Kicking off the day with opening remarks by ICAN’s President & CEO as we kick off our day of leading bold conversations.

Author
Veteran Journalist

Wall Street Journal Bestseller and former CNN news anchor Brooke Baldwin explores the phenomenon of “huddling,” when women lean on one another—in politics, Hollywood, activism, the arts, sports, and everyday friendships—to provide each other support, empowerment, inspiration, and the strength to solve problems or enact meaningful change. Brooke will share stories and learnings from her book “Huddle”, where she embedded herself in groups of women of all ages, races, religions and socio-economic backgrounds who are banding together in America.

Chancellor
The University of Nebraska at Omaha
Chartered Financial Analyst
Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank Omaha Branch Board of Directors

As Chancellor, Dr. Li is no stranger to collaborative and collective leadership, working with students, faculty, community and education leaders and area employers to ensure that present and future UNO Mavericks have the resources and support they need to be successful in their journey and strengthen their economic mobility. With her economic and finance background, Dr. Li is perfectly poised to share with us the important role that women have in the health of our economy, and what more we can – and should – do collectively to take advantage of our economic power and make a difference in the decisions that impact society for the better.

President and CEO
Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska

Sarah is a long-time ally of ICAN, and a familiar presence in the Omaha business community. As CEO of Girl Scouts of Nebraska, she’ll give us an update on how Girl Scouts has evolved into a progressive training ground for our girls by providing the tools, resources, and opportunities needed for Nebraska’s next generation of women leaders.

The recipient of our 2024 ICAN Leadership Award will be announced by award co-sponsor, Kiewit’s Jennifer Bradtmueller along with ICAN’s Aileen Warren.

Founder and CEO | Alphy and author of Alpha Girls

Julian is drawn to improbable underdog stories that combine great human drama with game-changing innovations. Her book, Alpha Girls, is the untold story of the pioneering women in Silicon Valley who bucked the system and found ways to survive and thrive in the high-stakes, male-dominated world of venture capital, and lifted other women up along the way. Julian will share their stories – and what’s more, how writing the book opened her eyes to where women are in the world—and where they’re NOT. Julian’s own story has continued with the creation of Alphy, a new tech platform to help companies better recruit, retain and advance women.

Imagine having the ideal set of communication skills to break down barriers, inspire action, heal relationships, solve problems, and create real connection. What if you had the confidence and courage to share your ideas, speak with conviction and honor the worth of your own voice? You’d be unstoppable: both brilliant in business and happy in life. In this high-energy, super-practical session, AmyK shares her Magical Phrases and communication techniques that have helped close multi-million dollar deals, save marriages, advance careers, heal family dynamics, and align women with their “right” and best lives.  Join us and elevate your communication confidence.

Studies highlight a significant limiting factor for women in business is the lack of a solid network. Julie Brown wants to change that narrative. In her breakout session, Julie will share how and why women approach networking differently than men, explore the top 5 networking tools for in-person, virtual, and hybrid scenarios, and uncover the untapped networking potential in your everyday activities. Together, let’s build a network that empowers and supports each other!

Is there a closed door between you and your next career breakthrough? Kick it down with the backing of an influential career support squad. In this session you’ll get clear on the difference between mentors and sponsors, and how to make the most of every meeting with a mentor. Understand what sponsorship is, why you’re underestimating its value, and five steps for attracting a sponsor’s advocacy. Discuss ways to elevate others by being an effective sponsor.

Founder and CEO | Emergent

The mission of changing the collective power dynamic for women seems overwhelming. Where do we start? Holly Ransom is the voice of a new generation of leaders to embrace disruptive thinking and strive for a collective purpose that values diversity and inclusion. According to Holly, the single most important habit any leader can be building right now is to get comfortable being uncomfortable.  In her keynote, Holly will invite us to explore leadership strategies that inspire us to venture out of our comfort zones and foster collective growth. With the right tools, anyone can lead the change they care enough to make and become the leader the world needs us to be.

Pediatrician, Scientist, Activist & Author
Associate Dean for Public Health | Michigan State University

-Fireside Chat with Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha moderated by Holly Ransom-

Galvanizing a team of researchers, parents, friends and community leaders, Hanna-Attisha led the battle to convince state officials that the drinking water was poisoning her city’s residents, particularly children, from lead in the pipes.

She has since headed a multiprong effort to offset the harmful effects of exposure on Flint, Michigan’s children, testified before Congressional committees, and authored the bestselling book What the Eyes Don’t See.

In her own words: “The Flint story is not about me. … I was the last domino in the story. But when you work together with others, you can accomplish and change so much more.” In an intimate fireside chat, Hanna will share her story of leading a team with a diverse group of partners with overwhelming success, and inspire us to “find your passion, find your people, be prepared and be persistent…” to make a difference in the world.

President & CEO | AnitaB.org

Advanced technology such as AI has the potential to both shape our society in fascinating ways and to exacerbate existing inequalities, if not shepherded by a diverse group of individuals. Without diversity from within the developers of software and products that heavily impact society, we cannot effectively address systemic, unjust issues if the creators themselves cannot pinpoint the root of the problems.

With women holding just 25% of computing roles, Brenda Darden Wilkerson will share in her keynote the implications of gender bias in creating technology when women are not part of its creation. Now is the time to unite our voices for the future of society so that our diversity will accurately reflect the multitude of all our experiences in the world.