Agenda
Online Pre-conference Workshop - Wednesday, April 23, 2025
*Optional Add-On (additional registration fee of $109 each)
| Time | Activity |
| 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP The Next-Level Admin: Build Your Brand While Balancing it All Robbie Parks UGA Small Business Development Center |
| 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. | PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP The Next-Level Admin: Build Your Brand While Balancing it All Robbie Parks UGA Small Business Development Center |
In-person Pre-conference Workshop - Thursday, April 24, 2025
*Optional Add-On (additional registration fee of $109 each)
| Time | Activity |
| 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP Building Understanding in Multigenerational Spaces Elizabeth Lutz J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development 10 Habits of Highly Resilient Admins Gail Stowers Quantum Success Consultancy |
| 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. | PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP Building Understanding in Multigenerational Spaces Elizabeth Lutz J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development 10 Habits of Highly Resilient Admins Gail Stowers Quantum Success Consultancy |
Conference Day - Friday, April 25, 2024 (In-person and online)
| Time | Activity |
| 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. | CHECK-IN/REGISTRATION |
| 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. | OPENING SESSION Vision in Action: Harnessing Your Core Values to Build Trust and Adaptability April Farlow Speaker and Coach |
| 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | A.M. BREAK |
| 10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. | BREAKOUT SESSIONS More than Words: Effective Communication for Admins Mastering Excel for Administrative Professionals: Data Cleaning and Analysis Conflict Resolution for Leaders (That means YOU!!) Embracing Both-And: A New Perspective on Impostor Syndrome Deskercise: Strategies to Add Impactful Movement into Your Workday Unlocking Opportunities: Mastering Personal Networking Skills Financial Wellness and Future Planning in 2025 |
| 11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. | NETWORKING LUNCHEON |
| 1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | BREAKOUT SESSIONS (REPEATED) |
| 2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | AFTERNOON BREAK |
| 3:00 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. | BREAKOUT SESSIONS (REPEATED) |
| 4:15 p.m. | CONFERENCE ENDS |
Sessions and Presenters
Vision in Action: Harnessing Your Core Values to Build Trust and Adaptability
Values are essential in administration and leadership as a compass for guiding decisions and actions. Administrators who know and understand their values build strong relationships, create culture, and have a greater influence on a team. Creating vision and defining values are foundational steps toward building trust and adaptability. In this session, participants will:
- Identify personal values and develop self-awareness for more authentic leadership.
- Enhance ability to articulate values to build understanding, inspire others and build stronger relationships.
- Align personal values with organizational values to authentically represent the brand and build trust.
April Farlow has spent 20 years as a corporate trainer, motivating over 30,000 individuals and ranking in the top 1% of facilitators for Dale Carnegie Training. She specializes in vision development, self-confidence, and leadership across various industries. In 2017, she founded Lydia’s Place, a nonprofit that has supported over 2,500 young adults affected by foster care and homelessness in Georgia by providing essential support and housing. Farlow is also the author of “Pieces of You,” a book aimed at helping individuals discover their identity and purpose. |
The Next-Level Admin: Build Your Brand While Balancing it All
In today’s fast-paced work environment, administrative professionals are expected to juggle multiple priorities to get the job done. Feeling overwhelmed by it all? This workshop is for you! Join us for a fresh approach that empowers today’s admins with AI-driven tools for time and project management, along with proven strategies to build and communicate a compelling professional brand.
Robbie Parks is a business consultant, facilitator, and speaker with the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center. With over 20 years of experience, she assists entrepreneurs in launching, managing, and growing their businesses. Her expertise includes marketing, graphic design, CRM implementation, SEO, and information technology. Parks holds an MBA from UGA and a BS in Information Technology. She is a Certified Digital Marketing Professional and has a certificate in nonprofit organization management. |
Building Understanding in Multigenerational Spaces
In this session, participants will explore the generational differences and similarities that shape workplace dynamics, from communication styles to work values. Through engaging discussions and activities, we will build mutual understanding, fostering an environment where all generations can collaborate more effectively. By recognizing and appreciating diverse perspectives, attendees will leave with a deeper level of understanding to enhance teamwork and inclusion in multigenerational spaces.
Elizabeth Lutz is a faculty member at the J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development, specializing in community leadership, collaboration, and team building. She utilizes her skills in program evaluation, strategic planning, and group facilitation to enhance the leadership capacity and volunteer management of nonprofit and community organizations. Lutz joined the Fanning Institute in 2022 after seven years at UGA, where she collaborated with corporate partners and diverse student populations. Before her time at UGA, she taught high school Spanish and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). |
10 Habits of Highly Resilient Admins
In today’s fast-paced work environment, resilience is key to thriving as an administrative professional. This interactive workshop will equip you with the ten essential habits that highly resilient administrative professionals possess. You will learn practical strategies for managing stress, adapting to change, solving problems proactively, and maintaining a positive attitude. Through engaging discussions and hands-on activities, you'll gain insights into how to boost your effectiveness and build your resilience muscles.
Gail Stowers is the Executive Director of Quantum Success Consultancy, a Certified Resilience Facilitator, and a Life Coach. A dynamic speaker, she inspires audiences with engaging presentations. Gail earned a bachelor's degree in social work from the University of Georgia in Athens and holds a dual master's in management and human resources from Webster University. She also works for the State of Georgia and teaches at the University of Georgia-Gwinnett. In her free time, Gail enjoys writing, traveling, and living creatively, following her motto: “Live life to its fullest!” |
More than Words: Effective Communication for Admins
This session starts with a brief assessment which allows participants to determine their personal communication style, but focuses more broadly on understanding and identifying the styles of others. With this insight, individuals can better adapt their communication to connect with team members or customers, ensuring they feel heard, understood, and valued. Participants will leave this session with a more nuanced understanding of communication styles, which enhance relationships and create a culture of collaboration.
April Farlow has spent 20 years as a corporate trainer, motivating over 30,000 individuals and ranking in the top 1% of facilitators for Dale Carnegie Training. She specializes in vision development, self-confidence, and leadership across various industries. In 2017, she founded Lydia’s Place, a nonprofit that has supported over 2,500 young adults affected by foster care and homelessness in Georgia by providing essential support and housing. Farlow is also the author of “Pieces of You,” a book aimed at helping individuals discover their identity and purpose. |
Mastering Excel for Administrative Professionals: Data Cleaning and Analysis
Unlock the full potential of Microsoft Excel in this comprehensive training session designed specifically for administrative professionals. Learn essential techniques for cleaning and organizing data to ensure accuracy and efficiency. Dive into powerful data analysis tools to uncover insights and make informed decisions. Whether managing large datasets or preparing reports, this session will equip you with the skills to streamline your workflow and enhance productivity.
Chris Menard is a public speaker, YouTuber, and Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) at BakerHostetler, one of the largest law firms in the U.S. As a Senior Trainer, he creates content on various tech tools, including Excel, Teams, and Gmail. His YouTube channel features over 900 videos, attracting more than 20 million viewers. Menard has also developed six online courses, including Microsoft Teams: Beginner to Pro and Copilot for Microsoft 365. When he’s not creating videos or exploring new technology, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons. |
Conflict Resolution for Leaders (That means YOU!!)
Conflict is an inevitable part of any workplace, but it doesn't have to be a roadblock to productivity and collaboration. This dynamic breakout session is designed to equip administrative professionals with the tools they need to navigate challenges with confidence and ease. Participants will learn conflict resolution skills necessary for leading and creating a work environment that works for all.
Raye Rawls is an attorney and a member of the State Bar of Georgia, having mediated and arbitrated thousands of cases across various sectors, including government and corporations. In 2018, she received the Chief Justice Harold G. Clarke Award for her contributions to alternative dispute resolution in Georgia. At the Fanning Institute, Raye focuses on mediation and dialogue. Before joining the Institute in 2004, she taught and provided mediation and conflict management services. She also served as an Administrative Law Judge and was an assistant dean at Georgia State University College of Law. Raye is currently a Senior Associate with Essential Partners. |
Embracing Both-And: A New Perspective on Impostor Syndrome
In this session, Dr. Kennedy engages the participants in exploring feelings of self-doubt and discussing the tools that can support the management of these feelings. Together, we will examine the complexities of self-doubt and equip ourselves with practical strategies to navigate these feelings. By the end of the session, attendees will be able to define the impostor syndrome, identify underlying causes, and develop tools to navigate the impostor syndrome at the individual level.
Cheryl Kennedy holds a PhD in Adult Learning, Leadership, and Organization Development, with a graduate certificate in Interdisciplinary Qualitative Studies from the University of Georgia. As a program specialist at the university's Center for Continuing Education, she facilitates a range of educational programs. Dr. Kennedy is dedicated to research that promotes women's growth, focusing on gender, culture, and society. In her spare time, she enjoys baking, reading, and spending time with family and friends. |
Deskercise: Strategies to Add Impactful Movement into Your Workday
Improve your health one step at a time! This interactive session will provide tips and tricks to help you stay active throughout your workday. The goal of this session is to help you find ways to relieve stress, feel better, be more productive, and focus on your health and well-being throughout your workday. Let's move together!
Lisa Williamson is the Associate Director for Fitness, Well-being and Student Engagement in the Department of Recreational Sports at the University of Georgia. She works with the UGA Division of Student Affairs Well-being Resources Team to support assessment efforts and well-being initiatives and also supervises the fitness & wellness and student/alumni engagement programs housed under the Department of Recreational Sports. She has worked in higher education health, fitness, and well-being for nearly 15 years and is a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor, national board-certified health & wellness coach, and certified cancer exercise specialist. |
Melissa Murray is the coordinator for fitness and wellness at the University of Georgia. She earned a degree in integrated health science and psychology from Western Carolina University. |
Dana Kiger is the graduate assistant for fitness and wellness in the Department of Recreational Sports and was recently elected as the Georgia Recreational Sports Association (GRSA) state student leader. She completed a Bachelor of Science in organizational communication studies and minored in business and human resources at James Madison University. |
Unlocking Opportunities: Mastering Personal Networking Skills
During this interactive session, we will explore various networking models and discover how to leverage the dynamics of networking effectively. Whether a seasoned networker or just starting out, this session will provide practical insights and opportunities to develop your networking skills.
Kristi Carpenteris a staff and organizational development specialist at the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, where she has worked for more than 18 years. With a Ph.D. in adult education and degrees in family and consumer sciences, she focuses on enhancing training and development for Extension employees, including onboarding, mentoring, international engagement, and supporting graduate education. Her mission is to connect individuals and groups to resources that empower them to thrive. |
Katie Chapman is a leadership development specialist at the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. She directs the LEAD21 Program, where she plays a key role in coordinating, developing, and implementing this national leadership development program. Additionally, she supports the leadership development needs of Cooperative Extension employees. Chapman holds a Ph.D. in learning, leadership, and organizational development, along with degrees in adult education and agricultural communication. |
Financial Wellness and Future Planning in 2025
This seminar provides tips and tricks to help participants understand effective budgeting techniques, avoid spending leaks, and plan for the future they want. Other topics covered include how a credit score is achieved and impacted by our day-to-day decisions as well as debt reduction strategies. In this session, participants will gain knowledge in setting realistic financial goals, creating and setting guidelines for a spending plan, tools and easy apps for tracking spending, and establishing a good credit history.
Ken Chrzanowski is the Business Development Manager at Georgia United Credit Union, where he leverages his background in education, financial services, and operations to empower organizations through financial literacy programs. Since 2014, he has served as a Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor, leading the development of financial education seminars and counseling employees at over 400 partner companies, state agencies, educational institutions, and the Archdiocese of Atlanta. Before his financial services career, Ken was an award-winning educator in Gwinnett County, Georgia. He holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Eastern Illinois University and a master's in education from The University of Georgia. |
