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Flourish

"To flourish is to find fulfillment in our lives, accomplishing meaningful and worthwhile tasks, and connecting with others at a deeper level - in essence, living the 'good life'" (Seligman, 2011)

 

Saturday, March 23, 2024
8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center

This year’s in-person Women's Conference features an exciting lineup of presenters and breakout sessions. More information to follow. 

 


  • Conference Registration

    • 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. – Registration & Breakfast 

    Main Event

    • 9:00 a.m. to 9:20 a.m. – Welcome by Dr. Van Hook and Sponsor Recognition by Diane Fiero
    • 9:25 a.m. - to 10:25 a.m. – Keynote Speaker, Karen Laos
    • 1:30 p.m. - to 2:30 p.m. – Keynote Speaker, Carolina Caro

    Breakout Sessions

    10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. 

    The breakout sessions are being finalized, however below are some of the topics we are considering.  (Times and topics are subject to change.)

    • Empowering Your Essence: Flourishing in Women's Wellness
    • Lifting up Women in our Community
    • Why is Sleep Important? 
    • Child Lumberjack to Changemaker
    • Talent Acquistion Manger, College of the Canyons

    11:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. 

    • Vendor Fair

    11:15 a.m. 12:15 p.m.

    • Painting Therapy

    11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. 

    • Empowering Women Through the Hard Times 
    • Get Involved: Ways to Engage with the City of Santa Clarita and College of the Canyons
    • Sound Bath
    • Looking your Best at Any Age

    12:20 p.m. - 1:05 p.m. 

    • Science of Motherhood
    • The Art of Non-Toxic Living
    • Radical Self Care: Boundaries with Love & Integrity
    • Dance Therapy
    • Looking your Best at Any Age

    1:05 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. 

    • Lunch

    2:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. 

    • Vendor Fair

 


Main Event

Welcome Speech by Dr. Van Hook

9:00 a.m. - 9:20 a.m.

University Center

Chancellor Dr. Van Hook

Dr. Dianne Van Hook

Chancellor

Santa Clarita Community College District/College of the Canyons

Our Keynote Speakers

9:25 a.m. - 10:25 a.m.

University Center


Karen Laos

Karen Laos

Biography

Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator

Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, is on a mission to eradicate self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them simple strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond.

1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

University Center


Carolina Caro

Carolina Caros

Biography

The Great Re-Alignment: Cultivating Resilience to Navigate Change 

In this presentation participants will: 

  • Learn about their own Generational Conditioning, which is often unconscious, and the impact it has on their lives
  • Explore the POCA model for incremental change to raise their self-awareness about unconscious patterns
  • Engage in experiential activities that will help them discover how these patterns show up in order to better assess their opportunities for growth

 

Breakout Sessions

Breakout Sessions

10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

Tessa Lacy

Tressa Lacy

Biography

Child Lumberjack to Changemaker

A Journey of Personal Development through Community Building

Ready to embark on a journey of self-reflection and personal development? Join us for a riveting exploration of an extraordinary upbringing as you take a front-row seat into one girl’s journey from Child Lumberjack to Changemaker. Discover the tools she used to move from a disempowered past to an empowered present. Witness the transformative role of mentorship and community as you unlock the tools to shape your own narrative of growth, resilience, and connection.

Leave with enriched perspectives, practical strategies, and the inspiration to cultivate your path towards personal empowerment and growth. Don't miss this chance to Flourish!

 

Ebony Travis

Ebony Travis

Biography

Empowering Your Essence: A Journey to Flourishing in Women's Wellness

Attending "Empowering Your Essence: A Journey to Flourishing in Women's Wellness" will inspire and empower you. This talk focuses on holistic approaches to wellness tailored specifically for women. Participants will gain valuable insights into nurturing their mental, physical, and emotional health. They will learn practical strategies for self-care, stress management, and personal growth, all aimed at fostering a sense of flourishing in their daily lives. This session is about information and transformation – offering tools and inspiration to make lasting positive changes.

 

Sam

Dr. Sam Kashani

Biography

Why is Sleep important? Sleep & Wellness

In this informative session, Dr. Sam Kashani from UCLA Health will explain the basic information on the importance of sleep to the body, followed by a brief and general classification of the most common sleep disorders. Dr. Kashani will also describe what can be done to achieve healthy sleep and how to improve sleep and overall wellness.

 

Ebony TravisNikkiMichelleJennifer

Nikki Buckstead, Michelle Simmonds, Hildegarde Aguinaldo, & Jennifer Aston

Lifting up Women in our Community

Thoughts about how women can make positive changes in their environment even if afraid or don't exactly know how or what will work; how anybody with a heart for service can be beneficial, and leaning into our personal strengths to help discover meaning and purpose.

 

Courtney

Courtney Cordova

Biography

Talent Acquistion Manager, College of the Canyons

I will be talking about The Importance of Personal Branding, LinkedIn Networking, Resume Tips, and Headshots. During this session, the attendees will learn what personal branding is, why it’s important and how it links to advancing in your career or just getting started in your career, different ways recruiters and ATS’s scan resumes, and headshots and alternatives. 

11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Elizabeth Rydall

Elizabeth Rydall

Biography

Painting Therapy

Paint and collage a canvas or a personal notebook with Elizabeth Rydall (Eliry), a native artist and muralist.  The theme of FLOURISH will be used to create into the possibilities, and express it in paint and collage. Bring an open mind! No art talent needed! You will be able to take this artistic expression home at the end of the day! (Painting materials will be provided.)

11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Jacqueline Diaz

Jacqueline Diaz-Fontana

Biography

Empowering Women Through the Hard Times 

My session will revolve around gratitude, self-care, and journaling, with a focus on sharing personal stories and providing tips and coping skills for women to build resilience. The goal is to inspire and empower women by offering practical advice and emphasizing the importance of self-care in fostering resilience. Through a combination of storytelling and actionable tips, I aim to create a supportive space that encourages gratitude and helps women prioritize their well-being.

 

Ebony TravisDiane

Janine Prado & Diane Fiero

Get Involved: Ways to Engage with the City of Santa Clarita and College of the Canyons

Are you ready to have some fun? Want to get out and meet new people and do something new and exciting? Well we have some amazing opportunities for you right here in our community! Come learn how to get involved with meaningful and engaging offerings through the City and College of the Canyons! All are welcome, open to all ages and ability levels – Come join us!

 

Ebony Travis

Christy Burton

Biography

Sound Bath

Join Christy for a sound bath session that transcends traditional relaxation techniques. This immersive experience combines the healing vibrations of the crystal singing bowls with guided meditation and breath work. It’s designed to soothe your nervous system, elevate your spirit, and inspire personal growth. As you embark on this auditory journey, you’ll find a unique space for introspection, clarity, empowerment and a chance to connect with your inner self. 

 

Ebony Travis

Ruth Stanke

Biography

Looking Your Best at Any Age!

Come spend an hour with Ruth and let her answer your questions about skin care and makeup. She will teach you how to look YOUR MOST BEAUTIFUL, whether you have only a few minutes in the morning or time to spare. She will also show you how to dress up your look to go out, and troubleshoot the most common concerns like dark circles, acne and wrinkles. Ruth’s background as an artist will help clear up the confusion about color correctors, and take the scary out of eyeshadows. Let this be an hour to relax, get some insider beauty secrets, and feel more beautiful than when you arrived!

12:20 a.m. to 1:05 p.m.

Shelly Jefferis

Shelly Jefferis, M.A.

Biography

The Art of Non-Toxic Living

Every one of us is exposed to various toxins each and every day in products we consume and use in our homes on a daily basis. It is a huge health concern that continues to rise and has been shown to be related to various serious illnesses & diseases.  Join Shelly as she shares a little bit of her journey that has led her to where she is today, sharing such critical important information for our overall health & well-being. In this session, you will gain a brief overview of the history of toxin use and an understanding of some of the more dangerous chemicals that are present in every day items.  You will learn steps you can take to make healthier choices for yourself and your family and will leave with tips that you can apply immediately. Join Shelly, as she is on a mission to increase awareness and education about one of the most important topics when it comes to the longevity of our health, the vitality of our lives, our families” lives and the lives of future generations.

 

Victoria

Victoria Onyeabor

Biography

Science of Motherhood

“If you put hot food in the fridge, will it really go bad?” When drowning in motherhood misinformation, hold fast to scientific reasoning, in everything from the biology of breastfeeding to the chemistry of cleaning.

Learn the science-based steps to strengthen these critical thinking skills and separate fact from fiction across both your personal and professional life. Empower your decision making to enhance your family's well-being and navigate all aspects of life with confidence.

 

Senta

Senta Greene

Biography

Radical Self-Care: Boundaries with Love & Integrity

Radical self-care is a unique and intimate process. It is a topic that is not addressed merely enough for women. As women, we are agents of change in bringing healing and transformation to ourselves and the places we live, work, and play. Our power comes from our choices, health, wellness, education, connection, and courage. Come and experience a dynamic and interactive session on the importance of radical self-care for deepening healing, restoration, wholeness, and emotional well-being. Powerful information, strategies, and insights will be explored to cultivate a practice of unapologetic self-care that radiates in every aspect of your life. 

 

Victoria

Ingrid Blanco

Biography

Dance Therapy

There are numerous benefits to taking dance lessons , ranging from increasing your amount of daily exercise to making new friends with shared interests. Most importantly, dancing also improves self-confidence and self-esteem by providing an opportunity for people from all walks of life to express themselves and learn something fun and new. 

 

Ebony Travis

Ruth Stanke

Biography

Looking Your Best at Any Age!

Come spend an hour with Ruth and let her answer your questions about skin care and makeup. She will teach you how to look YOUR MOST BEAUTIFUL, whether you have only a few minutes in the morning or time to spare. She will also show you how to dress up your look to go out, and troubleshoot the most common concerns like dark circles, acne and wrinkles. Ruth’s background as an artist will help clear up the confusion about color correctors, and take the scary out of eyeshadows. Let this be an hour to relax, get some insider beauty secrets, and feel more beautiful than when you arrived!


 


 

We appreciate the continued support of our sponsors:

Boston Scientific
College of the Canyons logo
UCLAHealth