The Give to Gain: 3rd Annual IWD Conference Program Descriptions
Elena Lazo- Musical Guest Performer
Get ready for Elena Lazo to kick off this year’s IWD Conference! Elena Lazo, a talented and energetic singer, enjoys performing many different genres of songs! She has performed with various liturgical musical ministry groups, is a past member of the University of Maryland Choir and an active member of the Choral Arts Society of Frederick for over 25 years. On top of that she has performed with numerous bands including Triple B & Friends Rock Band, Jo’ Blues and Southbound Steel.
Sonia Marie Johnson- Morning Keynote Address
Give to Gain: Building Orchards That Feed Generations
Aligning with the 2026 IWD theme of transformative generosity and reciprocal growth
When life gives you lemons, most people make lemonade—creating temporary relief that leaves them waiting for the next crisis. But what if we planted those lemon seeds instead? What if we built orchards that feed not just ourselves, but our families, our communities, and generations we’ll never meet?
This presentation explores how giving—of our stories, our frameworks, our hard-won wisdom— creates compound returns that transform both giver and receiver. Through my journey from childhood trauma and homelessness to serving Fortune 500 companies, I’ll demonstrate how the greatest wealth we build is not what we keep for ourselves, but what we plant for others to harvest.
Jeannie Zappe- Prime Insight Presentation
Unwavering Optimism Can Lead to Fulfilled Dreams
In this dynamic presentation, Jeannie Zappe asks, “Can we truly listen to our hearts about what we want to do in our one lifetime? And more importantly, how do we do that?” Whether it’s life, work, or the intersection of life + work, Jeannie will share how it is possible to set daring goals and bravely face intimidating opportunities with a sense of unwavering optimism. Learn how asking ourselves the powerful question, “What if I can?” opens doors we never dreamed possible.
Angella Dagenhart- Prime Insight Presentation
Give to Gain: The Pivot Path to Women’s Leadership That Lasts
Most organizations don’t have a women-in-leadership problem. They have a conditions-for-leadership problem. This talk weaves two stories into one message: my experience supporting women’s leadership and equity efforts inside Volvo, and my own decision to leave Volvo to launch The BLU Arc Collective. Together, they surface a practical truth: women don’t rise because an organization says it wants them to. Women rise when the conditions for leadership are built on purpose. The session takeaways include:
- A grounded view of what “Give to Gain” looks like in real careers and real organizations
- A leadership lens on how habits and norms quietly block women’s advancement (even with good intentions)
- Concrete actions leaders can take to build the conditions for women’s leadership and sustainable change
- A reframe of “pivoting” as a strategic act of leadership and not a detour or a failure
Rachel Kramer- Prime Insight Presentation
Building Bridges of Hope with Silk
In this talk, conservationist Rachel Kramer, Executive Director of Conservation through Poverty Alleviation International (CPALI), will tell the story of two sister organizations: one in the United States and one in Madagascar, working at the intersection of science and art. Together, they’re helping to uplift local farmers and artisans and craft a new form of shimmering natural textile from the previously ignored cocoons of endemic species. By advancing local leadership and innovation in one of the world’s ten poorest countries, this partnership is bringing beauty into a complex world through conservation and social enterprise.
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Early-Morning Breakout Sessions
Mary Ellen Waltemire- Breakout Leader
Transitions of Life: Get Comfortable with Change
Mary Ellen, an expert in Leadership Development and Coaching, knows that change is a constant part of life and recognizes that change is difficult for almost everyone. This session will engage participants in discovering the three stages of change (emerging ending stage, messy middle stage and new beginning stage) and ways to successfully navigate these stages using various techniques including self-reflection and forward planning.
Rachel Andreoli- Breakout Leader
The ROI of Connections: How Reciprocity Supports Your Health
Connection is not a luxury, it’s biological protection. Yet many people feel isolated or disconnected, limiting access to opportunities and support. In this interactive breakout, participants will explore how intentional giving fuels the spirit rather than create obligations. Participants will learn the three pillars of social health: quality (depth and meaning), consistency (regular engagement) and balance (sustainable giving and receiving). With Rachel Andreoli’s guidance, participants will leave this workshop with a personalized social health plan containing actionable next steps.
Genie Massey- Breakout Leader
Women, Liberty and Leadership: A History-To-Action
Explore 250 years of women’s leadership through an interactive history-to-action experience.
Participants of all ages will reflect on the women who shaped them, discover civic stories that
unite us, and create a simple, meaningful plan to support the next generation of leaders in their
communities. Participants will explore and discuss diverse women’s contributions to American civic life across 250 years, reflect on personal mentors who influenced their growth as community members and leaders and make a plan to mentor, support or uplift someone in their community.
Sonia Marie Johnson- Breakout Leader
How to Share the Produce in Your Garden
In this engaging interactive workshop, participants will reflect on what seeds their struggles have developed that others need and come to understand how sharing their stories create value for their communities. Participants will develop one concrete way they’ll “give to gain” within 30 days.
Mid-Morning Breakout Sessions
Fanny Crawford- Breakout Leader
Recognizing and Naming Your Gift: An Interactive Storytelling Workshop
Join Fanny Crawford, a professional storyteller, for this engaging workshop where participants will hear amazing short stories that illustrate the “giftedness” of every person. Between these empowering stories, participants will have the opportunity to identify, embrace and share their special gifts with partners or the entire group.
Tammy Cohen- Breakout Leader
How to Reconnect with Your Teen, Adult Child and Yourself
Tammy Cohen, Author of “Text Messages To My Sons: A Guide to Using Mobile Devices to Connect and Communicate with Your Kids” enjoys leading interactive workshops and appreciates every opportunity to exchange insights and ideas that flow among the participants. Tammy will share her personal story which emphasizes the importance of reframing conversations to reduce the sense of distance and deepen connection in a digital world. She will talk about the ripple effect of starting a consistent daily practice of messaging loved ones to let them know they matter, with zero expectations in return.
Shawn Horton, Kylie Johnson, April Crohare and Rae Tucker- Nonprofit Panelists and Bernadette Wagner, Facilitator
Give to Gain: The Amazing Nonprofits of Washington County
In keeping with the “Give to Gain” theme, Prime Time for Women is proud to highlight four amazing nonprofits during a panel discussion that highlights the support they give to individuals that results in a gain for our entire community. Join us to learn about the incredible missions and important work being done by It’s a Blessing to Be a Blessing, Lasting Change, Wash Co Needs and Girls’ Inc. Participants will be inspired and invited to support these powerful nonprofits that strengthen our community!
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Wendy Green- Prime Insight Presentation
When Purpose Finds You: How to Hear the Whispers That Guide Your Life
Many women spend years trying to “figure out” their purpose, believing it’s a destination we’re supposed to discover, claim, or earn. But what if purpose isn’t something you chase at all? What if it’s something that finds you? In this inspiring, story-driven talk, podcast host and transition coach Wendy Green shares the real-life experiences that revealed her own purpose, not through grand plans, but through quiet invitations, nudges, and moments of courage. Attendees will be inspired as they learn practical ways to listen for the whispers that reveal where they are needed next.
Tammy Cohen- Prime Insight Presentation
Connecting Across Generations in the Digital World
Tammy Cohen, author of “Text Messages to My Sons,” will discuss the emotional distance that impacts many families and share ways to heal it. Her modern approach to emotional connections is a playbook on how to connect with your teens, adult children and yourself through daily, consistent messages that build trust.
Tina Fraley- Afternoon Keynote Address
From Survival to Strength: What Women Gain When We Stop Doing It All Alone
Many women learn to survive by carrying everything themselves. But surviving is not the same as thriving. This session invites participants to explore how shared wisdom, support, and intentional connection create lasting change. Through storytelling, reflection, and actionable tools, Tina Fraley will illustrate how letting go of isolation allows women to gain confidence, momentum, and renewed purpose—personally and professionally. This talk emphasizes community, mentorship, and the courage it takes to both give and receive support.
Kathy Powderly- Prime Insight Presentation
Joy and Gratitude in Service to Refugees
HARC (Hagerstown Area Religious Council) is a coalition of faith community partners that differ in theology, but all agree on the strength of working together to build a better community, help those in need, and support one another. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, Kathy Powderly, the Director of HARC, will share highlights of her experience leading the Refugee Welcome Network in Washington County, and how she and others have received the gift of joy and gratitude in this work.
Dr. Lisa Miller- Prime Insight Presentation
Let’s Talk Menopause
Dr. Lisa Miller, a physician at Capital Women’s Care, will talk about the uniqueness of every woman and the diverse ways menopause impacts women. Just as women are unique so are the treatments for midlife health concerns and menopausal symptoms. Recent research highlights the importance of individualized treatments to help women to not only survive menopause but to thrive!
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Afternoon Breakout Sessions
Mary Ellen Waltemire- Breakout Leader
Transitions of Life: Get Comfortable with Change
Mary Ellen, an expert in Leadership Development and Coaching, knows that change is a constant part of life and recognizes that change is difficult for almost everyone. This session will engage participants in discovering the three stages of change (emerging ending stage, messy middle stage and new beginning stage) and ways to successfully navigate these stages using various techniques including self-reflection and forward planning.
Rachel Andreoli- Breakout Leader
The ROI of Connections: How Reciprocity Supports Your Health
Connection is not a luxury, it’s biological protection. Yet many people feel isolated or disconnected, limiting access to opportunities and support. In this interactive breakout, participants will explore how intentional giving fuels the spirit rather than create obligations. Participants will learn the three pillars of social health: quality (depth and meaning), consistency (regular engagement) and balance (sustainable giving and receiving). Leave this workshop with a personalized social health plan with actionable next steps.
Rachel Kramer- Breakout Leader
Movie Screening: Wild Silk: Madagascar’s Threads of Change with Rachel Kramer
Watch a fascinating documentary that tells the story of Madagascar’s little-known moth species that is driving conservation efforts of a disappearing rainforest and alleviating poverty by providing meaningful employment to the women of Madagascar. Join Rachel Kramer as she highlights female artisans who help drive this initiative!
Kara Beavers and Kelsi Palmer- Breakout Leader
Childless by Circumstance or Childfree by Choice: Assumptions Cause Pain
There’s a new awareness that women who are childless by circumstance or childfree by choice often feel pain when assumptions are made. Because we believe every woman deserves to be seen and heard, PTFW’s International Women’s Day Speaker Selection Committee wanted to provide a forum for women to speak on this topic. We believe that every woman’s journey is unique, and all should be valued, appreciated and understood. Attend this workshop to gain understanding, compassion and sensitivity regarding the different path women travel, to realize you are not alone and to share your story.