CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
#AZWLG2024 Conference: We Thrive and Shine!
Thursday, Nov. 7 – Friday, Nov. 8, 2024
Phoenix Convention Center – South Building
(33 S. 3rd St., Phoenix, AZ 85004)
Please click here for nearby hotels.
The #AZWLG2024 Conference is Thursday, November 7 and Friday, November 8, 2024 at the Phoenix Convention Center – South Building. The AZ WLG 2023 Conference drew more than 500 government professionals and other attendees dedicated to helping women leaders to succeed in public service.
Arizona Women Leading Government (AZ WLG) is a non-profit membership association that provides professional development, networking, and mentoring opportunities statewide to strengthen the position of women by preparing aspiring, emerging professionals for leadership posts in government; and to increase the number of women in executive government positions throughout the State of Arizona.
Arizona Women Leading Government (AZ WLG) is the state chapter of Women Leading Government (WLG) which is part of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) #SheLeadsGov Network. AZ WLG was formed in 2015 in partnership with the Arizona City/County Management Association (ACMA), incorporated in 2022 with a Board of Directors and bylaws and is staffed by the League of Arizona Cities and Towns.
For more information about Arizona Women Leading Government (AZ WLG) please visit ArizonaWLG.org
To contact Arizona Women Leading Government (AZ WLG) please email WLG@AZLeague.org.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7
Registration & Continental Breakfast
7:30 AM
Welcome
7:30 AM
Speakers:
Sue Breding, Conference Co-Chair and Director of Communications, Glendale
Olivia Fierro, Conference Day 1 Emcee and Host, Storyteller & Media Consultant
Kristie Riester, Conference Co-Chair and Customer Service & Billing Administrator, Queen Creek
Three Pillars of a Champion
7:30 AM
Discover the secrets to building a champion both on and off the field. Jay Parry, who led Arizona’s efforts to crown multiple national sports champions including for the 2023 Super Bowl and the 2024 NCAA Men’s Final Four tournament will share The Three Pillars of a Champion. First, in creating a winning mindset in the ‘locker room’ of our daily tasks by fostering teamwork and resilience. Second, in the conference room, where leadership and strategic thinking drive success. Finally, in the boardroom, translating these principles into executive decisions that propel organizations to new heights.
Speakers:
Jay Parry, President & CEO, Arizona Major Events
Concurrent Sessions
10:45 - 11:45 AM
- Financial Wellness
Speaker:
Heather Townsend, Financial Planner & Founder, Townsend Financial
- How to Be a Mentor or a Mentee
Speakers:
Arlene Chemello, Interim Chief Information Officer, Glendale
Vicki Rios, Assistant City Manager, Glendale
Sonja Sarmiento, Field Operations Administrator, Glendale
Candace Schulte, Community Services, Glendale
Michelle Woytenko, Director of Field Operations, Glendale
- Arizona Elected Officials Panel
Speakers:
Mayor Mila Besich, Superior
Councilwoman Khara House, Flagstaff
More speakers to come!
- Career Advancing Academic Research
Speakers:
Shannon Portillo, Ph.D., Director and Coor Presidential Chair, School of Public Affairs, Watts College of Public Service, Arizona State University
Dr. Sara Rinfret, Associate Vice Provost, Faculty Affairs, Professor of Public Administration, MPA Director, Northern Arizona University
Dr. April Townsend, Research Fellow, Utah Women & Leadership Project, Jon M. Huntsman School of Business, Utah State University
12 -1 PM
Speaker:
Brandie Ishcomer Barrett, President, AZ WLG Board of Directors and Deputy Public Works Director, Phoenix
Courage Over Confidence: Owning Your Influence and Overcoming the Myth of Readiness
1 - 2 PM
If you’re ready to amplify your impact, this fast-paced session will equip you with tools and strategies to make exactly the kind of mark you want to make. We’ll tackle some of the most common barriers to success, and we’ll workshop ways to lead with authenticity and build courage so you can move from ideas to actions and make meaningful change that fulfills your goals. You’ll leave feeling empowered and equipped to continue cultivating a career and life on your own terms.
Speakers:
Nicole Lance, CEO, Lance Strategies
Khala Stanfield, Director, Public Sector Advisory, Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP
Concurrent Sessions
10:45 - 11:45 AM
- Financial Wellness
Speaker:
Heather Townsend, Financial Planner & Founder, Townsend Financial
- How to Be a Mentor or a Mentee
Speakers:
Arlene Chemello, Interim Chief Information Officer, Glendale
Vicki Rios, Assistant City Manager, Glendale
Sonja Sarmiento, Field Operations Administrator, Glendale
Candace Schulte, Community Services, Glendale
Michelle Woytenko, Director of Field Operations, Glendale
- Arizona Elected Officials Panel
Speakers:
Mayor Mila Besich, Superior
Councilwoman Khara House, Flagstaff
More speakers to come!
- Career Advancing Academic Research
Speakers:
Shannon Portillo, Ph.D., Director and Coor Presidential Chair, School of Public Affairs, Watts College of Public Service, Arizona State University
Dr. Sara Rinfret, Associate Vice Provost, Faculty Affairs, Professor of Public Administration, MPA Director, Northern Arizona University
Dr. April Townsend, Research Fellow, Utah Women & Leadership Project, Jon M. Huntsman School of Business, Utah State University
1:40 - 2:40 PM | Grand Ballroom
Speaker:
Kristina Kuzmic, Comedian & Author
Reception
4:45 - 5:45 PM
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8
Registration and Continental Breakfast
8 AM
Welcome
8:40 AM
Speakers:
Jessica Mensch, Conference Day 2 Co-Emcee and Video Producer, Glendale
Yvette Roeder, Conference Day 2 Co-Emcee and Deputy Director, Neighborhood Services, Phoenix
Brain Boosters! Movement: The Key to Thriving!
9 - 10 AM
In today's world, many of us are confined to sedentary jobs, where sitting all day has become the norm. Despite remarkable advances in medicine and technology, our mental and physical health continues to decline. Learn the science behind the brain/mind-movement connection and how small changes can lead to a monumental improvement in the quality of our lives. Chris Powell, known worldwide as the host and contributor to multiple national shows, including ABC’s hit show ‘Extreme Weight Loss’, is a passionate wellness expert dedicated to transforming lives through innovative lifestyle programs.
Speaker:
Chris Powell, Founder, Move One Million
Dealing with Conflict
10 – 11 AM
Speaker:
Juliene Hefter, Founder & Consultant, Safety First Aquatics
Leadership Deep Dive Panel
11 AM – 12 PM
Facilitator:
Sue Breding, Conference Co-Chair and Director of Communications, Glendale
Speakers:
Mary Cameli, Fire Chief, Mesa
Jeanine L’Ecuyer, Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Maricopa County Attorney
Ginger Spencer, Deputy City Manager, Phoenix
Conference Concludes
12 PM