7:30 a.m. — Registration and Breakfast

8:30 a.m. — Welcome, Dr. Charlotte Fant Pegues, vice chancellor for student affairs, The University of Mississippi

8:45 a.m. — Morning Motivation, Elizabeth Heiskell, The Today Show food contributor and Southern Living contributing editor

9:30 a.m. — Keynote Address: “Inclusive Leadership: Fostering a Culture of Support and Collaboration,” Dr. Alexandria White, senior vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion at ReBoot Accel

10:15 a.m. — Networking Break, Door Prizes and Announcements

10:30 a.m. — Panel Session: Nurturing the Next Generation Through Student Engagement and Success

11:30 a.m. — Networking Luncheon: For this Generation and the Next

• Empowering the Body & Mind, Dr. Jeanna Wilkes, special projects coordinator, University of Mississippi Medical Center

12:45 p.m. — Strike a Pose: Shaping the Wonder Woman in You, Andrea Jekabsons, chief human resources officer, The University of Mississippi

1:45 p.m. — Panel Session: Science Superheroes, Cultivating Careers in Science & Research

2:45 p.m. — Networking Break, Door Prizes and Announcements

3:15 p.m. — Panel Session: Game Changers, Connections & Empowerment Through Coaching

4:15 p.m. — Door Prizes and Announcements

4:30 p.m. — Mentoring Program Meetup (Location: The Sandy and John Black Pavilion, South All-American Club)

5:00 p.m. — Reception (Location: The Sandy and John Black Pavilion, The Pavilion Club)

PANEL SESSION DESCRIPTIONS
Nurturing the Next Generation Through Student Engagement and Success
Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, 10:30 a.m., Manning Center
This session promises an insightful discussion on the importance of nurturing the next generation. Delve into a dialogue rich with best practices for effective student engagement, explore proven strategies that drive student success, and benefit from the wisdom gleaned from the panelists’ wealth of experience. Be part of a conversation that transcends theory, offering tangible lessons learned throughout their careers. Together, let’s uncover the keys to nurturing the next generation through purposeful student engagement and steadfast commitment to their success.

For this Generation and Next: Empowering Body & Mind
Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024,11:30 a.m. during the networking luncheon, Manning Center
This session will explore the vital intersection of personal empowerment and well-being and is designed to empower attendees, foster meaningful connections, and lay the groundwork for a thriving higher education community. Dr. Jeanna Wilkes will share insights on the three pillars, “Self, Sisterhood, and Service,” to achieve holistic success. Drawing from experiences with sorority life, commercial aviation and preventive medicine, Dr. Wilkes will dive into strategies for overcoming challenges, building resilience and creating a supportive network for current and future generations of women in higher education. We will engage in interactive discussions and activities aimed at enhancing personal empowerment and well-being.

Strike a Pose: Shaping the Wonder Woman in You
Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, 12:45 p.m., Manning Center
This session will delve into the fascinating realm of non-verbal communication and its profound impact on personal and professional success. Drawing from renowned social psychologist and researcher Amy Cuddy’s groundbreaking research, we will discuss the transformative power of confident body language and its potential to shape our perceptions of ourselves and others. Andrea Jekabsons will lead an exploration into the question: “Can you fake it until you become it?” Participants will gain valuable insights into the science behind short-term power posing exercises and their potential impact on personal and professional success. We will also discuss practical strategies for incorporating these exercises into daily routines, empowering to enhance presence and navigating complexities of academia with newfound assurance.

Science Superheroes, Cultivating Careers in Science & Research
Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, 1:45 p.m., Manning Center
“Science Superheroes, Cultivating Careers in Science & Research” features accomplished women scientists and researchers from Mississippi universities. The moderated discussion will include how they cultivated successful careers in their fields; lessons they have learned and how that translates into practical advice for other women; and how they are shaping the future of research and science by mentoring students and other women in their fields.

Game Changers: Connection & Empowerment Through Coaching
Thursday, Feb. 29, 3:15 p.m., Manning Center
“Game Changers: Connection & Empowerment Through Coaching” spotlights the achievements and contributions of collegiate women coaches and sports administrators and will delve into the unique challenges and triumphs experienced by women in leadership roles within the realm of collegiate sports. Panelists will share personal journeys, insights and strategies for success and will offer invaluable perspectives on leadership, mentorship and breaking through barriers.