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Pink is Not My Favorite Color

Did you know there are more CEO’s in the world named John than there are female CEO’s?

Luncheon Keynote Johanne Bélanger will delve into the reality of women in the workplace. Due to factors such as unconscious bias and the inferiority complex, being a woman automatically puts us at a disadvantage. Women need to exert confidence and believe in their own power just to get any kind of recognition.

As a three-time breast cancer survivor, Johanne is the epitome of a resilient woman. Her keynote presentation will explore various challenges women face both personally and professionally, highlighting the importance of a work-life balance and a reliable support system. She will provide insight to maintaining a healthy self-esteem and aligning your professional life with your personal values.

Speaker:

Johanne R. Bélanger, FCPA, FCA, ICD.D

Vice President, Field Marketing, U.S. & Canada Marriott International

An internationally-acclaimed Industry Builder, Johanne is a multiple-award-winning business leader, international speaker, tireless volunteer and mentor. Johanne joined Marriott International in March 2019 as Vice President, Field Marketing, U.S. & Canada.

Formerly as President & CEO of Tourism Toronto and President of Freeman Audio Visual Canada she received numerous industry accolades, including the 2014 International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) Outstanding Achievement in Industry Leadership Award and an induction into Meetings + Incentive Travel’s (M+IT) 2014 Hall of Fame. In 2016, Johanne was recognized by the Canadian National Exhibition Association as a Woman of Distinction. In 2017, Johanne was recognized by NY Moves Magazine as a Top 25 Moves Power Women; inducted into the 2017 BizBash Hall of Fame and awarded her Fellow by CPA Ontario. In 2018, Johanne was recognized by Women In Tourism and Hospitality with the Katie Taylor Economic Empowerment Award and in 2019, Johanne was recognized by Smart Meetings with a Smart Women in Meetings Visionary Award.

Prior to joining Freeman Audio Visual, she spent 18 years in a variety of roles including finance, operations, purchasing, sales and marketing. Proficient in English and French with a Fellows CPA designation (FCPA, FCA), she applies her multifaceted skillset to several charitable and industry organizations.

Close to Johanne’s heart is a passion for supporting and mentoring women in business. Johanne cofounded Freeman Women’s Development, a program established to advance women as leaders at Freeman and contribute to an environment where the best talent goes to succeed. She is also a charter member of the Women of InfoComm Network (WIN), a global community of members and professionals committed to supporting and empowering women in AV and technology. Most recently after joining the Tourism & Hospitality Industry, she has co-founded a networking group called WITH IT! Women in Tourism & Hospitality in Toronto and is on the Advisory Committee of WITH.ORG.

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The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, social unrest, and the economic downturn have many leaders facing extraordinary pressures as they attempt to determine ways to survive and thrive during these times of uncertainty. These challenges have unveiled the need for organization’s to develop new capabilities and strategies to address these changes while remaining anchored in their core values and principles. Now is the time for organizations to adjust to these new circumstances, and this must first start with adaptive leadership.

During this session, women entrepreneurs and professionals will learn the key characteristics and examples of an adaptive leader – one that embraces the fact that doing business the way it’s been done in the past no longer works, that the answers are unknown, and acknowledges that a new framework for effective organizational change must be implemented. The four dimensions of adaptive leadership will be explored, including:

• Navigating business environments

• Leading with empathy'

• Self-correction and reflection

• Creating win-win solutions

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Gender and cultural differences can get in the way of clear communication. This diverse panel is going to discuss the biological, archetypal, and real-life dynamics with evidence and experience-based tips on how to stay true to your voice and be heard!

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Hear from a panel of successful female business owners, all members of the New Orleans Chapter of the international group, the Women Presidents Organization, about their own journey in either starting or taking over a business and bringing their businesses to a new level of success.

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If you think negotiating skills are only for sales people, think again! Every single relationship in your life entails some negotiation. True, it’s often linked to sales (or business), however that limited perspective ignores the fact that negotiation pervades all aspects of your professional life. And as women, we are uniquely qualified to be better negotiators!

This session takes the mystery (or misery depending on your perspective!) out of a negotiation by creating a step-by-step process for determining what motivates each person involved and how you can bring all parties together to achieve long-term success.

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These POWerful women have rapidly expanded their businesses into multiple locations, and even multiple concepts. Learn how you can boost your business to the next level by exploring various reachable opportunities.

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This panel is designed to empower young professionals as well as share best practices and tools for managers, supervisors and individuals. We will discuss the importance of supporting women early in their careers and implementing tools to inspire, guide and instill confidence.

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Successful leaders know how to share their purpose and passion in a way that is contagious. Whether you are in a leadership role now or aspire to be in one, creating a leadership philosophy can define your personal brand and support your success as a woman in leadership. Attendees will learn how women can use leadership philosophy in their work and leave the session with one of their own!

Change is inevitable. How you handle it is up to you! Panelists will delve into the reality of how change can affect our professional and personal lives. An open mindset can help ease the intimidating process of undergoing big changes, and help you take control of your own life in a positive way.

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Panelists will discuss how to build and grow a sustainable business by leveraging your relationships. Learn about how becoming a certified Women’s Business Enterprise, and how getting involved with the WB Collective can assist you in create a lasting, impactful business legacy.

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From Chef Nina Compton’s kitchen to yours. The James Beard Award winning chef & owner of Compere Lapin & Bywater American Bistro will cook up some mouthwatering gumbo.

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We all know being a woman in the working world has its challenges. But imagine being one who not only has to balance a profession, personal life, and passion projects, but also a career that takes you all around the world. This panel will discuss what most perceive as a glamorous jetsetter lifestyle is like in reality, and practical pointers for being dynamic women who can see and do it all.

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The thought of starting a business can be daunting, but fear can also be great fuel when it comes to striking out on your own. Join The Junior League of New Orleans for a panel discussion with four JLNO members who have navigated fear, uncertainty and all the raw emotions people experience when they consider the idea of starting their own business. Hear about their journeys to success and be sure to bring your questions!

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Do you hate networking, and wonder if it is ever worth your time? If you lack confidence in your ability to network or the networking circuit in general, you don’t want to miss out on this panel hosted by LikeMinded Ladies. LikeMinded Ladies will discuss the importance of networking, and how that can lead to opportunities of mentorship. They will discuss best practices and benefits and give you tips to boost your confidence to network like a pro!

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Empowerment with Purpose: Lead like a Girl

Advisors with Northwestern Mutual speak on empowering with purpose and leading like a girl. Their discussion is broken into three tiers: financial, career, and tying those together to live your life with purpose.

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Women in philanthropy is the fastest-growing segment in charitable giving. These female panelists will delve into how they choose to lead and inspire change by harnessing their growing wealth and influence to create a more just, equitable, and healthy society.

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Successful women are recognized and honored not only for their workplace achievements but often for community involvement. Want to find new opportunities? Want to meet new people? Want to develop your skills and experience beyond your desk, figure out a way to get involved in your community? The impact of community involvement comes full circle – for the community and the individuals who take the time and energy to serve. On this panel, four successful women who have all served as president of the Women’s Professional Council – and who have served a myriad of community roles – will discuss why community involvement is important to them, what motivates them to stay engaged and the challenges that come with being leaders in their community.

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Sponsored by our Network Partner:

Women in philanthropy is the fastest-growing segment in charitable giving. These female panelists will delve into how they choose to lead and inspire change by harnessing their growing wealth and influence to create a more just, equitable, and healthy society.

Speakers: