The Call to Courage - Leading with Integrity When the Pressure is On

This talk is for leaders who know the cost of comfort and are ready to lead differently. Drawing from real-world executive experience, including inside the executive team of law enforcement, Leslie Marant offers a bold framework for navigating resistance, making values-based decisions, and leading with clarity under pressure. This isn’t inspiration for inspiration’s sake. It’s about real leadership, in real time, with real consequences. Attendees will leave with tools they can use immediately, and the courage to use them.

Program Objectives

• A practical roadmap for bold, equity-centered leadership
• Tools to navigate resistance and maintain momentum
• Strategies to make clear, values-aligned decisions in high-pressure
• moments
• Reframing tools to align culture, trust, and accountability
• A renewed sense of clarity, courage, and leadership purpose

Leslie Marant, Esq.

Executive Speaker | Leadership Strategist | Founder, The ESP Effect

Leslie Marant is a nationally recognized executive speaker and strategist whose work sits at the intersection of leadership, equity, and organizational resilience. Through her speaking platform, LeslieMarant.com, she delivers bold, transformative keynotes that challenge leaders to rethink power, accountability, and performance in today’s rapidly changing workplace.

As Founder and Principal Strategist of The ESP Effect, Leslie partners with nonprofits, philanthropic organizations, and mission-driven institutions to strengthen leadership culture, align boards, and build systems that withstand scrutiny and sustain impact. Her consultancy has guided organizations including the United Way of Greater Philadelphia & Southern New Jersey, Visiting Nurse Association Health Group, YMCA of Greater Brandywine, and the Lawyers Trust Fund of Illinois.

A former attorney and higher education executive, Leslie brings more than two decades of experience navigating complex compliance, governance, and culture challenges. Her work helps leaders bridge the gap between intent and infrastructure, equipping them to lead with clarity, courage, and strategic precision.

Known for her unflinching candor and deeply human approach, Leslie’s thought leadership has earned her a growing national platform among executives, funders, and changemakers redefining what effective, equitable leadership looks like in practice.

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2026 EMPLOYMENT LAW UPDATES

This past legislative year in California was another busy one, introducing a wave of critical updates that every HR professional needs to understand. Ben Ebbink (partner with employment law firm Fisher Phillips) will cover important California legislative and legal updates that will affect employers and HR professionals in 2026 and beyond with an overview of important new laws impacting workplace policies, compliance, and employee management.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• The most significant legislative shifts from the 2025 session and how they will affect employers in 2026.
• How to adapt your policies and practices to remain compliant.
• Strategies to mitigate risks and prevent costly litigation.

Benjamin M. Ebbink is a Partner in the Sacramento office of Fisher & Phillips LLP and is a Legislative Advocate and Principal of FP Advocacy LLC. With two decades of experience in labor and employment law and in assisting the development of California labor law and regulations, he focuses on legislation introduced at the federal, state and local levels. For nearly 15 years, Benjamin served as Chief Consultant to the California Assembly Committee on Labor and Employment where he was the primary policy expert on labor and employment matters for the California State Assembly. Benjamin played a key role in virtually every major labor and employment issue to come before the Legislature during his tenure, and personally drafted hundreds of legislative proposals. During his service in the Legislature, Benjamin earned a reputation for his integrity, his ability to work with diverse stakeholders on all sides, and his skill as a problem-solver.

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AI Augmented Leadership

How AI can create capacity for what leaders do best: building trust, engaging teams, and solving complex problems.

(NOTE: This event will be offered both in-person and online. Please select the ticket type that reflects how you will attend.)

AI is rapidly transforming how work gets done, yet most leaders are still using it for basic task delegation rather than unlocking its potential to elevate their leadership. In this session, we’ll explore how HR and people leaders can harness AI as a co-pilot, co-thinker, and coach to strengthen, not replace, human leadership.

In our session, we will cover the following topics:

• How AI can create capacity for what leaders do best: building trust, engaging teams, and solving complex problems.
• Learn practical applications for using AI to accelerate productivity, enhance communication, and support leadership development.
• Examine the opportunities and risks of AI adoption, including ethical considerations and bias in usage.
• Walk away with a framework for helping leaders in their organizations integrate AI in ways that are both effective and human-centered.

This session will equip HR professionals to guide their organizations in developing future-ready leaders who are skilled at leveraging AI to increase their impact.

Kim Jones

NHRA-VC is proud to welcome Kim Jones, an inspiring leadership and career coach whose work empowers both individuals and organizations to advance gender equity in meaningful, lasting ways.

Kim’s path into this work began after 25 years climbing the corporate ladder, where she witnessed the unique challenges women face — often unseen, unspoken, and systemically reinforced. With the help of exceptional mentors, she developed strategies to navigate these dynamics with strength and authenticity. Today, she dedicates her career to sharing those strategies with others.

With an MBA and experience as a former C-Suite executive, Kim brings deep business insight to her consulting work. She helps organizations bridge the gap between gender equity intentions and outcomes, translating aspiration into real, measurable progress. Drawing on her background in cultural anthropology, she supports companies in transforming workplace cultures and systems that inhibit women's advancement.

As a coach, Kim empowers professional women to lead boldly — especially in industries where they have historically been underrepresented. Her coaching blends empathy, accountability, and practical strategy, creating space for women to show up confidently and authentically.

Join us in January for an uplifting, actionable session that will set the tone for a strong year ahead. You’ll walk away with tools to navigate workplace dynamics, strengthen your leadership presence, and advocate confidently for your own success.

Additional Event Details

7:20 AM Registration & Networking

7:30 -9:00 AM Program and Q&A

Cancellation & Credit Policy:

Please note that all program registrations are non-refundable. However, if you are unable to attend, we are happy to offer a credit toward a future program of equal or lesser value, provided that the request is submitted prior to the scheduled event date. Credit requests made after the program date will not be honored. 

This event is pending for 1.25 credit hours for both HRCI & SHRM credits.

Succession planning isn’t just about preparing for a surprise departure. It’s a strategic tool to future-proof your workforce, retain top talent, and drive long-term growth. In a market where leadership gaps, skill shortages, and employee expectations are rising fast, organizations that prioritize succession aren’t just ready for change, they lead it.

You’ll walk away with actionable insights on how to:

• Identify hidden risks and vulnerabilities in your current succession approach
• Explore best practices used by high-performing organizations across industries
• Shift succession planning from reactive backfilling to proactive talent development
• Engage stakeholders and build momentum, even without immediate turnover pressure

Jessica Woodward is the Director of Partnerships & Community at SuccessionHR, where she helps organizations strengthen leadership pipelines and embed succession planning into everyday HR strategy. With experience across corporate, consulting, and high-growth environments, Jessica brings a practical and people-first approach to talent development.

At SuccessionHR, she leads initiatives that connect HR leaders, consultants, and industry experts, ensuring that succession planning is not just a compliance exercise but a strategic driver of continuity and resilience. Her work spans performance management, leadership development, and organizational culture, all aimed at preparing organizations for what’s next.

SuccessionHR is a purpose-built HR software platform dedicated exclusively to succession planning. Designed for modern organizations, it provides a cloud-based, intuitive, and collaborative solution that enables HR leaders and managers to identify, develop, and prepare future leaders with confidence.

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The C.U.R.E. Mindset: Championing Inclusive Cultures

Explore the critical importance of developing an inclusive mindset within yourself, your leaders, and your teams. To champion a truly inclusive culture, leaders must first understand themselves and then foster understanding and respect across every team. True inclusivity goes beyond compliance—it’s about creating an environment where every individual feels valued, heard, and has a sense of belonging, empowering them to thrive and contribute fully.

Presenter Bio:

There was a time in my life when I lost a huge part of myself. I shrank back from the naturally enthusiastic, confident person I was designed to be-the one who loved connecting with others. I began doubting my strengths, my value, and my place in the world. But then something powerful happened. I was championed-not by one person, but by many who saw me, encouraged me, and appreciated me. That's when I realized: In order to thrive and unlock our full potential, we all need key people willing to invest in championing us.

Looking back, I can trace the roots of that power to my childhood where my mom and dad were my first champions. They always believed in me and pushed me to step outside my comfort zone and face challenges head-on. Mom made me believe that I could accomplish anything. She didn't just support me; she challenged me, helped me confront my weaknesses, which built the foundation for me to live with confidence and purpose. Mom's still my biggest champion today.

Another key champion in my life was my college professor, Dr. Vantine. He went beyond the classroom to mentor me, offering high support and encouragement while challenging me with stretch goals and accountability. These champions believed in me, which motivated me to become my best self, and profoundly impacted my ability to pursue and realize my dreams.

But as life went on, I found myself in situations where that championing was missing. There were times in my career when support and challenge were scarce, and I began to wither much like a

plant without sunshine and water. One experience, in particular, stands out. I worked under a supervisor who in most things was wonderful but who failed to protect our team-especially me-from baseless gossip and rumors. Over time, I started to doubt myself. My confidence took a hit, and so did my performance. I was questioning the very abilities that were at the core of who I am, and it greatly impaired my ability to champion others to reach their full potential.

It wasn't until I found myself in a new environment, with leaders who encouraged me, celebrated me, and made me feel safe, that I realized how deeply those past experiences had affected me. As I began to lean into the strengths of who I was designed to be, my confidence returned, and I started to thrive again. It wasn't just the environment-it was the people who took the time to see my value, appreciate my contributions, and give me the opportunity to do what I am designed to do. They showed that they believed in me. I began to find myself again, and once more guide others toward fulfilling their purpose utilizing the strengths of who they were designed to be.

Through all of these experiences, I learned that being championed helps create the self awareness needed to identify and nullify ineffective patterns while activating our natural strengths. When we're championed, we gain the confidence and clarity to live our purpose and pursue our dreams. These insights changed my life, my family relationships and the way I work. 

But the real magic happens when we combine that self-awareness with the strengths of others. Because when we're championed, we thrive-and when we champion others, we create cultures where everyone flourishes together.

I'm here today because of the Champion Builders in my life. And it's because of those experiences that I'm passionate about helping you unlock your potential. We all need champions. When you have the right people in your corner, you can Be More, Live Fully, and Lead Intentionally. And when you become the champion your teams need, you create collaborative cultures where people work together better and everyone truly thrives.

Thank you to our Sponsors!

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Join us for our Winter Social! 

At this event, we’ll enjoy time mingling and connecting, and we’ll also have the special moment of presenting the big check to Taproot Collective with the proceeds from November’s Benefit Auction. 

We’d love to see you there!

Most organizations aren't ready for AI in HR. Their data is messy, their tech stacks are fragmented, and their employees are already using AI tools without permission.

The question isn't whether you're ready. It's whether you're guiding the transformation or letting it happen to you.

Join our cross-functional panel of HR strategy, HR tech, and IT infrastructure experts as we demystify what AI adoption actually requires:

✓ The real opportunities vs the hype
✓ The infrastructure foundation IT needs to provide
✓ The governance framework HR needs to create
✓ The trust-building that makes adoption stick
✓ Why 'doing nothing' is the riskiest choice

We'll cover when to automate, when to augment, and when to preserve human judgment—with zero vendor pitches and zero magical answers.

Elina Kokorotsis

Elina Kokorotsis is an HR4HR coach, educator, and culture builder with over 18 years of experience helping individuals, teams, and organizations navigate change with clarity, focus, and heart.

As the Founder of In The Worx, Elina helps HR professionals build the skills of the future. Her work blends strategy with practicality and empathy through initiatives designed to help HR professionals reclaim time, strengthen culture, and lead with intention.

Elina is currently the license holder for DisruptHR ROC and serves as Director of People Operations at Acentra Health, where she leads the functions of HR and learning technologies.  Whether she’s facilitating strategy sessions, building communities, or coaching leaders through transitions, Elina’s mission remains the same: to help people and organizations move forward, while their life is #intheworx

Leví Barbosa

Max Hervé

Max is is Head of Cloud Engineering at Withum Digital, the consulting and technology advisory division of Withum, where he leads teams that help organizations modernize their cloud environments while driving measurable cost reductions. He goes beyond traditional cost management, aligning cloud and licensing strategy with business goals through redundant tool discovery, optimization assessments, and their Licensing-as-a-Service (LaaS) approach—delivering simplified environments, improved governance, and tangible ROI. With deep expertise in Microsoft Cloud, infrastructure, and networking, he helps clients navigate hybrid environments and make smarter decisions around licensing, governance, security, and modernization. Today, he's focused on helping organizations uncover hidden cost opportunities in their licensing ecosystems while building more strategic, sustainable cloud operations.

Exemplary Empowering Leadership for HR with the Practices to shine 

(NOTE: This event will be offered both in-person and online. Please select the ticket type that reflects how you will attend.)

More information to come.

Sonja Montiel

More information to come.

Additional Event Details

7:20 AM Registration & Networking

7:30 -9:00 AM Program and Q&A

Cancellation & Credit Policy:

Please note that all program registrations are non-refundable. However, if you are unable to attend, we are happy to offer a credit toward a future program of equal or lesser value, provided that the request is submitted prior to the scheduled event date. Credit requests made after the program date will not be honored. 

This event is pending for 1.25 credit hours for both HRCI & SHRM credits.

As the HR function evolves, the intersection of Organizational Development, People Analytics, and the HR Business Partner role has never been more important or more misunderstood. This session explores how these disciplines can work together to drive strategic talent and business impact.

Speaker: Stephen B. Maule

Experience and Practice:

Stephen B. Maule practices in all areas of labor and employment law, including litigation, client counseling, and document preparation and review. Stephen relies extensively on his legal education and experience in serving the Firm’s clients.

Employment

Stephen handles all facets of employment law, including employment discrimination claims under Title VII, the Americans With Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and the Missouri Human Rights Act. He is involved in all aspects of litigating discrimination claims as well as investigating and responding on behalf

of management to employee claims before Federal and State administrative agencies. He has appeared in Federal and State courts and administrative agencies throughout the country. In addition, Stephen advises clients on employment-related matters such as personnel policies, daily human resources issues, employment contracts, severance agreements and employee handbooks.

Labor

Stephen provides various services in the labor area, including representing management in arbitration, National Labor Relations Board elections, objections to elections, collective bargaining, strikes and injunctions, and unfair labor practice charges.

Affirmative Action

Stephen has extensive experience handling issues before the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, including preparing Affirmative Action Plans, assisting clients with Compliance Reviews, and compliance with the applicable Executive Order and regulations.

Immigration

Stephen further provides counsel to clients on immigration matters and assists in preparing and filing various immigration petitions with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services on behalf of employers, including H-1B, TN, L, and permanent residency. Stephen also has experience representing employers in investigations conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Education and Certification:

• B.A., University of California-Davis, 1992
• J.D., University of Missouri-Columbia, 1995 (Phi Alpha Delta)

Professional Activities:

• Member, Missouri Bar
• Member, American Bar Association (including the Labor and Employment Law Section)
• Member, Bar Association Metropolitan St. Louis
• Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association
• Member, National Human Resources Association
• Editor, Developing Labor Law (BNA)

Speaker: Timothy W. Bubenik

Timothy W. Bubenik represents the interest of management in all areas of labor and employment law. Before joining McMahon Berger, Tim spent six years with the US Department of Labor where he gained extensive experience in the areas of employment discrimination, affirmative action programs, occupational safety and health, and wage and hour issues. He also actively participated in union activities by representing others during the bargaining and grievance processes.

Tim’s employment practice includes all facets of employment law, including employment discrimination claims under Title VII and the Missouri Commission on Human Rights, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Family and Medical Leave Act. He is involved in litigating employment discrimination claims as well as investigating and responding on behalf of management to employee claims before administrative agencies. Tim also represents management before the National Labor Relations Board in unfair labor practice charges, challenges to elections and post-election conduct. In addition, he advises clients on employment-related matters such as employment contracts and daily human resources issues.

Education and Certification:

• B.A., Southern Illinois University, 2001
• J.D., Charleston School of Law, 2010

Professional Activities:

• Member, the Missouri Bar
• Member, the Bar Association of Metropolitan Saint Louis
• Member, National Industry Liaison Group

Register in advance to secure your spot where attorneys from McMahon Berger will be presenting. 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Major Sponsor:

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Contributing Sponsor: 

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Corporate Sponsors

Everything you wanted to know about Workers’ Compensation – BUT were afraid to ask 

(NOTE: This event will be offered both in-person and online. Please select the ticket type that reflects how you will attend.)

More information to come.

Brian Watnick

More information to come.

Additional Event Details

7:20 AM Registration & Networking

7:30 -9:00 AM Program and Q&A

Cancellation & Credit Policy:

Please note that all program registrations are non-refundable. However, if you are unable to attend, we are happy to offer a credit toward a future program of equal or lesser value, provided that the request is submitted prior to the scheduled event date. Credit requests made after the program date will not be honored. 

This event is pending for 1.25 credit hours for both HRCI & SHRM credits.

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Corporate Sponsors

Register in advance to secure your spot where Jeff Koziatek will be presenting. 

Event details to come.

Jeff Koziatek worked in the entertainment industry for over 25 years where he produced award winning films, managed national touring shows, owned a complete event management company, acted in film and television, and delivered more than 5000 presentations across the country. His clients were diverse, ranging from corporations, sports entities, healthcare, financial professionals, youth, and associations.

Today, organizations work with Jeff to strengthen their ability to overcome adversity and build Champion Culture. They leverage his business background and coaching ability to improve communication, collaboration, follow through, creativity, and critical thinking skills.

Jeff’s clients do more of what they want, less of what they don’t, and love their results. His services include executive coaching, inspirational keynotes, and engaging workshops. He is a certified coach with both The Values Conversation and the John Maxwell TEAM, a professional member of the National Speakers Association, and has training in Emotionally Focused Therapy and Positive Intelligence.

Thank you to our Sponsors!

March Monthly Sponsor: 

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HR Unboxed – Creative Problem Solving for REAL HR Challenges 

(NOTE: This event will be offered both in-person and online. Please select the ticket type that reflects how you will attend.)

More information to come.

Van Lai-DuMone

More information to come.

Additional Event Details

7:20 AM Registration & Networking

7:30 -9:00 AM Program and Q&A

Cancellation & Credit Policy:

Please note that all program registrations are non-refundable. However, if you are unable to attend, we are happy to offer a credit toward a future program of equal or lesser value, provided that the request is submitted prior to the scheduled event date. Credit requests made after the program date will not be honored. 

This event is pending for 1.25 credit hours for both HRCI & SHRM credits.

(click logo for more info)

Corporate Sponsors

Register in advance to secure your spot where John Miller will be presenting. 

Event details to come.

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Major Sponsor:

Major: 

Contributing Sponsor: 

(click logo for more info)

Corporate Sponsors

Register in advance to secure your spot where Dr. Tania Farran will be presenting. 

Event details to come.

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Major Sponsor:

Major: 

Contributing Sponsor: