Carolyn Donaldson

Opening keynote



Adventure Awaits: Turning Life's Lessons into Growth Journeys

Carolyn's journey has been a whirlwind of change, and she's here to spill the beans on how she's thrived and blossomed through it all!

Carolyn, Vice President of Community Engagement at Kish Bank, focuses on community-building and outreach. She leads philanthropic initiatives and coordinates nearly 300 volunteers across Central Pennsylvania. Previously, she directed community engagement at WPSU and reported news at WTAJ-TV for over 20 years. A magna cum laude graduate of Siena Heights University with additional coursework at Penn State, Carolyn is active on several regional boards and lives in State College close to her family.

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Dawn Ziegerer

Closing Keynote



The Heroine’s Tale: The Journey You’ve Already Won!

How to recognize the strength you’ve already built and use it to fuel your next big leap!

Dawn Ziegerer, an energetic workshop leader and former radio host, empowers leaders to speak confidently. Through her company, The Great Story Workshop, she uses Hero’s and Heroine’s Journey story maps to craft impactful stories. With experience at Harvard, P&G, and Purdue, she leverages her broadcasting skills to help individuals connect with their audience and lead effectively.

Susan Marshall

Morning Workshop A

Career: Hustle, Shift or Hang it up?



Identify your current “season”—Hustle, Shift, Harvest/Downshift, or Uncertain—through reflection and conversation. Discover what energizes you and what’s non-negotiable, offering clarity and wisdom without rushing decisions. Align work with your dreams focusing on harmony over hustle.

Susan, an independent college advising counselor and owner of College Gateways, LLC, has over 30 years of experience in the State College . A trained Restorative Practitioner, she has facilitated restorative conferencing since 2013. Actively involved in community service, she serves on the boards of Centre LGBT+ and Centre Helps. In 2024, she published *The (Death) Life of the School Counselor*, exploring the evolving role of school counselors, and received the 2025 Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Award from the Penn State College of Education Alumni Society.

Dr. Seria Chatters

Morning Workshop A1

If You Are Scared to Do It, Do It Scared

Your Life Is Waiting - Fear is not a stop sign. It’s a signal that what’s on the other side actually matters. In this powerful 60-minute workshop, gives you the framework, the map, and the permission slip you’ve been waiting for. Leave with clarity, a bridge plan, and the courage to finally move.

SeriaShia Chatters, Ph.D., LPC is a Penn State equity leader, counselor educator, and professional counselor

Amanda Fedisson

Morning Workshop B

Unapologetically You



"Unapologetically You" explores how beliefs shape self-perception. Question narratives, reduce judgment, and foster compassion. Shift perspectives to transform experiences. Trust yourself, release outdated beliefs, and recognize your worth.

Amanda Fedisson combines business experience with mindset work to help individuals recognize how unconscious patterns affect their conversations, confidence, and follow-through, particularly in challenging markets. Her method emphasizes simple awareness shifts that foster clarity, consistency, and momentum.

Marisa Vicere & Jenn Miller

Jana Marie Foundation

Morning Workshop C

Compassion Resilience For Caregivers



Compassion resilience refers to the ability to sustain emotional, mental, and physical well-being while supporting others in their challenges. It emphasizes maintaining empathy and strength amid adversity while preventing compassion fatigue. This talk will provide guidance and resources for caregivers to navigate their demands effectively.

Marisa Vicere founded the Jana Marie Foundation in 2012 after her sister Jana's suicide, transforming personal loss into a mission of hope. She is inspired by JMF and who it supports!

Jenn Miller joined Jana Marie Foundation in 2024. Her background is in education and after teaching at the university level she returned to the nonprofit sector. JMF’s focus on promoting mental well-being resonates deeply with her.

Sharon Salter, PhD

Afternoon Workshop D

A Bond like No Other….Friendship! Making and Keeping Friends



As we transition through life, friendships evolve. These are some of the most powerful relationships in our lives. it’s important to know how they work.

Sharon retired as the Director of Special Education after 41 years in public education. She earned degrees from Ball State, Texas Tech, The Ohio State, and a Ph.D. from Penn State. Sharon is a mother of two, has two granddaughters, a rescued schnauzer, and has been married for 42 years. She is active on the PSU College of Education Alumni Board, Strawberry Fields, Inc. Advisory Board, and 100+ Women Who Care Centre County.

Dr. Nargess Kaviani

Dr. Angela Hardyk

Afternoon Workshop E

The Hormone Blind Spot



The shift no one measured - but you’ve been feeling!

It’s not “just stress!”

Nargess Kaviani, an internist and functional endocrinologist, founded an online clinic combining conventional and alternative medicine for menopause, PCOS, thyroid disorders, obesity, and low testosterone. With 20 years of experience, she offers personalized care through lab testing and lifestyle coaching. An educator, she is developing a platform and podcast on holistic endocrinology. Inspired by her upbringing during the Iran-Iraq war, she aims to establish 50 orphanages globally and promote preventive, patient-centered healthcare.

Dr. Angela Hardyk has been practicing obstetrics and gynecology in State College for 24 years. She is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and a Certified Menopause Provider by the Menopause Society. She cares for an entire range of patients from adolescence to menopause. She also coordinates the teaching of medical students from the Penn State Hershey College of Medicine.

Amy Slenker-Smith

Afternoon Workshop F

Start Before You're Ready: You Don't Need All the Answers to begin

If you’ve been waiting to feel confident, certain, or “less busy” before making your next move… you might be waiting a long time. You don’t need another certification, another plan, or another year to think about it. You need one simple step. In this honest and encouraging talk, Amy Slenker-Smith shares how to clear the mental clutter, create space for what matters, and walk away with a clear next step — even if you don’t have it all figured out.

Amy, a life and business coach in Washington, D.C., helps high-achieving women clear clutter to gain clarity and confidence. She transitioned from corporate life to organizing and coaching, emphasizing that action leads to clarity. Featured in Forbes and more, Amy enjoys skiing, reading, and mentoring. Learn more at www.simplyenough.net.