4:30- 7:30 pm

Exciting Activities

Eat • Drink • Shop • Smile in the Photo Booth • Network • Swap for a new Derby Hat • Check in for the Conference • Have fun!

5:15 to 5:45 p.m.

6:30-7:15 p.m.

Fashion Show with Louisville Fashion Council and Von Maur

Check out the latest Derby Trends.

Learn & Enjoy Line Dancing with World Champion Line Dancer Brook Jenkins

8:40 a.m.

9:00 a.m.

9:30 a.m

Sponsor Message

• Lee Allen | Salesforce

9:35 a.m

Breaking Barriers; Empowering Women in Tech Through Action-Based Innovation

Despite efforts to bring more women and non-binary individuals into technology careers, females still only make up 26% of the IT workforce. And in IT leadership roles specifically, this percentage is even smaller. Lauren Kolodrubetz, Executive Director of Marketplace Diversity Solutions at TEKsystems, will help deep dive into why women still face barriers in technology and how to overcome them. We hope you’ll join us for an interactive session which will empower attendees to take ownership of their development and rise higher than you think possible.

• Lauren Kolodrubetz | Executive Director - Marketplace Diversity Solutions | TEKSYSTEMS

Location: Da Vinci Room

10:05 a.m.

Unlocking the Secrets of Success: Impact of a Mentor

RockIT Women is more than just a once-a-year conference. We also provide a mentor program. Our mentor program provides invaluable support and insight that can shape one's path to success. Hear from past members of the mentor program about how a mentor can truly unlock the secrets of success. Hear how you can get involved by being a mentor. Being a mentor allows you to hone your leadership skills and make a lasting impact on others by passing on your knowledge, skills, and values, shaping the next generation of leaders and professionals. 

• Nur Mandadi | Mentor Program Director | ROCKIT WOMEN

• Dominique Churchill | Tech Advocate, Software Engineer & CEO | DIVINE PURPOSE

• Jamie Cox | Assistant Vice President Application Development | FARM CREDIT MID AMERICA

• Melanie Trass | Vice President, Client and Talent Success | INTERAPT

Location: Da Vinci Room

10:35 a.m.

Fireside Chat: Reframing the Code: Empowering Women in Tech to Redefine Their Leadership- Part 1

Description: This engaging chat between Tihanna Louise and Chealsea Wierbonski will delve into their unique journeys in the tech world, highlighting the power of narrative in shaping careers and identities. Through personal stories and insights, they'll explore how reframing one's internal and external dialogue can lead to greater authenticity and impact in tech roles.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding the impact of internal narratives on career progression and personal fulfillment.

• Strategies for overcoming common challenges faced by women in tech.

• The importance of authenticity and self-advocacy in professional environments.

Speakers

• Chealsea Wierbonski | Group Product Manager | GOOGLE

• Tihanna Louise | CEO | TIHANNA LOUISE COACHING AND CONSULTING

Location: Da Vinci Room

11:10 a.m.

Lunch

Seating in: Da Vinci Room

Served in: Van Gough Room

(see site map at bottom of this page)

12:15 p.m.

Breakout Session 1

OPTION 1 - Prioritizing Strategic Alignment: Fostering Synergy Between Product and Engineering Collaborations

The Sydney Opera House was originally slated to cost $7 million and be completed in 1963 but ended up costing $102 million and not being fully completed until 1973. The main issues were scope creep and poor communication between stakeholders.

Facilitating effective collaboration between product managers and engineers is crucial for project success.

There are many examples of build failures throughout history, some more costly than others, but all have a profound effect on the business.. In this session hear strategies for ways to understand how to build the right solution for effective collaboration between product and engineering to create innovative and creative solutions, from ideation to build.  Learn what the difference is between Product Managers, Engineering Managers, and  UX Designers.  The seamless collaboration among all teams not only optimizes efficiency but also substantially reduces costs, fostering the creation of precise, effective solutions.

In unity lies the power to turn challenges into triumphs and dreams into reality – together, we build success.

• Jessica Nason | Senior Application Engineer Manager | WAYSTAR

• Renee Miller | Vice President or Product | WAYSTAR

Location: Pigment Gallery (see site map at bottom of this page)

Room Sponsor: Flexential

OPTION 2 - Navigating the Cybersecurity Landscape: Trends, Challenges, and Innovations

Panelists:

• Michelle Tucker | Identity and Access Manager | VICTORIA SECRET & CO

• Polina Nikolova | Technology Services Associate Director | DEAN DORTON TECHNOLOGY

• Tiffany Smith | Chief Security Officer and Head of IT Operations | FARM CREDIT MID-AMERICA

Moderator

• Kate Muckenthaler | Customer Growth Specialist | TRENDMICRO

Location: Van Gough Room (see site map at bottom of this page)

Room Sponsor: Papa Johns

OPTION 3 - Tech Entrepreneurship: Navigating the Startup Journey

In this session come hear Julia's journey starting and growing a technology-based business and the importance of having a technologist as a co-founder. Get practical advice for navigating the challenges and opportunities in pursuing entrepreneurship in the tech sector.

• Julia Regan | Founder and CEO | RX LIGHTNING

*Location: Davinci Room - speakers in this room will end 10 minutes early.

Room Sponsor: Snowflake

OPTION 4 - The Possibilities are Endless: An Exploration of Tech Pathways (session for students)

Technology is more than just coding--it's a diverse space that is the backbone of every industry we engage with daily. The tech industry presents women with a dynamic platform to excel and shape the future of technology. If you are considering a career in technology or just getting started, come hear the various aspects of a technology career path, educational avenues, and the success women can have with a career in IT.  Also, learn about Louisville Girls Leadership and hear about the opportunities young girls have to hone their leadership skills and become job-ready.   Every strong woman started as a fearless girl.  The journey from strong girls to strong women is not just a path, it’s a legacy.  The strength of today shapes the leaders of tomorrow. 

• Carmellia Jackson | Executive Director | Louisville Girls Leadership

*Location: DaVinci Room Speakeasy *(behind vendors in the back of the room)

1:10 p.m.

Break

1:20 p.m.

Breakout Session 2

OPTION 1 - Value of Cloud and Data First Models - Case Studies

In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, cloud computing stands as a beacon of innovation and empowerment. Join me in an immersive 30-minute journey through the transformative world of cloud technology, where we'll explore trends, diverse use cases, and compelling statistics. As a representative of Amazon Web Services (AWS), I'll showcase how cloud technology not only revolutionizes businesses but also offers incredible opportunities for women in technology.

Discover how cloud platforms are driving the future of remote work solutions, unlocking the potential for flexible and collaborative environments. Explore the intersection of cloud technology and artificial intelligence, witnessing how women are shaping groundbreaking advancements in healthcare, finance, and beyond.

We'll delve into real-world use cases, highlighting the pivotal role women play in healthcare transformation, digital business innovation, and the evolving landscape of edge computing. Uncover the statistics that underline the global impact of cloud adoption, emphasizing the significant financial benefits and the rise of women leaders in technology.

This speech is not just about technology; it's an invitation to be part of a movement that empowers women to thrive in the digital era. Join us as we navigate through trends, celebrate impactful use cases, and reveal compelling statistics that make cloud technology a dynamic space for women to lead, innovate, and shape the future.

Be prepared to be inspired, informed, and empowered. Your journey into the world of cloud technology starts here.

• Elisha Hermann | Worldwide Cross Industry Solution Manager | AMAZON WEB SERVICES (AWS)

*Location: Davinci Room - speakers in this room will end 10 minutes early.

Room Sponsor: Snowflake

OPTION 2 - The Future of AI

AI won't replace humans, but humans who use AI will replace humans that don't. Come learn about the ethics, security and future of work as it relates to artificial intelligence.

• Fatemeh Khatibloo | Director, Responsible AI and Tech | SALESFORCE

• Krishna Gnanasekaran | Chief of Data and Analytics / Senior Director |

  GE APPLIANCES, A HAIER COMPANY

• Jennifer Leigh Kling | Global Partnership Director, Microsoft | TEKSYSTEMS

Location: Van Gough Room

Room Sponsor: Papa Johns

OPTION 3 - Breakout Session: Reframing the Code: Interactive Workshop for Redefining Your Narrative - Part 2

Description: Building on the fireside chat's themes, this interactive workshop will offer practical tools and exercises for attendees to identify and shift limiting beliefs, practice assertive communication, and craft empowering personal and professional narratives.

Key Takeaways

• Frameworks for identifying and transforming limiting beliefs.

• Techniques for assertive and effective communication in tech environments.

• Strategies for aligning internal narratives with external presence and leadership goals.

Speakers

• Chealsea Wierbonski | Group Product Manager | GOOGLE

• Tihanna Louise | CEO | TIHANNA LOUISE COACHING AND CONSULTING

Location: Pigment Gallery

Room Sponsor: Flexential

2:15 p.m.

Mini Snack Break

Margaritas sponsored by Brooksource

Chips, Salsa and Mini Chimichangas

Location: Da Vinci Room

2:40 p.m.

RockIT Women - Women in Tech Awards

Awards Committee Chair:

Anna Cassaro | Technology Services Senior Consultant | DEAN DORTON

Location: Da Vinci Room

3:00 p.m.

3:25 p.m.

Closing Remarks

Alyson Van Hooser | Author, Speaker, CEO | Van Hooser Leadership Inc.

3:35 to 4:00p.m.