of color. Join us as we dig into the data from the 2022 Women in the Workplace report, the largest study on the state of women in corporate America. This joint research effort between LeanIn.Org and McKinsey & Company aims to give companies insights and tools to advance gender diversity in the workplace.

INTRODUCED BY: Victoria Lord, Partner, McKinsey's Miami office

SPEAKER:Nicole Robinson, Associate Partner, McKinsey's San Francisco Office

AFTERNOON BREAKOUT SESSION II – BALLROOM 120/121

“THIS IS IT” LEVERAGING YOUR EXPERTISE TO CREATE WORK AND A LIFE YOU LOVE

You've crushed your career. You've never met a goal you didn't meet or exceed. Yet, after years of sacrifices to achieve all you've achieved, you can't help but feel like "this is it?" In this session, Kevin Kermes of CreateNext will share a 3-part framework he's used with more than 16,000 clients to land or create 6-figure roles (and lives) they love. In this highly interactive hour, Kevin will take executives through a series of exercises to help you identify what you truly want, where you're holding yourself back and how to bring it all into reality.

SPEAKER: Kevin Kermes, Co-Founder and Partner, CreateNext Group

AFTERNOON BREAKOUT SESSION III – BALLROOM 122/123

THE POWER OF WOMEN IN SPORTS

Women's professional sports have gained momentum and recognition in recent years, and Tampa Bay plays a prominent role in this positive movement. With the addition of the first women's pro soccer league and the University of South Florida adding women's lacrosse and beach volleyball in 2024-25, plus hosting the NCAA Women's Volleyball Championship and Women's Final Four in the next two years, there is a lot to discuss. These events not only showcase the talent and dedication of female athletes but also provide a platform for women's sports to reach a broader audience. We will hear from female leaders leading the way in this historical paradigm shift during this invigorating conversation as they highlight the growth of women's sports, specifically sponsor investment, broadcast deals, and the importance of grassroots participation, access, and equity.

INTRODUCED BY: Devin O'Connell, Vice President, Communications and Public Affairs, Tampa Bay Rays

MODERATED BY: Analis Bailey, Reporter, Axios

PANELISTS: Rafaela A. Amador Fink, Chief Public Affairs and Communications Officer, Tampa Bay Rays
Sofia Chepenik, Women's Lacrosse Player, University of South Florida
Claire Lessinger, Vice President, Events, Tampa Bay Sports Commission
Denise Schilte-Brown, Head Coach, Super League Tampa Bay

3:00 PM

AFTERNOON BREAKOUT SESSIONS CONCLUDE

3:00 PM - 5:30 PM

AFTERNOON SESSIONS

3:00 PM

MAIN BALLROOM

THRIVING IN MULTIFACTED CAREERS & CHANGING WORKSCAPES PANEL

This engaging panel discussion will delve into the unique experiences of women who have harnessed their talents, skills, and passions to create a new paradigm for success. By exploring their stories, strategies, and insights, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how to adapt to changing workscapes, succeed in male-dominated industries, and support other women while doing it.

MODERATED BY: Karen Sparkman, Vice President of Customer Experience, Tampa Electric Advisors Financial Planning

PANELISTS: Erica Dhawan, Award-Winning Keynote Speaker and Author
Lalitta Llerena, Internal Communications Manager, Tampa Electric
Lori Wilson, Manager of Distribution Design and Engineering, Tampa Electric

4:15 PM

MAIN BALLROOM

FIRESIDE CHAT WITH KENDRA SCOTT

Designer, founder, and philanthropist Kendra Scott started her company in 2002, just three months after her first son was born, with only $500. Going door-to-door to Austin boutiques armed only with a tea box full of her jewelry, Kendra captivated businesses and customers with her vibrant personality and unique eye for design. Known for her dynamic use of color and genuine materials, Kendra’s commitment to innovation, quality and detail has brought her from a small start-up to a billion-dollar business and has won over loyal fans, media and celebrities alike. With over 2,000 employees, Kendra Scott boasts a thriving web business and over 100 standalone stores and has expanded beyond fashion jewelry into the categories of fine jewelry, home décor, and beauty. Today, her company continues to operate out of Austin, TX, with their state-of-the-art corporate office complete with design lab and an industry leading distribution center both catering to her employees’ career goals and family-life balance.

MODERATED BY: Marie Chinnici-Everitt, Managing Director, Chief Marketing Officer and DTCC Tampa Regional Manager

SPEAKER: Kendra Scott, Designer, Founder, Executive Chairwoman

5:15 PM

BOOK SIGNING WITH KENDRA SCOTT

Make sure to purchase your book at the Oxford Exchange vendor booth.

5:30 PM

CONFERENCE CONCLUDES