The 49th State Women’s Forum: Rising United will take place Monday, November 4th, at the Hotel Captain Cook. The Women’s Power League of Alaska is proud to sponsor this forum, as it is indeed a continuation of amplifying conversations within our state. We have designed the premier women’s event of its kind, with thoughtful content for current / young professionals, community leaders, thought makers, entrepreneurs, mothers, citizens, and more. Join us as we come to the table and prepare for the victories and challenges ahead, with hopes of the brightest future we can create for our state.
WPLAK is nonpartisan, and we advocate for unity and sisterhood in the face of change; we are Rising United.
THE 49TH STATE WOMEN’S FORUM
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4TH – THE HOTEL CAPTAIN COOK
8:30A – 8:45A: Welcome
Senator Lisa Murkowski (Pre-recorded welcome)
First Lady Mara Kimmel
8:45A: Introduction of Panel #1
Deep Cuts Part 2: The New Budget and What It Means for Alaskan Women and Families
SUMMARY: Recent cuts to our state’s budget have compromised safety in rural Alaska, our UA system, social services and more. As residents grapple with the changes, how do we best prepare for what’s to come? For this discussion – a follow up to a panel hosted by WPLAK at the Anchorage Museum – authorities within their field will peel back the layers of these complex cuts, answer questions and provide the resources we need to make informed decisions about our families and communities.
- Panel Hostess: Liz Raines, KTVA Channel 11 News
- Abbe Hensley – Best Beginnings
- Laurie Wolf – The Foraker Group
- Lisa Aquino – Catholic Social Services
- Dean Karen Markel – UAA College of Business and Public Policy
9:45A – 10A: Break
10A: Introduction of Panel 2
The Wage Gap in Alaska and the Real Cost for Women in Business
SUMMARY: Alaskan women are unique and resilient. We are barrier breakers, innovators and providers for our households. So why do we continually fall into one of the deepest gender wage gaps in the nation? How do we assure we are equally compensated for our professional contributions, and does the law protect us when we’re not? This discussion includes women who have serious skin in the game of pay equity within our state. We’ll cover little known facts and collectively brainstorm solutions.
- Panel Hostess: Kimberly Y. Waller, CEO – Women’s Power League of Alaska
- Karinne Wiebold – Economist, State of Alaska
- Hilary Morgan – Resourceful Results
- Jasmine Smith – The Business Boutique / Baby Vend
- Triada Stampas – ACLU Alaska10:45A-11A: Break
11A: Introduction of Panel #3
Your Gender, Your Vote: Women’s Power at the Ballot Box
SUMMARY: 2020 is sure to be a big year at the ballot box, locally and nationally. On average, women have voted in larger numbers than their male counterparts – and in the last midterm election, shattered records for the largest voter turnout in American history. As for Alaska, the level of political activism is palpable. For this the discussion, we’ll cover the importance of civic engagement from those rallying to amplify women’s voices and secure our “seat at the table” in the 49th state.
- Panel Hostess: Lori Townsend, Alaska Public Media
- Moira Smith – We Are Alaskan Women Lawyers
- Nora Morse – Alaska Women Ascend
- Rachel Kallander – Kallander and Associates / Arctic Encounter
12P: Lunch
Den of Zen: Pop-up shop sponsored by HoughtonHill Jewelry and Home
12:30: Remarks by former Alaska Attorney General Jahna Lindemuth
1P: Welcome Workshop Attendees
1:15P: Workshops Block 1
#Creator: Brand Yourself, Sister! (MEDIA)
Beacon Media + Marketing: Adrienne Wilkerson and Jennifer Christensen
Your brand is your promise. Whether you are a business owner, entrepreneur or online content creator, science + savvy are crucial in the digital age. This multi-media focused workshop will offer up expert guidance from marketing gurus Adrienne Wilkerson and Jennifer Christensen to help you cut through the noise and brand yourself #LikeABoss.
OR
Million-Dollar Wardrobe (FASHION)
Haley Lindow: Owner – Blush Boutique
You don’t have to drop a million bucks on your wardrobe to look like you did. In a winter city, putting it all together from head to toe can be tricky. But with the right staple pieces – and a small trip outside of your comfort zone – little investments can take you a long way. We’ve wrangled one of the best in the local fashion game – Blush Boutique’s Haley Lindow – to help keep your style proper year ‘round.
2P-2:15P: Break
2:15P: Workshops Block 2
Start Your Own Podcast (MEDIA / TECH)
- Alice Qannik Glenn: COFFEE & QUAQ Host / Podcaster
Podcasting is everything. It gives average folks the opportunity to share their ideas, develop their own platform and connect with the masses. Oh, did we mention make a little money in the process? Learn from a local podcasting success story Alice Qannik about how to take your idea from conception to connection in this one-of-a-kind workshop.
OR
Big Giving: Philanthropy, Activism and People Power (PHILANTHROPY)
Millennials are changing the face of philanthropy. According to Forbes, their generation is more likely to give than any other. The reason? Globalization has made us more connected, and (in spite of student debt and financial hardships) more generous. In this workshop, those who are entrenched in the world of nonprofit fundraising will share how money, activism and people (volunteer) power deeply impacts Alaskans for the better.
Speakers:
- Flora Teo: Junior Achievement of Alaska
- Carlette Mack: Covenant House
- Becky More: 100AK Women Who Care
3P-3:15P: Break
3:15P – 4P: Workshops Block 3
Funding Your Dream (BUSINESS)
When it comes time to launch your business, cash can be hard to come by. That doesn’t mean it’s not out there. Knowing where to look when funding the upstart of your business – and sustaining your dream once it gets off the ground – is key. Look no further. The state of Alaska is ready to fund new business, which means that you (yes, YOU) can do this. Are you ready?
Speakers:
- Marichu Relativo: U.S. Small Business Administration
- Gretchen Fauske: UAA Center for Economic Development
Anchorage Community Land Trust - Penny Gage: Alaska Growth Capital
OR
Financial Fitness (FINANCE)
Jen Gastrock: Bright Road Wealth Management
Money is a social construct. In American society, men and women receive different messages about how to spend, save and invest. Even with the systematic challenges faced by our gender (pay gap, maternity leave, the leadership labyrinth, etc.), women are the world’s most powerful consumers. The large majority are the gatekeepers of household expenditures – side note, Google “she-conomy”. In this workshop, our fabulous financial advisor Jen Gastrock will outline the basics to make sure you’re flexing those money muscles in all the right places.
4P: Event Ends
4P – 5:30P: Private Reception