LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
Invest in Yourself September 11, 2026 8:00 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Perennial Financial Group
Open Plenary Start with You: The Power of Putting Yourself First Kat Ketter
At 36, Katherine “Kat” Ketter survived a heart attack that forced her to reassess her life. From the outside, her life looked full and successful. The reality was different. She had spent years pouring into her career, her responsibilities, and everyone around her, while quietly neglecting her own health and well-being. Like so many women, Kat had been taught to invest in everything that could be seen, including her education, her career, and her financial stability. She had not been taught to invest in the things that sustain it all: her health, her well-being, and her self-confidence. In this deeply personal keynote, Kat shares how that moment became a turning point. It reshaped not only how she defined success but provided a second chance at life. Through her journey of losing more than 100 pounds, rebuilding her health, and reconnecting with herself, she offers a powerful truth. Taking care of yourself is not a luxury, but instead is the foundation for everything else in your life. Grounded in both lived experience and leadership, Kat also shares how that transformation extended beyond herself. Her commitment to investing in others has taken shape through programs, mentorship, and initiatives that create access, expand opportunity, and support the next generation of women. When women are supported to thrive, the impact reaches far beyond us. It strengthens our families, our communities, and the future we build together.
Breakout Session I Her Money Story - Steps to Financial Freedom - Verna Delong In this session, attendees will learn about financial planning, establish financial goals, and more. Her approach is practical, encouraging, and grounded in a simple belief: financial confidence isn't about having a perfect financial situation—it's about having a plan, understanding your choices, and taking the next right step. How Do You Show Up Every Day? - Crystal Gilmore Harris During this session participants will leave with a greater understanding that how they show up everyday matters. They will recognize the power of their attitude, choices, consistency, appearance, communication, and actions—and understand that showing up is not simply about being physically present, but about being intentional, accountable, and willing to give their best.
Permission to Lead: Stop Shrinking Yourself - Kristi Gage-Linderman Women often spend years minimizing their voices, doubting their abilities, or waiting until they feel "ready" before stepping into new opportunities. Kristi’s presentation will challenge women to recognize the ways they unknowingly hold themselves back and encourages them to lead with confidence, authenticity, and purpose. Through personal stories, practical insights, and moments of reflection, attendees will leave empowered to stop apologizing for who they are, embrace their strengths, and give themselves permission to take up space—in their careers, their communities, and their lives.
Breakout Session II The Power of Telling the Truth- Finding Connection Through Authenticity - Crystal Rance As women, we’re often expected to have it all together. We say, “I’m fine,” while carrying stories no one else sees. In this interactive workshop, author Crystal Rance explores how authenticity shapes how we lead, build trust, and create meaningful connections, both personally and professionally. Through personal storytelling, audience reflection, and engaging discussion, attendees will discover how embracing authenticity strengthens relationships and inspires the kind of leadership that encourages others to show up as their whole selves. Participants will leave with practical insights, a renewed perspective on authentic leadership, and the confidence to create spaces where honesty, trust, and connection can thrive.
We are proud to support the mission and extraordinary work of Alvernia University Women’s Council.
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Level Up Your Leadership - Adrean Turner All success begins in the mind. In today's complex and rapidly evolving environment, leaders are tasked with navigating constant change, competing priorities, workforce challenges, financial pressures, and highstakes decisions while maintaining performance and delivering results. Research consistently shows that workplace stress significantly impacts decision-making, innovation, communication, and overall effectiveness. Yet many leadership development programs focus on external strategies without addressing the internal mindset that drives performance. In this powerful and transformational session, leadership strategist, executive coach, professor, and speaker Adrean Turner shares practical mindset strategies that help leaders strengthen their mental fitness, improve decision-making, and lead with greater confidence, clarity, and purpose. Participants will explore how their mindset influences leadership effectiveness, how unconscious thinking patterns can limit performance, and how to develop the resilience required to thrive in uncertain and demanding environments. They will leave energized, empowered, and equipped to expand their perspective, unlock their potential, and confidently step into their next level of leadership.
Keynote Design A Life You are Excited to Wake Up For - Dr. Michele Conway What is your biggest fear? Spiders? Heights? Public speaking? Mine is waking up one day and realizing I settled for a life that doesn't excite me. A life that makes me want to hit the snooze button instead of jumping out of bed. That fear inspired me to become a student of happiness, the science of well-being, and life design. Years of reading, research, and completing my dissertation on life satisfaction all pointed to the same encouraging conclusion: a satisfying and fulfilling life doesn't happen by accident. It can be intentionally designed! In this interactive session, you'll explore three practical ways to apply design thinking to your own future. Drawing from the book Designing Your Life, positive psychology, and neuroscience, you'll leave with evidence-based tools to prototype possibilities, make more intentional decisions, and build a future that feels meaningful, aligned, and fulfilling. Whether you're feeling stuck, searching for more, or wondering, "What's next?" this session will help you start designing a life you are excited to wake up for.
Breakout Session III Level Up Your Leadership-Adrean Turner Her Money Story: Steps to Financial Freedom Verna Delong How Do You Show Up Every Day - Crystal Gilmore Harris *Please see session synopsis on previous pages*
Thank you to all of our sponsors, volunteers, staff, and attendees. Thank you to Berks Nature for their partnership in allowing us to host the event in their space. The Alvernia University Women’s Council could not do this event without you all! Make sure you remember to take your tote bag, check out our sponsor information and to drop your ticket into your favorite centerpiece for your chance to win it! For questions or concerns throughout the event find Leah Fuoco or Meggan Hanngian.
Women & Technology: Leading and Thriving in a Digital World Panelists: Stephanie Skorupa, Mechanical Engineering Student at Alvernia University Caitlin Long, PhD, Director of Technology Transfer and Innovation Commercialization, Alvernia University’s O’Pake Institute of Economic Development and Entrepreneurship Violet Emory, Executive Director, TecCentro Berks Facilitator: Tracy Richards, Senior Manager of Internal Communication for Advice, Wealth and Digital Organization at Vanguard How can women harness the power of technology to advance their careers, grow buisnesses, and create greater flexibility without feeling constantly connected? Join an inspiring conversation featuring leaders in industry, higher education, workforce development, and engineering as they explore how AI, digital innovation, and evolving workplace trends are reshaping opportunities for women across generations. From work-life integration and mindful technology use, to enterpreneurship and the future of leadership, this engaging panel will offer practical insights and fresh perspectives on thriving in a rapidly changing digital world while empowering the next generation of female leaders.
Spirit Study: Margarita Making - Cayla Cannon Spirit Study is a local and woman-owned experience. A Spirit Study brings a fresh perspective on mixology and education, introducing a classic cocktail and how to build it with a fun and personalized twist. We enjoyed Cayla’s take on the Whiskey Sour last year and are looking forward to today’s presentation. This year’s study will feature the Margarita! Cayla will walk us through how to build a traditional margarita along with a mocktail version of the classic! Cheers!
Thank You to Our Sponsors Presenting Sponsor
Perennial Financial Group
Keynote Sponsors
Education Sponsors
Susan W. Green Breakfast Sponsors
Lunch Sponsor
Table Experience Sponsor
Special Thanks to Cloud 9 Café, Berks Nature, AWC Presenters and Volunteers!
Allison Kalbach Alvernia Seniors College Breast Cancer Support Services of Berks County Diamond Credit Union Gage Personnel Irish Creek Excavating JCWK Dance Lab Lisa Meredith-Unrath Penske Reading Education Foundation The Dave Mattes Team, ReMax of Reading
Upcoming AWC Programs October 27th at 5:00 pm - Making Time for What Matters Have you ever felt like there aren't enough hours in the day for the things you love? Effective time management can help change that. This presentation highlights how planning, prioritizing, and managing your time wisely can reduce feelings of being overwhelmed, increase efficiency, and free up valuable time for family, friends, hobbies, and personal goals. Learn how small changes in your daily habits can create more opportunities to enjoy life outside of work. Join us on October 27, 2026 at 5:00 pm at the Upland Center. Ann Brugger, Development Director from Scouting America Hawk Mountain Council, will share time management strategies and tools to help you make time for what matters!
Check out our website for more upcoming events at https://www.alvernia.edu/womens-council