2022 Arizona Women Leading Government
Thursday, October 20 – Friday, October 21, 2022
Glendale Civic Center
5750 W Glenn Dr.
Glendale, AZ 85301
We look forward to seeing you all in Glendale! Registration opens at 8AM and the first session beings at 9AM.
To view the conference 1-pager click here.
Complimentary parking is available in several places around the Civic Center. Please click here for a map.
Thursday, October 20 – Friday, October 21, 2022
Glendale Civic Center
5750 W Glenn Dr.
Glendale, AZ 85301
We look forward to seeing you all in Glendale! Registration opens at 8AM and the first session beings at 9AM.
To view the conference 1-pager click here.
Complimentary parking is available in several places around the Civic Center. Please click here for a map.
Speakers
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Dr. Regina Lewis - Keynote
With 16 years of experience in leadership development, Dr. Regina Lewis has served diverse clientele, from executives to scholars, government agencies, educational institutions, and non-profits. Through her travels, Regina has been immersed in many cultures both nationally and internationally, such as Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and across the United States. Regina is a consulting partner, national speaker, and director of ReginaSpeaking, LLC. In her role she has presented and facilitated widely on topics of diversity and inclusion, cross-cultural leveraging, strategic planning, executive speaking, interpersonal communication, personal professional development, media & public relations, social media communication, understanding and climbing out of poverty, and retention. Dr. Lewis holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership, Research and Policy, a Master of Arts in Communication, a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, all from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. |
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Joy Rich
Joy Rich has been a public servant all her adult life, rising through the ranks of local government to become the first female County Manger in Maricopa County’s 150-year history. Since her appointment in 2016, Joy has pursued organizational changes and process improvements that lead to better customer service and increased efficiency. Joy is responsible for 40+ departments and works with the elected Board of Supervisors to implement a strategic plan that prioritizes safe, healthy communities in our fast-growing region. Prior to her appointment, she held various positions in the organization including Deputy County Manager, Assistant County Manager, and Planning & Development Director. Before joining the County, she worked for both the cities of Phoenix and Glendale as a planner and neighborhood programs manager. Ms. Rich holds Bachelor of Science in Geography and Master of Public Administration degrees from Arizona State University. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners, American Planning Association, Arizona Planning Association, Arizona City/County Management Association, and the Arizona State University School of Public Affairs Academic Advisory Council. |
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Jennifer Stein - Master of Ceremonies (MC)
Jennifer Stein is the Director of the Economic Development Services Department. Her primary focus is leading a team of experts who specialize in business attraction and development, business retention and expansion. Stein brings more than 25 years of experience in public and private sector communications, marketing, strategic planning, management, and community relations to her new economic development role in the City of Peoria. As the communications director for eight years in Peoria, she oversaw the award-winning public affairs, marketing, advertising, and tourism efforts and attracted restaurant and hospitality uses to the city. Prior to Peoria, Stein worked for the City of Glendale, spearheading the 2008 Super Bowl media efforts, marketing the annual Fiesta Bowl and BCS Championship games, building business and community partnerships in Westgate, and securing record-breaking media coverage. In addition, Stein was a news producer for KTVK-TV Arizona’s Family and a senior account executive for one of the top public relations firms in the Southwest, HMA Public Relations. Stein has a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations from Northern Arizona University and she is a member of the International City/County Management Association and Arizona Association for Economic Development. |
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Dr. Alisa Beyer
Alisa Beyer is a residential faculty member at Chandler-Gilbert Community College where she teaches a variety of psychology courses. She holds a Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Kansas. Alisa co-edited For the Love of Teaching Undergraduate Statistics, a free book sharing best practices for statistics instructors, and has created Open Education Resources for psychology students. On a personal note, she is an identical twin and loves to beach camp with her spouse and 4 kids. |
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Heidi Busche
Heidi Busche is a speaker, author, and business coach.. Her first book, Relationship Ready, is available now on Amazon and Audible. Heidi spent years in the love, dating and relationship space. Using her expertise and lived experience to help women identify and change painful patterns in their relationships. But in 2020 she made a BIG pivot, and now she helps entrepreneurial women use mirco-strategy to gain clarity and momentum in their businesses all while taking cash to the bank. |
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Kate Naglieri
Kate Naglieri is an award-winning strategic communicator who is passionate about driving consideration for brands by protecting and enhancing reputation through storytelling. She currently functions as the External Communications Manager for Valley Schools Management Group and HPACT. Kate is a masters graduate from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication and former investigative reporting fellow with the EPPY and IRE award-winning News21’s “Voting Wars” project. She has been published in several news organizations, including The Philly Inquirer, The Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism, Phoenix New Times, Willamette Week, Electronic Products & Technology Magazine and more |
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Leigh Steele
Leigh Steele holds the role of Strategic Communications Advisor for Valley Schools Management Group and HPACT. She is responsible for developing integrated communications ideas, networks, and overarching directions for the organization in order to more effectively realize the VSMG mission and to cultivate employee engagement and satisfaction. Leigh’s background includes serving as Employee Communications and Satisfaction Manager for American Express. Her responsibilities included creating and distributing key organizational communications for high-level managers, planning and managing the employee rewards program and events, as well as designing and implementing the overall employee communication strategy. |
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Tiffany Mattick – Keynote Speaker
After spending 25 years working for a large, global corporation and developing leaders and teams, Tiffany took her passion for leadership development and started her own company, There She Grows. Tiffany lives her purpose by creating experiences for leaders to connect, grow and become the best version of themselves at work and at home. Her experience, met with compassionate insight, comes to life through unforgettable workshops and life-changing connections that provide the catalyst and the coaching to help leaders shine their light on the world, and unleash their potential. |
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Genevieve Villegas
Genevieve Villegas prides herself on her ability to use her sensitivity as a superpower. She leads from the heart with intuition, persistence, and creativity by approaching situations and asking, “are all peoples’ feelings and voices being represented?” As the Advancement Director at YWCA Metropolitan Phoenix, she is passionate about ensuring equity and opportunity for women and people of color in our community. She uses empathy and honesty as her guiding posts. This allows her to build meaningful relationships with partners to fuel the mission of YWCA. The mission is to eliminate racism and empower women. Genevieve holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and since entering the nonprofit sector in 2009, has spent her career focused on supporting communities in having access to the resources they need to improve their lives. In her spare time, Genevieve enjoys challenging what she knows by watching documentary films with her cat Hank, ask her about what they’ve watched most recently. |
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Debbie Esparza
Debbie’s commitment to YWCA’s mission to eliminate racism and empower women began more than 20 years ago as a donor, volunteer, and national YWCA board member. She is thrilled to come full circle as CEO. Debbie brings a diverse leadership perspective to this role with experiences in banking, consulting, entrepreneurship, academia, and 20 years in non-profit executive leadership. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration/Finance and MBA emphasizing Entrepreneurship and Venture Management from the University of Southern California. Her personal philanthropy supports LGBTQ+ issues, female empowerment, and leadership endeavors. She is active in Latina Giving Circle and is on the board of North American Same-Sex Partner Dance Association. |
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Nicole Lance
Nicole Lance is the CEO of Lance Strategies and spent almost 13 years in the trenches of local government before launching her own business. Nicole now spends her time coaching, facilitating, speaking, and training. She is a co-founder of Arizona Women Leading Government and a Board member for Arizona's Children Association. Nicole is an Arizona native happily married to her husband, Sean, a high school teacher. She is a proud stepmom to a U.S. Navy Sailor and also a mom to a 4-year-old. Nicole spends her free time trying not to step on the Legos her daughter leaves dangerously hidden in the carpet and is getting ready to launch her first book! |
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Rachel Luna - Keynote Speaker
Rachel Luna is a highly sought after international speaker, best selling author, & Certified Master Neuroscience Coach to 6 and 7 figure earning entrepreneurs. Named by Forbes as one of The 11 Most Inspiring Female Entrepreneurs To Follow On Instagram, this former US Marine has a reputation for inspiring confident action and helping her clients double, triple and quadruple their income. Her clients often referred to her as their “secret weapon.” Rachel calls herself a magnet for miracles because despite losing both her parents to AIDS, struggling with eating disorders in her teens and battling alcoholism and depression in her early 20’s, Rachel has never allowed herself to be limited by life circumstances. Instead, she persevered and when she was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in the summer of 2019, Rachel tackled it the same way she does everything - with confidence, faith and love. Within 30 days she was cancer free and today she continues to thrive, teach, and activate confidence in others. Through her top-rated podcast, Permission to Offend - which has listeners in over 90 countries around the world - social media platforms, email list, courses, her live event Confidence Activated, and journaling membership - The Faith Activated Journaling Experience, Rachel is on a mission to help 11 million women step into faith, worth and wealth. |
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Jill Keimach
Ms. Keimach has a Bachelors in Architecture and a Masters in City Planning from UC Berkeley. She has worked in the public sector for over 30 years and has been the City Manager of Moraga, CA and Alameda, CA. The last three years she has been the Town Manager of Paradise Valley. In this position she manages 100 FTEs and $68M budget to provide high-quality service to the Town’s 15,000 residents, businesses and the area's tourists to its luxury resorts and medical facilities. Current Town activities include implementing Short-Term Rental regulations, a 100 acre Development Agreement with the Ritz-Carlton, adopting its General Plan, and eliminating all unfunded pension liabilities. |
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Inger Erickson
Inger Erickson is a Deputy City Manager at the City of Phoenix and is responsible for a dozen City departments, offices, and functions, including the Information Technology Services Department, the Parks and Recreation Department, and the newly created Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion. Prior to her current role, she served as director of the City’s Parks and Recreation Department since December 2015. Her resume is highlighted by partnerships developed with non-profits, academic institutions and professional sports teams that improved city programs and facilities for the community, while saving taxpayer funds. Erickson’s 30-plus year career with the City of Phoenix started in 1988 as a lifeguard at Coronado Pool. In the years that followed, she held a variety of positions in the Parks and Recreation Department, including aquatics supervisor, maintenance supervisor, and deputy and assistant director. She holds a bachelor of science degree in physical education from Grand Canyon University and a master of arts in organizational management from the University of Phoenix. |
agenda
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20
Registration
8:00 AM | Lobby
Be Her Now
9:00 AM - 10:30AM | Crowne-Topaz-Onyx Ballroom
In order to thrive during times of change, you need to pause long enough to recognize, what’s working and what’s not. During this session you will learn about a tool that helps you recognize moments when we are off our game and what to actually do about it. You will gain tips and ideas for getting back on track and how to be at your best more often. During this session, we will complete an assessment, determine your current level of well-being and connect with others to discuss tips and ideas for getting back on track.
Speaker:
Tiffany Mattick, Keynote Speaker
Concurrent Sessions
10:45 AM – 11:45AM
Lunch/Annual Business Meeting - Sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
12:00 PM | Crowne-Topaz-Onyx Ballroom
Courageous Career Conversations
1:00 PM – 2:00PM | Crowne-Topaz-Onyx Ballroom
Navigating a career isn't always easy, and neither are the conversations that will come up along the way. In this session we'll hear from two of our accomplished Managers about conversations that shaped their careers, built them as leaders, and tested their communication skills as much as they tested their self-awareness. Learn what worked - and didn't work! - for them so you can increase your own skills at holding courageous career conversations.
Speakers:
Joy Rich, County Manager, Maricopa
Jill Keimach, Town Manager, Paradise Valley
Concurrent Sessions – See above
2:15 PM – 3:15 PM
Permission to Offend: Strategies for Speaking your Truth with Love, Compassion and Empathy
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM | Crowne-Topaz-Onyx Ballroom
The world has conditioned you to "be polite" and avoid "offending" others which has left many people feeling like they have to hide who they are. But what if you gave yourself permission to offend? During this session you'll learn what it means to give yourself "permission to offend," how to walk live more fully self-expressed and how to navigate a sensitive world with love, compassion and empathy. The result: You get to show up unfiltered, unafraid and get more of what you want without losing what you've already worked so hard to get. Get ready, this is going to be a wild one!
Speaker:
Rachel Luna, Keynote Speaker
Reception
4:45 PM-5:45PM | Garden Courtyard
Join us for a reception with light hors d'oeuvres and entertainment from Jennifer Stein followed by networking time.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21
Registration
8:00 AM | Lobby
Be Her Now – Cont.
9:00 AM | Crowne-Topaz-Onyx Ballroom
During this session, we will learn what it means to be authentically YOU, develop strategies and ideas for stepping into your authenticity and how to overcome fear that gets in the way. The world needs what only you can give. Join us for a conversation about bringing more of YOU into the world; take inspired action against who you are! Participants will walk away with great insight into who they are, what they need in order to feel fulfilled in life and how to take inspired action against what matters most. They will be given permission to confidently shine their light on the world. Let's go!
Speaker:
Tiffany Mattick, Keynote Speaker
Networking Session
10:00 AM | Crowne-Topaz-Onyx Ballroom
One of the most prevalent comments we've gotten about our Women Leading Government conferences is that attendees want to network with each other and find new ways to connect. This session will equip you with individual strategies for upping your networking game while also actively making meaningful connections with new attendees. This is an intentionally interactive and engaging session, but extroversion is not required! You'll laugh as much as you'll learn and connect.
Speaker:
Nicole Lance, CEO, Lance Strategies
Write Your Story or Someone Else Will!
11:00 AM | Crowne-Topaz-Onyx Ballroom
Our lives are but a mere dash; a dash between the time you are born until the day of your last breath. What will people say about you? Each day is just a moment in time and with each passing day, what will other’s think of you? The answers to both questions are left up to you. In a dynamic, inspirational, and relatable way, Dr. Regina Lewis will share her “defining self” story and lessons learned. Along the way she will share insights that that will help you write your story. Get your pen ready!
Speaker:
Dr. Regina Lewis, Keynote Speaker
Conference Ends
12:00 PM
Registration
8:00 AM | Lobby
Be Her Now
9:00 AM - 10:30AM | Crowne-Topaz-Onyx Ballroom
In order to thrive during times of change, you need to pause long enough to recognize, what’s working and what’s not. During this session you will learn about a tool that helps you recognize moments when we are off our game and what to actually do about it. You will gain tips and ideas for getting back on track and how to be at your best more often. During this session, we will complete an assessment, determine your current level of well-being and connect with others to discuss tips and ideas for getting back on track.
Speaker:
Tiffany Mattick, Keynote Speaker
Concurrent Sessions
10:45 AM – 11:45AM
- The Glow Up: 7 Communication Strategies that Drive Achievable Goals
Effective communications are one of the most important tools in your arsenal. Without clear, concise and data-driven communications strategies, your personal and professional objectives are at risk for low buy in and morale, chronic conflict, and reduced productivity. Learning to leverage our individual and collective communication strengths while identifying areas for enhancement, creates opportunities for you and your team to thrive. Joiin us as we unpack seven must-have communication strategies that will equip you and your team for the ultimate glow up.
Speakers:
Kate Naglieri & Leigh Steele, HPACT Valley Schools Management
PRESENTATION
- Going from Burnout to Gaining Vitality
The assumption that being “busy” as a measure of success can go against our better judgment - we can put too much on our plates leaving less mental space and energy. We can find ourselves exhausted and overwhelmed -- missing our sense of vitality. What can we do when we, co-workers, or family members have burnout or are missing that spark of vitality? This session will discuss the layers of burnout and the workings of the human psyche connected to the workplace so you can feel productive, vibrant, and meaningfully connected at work. You will also have information you can pass along to your significant others who may be struggling.
Speaker:
Dr. Alisa Beyer, Chandler-Gilbert Community College Psychology Department Faculty
PRESENTATION
- Career Development and Strategy – Dreaming Bigger and Getting There
Progressing through your career takes consistent effort and strategic thinking. Developing key skills and approaches can help you to determine your path, navigate your career effectively, and achieve your goals. In this session, you’ll learn more about the importance of intentional communication, perspective-taking, building collaborative relationships, and remaining adaptable in your career development journey.
Speaker:
Inger Erickson, Deputy City Manager, City of Phoenix
PRESENTATION
- Who is She? Uncovering the best version of you!
Join Heidi B for a roundtable talk on imposter syndrome, saying “no” and setting boundaries. You’ll leave with the tools you need to protect your peace and energy!
Speaker:
- The 3 A’s of Workplace Culture: Authenticity, Awareness, and Action
Leadership, management, workplace practices, people, and more impact the personality and intentional culture of an organization. Leaders need to connect to their own authenticity, have fundamental awareness and practices for making others feel valued in the organization and initiate action. This interactive session will provide insight and examples on ways to bring authenticity, awareness, and action to your organization culture.
Speaker:
Genevieve Villegas, Advancement Director, YWCA
Debbie Esparza, CEO, YWCA
PRESENTATION
Lunch/Annual Business Meeting - Sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
12:00 PM | Crowne-Topaz-Onyx Ballroom
Courageous Career Conversations
1:00 PM – 2:00PM | Crowne-Topaz-Onyx Ballroom
Navigating a career isn't always easy, and neither are the conversations that will come up along the way. In this session we'll hear from two of our accomplished Managers about conversations that shaped their careers, built them as leaders, and tested their communication skills as much as they tested their self-awareness. Learn what worked - and didn't work! - for them so you can increase your own skills at holding courageous career conversations.
Speakers:
Joy Rich, County Manager, Maricopa
Jill Keimach, Town Manager, Paradise Valley
Concurrent Sessions – See above
2:15 PM – 3:15 PM
Permission to Offend: Strategies for Speaking your Truth with Love, Compassion and Empathy
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM | Crowne-Topaz-Onyx Ballroom
The world has conditioned you to "be polite" and avoid "offending" others which has left many people feeling like they have to hide who they are. But what if you gave yourself permission to offend? During this session you'll learn what it means to give yourself "permission to offend," how to walk live more fully self-expressed and how to navigate a sensitive world with love, compassion and empathy. The result: You get to show up unfiltered, unafraid and get more of what you want without losing what you've already worked so hard to get. Get ready, this is going to be a wild one!
Speaker:
Rachel Luna, Keynote Speaker
Reception
4:45 PM-5:45PM | Garden Courtyard
Join us for a reception with light hors d'oeuvres and entertainment from Jennifer Stein followed by networking time.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21
Registration
8:00 AM | Lobby
Be Her Now – Cont.
9:00 AM | Crowne-Topaz-Onyx Ballroom
During this session, we will learn what it means to be authentically YOU, develop strategies and ideas for stepping into your authenticity and how to overcome fear that gets in the way. The world needs what only you can give. Join us for a conversation about bringing more of YOU into the world; take inspired action against who you are! Participants will walk away with great insight into who they are, what they need in order to feel fulfilled in life and how to take inspired action against what matters most. They will be given permission to confidently shine their light on the world. Let's go!
Speaker:
Tiffany Mattick, Keynote Speaker
Networking Session
10:00 AM | Crowne-Topaz-Onyx Ballroom
One of the most prevalent comments we've gotten about our Women Leading Government conferences is that attendees want to network with each other and find new ways to connect. This session will equip you with individual strategies for upping your networking game while also actively making meaningful connections with new attendees. This is an intentionally interactive and engaging session, but extroversion is not required! You'll laugh as much as you'll learn and connect.
Speaker:
Nicole Lance, CEO, Lance Strategies
Write Your Story or Someone Else Will!
11:00 AM | Crowne-Topaz-Onyx Ballroom
Our lives are but a mere dash; a dash between the time you are born until the day of your last breath. What will people say about you? Each day is just a moment in time and with each passing day, what will other’s think of you? The answers to both questions are left up to you. In a dynamic, inspirational, and relatable way, Dr. Regina Lewis will share her “defining self” story and lessons learned. Along the way she will share insights that that will help you write your story. Get your pen ready!
Speaker:
Dr. Regina Lewis, Keynote Speaker
Conference Ends
12:00 PM
Pricing
Registration Fees
WLG Member $200.00
Non-Member - Business Partner $340.00
Non-Member - Government Leader Registration $280.00
WLG Sponsor $280.00
Registration Deadlines
Conference registration closes on October 7, 2022. Cancellations must be received via email prior to October 7, 2022 to receive a partial refund. No refunds will be provided after this date, you can request a refund of your registration fee by submitting a written request at wlg@azleague.org no later than 11:59 p.m. on October 7, 2022.
WLG Member $200.00
Non-Member - Business Partner $340.00
Non-Member - Government Leader Registration $280.00
WLG Sponsor $280.00
Registration Deadlines
Conference registration closes on October 7, 2022. Cancellations must be received via email prior to October 7, 2022 to receive a partial refund. No refunds will be provided after this date, you can request a refund of your registration fee by submitting a written request at wlg@azleague.org no later than 11:59 p.m. on October 7, 2022.
Why Should You Attend WLG?
Learn More About the WLG Experience
Contact wlg@azleague.org!
