2025 Women's Leadership Forum Thursday Sessions
Thursday, February 27, 2025
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8:45 AM - 9:45 AM
Aspiring and Achieving
Description
In this dynamic and inspiring session, Dr. Marcia Conston, President of Tidewater Community College, will share her leadership journey and insights on navigating a successful career in higher education. Drawing from her extensive experience in strategic planning, workforce development, and institutional leadership, Dr. Conston will offer practical strategies for professional growth, effective leadership, and driving student success. Attendees will gain actionable insights on how to advance their careers, build influence, and lead with purpose in the evolving landscape of higher education.
Speaker
 Dr. Marcia Conston, President, Tidewater Community College
President Conston has devoted her career to the core tenets of education, service, and leadership. Committed to helping learners achieve success, Dr. Conston’s areas of expertise include planning, fundraising, community development, and strategic enrollment management. As president of Virginia’s second largest community college, she aspires to empower students toward academic excellence. Dr. Conston became the sixth President of Tidewater Community College (TCC) in January 2020, and she successfully led the college through the COVID-19 pandemic. Determined to ensure student success and institutional stability, she launched a collegewide strategic plan, Innovate 2026, focusing on academic excellence and removing obstacles to student success.
Under her astute leadership, TCC expanded its workforce center and gained recognition as a regional leader in workforce training.Since joining the Hampton Roads community, President Conston has been actively serving on numerous boards. Local engagements include the Hampton Roads Chamber; Norfolk Rotary; Virginia Beach Visions; WHRO PBS Television; and the Urban League of Hampton Roads. Additionally, she chairs the strategic planning committee for the Virginia Community College System’s strategic plan, ACCELERATE OPPORTUNITY.
An esteemed educator, President Conston serves on the Board of Trustees for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Her unparalleled academic and professional achievements are nationally recognized. In 2019, Conston was named one of the 50 most influential women in Charlotte, NC. She was a recipient of the 2022 Virginia Business Women in Leadership Award by Virginia Business Magazine, and subsequently, she garnered recognition among the 2023 Virginia Black Business Leaders.
Recently, Dr. Conston was recognized as a leader in education by the Hampton Roads Community Action Board. President Conston earned a Doctorate in Higher Education, a Master’s in Economics, and a Master of Divinity. In her free time, she is an avid reader, dedicated journal writer, published author, and an experienced runner.She is married to Clidell Conston, and they are the proud parents of two adult children, Darian and Mahari.
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10:00 AM - 11:15 AM
Riding the Waves: Navigating Your Career Search With Confidence
Description
Join us for an interactive discussion with a panel of HR experts to review challenges women face in today's higher education jobs market, learn to prepare yourself for a new role, navigating the search process, leveraging AI in that process and getting prepared for an interview.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the search process and the role of a search firm.
- Learn how to AI is utilized in hiring and recruitment.
- Learn how to prepare for interviews.
Speakers
 Beth Schaefer, Managing Director, Koya Partners
Beth has 20 years of corporate experience in human resources roles and over a decade of executive recruitment experience in the non-profit and higher education fields. At Koya Partners, Beth specializes in national searches for executive leadership roles administrative and academic leadership positions in finance and administration, operations, human resources, enrollment management, deans, center directors, and other areas of academic administration, as well as CEO/President/Executive Director roles. Beth has successfully partnered on searches with Boston College, Harvard University, Emory University, Furman University, Penn State University, Michigan State University, Northeastern University, Regis College, Seattle University, Stony Brook University, Vanderbilt University, University of Alabama at Birmingham, University of Maryland Baltimore County, University of Michigan, University of North Carolina, the University of Washington, Wayne State University and Yale University, among others.
Previously, Beth worked as a search consultant at a regional search firm focused on human resources leadership roles. Earlier in her career, Beth served in a variety of corporate human resources positions ranging from well established professional services companies to early stage technology organizations. Beth is an active participant in career coaching and on panels with NACUBO, EACUBO, SACUBO, ARL, and ACE. She is an active member of Boston-area human resources organizations, local community arts and environmental sustainability organizations and volunteers at a women’s shelter. She is on the board of The Pathway Initiative, an organization creating access to medical careers for students of color. Beth has a BS in Business from Providence College. She earned her MBA from Simmons School of Management in Boston, MA.
 Laurie Casteen, Managing Associate, Koya Partners
Laurie Casteen joined Koya Partners as a Senior Search Associate in May 2022. Laurie came to Koya after a 26-year career in student affairs at the University of Virginia. Throughout her time at UVA, Laurie held roles in Orientation and New Student Programs, the Office of the Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer, and finally as Associate Dean in the Office of the Dean of Students. Laurie’s other areas of higher education experience include: academic affairs; threat assessment, safety and crisis response; support for marginalized communities, first generation/low income student support, and support for student veterans; technology systems and project management, among others.
For the last decade of her career at UVA, Laurie led the non-clinical 24/7 crisis response team, served on the threat assessment team, and focused on student safety and wellness concerns. For the last six years of her time at UVA, Laurie also served as a volunteer committee chairperson for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SASCOC), the regional accrediting body, leading teams of higher education administrators to conduct accreditation reviews at colleges and universities throughout the southeastern United States. Laurie holds a B.A. in French Language and Literature from Bates College and an M.Ed and PhD from the University of Virginia in Higher Education Administration.
 Leah Schonfeld, Assistant Vice President for Human Resources and Chief HR Office, The Citadel
Leah Schonfeld is the Chief Human Resources Officer at The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina and has served in this role for 11 years. She received her bachelor’s degree in political science from the College of Charleston and her master’s degree in public administration from the University of South Carolina. Prior to The Citadel, Leah worked as a HR consultant with the Office of Human Resources at the SC Department of Administration. She serves as an executive board member for SC Women in Higher Education and served as The Citadel’s institutional representative for several years. Leah is also an active member of CUPA-HR and is a representative on the Southern Region board.
 Moderated by Preethi Saint, Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, The Citadel
Preethi Saint is a highly accomplished CPA with an extensive track record spanning over 14 years. In her current role, she oversees a broad spectrum of critical areas for the college, which includes: Auxiliary Services, Budget, Financial Service, Human Resources, Procurement, and Student Business Services. She also plays a pivotal part in driving the financial success of the college. Prior to this, she held the position of Associate Vice President – Finance & Business at The Citadel, where she led the Financial Services and Student Business Services function. Prior to her impactful contribution to The Citadel, she accumulated 11 years of invaluable experience at the prestigious Big 4 public accounting firm, KPMG. Beyond working hours, Preethi and her husband are staying busy raising their energetic 4 year old and 10 month old boys.
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11:30 AM - 12:45 PM
Stronger Together
Description
Join an interactive discussion focusing on how women can set realistic expectations, advance their careers, take risks, and pay it forward. Connect with your fellow female business officers about developing your professional network, defining success, and being stronger together.
Learning Objectives
- Help fellow women to advance their careers, take risks, and pay it forward with others.
- Connect with other business officers about developing your professional network and defining success.
- Listen and understand how others lead and learn through their careers and gain your confidence to pursue opportunities.
Speakers
 Susan Maddux, Vice President of Finance & Administration, Furman University
Susan A. Maddux joined Furman University as vice president for finance and administration in November 2018. She came to Furman from Presbyterian College, where she had served as vice president for finance and administration and chief financial officer since 2013.
As Furman’s chief financial and administrative officer, Maddux oversees all financial planning and execution, accounting operations, debt management and the endowment, as well as the departments of Budget and Resource Management, Facilities and Campus Services, Human Resources, Information Technology Services, and the Police Department.
Before joining Presbyterian College, Maddux spent 19 years in the finance and administration office at Converse College. She initially served the college as controller (1994-2005), and then as vice president for finance and administration and chief financial officer (2005-2013).
Prior to her career in higher education, Maddux worked as a certified public accountant at Ernst & Young in Spartanburg (1991-1994). She is a graduate of Converse College and received a Master of Professional Accountancy from Clemson University.
Maddux served on the board of the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) for four years (2019-2023) and served as President on the Southern Association of College and University Business Officers (SACUBO) for two years (2020-2022) and as a board member for seven years (2016-2023). Maddux was named the 2024 Distinguished Business Officer by SACUBO. She serves as a volunteer coach with the Special Olympics and on the David’s Table advisory board.
 Kristin Austin, Assistant Director of HR Operations, Furman University
Kristin Renee’ Austin currently works for her alma mater, Furman University located in Greenville, SC. She fulfills the role of Assistant Director of HR Operations in the Human Resources Department. She pursued her post-secondary education at Furman University and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Computing-Business and obtained her Masters Degree in Business from North Greenville University. Before going to Furman in 2014, she worked for the Spinx Oil Company in the Human Resources department. She loves her job and finds joy in what most people don’t, ‘the world of benefits’. She continues to give of herself unselfishly and has an eagerness to make a difference in the lives of others is a precedent that Kristin always displays in every aspect of her life and it is no different when dealing with the faculty and staff at Furman. She sees the value that all employees bring to the table and works hard to engage employees to recognize their skills, dedication and framework that helps Furman to accomplish its mission.
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1:45 PM - 3:30 PM
Lead from Where You Are Utilizing the Enneagram
Description
This session will focus on empowering women to tap into their unique leadership styles using the Enneagram, a tool for understanding personality types. Participants will explore how self-awareness and insight into their personal strengths and challenges can enhance their leadership effectiveness, regardless of their position within an organization. By leveraging the Enneagram, attendees will gain valuable strategies to navigate challenges, build stronger teams, and lead with authenticity.
Learning Objectives
- Identify the 9 Enneagram types and understand how they influence leadership styles and interpersonal dynamics.
- Explore how applications of the Enneagram enhances team dynamics, communication, and collaboration within their organization.
- Equipped to integrate the Enneagram into their personal leadership development with resources and actionable strategies.
Session Preparation
Invest 5-10 minutes to maximize the learning and development offered in this session by taking an assessment and/or reading through type descriptions to identify your most resonate type/s (limit to 3). Because the session will have an emphasis on application, having a general idea of your type will be crucial for engagement.
NOTE: The Enneagram is not based on WHAT (behavior), rather it is focused on WHY (motivation) you show up in the world as you do. Also, no type is “better” to be than another.
It is critical to keep the core motivation/WHY at the forefront, not the output—all types can behave the same way in a given situation, but each type will have a very different reason for WHY that was the selected behavior.
- Find a physical place where you are comfortable and will not be interrupted.
The Type description that feels like you’ve been spied on, creates the I’M NOT THE ONLY ONE?! reaction--could be your core type. Or, for some, the type you dislike the most could very well be yours.
More resources for exploration: https://tx.ag/enneagramresources
Speakers
 Rachel Ciomperlik, Assistant Director, Texas A&M
Rachel Ciomperlik (Chim-per-lik, according to the in-laws) earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology with a minor in Spanish and a Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction from Texas A&M University in December 2012 and May 2014, respectively. Prior to transitioning to higher education, Rachel excelled as a secondary science educator, earning accolades for her innovative teaching and mentoring of new teachers.In 2018, Rachel joined Professional School Advising within the Texas A&M University Career Center, where she now serves as Assistant Director. In this role, she supports a team of advisors and graduate assistants, providing strategic leadership and fostering professional growth. As an accredited Enneagram coach, Rachel incorporates personality typology into team dynamics improving interpersonal skills and team productivity.
She is dedicated to empowering aspiring physicians by offering strategic guidance and personalized coaching to help them navigate the highly competitive path to medical school. Passionate about holistic student development, Rachel designs impactful programs, including workshops, advising sessions, and the annual Health Professions Fair. Rachel’s leadership is not isolated solely to Texas A&M, and she has been active on the Board of the Texas Association of Advisors for the Health Professions (TAAHP) since 2022, beginning as Secretary and now as Chair-Elect. In this role, she supports conference planning, professional school updates to 200+ advisors, and organizational strategy for advancing best practices for health professions advising statewide. When not working, Rachel enjoys spending time outdoors biking, hiking, kayaking, or camping. On quieter days, she can be found reading, experimenting in the kitchen, or tuning in to her favorite podcasts.
 Whitney Hinze, Assistant Director, Texas A&M Career Center
Whitney Hinze serves as the Assistant Director for the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences within the Texas A&M Career Center. She works to think strategically and build relationships to support career readiness and career preparedness resources and programs to serve over 7,000 undergraduate students in the college's 15 departments. Whitney's aim as a higher education professional is to help learners help themselves. She earned a M.S. in Higher Education from The Pennsylvania State University in 2015 and a B.S. in Agricultural Business and Certificates in International Business and International Trade and Agriculture from Texas A&M University in 2013.
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