chrysalis conversations speaker series
Chrysalis' annual opportunity to hear from local people whose personal, professional, and community leadership provides wisdom and inspiration. 100% of event proceeds are used to support Chrysalis' work to improve the lives of girls and women in Greater Des Moines.
2023 Speakers
march 7 2023
LEADING WITH INCLUSIVITY
Dr. Amy Bingaman, Broadlawns OB/GYN Clinic
Cheltzie Miller-Bailey, Social Justice Advocate
Inclusivity is a word that we hear commonly these days – but we may not completely understand what it means. More importantly, we may not know how inclusivity translates into personal behavior, social interaction, or cultural change. Our speakers are not only familiar with inclusivity – they embrace, practice, and exemplify inclusivity in their lives and professions. Join us to learn how these professionals make inclusivity a habit, and how it can make our world a fairer and more equitable place.
april 4 2023
INTEGRATING SELF AND BUSINESS
Christina Moffatt, Certified Business Advisor and Consult
Blanca Plasencia, Co-Owner, El Fogon Mexican Grill
In his book Drive, author Daniel Pink suggests that the best motivators for career success are the ability to direct our own lives, learn and create new things, and do better for ourselves and the world around us. This is what prompted our speakers to create businesses that expressed their inner passion and purpose while creating profitable enterprises. We will learn how to use our own intrinsic drive to find fulfillment in our work and careers.
may 2 2023
PATH TO ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Perlla Deluca, President, Southeast Constructors Inc
Taufeek Shah, CEO, Lola's Fine Hot Sauces
Entrepreneurship has been described as the oldest form of business structure in the world, yet its origins are based on risk and reward. Today's speakers recognized a business opportunity and found new and innovative ways to meet the needs of their customers. Hear from them about the process of discovery, development, and deployment of resources that led to their significant success.
2022 speakers
march 8 2022
STOLEN SISTERS
Sikowis (Christine Nobiss) and Geneviève Umęndaterih Salamone
Indigenous Women Leaders
In 2016, the National Crime Information Center reported over 5,700 missing Native American and Alaskan Native women and girls in the U.S., but cases of both missing and murdered Indigenous women are significantly under-reported. Indigenous women are murdered ten times more frequently than the national average, and experience violence, rape, and suicide at an alarming rate. Learn from two Indigenous women who are using their voices to call attention to this critical issue and work toward a society where there are “no more stolen sisters.”
Learn more about Sikowis and Geneviève.
april 5 2022
MORE THAN YOU THINK
Thao Pham and Sid Juwarker
Corporate Professionals and Comedians
Our perceptions about people are subjective, affected by many variables: characteristics, traits, situations, and personal life experience. But perception is only part of reality, and each of us has individual skills and talents others may not see or know about. Our speakers will share how they chose to utilize their own unique talents, and how personal creativity adds joy and fulfillment to their already-successful lives.
may 3 2022
THE EVOLUTION OF ME
Marie Miller, The Traveling Bean, and
Teresa Zilk, “Stories to Tell My Daughter”
“Stepping onto a brand-new path is difficult,’ noted Maya Angelou, ‘but no more difficult than remaining in a situation that is not nurturing to the whole woman.” Each of us has life experiences that challenge, educate, and encourage. Our speakers recognized that a new direction in their lives was not only important, but essential. Hear about the courageous steps each woman experienced in her personal evolution and how each created a new path for her future.
2020 speakers
april 29 2020
THE PROMISE OF PERSISTENCE
Representative Ruth Ann Gaines and Dr. Karen Leroux
Moderated by Terry Hernandez
This year marks the 100th anniversary of passage of the 19th Amendment. Explore the history and challenges of achieving this right—who was involved, who was left behind, and what have we learned?
may 20 2020
HASHTAG ACTIVISM, PEOPLE POWER, AND GENERATIONAL CHANGE: WOMEN MOVING FORWARD
Dr. Rachel Caufield and Dr. Kesho Scott
Women’s movements have always been powerful in changing our society. Gain insights on the secrets of successful movements and the motives, mediums, and methods behind them.
2019 speakers
march 27 2019
CHANGE STARTS WITH WOMEN
Miyoko Hikiji and Vanessa Espinoza
Although it was well into middle age before Chrysalis founder Louise Noun launched into activism, her legacy of promoting social change can start at any age. For this event's guest speakers, it started with seeing injustice and stepping up to make a difference.