Conference Schedule

Conference Registration and breakfast will be from 7:30-9am in the Cedar Rapids Marriott Pre-Function Area

Sponsor Exhibitor's Hall 8-3:30

Opening Session & Keynote 9-10:15
Featuring Keynote Presenter, Mary Major, President of Major Jack Productions and Creator and Executive Producer of Quiet on the Set. She has successfully written, produced and directed several television specials and had recurring roles on television shows. In addition, Major is a
weekly columnist for the Call and Post and has written a syndicated national column, Life Lessons with Mary Major.

Round Tables 10:15-10:45
Ongoing Covenant, Abraham Funchess
The Bureau of Chronic Disease and Management, Andrea Hoffman
Iowa Army National Guard

Breakout Session One 10:50-Noon

How Little Billy Learned to Play A collection of stories by Shellie Moore-Guy which celebrate the roles of families, neighborhoods and communities in the lives of children.

The Path to Executive Leadership with Moderator Professor Marcella David, Kathleen Barbee, Hazel Pegues, Karen Brown and Cheryl McMillan. This panel will be a discussion for women in leadership roles focusing on developing leadership skills in higher education, healthcare, non-profit, corporate and small business.

Still I Rise by Kimberly Baxter. This workshop will provide an advanced perspective on the implications of violence against women in regards to the evolution of domestic violence theory. Baxter will discuss organizations and tools available for women seeking to change abusive
situations and improve their communities.

Breaking Barriers by LaSharon Duckett. The emphasis of this presentation is on the barriers to progress for families of African descent and how these can be remedied with the principles of Robert Enright's model of forgiveness therapy and a Pan-African worldview.

Lunch & Healing Waters Empowerment Project Noon-1:45
I Will Carry My Sister's Pain This performance uses the stories of how domestic violence can affect individuals, families and the community. In addition, it demonstrates that healing and happiness are possible and that we are not to be defined by our circumstances.

Breakout Session Two 1:50-2:45

Weakening of the Black Family Through the Eyes of the Black Male with Moderator Hemie Collier, Erik Clark, Ken Morris Jr., Michael Bailey and Benny Boyd. This panel will discuss the social issues facing our community, such as high incarceration rates and low high school graduation rates with the weakening of the black family.

Women Reframing Leadership for The New Century by Dr. Mary Sconiers Chapman. Exploration of how reframing situations can impact your effectiveness as a leader.

'Unlimited Perseverance' -Songs of Endurance by Celeste Bembry. We must remember, celebrate and pass on the glorious history of our black culture found in music through songs of endurance.

Complementary Alternative Medicine: Taking Charge of Your Health by Dr. Nisly. Learn more about nutrition, stress management, mind-body techniques, dietary supplements, herbal usage and how to safely incorporate these into a health program for treatment and prevention of diseases.

Breakout Session Three 2:50-3:45

We've Come This Far By Faith by Tammy, Latoya and Sasha Trice. Learn how a single mother beat the odds and raised two dynamic young women who are making their mark in society.

Alzheimer's Association: Know the 10 Signs-Early Detection Matters by Tracy Robertson. You will learn compelling information about Alzheimer's disease and hear moving testimony from families living with the disease.

The Body Talks-The Spirit Moves by Dorian Byrd. Kick off your shoes and get rejuvenated! Free your spirit! Express yourself with the movements of Afroethnic and modern dance!

"I Just Want to Holla!!!" by Katherine Betts. Women from higher education, corporate, non-profit and governmental agencies will be able to join together and talk sister to sister. This workshop will use Critical Race Theory as a foundation to make meaning of some of our experiences. Participants will have an opportunity to work through common challenges through case study and discussion.

Break 3:45-3:55

Breakout Session Four 4-5:00

It's Okay To Be a Lady "LADIES" Put Your Pearls On! by Shirley A. McLemore. You will learn how society has changed the mindset of today's young women as a result of television, music and other media.

Breaking Workplace Barriers by LaShelia Yates. This session draws on various issues women of color have traditionally faced in a male dominated workforce. Exploration of various ways women can navigate through gender specific barriers of stereotyping and discrimination while achieving career fulfillment.

Take the Offense Against Fraud! Paula Field teaches about common scams and provides tips to help protect your checking accounts, credit cards and credit against fraud and discusses ways to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft.

Preserving Our Legacy by Susan Kuecker. You will learn ideas for caring for your family heirlooms focusing on textiles, photographs and ceramic items.

Closing Reception 5:05-5:35

Student Schedule

Breakout Session One 10:20-11:15
Lead Your Own Life by Tiffany Harris. This session will focus on the mental and physical aspect of your life through exercise and fitness to help manage stress. The workshop will also give you leadership skills to take back to your communities and ways you can get involved.

Breakout Session Two 11:20-Noon
We Are All Leaders by Marie Christian. Students will engage in activities designed to enhance their leadership and workplace skills. Most people mistakenly think that leaders are only those with formal titles. Some leaders have no titles. No matter our station in life, at some point, most of us become leaders.

Lunch & Healing Waters Empowerment Project Noon-1:45
See previous description.

Breakout Session Three 1:50-2:45
Girl Watcha Yo Mouth by Angela Weekley. This session discusses the communication style of African American females and how it is often misconstrued. How can we change this perception without changing what makes us strong and how do we educate others?

Breakout Session Four 2:50-3:45
Black Women: The Missing Piece by Miss Black Iowa 2009 Deidre Howard. Miss Howard speaks to empower young women to take their place in their schools, workplaces, families and communities.

Break 3:45-3:55

Breakout Session Five 4-5:00
"Positive Self-Esteem and You" by A'Lisa Walker. You will learn what self-esteem is, why it is so important, how to get it, achieve it and tools to believe in yourself.

Closing Reception 5:05-5:35