9:30 – 9:45 am
Welcome RemarksEducation Building, Room 212
Speakers for the Welcome Remarks will be added as they are confirmed.
Jestina Drysdale
Assistant Director of Student Conduct, Stockton University
Carol Ann Fernandez
Chief Operating Officer, Glen Eagle Advisors
Dr. Natalie Nixon – Keynote
Creativity Strategist, CEO, Figure 8 Thinking, LLC
Judy Sailer
Professional Speaker & Director of Learning & Development at Primepoint HRMS & Payroll
Have Questions?
When is the conference?
October 29, 2025.
How long is the conference?
9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (exact times subject to change)
Where is the conference?
The summit is held at The College of New Jersey, 2000 Pennington Rd., Ewing, NJ in the Education Building, Room 212.
How much is a ticket and what does it include?
In-person tickets are $100. TCNJ faculty, staff, and alumni tickets are $80. A discounted table of eight is available for $640.
Tickets include: keynote address, breakout session(s), workshop, breakfast, lunch, attendee bag, autographed keynote book, and closing activity.
What should I wear?
Attendees generally wear business casual attire.
Who is speaking at the Summit?
The 2025 speakers page is updated as speakers are confirmed.
How can I register?
How do I become a sponsor?
Contact Quiana Starr at starrq@tcnj.edu or 609.771.2566.
What is your refund policy?
Unused tickets may be donated to be used by a TCNJ student.
What if I have dietary restrictions/special dietary needs?
You will be able to indicate any dietary restrictions or needs on your registration form. You may also contact Stephanie Horner at horners@tcnj.edu or 609.771.3050.
9:45 – 10:45 am
Keynote PresentationEducation Building, Room 212
The IMAGINATION ERA: Why Your People Are the Real AI Advantage
Presented by: Natalie Nixon, Creativity Strategist and CEO of Figure 8 Thinking
As AI transforms the workplace, too many organizations are missing the mark—investing in technology while neglecting the human capacities that truly drive innovation. In this energizing keynote, creativity strategist Dr. Natalie Nixon shares how women leaders can champion a more human-centric approach to the future of work.
Grounded in her Move. Think. Rest. framework, Dr. Nixon introduces the “3 I’s” that machines can’t replicate: Imagination, Inquiry, and Intuition. These are not soft skills—they are strategic advantages.
You’ll learn how to integrate simple but powerful practices that unlock these capacities across teams, regardless of role or title. Through movement, deep thinking, and strategic rest, we can redesign how we work—so AI becomes a partner, not a threat.
Walk away with a practical, science-backed roadmap to lead with clarity, creativity, and confidence in the Imagination Era.
9:00 – 9:30 am
Registration and BreakfastAttendees will check in at the Registration table, located outside of Education Building, Room 212.
11:00 – 11:15 am
Break11:15 – 12:15 pm
Breakout Sessions (Select One)There will be two breakout sessions. Attendees will be able to select one to attend.
Breakout Session #1 “The Baggage We Carry: An Exploration of the Invisible Challenges We Face”
Presented by: Jestina Drysdale, Assistant Director of Student Conduct, Stockton University
This breakout is an engaging and reflective session that invites participants to explore the emotional, social, and psychological “baggage” they carry in their personal and professional lives.
This session includes:
• A metaphorical framework using a suitcase to represent unseen burdens
• Insight into common but often unspoken challenges such as imposter syndrome, family expectations, trauma, managing burnout and societal pressure, etc.
• Practical strategies for managing, releasing, and growing from these burdens.
• Encouragement to utilize available resources and support systems
• Tips/Resources for supporting others carrying invisible weight
A closing “Letting Go” activity that invites personal reflection and forward movement.
The session fosters a safe and empowering space for honest dialogue, healing, and shared growth. It’s especially meaningful in settings focused on leadership, identity, mental health, DEI, and personal development. Whether you’re a student leader, educator, professional, or someone navigating your own healing journey, this experience offers reflection, renewal, and a sense of shared humanity.
Breakout Session #2 – Empowering Women to Successfully Navigate Financial Freedom
Presented by: Carol Ann Fernandez, Chief Financial Officer, Glen Eagle Advisors
This will be an interactive conversation about the top methods successful women entrepreneurs use to grow and leverage personal wealth.
11:15 – 12:00 pm
Concurrent Student SessionEducation Building, Room 209
Natalie Nixon will hold a fireside chat just for students. This is open to all TCNJ Students. Registration is required.
12:15– 1:00 pm
Lunch & NetworkingEducation Building, Room 212
While enjoying your lunch, attendees are encouraged to network.
1:00- 2:00 pm
WorkshopEducation Building, Room 212
Lions, Tigers, and Bears! Oh My!
Presented by: Judy Sailer, Professional Speaker & Director of Learning & Development at Primepoint HRMS & Payroll
In today’s fast-paced world, being a working woman can feel like starring in a nonstop, high-stakes three-ring circus—juggling career demands, family responsibilities, and the ever-elusive act of self-care. This empowering and actionable presentation offers working women the tools they need to not just manage it all, but to thrive. Inspired by the resilience and discipline of iconic women like J.K. Rowling, this session explores how structure, support, and self-prioritization can help women reclaim control over their time and energy.
Participants will gain practical strategies for time management, building strong support networks, and creating a personal “village” that sustains success. The presentation includes the latest data on women in the workforce and highlights the evolving landscape of gender equity. With a mix of motivational insight and real-world tactics, attendees will leave with 10 powerful action points to take back their time, create space for joy, and live with more intentional balance.
Whether you’re an executive, entrepreneur, or rising professional, this presentation will help you turn chaos into clarity and overwhelm into opportunity.
2:00- 2:20 pm
Reflection Activity2:20 – 2:30 pm
Closing RemarksEducation Building, Room 212
Speaker: Dr. Sunita Ahlawat, Interim Dean, TCNJ School of Business
(Schedule subject to change. Please check back for updates.)
