8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m.

Breakfast and Networking

9:00 a.m.–9:45 a.m.

Opening Remarks and Keynote
Lynne Waymon, CEO Contacts Count

Opening and Overview
Claudia Morrell, Conference Chair, MDWIT

Welcome Remarks
Julie Coons, CEO, Tech Council of Maryland
Luwanda W. Jenkins, Special Secretary, Governor's Office of Minority Affairs

Introductions
Renée Winsky, President and Executive Director, TEDCO

Breakfast Speaker
Lynne Waymon, CEO, Contacts Count
Make Your Contacts Count: Networking Know-How for Women in Technology

Breakout Session Instructions
Kelly Summe, Director of Workforce Development, CWIT

9:45 a.m.–10:00 a.m.

Move to Sessions

10:00 a.m.–11:15 a.m.

Breakout Session #1
These breakouts, presented by recognized leaders in the field, will focus on three areas:

• Women in Entrepreneurship (Track I)
• Women in the Technology Workforce (Track II)
• The Next Generation of Women in Technology (Track III)

Although the tracks are geared toward their specific audience, anyone is welcome in any session.

Track I:  Growing Your Business
Sponsored by Tech Council of Maryland

It takes more than water and Miracle Grow to make a business bloom.  Come here insights and tips from a successful business owner to help make your business flourish.

• Facilitator: Rick Harris, Executive Director, Tech Alliance Division, Tech Council of Maryland  
• Sheila Heinze, President/Chief Executive Officer, SM Consulting  
• Renee Lewis, President/Chief Executive Officer, Pensare Group

Track II:  Transitions and Choices in Your Career
Sponsored by Lockheed Martin

When is the right time to change companies or jobs within my company? How do I set myself up to move into leadership? How can I make myself valuable and memorable? Come find out what tools, skills, and networks can help you make this exciting career transition!

• Facilitator: Maggie Shaw, Corporate Training Account Manager, UMBC Training Centers
• Regina Tillery, CIO, Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development
• Monica McManus, VP Global Security Solutions Engineering, Lockheed Martin
• Joanne Vatz, President/CEO Cirdan Group

Track III:  Straight Talk: Navigating a Male Dominated Industry
Sponsored by CWIT at UMBC

From entry-level to executive offices, female professionals in technology careers can experience isolation, insensitivity, and blunt opposition to their presence in the workplace.  While laws protect against discrimination, informal and off-the-record situations, conversations, and personal attitudes can impact a woman’s ability to be and feel successful.  Hear real stories from women as they share their experiences, challenges, and triumphs because forewarned is forearmed.

• Facilitator: Robbie Melton, Senior Program Manager: Entrepreneurial Development, TEDCO  
• Shirley Collier, President/Chief Executive Officer, Optemax, LCC
• Donna Stevenson, CEO, Early Morning Software (invited)
• Christina Twomey, CEO TaraFinn Productions, LCC

11:15 a.m.–11:30 a.m.

Break

11:30 a.m.–12:45 a.m.

Breakout Session #2

Track I:  Funding the Business from Startup to Growth
Sponsored by DBED

You've got the entrepreneurial spirit.  You've got the inspiring idea for your business.  Now where are you going to get the funding to start it?  In this panel, venture capitalists, angle investors, and successful business owners will discuss how to get funding for every stage of business development.

• Facilitator: Linda Ellerton, Manager, Division of Business Development, DBED 
• Laura Pearl, Managing Director, Cere's Venture Fund
• Lawrie Hollingsworth, CEO, Asset Recovery Technologies
• Christine Copple, President/CEO Starise Ventures

Track II:  The Balancing Act: Life is More Barnum & Bailey and Less Cirque du Soleil
Sponsored by Xerox

Trying to juggle a career, a relationship, parenting, and a life?  Explore the many choices women have and examine the pros and cons of these choices.  Come hear women honestly share the ups and downs of their own experiences and know you're not alone.

• Facilitator: Chris Kane, Solutions & Services Executive, Xerox 
• Pat Elizondo, Senior Vice President, Major Accounts Industry Operations, North American Solutions Group, Xerox Corporation
• Nicole Waddell, Principal Consultant, Virtual Link, LLC
• Lara Morrell,  Project Manager, F-22 Radar Modernization Northrop Grumman

Track III:  Future Jobs in Engineering and IT: What’s Hot (or Going to Be) and What’s Not? 
Sponsored by Constellation Energy

HR reps and recruiters will share “hot off the press” information for technology and engineering students on new and growing employment opportunities, areas soon to downsize, and what makes a resume sizzle.  Panelists will share their perspectives on how to utilize social networks, both on and offline, to pinpoint new learning, internship, and professional opportunities.  Learn what jobs you will be qualified for in the ever changing technology future!

• Facilitator: Adrienne Alberts, Corporate Recruiter - Campus Relations, Constellation Energy 
• Greg Hodges, Corporate Director of Staffing, Northrop Grumman Corporation
• Margaret Burke, Project Director, Talent Acquisition Group, Human Capital Advisors
• Joshua Cantor, IT Recruiter, Constellation Energy

12:45 p.m.–2:30 p.m.

Lunch

Laptop Giveaway
Presented by the Computer Mania Day Girls

Keynote Speaker
Sandra Evers-Manly, VP Corporate Responsibility, Northrop Grumman

Presentation of the 2008 Korenman Award
 

2:30 p.m.–4:00 p.m. 

Working Party:  Using your New Networking Skills (Pre-registration required)
Sponsored by DBED