View Agenda | The RISE Women in Health Care Leadership Summit

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The RISE Women in Health Care Leadership Summit
June 30 - July 1, 2025
Scottsdale, AZ

2025 Agenda

Join health care professionals to enhance leadership skills, build a stronger network, and gain practical strategies for navigating change. This year’s summit focuses on goal-setting amidst uncertainty, using change as a unifying tool, and mastering negotiation. Leave empowered with the skills to lead confidently in today’s evolving industry.

Monday - June 30, 2025

10:00 AM 11:00 AM

9:00 AM 10:00 AM

8:00 AM 9:00 AM

7:00 AM 8:00 AM

Networking Breakfast

10:00 AM 6:00 PM

9:00 AM 5:00 PM

8:00 AM 4:00 PM

7:00 AM 3:00 PM

Registration Desk Open

10:00 AM 8:00 PM

9:00 AM 7:00 PM

8:00 AM 6:00 PM

7:00 AM 5:00 PM

Exhibit Hall Open

11:00 AM 11:10 AM

10:00 AM 10:10 AM

9:00 AM 9:10 AM

8:00 AM 8:10 AM

Welcome Remarks

 

Conference Chair
Ana Handshuh, Principal 
CAT5 Strategies 

11:10 AM 12:00 PM

10:10 AM 11:00 AM

9:10 AM 10:00 AM

8:10 AM 9:00 AM

Keynote

Berthine Crèvecoeur West, MA, EMBA, CDE® - CEO 
Westbridge Solutions  
Head of Business Strategy Development| Certified Diversity Executive® 

12:00 PM 12:50 PM

11:00 AM 11:50 AM

10:00 AM 10:50 AM

9:00 AM 9:50 AM

Women Leading Through Uncertainty: Perspectives on Goal Setting and Transformation in Health Care

In an evolving health care landscape, women leaders face unique challenges and opportunities when navigating transformation and driving organizational success. This session brings together diverse perspectives from a family physician with 20 years of clinical experience and a recent graduate working in health care quality improvement. Together, they will explore how women at different stages of their careers approach goal setting, resilience, and team motivation amid changing dynamics. Attendees will gain practical strategies to foster adaptability, manage change fatigue, and inspire their teams, even in remote and hybrid work environments. Through interactive discussions, participants will leave with actionable tools to lead with confidence and advocate for themselves and their teams.  

  • Strategies for setting clear, adaptable goals that align with evolving health care priorities  
  • Building resilience and fostering a change-ready mindset at different career stages 
  • Enhancing communication and influence as women leaders in health care 
  • Balancing personal advocacy and team leadership for long-term success 

 

Crystal Redfern, MS, MBA, CPHQ, Senior Director of Clinical Improvement 
Novant Health Medical Group 

Ashley M. Perrott, MD, Senior Physician Executive for Ambulatory Quality 
Novant Health 

12:50 PM 1:10 PM

11:50 AM 12:10 PM

10:50 AM 11:10 AM

9:50 AM 10:10 AM

Networking Break

1:10 PM 2:00 PM

12:10 PM 1:00 PM

11:10 AM 12:00 PM

10:10 AM 11:00 AM

Leading a Multigenerational Workforce to Cultivate Innovation, Collaboration, and Growth

 

  • Understand the values, motivations, and work styles of Gen Z to Baby Boomers to foster stronger collaboration and support 
  • Develop leadership strategies that encourage creativity, experimentation, and continuous learning within your team 
  • Normalize learning from mistakes by building a culture where both achievements and setbacks drive growth 
  • Adapt your leadership style to embrace diverse perspectives, empowering all team members to contribute their strengths for greater productivity and harmony 

2:00 PM 3:15 PM

1:00 PM 2:15 PM

12:00 PM 1:15 PM

11:00 AM 12:15 PM

Networking Lunch

3:15 PM 4:05 PM

2:15 PM 3:05 PM

1:15 PM 2:05 PM

12:15 PM 1:05 PM

Setting Boundaries with Empathy and Navigating Mental Health, Expectations, and Leadership

  • Learn how to offer support without absorbing others’ emotional burdens, and how to balance empathy with self-care 
  • Discover effective strategies for setting clear expectations with your team while maintaining boundaries in personal, time, and mental health matters 
  • Understand how to be empathetic without enabling unhealthy behaviors, and how to offer constructive feedback while respecting personal boundaries 

Nicole Blue, Arizona Sales Director 
Devoted Health  

Cathy Yows, MSN, RN, CGRN, CRCST, RN Resource Specialist, Surgical Services, Instructor of Nursing 

 

4:05 PM 4:55 PM

3:05 PM 3:55 PM

2:05 PM 2:55 PM

1:05 PM 1:55 PM

Mastering Negotiation and De-Escalation in High-Stress Situations

 

  • Develop effective, clear, and purposeful negotiation skills 
  • De-escalate tension and heated situations without sacrificing your personal or professional boundaries 
  • Maintain control, balance, and assertiveness to achieve your goals  

4:55 PM 5:15 PM

3:55 PM 4:15 PM

2:55 PM 3:15 PM

1:55 PM 2:15 PM

Networking Break

5:15 PM 6:05 PM

4:15 PM 5:05 PM

3:15 PM 4:05 PM

2:15 PM 3:05 PM

The Future of DEI: Acknowledging the Shift and Embracing Action-Oriented Change

 

  • Understand the shift in DEI initiatives and why it's time to move beyond traditional approaches to create meaningful change 
  • Explore whether DEI efforts have truly delivered lasting benefits and how to assess their effectiveness in your organization 
  • Learn actionable strategies for fostering inclusive environments through new frameworks, setting measurable goals, and leading proactive DEI conversations that drive progress 

6:05 PM 7:00 PM

5:05 PM 6:00 PM

4:05 PM 5:00 PM

3:05 PM 4:00 PM

Roundtable Discussions – Choose Your Own Adventure!

Participate in a facilitated roundtable discussion and deep dive with peers on timely topics in the industry. 

Are You an Entrepreneur at Heart? 

This roundtable discussion is designed for those interested or those who have started their own business, with practical takeaways for establishing a personal brand and proven marketing techniques. 

Moderator: Berthine Crèvecoeur West, MA, EMBA, CDE® - CEO, Westbridge Solutions  
Head of Business Strategy Development| Certified Diversity Executive® 

 

Balancing Demanding Careers, Family, and Physical Health  

Join fellow attendees and explore strategies for maintaining wellness, preventing burnout, and creating a lifestyle that supports work-life harmony. 

Moderator: Dr. Shannon Decker, Principal, VBC One  

 

Streamlining and Simplifying Your Digital, Physical, and Social Space 

Explore how decluttering your digital world, physical environment, and social circles can reduce stress, boost productivity, and create space for what truly matters.  

 

Prioritizing Personal Development and Investing in Yourself for Long-Term Growth 

Personal development isn’t a luxury, it’s a key investment in your success and well-being. Gain practical ways to make growth a priority, find the right resources, and carve out time for self-improvement as an essential part of self-care. 

Moderator: Laura Sheriff, RN, MSN, CPC, CRC, Risk Adjustment Industry Expert 

 

Strategic Networking for Building, Growing, and Leveraging Your Connections 

Networking is about building meaningful relationships that drive personal and professional growth. Explore strategies to expand your network, nurture valuable connections, and effectively leverage your relationships for new opportunities and career advancement. 

Moderator: Barrie Cohen, Owner and Founder, BC Public Relations  

Optimize Your Profile and Maximize Your Impact 

Your LinkedIn profile is your digital first impression! In this interactive session, you'll review your profile with peers, gain real-time feedback, and learn key strategies to enhance visibility, build credibility, and leverage LinkedIn for networking and career growth. 

7:00 PM 8:00 PM

6:00 PM 7:00 PM

5:00 PM 6:00 PM

4:00 PM 5:00 PM

Networking Cocktail Reception


Join us for drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and face-to-face networking with peers.

Tuesday - July 1, 2025

10:00 AM 11:00 AM

9:00 AM 10:00 AM

8:00 AM 9:00 AM

7:00 AM 8:00 AM

Networking Breakfast

10:00 AM 1:00 PM

9:00 AM 12:00 PM

8:00 AM 11:00 AM

7:00 AM 10:00 AM

Help Desk Open

10:00 AM 3:15 PM

9:00 AM 2:15 PM

8:00 AM 1:15 PM

7:00 AM 12:15 PM

Exhibit Hall Open

11:00 AM 11:05 AM

10:00 AM 10:05 AM

9:00 AM 9:05 AM

8:00 AM 8:05 AM

Welcome Remarks and Day One Takeaways

 

Conference Chair
Ana Handshuh, Principal 
CAT5 Strategies 

11:05 AM 12:05 PM

10:05 AM 11:05 AM

9:05 AM 10:05 AM

8:05 AM 9:05 AM

Bridging The Connection Between Personal Well-Being and Professional Success

 

You are stressed, overwhelmed, and on the brink of burnout. You feel like you have no time for self-care, and it doesn't matter because you'd have no clue what to tackle first. Join Dr. Denniston for this fast-paced, action-packed hour revealing wellness strategy secrets to leave you inspired and ready to act. 

 

You will learn  

  • Why we are in a constant health headwind 
  • The three secrets about stress you don't know 
  • Your most crucial well-being system is like a see-saw 
  • The critical self-compassion practice that must come first 
  • The trick to making new behaviors stick 

 

Dr. Heather Denninston  

WELLFIT and FED 

12:05 PM 12:50 PM

11:05 AM 11:50 AM

10:05 AM 10:50 AM

9:05 AM 9:50 AM

Standing in Your Power to Advocate for Yourself and Uplift Others

  • Own your confidence and power to confidently stand in your truth and reclaim your space, even in challenging environments  
  • Discuss ways to lift up and support the women around you, ensuring that everyone in the room has a voice and is empowered 
  • Explore actionable strategies for creating a community of strong, confident women who recharge, reset, and rise together 

Natasha VanWright, Senior Vice President, Clinical Operations  
Belong Health  

Dr. Shannon Decker, Principal 
VBC One  

Barrie Cohen, Owner and Founder 
BC Public Relations  

12:50 PM 1:10 PM

11:50 AM 12:10 PM

10:50 AM 11:10 AM

9:50 AM 10:10 AM

Networking Break

1:10 PM 2:00 PM

12:10 PM 1:00 PM

11:10 AM 12:00 PM

10:10 AM 11:00 AM

Redefining Productivity, Self-Care, and Corporate Culture

 

  • Examine why being busy doesn’t always equal being productive and how to prioritize what truly matters 
  • Discover practical ways to incorporate meaningful self-care into your daily routine, without the guilt or glorification of burnout 
  • Learn how to advocate for a healthier work culture that values balance, well-being, and long-term productivity over constant hustle 

2:00 PM 3:00 PM

1:00 PM 2:00 PM

12:00 PM 1:00 PM

11:00 AM 12:00 PM

Networking Lunch

3:00 PM 3:45 PM

2:00 PM 2:45 PM

1:00 PM 1:45 PM

12:00 PM 12:45 PM

Develop Financial Confidence and Gain Money Strategies

  • Break through limiting beliefs by shifting your money mindset and seeing money as a skill you can build. 
  • Build wealth by aligning your financial decisions with your values and goals. 
  • Simplify your investing strategy by using easy, effective tools to start growing your wealth with confidence. 

Moderator: 
Laura Sheriff, RN, MSN, CPC, CRC 
Risk Adjustment Industry Expert 

Tess Waresmith  
Financial Educator, Speaker, Investor 

3:45 PM 4:30 PM

2:45 PM 3:30 PM

1:45 PM 2:30 PM

12:45 PM 1:30 PM

The Burn Bright Model: A Roadmap for Lasting Change

 

Description: This interactive session empowers attendees to transform their conference insights into a tangible, personalized action plan. Using Hannah’s expert framework, the Burn Bright Model, participants will reflect on their key takeaways, assess their priorities, and create a roadmap for integrating newfound knowledge into their personal and professional lives. 

Workshop Deliverable: 

By the end of this session, each participant will have a personalized action plan that outlines how they will integrate their conference insights into their daily life and work, ensuring sustained impact and growth. 

 

Next Steps: 

  • Schedule a follow-up check-in with an accountability partner. 
  • Set calendar reminders to revisit your plan in 30, 60, and 90 days. 
  • Celebrate progress and iterate your plan as needed to maintain momentum. 

This workshop ensures that the inspiration and knowledge gained at the conference translate into meaningful, long-term transformation. Let’s turn insights into action and Burn Bright with resilience and purpose

 

Hannah Austin, MBA, CEO/Founder/ Author 
SheShatters, LLC. 

 

4:30 PM 4:35 PM

3:30 PM 3:35 PM

2:30 PM 2:35 PM

1:30 PM 1:35 PM

Closing Remarks


Time dedicated to share lessons learned from the conference, finalize your action plan, and plan for the future. 
 
 

Conference Chair 
Ana Handshuh, Principal 
CAT5 Strategies