Celebrate International Women’s Month at the 2025 USC Women’s Conference!
One of our most popular events, the conference brings together alums, parents, students and friends for a day of programs and activities designed to inspire and empower them to create positive change in their personal lives, their communities and the world.
The annual USC Women’s Conference will be held on Friday, March 7, 2025, on the USC University Park Campus.
Interested in speaking at the conference?
If you’re ready to share your insights on such topics as financial empowerment, leadership and technology in breakout sessions, please review the speaker criteria and apply. The application deadline is Friday, December 13. Thanks and Fight On!
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Be sure to follow @USCWomensConference on social media and join the conversation using #USCWC!
Access to all programs and activities at University Park Campus
Morning refreshments, lunch and appetizers/hosted beverages at closing reception
Space is limited. Registration closes Friday, February 28, 2025, or when tickets sell out.
Good-to-Know Registration Information
Group Tickets (7 or More)
To purchase 7 or more tickets, please email the USC Alumni Association. You can also review sponsorship opportunities for group tickets and brand inclusion at the conference.
Cancellation Policy
We do NOT offer any refunds for ticket purchases. You may, however, transfer your ticket to another individual until 12:00 p.m. on Friday, February 28, 2025, by emailing us. Please note that each ticket is only eligible for one transfer.
Conference Schedule
Friday, March 7, 2025 University Park Campus
8:30 – 9:40 am | Registration and Continental Breakfast
9:50 am – 12:05 pm | Morning Session (Bovard Auditorium)
9:50 – 9:55 am | Conference Welcome
Erika Jordan EML ’18
Associate Senior Vice President for Alumni Relations
9:55 – 10:20 am | Keynote Address
Carol L. Folt
President, University of Southern California
10:20 – 10:30 am | Facilitated Wellness Break
10:30 – 11:15 am | Women’s Health Panel: Wellness Across All Stages of Life
11:30 am – 12:30 pm | Breakout Session I (Various Locations)
The Antidote to Impostor Syndrome
Learn how to connect with your personal power, build confidence and lead with authority in the workplace.
Emily Ann Page ’06, MA ’06, PhD ’10
Executive Growth Coach
Emily Ann Page is a venture capitalist, mentor, consultant and entrepreneur. While earning her BA, MA and PhD in economics at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, she worked as research assistant for the distinguished economist Richard Easterlin; this experience informs Emily’s approach to scaling businesses, with a focus on a data-driven people skills. For 12 years, she worked in consumer packaged goods (CPG) development, where she launched multiple, 7-figure brands. Emily also co-founded White Jocko Tea, which she helped grow to $1 million in revenue before selling her shares. Emily currently mentors small business owners in the online course, START TO SOLD.
12:30 – 1:45 pm | Lunch
1:50 – 2:50 pm | Breakout Session II (Various Locations)
(Please note, breakout sessions will be the same for each round.)
3:10 – 3:55 pm | Trailblazing Together: Leadership and Legacy at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and Paralympics
Meet trailblazing USC alumnae who are leading the way in organizing the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and Paralympics. They will discuss their preparation for this historic event, as well as the potential impact of the games on Los Angeles and beyond. You will also learn about the significance of having a seat at the leadership table and using your position to advocate for others.
3:55 – 4:40 pm | Unstoppable Innovators: Women Leading the Charge on Leveraging AI for Pandemic Prevention
Discover how three pioneering USC Viterbi School of Engineering professors are using their knowledge of machine learning algorithms for pandemic prevention. By harnessing the power of AI for data analysis, forecasting and workforce development, these unstoppable women are not only driving innovation and preparing us for future pandemics—they are demonstrating the resilience, leadership and determination that define women in STEM.
Urbashi Mitra
Gordon S. Marshall Chair in Engineering
Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Computer Science
USC Viterbi School of Engineering
Bistra Dilkina
Dr. Allen and Charlotte Ginsburg Early Career Chair in Computer Science and Associate Professor of Computer Science
USC Viterbi School of Engineering
Gisele Ragusa
Professor of Engineering Education Practice
USC Viterbi School of Engineering
4:45 – 5:00 pm | Closing Remarks
5:00 – 6:30 pm | Closing Reception
Call for Speakers
The USC Alumni Association invites inspiring and accomplished individuals to apply as speakers for the 2025 USC Women’s Conference on Friday, March 7, at USC’s University Park Campus. This year’s theme, “The Unstoppable Power of Women,” celebrates the resilience, innovation, and leadership of women.
We are recruiting speakers for carefully curated breakout sessions covering topics like financial empowerment, wellness, leadership, technology, and more. If you are a thought leader or expert ready to share your insights with a diverse, engaged audience, review the session details and apply by Tuesday, December 17, 2024.
Financial Empowerment for Every Stage of Your Unstoppable Journey
Description: From career transitions to major life investments like home ownership, caregiving, and retirement, each step of life has financial demands that require strategy and insight. This session will offer actionable tips for building savings, investing wisely, and managing finances to remain empowered throughout your life’s beautiful stages.
Speaker Criteria: Ideal speakers are financial experts, wealth advisors, or entrepreneurs who specialize in personal finance for diverse life stages, including retirement planning, family budgeting, and financial goal-setting. They should bring experience in making financial education accessible, especially for women navigating unique financial challenges and opportunities.
Thriving as Unstoppable Women Leaders
Description: This panel will bring together inspiring women leaders who have succeeded in fields where women are often underrepresented. They’ll share their journeys, covering how they’ve navigated challenges, embraced strengths, inspired teams, and achieved their goals. These trailblazers will discuss how they not only empower women but also lead and mentor men, showcasing a commitment to inclusive leadership. This session is about breaking boundaries and leading with resilience, vision, and a dedication to fostering growth across all genders.
Speaker Criteria: Speakers should be trailblazers in their industries—those who have navigated or overcome obstacles in male-dominated spaces. They should be strong communicators, capable of sharing both their successes and the strategies they used to thrive, uplift others, and make a lasting impact.
Redefining Success and Balance: Unstoppable Strategies for Fulfillment
Description: Success and balance look different for every unstoppable woman. In this interactive session, we’ll explore how to set powerful intentions, plan with purpose, and celebrate each win along the way. We’ll discuss mindsets and strategies to keep evolving our definitions of purpose and harmony over the short and long term.
Speaker Criteria: Ideal speakers are life coaches, wellness experts, or successful professionals who have personal experience in integrating career and personal life without sacrificing fulfillment. They should be able to share strategies for sustainable success, goal-setting, and achieving personal balance.
Technology for Women: Embrace Your Unstoppable Edge with AI and Emerging Trends
Description: Technology is an unstoppable force in today’s world. Learn how AI and other emerging trends can enhance your creativity, solve problems, and support leadership. This session will also cover the importance of inclusivity and ethics in tech, empowering women to confidently leverage technology for personal and professional growth.
Speaker Criteria: Speakers should be leaders in technology, with a focus on AI, data science, or tech innovation. They should have a commitment to ethics and inclusivity in tech and be able to offer practical insights on how women can apply these tools in creative and empowering ways.
Building Unstoppable Connections: Meaningful Work and Volunteer Relationships
Description: This workshop will guide you through the art of relationship-building, making networking not just a necessity, but a joy. From professional collaborations to volunteer initiatives, learn how to build lasting connections that uplift you and others, creating a network that supports your unstoppable journey.
Speaker Criteria: Speakers should be experts in networking, community building, or leadership. They should have proven experience in fostering long-term relationships in professional and volunteer spaces and bring insight on creating connections that are mutually enriching and empowering.
Unstoppable Wellness: Mastering Self-Care for the Whole You
Description: Physical, mental, and emotional health are foundational to being unstoppable. This session offers strategies for thriving in all aspects of well-being, from setting boundaries to embracing self-care practices that build resilience. Participate in guided exercises designed to center you in strength and positivity.
Speaker Criteria: Speakers should be wellness experts, therapists, or life coaches with a holistic approach to health. They should have experience in mental, physical, or emotional self-care practices and be comfortable leading guided exercises that foster resilience and well-being.
2024 Conference Sponsors
Elevate your brand’s visibility and support empowerment by sponsoring the USC Women’s Conference. Join us in reaching a diverse and influential audience of leaders, professionals and forward-thinkers. Explore the myriad sponsorship opportunities available and learn more about our engaged attendees by reviewing our informational packet.
Any questions? Email Ashley Bonanno-Curley at bonanno@usc.edu.
Presenting Sponsors
USC Alumni Association Premier Sponsors
Committee
Co-Chairs
Priya Rana Kapoor ’93, MMFTH ’06
Priya Rana Kapoor is an executive life coach, consultant, author and speaker who facilitates workshops and trainings for international corporations and nonprofits. To help clients succeed personally and professionally, she guides them in building businesses, improving their leadership skills and navigating career advancement or transition. Over the years, Priya has been a guest on NBC’s Today Show, BBC Radio Asia and numerous podcasts.
Priya earned a BA in theatre (acting) from the USC School of Dramatic Arts and a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFTH) from the USC Rossier School of Education. She currently serves on the USC Alumni Association Board of Governors Executive Committee.
Stephanie Paggi ’74, MS ’77, EdD ’90
Stephanie Paggi is a retired educator who served as the deputy superintendent and chief academic officer for the Tustin Unified School District for many years. A triple USC alumna, she earned her BS, MS and EdD in education from the USC Rossier School of Education.
One of USC’s most dedicated volunteers, Stephanie is currently serving as the co-chair of both her 50th Reunion Committee and the USC Caruso Catholic Center’s Newman Guild. She is also a member of USC Associates and a supporter of USC Gamma Phi Beta. An emeritus member of the USC Alumni Association Board of Governors, Stephanie previously chaired the Alumnae Coordinating Council and served as president of the Trojan League of Orange County. She has received the USC Alumni Association’s President’s Award and Widney Alumni House Volunteer Award.
Committee Members
Edie Ashton ’92
Edie Ashton is the chief technology officer for Guggenheim Investments. Over the course of her career in hi-tech, she has worked in both financial services and telecommunications. Edie is a USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences alumna with a BA in economics. Outside of work, she participates in the USC Alumni Council for Opportunity and Regional Engagement (Alumni CORE) and enjoys outdoor activities with her two Labrador Retrievers.
Andrea Defterios
Paola Fernandez ’14, MPP ’19
Ali Gutierrez ’23
Ali Gutierrez is a current member of the USC Young Alumni Council and a former president of Society 53, the governing and programming board of the Student Alumni Society. A USC School of Dramatic Arts alumna with a BA in theatre (acting), she currently works in business development for Mucho, an international brand and design company.
Nupur Kumar ’95
Nupur Kumar is a family medicine physician and the chief medical officer for Capital Health Physicians. A second-generation Trojan, she earned a BS in biological sciences from the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. Balancing her medical career with her dedication to wellness and family is a top priority for Nupur, who also serves on the USC Dornsife Alumni Advisory Council.
Domenika Lynch ’97, MFTH ’15
Domenika Lynch is the executive director of the Aspen Institute Latinos and Society Program. In this position, she focuses on empowering Latino communities and enhancing economic resilience. Prior to joining the Aspen Institute, Domenika served as the president and CEO of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute; she also served as the executive director of the USC Latino Alumni Association for more than a decade. A double USC alumna, Domenika earned a BS in public policy and management from the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy and a Master of Marriage and Family Therapy ( MFTH) from the USC Rossier School of Education.
Gitanjali Mohindra ’94
Rachel Morford ’07, MS ’07
Rachel Morford is a principal director at The Aerospace Corporation, specializing in corporate integration and strategic initiatives. She is a past president of the Society of Women Engineers and currently serves on the USC Alumni Association Board of Governors. Rachel earned both her BS and MS in electrical engineering from the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. In 2021, she received the alumni association’s Young Alumni Award.
Lisa Prince MAT ’24
Roopa Radhakrishnan
Roopa Radhakrishnan is a senior manager in deal negotiations for Uber. Passionate about advancing women in the workplace, she’s active in resource groups at Uber and serves on the board of the USC Trojan Women’s Network. A USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences alumna with BA in political science, Roopa enjoys cooking, traveling and reading fiction.
Amy Rice ’88
Amy Rice is the youth education manager for the Women Founders Network. Passionate about supporting entrepreneurs and fostering leadership, she educates high school girls and college students about venture capital. A USC Marshall School of Business alumna with a BS in business administration, Amy currently serves on the board of the USC Alumni Entrepreneur Network.
Naecha Roberts MCG ’17
Naecha Roberts is a communications specialist who has built a career working in health, wellness, real estate and marketing. Inspired by Maya Angelou, she strives to uplift others through her storytelling and community-focused work. Nachea earned a Master of Communication Management (MCG) from the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.
Ethel Rubio ’95
Ethel Rubio is the principal/owner of Ethel G. Rubio, a consulting firm specializing in construction/project management and strategic outreach and engagement. Over the course of her 30+ year career, she has worked in the built-environment and nonprofit sectors. A USC School of Architecture alumna with a BS in architecture, Ethel is the chair of the Adams-Normandie Historic Preservation Overlay Zone. She is also the vice president and president-elect of the Filipino American Society of Architects and Engineers of Southern California (FASAE SoCal).
Mary Earl Spencer ’66
Mary Earl Spencer is a former educator widely recognized for her lifelong commitment to service and volunteerism. Since graduating with a BS in education from the USC Rossier School of Education, she has served as the president of both the Trojan League of Orange County and the Association of Trojan Leagues; co-chair of the Class of 1966 50th Reunion Committee; and as co-chair of the Alumni Coordinating Council Senior Scholarship Luncheon. In her local community, Mary is a charter member and former president of the Assistance League of Irvine.
Adrienne Visnic ’14
Adrienne Visnic is an actor, producer and singer with a BFA in theatre (acting) from the USC School of Dramatic Arts (SDA). She currently serves as the chair of the SDA Alumni Leadership Council; in this role, she strives to engage fellow Trojans with her passion for the arts, connection and storytelling. A former member of the USC Alumni Association Board of Governors, Adrienne received the alumni association’s Widney Alumni House Volunteer Award in 2019.
Part 1: Conference Welcome, “The Power of the Trojan Family,” “The Power of Having a Seat at the Table,” and “The Power of Navigating Your Career”
Morning session of the USC Women’s Conference, including introductory remarks from Scott Rabenold and Nadine Watt; a presentation on the state of the university from USC President Carol L. Folt; a panel on inclusion with Folt, Suzanne Nora Johnson, and John Iino; and a presentation on career strategy by Tracy Arceci.
Part 2: “The Power Leveraging AI for Women by Women” and “The Power of Collaboration to Fight Cancer”
Alice Chang and Adrienne Bankert discuss AI, followed by a panel on early detection of cancer featuring Peter Kuhn, Jorge Nieva, Assad Oberai, and Amy Ross
USC’s Associate Senior Vice President for Alumni Relations Patrick E. Auerbach EdD ’08 introduces this panel discussion that includes Christopher Manning, Vice President, Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer; Sheryl Evans Davis EdD ’20, Executive Director, San Francisco Human Rights Commission; and Joanna Joyce Weiss JD ’97, Founder/President of WAVE (Women for American Values and Ethics).
Making Entertainment Diverse, Inclusive & All-Embracing
A panel discussion with Poppy Hanks ’95, Executive Vice President of Production and Development, MACRO; Leslie Lehr ’82, A Boob’s Life, Pegagus Books, HBO Max, Truby Writers Studio; Liza Pano ’90, Senior Vice President of Worldwide Distribution Services, Paramount Pictures; and Tiffany Everett ’02, Senior Marketing and PR Professional.
