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Message 9:00 a.m. - 9:10 a.m.9:10 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.9:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.10:30 a.m. - 11:20 a.m.11:20 a.m. - 12:20 p.m.12:30 p.m. - 1:20 p.m.8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.1:30 p.m. - 2:20 p.m.2:20 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.WelcomeOpening RemarksFeatured Keynote SpeakerBreakout Sessions: IdeationBreakout Sessions: Build.Lunch Break & Experience GalleryHeadshots end at 1 p.m.CONFERENCE SCHEDULEPurpose-Driven Vision: Move from Ideation to ActionSaturday, March 22, 2025College of Southern Maryland - La Plata Campus.Registrant Check-in & BreakfastVisit the Experience GalleryHeadshots beginBreakout Sessions: ActionFinale: WomenLead Fireside Chat.Afternoon Snack3:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.Closing Remarks & Experience GalleryHosted by the Business & Accounting Club and Women of Excellence

9:00 - 9:10 a.m. WelcomePROGRAMPurpose-Driven Vision: Move from Ideation to ActionSaturday, March 22, 2025College of Southern Maryland - La Plata CampusProfessor Tamara Gibbs-Franklin & Dr. Kandace ForemanWomenLead Co-Chairs Imani Spencer & Dashawn RustinPresidents, Business & Accounting Club and Women of Excellence9:20 - 9:30 a.m. Opening RemarksDr. Yolanda WilsonPresident, College of Southern Maryland Dr. Suzanne SummersVice President, Division of Learning, College of Southern Maryland 9: 30 - 10:15 a.m. Featured Keynote SpeakerMia WilliamsFounder, The Colors of Her SuccessMia believes every woman should have access to apowerful network. As an undergraduate student, shecreated The Colors of Her Success, placing youngwomen in rooms with industry titans. The Colors of Her Success has blossomed into anetworking platform that helps women get access to the knowledge and resources required to thrive intheir careers.Hosted by the Business & Accounting Club and Women of Excellence

10:15-10:30 a.m. Transition to Breakout SessionsPROGRAMPurpose-Driven Vision: Move from Ideation to ActionENTREPRENEUR TRACKNONPROFIT TRACKIdeation Phase: Let’s Get it Started!Room BU 105Angela ConnorFounder, ASCENDING MagazineYour Idea Matters: Nonprofit andSmall Business Impact on LocalCommunities Room BU 106Stephanie RolleDirector, CSM Nonprofit InstituteBelieve in You: Imposter Syndromeand Imposter TreatmentRoom BI 113Shaneeza Kazim, Professor Christina Greer Ellis, ProfessorCSM FacultyBelieve in You: Imposter Syndromeand Imposter TreatmentRoom BI 113Shaneeza Kazim, Professor Christina Greer Ellis, ProfessorCSM FacultyOwn Your Space Room BU 111 Presented by Women of ExcellenceDaShawn Rustin, Markala Pharr, AniyaGaskins, and Rehoboth Mumuney -Women of Excellence MembersOwn Your Space Room BU 111 Presented by Women of ExcellenceDaShawn Rustin, Markala Pharr, AniyaGaskins, and Rehoboth Mumuney -Women of Excellence Members10:30 - 11:20 a.m. Breakout Sessions - IDEATIONChoose your adventure. Stick with one track or mix it up!Don’t forget to visit the Experience Gallery in the BI Building.Free headshots are available from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. in theExperience Gallery.

ENTREPRENEUR TRACKNONPROFIT TRACKConnections that Count: Networking with Purpose Room BU 112Brittney KingCEO, Dance Therapy ArtsGrant Resources 101: Unlocking Funding Opportunities Room BU 116Tora WrightDirector, CSM Grant DevelopmentPitch Perfect: Making the Case for Your Business IdeaRoom BU 105Denise Gilmer-Knudson & MichelleBrosco Christian, CSM Faculty,Communications with Melanie Miller,Miller Center for LeadershipSponsored by the Miller Center for LeadershipPitch Perfect: Making the Case for Your NonprofitRoom BU 117Tiffany BarberExecutive DirectorPoiema MovementFund Your Idea: The Small Business Loan ProcessRoom BI 113 Lucretia Freeman-BusterChief of Business ServicesCharles County Economic DevelopmentDepartmentMoney Moves: Financial Literacy forWomen in Nonprofits Room BU 106Candace ThompsonBusiness Development OfficerEducational Systems Federal CreditUnion Sponsored by ESFCU11:20-11:30 a.m. Transition to Next Breakout SessionsPROGRAMPurpose-Driven Vision: Move from Ideation to ActionLunch will be served in the BI Building at 12:30 p.m.11:30 a.m. - 12:20 p.m. Breakout Sessions - BUILDChoose your adventure. Stick with one track or mix it up!Don’t forget to visit the Experience Gallery in the BI Building.

ENTREPRENEUR TRACKNONPROFIT TRACKPanel Discussion What He Said: How Male Leaders CanServe as Allies Room BI 113Presented by Men of Excellence(See page 9 for all participants.)Panel Discussion What He Said: How Male Leaders CanServe as Allies Room BI 113Presented by Men of Excellence(See page 9 for all participants.)Your Game Plan: Turning Ideas into ActionableBusiness Goals Room BU 105Katrina BriscoeConsultantSmall Business Development Center Nonprofits in Action: Driving Change, Empowering OthersRoom BU 106Jessica StrongProgram Support LiaisonPoiema MovementTech Toolbox: Must-Have Essentials for SmallBusinesses and Nonprofits Room BU 111Melanie OatesCEO, Melden Tech™Tech Toolbox: Must-Have Essentials for SmallBusinesses and Nonprofits Room BU 111Melanie OatesCEO, Melden Tech™1:20 - 1:30 p.m. Transition to Breakout SessionsPROGRAMPurpose-Driven Vision: Move from Ideation to ActionGrab a quick snack and join us for the Finale: WomenLeadFireside Chat in BI 113 - Main Stage at 2:30 p.m.1:30 - 2:20 p.m. Breakout Sessions - ACTIONChoose your adventure. Stick with one track or mix it up!Don’t forget to visit the Experience Gallery in the BI Building.

2:20 - 2:30 p.m. Afternoon SnackPROGRAMPurpose-Driven Vision: Move from Ideation to ActionStay with us for Closing Remarks at 3:30 p.m. in BI 113.2:30 - 3:30 p.m. WomenLead Fireside ChatPanel ModeratorsProfessor Tamara Gibbs-Franklin & Dr. Kandace ForemanWomenLead Co-Chairs

10:30-11:20 a.m. – Breakout Session: Block A - IDEATIONIdeation Phase: Let’s Get it Started (Entrepreneur Track)(Room BU 105)Ready to bring your idea to life? This session will inspire you to turn your initial spark ofinspiration into a plan of action. Build confidence in your business concept and walk away witha clear vision of your next steps in launching your big idea. Presenter: Angela Connor – Founder & Editor-in-Chief, ASCENDING MagazineBelieve in You: Imposter Syndrome & Imposter Treatment (Entrepreneur & Nonprofit Track)(Room BI 113)Imposter syndrome can hold you back from achieving your entrepreneurial dreams or careeraspirations. In this session, we will address the common feelings of self-doubt and fear of notbeing “good enough.” Learn strategies to overcome imposter syndrome and build theconfidence you need to own your entrepreneurial or career journey. Presenters: Shaneeza Kazim and Christina Greer Ellis – Professors, College of SouthernMarylandOwn Your Space: Be the Example, Set the Standard(Entrepreneur & Nonprofit Track)(Room BU 111)It is time to take your place at the table! This session will empower you to step into your role asa leader and inspire you to share your gifts and talents with others. Learn how to build yourpersonal brand and define your value to lead with confidence in any space. Hosted by Womenof Excellence. Presenters: DaShawn Rustin, Markala Pharr, Aniya Gaskins, and Rehoboth Mumuney -Women of Excellence MembersYour Idea Matters: Nonprofit & Small Business Impact on Local Communities(Nonprofit Track)(Room BU 106)Nonprofits and small businesses are the backbone of local communities. In this session,explore how your nonprofit or small business idea can make a meaningful impact in yourcommunity. Learn about the social and economic contributions you can create to help others,and how to effectively measure and communicate that impact. Presenter: Stephanie Rolle – Director, Nonprofit InstituteSESSION DESCRIPTIONSPurpose-Driven Vision: Move from Ideation to ActionFrom 11:20-11:30 a.m., take a short break and transition to theBreakout Session: BUILD

11:30 a.m.-12:20 p.m. – Breakout Session: Block B - BUILDConnections that Count: Networking with Purpose (Entrepreneur Track)(BU 112) Effective networking goes beyond collecting business cards. In this session, you will learn howto network with intention, creating meaningful, supportive relationships that can help you growyour business. Discover practical tips for connecting with like-minded professionals and builda strong support system to fuel your entrepreneurial success. Presenter: Brittney King – CEO/Dance Instructor, Dance Therapy ArtsPitch Perfect: Making the Case for Your Business Idea (Entrepreneur Track)(Room BU 105)Master the art of pitching your business in this hands-on session. Whether you’re presenting toinvestors, clients, or potential partners, learn how to communicate your business idea withclarity and confidence. Leave with communication skills that can captivate your audience andincrease your chances of success. Sponsored by the Miller Center for Leadership Presenters: Denise Gilmer-Knudson – Chair, English, Communication, and Languages &Michelle Brosco Christian – Professor of Communication with Melanie Miller, Miller Center forLeadershipFund Your Idea: The Small Business Loan Process (Entrepreneur Track)(Room BI 113)Accessing funding is one of the biggest hurdles for entrepreneurs. This session will guide youthrough the small business loan process, from preparation to application. Gain insights intowhat lenders look for and how you can improve your chances of securing the funds needed tomake your business idea a reality. Presenter: Lucretia Freeman-Buster – Chief of Business Services Charles County Economic Development DepartmentGrant Resources 101: Unlocking Funding Opportunities (Nonprofit Track)(BU 116)Funding is essential to nonprofit success, and grants are a key resource. This session willintroduce the grant application process, highlighting how to identify funding opportunities,craft compelling proposals, and navigating the complex landscape of nonprofit funding. Leavewith a toolkit to pursue the grants you need for your nonprofit vision. Presenter: Tora Wright – Grant Development Director, College of Southern MarylandSESSION DESCRIPTIONSPurpose-Driven Vision: Move from Ideation to ActionHosted by the Business & Accounting Club and Women of Excellence

11:30 a.m.-12:20 p.m. – Additional Breakout Sessions: Block B - BUILDPitch Perfect: Making the Case for Your Nonprofit Idea (Nonprofit Track)(BU 117)Nonprofits need strong pitches just like businesses. This session will teach you how to clearlyarticulate the mission and vision of your nonprofit, engage potential donors and partners, andcommunicate your nonprofit’s impact. Whether you are fundraising or seeking collaboration,learn how to deliver a pitch that inspires action. Presenter: Tiffany Barber – Executive Director, Poiema MovementMoney Moves: Financial Literacy for Women in Nonprofits (Nonprofit Track)(Room BU 106)Equip yourself with the tools needed to build a strong financial foundation. Before launching yournonprofit, it is essential to get your personal finances in order. This session will help youunderstand how to manage personal assets, prepare for initial funding, and create a sustainablefinancial plan. Sponsored by the Educational Systems Federal Credit Union Presenter: Candace Thompson Business Development Officer, Educational Systems Federal Credit Union1:30-2:20 p.m. – Breakout Session: Block C - ACTIONPanel Discussion: What He Said: How Male Leaders Can Serve as Allies (Entrepreneur & Nonprofit Track)(Room BI 113)Hear directly from men who support women in our community! Each panelist will share theirperspectives on how they foster allyship with women in the workplace and in their lives. Getpractical advice about how they help women make bold moves. Hosted by Men of Excellence Moderator: James Lyons – Student, Men of Excellence (with) Timothy Fenner – Coordinator, Menof Excellence; Panelists: Ralph Miller - Minister and Entrepreneur; Tony Stout – Chair, BusinessDepartment, College of Southern Maryland; Gregory “Trey” Proctor III – Vice President, G.S.Proctor & Associates, Inc. and Chair of College of Southern Maryland Foundation, & Gary Lewis –Executive Director, Public Safety & Preparedness, College of Southern MarylandYour Game Plan: Turning Your Ideas into Actionable Business Goals (Entrepreneur Track)(Room BU 105)Transform your ideas into a practical business roadmap. This session will help you develop clear,actionable business goals that align with your vision. Learn how to set short-term and long-termobjectives, track progress, and stay motivated as you work towards your entrepreneurialmilestones. Presenter: Katrina Briscoe- Small Business Development Center Business ConsultantSESSION DESCRIPTIONSPurpose-Driven Vision: Move from Ideation to ActionHosted by the Business & Accounting Club and Women of Excellence

1:30 - 2:20 p.m. – Additional Breakout Sessions: Block C - ACTION Nonprofits in Action: Driving Change, Empowering Others (Nonprofit Track)(Room BU 106)This session will explore how nonprofits can create lasting social change. Learn how to designand implement programs that drive impact and empower marginalized communities.Whether you are just starting or looking to expand, gain strategies for increasing yournonprofit’s reach and effectiveness. Presenter: Jessica Strong – Program Support Liaison, Poiema MovementTech Toolbox: Must-Have Essentials for Small Businesses and Nonprofits (Entrepreneur & Nonprofit Track)(Room BU 111)In today’s digital world, technology is key to efficiency and growth. This session will introduceyou to the must-have tech tools and software for both small businesses and nonprofits. Fromproject management to communication tools, discover how the right technology canstreamline operations, enhance productivity, and support your goals. Presenter: Melanie Oates -Automation, Digital Marketing & Systems StrategistMelden Tech2:30-3:30 p.m. – WomenLead Fireside Chat (Room BI 113)Join us for an inspiring fireside chat with tested and proven success stories in our community!These accomplished women will share their journeys, challenges, and big wins. Gain valuableadvice, actionable tips, and the motivation you need to take your entrepreneurial or nonprofitaspirations to the next level. This is your chance to learn from those who have paved the wayand discover how you can become the next boss in your field. Panelists: Angela Connor – Founder & Editor-in-Chief, ASCENDING Magazine; Stacy Sneed –CEO & Children’s Book Author, Women of Life Changing, Inc.; Destiny Hunter – IT Consultant &Owner, Kuinua Tech, LLC; & Michelle P. Roseman – President, C.U.E. Cardz Greeting CardsCONCURRENT SESSIONSPurpose-Driven Vision: Move from Ideation to ActionHosted by the Business & Accounting Club and Women of Excellence

Thank you to our incredible panelists, presenters, speakers, and exhibitors forsharing your time, wisdom, experiences, and expertise. PRESENTERS & PANELISTS

ALL-MALE PANELISTSThank you to our incredible panelists, presenters, speakers, and exhibitors forsharing your time, wisdom, experiences, and expertise. EXPERIENCE GALLERYRebakah JonesSmall Business Development CenterToni KruszkaCSM Foundation &CSM Alumni & Friends ConnectionJakyrra TysonCSM Director of AdmissionsMichelle RosemanC.U.E. CardzTimothy FennerCoordinator, Men of ExcellenceCandace ThompsonEducational Systems Federal Credit UnionConference SponsorNot pictured: Tj Reim, CSM Student Life CoordinatorWhat He Said: How Male Leaders Serve as Allies

Special thank you to the following CSM staff members:Dorothy Whitt & Mary Washington, Cost Center ManagersToni Kruszka & the CSM FoundationLena Hancock & the Marketing TeamTracy Mason & the Web TeamVanessa Wells-Manago, Videography

Hosted by the Business & Accounting Club and Women of ExcellenceA heartfelt thank you to our dedicated Conference Planning Committee for your vision,hard work, and commitment to making this event a success. Your passion and dedicationcreated an inspiring space for connection, learning, and empowerment. We are trulygrateful for all you have done.PLANNING COMMITTEEMary WashingtonAdministrative AssistantPamela Burkett JonesAssociate ProfessorDashawn RustinPresident, Women of ExcellenceLarz CokerCampus Operations SpecialistImani SpencerPresident, Business & Accounting ClubDr. Kandace ForemanFaculty Co-ChairTamara Gibbs-FranklinCreator & Faculty Co-Chair