We are grateful for the support of the following organizations: Baystate Health, UMass Dining, Easthampton Savings Bank, Eversource, Mercury, MA Women's Political Caucus, Women of Color Leadership Network, Mass Workforce Association, Accenture, and Blue Wave
9th Annual Women and Public Service Dinner
Friday, March 24, 2023
Featuring a keynote by Varshini Prakash ’15, Executive Director and co-Founder, Sunrise Movement
Workshop Schedule
The workshop is open to UWiL students and alumni only
Friday, March 24, 2023
3:30 PM – 5:00 PM Finding My Place: Career Exploration in Public Service
A speed networking session to explore the range of opportunities open to students with a passion for public service. Featured guests:
- Kelsey Cintolo ’12, Vice President for Research and Policy, Massachusetts Competitive Partnership
- Tyler Cotta ‘18, Chief of Staff, Office of Rep. Carole Fiola
- Karen Dalheim ’85, Senior Attorney, Office of General Counsel, Department of Defense
- Angela Davis ‘87, Assistant Undersecretary for Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice, Commonwealth of MA
- Diana Fassbender ’03, Founder and Principal, Henry Street Strategies
- Karen Maher ’05, Chief of Staff, NYC School Construction Authority
- Jessicah Pierre ’13, Chief of Communications, City of Boston
- Monserrate Rodríguez Colón ’95, Commissioner, Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination
- Raija Vaisanen '02, '10MPPA, Associate Director, Mass Workforce Association
5:00 PM – 5:30 PM Behind the Scenes: To the End Discussion & Meet and Greet with Keynote Speaker
A private student-only opportunity to meet and ask questions of our dinner speaker before the crowds arrive.
5:30 PM – 6:15 PM Growing my Network: Cocktail Reception
6:15 PM – 8:30 PM 9th Annual Women and Public Service Keynote and Dinner
- Alumni speaker: Tamika Ortiz Acosta ’22, UWiL Alumna
- Keynote speaker: Varshini Prakash ’15, Executive Director and co-Founder, Sunrise Movement
Saturday, March 25, 2023
9:00 AM – 10:15 AM What I Wish I Knew: Breakfast advice from UWiL Board and Mentors
This breakfast is a casual opportunity to meet with Board Members, Mentors and UWiL fellows as we gear up for day 2 of the workshop. Conversations will focus on sharing advice about shaping your college experience and making the post-graduation transition.
10:30 AM – 11:45 AM Action & Impact: Roundtable Discussions
This session features small roundtable discussions led by individuals -- lobbyists, non profit founders, public leaders, and elected officials -- who are skilled at making change. Students will walk away with a better understanding of the myriad ways in which they can make change and advance causes they care about or help their communities.
- Deanne Braveman ’04, Senior Vice President, Mercury
- Sonia Teixeira Amado ’12, Director of Health Access & Wellness Services, Boston Public Health Commission
- Shirley Arriaga, State Representative, 8th Hampden District
- Vira Douangmany Cage '01, Associate Director and Service Coordinator, BakuCare Adult Day Health; President, Amherst Media
12:00 PM – 1:15 PM Luncheon Keynote: Peacebuilding & Community Activism
As we observe the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement/Belfast Agreement in 2023, our luncheon speaker will reflect on her role -- and women's role in general -- in the Irish Peace Process and offer insight into peacebuilding processes and community organizing in general.
- Keynote Speaker: Anne Carr, former elected representative, Northern Ireland Women's Coalition; Board member of the International Fund for Ireland; and Community Dialogue Facilitator
1:30 PM – 3:00 PM Using What I’ve Learned: Whole Women Leading From Exactly Where They Are
Often as women, we don’t necessarily view ourselves as leaders or recognize ourselves as leaders yet still have a social impact on the world. We are leading from the seat of where we are and have a strong effect on spaces that we share. Oftentimes we may not fully understand the impact that we’re having, slow down long enough to see it, nor are we acknowledged (by ourselves or others) for having it. Many women don't have the whole alphabet behind their names (CEO, CFO, Ph.D., etc) yet make measurable change.
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Leslie Saulsberry '15EdD, CEO, Whole Institute
3:00 PM – 3:45 PM Team Building & Closing Session
Join in on a hands-on community building activity that encourages a final reflection on the workshop and your UWiL experience.