Breakout Sessions
View details for the Women’s Leadership Conference sessions below. View the complete schedule for event details or to download the PDF program.
Each session offers the chance to listen to one of four speakers and explore topics that align with conference objectives.
Session One
EMBRACING DIVERSITY: NAVIGATING BIRACIAL IDENTITY IN IDAHO’S WORKFORCE AND PWI EDUCATION
Bex Riehm, Black African American Cultural Center, University of Idaho
Location: Gold Room
This session will focus on Cultural Identity Dynamics where one will explore biracial intersectionality and the diverse influences of a San Diego upbringing on identity. Gain insights into the nuanced experiences of biracial individuals navigating cultural dynamics. While navigating Idaho's Professional Landscape, we will address challenges faced by diverse individuals in Idaho's professional sphere. Learn techniques for cultivating inclusivity and thriving within the state's diverse professional environment.
TRAILBLAZING LEADERSHIP: PERSONAL BRANDING, INNOVATION AND INCLUSIVITY IN HIGHER EDUCATION
Mya Pronschinske Groza, Ph.D., University of Idaho
Location: Silver Room
Embark on a transformative session with a trailblazing leader in higher education. Learn about crafting a compelling narrative, embracing intersectionality in branding and leveraging social media strategically. Tailored for current and future leaders, gain actionable networking strategies to advance in higher education with inclusivity and innovation.
WHY OBJECTIVE OUTCOMES SHOULD NEVER BE THE GOAL OF LEADERS: LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE ATHLETIC COACHING LANDSCAPE
Samantha Lewis, PhD Candidate in the Center for ETHICS*, University of Idaho; Sharon K. Stoll, PhD, Director and Professor of the Center for ETHICS*, University of Idaho
Location: Washington Room
The “win-at-all-costs” culture in sports can make even the most well-intentioned coach sacrifice an athlete’s well-being to win. Our purpose is to:
- Discuss the coach’s role in the athlete’s journey
- How coaches help athletes develop meaningful connections to movement
- How coaches create playgrounds in structured environments.
DANCING THROUGH THE UNEXPECTED: CULTIVATING PLANNED HAPPENSTANCE IN CAREERS
Bethany Martens, University of Idaho
Location: Idaho Room
Discover how self-doubt isn't just a women's issue and systematic changes in career conversations can help bridge the gender gap. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to mentor women using pragmatic and imaginative support through ‘Planned Happenstance,’ and be empowered in your own career journey to take each step with confidence.
Session Two
EMPOWERING WOMEN THROUGH REMOTE WORK
Stephanie Guyton, University of Idaho
Location: Gold Room
Women in today’s workforce continue facing challenges that generations of women have while facing new or exacerbated challenges such as affordable housing, childcare and work-life imbalance. Although not a fix-it-all solution, remote work is helping empower women to find work situations that allow them to meet personal and professional goals.
CREATIVE CIRCLES: BUILDING PEER SUPPORT FOR WRITING, SCHOLARSHIP, AND PROFESSIONAL GOALS
Katie Forsythe, Melissa Parkhurst, Blythe Duell, Leeann Hunter, Lisa Waananen Jones, Caitlin Bletscher and Robin Ebert Mays, Washington State University
Location: Silver Room
Creative Circles is an innovative peer mentoring program at Washington State University that meets weekly to make progress on group members’ writing, scholarship and professional goals. In this session, attendees will learn how to develop and sustain their own Creative Circle and improve elements of their writing practice.
THE CHALLENGES OF MENTORING FEMALES WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES TO BE SUCCESSFUL LEADERS
Aubrey Shaw, Ph.D., and Sharon K. Stoll, Ph.D., Center for ETHICS*, University of Idaho
Location: Washington Room
Most abled-bodied leaders are well-educated, well-intentioned and believe they know best. Often these beneficent mentors guide females with physical disabilities. Our purpose is to:
- Discuss the needed mentor/mentee relationship for females with physical disabilities.
- Examine the challenges of mentoring a female with a physical disability.
NAVIGATING SUCCESS: FROM LADDERS TO JUNGLE GYMS — A PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL ODYSSEY
Sophia Gaither, Director of Career Services, University of Idaho
Location: Idaho Room
This presentation will explore the metaphor of the career jungle gym, where lateral moves, unexpected drops and strategic climbs are all part of the adventure toward personal and professional fulfillment. Sophia will intertwine her rich experiences, from the challenges and triumphs of raising children and pursuing higher education to the bold step of founding a travel agency focused on global engagement and co-partnering a consulting group focused on mindfulness and self-compassion. Attendees will leave inspired by Sophia's resilience, creativity and dedication to fostering a more connected and understanding world. Through anecdotes and insights, she will demonstrate that embracing the unpredictable swings and shifts of a jungle gym career can lead to unexpected opportunities, profound growth and, ultimately, a more rewarding journey.
Session Three
EMPOWERING WOMEN: AUTHENTIC LEADERSHIP AND ORGANIZATIONAL INNOVATION
Juhee Kim, Ph.D., Clinical Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership, University of Idaho; Mr. Agyemang Amofa Prempeh, Ph.D. Candidate in Educational Leadership at University of Idaho; Laura Holyoke, Ph.D., Department Chair of Leadership and Counseling, University of Idaho.
Location: Silver Room
This interactive session focuses on women's leadership in higher education, showcasing how authentic leadership, error management and organizational innovativeness intersect. It explores authentic leadership's role in driving organizational innovation and providing tailored strategies for professional growth. Participants gain empowerment through research-driven insights for navigating workplace challenges.
INSIGHT INTO CHILDCARE: AN EXAMINATION OF THE CHILDCARE WORKFORCE AND THE IMPACT OF CHILDCARE ON WORKING MOTHERS
Melissa Crist and Sarah Deming, University of Idaho
Location: Washington Room
This session will review the state of Idaho’s childcare workforce and present real-life stories highlighting the myriad barriers to accessing high-quality childcare. The presentation will focus on the direct impact of these barriers on working mothers and explore opportunities for women in leadership to increase childcare advocacy.
UNLEASHING THE POWER IN VOLUNTEERING
Summer Howard, Washington State University
Location: Idaho Room
“Unleashing the Power in Volunteering” will explore the impact of volunteerism on society, communities and individuals. Through research and real-world examples, this presentation highlights the relationship between professional development and volunteerism, showcasing how volunteering improves physical health and fosters personal growth, strengthens connections and builds leadership skills, all while addressing societal challenges.
MAKING CHANGE THROUGH COMMUNITY COLLABORATIONS
Melinda Schab, General Manager, Moscow Food Co-Op, and Mario Pile, Director, Black/African American Cultural Center, University of Idaho
Location: Gold Room
In our age and culture, getting to the point and bottom line has become so much the norm, even in spaces that require higher levels of compassion, empathy, and kindness. When you even mention relationships, many automatically, at least, listening wise, cut you off because they “don’t do that touchy feeling stuff.” If you want to get past the superficial dynamics of merely trying to work together and are interested in change-making collaboration, then this is the session for you. Learn about relationship building that allows for the sharing of ideas and thoughts to build up our community. Ask the tough and uncomfortable questions you have been burning to ask. Participants will be challenged to think and find ways to act in real time, now.