Description

In this interactive, hands-on pre-conference workshop, participants will learn how to design and build practical AI agents or automated workflows using tools such as ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot. Through hands-on activities, attendees will explore how AI agents can streamline their own work as well as the work of teams they lead, support decision-making, and expand their leadership impact in this rapidly evolving space. The workshop will also introduce essential AI guardrails for protecting sensitive data, managing risk, and using generative AI responsibly. Participants will leave with new knowledge and skills for developing AI solutions that align with the policies, security requirements, and IT standards of their colleges and universities.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session participants will be able to:

• Design and build a practical AI agent or automated workflow using tools such as ChatGPT Edu, Microsoft Copilot or a similar software offering.
• Identify opportunities to use AI agents to streamline work, strengthen decision-making, and enhance individual and team effectiveness.
• Learn about how to apply appropriate AI guardrails to protect sensitive data, manage risk, and align solutions with institutional policies, security requirements, and IT standards.

*To attend the pre-conference workshop, you must sign up for the Forum.

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Description

What separates people who create extraordinary change from those who wait for the perfect moment?

It isn't certainty. It isn't confidence. It isn't having all the answers. It's the willingness to take the next step before the path is clear.  Through humor, compelling storytelling, and lessons learned from building a global movement that has reached more than 4 million women and girls, Celeste Mergens reveals how ordinary people can create extraordinary change.

Discover how to lead through uncertainty, turn setbacks into opportunities, and build momentum--even when you don't know what comes next.  You'll leave with a powerful reminder: Your next courageous step may be smaller, closer, and more powerful than you ever imagined. 

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Ariel Cormier | Director of Business and Finance for Information and Educational Technology, University of California Davis

Jasmine Diep, MBA | Director of Fiscal Planning in the Division of Administration and Finance, California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA)

Description

In higher education, financial leaders must navigate uncertainty, drive institutional change, and make decisions that extend beyond budgets to impact students, faculty, and communities. This session explores how women leaders can leverage their expertise, find their voice, and lead confidently through change with authenticity and purpose. Through personal experiences, practical strategies, and real-world examples, participants will learn to build credibility, communicate with courage, foster meaningful connections, and influence decisions across their institutions. Attendees will leave with actionable tools to strengthen their leadership presence and lead change with confidence, clarity, and conviction.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session participants will be able to:

• Identify practical ways to lead with courage and confidence during times of uncertainty and change.
• Apply communication strategies that help them speak up, influence decisions, and build stronger relationships across their organizations.
• Create a personal action plan for using their unique voice, strengths, and experiences to lead meaningful change within their institution.

Dr. Giselle Flores Martin | Director of Finance and Operations, Standford University

Description

In 2020 I launched on a doctoral study journey to understand how women in senior leadership roles navigated their careers and the strengths and skills needed to lead as authentic transformational leaders.

From this study I found that 62% of my study participants highlighted building relationships and collaboration as a foundation for effective leadership. Viewing empowering teams as equally important, 62% found this to be a must-have skill. These were followed by soft skills at 54%, developing hard skills at 46% and good communication skills at 38%. In attaining these skills 62% of my study participants highlighted courage as key!

In keeping with the Women in Leadership Forum theme, “building bridges, leading with courage, connecting with purpose”, I will expand on these findings and share my words of wisdom which too are grounded on my study.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session participants will be able to:

• Amplify women’s transformational leadership approach as a strong attribute.
• Emphasize how this transformational leadership approach can build bridges, empower women to leading with courage and connecting with purpose.
• Employ provided practical steps to take on building strong leadership skills.

Sheila A. Martin, PhD, Vice President for Public Affairs and Chief of Staff, Portland State University

Description

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session participants will be able to:

• Build alignment across leadership teams around strategic and financial planning.
• Apply collaborative leadership strategies to communicate fiscal truths and maintain stakeholder momentum during tight financial conditions.
• Develop and implement ambitious strategic goals that also fit within difficult financial realities.

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Stefani Langehennig | Assistant Professor of the Practice in the Business Information & Analytics Department, University of Denver

Description

Artificial intelligence is increasingly being used to support decision-making across higher education administration, yet many leaders are still determining where these tools add value and where caution is warranted. This session examines AI as a leadership and decision-support tool in administrative and financial settings, focusing on judgment, risk, accountability, and organizational governance. Participants will explore what current AI systems can and cannot reliably do, common sources of error and bias, and practical considerations for responsible use. The session emphasizes how leaders can leverage AI to improve decision quality while maintaining appropriate human oversight and accountability.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session participants will be able to:

• Recognize the strengths and limitations of current AI systems in administrative and financial decision-making.
• Evaluate potential risks, biases, and accountability challenges associated with AI-assisted decisions.
• Apply practical principles for responsible AI use within higher education administrative environments.

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Description

Right now, your institution is pulling into the pit lane — and half your crew is improvising.

A Formula 1 pit crew executes a full tire change in under 3 seconds — not because they’re superhuman, but because every role is defined, every move is documented, and no single person holds all the knowledge. That’s exactly what Lean gives your institution. We will provide some quick, accessible Lean tools to help reduce single points of failure while streamlining and maximizing process efficiency.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session participants will be able to:

• Define and describe and recognize the "seven wastes" and "single points of failure".
• Demonstrate the use of at least one Lean tool.
• Construct an action plan for using at least one tool when they get back to their office.