Women in Leadership Program with AI Driven Engagement |
Develop Strategies & Interpersonal Skills for Greater Success
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Women have always been at the forefront of policy change and breaking barriers. Today’s female executives work hard to balance personal and professional lives while exceeding expectations. Resilience and determination continues to empower women toward their goals to become chiefs of industry. You'll learn to navigate the nuances of thought leadership, barrier destruction and organizational influence. This program serves as a platform for women to engage and uplift each other by inspiring positive change.
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The Minnesota State Mankato Women in Leadership with AI Driven Engagement Program is designed by industry experts for professionals seeking expert advice, strategies and practical tools. From your initial Personal Leadership assessment, to team building, negotiation strategies, communications, organizational culture and more, be ready to roll-up your sleeves and apply new skills in this hands-on, interactive course.
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Benefits to Companies
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Benefits to Individual Students
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Inclusivity Statement
This course is open to all learners. While the curriculum focuses on leadership experiences and challenges frequently associated with women in organizational settings, enrollment, participation, and assessment are not limited by sex, gender identity, or gender expression. All individuals seeking to support women’s advancement and inclusive leadership are welcome here.
Learn how to navigate the nuances of leading through thought leadership, barrier destruction, and influence. Each module helps you assess your skills, develop your thoughts, and work out your strategies. Participants gain access to Signature Executive Tools designed for immediate organizational impact, including the Plain-Language Clarity Standard, the Stakeholder Alignment Map, and the Escalation Ladder Framework.
From the ongoing battle for equal rights to the breaking of barriers in the workplace, women face complex issues in a dynamic environment that has been dominated by men for centuries. Even in the face of adversity, women continually meet or exceed company expectations while continuing to juggle the day-to-day. The modern-day woman is often required to transition from mogul to mother in a matter of minutes. Enjoy a course created and taught by women leaders, for women leaders!
From the ongoing battle for equal rights to the breaking of barriers in the workplace, women face complex issues in a dynamic environment that has been dominated by men for centuries. Even in the face of adversity, women continually meet or exceed company expectations while continuing to juggle the day-to-day. The modern-day woman is often required to transition from mogul to mother in a matter of minutes. Enjoy a course created and taught by women leaders, for women leaders!
Module 1 - Leading with Authority in Data-Driven Environments
During this module, participants examine how decisions form in complex environments, where clarity erodes under pressure, and how structured evaluation lenses strengthen leadership judgment before approval momentum builds.
Module 2 - Power, Politics, and Resource Allocation
During this module, participants learn how to align marketing decisions to business outcomes, executive priorities, and measurable definitions of success while confronting incentive conflicts, power dynamics, and the risk of metric driven misbehavior in automated systems.
Module 3 - Judgment, Risk, and Human Accountability
During this module, participants deepen their understanding of consequence, risk exposure, and escalation responsibility, strengthening their ability to intervene appropriately when outcomes carry reputational, legal, or human impact.
Module 4 - Trust, Visibility, and Executive Communication
During this module, participants strengthen their ability to communicate under visibility, lead conversations that preserve credibility, and articulate responsible oversight in environments where change is scrutinized.
Module 5 - Strategic Negotiation and Value Alignment
During this module, participants examine how organizations assign value, how initiatives compete for support, and how leaders position contributions so that responsible work receives sustained investment.
Module 6 - Governance, Culture, and Long-Horizon Leadership
During this module, participants elevate their perspective to institutional stewardship, exploring governance responsibility, workforce evolution, and cultural resilience as foundations for sustainable progress.
Capstone Project: The Leadership Blueprint
Synthesize your expertise into a strategic, board-ready artifact. This 'Leadership Position' demonstrates your ability to lead intelligent transformation with clarity, credibility, and institutional stewardship.
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Stephene Klein MPH, MPHA, MBAStephene Klein is a distinguished executive strategist, Chief Data & Analytics Leader, and academic trailblazer with over 20 years of experience architecting the intersection of advanced analytics and enterprise value. With a formidable career rooted in high-stakes environments such as Nielsen, CBS, and Zschool where she has spearheaded strategic direction for over 10,000 CxOs worldwide Stephene specializes in building the structural and cultural foundations required for a human-led, AI-native future. Holding three master’s degrees (MBA, MPH, MPHA) with summa cum laude distinction, she seamlessly blends award-winning business development acumen with deep global engagement expertise. Recognized with the Global Vision Award for Brand Strategy and a Gold Medal for Storytelling Writing, Stephene consistently drives sustainable revenue growth and global innovation across complex business landscapes.
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Kathrine Higley (ORNL/NREL/Northrop Grumman) Group Manager, (NREL)Kathrine Higley is a seasoned executive and operations leader with over 20 years of experience architecting enterprise-grade compliance, procurement, and supply chain strategies in high-stakes, highly regulated environments. With a distinguished career spanning premier institutions such as the Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Northrop Grumman, and the U.S. Navy, Kathrine specializes in building the operational and structural foundations necessary for complex, global organizations to scale securely. Her leadership consistently drives cross-functional alignment, transforming stringent regulatory requirements into streamlined, cost-saving operational efficiencies.
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Chequita McCullough McCullough Consulting Group (Founder) | Published author (#1 Amazon New Release). Forbes-featured leaderChequita McCullough is a Forbes-featured executive and Master Certified Coach with over 25 years of experience driving organizational transformation across highly competitive, male-dominated industries. As the Founder of McCullough Consulting Group, her career is rooted in high-stakes leadership roles within major commercial real estate and enterprise operations, where she successfully managed multi-million-dollar portfolios and cultivated high-performing, cross-functional teams. Chequita specializes in aligning structural business strategies with human-centric processes, effectively removing barriers to growth and architecting environments where both profitability and people thrive.
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Britney Beck Hi-Wire HR Consulting (Founder) | 20+ years executive HR. Featured speaker at The Business Show US.Britney Beck is a highly accomplished executive human resources strategist and the Founder of Hi-Wire HR Consulting, bringing over two decades of experience in organizational design, risk management, and human-centric leadership. With a career anchored in driving systemic operational excellence highlighted by her extensive 17-year tenure directing HR and Central Services in the public utilities sector Britney specializes in architecting legally sound, high-performance environments. A featured speaker at The Business Show US and a published co-author endorsed by Tony Robbins, she is recognized for her unique ability to simplify complex compliance and people management challenges into scalable strategies that foster both corporate integrity and employee empowerment.
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Annette Albertson RN, BSN, MBA | Navvis Healthcare (Senior Director/VP Client Operations) | Registered Nurse + MBA. Senior Director/VP at Navvis HealthcareAnnette Albertson is an innovative healthcare executive and registered nurse who uniquely bridges the gap between frontline clinical excellence and enterprise-level operational strategy. With a distinguished career spanning leadership roles at Navvis Healthcare, SSM Health, and currently as an Executive Partner at Nuva Ventures, Annette specializes in architecting scalable population health management and value-based care initiatives. Leveraging her deep clinical expertise (RN, BSN), business acumen (MBA), and the strategic discipline forged as a U.S. Army Intelligence Analyst, she designs data-driven, Lean Six Sigma-backed processes that transform complex clinical operations. Recognized as a Top Nurse in 2020, Annette has consistently led cross-functional teams to enhance quality metrics, achieve prestigious NCQA recognition, and unlock millions in shared savings across diverse healthcare ecosystems.
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Melinda Amrein MSOL, PHR, SHRM-CP | Life Connection of Ohio (HR Director) | 30+ yearsMelinda Amrein is a highly accomplished strategic human resources leader and executive instructor with over 30 years of experience partnering with C-suite executives to architect high-performing, resilient organizations. With a career spanning complex sectors featuring impactful tenures at TriHealth, Luxottica, Equipment Depot, and currently as HR Director at Life Connection of Ohio Melinda specializes in aligning people strategies with core business objectives. Holding a Master’s in Organizational Leadership and dual PHR/SHRM-CP certifications, she has a proven track record of driving profound operational efficiency, successfully modernizing HR systems, significantly reducing turnover, and realizing substantial enterprise cost savings through strategic benefits design and governance.
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Tiffany CraftTiffany Craft is a global business leader specializing in international expansion, strategy, marketing, and advertising. She has successfully driven growth for brands like Calvin Klein across Latin America, Asia, and Europe, leveraging cultural insights to boost international revenue.
With expertise in strategic partnerships, retail, media, and entertainment, Tiffany has developed innovative marketing initiatives that enhance brand engagement and visibility. Her ability to merge traditional and digital strategies has led to award-winning campaigns and impactful business growth. Tiffany excels in fostering partnerships, leveraging digital innovation, and integrating AI to enhance efficiency. A sought-after speaker and mentor, she champions a culture of belonging and strategic transformation in global business. |
Instructor Team Contributor
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Jen RichJen Rich is a District Manager at Sherwin-Williams with 17 years of experience, including nine in leadership. Passionate about mentoring women, she has led efforts to create Women’s Resource Groups. She holds a Bachelor’s from Eastern Michigan University, an MBA from Youngstown State University, and is pursuing a Doctorate at Bellevue University. Jen also serves as a Program Advisor for Women in Leadership with AI Driven Engagement at Minnesota State University, Mankato.
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Kathleen M JeffersonKathleen Jefferson is a dedicated Customer Service Professional with 23 years of experience. Holding a Master’s degree in Business Management, she is passionate about leadership development and fostering diversity. Committed to empowering women of all backgrounds, she is proud to be part of this program, advocating for greater representation in leadership roles.
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Janet ElliotJanet Elliot is the Director of Financial Services (B2B Credit), bringing 25 years of expertise in credit, legal contract review, and national accounts. A strategic leader, she is passionate about advancing women’s growth and development, founding and leading her company’s women’s ERG since 2021. Outside of work, she uses her love of photography to capture meaningful moments, creating lasting memories for others.
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Nikki HauckNikki Hauck is the Vice President of Human Resources at Oppidan Investment Company, bringing expertise in talent development and workplace culture. A graduate of Minnesota State University, Mankato with a degree in Education, she holds multiple certifications, including SPHR, PHR, CDP, and CDSP. She recently earned a Certificate in Women in Leadership with AI Driven Engagement from her alma mater, reinforcing her commitment to fostering inclusive and dynamic workplaces.
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Kari PlaggeI am an alumni of Minnesota State University, Mankato with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. I continued my education at Grand Canyon University with a Master's Degree in Education: Curriculum & Instructional Technology. I have over 25 years experience in Healthcare from privacy, compliance, training, workforce, and talent development. I live in Shakopee, MN with my family.
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Mentor Team Contributors
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Jennifer LeszczynskiJennifer B. Leszczynski, with over 19 years at Humana, started as a National Account Executive and evolved into the Director of Contract Management, overseeing all agent contracting for Humana Medicare. Passionate about process development, she has a background in corporate training and radio. As a leader, Jennifer fosters a fun team culture, recognizing and appreciating uniqueness to elevate talent. In her spare time, she indulges in aerial and cirque fitness, including flying trapeze and lyra.
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Deborah RoseDeborah Rose has been with the Metropolitan Council Environmental Services for over 23 years and currently serves as the Manager of Asset Management Initiatives. A dedicated mentor, she is certified through the organization and has been a mentor for MentoringWorks and the Project Management Program since 2010. She also contributed as a committee member for both programs, demonstrating her commitment to professional growth and leadership development.
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Katherine PetersenKatherine Petersen is an Account Manager at Endries International in Brillion, Wisconsin. With experience at Optimas and Arrow, she has progressed from a buyer to managing inside sales teams, gaining a well-rounded perspective on the fastener industry. Her expertise in purchasing, customer service, and sales management allows her to provide informed recommendations and innovative solutions, ensuring business success and strong client relationships.
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Susan SpiersSusan Spiers, a seasoned business leader, founder of Spiers Consulting, and co-founder of @Trust-Worthy, brings diverse expertise in strategic planning, business development, training, marketing, and communications. Starting as a schoolteacher, she transitioned through non-profit and corporate roles, holding executive positions at firms like Deloitte and Trimble. Susan is lauded for her customer-centric strategies, adeptly navigating complex relationships to secure clients, partners, and projects. Recognized for "connecting the dots," she assembles optimal teams and information for Fortune 500 clients, consistently delivering results.
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Pam StegmanPam Stegman is a dynamic leader who champions customer-driven solutions by deeply engaging with stakeholders to drive meaningful change. She believes people are the true power of any organization and is committed to unlocking their full potential. With a proven track record in strategy, process improvement, cost reduction, and delivering new services and products, she excels at assessing requirements and driving impactful outcomes that fuel business success.
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- Angelina Hamilton, Lake Regional Health System.
- Julie Babiracki, Consolidated Communications.
- Peggy Sowden, Stratasys.
- Alyssa Glaser, Baker Tilly US, LLP.
- Lisa Stahnke, Medica.