Jody Urquhart

Jody Urquhart, author of All Work & No SAY, has presented keynote addresses around the world for over 10 years. She is passionate about spreading the message of using influence in leadership, and meaningful work through the use of humor. Jody is dedicated to educating participants in the importance of humor in all areas of their lives but especially when wearing their "leadership hat."

Urquhart writes a syndicated column called the Joy of Work, which is published in over 40 magazines and trade journals. She has authored numerous articles and been a contributing writer of several books. Her mission is to help individuals and organizations derive more meaning and satisfaction from their work.

From healthcare associations to parks and recreation bodies to corporations and government bodies, Urquhart always leaves her audience energized and laughing.

Jemelle Holopirek, Anchor/Reporter KAKE News

Jemelle started working in the television business as a freshman college student in her hometown. She interned for KAKE’s sister station KLBY TV while attending Colby Community College. She finished her undergraduate work at Kansas State University.

Her first job after college was at KUPK TV in Garden City as an anchor/reporter. Jemelle moved to KAKE in December of 1997 as a general assignment reporter and weekend anchor. She now co-anchors Good Morning Kansas and KAKE News at 11:30 every weekday. In 2006, Good Morning Kansas won the Regional Emmy for Morning Newscast.

As a working mom, Jemelle doesn’t have much time for her favorite hobbies of basketball, volleyball and running. Instead, you can usually find her enjoying any free moments with her husband and three children.

"Cracking open your learning and leadership styles..."
Jill Arensdorf, Professor of Leadership Studies, FHSU

What makes me tick? How do I learn? How do I work best with others? How can I better understand my colleagues? During this interactive workshop you will answer these questions as you explore your personal learning and leadership style and seek to understand other's styles. Through a self-assessment and discussion we will discover together how your style best fits into the leadership process.

"FHSU Team Building: The Female Impact"
John Montgomery, Instructor of Leadership Studies, FHSU

This session will provide an exploration of the interpersonal relationships within teams in organizational environments. Through interactive methods we will explore the impact of gender and individual characteristics on team development in a variety of settings.

"The Many Hats We Wear: Little Known Facts About Women and Leadership"
Christie Brungardt, Professor of Leadership Studies, FHSU

For the first time in our nation's history, fully half of U.S. workers are female - and mothers have become the primary breadwinners in 40% of American families. Come learn more interesting facts about women involved in the leadership process. This information represents one of the most important social trends of the last century, though often absent from our history classes. From civic organizations to politics to CEOs, women continually close the representative gender equality gap.

"Getting Your Ducks in a Row"
Stacey Seibel, Attorney, Seibel Law Offices

Getting Your Ducks in a Row – Estate Planning for a woman and her family. Women wear a variety of hats in their lifetime. For example, depending on her unique circumstances, a woman may be a daughter, an aunt, a wife, a friend, a mother, a grandmother or even a great-grandmother. Often a woman is also the Family Manager. Under her leadership important dates and events are scheduled and the family’s paperwork, from bills to taxes, is completed. As the Family Manager, there is one critical area that needs to be addressed – estate planning.

Estate planning is a process. It involves people–your family, other individuals and, in many cases, charitable organizations of your choice. From how you want your property distributed at your death, to designating a guardian for any child under age 18, to preparing for incapacity issues and health care directives, Seibel will show how leadership is used in preparing a good estate plan. No one wants to be remembered for leaving a legal and financial mess for their loved ones to sort out.

"Hit the Ground Running: Strategies for Women in Public Life"
Dr. Shala Mills, Chair and Associate Professor of Political Science
Dr. Darrell Hamlin, Senior Fellow for Center for Civic Leadership

More women today are interested in greater involvement in public life, particularly elected office. This session will begin with discussion of the traditional obstacles women face when taking on this endeavor. It will then discuss strategies for overcoming each obstacle. If you were unable to participate in Shala and Darrell's session at last year's conference you will want to attend what is sure to be an informative and practical session on how to increase your involvement in public life!

"Hats Off To Hobbies!"
Jada Tubbs, Mother and Homemaker, Colby, KS
Carla Morrical-Frederking, Family & Consumer Science Agent, Ellis Co Extension
Holly Dickman, Horticulture Agent, Ellis Co Extension

With the many hats we wear everyday it is important to take time for ourselves. Hobbies are a great way to sharpen skills, express your creativity, relax and have fun. You may even be able to turn your hobby into a career, and end up with a lifestyle where your work is your play. Learn about three different hobby areas by attending this presentation and panel discussion. Jada Tubbs from Colby will share scrapbooking, Holly Dickman, Ellis County Horticulture Extension Agent, will discuss gardening and its benefits and Carla Morrical-Frederking, Ellis County Family & Consumer Science Agent, will talk about baking.