Leading Change

March 20, 2025 In-Person and Online

The Simmons Leadership Conference (#SLC2025) was more than just an event — it was a powerful catalyst for transformative change. Centered on the theme of Leading Change, this year’s conference invited attendees to explore what it truly means to navigate and drive transformation in today’s dynamic world.

This transformative one-day leadership development experience featured thought-provoking discussions led by inspiring keynote speakers. Each session was crafted to ignite passion, share valuable insights, and equip participants with actionable strategies for leading change in today’s workplace.

March 20, 2025 Simmons Leadership Conference: Program Agenda

Why SLC2025?

Imagine a day where you are surrounded with opportunities to:

ENGAGE with impactful thought leaders.
NETWORK with change-makers.
ACCESS tools to transform workplace culture.
EXPERIENCE unparalleled inspiration.
ADVOCATE for equity-driven leadership.
CELEBRATE your commitment to inclusive leadership.

Attendees Are Raving...

Attending the Simmons Leadership Conference was an eye-opening experience, filled with powerful lessons on leading through change, embracing resilience, and navigating the AI revolution.

Jennifer Ferreyra

Enterprise Customer Delivery Manager, Cisco

I walked away feeling empowered, energized, and deeply inspired—and I can’t wait to put these lessons into action.

Alice Gold

Project-Based Learning Coach and Designer, MIT

Attending SLC2025 was an unforgettable experience that left me feeling inspired, empowered and ready to take on new challenges.

Ai Quyen Le

Technology Engagement Associate, John Hancock

I am feeling inspired after attending and being surrounded by women leaders who uplift and empower each other. When women thrive, we all thrive!

Liana Nguyen

Senior Full Stack Software Engineer, John Hancock

So excited and happy to be *virtually* a part of the Simmons Leadership Conference today! Learning, growing and connecting with other leaders around the world is an AMAZING opportunity!! I plan to take back a lot of tips I can use to impact change in my role.

Tatyana Thomas-Sanford

Frontline Supervisor at Boston Children’s Hospital

Our 2025 Simmons Leadership Conference Speakers

This year’s speakers inspired attendees as they shared their personal journeys, delivered powerful career-building insights, and sparked engaging, thought-provoking discussions on the transformative theme of Leading Change. Attendees left empowered and motivated to make an impact.

Keynotes & Fireside Chats

Susan MacKenty Brady

CEO of Simmons University Institute for Inclusive Leadership

Tiffany Dufu

President of the Tory Burch Foundation

Cynthia “Cynt” Marshall

CEO of the Dallas Mavericks, President & CEO, Marshalling Resources Consulting, Retired AT&T Executive and Author

Jessica O. Matthews

CEO of Uncharted, Innovator and Social Entrepreneur, Trailblazing Energy Advocate

Brooke Shields

Actress, Model, Author & Entrepreneur

Visionary Leader Award Winner

Sheila Davis, DNP, ANP-BC, FAAN

Chief Executive Officer, Partners In Health

Featured Speakers

Sophia Kianni

Founder of Climate Cardinals, Youngest Appointed United Nations Advisor & Social Entrepreneur

Lele Mason

Applied Improv Facilitator

Yolanda McLean

Senior Director, Global Quality Control, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals
Track Featured Speaker 

Tamara Nolte

Applied Improv Facilitator

Dr. Lynn Perry Wooten

President, Simmons University

Second City Works

Global Leader in Improv-based Learning

Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva

Founder and Chief Reinvention Officer, The Reinvention Academy

Executive Panelists

Dr. Maha Radhakrishnan

Executive Partner, Private Equity Sofinnova Investments
Track Featured Speaker 

Katie Catlender

Chief Operations Officer, Point32Health

Sherifa Hady

VP of Worldwide Midmarket & SMB Sales, HPE

Julie Lane

Sr. Director, Social Impact and Inclusion Office, Cisco

Gregory Martin

Director, Behavioral Insurance Activation, John Hancock

Denise Millard

Chief Partner Officer, Dell

Dr. Angela Patterson

Enterprise Chief Nursing Officer, CVS Health
Track Featured Speaker 

Dr. Heather Shlosser

Dean, School of Nursing, Simmons University DNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC
Track Featured Speaker 

Dr. Laura Wood

Boston Children’s Hospital’s Exec VP, Patient Care Operations, System Chief Nurse Exec, and Sporing Carpenter Chair for Nursing Track Featured Speaker 

Faciliators & Emcees

Joyce Kulhawik

Emmy-award winning Broadcast Journalist, CBS NEWS, GBH News “The Culture Show,” President Boston Theater Critics Association

Kristen Palson

COO, Simmons University Institute for Inclusive Leadership and Executive Producer, Simmons Leadership Conference

Kerry Seitz

Vice President, Women’s Leadership, Simmons University Institute for Inclusive Leadership

Elisa van Dam

Vice President, Allyship & Inclusion, Simmons University Institute for Inclusive Leadership

SLC2025
Featured Track

The Empowering Women Leaders Across Healthcare and Life Science track was a dynamic new experience designed to inspire, connect, and empower women leaders in the healthcare and life sciences sectors.

This exclusive track took place within the larger conference on March 20 and shone a spotlight on women leaders driving transformative change in life sciences and healthcare—industries at the forefront of innovation and human well-being. It offered a unique opportunity to exchange game-changing ideas, tackle real-world challenges, and network with pioneering leaders shaping the future. By fostering collaboration and inspiration, this track empowered attendees to make an even greater impact in these critical, rapidly evolving fields.

Track Host and Moderators:

Heather Shlosser, Dean of Simmons University School of Nursing
Paul Geisler, Dean of Simmons University School of Sciences & Health Professions

Networking Breakfast

Kickstart your day by connecting with dynamic women leaders shaping the future of healthcare and life sciences.

Expert Panel

Gain valuable insights, uncover strategies for empowerment, and learn from the contributions of women leading innovation and driving progress in the field.