Now that you’re back into the swing of things after spring break, don’t forget that it’s still Women’s History Month. And don’t miss out on your chance to do some networking and learn from some expert speakers this Saturday from 8:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the 12th Annual Women’s Symposium on South Campus.
The free event will kick off in the Student Center at 8:15 a.m. with a continental breakfast in the Faculty Dining Room. You’ll also have a chance to register, check-in, do some networking, or take in more than 35 exhibits in the lobby and the cafeteria until the opening session begins at 9 a.m.
Opening Session
The symposium officially opens with a conversation on “Economic, Social, Spiritual, and Business Forces of Change in the 21st Century.” The professional panel includes Barbara Becker, dean of the school of urban and public affairs at UT-Arlington and Cynthia Wilson, an expert in education and family development. The conversation will be moderated by Anita Jones, CEO and president of AJ Consulting.
Becker, who received her Ph.D. at the University of Texas at Austin, joined UT-Arlington in the summer of 2008 from the University of Arizona where she was Chair of the School of Planning. Previously, she was chair of City and Regional Planning at Missouri State where she helped create the only university headed Council of Governments in the U.S.
Over the years, she has directed hundreds of students in outreach projections, including a national award winning economic development plan for the Hopi. She also co-authored the widely used book, Community Planning: An Introduction to Comprehensive Planning, as well as numerous journal articles.
Wilson is an entrepreneur at heart, and she currently serves in the education field and family development. As a graduate of Texas A & M University, she holds a Master of Education, a Master of Business Administration and is a certified Texas educator. Currently, as Vice-President of Alpha Life’s Strategies, LLC, she specializes in equipping others with strategic living, consulting, and successful life planning strategies. She also serves as a motivational speaker, business strategist and career coach, and Christian minister.
Discussion of Legal Issues
After a break of more networking and exhibits, South Campus President Peter Jordan will officially welcome this year’s participants, and Faye D. Watson, attorney and South Campus adjunct government professor, will introduce the general session speaker Nikki L. Chriesman, president of The L. Clifford Davis Legal Association. Chriesman will present “21st Century Legal Issues — How They Impact Your Life!”
Chriesman overcame numerous challenges and obstacles while pursuing her dream to be become a lawyer. She currently manages her own firm, The Chriesman Law Firm, while also working as a corporate fiduciary representative in the Benefit Litigation Department at AT&T.
In addition to serving as the President of the L. Clifford Davis Legal Association, which is the minority bar association in Tarrant County, she remains active in the community. She is a member of the board of directors for the Texas Wesleyan Law School Alumni Association and Tarrant County Volunteer Attorney Services Program, and she also supports many nonprofit organizations and serves as a mentor and provides assistance to at-risk youth and teenage mothers seeking assistance with educational needs.
Door Prizes
The symposium will wrap up with more networking and exhibits, plus a drawing for door prizes. You must be present to win, and you must be present to reap the benefits of this educational experience.