Schedule of Events

Welcome

• Shannon Mantaro, JNIWL Executive Director/Chief Officer
• Cassey Ogden, Interim City Manager, City of Denton
• Carine Feyten, PhD, TWU System President & Chancellor
• Jane Nelson, Former Texas Secretary of State
• Marlene Phillips, Director, Center for Women in Government, Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership

Opening Session

Staying Neutral in a Political Environment
Introduced by Jill Jester, Council Member, At Large Place 6, City of Denton

• LaShon Ross, Deputy City Manager, City of Plano

Concurrent Breakout Session I

Across the Generational Divide
Introduced by Suzann Woodard, Director of Government Relations, Texas Woman’s University

• Dr. Shannon Scott, Professor, Division of Social Work, Psychology, and Philosophy, Texas Woman’s University

Today’s workplaces span four generations—and plenty of misunderstandings. This session tackles communication styles, expectations, and assumptions across age groups, offering practical strategies to collaborate more effectively. Whether you’re managing up, mentoring down, or working sideways, you’ll learn how to turn generational differences into leadership strengths.

Pioneer 1/2

Parks, Politics, & Professionalism
Introduced by Marlene Phillips, Director, Center for Women in Government, JNIWL

• Melissa Chapman-Ait Belaid, Director, Member Engagement, LEE
• Calie Willis, Chief of Strategic Relationships, City of Coppell

Sometimes the best leadership lessons come from comedy—because they’re painfully true. Inspired by Parks and Recreation, this session uses humor and pop culture to explore workplace dynamics, personalities, and pitfalls. Expect laughs, recognition, and surprisingly practical takeaways on teamwork, boundaries, and surviving even the most “Leslie Knope–adjacent” environments.

Lights, Camera, Economic Impact
Introduced and Moderated by Dr. Marcella Clinard, Associate Director, JNIWL Center for Women in Government

• Ali Nichols, Deputy Director, Texas Film Commission
• Matilda Weeden, Economic Development Specialist, City of Denton
• Dominique Anderson M.F.A., Assistant Professor of Film and Media Creation, Abilene Christian University | Owner, Blissful Sky Studio

From blockbuster productions to local shoots, film is a serious economic development. This session explores how Texas attracts and leverages the film industry to generate jobs, small business growth, and long-term community investment. Hear from leaders at the Texas Film Commission and/or the Fort Worth Film Commission about how creative industries translate into real dollars—and real opportunity—for cities and regions across the state.

Structured Facilitated Networking Sessions

• Public Service Power Network
  Facilitated by Caryn Riggs, Vice President, ZacTax Finance
• Candidate Curious Network
  Facilitated by Hope Osborn, Executive Director LBJ Women’s Campaign School
• Advocacy Impact Network
  Facilitated by Angela Farley, Founder, AI Farley Consulting, LLC

Pioneer 1/2

Pioneer 3/4

Appaloosa/ Quarter

Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership Distinguished Public Service Award Presentation

• Bobbie Mitchell

Lunch

The Changing Face of County Leadership: A Decade of Data
Introduced by Neena Newberry, President, Newberry Executive Solutions 

• Shannon Mantaro, JNIWL Executive Director/Chief Officer – Moderator
• Dr. Kristen Gunther, Partner MPK&D
• Juli Luke, Denton County Clerk
• Teneshia Hudspeth, Harris County Clerk

Concurrent Breakout Session II

Win. Lose. Lead. Repeat.
Introduced by Suzann Woodard, Director of Government Relations, Texas Woman’s University

• Jill Dutton, Former Texas House of Representatives Member

Leadership isn’t just about winning—it’s about what you do next. Former State Representative Jill Dutton shares her firsthand experience of winning an election, losing one, and continuing to lead with purpose. This candid conversation explores resilience, perspective, and how setbacks can sharpen—not end—your leadership journey.

Pioneer 1/2

Order in the House
Introduced by Marlene Phillips, Director, Center for Women in Government, JNIWL

• Lee Woodward, City Secretary/PIO
• Denise Davis, Former Texas House Parliamentarian

Ever wonder how meetings actually move—or stall—when the stakes are high? This behind-the-scenes session with the former Texas House of Representatives Parliamentarian Denise Davis and Lee Woodward, an expert in Robert’s Rules of Order, breaks down decorum, procedure, and the appropriate use of parliamentary procedure in real-world settings. Learn how rules shape outcomes, how to navigate formal environments with confidence, and why knowing the process is a quiet form of power.

Pull Up a Chair
Introduced by Tracey Long, SVP/Commercial Loan Officer at Worthington Bank

• Lynn McBee, CEO of Young Women’s Prep Network
• Maria Mendez, Vice President, Government and Education, Cigna Healthcare
• Morgan LaMantia, Community Relations & Government Affairs Manager at L & F Distributors

Not every seat at the table is offered. This session focuses on how leaders build credibility, influence, and value—whether they’re invited in or creating space for themselves. Learn how to identify where power lives, align your skills with organizational needs, and make yourself indispensable in any room you enter.

Keynote Session
Introduced by The Honorable Myra Crownover, Former Texas State Representative

• Karen Hughes, Communication Strategist and Former Counselor to President George W. Bush

Closing

• Wandaliz Turner, Director of Community Relations, Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership

Networking Happy Hour

Following closing remarks, join us for a Networking Happy Hour for a chance to unwind, exchange ideas and build lasting connections with peers from across public service.

Palomino/
Arabian