Agenda

Helen G. Drinan

President Emerita at Simmons University

Join us as we celebrate this year’s Helen G. Drinan Visionary Leader Award. The annual award is named in honor of the former president of Simmons University, Helen G. Drinan and celebrates a woman leader who embodies the values of inclusive leadership in her personal and professional life.

>> Learm more about this award and its past recipients.

Kerry Seitz

Vice President, Women’s Leadership, Simmons University Institute for Inclusive Leadership

This panel, moderated by Kerry Seitz, the Institute’s VP of Women’s Leadership, explores the dynamics of multigenerational leadership and how leaders across different age groups can collaborate effectively in an era of constant change. With rapid shifts in technology, business practices, and work cultures, panelists will share strategies for motivating themselves and their teams, fostering resilience, and driving innovation. Attendees will gain insights into building inclusive leadership practices that engage and inspire employees of all generations.

Network with peers from around the world and learn more about sponsor organizations in the virtual exhibit hall.

YOUR CHOICE! What Intrigues or Inspires You?
See details below to preview the breakout session options. 

Enjoy a 60-minute lunch break to refresh, renew, and refocus for the afternoon sessions.

The Second City Works

Global Leader in Improv-based Learning

In this immersive experience, we will roll up our sleeves and jump into action with help from our friends at The Second City! Over the last 63 years, Second City’s unique way of fostering talent has cultivated generation after generation of the world’s most iconic comedians, actors, writers, directors and leaders (Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Bill Murray, Joan Rivers, the entire first cast of SNL, etc.).

Along the way, they started noticing something surprising. When CEOs, legal professionals, engineers, salespeople, and educators gave Second City’s methods a try, the results were undeniable – the very fundamentals that created stars on stage also created stars in the business world. It wasn’t crazy; it was a pattern, and it was happening over and over and over.

We’re excited to have Second City join us to share some of the secrets of their craft, focusing on intentional networking and leading change. We don’t want to give away everything about our session, but will say that it will be highly interactive, playful, and FUN. And don’t worry, you won’t have to sing, juggle, or showcase your “tight-five” standup routine!

YOUR CHOICE! What Intrigues or Inspires You?
See details below to preview the breakout session options. 

Jessica O. Matthews

CEO of Uncharted, Innovator and Social Entrepreneur, Trailblazing Energy Advocate

As one of today’s most innovative and purpose-driven minds, Jessica O. Matthews explores the transformative power of AI and its potential to evolve the workplace and beyond. In this insightful talk, she delves into how AI accelerates the journey from idea to product, enabling teams to achieve more with fewer resources while addressing the practical challenges leaders face when embracing AI. Drawing from her experiences leading a cutting-edge company and serving on the USDOE EAC Smart Grid subcommittee, Jessica discusses the balance between innovation and responsibility, offering actionable strategies for integrating AI into workflows while addressing critical concerns such as privacy, security, and unintended consequences. Audience members will leave empowered to embrace AI-driven change, unlock innovation, and lead confidently in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world.

Elisa van Dam

Vice President, Allyship & Inclusion, Simmons University Institute for Inclusive Leadership

Leading through change in today’s organizations requires boldness, adaptability, and a steadfast commitment to vision and values. In this panel, senior women executives will share their insights on navigating complex transformations, fostering resilience, and inspiring teams to thrive amidst uncertainty. They’ll explore strategies for building inclusive cultures, embracing innovation, and driving sustainable growth while staying true to their leadership principles. Join us as Elisa van Dam, the Institute’s VP of Allyship and Inclusion, moderates this dynamic discussion on what it takes to not just manage change but lead it with purpose and impact.

Sophia Kianni

Founder of Climate Cardinals, Youngest Appointed United Nations Advisor & Social Entrepreneur

Despite progress, women still face significant challenges in leadership roles across all sectors. Drawing from her journey as a young woman starting two major initiatives, Sophia Kianni will discuss the importance of representation, the power of mentorship and how women can support each other in breaking through glass ceilings to build impactful legacies. In this deeply personal talk, she shares the hurdles she has overcome and the lessons she has learned along the way. This speech is a must for audiences who are passionate about gender equality, women’s empowerment, and the importance of mentorship and community in breaking through barriers.

Sophia Kianni is an Iranian-American social entrepreneur and climate activist. She is the founder and president of Climate Cardinals, a nonprofit offering climate change information in multiple languages, serves on the EPA’s National Youth Advisory Council, and as an advisor to the United Nations. She is the youngest United Nations advisor in US history.

Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva

Founder and Chief Reinvention Officer, The Reinvention Academy

With change being a constant, companies are undergoing a fundamental transformation in the way they live, work, and prosper. In this exciting yet pragmatic and interactive session, Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva will bring latest research insights and business trends, and explore challenges and solutions for turning the new fast-moving, volatile, and uncertain business environment into a competitive advantage.

Ask any manager on planet Earth, ‘What is your key challenge?’ and among many different responses one will strike you with remarkable consistency: Staying afloat. The fast-moving roller- coaster economy we live in today makes this task increasingly difficult. Change is happening more often and at a faster speed than ever before. Just as we handle one crisis, another appears around the corner. How can we survive – and even thrive?

The answer is the one you’ve heard before: We must consistently remake who we are, what we offer, and how we deliver our offerings to the world. Put it simply, we must reinvent. What you may not have heard before is this: Today, the frequency with which our reinvention must take place is staggering. Essentially, we must become a new company every 3.5 years. In fact, we must reinvent so frequently and so radically that the traditional roles and processes inside of an organization cannot keep up. It’s time to make reinvention into its own competence – whatever function or responsibility you are in.

“Built to last” is no longer acceptable: today, we must build to reinvent. It’s time to make reinvention your superpower!