Women’s Symposium

The Executive Education Women’s Symposium is designed for anyone interested in furthering women’s leadership and fostering growth for women in the workplace. The event will feature interactive speeches and thoughtful panel discussions. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to energize your career and learn from inspirational women who are making a difference and shaping Utah’s business landscape.

Logistics

Date
March 26, 2025

In-Person Time
9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. MT

Livestream Time
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. MT

Price
$99-299

Event Location: Robert H. and Katharine B. Garff Executive Education Building, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112

Presentations

Harnessing Emotional Intelligence: How to Thrive in a World Shaped by AI

In a rapidly evolving world where artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping our work, emotional intelligence (EI) is a uniquely human strength that AI has not yet replicated. Especially in leadership and professional roles, cultivating EI is essential to staying relevant, successful, and impactful. Qualities like self-awareness, resilience, and adaptability are vital, particularly as we navigate workplace disruptions, adapt to changes, and lead with empathy and understanding.

Studies show that EI is twice as important as IQ when predicting outstanding employee performance, yet only 22% of leaders excel in this area. Many women, however, are naturally equipped with EI traits, such as empathy, emotional recognition, and interpersonal skills, making us well-positioned to lead with this powerful skill set. As we fine-tune these strengths through practice and training, we can create a distinct edge in leadership roles while fostering environments that promote psychological safety, inclusion, and collaboration.

Join us in this session to explore actionable strategies for enhancing emotional intelligence while empowering others to harness its value. In a world increasingly shaped by AI, it’s imperative we work together to build leadership grounded in empathy, connection, and emotional resilience.

Sarah Jensen Clayton

Senior Partner & Global Practice Lead @ Korn Ferry Consulting

Sarah Jensen Clayton is a Senior Partner and Global Practice Lead at Korn Ferry, a leadership and organizational consultancy with ~$3B in annual revenue and 10,000 employees around the world. She leads the firm’s Culture, Change, & Communications practice globally, where she helps executive teams define and execute urgent change imperatives with her deep expertise in CEO succession, restructuring, post-acquisition integration, crisis management, and aligning corporate culture in service of business strategy. She worked in the U.S. Senate, the U.S. Department of Education, and the White House, where she supported First Lady Laura Bush, before she transitioned to the private sector. Sarah lives in Provo with her 5 children and her husband, a professor and associate dean at BYU Law School.

Campfire Chat: Career and Life Journey to Success

Join us for an intimate Campfire Chat featuring two remarkable women: Michelle Smith, Chief People Officer and President of Miller Sports + Entertainment, and Kris Bosman, Chief Alumni Relations Officer at the University of Utah. They will share their inspiring career journeys, offering insights into the triumphs and challenges they’ve encountered.

In this engaging conversation, Michelle and Kris will discuss the pivotal moments and decisions that shaped their paths to success. They will reflect on lessons learned and wisdom gained through their professional experiences. From navigating the male-dominated sports industry in the ’90s to overcoming obstacles and seizing opportunities, both professionally and personally, they will candidly share the strategies and mindsets that propelled them forward.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional seeking inspiration or a young aspiring leader embarking on your own career journey, this campfire chat promises an enlightening and empowering exploration of resilience, ambition, and the power of perseverance. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and connect with fellow women on the path to success!

Kris Bosman

Chief Alumni Relations Officer @ University of Utah

Kris Bosman is the Chief Alumni Relations Officer (CARO) at the University of Utah. She creates and executes strategies to deepen alumni engagement and build connections with current students for lifelong support of the U. With over 20 years of experience in higher education leadership, events, alumni relations, board development, and advancement, Kris is passionate about the positive impacts of higher education on individuals and communities.

Previously, Kris was the Director of Alumni Relations at the David Eccles School of Business, where she planned large-scale events, managed two boards, and was the editor-in-chief of Eccles Experience magazine. She also spent three years at the Alumni Association managing chapter and regional engagement strategies. She began her career at the U as a student intern in the Department of Athletics.

Michelle Smith

Chief People Officer @ Larry H. Miller Company
President @ Miller Sports + Entertainment

Michelle Smith is the chief people officer at the Larry H. Miller Company and president of Miller Sports + Entertainment. She oversees People & Culture strategy, integration, and onboarding for newly acquired businesses, supporting the company’s vision to be the best place to work and do business. As president, she manages operations for sports and entertainment businesses like Salt Lake Bees, America First Square, and Megaplex Theatres.

Michelle’s 15+ years in the industry include roles in business strategy, marketing, and HR, most recently as Chief People Officer for the Utah Jazz. She co-founded Women in Sports & Events and serves on multiple boards, including the Economic Development Corporation of Utah Foundation and the National Advisory Board for Utah State Huntsman School of Business.

Bold Moves: How Admitting Defeat Can Lead to Life-Changing Discoveries

What do you do when you are professionally or personally uninspired, but you feel like you can’t walk away? Sometimes, you do it anyway.

In this empowering session, Rena Vanzo will share her journey of admitting defeat, embracing change, and pursuing her purpose. She will explore:

Indicators that your passion has become poisonous
Tips for transferring career skills and past experiences
Practical strategies for transforming your life and career
Guidelines for evaluating new career concepts

Rena Vanzo

Founder @ The Boob Bus & Vanzo Consulting

Rena Vanzo is a clinical genetics leader and entrepreneur. She grew up in rural Illinois and moved to Utah in 2008 after completing degrees in Psychology (BS, University of Wisconsin) and Medical Genetics (MS, Indiana University). As a young professional, she worked at the University of Utah and Primary Children’s Medical Center with families whose child was experiencing medical and developmental difficulties. Rena then transitioned to a start-up genetic testing laboratory as its first genetic counselor, eventually growing the department to over 25 clinical genetics specialists. Being a part of this company piqued her interest in the intersection between healthcare and business and she decided to pursue additional degrees at the University of Utah (EMBA 2022, MBC 2024). Rena has been cultivating The Boob Bus, Utah’s newest mobile mammogram & genetic testing business, while navigating a divorce and raising two young boys. In her “spare time” Rena enjoys group fitness classes, banking Delta miles, dancing, and jigsaw puzzles. She also really likes coffee.

Panel

The Courage to Pivot: Embracing Career and Life Transitions
This insightful discussion will feature thought-provoking questions and answers about navigating critical transitions and embracing change. Our panelists will share experiences and insights that you can apply to your own journey. The goal of this panel will be to empower you to embrace uncertainty, cultivate adaptability, and unlock new opportunities for growth.

Joyce Canning

VP, Business Development and Client Success @ Cooperative Benefits Group (CBG)
Joyce Canning is a founding partner of Cooperative Benefits Group (CBG), an innovative pharmacy benefit management (PBM) company. Her personal experiences drive her commitment to bringing clarity to the complex healthcare system and supporting others in navigating its challenges. Joyce thrives in the start-up environment and has helped create three successful companies.

She completed the Women in Leadership program at the University of Utah and is currently enrolled in the Executive MBA program. She finds joy in mentoring others and supporting their growth. As the mother of four daughters, Joyce is passionate about empowering women and helping them pursue their dreams. She is actively involved with her family and finds balance by taking time to reset, enjoying golf, travel, and the outdoors. Whether it’s a Friday night dance party or cooking for loved ones, she embraces moments that bring joy and connection.

Miriam Nieto

Director of Education @ Holy Cross Ministries
Originally from Mexico City, Miriam earned her Early Childhood Education degree from the National University of Mexico in 2005. She began her journey with the Holy Cross Ministries in 2007 as part of the After School Program team and has since played a key role in developing the School Readiness Program (a preschool program for three- and four-year-olds fostering social-emotional and academic skills for kindergarten) and the Parents as Teachers (PAT) Program (a home-visitation program equipping parents of children ages 0 to 3 with tools and knowledge to support healthy development). Miriam also trained in and facilitated Guiding Good Choices, an evidence-based program helping parents strengthen family relationships and prevent substance abuse and depression in children. Her passion for education and community leadership led her to graduate from Leadership Park City, a program dedicated to developing local leaders through education, collaboration, and civic engagement. She is deeply committed to empowering families and ensuring children thrive.

Lauren Steadman

Sr. Product Manager @ Adobe
Lauren Steadman is a manager of product managers on the Business Technology team in Adobe’s Finance department, focusing on quoting and contracting internal product management. Since joining Adobe in 2017, she has led significant initiatives, including various mergers and acquisitions integrations and a major CRM transition. She thrives on solving complex problems, improving internal systems, and collaborating across teams to drive meaningful change. A proud alumna of the University of Utah’s Women in Leadership program, Lauren is passionate about fostering inclusive and empowering environments. She values mentorship, collaboration, and helping others navigate career transitions with confidence. Outside of work, Lauren is a dedicated mother of three, a dance instructor, and an avid podcast listener. She loves all things Disney and Harry Potter, enjoys personal development, and finding joy in showing up, even when life is busy.

Brooke Newhall Lenzen | Panel Moderator

Assistant Director of Online Development @ David Eccles School of Business
Brooke Newhall Lenzen is the Assistant Director of Online Development at the David Eccles School of Business, where she also manages the Executive Education Women in Leadership Program. With over a decade of experience at the University of Utah, Brooke is deeply committed to advancing education and leadership development. A proud U alumna, Brooke earned her undergraduate degree in Strategic Communications and went on to complete her Master’s in Instructional Design and Educational Technology. She is especially passionate about supporting women’s growth in leadership roles, striving to create opportunities for professional advancement and empowerment.

Outside of work, Brooke enjoys spending time with her family—her husband, Alex, their two children, Stella and James, and their beloved dog, Sammy. She loves embracing Utah’s great outdoors, whether it’s hiking, camping, or simply exploring nature with her family.