Kicking off with opening remarks by ICAN’s President & CEO as we prepare for a day of owning our value.

Editor, ForbesWomen

As editor of ForbesWomen, Maggie McGrath covers all news angles related to female leadership. She “kicks-off” our conference day by sharing insights into why women are often portrayed as lucky in our career advancements, instead of descriptors about ability – and what’s within our control as women leaders to take back the narrative for ourselves and for the women around us.

Networking Coach, Speaker, Author

Networking expert Julie Brown returns to the ICAN stage to remind us of the importance of networking – with practical tips of how to finesse our networking skills!

Speaker, Author, “Pricing Geek”

Pricing expert Casey Brown shares her expertise to demystify negotiation tactics with practical, ready-to-implement steps to communicate and negotiate with courage, and determine our value with confidence – leading us on the path to a salary we deserve

Panel discussion facilitated by ICAN President & CEO Aileen Warren with:

Javier Fernandez
President & CEO
Omaha Public Power District

Denise McCauley
President & CEO
WoodmenLife

Trust between workers and organizations has potentially never been more important, and transparency  is commonly thought to be a key driver of trust.

Transparency is usually thought of as information flowing  from leadership to employee. But new digital advances can make almost everything and everyone in an organization transparent to almost anyone else. Without proper processes and systems in place, increased transparency in the workplace can either be a land mine for organizations… or a gold mine.

The 2024 Deloitte Global Human Capital Trends Report identified that 86% of workers and 74% of leaders surveyed said that an increased focus on trust and transparency between workers and the organization would have the greatest impact on an organization’s success, both this year and in the next three years.

Facilitated by ICAN’s Aileen Warren, we will host this panel discussion with two of Omaha’s senior-most CEOs to share ideas on this new workplace phenomenon and cover topics like: 

• Information sources used in transparency efforts: calendars, surveys, emails, biometrics, location-tracking, internal social collaboration sites
• Proactive versus reactive transparency
• Privacy breach concerns
• Communication and Training Matters
• Transparency in Pay and Representation: How women can make HR policies work for them

Networking Expert, Business Strategist and Author.

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

Executive Coach and Author.

What would you do if you had a little more confidence? Would you ask for a raise, go for the promotion, or share your new idea? More women than ever are in leadership today, yet doubt and imposter feelings are big reasons women hold back at work. Learn how to claim your role as a confident leader with Kelli Thompson. Lead by what you stand for, own your unique talents and advocate your point of view to make lasting impact in the rooms where decisions are made.

Mechanical Engineer, Neuroscientist, Wellness Expert and CEO of Mastermind

Get ready to get out of your head and into the present moment! Simplify the way you think about mental wellness by focusing on self-awareness as the conduit for it. Dorsey Standish offers solutions built on scientifically tested methodologies which have been proven in countless studies to reduce stress and anxiety and to increase productivity and job satisfaction.

Head of the Branch Network at Charles Schwab & Co.

Investing doesn’t have to be complicated – this session will help you improve your financial health, providing recommendations for how women can engage in their finances to take control, get on track and build wealth.

During the breakout conversation, Charles Schwab Branch Network Executive Jeannie Bidner will share key traits and trends in the financial services industry – specifically focusing on how you can maximize your value by building wealth and financial confidence.

Attendees will also explore important considerations for women (and men) when it comes to saving and investing now and for the future. After the session, you’ll feel empowered and equipped to manage your money more intentionally.

Leadership Consultant, Speaker, Author

Heather delivers an exciting and practical discussion of how to develop an entirely new mindset around personal advocacy and self-leadership. We’ll learn how to take control of the workplace experience and set expectations that set us up for success!

The recipient of our 2025 ICAN Leadership Award will be announced by our award co-sponsor, Kiewit’s Jennifer Bradtmueller, along with ICAN’s Aileen Warren.

Author and CEO, HerMoney

93% of women are stressed about money. Jean Chatzky will share the research around what women want when discussing money, and how to re-frame our goals expectations for the future.