Lehigh University’s Office of Development and Alumni Engagement has released the list of alumnae presenters who will lead breakout groups at the university’s inaugural Soaring Together Women’s Summit. The event, to be held April 28-29, 2023, will bring together alumnae of all identities to reconnect and make the most of their network.
The summit, part of the university’s celebration of 50 years of coeducation, will feature a fireside chat between Jackie Joyner-Kersee, named the greatest female athlete of the 20th century, and Sue Troyan, Lehigh’s own deputy director of athletics.
But an experience designed for Lehigh alumnae will be at the heart of the event. In addition to social gatherings and networking sessions, prominent women graduates will host breakout sessions on relevant topics, including how to lead in a male-dominated environment and overcoming imposter syndrome.
“Never before have we had a gathering of so many powerful women at Lehigh. We have CEOs and CFOs, rising stars, and creative professionals from a wide variety of fields. It will be exciting to be in the room with such talented people.”
Morgan Nelson ’19G, senior director of alumnae engagement, says the summit offers opportunities for Lehigh alumnae to learn and support each other personally and professionally. “Never before have we had a gathering of so many powerful women at Lehigh. We have CEOs and CFOs, rising stars, and creative professionals from a wide variety of fields. It will be exciting to be in the room with such talented people.”
The current lineup of alumnae presenters is below. Register today and see who’s coming.
Breakout Sessions
Leadership | Leading in a Male-Dominant Environment
Sandra Denton ’83, Vice President, Channels and Alliances, Pipefy Inc.
Karen LaRochelle ’88, Chief Business Officer and Board Director
Kerri Neary ’05, Country Manager USA, X-Elio
Jill Triani ’94 '24P '26P, Former Trustee, Lehigh University Board of Trustees
Always feeling like you have to prove yourself? Constantly striving to make your voice heard? Women often find themselves in a male-dominated workplace. This session will provide you with proven tools to break through the glass ceiling and be the best leader you can be.
Leadership | Creating a Culture of Success for Women
Brenda Harvey ’87, General Manager, IBM Asia Pacific, IBM Corp.
Chris Seymour ’89 ’21P ’25P, Senior Director, Global CMC, Pfizer Inc.
Patricia Stephenson, MD ’78 ’08P, Retired Medical Officer, Cigna Healthcare
Women are stepping up as leaders in their workplaces, with opportunities to create change. Yet studies show that women in such leadership roles are still expected to fit into the existing culture rather than strike out in new directions. Join this session to discuss ways you can drive change and succeed.
Leadership | Employee Well-Being: Why it Should Take Center Stage
Raven Gaddy ’15, Administrative Officer, United States Department of Justice
Ginelle Julien-Jackson ’94, Vice President, Global Services Service Excellence and Experience, Johnson & Johnson
Suneeta Prasad ’90G, Former Managing Director, GE and GE Capital
Great leaders understand the importance of taking care of their employees; doing so helps retain high-achieving staff who aspire to excellence. Yet employee well-being was often overlooked amid the disruption of the pre-COVID-19 era. Learn how you can renew your understanding and appreciation of your employees’ individual needs.
Career Advancement | How to Stop Doing Work that Doesn't Advance Your Career
Amy Sobotkin Gare ’97, Managing Partner, Gare Law LLC
Nishika Vidanage-Lulejian ’07, Public Health Professional, CDC
All organizations have work that no one wants to do. Too often women find themselves in positions where they are expected to take on these “non-promotable” tasks. Learn how you can avoid roles that leave you feeling overcommitted and underutilized so you can focus on the job you were actually hired to carry out.
Personal Development | Addressing Imposter Syndrome: How to Market Yourself
Annie Wu Henry ’18, Digital and Social Media Specialist for Political Communications
Ellen Stone ’87, Executive Vice President, Cable Marketing, NBC Universal
Do you feel like an imposter in your own workplace? Do you have a nagging feeling you don’t belong? Imposter syndrome disproportionately affects women and minority groups. In this session, explore strategies to reframe your feelings and get back on your track to success.
Leadership | Sustainability in the Workplace
Jennifer Gentile Long ’93, CEO and Founder, AEquitas
Jessica Scott ’15, Associate Partner, Global Sustainable Supply Chain Executive, IBM Corp.
By collaborating and exploring ideas together, we can innovate for our shared future. Be part of this conversation and challenge yourself to think differently so together we can create more sustainable organizations and a better world.