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40th Annual WCTF Career Conference | The Time is Now!

March 4, 2022 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
40th Anniversary Celebration (Virtual)

Sponsored by TIAA.

Registration is now closed!

 

The Women of Color Task Force is excited to host its 40th annual career conference free this year on March 4, 2022. Pre-registration is required to attend the morning and afternoon workshops. All conference sessions will be presented virtually. All session times are in Eastern Standard Time Zone.

The keynote presentation will take place at 12:00 pm EST and is free and open to the general public, however, registration is requested to attend. Please review the information below for workshop descriptions, speaker details, and the full conference schedule.

Please ask your supervisor for professional development leave now so that you may attend this valuable conference opportunity!

All U-M staff, faculty, students, and the public, regardless of gender or ethnicity, are invited to register to attend this inclusive professional development event.

The deadline to register is March 1, 2022, at 12:00 pm EST.

Keynote Speaker

Keynote Speaker

Tamika D. Mallory

Social Justice Leader and Movement Strategist

Tamika D. Mallory is an esteemed social justice leader, advocate, activist, and mother. This fiery, outspoken organizer, a New York City native, has remained a consistent fixture in the civil rights movement for over 20 years. Tamika’s focus on civil and human rights issues includes extensive work around equity for women, economic empowerment, gun violence prevention, criminal justice reform, and police accountability.

Tamika served on the transition committee of New York City Mayor-Elect Bill de Blasio. And she continues to be an influential voice amongst government officers, policymakers, and other community advocates.

From her role as former Executive Director of the National Action Network to her instrumental role in creating New York City’s Crisis Management System, an official gun violence prevention program that awards nearly $27 million to violence prevention organizations annually; Tamika is stitched into the fabric of the new revolution for civil rights. Most recently, Tamika co-founded Until Freedom, a platform that pushes the initiative of doing groundwork until freedom and justice are reached for oppressed people. Additionally, Tamika was one of the four co-chairs for the Women’s March on Washington, the largest single-day protest in US history. Tamika is now continuing the mission of the Women’s march on Washington as the co-president of The Women’s March Inc.

Tamika’s firm, Mallory Consulting, a strategic planning and event management corporation, works with Fortune 500 corporations and organizations on flagship projects related to mass incarceration, gun violence, and police brutality. Tamika has made the fight for equality her life’s work. As a former board member of Founder Harry Belafonte’s The Gathering for Justice organization and an active constituent of the Justice League NYC.

Tamika has been honored on the 2017 Time 100 Pioneers list and Fortune’s 2017 list of the World’s Greatest Leaders. She is an award-winning activist and has been applauded as a leader by President Barack Obama’s administration.

Tamika Mallory is a change agent for the future of our country. A highly sought-after speaker and teacher, Tamika travels worldwide to lead discussions and educate groups about the issues plaguing our society and the intersectional actions needed to bring forth change. Ms. Mallory can be found on many multimedia platforms talking about her work, challenging policies, and exposing social constructs that perpetuate injustice.

Conference Schedule

Conference Schedule
Friday, March 4, 2022
8:30 am
Opening Morning Session #1
9:30 am
Break
10:00 am
Morning Workshop - A Sessions
11:30 am
Break
12:00 pm
Keynote Session
1:30 pm
Break
2:00 pm
Afternoon Workshop - B Sessions
3:30 pm
Break
3:45 pm
Closing Session
4:00 pm
Conference ends

Morning Workshops (10:00 am EST)

A1. Leading Everywhere: Make a Difference Where You Are
Presenters: Mark Saine, MS, TIAA and Natalie Brown, MBA, School of Dentistry

Everyone wants to make a difference — especially at work. Sometimes it is hard to see how your contribution matters and it is difficult to think about how you differentiate yourself and your work. This workshop explores how you lead yourself and others to bring out the best you have to offer.  We’ll focus on practical steps and specific actions you can take to make a difference wherever you are.

A2. Transforming Culture Through Strengths-Based, Learning Conversations
Presenter: Kristen Storey, MA, Kristen Storey Consulting

Leaders who serve as strengths-based coaches and use a learner’s mindset consistently work on knowing themselves and others, while leveraging collective strengths. This partnership approach contributes to positive change and organizational wellbeing. We’ll examine a three-level leadership framework and discuss those talent development practices that support a learning culture.

A3. The Paradigm Shift: Leading Innovation through Fear & Failure
Presenter: Kelli Wingo, CPC, ELI-MP, KMW Catalyst

Change. Uncertainty. Fear. Resistance. Innovation. Effective change leadership encounters these and other roadblocks including naysayers and doubt. However, discomfort provides the optimal moment for the growth and evolutionary revolution required to perpetuate and sustain transformational change within ourselves,  organizations, and systems. We will explore how to transform challenges into opportunities for innovation. 

A4. Successful Negotiation Strategies for the Workplace and Beyond
Presenter: Rochelle L. Woods, PhD, University of Pittsburgh School of Education

In this interactive presentation, participants will be introduced to practical negotiation strategies, techniques, and resources that will help them resolve difficult conflicts and problems they face in their professional lives.

A5. She’s Got It: A Woman’s Guide to Saving and Investing
Presenter: Shar Banks, MBA, CFP®, ChFC®

Learn how to prepare for your future with investing and saving strategies developed especially for women. In this session, you will learn core concepts that guide investing by building a plan; taking action; and finding ways to face life’s challenges. Discover more about yourself using the TIAA Financial Personality Quiz.  Break down your real goals and learn how to reach them. 

A6. Wellness in the Workplace: How Self-Care Can Help You be Happier and Healthier
Presenter: Colleen Greene MS, MHealthy

Self-care is the practice of being mindful of your own needs and is needed to help balance the demands of life as well as to maintain health. There are many forms of self-care and this seminar will help you decide which way(s) are right for you plus teach you some of the best ways to perform them! Learn everyday self-care habits that will inspire joy and happiness as you journey towards a healthier lifestyle.

Afternoon Workshops (2:00 pm EST)

B1. Wholistic Leadership: An Approach to Systemic Organizational Change
Presenter: Kimika Garrett, MSHROD, Walker-Miller Energy Services

This workshop is going to provide you with a look into an approach called Wholistic Leadership (the “how”). This concept provides insight into addressing systemic organizational change through the component that holds all the cards: the employees. Wholistic Leadership addresses change adoption by engaging the employee as a whole (their professional and personal aspects). This approach can be used by leaders with small teams (as their leadership framework) or incorporated into the stakeholder engagement phase of a larger change management initiative.

B2. The Unconsciousness of Bias: Understanding Anti-Women of Color Oppression
Presenter: Patricia Coleman-Burns, PhD U-M School of Nursing

The workshop focuses on racial misogyny experienced by Black & Brown women and girls. “Misogynoir” coined in 2010 by Moya Bailey blends an extreme form of sexism (i.e., often defined as the hatred of women “misogyny” and the French word for black, “noir.”) “Misogy-noir & brun” seeks to capture the unique experiences of Black and Brown women in academia. 

B3. A Mindfulness Approach to Goal Setting and Planning
Presenters: Gloryvee Fonseca-Bolorin, MA and Morgan Williams, MA, CEW+

This hands-on workshop will focus on awareness as a tool to increase your productivity and well-being. The main learning objectives for this session are to introduce mindfulness as a more efficient tool to plan and organize in order to move towards or achieve your personal goals; and offer structured time to begin planning and organizing your professional/career or personal goals. Participants will also have the opportunity to connect and share tips and strategies.  

(CANCELED) B4. Building Inclusive Relationships Through Powerful Conversations
Presenters: Deborah Orlowski, PhD, Dahlia Keynotes and Workshops and Ike Townsend, Kings Professional Services 

Organizational change doesn’t occur without individual cultural competency which includes self-reflection, humility, inquisitiveness, humor, and the courage to stick with it and try again, even in the face of mistakes. Change occurs when an individual learns these skills and then applies them to their organization. This interactive and reflective workshop will address this competency and lead you through how to apply it to affect real organizational change. 

B5. Cultivating a Shared Culture: Making Explicit Community Expectations & Accountability
Presenter: Joana Dos Santos, MS, U-M Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning

How do you co-create a culture where everyone agrees on what is expected of each other? In this interactive workshop, you’ll explore Taubman College’s process of establishing its College Compact and learn how to develop shared organizational values with accountability.

B6. Planning for your future with TIAA Traditional: Why, What and How
Presenter: Miguel Shefferson, CFP®, RMA®

You diversify your investment portfolio before retirement to help offset risk. A similar strategy can help see you through retirement. Join us to learn how creating a diversified income plan—one that uses a combination of income sources and includes annuity income that’s guaranteed for life—can help reduce the risks you may face in retirement.

B7. Grief and Loss: Supporting Ourselves and Those For Whom We Care
Presenters: Lisbeth Harcourt, LMSW, Michigan Medicine and LaTresa Wiley, LMSW, Michigan Medicine

The pandemic has brought about many challenges. None more difficult than experiencing the death of a friend or family member. The Office of Decedent Affairs (ODA) is a program within the Michigan Medicine Department of Social Work that promotes best practices and helps Michigan Medicine excel at providing end-of-life care to patients and families. Support and resources are available to those who experience grief and loss in their professional lives through education, training, and events. These are difficult discussions but attendees can learn strategies for speaking with family members about healthcare directive plans; managing legal concerns; and dealing with the loss of a loved one, in a supportive environment.

Presenters

Shar Banks, MBA CFP, ChFC® is a Financial Consultant at TIAA. She began her career in 2001 and has been with TIAA since 2016. Shar educates individuals on income & retirement planning through one-on-one sessions and educational workshops. Shar has obtained the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) designations.

 

Natalie Brown, MBA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP is the Human Resources Director at U-M’s School of Dentistry. As the HR Director, Natalie provides strategic leadership and oversight for the school’s Human Resources strategy and operations. Having previously served in leadership roles for the Greater Ann Arbor Society for Human Resources and State of Michigan National African American Association of Human Resources chapter; she is currently state president of CUPA-HR’s Michigan Chapter.

Patricia Coleman-Burns, PhD is Assistant Professor Emerita of Nursing at the U-M School of Nursing and affiliated with the U-M Department of Afroamerican & African Studies, a member of Women of Color in the Academy Project steering committee, and co-chair of the Sarah Goddard Power & Rhetaugh G. Dumas Progress in Diversifying Awards programs sponsored by the Academic Women’s Caucus & CEW+.

Joana Dos Santos, MS serves as the Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at Taubman College. As a former racial justice community organizer, Joana created cultural change at Taubman College by bringing people affected by the issues to be part of decision-making. Joana holds a BA in interdisciplinary studies and an MS in applied communication from Fitchburg State University.

 

Gloryvee Fonseca-Bolorin, MA is an educational program developer and coach. Drawing on her practitioner-scholar experiences and expertise, she has developed a strength-based framework of coaching and mentorship that recognizes the unique needs and strengths of stigmatized and underserved individuals. Gloryvee’s professional background includes strength-based approaches to human development and leadership, support programs, and social science research related to sense of belonging, racial-ethnic identity, and resilience. Gloryvee is a Ph.D. Candidate at the Center for the Study of Higher and Post-Secondary Education at U-M.

Kimika Garrett, MSHROD, SHRM-CP is the Chief People and Culture Officer at Walker-Miller Energy Services. She is a versatile, energetic, forward-thinking organizational improvement champion with HR Transformation experience in the technology, pharmaceutical, retail, automotive, non-profit/government and chemical/R&D industries. She is passionate about helping organizations achieve operational excellence through strategic planning, process improvement and human capital management. Holding a master’s degree in Human Resource Management and Organizational Development (MSHROD) from Eastern Michigan University, a certified Lean Six Sigma Blackbelt, and a SHRM HR Certified Professional (SHRM-CP), Kimika brings functional expertise in Human Resources Management, Process and Performance Improvement, Organization Development and Effectiveness, and more.

Colleen Greene, MS joined the U-M as a staff member in 1996 as a Wellness Coordinator for MHealthy, the U-M’s Wellness and Risk Reduction Program. She has been quoted in several national, as well as local, publications on employee wellness, and she has been interviewed live on “Good Morning America”. She has spoken at several national conferences on stress management, physical activity, and wellness programming. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan.

Lisbeth Harcourt, LMSW, ACSW is the program manager for the Michigan Medicine Office of Decedent Affairs. She is committed to providing supportive end-of-life care for patients and families of Michigan Medicine and also works closely with the Washtenaw and Livingston Counties Medical Examiner’s Office. Ms. Harcourt collaborates with the multiple departments and community stakeholders regarding the delivery of post mortem and bereavement care; providing education, training, and support to Michigan Medicine staff; and serving on various multidisciplinary department, hospital, and community committees.

Deborah Orlowski, PhD founded Dahlia Keynotes and Workshops after retiring from the University of Michigan where she served as a Senior Learning Specialist within UHR’s department of Organizational Development. She was known for her interactive, fun, and inclusive workshops in professional development, leadership, communication, and creating inclusive workplaces. Her passion is helping others create an environment where intercultural, diverse friendships develop and flourish. Dr. Orlowski has served in several leadership roles including developmental lead for the U-M Leading Change Practicum; and on the national level, as past chair of the Society for Intercultural Education, Training and Research (SIETAR) first (international) virtual conference.

Mark Saine, MS, MA is the Managing Director of Client Leadership Solutions at TIAA. He supports TIAA’s clients by helping them to build leaders that are prepared to take on increasingly complex roles and to manage the demands of a rapidly changing environment. He provides leadership development services including workshops, retreats, consultation, and coaching.

 

Miguel Shefferson, CFP®, RMA® is a Senior Director at TIAA with more than 20 years of experience. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) and Retirement Management AnalystSM (RMA®) certificant and has been an active member of the Investments and Wealth Institute® (formerly IMCA®) and Financial Planning Association (FPA).

 

Kristen Storey, MA is a creative and collaborative consultant, coach, and retired U-M learning leader with over 30+ years of experience. She thrives in helping others, especially leaders realize their own and others’ talents and potential to contribute to positive culture change and organizational wellbeing. She holds a BS in health education with a secondary teaching certificate from Western Michigan University and MA in adult instruction and performance technology from U-M Dearborn. She holds a special certification in leadership coaching and organizational wellbeing from George Mason University.

Ike Townsend is the Founder and CEO of Kings Professional Services, a full-service custodial and consulting firm. Passionate about providing opportunities for those who might not otherwise have them, Ike mentors employees in how to develop a mindset that leads to a successful life.  

 

LaTresa E. Wiley, LMSW is the Children and Women’s Bereavement program manager at Michigan Medicine. She is a graduate of Michigan State University and earned an MSW degree from the U-M School of Social Work. LaTresa has worked extensively in the area of sexualized violence and during the latter course of her career, in the area of obstetrics and gynecology and now the bereavement program for the Von Voigtlander Children and Women’s Hospital. She is the Co-Chair of the Perinatal Infant and Reproductive Loss Committee as well as the Mott Bereavement Committee – both hospital-wide groups addressing end of life and postmortem needs, while also a facilitator of the Pregnancy and Newborn Loss Support Group at Michigan Medicine. LaTresa’s professional interests include supporting the institutional efforts in providing best care practices at end of life for pediatric patients and families impacted by pregnancy and newborn loss.

Kelli Wingo, CPC, ELI-MP is a workplace entrepreneurial mindset evangelist, leadership development strategist, fire-starter, and lover of laughter. She is the Founder/Chief Vision & Strategy Officer of KMW Catalyst, a boutique leadership development consultancy. She helps human-centric organizations and unselfishly ambitious business leaders adopt an entrepreneurial culture to improve employee experience, innovation, customer experience, and revenue. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan Residential College.

Morgan Williams, MA recently earned her master’s degree from the University of Michigan School of Education’s Center for the Study of Higher and Post-Secondary Education, and her research focus was specifically concentrated on issues and topics related to diversity and social justice. Currently, Morgan serves as the academic program assistant for the CEW+ Academic Coaching Program, an initiative that supports undergraduate and graduate students with caregiver responsibilities (i.e., provide significant emotional, physical, and/or financial support to a family member or significant other). As a first-generation, low-income college graduate, Morgan is passionate about the access, inclusion, equity, and success of underrepresented students and communities.

Rochelle L. Woods, PhD is currently the Senior Assistant Dean for Administration, Operations and Academic Programs in the School of Education at the University of Pittsburgh. She also held leadership roles in diversity and multicultural affairs at Ohio State University and U-M where she led successful academic success, retention, and college access programs. Dr. Woods has done extensive training on negotiation and for the past 5 years has consulted with and coached women on salary and other work-related negotiations.  

Registration

Registration

Registration Instructions

  • Once registration opens, navigate to the Eventbrite registration page, and click on the green REGISTER button near the top right of the screen.
  • Select your registration and choose “1” from the drop-down menu.
  • Click on the green “CHECK OUT” button in the bottom right corner of the window.
  • Once you are finished completing all of the required fields, click on the green “Complete Registration” button in the bottom right corner of your screen.
  • If you need to register multiple people, repeat steps 2-5. Please make sure to have the individual selections ready for each person before attempting to register them.
  • You should receive email confirmation(s) that includes the workshop selections for each individual registered.

The deadline to register is March 1, 2022, at 12:00 pm EST.

Accessibility

Closed Captioning will be available during the conference. If you need accommodations to fully participate in the activities of the day, please contact Janice Reuben at [email protected] by February 18, 2022.

Zoom Instructions

This meeting will take place using Zoom Video Conferencing. How to make the most of the event: 

  1. Download the Zoom Client App for your desktop or update your app to the current version. Please note, you must be running Zoom 5.0 or later to join the event.
  2. Use Zoom to test your audio and video connection prior to the meeting.
  3. Close unnecessary tabs in your browser.

How to Join a Zoom Meeting video tutorial

TIAA Virtual Exhibit Space

Check out the TIAA virtual exhibit space whenever you choose!

TIAA logo

TIAA wishes we all could be in person at the WCTF conference again this year. Since we can’t, TIAA has created a virtual exhibit space to help us connect. In the virtual space, you can use the custom calculator to see how much contributing to your retirement would impact your paycheck, schedule an appointment with a TIAA investment professional, and view special content. If you already invest with TIAA, you can check account values, transfer funds, and even choose beneficiaries. This virtual space also includes a fun and interactive games section where you can take the Financial IQ challenge too! TIAA will help you build lifelong financial confidence, don’t miss out. Click here!

Co-Sponsors

Thank you for your continued support of the Women of Color Task Force, and CEW+ at U-M! For additional information or inquiries regarding the annual WCTF career conference, please contact [email protected].

WCTF and Twitter: Want to tweet about the WCTF Conference?
Use hashtag: #WCTF2022

Conference Sponsors

The keynote is made possible through the generous support of CEW+’s Frances & Sydney Lewis Visiting Leaders Fund. The 40th annual WCTF Career Conference is organized in partnership with CEW+, the Office of the Provost, University Human Resources, and Michigan Medicine Human Resources.

TIAA logo

WCTF extends special thanks to TIAA, our Platinum Plus corporate sponsor, for its generous support of the 2022 Women of Color Task Force Conference.

Inclusion, diversity and equity are integral to who TIAA is as a company and are at the core of how they serve the financial needs of those who serve others. At TIAA, treating everyone with respect and dignity is not just a nice to have. It’s a must. If you’d like to meet with a local TIAA financial consultant for a personalized meeting, schedule today!