Speakers
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Kristi Hemmer- "Be What She Can See"
When Kristi was eight, she was the Connect Four champ; nobody wanted to play with her. When she was twelve, she was on the Future Problem Solvers of America Championship Team; Kristi was told that if she was too smart, boys wouldn’t like her. When she was thirty-three, and principal of an all-girls school, a city council member told her she was too young. The underlying message is one that every female of every age is told again and again: You’re too much. Quit being you. Wait your turn. Be quiet. Be nice. Quit Being So Good. But we will have none of that. This International Women’s Day, learn three steps to be unapologetic so you can #bewhatshecansee. Because when women lead, the world is a better place. |
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Jessie Heims - "Overcoming Adversity as a Female Athlete"
"As young women, we face a field of obstacles in both our professional and private lives. These challenges can even amplify as you approach the height of your career. I found a love of the sport of track and field and learned to battle the difficulties that come with being a disabled athlete, but I have now competed in multiple Paralympic Games and am proud to be an advocate for adaptive sports. By sharing my personal journey with adversity, I will explore how I both accepted and utilized my obstacles to strive for success." |
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Mary Neubauer - "Unexpected Advocate: From Tragedy Came A Push For Change"
As the Vice President for External Relations at the Iowa Lottery, Mary Neubauer was already a well known communications leader in Iowa when personal tragedy led her voice in a new direction. In September 2017, Mary’s 18-year-old son, Sergei, died by suicide after a years-long battle for his mental health. Frustrated by the lack of mental health services to help Sergei as he fought depression, PTSD, and anxiety as a result of his tumultuous childhood in Russia, his parents told his story in a touching obituary that went viral and became a voice for change. In the years since, Mary and her husband, Larry Loss, have become leading advocates for improvement in mental healthcare in Iowa. Mary now serves on the state board that oversees Iowa’s Children’s Behavioral Health System. Mary will share her family’s story of hope and change – and how you, too, can use your voice to make a difference. ***Disclaimer: This presentation on mental health includes mentions of suicide. If you have concerns about this and would prefer to opt out of this portion of the conference, we can make accommodations for you. With additional questions or concerns, please reach out to us at [email protected] |
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Renee Hardman - "Cultivating Self-Awareness"
One of the first steps in creating inclusion in our lives is cultivating self-awareness:
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Student Panelists:
Student Panelists
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Mia Rampton - Student
"How has leadership impacted your college experience?" Leadership has gifted me with exposure to lots of new opportunities. It’s allowed me to grow as an individual & become a more empathetic & thoughtful version of myself. I feel so lucky to be trusted with leading an organization at UNI & love giving a voice to so many creative individuals on campus! - Mia |
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Yessenia Rodriguiez - Student
"How has leadership impacted your college experience?" One important thing to note about being a leader on campus is that it takes a lot of mental preparation to push through. I have learned how to manage my time more wisely so I am able to take care of myself and my mental health to show that I am a positive leader on campus. Being a leader has also made me feel more confident plus, it helped me come to the realization that I am capable of doing anything I set my mind to. It has opened many doors for me and I will forever be grateful for being a leader on campus. In the leadership roles I have been involved in, I do not think my time at UNI would be as amazing as it is now. - Yessenia |
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Esha Jayswal - Student
"How has leadership impacted your college experience?" The experiences I've gathered by being a leader have enriched my college experience beyond measure. I've met some of the best mentors who have opened countless doors to new opportunities. I've gained marketable professional skills and became a part of a tight knight community of like-minded people. I've thoroughly enjoyed my involvement on campus, and I will forever cherish the memories I've created. - Esha |
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Sami Haberman - Student
"How has leadership impacted your college experience?" Throughout my years at UNI, my leadership role has made me feel like I am making an impact on campus. I enjoy the opportunities that leadership offers. Whether that be through my role as president of Women in Healthcare club, as a student in the classroom, in the research lab, or elsewhere, it has helped me step outside of my comfort zone. I have loved my time here at UNI and hope to make a difference during my last few months as a Panther. Go Cats! - Sami |