9:00 am - 11:00 am CT
NextUp Board Meeting (Invite Only)
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm CT
NextUp Ambassador and Region Leadership Luncheon (Invite Only)
Michigan A&B
2:00 pm - 2:10 pm CT
Welcome
Sheraton Chicago Ballroom
2:10 pm - 2:40 pm CT
You’ve Got This!
Sheraton Chicago Ballroom
Laurie Hernandez
Laurie Hernandez
Since bringing home the Gold and Silver medals at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, Laurie Hernandez has gone on to win the coveted Mirror ball trophy on “Dancing with the Stars” Season 23 and published her first NYT Best Selling book titled, “I Got This: To Gold and Beyond”. In 2018, she released a children’s illustrated book and NYT Best Seller, “She’s Got This”, while serving as the KPMG Literacy Champion to promote readership as a path to leadership. Additionally, Mattel created a Laurie Hernandez “Shero” Barbie to honor her and her Latina heritage.
Laurie is a second generation American, as her grandparents are from Puerto Rico, making her the first U.S. born Latina to make the U.S. Olympic team since 1984. She was the gymnastics analyst for NBC for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and will reprise the role at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Laurie is a rising sophomore, studying drama at NYU Tisch in NYC, as acting and screenwriting are future career ambitions. Throughout the year, she travels nationwide speaking to the next generation about following one’s passion; and is a fierce advocate for prioritizing Mental Health. Laurie has become an outspoken advocate for children’s rights was recently named a UNICEF Global Ambassador.
You’ve Got This!
See Agenda2:10 pm - 2:40 pm
2:40 pm - 3:20 pm CT
Big Dreams. Bold Action.
Sheraton Chicago Ballroom
Fama Francisco
Fama Francisco
Ma. Fatima D. Francisco (Fama) leads P&G’s second largest sector, global Baby, Feminine and Family Care with $20 billion in net sales. It consists of P&G’s biggest brand, Pampers, as well as household names such as Always, Tampax, Luvs, Bounty, Charmin and Puffs.
A real trailblazer, Fama has achieved many firsts in her career, including:being the first female sales manager hired in P&G Philippines in 1989, amongst the youngest women promoted to President, and being the first Asian female Sector CEO in P&G’s 186-year history.
An inspiring leader, Fama is a true role model known for championing gender and intersectional equality. As Executive Sponsor for Gender Equality, Fama leads P&G’s efforts to tackle bias and build a world with equal voice, opportunity and representation for all. Leading by example, Fama builds diverse organizations, and her Executive Leadership Team includes more than 50% women. Fama is also an advocate for mental health and leads her business with empathy and openness building resilient teams who she empowers to rise up to their full potential.
Big Dreams. Bold Action.
See Agenda2:40 pm - 3:20 pm
3:20 pm - 3:40 am CT
Break sponsored by
3:40 pm - 4:00 pm CT
Dream It. Do It.
Sheraton Chicago Ballroom
Jacquelyn Fletcher Johnson
Jacquelyn Fletcher Johnson
Jacquelyn Fletcher Johnson is an award-winning author, corporate trainer, content designer, and coach who has helped thousands of high-potential executives at Fortune 50 companies become holistic leaders for the modern era. Now more than ever, leaders need a whole new set of skills to be successful. Through experiences that help develop empathy, storytelling, communication skills, mindfulness, resilience, and much more, Jacquelyn helps leaders tap into their full powers to lead.
Dream It. Do It.
See Agenda3:40 pm - 4:00 pm
4:00 pm - 4:40 pm CT
The Art of Leading
Sheraton Chicago Ballroom
Marissa Viola
Marissa Viola
Marissa Viola is a dynamic marketing leader who has re-energized some of the world’s most iconic brands. As Senior Director, Brand & Content at Mars Wrigley, Marissa led the global reinvention of M&M’S with a renewed purpose centered around inclusivity and belonging. She helped evolve the M&M’S characters to be more representative, launched an entirely new character (Purple), and forged innovative partnerships with Adidas, Kingship (the first-ever metaverse music group), and Lil Nas X, driving relevance that rocketed the 80-year-old brand into Gen Z’s Top 5 favorite CPG brand. Before leading culturally relevant programs at Mars, Marissa earned a Silver Cannes Lion Award during her time as Head of Brand Communications at Mattel for introducing three new Barbie body types to increase product diversity. Over her career, Marissa has been a change champion who leaves her people, her brands and the world around her better than she found them.
The Art of Leading
See Agenda4:00 pm - 4:40 pm
Sri Rajagopalan
Sri Rajagopalan
As Chief Customer Officer for U.S. Retail, Sri Rajagopalan oversees all customer activities for General Mills in the U.S. He leads the nearly 1,000 sales professionals charged with growing the $10B U.S. Retail business. Sri was promoted to this position in July 2021.
Sri joined General Mills in March 2021 as a CPG industry veteran in leading omnichannel transformation after leadership positions in customer management at Frito-Lay North America , PepsiCo, Johnson & Johnson consumer Inc., and at Revlon.
The Art of Leading
See Agenda4:00 pm - 4:40 pm
4:40 pm - 4:55 pm CT
Awards
Sheraton Chicago Ballroom
4:55 pm - 5:15 pm CT
Meet the CEO
Sheraton Chicago Ballroom
Lisa Baird
Lisa Baird
Lisa Baird is a proven leader across private and non-profit sectors where she has been instrumental in building some of the world’s most iconic brands and sports properties. Her diverse marketing, communications and sales expertise spans sports, media, technology, healthcare, consumer and automotive. She has a demonstrated track record of revenue and profit growth. Most recently, Lisa was the Commissioner of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), the world’s leading professional women’s soccer league. Prior to joining the NWSL, she was the Chief Marketing Officer at New York Public Radio and served in the same capacity for the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee for over a decade.
Meet the CEO
See Agenda4:55 pm - 5:15 pm
Team Up to Dream Up
See Agenda9:05 am - 9:45 am
5:15 pm - 6:30 pm CT
Welcome to Chicago Opening Reception
Ballroom Foyer
Sponsored by
7:45 am - 8:45 am CT
Affinity Groups Breakfast
Riverwalk A&B
Sponsored by
8:45 am - 9:00 am CT
Break sponsored by
9:00 am - 9:20 am CT
Taiko Drumming Performance
Sheraton Chicago Ballroom
Tiffany Tamaribuchi
Tiffany Tamaribuchi
Tiffany Tamaribuchi, an internationally recognized taiko master and trailblazer. Tamaribuchi has toured internationally with Za Ondekoza, one of the most renowned Taiko groups in the world. In addition to being featured soloist at Carnegie Hall, she also has the distinction of winning the 2005 All-Japan Odaiko Competition as well as placing highly in the first Tokyo International Odaiko Competition the same year.
Tiffany first began studying taiko with master Seiichi Tanaka of the San Francisco Taiko Dojo before undertaking extensive training in Japan under Zampa Ufujishi Taiko and Mafueakaji Eisa in Okinawa, Kodo-Juku on Sado Island, Niigata prefecture, Oedo Sukeroku in Tokyo and Suigun Daiko in Matsuyama, Ehime prefecture, to name a few. Over the years Tiffany has founded the Sacramento Taiko Dan, Tozai Wadaiko and, Jodaiko, an international all-women taiko group
known for its powerful performances. Always working to deepen understanding about taiko in Japan for North American
audiences, Tiffany recently debuted the first Ondeko group outside Japan after training with Kasuga Onigumi on Sado Island and receiving their permission to share their indigenous art form with others.
Taiko Drumming Performance
See Agenda9:00 am - 9:20 am
Big Drums. Big Dreams.
See Agenda9:25 am - 10:10 am
9:20 am - 9:25 am CT
Welcome
Sheraton Chicago Ballroom
9:25 am - 10:10 am CT
Big Drums. Big Dreams.
Sheraton Chicago Ballroom
Jennifer Weir
Jennifer Weir
Jennifer Weir is the Executive Director of TAM, Artistic Director of Enso Daiko, and has been actively performing, creating, producing, and teaching taiko for over 25 years. She is the recipient of past grants from the MN State Arts Board, Jerome Foundation, Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, American Composers Forum, and Taiko Community Alliance. She has led leadership workshops for the Shannon Institute with the Wilder Foundation, and has presented at TedxUMN and the BushConnect Conference. She also has extensive background as a theater
director and dramaturg.
Big Drums. Big Dreams.
See Agenda9:25 am - 10:10 am
Megan Chao Smith
Megan Chao Smith
Megan Chao Smith started taiko in Boston, migrating west in search of skills and aJapanese mentality. She studied with Tiffany Tamaribuchi, and assisted her inhundreds of workshops, performances, and contests around the world. MCS then spent 12 years in Japan, learning dance as well as taiko, knocking on doors of topgroups to prove herself in tryouts. She finally gained the skills she sought, living and training as a member and producer with SHIDARA in the bamboo forests of TOEI-CHO. She was the first foreigner in 800 years to dance in the town’s harvest festival. She currently resides in Minneapolis, became a nurse, and in addition to performing, is now using her traditional artistic practice towards community healing and empowerment, especially for BIPOC, LGBQTIA+, and homeless youth.
Big Drums. Big Dreams.
See Agenda9:25 am - 10:10 am
Tiffany Tamaribuchi
Tiffany Tamaribuchi
Tiffany Tamaribuchi, an internationally recognized taiko master and trailblazer. Tamaribuchi has toured internationally with Za Ondekoza, one of the most renowned Taiko groups in the world. In addition to being featured soloist at Carnegie Hall, she also has the distinction of winning the 2005 All-Japan Odaiko Competition as well as placing highly in the first Tokyo International Odaiko Competition the same year.
Tiffany first began studying taiko with master Seiichi Tanaka of the San Francisco Taiko Dojo before undertaking extensive training in Japan under Zampa Ufujishi Taiko and Mafueakaji Eisa in Okinawa, Kodo-Juku on Sado Island, Niigata prefecture, Oedo Sukeroku in Tokyo and Suigun Daiko in Matsuyama, Ehime prefecture, to name a few. Over the years Tiffany has founded the Sacramento Taiko Dan, Tozai Wadaiko and, Jodaiko, an international all-women taiko group
known for its powerful performances. Always working to deepen understanding about taiko in Japan for North American
audiences, Tiffany recently debuted the first Ondeko group outside Japan after training with Kasuga Onigumi on Sado Island and receiving their permission to share their indigenous art form with others.
Taiko Drumming Performance
See Agenda9:00 am - 9:20 am
Big Drums. Big Dreams.
See Agenda9:25 am - 10:10 am
Dawn Mikkelson
Dawn Mikkelson
Dawn Mikkelson is a multi-Emmy Award winning producer, and 2010 McKnight Filmmaking Fellow, whose work has broadcast and screened internationally. Festival screenings include: the Galway Film Fleadh, Mill Valley Film Festival, Cinequest, DOC NYC, Heartland Film Festival, Cucalorus, and Sound Unseen. Mikkelson has completed six award-winning independent feature documentaries, Finding Her Beat, Risking Light, The Red Tail, Green Green Water, THIS obedience, and Treading Water: a documentary, which illuminate larger societal issues while creating understanding through the intimate stories of individuals. Her films have received broadcast distribution through APT (American Public Television), the CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) and international broadcast networks. Spring 2023 Mikkelson will premiere her seventh feature documentary, MINNESOTA MEAN in the world of women’s flat track roller derby.
Big Drums. Big Dreams.
See Agenda9:25 am - 10:10 am
Keri Pickett
Keri Pickett
Keri Pickett is a producer, director and photographer. She is the Co-Director of FINDING HER BEAT (88 minutes, 2022) which premieres in the fall of 2022. FIRST DAUGHTER AND THE BLACK SNAKE, (94 minutes, 2017) was selected by the Marfa Film Festival, the Native Women in Film and Red Nation Film Festival, and the Portland Eco Film Festival winning “Best MN Made Documentary Feature” from the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival, a Red Nation Film Festival Courage Award, the Portland EcoFilm Festival Best Feature Film Award and the Frozen River Film Festival Minnesota Documentary Award. It is distributed by Virgil Films & Entertainment.
Her first documentary feature film THE FABULOUS ICE AGE, (2013, 72 minutes), also distributed by Virgil Films & Entertainment, is the winner of multiple awards and a “Netflix Original” distributed in ten languages for five years. Pickett also directs short films and music videos including NO MORE PIPELINE BLUES (ON THIS LAND WHERE WE BELONG.) Pickett is a member of Film Fatales. Pickett is also a photographer whose work is in museum collections such as the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston and the Philadelphia Museum of Fine Art, Pickett is the author of the award winning books LOVE IN THE 90s, (Warner Books, 1995) won the Best Photo Book award from American Photography and it had a first printing of 150,000 copies and was also published in Japanese. FAERIES (Aperture, 2000) was awarded the Lambda Literary Award, Best Art Book, 2000) and SAVING BODY & SOUL (Shaw Books, 2004) and started producing documentary feature films at age 50.
Big Drums. Big Dreams.
See Agenda9:25 am - 10:10 am
10:10 am - 10:25 am CT
Awards
Sheraton Chicago Ballroom
10:25 am - 10:45 am CT
Break sponsored by
10:45 am - 11:25 am CT
How to Keep Your Balance
Sheraton Chicago Ballroom
Monique Ozanne
Monique Ozanne
Monique joined Beam Suntory in 2018 on the global marketing team as an Account Planner and launched BSI’s Black EIG, BOLD, as an Executive Officer. She provides the organization with a unique perspective on strategy, insights, digital transformation, marketing and advertising, legal, and diversity, equity and inclusion. She is WSET Level 1 Award Spirits certified.
Prior to BSI, Monique worked in the strategy, marketing, and communications fields, having worked on President Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign as a writer, and as a strategist at Ogilvy and R/GA agencies for brands such as Modelo, Corona, Glade, Abercrombie & Fitch, Capital One and the NCAA® March Madness tournament and the UFC. Monique also spent time working for the Cleveland Browns in marketing and stadium events and for the Cleveland Cavaliers working with the sourcing and legal teams.
How to Keep Your Balance
See Agenda10:45 am - 11:25 am
Mark Kenny
Mark Kenny
Mark Kenny is the Vice President, Divisional Merchandising Manager leading the Seasonal and Outdoor Living Home categories at Target. Mark has nearly 30 of retail experience in North America, Europe, and UK, holding senior operational and merchandising roles in specialty retail, Club warehouse, and GM big box retail. For 10 years in Europe, Mark held Operational leadership roles for Footlocker Europe including District Manager in the UK, NW European RVP (Belgium) VP Operations Manager for Europe (Holland) later promoted to the VP of Operations Footlocker Inc. subsidiary of Champs Sports based in Sarasota, FL. In 2007 Mark made a significant career pivot by moving to Sam’s Club Warehouse in an Operational leadership role eventually becoming the Senior Director of Private Brand food and then later moving on as the DMM of Adult Beverages and DMM of Frozen Food. In 2017, Mark moved to Minneapolis to join the Target team as DMM for Meat, Fresh Prepared, and Food Service later moving to VP DMM of Snacks, Beverages, Candy and Impulse.
Mark is actively involved in the Minneapolis community through support for Next UP and Urban Ventures organizations. Mark is married to Christina with one son Oliver and 2 children by previous marriage, Sean and Lucy who both reside in the US. He enjoys traveling, fishing, skiing, biking, and being outdoors in his free time.
How to Keep Your Balance
See Agenda10:45 am - 11:25 am
Stuart Claxton
Stuart Claxton
Stuart has over 20 years experience in the marketing and communications field. Born in England, he relocated to New York in 2002 to launch the Guinness World Records office in the U.S., re-aligning the business from print to digital and creating revenue streams which generated $13M+ in additional revenue within 3 years. In 2015 he joined the ranks of Time Inc. where he led ideation, planning and execution of client programs across all category verticals for the Fortune and TIME brands working alongside blue chip brands such as Mercedes, Samsung and IBM. A bilingual Spanish-speaker, Stuart then joined TelevisaUnivision in 2019 as Senior Director, Ad Sales Marketing where he was responsible for the B2B marketing and communications strategy supporting TelevisaUnivision’s position as the world’s leading Hispanic media company generating $1B+ in annual revenue. An avid traveller he has lived in England, Spain, Mexico, Hungary and the U.S.
How to Keep Your Balance
See Agenda10:45 am - 11:25 am
11:25 am - 11:40 am CT
Board Recognition & Awards
Sheraton Chicago Ballroom
11:40 am - 11:50 am CT
Build Relationships to Catapult Your Impact
Sheraton Chicago Ballroom
Dave Peacock
Dave Peacock
Dave Peacock has served as Advantage Solutions CEO since January 2023. His 30-plus-year career in the consumer packaged goods and retail industry includes four years as president and chief operating officer of Schnuck Markets, Inc., and two decades at Anheuser-Busch, where he served three years as the company’s president.
Prior to joining Advantage, Peacock was chief operating officer and on the board of directors of Continental Grain Company, a global investor, owner and operator of companies across the food and agribusiness spectrum. Previously, he was a member of the board of advisors for, and was the founder and chairman of, Vitaligent, LLC, a multi-unit restaurant franchise.
He is a member of the board of directors of Stifel Financial Corp. and past member of the board of directors of Wayne-Sanderson Farms and Post Holdings Partnership Corporation. He also served on the board of trustees of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis and the board of directors of Pink Ribbon Girls.
Build Relationships to Catapult Your Impact
See Agenda11:40 am - 11:50 am
11:50 am - 12:20 pm CT
Going for the Bold
Sheraton Chicago Ballroom
Kara Lawson
Kara Lawson
WNBA and Olympic Champion Kara Lawson, a 2003 Tennessee graduate, was appointed Duke University’s fifth head women’s basketball coach on July 11, 2020. Prior to this role, she served as an assistant coach for the Boston Celtics, becoming the franchise’s first female coach in its history. Her coaching success extended to leading the US 3×3 Women’s National Team to a gold medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, earning her the distinction of being the first-ever 3×3 USA Basketball Coach of the Year. With an illustrious playing career in the WNBA, including a championship with the Sacramento Monarchs in 2005 and multiple gold medals, Lawson’s achievements also encompassed NCAA Final Four appearances during her college years at Tennessee. Her remarkable journey continues to inspire and make history in the world of basketball.
Going for the Bold
See Agenda11:50 am - 12:20 pm
12:20 pm - 2:00 pm CT
Windy City Eats (Lunch)
Riverwalk A&B
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm CT
Deep Dive Masterminds
Track 1: How Gender Impacts Negotiation
Erie
Kaylyn Easton
Kaylyn Easton
Kaylyn Easton is a negotiation consultant at The Maker Group, who partners with Fortune 500 clients in the CPG space in order to create value through effective negotiation preparation, planning, and execution.
Before joining The Maker Group, Kaylyn was the Founder and CEO of Chiavaye, a women’s personal care and intimacy brand. Chiavaye focuses on all-natural organic products with the mission of making sexual health not x-rated, but actually about health. Kaylyn grew Chiavaye into an international brand
that was distributed through Walmart, CVS and other national retailers, along with distributors across the globe. In 2021 Chiavaye was acquired by the global OTC company, NeilMed Pharmaceuticals. Kaylyn Easton is a former broadcast journalist, turned marketing exec, turned entrepreneur. Her struggle with stage four endometriosis and open conversations with women discussing real health
issues inspired the Chiavaye brand with a focus on overcoming “taboo” women’s topics in order to empower and educate.
Track 1: How Gender Impacts Negotiation
See Agenda2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Track 2: Unleashing Your Hidden Resume
Sheraton Ballroom III
Paurvi Bhatt
Paurvi Bhatt
Paurvi is a healthcare executive, trusted strategist, and global thought leader with a reputation for marshaling funds, achieving focused outcomes, and leading innovative partnership strategies that bring health, care and bereavement solutions closer to home for aging populations, their families, and caregivers. As Founder and CEO of ThirdEyeFocus, with past executive roles at Abbott, Levi Strauss, Medtronic, CARE and USAID, USGAO, she is a strong influencer and collaborator with founders, C-suite leaders and Boards to modernize legacies, reframe referral and value pathways and build organizational cultures that meet the social issues of our time.
Working across public, nonprofit, and commercial sectors of healthcare, Paurvi has a consistent record of impact working across industries and functions by aligning and distributing capital with partners that increase workforce support and expand access to home and community-based health and social services and workforce support for the elderly and immigrants worldwide. Highly skilled in strategic philanthropic and capital investments, corporate responsibility/ESG, public affairs, and human resources benefits and employee engagement for purpose driven Fortune 500 companies, private start-ups, nonprofits, foundations and government. Board Executive leadership as Board Chair, Vice Chair, and Treasurer of global healthcare, caregiving, women’s leadership and immigrant focused private companies and nonprofit organizations.
Track 2: Unleashing Your Hidden Resume
See Agenda2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Track 3: The Power of the Ask
Sheraton Ballroom II
Jasmine Brett Stringer
Jasmine Brett Stringer
Jasmine Brett Stringer is a keynote speaker, award-winning author of Seize Your Life: How to Carpe Diem Every Day, on-air TV personality, and host of the podcast and lifestyle blog Carpe Diem with Jasmine. Jasmine is on a mission to help people live empowered and authentic lives. Through her Seize Your Life keynotes, workshops, and customized coaching sessions, Jasmine guides clients and audiences through a simple process to identify their goals and achieve their personal definition of success. She graduated from American University’s Kogod School of Business in Washington, D.C. She was named a Minnesotan to Know in 2021 by Twin Cities Business, Twin Cities Fearless Woman in 2017, and a Woman of Promise by the Girl Scouts in 2012. Additionally, she was awarded Distinguished Alumna of American University. Ebony Magazine featured her as one of its “30 Future Leaders Under the Age of 30 in America.” Jasmine is based in Minneapolis but can often be found two hours south of the city working with her husband at the family farm.
Track 3: The Power of the Ask
See Agenda2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Track 4: Supercharge Your Life + Work
Sheraton ballroom VIII
Laura Best
Laura Best
Laura Best is the founder of Passion Collective, a global community that helps professional women rediscover their passion and purpose. Originally from England, Laura built a successful marketing career in the UK and the Twin Cities. She started Passion Collective in 2014 to connect professional women with real conversations about passion, identity, and fulfillment at a time when many women didn’t feel they had the permission to support each other or talk openly about their paths.
Passion Collective offers social events, coaching and workshops in-person and virtually at its online home, Passion Collective On Demand. It has published more than 80 stories of women making change happen in their “Passion Stories” series and gives quarterly Atomic® Grants to women who are following their passion. It also helps businesses nurture their women leaders with custom event and workshop programs.
Track 4: Supercharge Your Life + Work
See Agenda2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Track 5: Empathy: The #1 Leadership Skill
Sheraton Ballroom I
Keith Morris
Keith Morris
Keith Morris is an insightful corporate facilitator and speaker who has worked for more than 15 years to advance initiatives in organizations. His clients have ranged from academic institutions to Fortune 50 companies. Keith has facilitated discussions for business leaders across the USA, and in global locations like Kenya, Zambia, South Africa, and Canada. He has also worked for prestigious organizations including Walt Disney World Company, The Disney Institute, Duke University, and Fresh Point Foods.
Keith has served as a trusted advisor to leaders at the Vice President, Senior Vice President, and C-Suite levels. He has developed a keen empathy for the needs of senior executives through his own experience as a senior-level operations leader. Keith is best known for his ability to foster an inclusive environment where all voices are heard and respected in service to the achievement of strategic objectives. He is celebrated for creating an emotionally safe learning environment where senior leaders can share and learn from each other. Keith is best known for helping his clients to get results. He assists them in “taking the next step” in their journey from awareness to action.
Track 5: Empathy: The #1 Leadership Skill
See Agenda2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Katie Kellerman
Katie Kellerman
Katherine (Katie) Kellerman is Executive Director and General Manager for the SC Johnson Lifestyle Brands Division in North America. In this role she leads the strategic development of the business and brands across both the US, Canada, and exports to international markets. She leverages her vast market knowledge to lead local brand strategies and generate consumer demand, ultimately driving positive financial performance, market share gains and increases in household penetration.
Prior to this position, Katie was Senior Director, Marketing for SC Johnson Home Cleaning and Shoe Care businesses. In this role, she was the P&L owner for total Home Cleaning and Shoe Care within the US market. Katie also held the role of Head of Sales for the SCJ US Large Format Division, which entailed leading the strategy and execution for Club, Drug, DIY, Hardware, and Military channels. She also contributed to the development of the US market retail through her advisory board position on National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS).
Track 5: Empathy: The #1 Leadership Skill
See Agenda2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Juliana Saretta
Juliana Saretta
Juliana has 25 years of experience developing and leading world-class supply chains across multiple FMCG categories, as well as procurement category management and operations. She has contributed to different leadership teams, driving strategic planning and execution while applying enterprise thinking for collaborative problem solving with C-level management and external customers/vendors. Her work supported many iconic consumer brands, like Pedigree, Whiskas, M&Ms, Snickers, Ben’s Original, Dr. Pepper, Canada Dry and Snapple to name a few. Engaging team leader, highly focused on talent, and recognized as a multiplier: delivering exponential value through people development. Global experience leading teams in Europe, LATAM and NA. Avid yoga practitioner, mother of two young girls.
Track 5: Empathy: The #1 Leadership Skill
See Agenda2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Track 6: 360 Management for Maximum Influence
Sheraton Ballroom IX
Dr. Kristin Lee
Dr. Kristin Lee
Dr. Kristin Lee is the Director of Research and Learning Strategies at NextUp. Her background includes a Doctor of Education degree in Global Training and Development, master’s degree in Counseling, and bachelor’s degree in chemistry, coupled with 10+ years’ worth of learned and acquired knowledge and skills delivering optimal learning experiences virtually and in-person have enabled her to build a successful brand and career. Having spent most of her career designing curriculum and learning strategy, Dr. Lee is equipped to understand the needs of the most discerning audiences, delivering an experience rooted in service, integrity, and expertise. Specializing in translating business outcomes to build a value-based culture, she brings a much-needed difference to a terminal generation. Some of Dr. Lee’s key competencies include accreditation programing, compliance, technical, DEIBA, allyship, and leadership development, among others. Dr. Lee has published research focusing on the attainment of 21st century skills in the workplace and uses it to educate learners on how hiring managers evaluate these skills.
Track 6: 360 Management for Maximum Influence
See Agenda2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Kris Bahner
Kris Bahner
Kris Bahner leads global Corporate Affairs – including Communications, Philanthropy, Sustainability and Government Relations – for Kellogg Company. She is a member of Kellogg Company’s executive committee leadership team.
Ms. Bahner has more than 30 years of Corporate Affairs experience within the food industry. She began her Kellogg career in 2006. Prior to joining Kellogg, she held a variety of corporate affairs roles with Kraft Foods, and led public relations programs for food industry clients at both Edelman Public Relations Worldwide and Powers Agency.
Ms. Bahner served as the Executive Sponsor of the company’s Women of Kellogg business employee resource group for more than nine years, and is an active advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion.
Track 6: 360 Management for Maximum Influence
See Agenda2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Marina Chernyak
Marina Chernyak
Marina leads the U.S. Grocery, Drug, Fuel and Convenience store verticals at Visa, responsible for partnering with merchants in these verticals on a range of topics to accelerate innovation and drive profitable growth together. Marina has served as the face of Visa to most Retail merchants in Canada and the U.S. for the past 10 years, with responsibility for building relationships/partnerships while driving mutual business objectives for Visa and its merchant clients.
Track 6: 360 Management for Maximum Influence
See Agenda2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Track 7: The Positive Power of Failure
Superior A&B
Elia Perez Tessicini
Elia Perez Tessicini
Elia Perez Tessicini serves as the Regional Vice President of the Eastern Region in the Merchant Acquisition and Supplier Enablement organization in Global Merchant Services & Network Services. She is responsible for the development and execution of winning sales and acquisition strategies, designing clear execution plans, utilizing tools to manage the sales process, and collaborating with other internal business partners to accelerate B2B growth.
In 2003, Elia began her career at American Express in Global Merchant Services & Network Services. In 2008 she moved Global Commercial Card Services. Within her 19-year tenure at AXP, Elia led high-performing sales teams to create winning sales and business unit strategies. Prior to American Express, Elia worked in sales and consulting roles at Oracle Corporation and ADP.
Track 7: The Positive Power of Failure
See Agenda2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Sharon Hall
Sharon Hall
Sharon Hall is Vice President, Global Executive Recruiting for Walmart. She is responsible for the executive search and recruitment strategy for all officer roles at Walmart globally, including Walmart US, Walmart International, and Sam’s Club.
Prior to joining Walmart, Sharon served as a Partner at the executive search firm Spencer Stuart for more than twenty years, where she placed chief HR leaders and general managers across all industries. Her later work at Spencer Stuart included placements of CEOs at nonprofit organizations, as well as Board work. At Spencer Stuart, Sharon managed the Atlanta office for five years, served on the firm’s global board of directors, and co-founded and led the Diversity Practice.
Track 7: The Positive Power of Failure
See Agenda2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Karen Jones
Karen Jones
Karen leads the Learning, Development, and DEI&B work at NextUp. Her team manages the design and delivery of the leadership development programs and assessment processes for Partner organizations. Karen has worked within the Organization and Leadership Development disciplines for more than 20 years. She has led at the executive level within the corporate sector for Fortune 50 companies. Her experience provides a keen ability to design and deliver optimal solutions for Members and Corporate Partners alike. Karen has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Grambling State University and a Master of Arts in Organization Leadership from Gonzaga University.
Track 7: The Positive Power of Failure
See Agenda2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Big Dreams Come True
See Agenda9:45 am - 10:25 am
Track 8: Build Your Community. Boost Your Influence.
Michigan A&B
Markesha Roane
Markesha Roane
Markesha is a Human Resources Business Partner at Nestle Nutrition North America (Gerber) with over 10 years of experience helping organizations manage people and culture. Prior to joining Nestle, Markesha was the Manager of People & Culture at Arlington Community Federal Credit Union. In that role, she co-created core values and implemented internal branding behaviors that resulted in the company receiving its first-ever Best Places to Work award.
Markesha received her bachelor’s degree from Strayer University, and she is a SHRM-Certified Professional. Her love of people, strategy, and culture is the superpower she uses to foster healthy environments where employees at every level can push the envelope beyond their beliefs and become an asset to their own success.
Track 8: Build Your Community. Boost Your Influence.
See Agenda2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Andrea Morton
Andrea Morton
Andrea is a passionate and people-first leader with 15 years of CPG leadership at Mondelēz International, recently announced to head the Confections Commercial Planning team. Her career experiences include Customer leadership roles in Grocery, Value Channel, Walmart and VP of Club Channel, Category Planning, DSD Retail, and spearheading the Commercial Integration for the Clif Bar business over the last 12 months. She is current Chair for the US Women’s Leadership Network serving over +800 women in Sales, and resides in Orlando, Florida with her husband Brad.
Track 8: Build Your Community. Boost Your Influence.
See Agenda2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Nicole Wright
Nicole Wright
Nicole Wright, Regions Market Manager for NextUp, is a high-energy leader that has experience in learning and development, DEI strategy, merchandising management, social media, sales, and marketing. A NextUp member since 2012, Nicole has used the power of the NextUp Community to advance her career, develop her professional skills and take on high visibility stretch assignments. Within her current role, she supports seven NextUp regions and assists with the overall regional strategy, goals, and execution.
Prior to joining the NextUp team, Nicole spent 12 years within multiple roles at Acosta where she led DE&I, served as NextUp Ambassador, and as Communications Officer for the NextUp Virtual and Texas Regions. Nicole has a passion for connecting people and has moderated conversations and emceed conferences for Dallas Start-up Week, SMU Graduate Women in Business Club, and Sisters Traveling Solo.
Track 8: Build Your Community. Boost Your Influence.
See Agenda2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Track 9: Women on Boards
Sheraton Ballroom X
Kris Torres
Kris Torres
Track 9: Women on Boards
See Agenda2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Tope Sadiku
Tope Sadiku
Tope has an eclectic background, majoring in finance, economics, psychology, and human-centric design. Tope has partnered with multiple Fortune 500 organisations, integrating her academic knowledge to drive profitability in a more responsible conscientious manner. She has worked with Kraft Heinz for almost seven years, relocating from London to Chicago to serve as their Global Head of Employee Digital Experience. Tope was recently appointed as the Strategic Planning Lead within the Strategy, Transformation, Agile and Revolution Office. Here she is responsible for unlocking transformative growth for Kraft Heinz by driving the GTM enablement of their growth plan for audiences at scale. With a focus on the Agile@Scale Program experience strategy, responsible for connecting brand, strategic communications, and operational elements to accelerate value and collaboration across teams. She also serves as a Board Member for; the Institute of Work and Economy, the Science and Technology Coalition, The Luminarts Cultural Foundation, Better Business Bureau and is the Co-Chair of the Network of Executive Women, exploring how societies and economies will achieve the promise of work and life through technology and the arts. She enjoys experimenting and draws inspiration from abstract concepts as well as nature.
Track 9: Women on Boards
See Agenda2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Desiree Frey
Desiree Frey
Desiree Frey is the Senior Director of Region Growth & Development at NextUp, where she leads the Regions team in advancing NextUp’s mission at the local level.
She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications from Kennesaw State University and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from California State University, Monterey Bay.
Throughout her career, Desiree has gained invaluable experience across various sectors, including CPG, Retail, and Technology. She brings her education, experience, and passion to her role at NextUp.
Desiree resides in Phoenix, AZ, with her husband, Rich, and enjoys all that the desert southwest has to offer. When the temperatures rise, she visits her son, Alex, in Seattle.
Track 9: Women on Boards
See Agenda2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
3:00 pm - 3:30 pm CT
Break sponsored by
3:30 pm - 5:00 pm CT
The Trailblazer Challenge
Riverwalk A&B
Big career dreams don’t happen without the help of a powerful network. Build yours here.
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm CT
Free time
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm CT
She Shines Dance Party
Sheraton Chicago Ballroom
Sponsored by
7:45 am - 8:45 am CT
Affinity Groups Breakfast
Riverwalk A&B
8:45 am - 9:00 am CT
Break sponsored by
9:00 am - 9:05 am CT
Welcome
Sheraton Chicago Ballroom
9:05 am - 9:45 am CT
Team Up to Dream Up
Sheraton Chicago Ballroom
Beverly Johnson
Beverly Johnson
Team Up to Dream Up
See Agenda9:05 am - 9:45 am
Cameka Smith
Cameka Smith
Team Up to Dream Up
See Agenda9:05 am - 9:45 am
Lisa Baird
Lisa Baird
Lisa Baird is a proven leader across private and non-profit sectors where she has been instrumental in building some of the world’s most iconic brands and sports properties. Her diverse marketing, communications and sales expertise spans sports, media, technology, healthcare, consumer and automotive. She has a demonstrated track record of revenue and profit growth. Most recently, Lisa was the Commissioner of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), the world’s leading professional women’s soccer league. Prior to joining the NWSL, she was the Chief Marketing Officer at New York Public Radio and served in the same capacity for the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee for over a decade.
Meet the CEO
See Agenda4:55 pm - 5:15 pm
Team Up to Dream Up
See Agenda9:05 am - 9:45 am
9:45 am - 10:25 am CT
Big Dreams Come True
Sheraton Chicago Ballroom
Karen Jones
Karen Jones
Karen leads the Learning, Development, and DEI&B work at NextUp. Her team manages the design and delivery of the leadership development programs and assessment processes for Partner organizations. Karen has worked within the Organization and Leadership Development disciplines for more than 20 years. She has led at the executive level within the corporate sector for Fortune 50 companies. Her experience provides a keen ability to design and deliver optimal solutions for Members and Corporate Partners alike. Karen has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Grambling State University and a Master of Arts in Organization Leadership from Gonzaga University.
Track 7: The Positive Power of Failure
See Agenda2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Big Dreams Come True
See Agenda9:45 am - 10:25 am
10:25 am - 10:45 am CT
Break sponsored by
10:45 am - 12:25 pm CT
You Are NextUp!
Sheraton Chicago Ballroom
We’re handing the microphone to a slate of next-generation leaders in the NextUp community who will take the stage to tell their stories and share their big ideas. You won’t want to miss this exciting and inspiring session. Plus, we have some very special guests joining us for the kick off!
Yasmine Abdel
Yasmine Abdel
Yasmine Abdel is a sales professional from Southern California thriving to lead business operations and grow customer relations across organizations. She is passionate about the health wellness and food industry and has a demonstrated history of working in cross functions such as Sales, Marketing, and eCommerce.
Yasmine started with General Mills in October 2022 as a Sales Trade Planning Lead. She attained a Master’s in Food Industry Leadership from University of Southern California, and a Bachelor’s in International Business and Global Trade from California State University, Fullerton.
You Are NextUp!
See Agenda10:45 am - 12:25 pm
Christine Robinson
Christine Robinson
Christine Robinson was born and raised in Montreal, Canada. She started swimming as a young child and eventually fell in love with playing Water Polo. Christine played at higher and higher levels until reaching the National Team. She played in the Olympic Games in 2004 and went on to win multiple World Championship medals in her career. After her retirement, Christine won a full scholarship to do her MBA at Queen’s University. After which, she was recruited by Kraft Heinz to work in their sales department. She has been at Kraft for about 4.5 years, gaining additional experiences and higher roles along the way. Chrstine most recently got promoted to a Senior Category Sales Planner – Coffee and is excited to see where she will go next. She aspires to eventually lead her own sales team.
You Are NextUp!
See Agenda10:45 am - 12:25 pm
Adrienne Eurich
Adrienne Eurich
Adrienne Eurich is a Senior Industrial Designer originally from Michigan, now proudly based in Grand Rapids. Her career is a testament to her passion for seamlessly merging art and engineering to craft innovative and visually appealing products. With an extensive and diverse career spanning consulting and corporate design, she’s had the privilege of collaborating with renowned brands like Graco, Rubbermaid, and now BISSELL. Her portfolio encompasses an array of products, from car seats to closet systems, showcasing my adaptability and creative prowess.
Navigating an industry where gender diversity is often lacking has been a challenge Adrienne embraced head-on. She’s actively involved in organizations like NextUp and women’s groups, advocating for women in design and inspiring the next generation of female designers. It’s crucial to her that diverse voices shape the industry.
In her professional role, she serves as the bridge connecting design teams, promoting collaboration, and prioritizing empathy, both for end-users and colleagues. Adrienne’s work reflects her core values of inclusivity and has left an indelible mark on the teams that she works with.
She is proud to be shaping a more diverse, empathetic future in design. Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of passion, determination, and inclusivity. In a profession that values both aesthetics and functionality, Adrienne is dedicated to ensuring that women’s voices are not just heard but celebrated.
You Are NextUp!
See Agenda10:45 am - 12:25 pm
Carolina Romanelli
Carolina Romanelli
Carolina Romanelli is a Brazilian who has been working in the US for almost 9 years and is currently the Senior Manager Digital Commerce at Nespresso USA. She has worked for Nespresso/Nestle for 15+ years and through the years has held many roles in different areas of the organization, from Customer Service, IT Projects/Digital Transformation and eCommerce. Carolina is a people person and truly believe on building and empowering diverse teams.
You Are NextUp!
See Agenda10:45 am - 12:25 pm
Kelley Putt
Kelley Putt
Kelley Putt is a food scientist that’s passionate about generating great ideas that bring great food to great people everywhere. After receiving her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Food Science from the University of Wisconsin, she started her career as a Product Developer at Kellogg’s where she got to work on exciting products like Special K, Pop-Tarts, and Froot Loops. Today, she works as a Food Scientist at Danone, leading development on SToK cold brew and other ready to drink coffee beverages. Kelley is the President of the Rocky Mountain Section of the Institute of Food Technologists, a non-profit, professional, educational association that promotes the application of science and engineering to the creation, production, processing, packaging, distribution, and utilization of food products. She is also actively engaged in the broader food community, contributing as a case study writer for Food Science for Relief and Development and volunteering with various food focused organizations in Denver.
You Are NextUp!
See Agenda10:45 am - 12:25 pm
Courtney Nelson
Courtney Nelson
Courtney Nelson is a Human Resource Professional over 8+ years of experience, her experience mostly focused on Talent Acquisition but recently has shifted to Global HR Strategic Initiatives, DEI, and Data Governance. She thrives on providing the best possible experience for both the candidate and the best experience to people regardless of if it’s internal talent, executives, external talent, etc.
She is also involved as a Co-Lead for the Region Alliance Team with NextUp, where as a team, they are working on Mentoring opportunities through webinars, building out mentoring circles, and working on local and regional allies.
You Are NextUp!
See Agenda10:45 am - 12:25 pm
Mona Fowler
Mona Fowler
Mona possesses over 25 years of experience leading, supporting and/or coaching leaders in supply chain, HR, IT, and sales teams including C-suite leaders during her tenure working for Corning Inc., Unilever HPC, and Molson Coors. Her experience includes fostering engagement and performance by leading the design and implementation of DEI and development strategies. She is a sought-after training facilitator, mentor, and coach. She has experience managing million-dollar budgets. Mona enjoys volunteering her time supporting community programs that prepare students for work. In recent years this has included working with the African American Youth Council and the Thurgood Marshal Institute. Mona is currently a board member of the Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC). She prides herself as a lifelong learner. She received a BS and MS is Mechanical Engineering from NC A&T State University. She holds many certifications including SHRM-SCP, Coaching, Emergenetics Advisor and Nutrition Counseling. She has been a member of NextUp for 9 years. Mona grew up in East Point, Ga. She enjoys reading, cooking, and dancing. Most of all, she loves spending time with family and close friends.
You Are NextUp!
See Agenda10:45 am - 12:25 pm
Liz Nerhus
Liz Nerhus
Liz Nerhus has over 20+ years in the Retail and Food Service Industries, working on both sides of the desk. Liz has been a retail buyer at Target & Supervalu, led category management & shopper insights teams at Nestle Waters and Mondelez, spent 4 years in Food Service developing some incredible breakfast items at restaurants near you; and is now the Director of Sales for Crystal Farms Dairy Co. Her passion is using her network of friends and coworkers to be better in her career, but also as a mom, and using those networks to win thru each day – since we can’t do it all alone. Her words of inspiration are to find those people that will support you, but also be honest with you, so you can be better every day.
You Are NextUp!
See Agenda10:45 am - 12:25 pm
Ericka Prentice
Ericka Prentice
Ericka has been with Advantage for 8 years and have been a member of NextUp for almost 2. She is very active with almost all of the ERG’s at work and am passionate about helping others live their best lives. Ericka has written a book on dating and relationships as well as writes poetry.
You Are NextUp!
See Agenda10:45 am - 12:25 pm
12:25 pm - 12:30 pm CT