RIVERSIDE – Exploring the intersection of personal, professional, and internal realms for women in executive leadership roles will be the focus of “The Whole Story” Executive Women’s Leadership Convention on Wednesday, March 13, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Riverside County Office of Education Conference Center (4280 Brockton Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501).
The one-day conference organized by the Leadership Center at the Riverside County Office of Education, invites participants at any stage in their leadership journey to reflect, evolve, and thrive, by learning practical tools to weave balance, wholeness, and grace, into a transformative journey toward evolved leadership.
The day will feature the following keynote speakers:
Dr. Ruth Pérez – Deputy Superintendent, Riverside County Office of Education
This presentation will set the stage for the day by incorporating the stories of our lives and inviting participants to challenge themselves to see opportunity within themselves and in their world.
Katie Quesada – Speaker, storyteller, coach
This presentation will provide storytelling development of leaders who are equipped to share about themselves with their teams in an open and honest way, which creates a culture where employees are safe to do the same.
Dr. Kristin Mauldin – Director, Associate Professor of Psychology, Sports and Performance Psychology, California Baptist University
This presentation will support attendees in recognizing their strengths and weaknesses to support being brave in moving forward with a desire to help, serve, and live out their purpose.
Merlyna Valentine – Speaker, author, consultant
Passion, perseverance, and purpose are the keys to success in the workplace and in life. This presentation will focus on the power we all possess to live life to the fullest.
Registration is $350 per person, includes breakfast and lunch, and is limited to the first 300 registrants. The registration deadline is February 29, 2024. To register, visit https://events.bizzabo.com/531739 and/or mail payment to Riverside County Office of Education, Attention: Accounts Payable, at P.O. Box 868, Riverside, CA 92502-0868. For more information on the event, contact Dr. Emily M. Devor, Administrator, at 951.826.6262 or visit the event website at www.rcoe.us/ewlc.
Quotes from keynote speakers:
Dr. Ruth Pérez:
“Education is a calling, and all children need leaders who can bring their whole selves to their work without allowing their identity to be wrapped up in a title or an organization. Being a female in leadership is not a zero-sum game, as there is room for all of us to lead from any position for the benefit of the next generation.”
Katie Quesada:
"At the Executive Women's Leadership Convention, incredible women in attendance will learn the art of leveraging their personal stories and experience to craft meaningful vision for the future of their leadership."
Dr. Kristin Mauldin:
"I am excited and honored to be a part of a conference that empowers the women leaders (future and present) in our community!"
Merlyna Valentine:
"I’ll be revealing the thrilling power of passion, perseverance, and purpose – the triumphant trio for women leaders. Attendees will witness my dynamic journey from tragedy to triumph, serving as a powerful reminder of the boundless possibilities that unfold when we break through barriers, ignite personal passions, and thrive in every facet of our extraordinary lives.”
About Keynote Speaker Dr. Ruth Pérez
The educational career of Dr. Pérez is marked by an array of distinguished leadership and superintendent roles that span from Florida to North Carolina to Los Angeles to where she currently serves as the Deputy Superintendent of Schools at the Riverside County Office of Education since 2021. Her educational achievements include a Doctorate and Master’s degrees obtained from Nova Southeastern University in Florida, as well as a Bachelor's degree from Queen's University of the City University of New York. Her personal background as an English Language Learner from Puerto Rico, educated in the New York City Public School system, fuels her unwavering dedication to improving student achievement and outcomes for all students, with a particular focus on the undeserved and English language learners.
About Keynote Speaker Katie Quesada
Katie is an acclaimed speaker and consultant who is deeply passionate about the art of storytelling. She helps people and companies craft their story in a concise and compelling way. Katie has recently worked with top brands to ignite their story for more effective communication, high trust within teams, and immediate return on investment. Katie and her husband Danny, live with their two daughters in Orange, California. They spent two years living in a 180 sq ft tiny home and believe that stories are better than stuff.
About Keynote Speaker Dr. Kristin Mauldin
Dr. Mauldin graduated with her Ph.D. in psychology from Miami University and conducted research as a postdoctoral fellow at University of California, San Diego. She specializes in the cognitive neuroscience of learning and memory and sport, performance, and exercise psychology. As the Director of the Sport and Performance Psychology Program at California Baptist University, she has had the opportunity to build a graduate program that serves its students and the community. Dr. Mauldin’s own experience growing up with a physically debilitating disease has helped fuel her efforts to design programs that helps others increase their own physical and mental health through the use of techniques grounded in psychology. She lives in Idyllwild, California, with her husband and three kids.
About Keynote Speaker Merlyna Valentine
Merlyna Valentine is an international speaker, author, and consultant. She was a highly accomplished educator for more than 30 years as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and executive director. Ms. Valentine received numerous state, national, and international awards, and commendations such as teacher of the year and principal of the year. She was featured in several news segments and articles including a spotlight in Ebony Magazine. Audiences were captivated by her inspirational story of survival, courage, and hope when she was featured on the Today Show. Despite facing a significant medical tragedy, Ms. Valentine unleashed a remarkable inner strength that enabled her to lead by example and inspires individuals to overcome their own challenges and embrace resilience as a pathway to success.
