Upcoming Events

UCW Women's Leadership Conference
"Focus on Success"
Friday, June 13th, 2008 
Fiesta Inn, Tempe  

See full listing of events
for 2007-2008

Conference Home | Overview | Speakers | Registration

Conference Speakers

Luoluo Hong

Kris Ewing

Brenda Thomson

Jess Alberts

Rebecca Kennell & Gail Andrews

Janice Oestriech

Chris Lash

Patricia Arredondo

Sheila Stokes

Robin Hammond

Sheila Lacey

UCW Panel: Stefani Bobar, Cookie Ellis, Lori Johnson, Bernice Posey, Sasha Ramayya

Jilian McManus

Linda Cushma

Keynote

Luoluo Hong
Dean of Student Affairs at the West campus
University Student Initiatives
Arizona State University

Unlocking Your Potential, Unpacking Your Bags

Despite the fact that women have surpassed men in higher education enrollment, and that more and more women are entering the academy as faculty and staff across all disciplines, women still are underrepresented among the highest ranks of higher education institutions. While many of the barriers are systemic ones, sometimes our own personal “baggage” can get in the way of unlocking our full potential. This session will be a poignant, humorous, and self-revealing look at some of the personal challenges that one woman administrator has had to overcome in order to develop her career, as well as offer some suggestions for how we as a collaborative community can work together to help more women achieve their personal and professional goals.

Biography

Luoluo (pronounced “low-low”) received her BA in Psychology from Amherst College in 1990, a Master’s of Public Health from Yale University in 1992, and a PhD in Educational Leadership & Research from LSU in Baton Rouge in 1998. From 1992-2000, Luoluo worked at LSU in a variety of roles, most recently as Director of Wellness Education & Outreach Services and as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Kinesiology. Between 2000-2002, Luoluo served as the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs & Dean of Students at Shepherd University in West Virginia. During 2002-2005, Luoluo fulfilled responsibilities as the Dean of Students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and was a Senior Faculty Fellow for the Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis. She began her tenure with Arizona State University on August 1st, 2005, as Dean of Student Affairs at the West campus and Associate Clinical Professor in Criminology & Criminal Justice.

Luoluo has traveled as an educational consultant with the Denver-based agency CAMPUSPEAK since the agency’s founding in 1999. In over 1,900 presentations Luoluo has addressed both student and professional audiences on campuses all over the country, as well as keynoted numerous regional and national conferences. Her dissertation results have been published, and Luoluo has authored a chapter which describes her experiences as a rape survivor in the book Just Sex (2000; Rowman & Littlefield Publishers). A past member of the American College Health Association Board of Directors, Luoluo is a consulting editor for the Journal of American College Health and is best known in the college health field for her innovative work with LSU’s Men Against Violence – the first organization of its kind and scope in the US.

An alumna member of the Delta Kappa chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta, Luoluo has volunteered with numerous rape crisis centers across the country and now serves on the Board of Directors for Casa – Center for Prevention of Abuse & Violence. She has spent her lifetime dedicated to education and to social justice. She now resides in Avondale, AZ, with her spouse, a cocker spaniel, and four cats. Her hobbies include cooking, dancing, playing piano, watching movies, and PC gaming. She is a huge fan of Civilization IV, World of Warcraft, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and authors Patricia Cornwell, Terry Goodkind and John Grisham.

Kris Ewing, Ed.D.
Assistant Clinical Professor and M.Ed. Coordinator
Higher and Postsecondary Education
Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
Arizona State University

Our gendered lives and desperate need to fulfill ‘others’ has resulted in big profits for speakers and therapists whose workshops and institutes encourage “women to learn to be assertive” to “build their self-esteem” or to learn about the solar-polar of “Women are from Venus and …blah, blah, blah…Mars!”  Ugh!  

Tired of hearing about what you lack? Well, we are!  Kris and Ricky want to make some noise, raise the roof, and propel your talent in our fun twist on “My (your) Space” by exercising our take on Pervasive Communiqué. Curious? Come join us for a lively skill-based session, no fees or proof of insurance required!

Biography

Kris Ewing is assistant clinical professor and M.Ed. coordinator in the Higher and Postsecondary Education program. Her areas of specialization are in intergroup relations and diversity in higher education, student success and development, and women’s identity development. Kris teaches graduate courses in the Higher and Postsecondary Education program, advises M.Ed. students, and chairs/serves on a number of doctoral dissertations. Kris received her B.S. in Physical Education, Health and Secondary Education at Kent State University; her M.A. in Physical Education at the University of Iowa; and her Ed.D. in Higher and Adult Education at Arizona State University. Kris resides in Phoenix with her partner and two dogs where she enjoys running, cooking, attending sporting events, concerts and plays, and spoiling her nieces and nephews.

Richard Freishtat, M.A.
Ph.D. student, Curriculum Studies
Curriculum & Instruction
Arizona State University
Tempe campus
 
Ricky Freishtat is a second year doctoral student in the Curriculum Studies program at ASU, focusing on how first year college learners make meaning of their experience.  His goal is to redesign the curriculum and pedagogy of freshmen success courses/programs to better address a vast array of students’ needs and maximize their college experience. Ricky teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in Public Speaking/Oral Communication at ASU and Paradise Valley Community College, as well as the freshmen success course at ASU. Ricky received his B.A. in Speech Communication and his M.A. in Communication Arts & Sciences at Pennsylvania State University. Ricky resides in Phoenix where he enjoys volleyball (coaching and playing), cooking on the grill, attending sporting events, and taking naps with his cat.

Brenda Thomson
CEO & Director
LearnLaw, LLC
Arizona

About Face: Appearance Discrimination
in the Workplace

Every day we form assumptions and make decisions about one another based on the way that we look. What we think about someone’s appearance may not matter much in a line at the supermarket, but it can have serious consequences in the work place. Some kinds of appearance discrimination are illegal, and some are not. Do you know the difference? This program will help you understand how your perceptions about others, and their perceptions about you, can affect recruitment, hiring, access to training and resources, and treatment of employees in the workplace. You will learn how to identify and prevent unlawful discrimination on the basis of appearance through and interactive discussion, examination of current legal cases and law, and through video exercises.

Biography

Brenda Thomson is the CEO and Director of LearnLaw LLC. Learn Law provides law, leadership and strategic management training to Arizona business professionals through a variety of seminars and on site trainings tailored to a company’s business needs. Prior to founding LearnLaw, Thomson directed the Center for Law Leadership and Management at the ASU College of Law from 2004-2007. She served as the Executive Director of the Maricopa County Bar Association from 1996-2003. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in English from Yale University in 1983, and J.D. from Yale Law School in 1989. She is licensed to practice law in Arizona, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia. She is a member of the Society for Human Resource Managers, Valley Leadership, the Arizona Women’s Forum, Arizona Women Lawyers Association, American Bar Association, Phoenix Rotary 100, and the AZ State Bar Diversity Task Force.

Jess Alberts
Professor of Communication
Arizona State University

Conflict and Communication:
Managing Difficult Issues and People

No matter how one feels about or responds to conflict, it is unavoidable and often has long-term consequences. However, developing excellent conflict skills can transform one’s life for the better. The ability to respond to and manage conflict can help people become more effective at work, develop and maintain close relationships, and change the way they see themselves. In this talk, Dr. Alberts will discuss how individuals can develop a more strategic/rational approach to managing difficult issues and people. In doing so, she will address some of the common causes of conflict, the functions it serves and strategies for responding to it more effectively.

Biography

Jess K. Alberts, Professor of Communication, was Director of the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication at Arizona State University for nine years. She earned her doctorate at the University of Texas at Austin. Her research appears regularly in academic journals. She published a scholarly book on drug resistance and interpersonal relationships among adolescents, and she is nationally known for her work on conflict at work and at home. She has published articles on conflict between husbands and wives, between coworkers, and in the context of court mediation. She also has appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show to discuss her research on marital communication and couples’ conflict, and her work as been reported in national magazines such as Glamour and Shape as well as newspapers nation-wide. Recently she was named President’s Professor in honor of her contributions to undergraduate teaching as well as the Herberger Professor in Communication for her contributions to the communication discipline.


Rebecca Kennell & Gail Andrews
Financial Consultants

Retire Rich

We will help you determine your retirement lifestyle - another wards, are you the Ageless explorer? Comfortably content? Living for today? Planning for retirement or hoping for retirement? Taking the time to plan for your lifestyle will drive your plan of distribution, derive your asset allocation, and determine your travel and vacation style. You will learn to envision what your retirement lifestyle will look like in the future to better make it happen from the present. We will also discuss observations about what the concept of retirement means for different people. We will address how timelines and lifecycles have shifted in today's workforce.

Biographies

Gail Andrews, a cofounder of Creative Financial Design and a native Arizonan, has enjoyed more than 17 years in the financial services profession. She specializes in providing the resources to resolve tax, financial, and personal issues of retirement and benefits planning, estate conservation, and asset protection for businesses and individuals. Gail's educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Arizona State University, with minors in Japanese and International Business. Gail holds the Certified in Long-Term Care (CLTC) designation, and she is a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) candidate, having successfully completed all five components of the program. Gail is a member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors and the prestigious Million Dollar Round Table. She has served on boards for various nonprofit arts, international relations, and humanitarian causes.

Rebecca Kennell is a cofounder of Creative Financial Design. She specializes in providing innovative strategies for today's complex financial markets, including retirement planning, estate planning, asset accumulation, and preservation. Rebecca has published numerous financial articles for valley-wide publications and has appeared on televised financial talk shows. She is a near-native Arizonan, having attended high school in Scottsdale, and she has received several degrees from Arizona State University including Bachelor of Music, and Master of Music Education. Rebecca received her Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. Rebecca is a member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors. She is active in the community and serves on several nonprofit boards to promote the arts, education, and a better life for all Arizonans.

Janice Oestriech
Master in Education
Arizona State University

LEFT BRAIN + RIGHT BRAIN = WHOLE BRAIN

“Critical analysis”, “By the book”, “Team work”, “Cutting edge”. Do you describe yourself in one of these terms? How do others see you? Based on the “Whole Brain Model” of Ned Herrmann, we will take an experiential approach to confirming your strongest area. To unlock your potential, we will identify patterns for successful communication.

Biography

Jan Oestreich has lived in Arizona since the early 60’s, loving the warmth, diversity, and vitality of the state. As the oldest of four children, Jan naturally acquired leadership skills which she has been able to use in her career, school, and community work.  Jan Oestreich is focused, determined and motivated as evidenced by the completion of her M.Ed. as an adult student.  She pursues learning with the same high energy she spends on all of her interests.  She has a strong work history, and extensive experience in adult education and training. Presently, Jan works for her daughter with a group of psychologists.  Between school and work, Jan is a national volunteer for the Girl Scouts of the U. S. A., and does adult training for the local Girl Scout council. Jan and her husband keep busy chasing after their grandson and then relax with tai chi classes. Jan is looking forward to combining the knowledge and skills from her education, along with her work and experience, into a career working with non-traditional students and community collaborations in higher education.  Today, she is honored to be a presenter for the University Career Women’s Leadership Conference.

Chris Lash
Site Director
PSA Art Awakenings

The Myth of Success

There is a part of the myth The Odyssey that is not often discussed.  Before leaving his homeland, Ulysses asks his friend, Mentor, to protect, guide and teach his son during his absence.  As the story unfolds, it is revealed that Athena, goddess of wisdom, had transformed herself into Mentor so that she could “mentor” the son of Ulysses.  More often than not, women accept a male model of professional development that implies a woman’s interpretation of development and success is less than adequate or appropriate.  By imitating Athena, women accept this implication in order to gain recognition, respect and advancement. But, what if there was another way to succeed, to reach your goals and not by transforming your self into someone you’re not--not by changing, but by being more of who you are?  Dr. Lash will explore with you strategies that will help you be more of who you are—a powerful woman!

Biography

Christine Lash Ph.D. is the Site Director for the Glendale studio of PSA Art Awakenings (an expressive arts therapy program for seriously mentally ill adults.)  With a passion for women’s issues and leadership, Christine is a proponent and practitioner of mentoring and coaching women in the areas of personal and professional development.  No stranger to higher education, Christine received her doctorate and masters degrees from ASU.  She has worked in higher education for almost 20 years, in both administration and faculty positions and is currently an adjunct faculty member at Argosy University.

Patricia Arredondo
University Dean of Students
Arizona State University

Leading from Within:
Women's Multidimensional Strengths

“Critical analysis”, “By the book”, “Team work”, “Cutting edge”. Do you describe yourself in one of these terms? How do others see you? Based on the “Whole Brain Model” of Ned Herrmann, we will take an experiential approach to confirming your strongest area. To unlock your potential, we will identify patterns for successful communication.

Biography

Dr. Patricia Arredondo is Deputy Vice President and University Dean of Student Affairs in the office of University Student Initiatives and Professor of Psychology in Education at Arizona State University (ASU).

Prior to joining ASU, Dr. Arredondo was President of Empowerment Workshops, Inc., based in Boston, MA, an organizational consulting firm primarily focused on multicultural organizational development. She was also on the faculty at the University of New Hampshire and Boston University.

Professor Arredondo served as President of the American Counseling Association (ACA), 2005-2006. Dr. Arredondo was also recognized as a “Living Legend” by the ACA, for her contributions to the development of multicultural counseling competencies, dedication to Latina/o issues and her leadership in promoting organizational change through a focus on diversity.  She has authored/co-authored five books and more than 60 refereed articles.

Dr. Arredondo has held leadership positions in many national and local professional organizations, including American Psychological Association.  She has served as President of Division 45 Society for the Psychological Study of Ethnic Minority Issues, Chair of the Board for the Advancement of Psychology in the Public Interest, the BEA Taskforce for Workforce Analysis, Chair for the Consulting Competencies Work Group, and co-chair of the writing taskforce for the Guidelines on Multicultural Education, Training, Research, Practice and Organizational Change for Psychologists. Patricia is Past-President of the National Latina/o Psychological Association, Chicano Faculty and Staff Association of ASU, and the Latino Professional Network of Boston. 

Dr. Arredondo has received numerous awards. She is a Fellow of Divisions 17 and 45 of the American Psychological Association and recipient of an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from the University of San Diego. At ASU, she has received the Dean’s Excellence Awards for both Diversity and Service from the College of Education. 

She received her doctorate in Counseling Psychology from Boston University and master’s in Counseling from Boston College.  Patricia also holds a B.S. in Spanish and Journalism from Kent State University. She is a licensed psychologist and bilingual in English/Spanish.

Jillian McManus
Interim Director
Employee Assistance Office
Employee Wellness and Work/Life Balance programs
Arizona State University

Your Keys to Success

Developing leadership skills takes time, commitment, self awareness and a good dose of humor. Please join me in closing the day’s events by exchanging ideas, identifying practical applications for the strategies you’ve learned, setting personalized goals for the coming year and much more! I’ll be asking for commitments … so get ready to make some changes in the coming year!

Biography

Jillian McManus currently serves as the Interim Director of the Employee Assistance Office (EAO), Employee Wellness and Work/Life Balance programs at Arizona State University (ASU). Jillian received her Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from Arizona State University in 1993, and earned her Masters in Social Work in May of 2000.  She is a certified Life Coach who focuses her coaching services on work-life balance issues and management coaching and she is a Level III True Colors Facilitator. Jillian maintains an LMSW through the Arizona Board of Behavior Health Examiners and is a member of the National Association of Social Workers. Jillian is a founding member of the International Association of Coaches as well as the International True Colors Association. Additionally, Jillian is a member of ASU’s University Career Women and the Faculty Women’s Association supporting the personal and professional advancement of women at Arizona State University.

Sheila Stokes, Robin Hammond, Sheila Lacey

Group Presentation: Creating your Career Path at ASU

Feeling a little stalled in your career? Headed down a path different than what you envisioned? Stuck in overdrive and burning out? Ready for a tune up? ASU women who have made their own careers where no map existed share tools, guides, and learned experiences to connect with other stories to help reignite your passion for the journey. This presentation will help you assess “The Gap”, personal red lights and green lights, and performance planning to change gears and position yourself for a great ride.

Sheila Stokes
Vice Provost for Adminstrative Services
Arizona State University
Downtown Phoenix campus

Biography

Sheila Stokes has been employed with Arizona State University since 1984 when she was hired to initiate the University’s first staff development training program. Today, she is the Vice Provost for Administrative Services at the new Downtown Phoenix Campus. As Vice Provost for Administrative Services, Sheila serves as a liaison between the Vice President and Executive Vice Provost Office and other University offices on a variety of management projects, assignments, and committees.

Prior to joining the University, Sheila was employed as a Training Officer with the State of Arizona, Department of Administration, Personnel Division’s Staff Development Training Unit, where she received the Department of Administration’s Outstanding Employee Award.

Sheila earned a master’s degree from Ohio State University in Public Administration and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Toledo. As a past president of University Career Women, Sheila is currently active in many University and community committees and activities.

Robin Hammond
Assistant Director
Systems & Information Management and Research & Assessment
Arizona State University
Tempe campus

Biography

Robin holds a BA in Journalism from ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Telecommunication.  She started with Career Services in 1993 as a student worker and has worked in many capacities within the organization, moving up into her present role as Assistant Director managing strategic marketing and communications, research, assessment, systems management, and information management.  She maintains memberships in the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), the National Career Development Association (NCDA) and the Arizona Career Development and Professionals Association (AzCDPA).  She finds Career Development work extremely rewarding on both a professional and personal level.  She most values the opportunity to create an environment that helps students and staff connect with their purpose, goals and dreams.

Sheila Lacey
Chief of Operations
Counseling and Consultation
Arizona State University
Tempe campus

Biography

Sheila Lacey is the Chief of Operations for Counseling and Consultation (C&C) and Director of Professional Enhancement Programs (PEP).  She initially began her career at ASU working from 1986-1989 as a Secretary I and later Administrative Assistant II.  After a 3-year absence, Sheila returned to the University and Counseling & Consultation in late 1991, where she has worked for the past 15 years. Within that time, Sheila has advanced through many positions: Administrative Assistant, Administrative Associate, Business Manager, Sr. Business Operations Manager, Assistant Director, and Chief of Operations / Director of Professional Enhancement Programs.

Sheila studied music and journalism at Mesa Community College, ASU, and Kent State University in Ohio without graduating before returning to school in 1994 and earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix in 1996, and a Master of Business Administration in 1998.  She again retuned to school at ASU East in 2001 to study Multimedia Writing and Technical Communication, where she ended up teaching for three years.

UCW Panel:
Enhancing Your Leadership Role at ASU through UCW

Stefani Bobar
Summer Sessions & Study Abroad
Arizona State University
Tempe campus

Biography

Stefanie Bobar began working at ASU in 1996 as a Secretary, Administrative with the Center for Latin American Studies.  In 1997, she joined UCW for the networking opportunities and has been with the organization ever since honing and learning new skills in various volunteer capacities: Membership Committee member, writer for the UCW newsletter, a Director on the Board, co-President, New Vistas Institute Planning Committee member, dialogue facilitator, etc.  Since February of 2004, she has worked for the Summer Sessions & Study Abroad Office as a Program Coordinator assisting ASU students and faculty who participate in short ASU faculty-led study abroad programs during the Winter and Summer Sessions.       

Cookie Ellis
Adminstrative Services Office
Arizona State University
Downtown Phoenix campus

Biography

Cookie Ellis has been employed with Arizona State University since 1993.  Her first assignment was with Information Technology where she was given the opportunity to meet and interact with all areas of the University.  In 1999 she joined the Vice Provost for Administrative Services Office as an Administrative Associate for Sheila Stokes. Although still working with the same department, titles, roles and locations have all changed over the years. Currently her office is located in the new Downtown Phoenix campus on Central Avenue. Cookie is a past president of UCW and a member since 1995. She is active in many University and community events and programs through out the year.

Lori Johnson
Disability Resources Center
Arizona State University
Tempe campus

Biography

Lori Johnson has worked at Disability Resource Center at Arizona State University since 1995 as an interpreter for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. She has been involved with UCW since 2000 and served as a member of the Welcome Wagon, Vice President of Operations, and Co-President. In her capacity as member of UCW she have hosted Almost Fridays, co-chaired the 2004 Conference, and worked on various committees. In addition to her work at ASU, she also works in the Valley as a theatrical interpreter. The rest of her time is spent being a very proud mother of two great students, one who plays basketball and the other who dances.

Bernice Posey
Office of Institutional Analysis
Arizona State University
Tempe campus

Biography

Bernice Posey is currently the Administrative Associate for the Office of Institutional Research, Policy and Analysis; which was once under the Office of the Executive Vice President & Provost. Prior to the Provost office, she was with the Affirmative Action office over 4 ½ years. During Ms. Posey employment of 13 years at ASU, she has been active in the community with Classified Staff Council (CSC), Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), Chair of Sister Friends Organization and served as past co-president for University Career Women (UCW). Through her involvements she was honored for “Outstanding Achievement and Contribution towards Advancing the Status of Women”.

Sasha Ramayya
Office of Institutional Analysis
Arizona State University
Tempe campus

Biography

Sasha Ramayya is a Management Research Analyst at the ASU Office of Institutional Analysis. She has her graduate and post graduate degrees from ASU. Sasha has worked at ASU for 20 years and she is involved in several campus organizations – UCW, CSW, FWA and Provost Diversity Council. She lives, works and plays in Tempe.

Linda Cushma
Musician, singer, song writer, artist, performer

Linda Cushma will be providing a special private concert and talk for conference attendees at the end of the day. Linda Cushma is an original songwriter and musician, who has produced several albums, and traveled all around the world performing in her band Oxygene 8. She is also a former university staff member and ongoing student.