Event Schedule

Morning Schedule 8:15 – 12:00

Morning Session I: 10:10 – 11:00

Session Speaker: Devon Ellis, State Farm Agent

Session Title: Insure Her Future: Debunking Life Insurance Myths

Session Description: Think you know the facts about life Insurance? Think again! Join us for an interactive Myth Bingo session where we’ll separate fact from fiction while playing a fun game of bingo. As we uncover common misconceptions – Like “I’m too young”, “It’s too expensive,” or “I have coverage at work, so I’m all set”

Session Speaker: Leanne Markey, Occupational Therapist

Session Title: Your Core Connection: Pelvic Health for Everybody

Session Description: Have you ever been told to “just do your kegels”? It’s some of the most common pelvic floor advice out there, and it’s often wrong. Join occupational therapist Leanne Markey, owner of Imagine Pelvic Health, for a fun, hands-on session that takes the mystery out of one of the most overlooked parts of the body. You’ll meet the muscles you didn’t know you had and learn what they actually do every day. You’ll also see how your pelvic floor works together with your breath, hips, feet, and core, and why kegels aren’t always the answer.

Then we’ll talk about the signs that something isn’t working, like leaking, pressure, constipation, and pain. These problems are very common, but they are not normal, and you don’t have to just live with them. This applies to the men in your life too. Whether you’re postpartum, in menopause, getting back into exercise, or simply curious, this talk is for every body, and it’s never too late to get help.

Session Speaker: Kathi Fuhrman, Entrepreneur

Session Title: Less Hustle, More Flow

Session Description: Description of your session:   In 2026, success isn’t just about working harder— and it’s NOT about hustling every minute of the day. It’s about working smarter. Are you ready to change the way you approach your daily to-do list? Join Kathi in this workshop where she will share her top 10 tested-and-proven tips to work smarter, not harder. These are the strategies she uses every day to achieve more with less stress, and we’re excited to help you do the same!

Session Speaker: Julie Shore, Founder & CEO of Career Development Advisors

Session Title: Become a Rising Star: 7 Steps to Enhance Your Career Development

Session Description: Now, more than ever, self-management of your career is critical to your success and growth.  No matter if you are an Early Careerist or Mid-Career, self-leadership of your career development is required to achieve your future goals and make a strategic impact.

Career development requires time, planning, commitment, energy, and initiative.  Long gone are the days where an employer will solely own your career path. And without a clear understanding of what it takes or a clear plan, your career path could be just a dream.

In this engaging session, participants will receive an understanding of what strategic leaders are looking for as they make succession decisions, along with actionable steps you can take now to begin to develop your own personal career development plan.

This will be a hands-on, working session, and will enable you, as a participant, to walk away with an understanding of:

  • The most commonly sought-after or “must-have” attributes and core competencies of future leaders
  • How to take stock of your strengths and why tracking accomplishments matter
  • How to improve communication to get noticed
  • Deliberate steps you can take now to get you where you want to go, along with a template for you to begin to develop your own personal career development plan.

Session Speaker: Cindy Small. Author of Jennie Wade of Gettysburg

Session Title: When Ordinary People Face Extraordinary Crises: The Jennie Wade Story

Session Description: Step into the world of Gettysburg through the unforgettable story of Jennie Wade, the only direct civilian casualty of the Battle of Gettysburg. In this immersive presentation, historical interpreter Cindy Small brings Jennie’s short life and enduring legacy into focus—not through battlefield strategy, but through the choices, fears, courage, and resilience of one ordinary young woman caught in extraordinary circumstances. Participants will be invited to see themselves in the story as they reflect on how people respond when crisis arrives at their doorstep.

Morning Session II: 11:15 – 12:00

Session Speakers:

  • Jessica Miller, Owner, Prestige Apparel
  • Loni Smith, CEO, Hanover Auto Team
  • Angela Price, Owner, Juniper Environmental
  • Teresa Crouse, Inside Sales, Schmuck Lumber Company

Session Title: Women in Male-Dominated Professions

Session Description:

Session Speakers:

  • Allison Gidusko, MS, LAPC
  • Elizabeth Spicer, Manager of Cardiology at UPMC Hanover

Session Title: Beyond Coping: Finding Calm in an Anxious World

Session Description: This session explores practical, evidence-informed ways to move beyond simply coping with anxiety and toward greater regulation, resilience, and well-being. Drawing from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and somatic approaches, participants will learn how anxiety shows up in both the mind and body and how to respond more effectively.

We will focus on building awareness, understanding the nervous system, and developing accessible tools to integrate into daily life. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of their own patterns, as well as strategies to support grounding, emotional regulation, and a more balanced relationship with anxiety.

Session Speakers: 

  • Cindy Fremont, Financial Advisor, Edward Jones
  • Elizabeth Johindes, Financial Advisor, Edward Jones
  • Dana Alexander, Financial Advisor, Edward Jones

Session Title: The Hidden Cost of Aging

Session Description: A financially secure retirement is the culmination of years of planning, work and savings. Most people are so focused on reaching retirement that they aren’t fully prepared for the challenges of managing their finances during retirement. Are you prepared for the unexpected?

In this program, we will discuss retirement realities and trends that impact housing decisions in retirement. We’ll review care and housing options, family, lifestyle and health care considerations in housing decisions and how to formulate a plan with a financial professional and your family.

Session Speaker: Brittany Barker Booth, DO

Session Title: The Cortisol Connection: Why Stress Makes Weight Loss So Difficult

Session Description: Stress has become an unavoidable part of modern life, but its effects extend far beyond feeling overwhelmed. In this engaging and evidence-based presentation, attendees will explore the critical role cortisol plays in metabolism, appetite regulation, fat storage, sleep, and hormone balance—and why chronic stress can make achieving and maintaining a healthy weight significantly more challenging.

Designed specifically for women, this session will examine the complex relationship between stress, aging, menopause, and metabolic health while separating common myths from current medical understanding. Participants will gain practical, science-backed strategies to improve resilience, optimize their health, and better understand why traditional advice such as “eat less and exercise more” is not always enough.

Whether you’re struggling with stubborn weight, experiencing hormonal changes, or simply looking to better understand your body, this presentation will provide actionable insights that can be applied immediately to support long-term health and sustainable weight management.

Session Speaker: Amber Diehl, Travel Advisor, Cherry Tree Lane Vacations

Session Title: Pack Your Bags-We’re Going on an Adventure!

Session Description: This session will provide essential information to equip attendees to become confident domestic and international travelers. Key topics include trip preparation, airport navigation and protocol, travel document requirements, trip insurance options, and considerations when traveling internationally, among other tried and true suggestions to make your travel experience as smooth as possible.

Lunch

Brenda M. Alton, PhD

Brenda M. Alton, PhD

Speaker Bio: Dr. Brenda M. Alton is a transformation strategist whose leadership turns vision into practical, people-centered change. As Director of Community Relations and Spiritual Care for UPMC in Central Pa., she connects health care, faith communities, civic partners, and local residents to build systems that are more responsive, compassionate, and accessible. Through chaplaincy, volunteer services, and community relations, she identifies gaps, aligns partners, and mobilizes trusted networks to improve access, dignity, and whole-person care.

Under her leadership, the Faith Community Health Connection has strengthened partnerships between UPMC and local congregations, empowering faith leaders to deliver education, screenings, and wellness programs in trusted neighborhood settings. These efforts translate institutional resources into community-based solutions that reduce barriers and bring preventive care within reach. Her career also reflects transformation across sectors, including service as the first woman president of the Interdenominational Ministers’ Conference of Greater Harrisburg and as Director of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Enrichment for the City of Harrisburg.

Mentorship is central to Brenda’s leadership. She invests in emerging leaders, women navigating personal and professional transitions, and partners working across faith and civic spaces. As an ordained minister, respected community voice, and author of The Blessing of Being

Authentically You, she offers practical encouragement for purposeful and courageous living through writing, workshops, and speaking engagements. Since January 2026, she hosts the AuthenticallyU Podcast to further the reach of engaging truthful conversations.

Dr. Alton’s leadership is defined by transformation: she sees possibility where others see silos, builds trust where systems feel distant, and turns shared values into meaningful community action. Her legacy connects faith and health, compassion and strategy, and vision and results, creating lasting impact through trust, collaboration, and purposeful service.

Personal motto: I am not living to be a legend. I am living to leave a legacy.

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Things to Know About Brenda

· 2024 Solihten Institute, National Board Member

· 2025 Published Book, The Blessing of Being Authentically You

· 2025 Ashland University, Women’s Advisory Board

· 2025 YWCA Woman of Excellence, YWCA Harrisburg

· 2026 Launched the AuthenticallyU Podcast

· 2026 YWCA Woman of Influence, Carolyn Smith Legacy Award, YWCA Harrisburg

· 2026 Board Certified Chaplain, Association of Professional Chaplains

Afternoon Session I: 1:40 – 2:30

Session Speakers:

  • Jessica Miller, Owner, Prestige Apparel
  • Kathi Fuhrman, Owner, Fuhrman Creative, The Savvy Reboot
  • Lauren Herring, Gather & Graze by Herring, Herring Photography

Session Title: Women Entrepreneurs Leading the Way: Building Businesses, Creating Impact

Session Description: This session highlights the journeys, achievements, and leadership experiences of successful women entrepreneurs who have built and grown their own businesses. Through individual presentations, each entrepreneur will share her story, including the challenges she faced, lessons learned, strategies for success, and the vision that helped her turn ideas into thriving enterprises.

Designed for aspiring entrepreneurs, business leaders, and professionals, this session will provide practical insights and inspiration from women who have transformed opportunities into successful ventures. Attendees will gain valuable perspectives on entrepreneurship, innovation, resilience, leadership, and the importance of confidence in building a business.

Session Speaker: Kimberly Nash, MBA, SHRM-SCP, SPHR. Manager

Session Title: Growth Comes When We Move From our Comfort Zones

Session Description: True growth requires a willingness to challenge the status quo. By intentionally moving beyond our comfort zones, we open doors to invaluable learning experiences.  This session provides the tools necessary to manage the risks associated with growth and confidently move forward.

  • Participants will identify the obstacles/fears that prevent them from moving from their comfort zones.
  • Participants will learn practical ways to overcome their fears, step out of their comfort zones, and embrace new challenges.
  • Participants will leave the session with an action plan to experience the professional or personal success they desire.

Session Speakers:

  • Melanie Chester, LAPC, Wike Counseling Services
  • Isabel Tate, LSW

Session Title: Invisible Wounds: The Lasting Effects of Interpersonal Violence

Session Description: Interpersonal violence leaves lasting effects that extend far beyond the traumatic event itself. This presentation explores how PTSD impacts the emotional, physical, cognitive, and relational well-being of women and children who have experienced abuse or violence. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of trauma responses, how PTSD affects daily functioning, and the importance of trauma-informed support. The presentation will also highlight pathways to healing, resilience, and recovery for survivors.

Session Speakers:

  • Morgan Fraim – Long Form Content Specialist
  • Maria Scamardella – Social Media Specialist

Session Title: Organic Social Media – Increasing Your Reach and Engagement

Session Description: We’re diving into organic social media and how to create successful strategies that increase your reach and engagement across platforms without spending a dime.

Immerse yourself in the world of liking, sharing, and engaging with an online community. We’ll be giving away all our secrets behind creating organic social media posts that bring results. From algorithm tips to breaking down the metrics…you won’t want to miss it!

Session Speaker: Dr. Susan Peck

Session Title: Unlearn Your Pain – How to Deal with Chronic Pain & Its Causes

Session Description: Discover a new approach to chronic pain that challenges the traditional paradigm. Research suggests that 90–95% of people with chronic pain can improve when the underlying causes are properly understood and addressed. Not all pain is caused by physical injury or disease. Sometimes, pain originates in the brain in response to stress and other life experiences. This pain is real, serious, and often debilitating, even when there are no lab tests, X-rays, or other medical findings that fully explain it. The good news is that this type of pain can improve—and, in many cases, resolve—when it is understood and addressed appropriately. Join us to learn more about this innovative approach and discover whether it could help you find relief from years of chronic pain.

Afternoon Session II: 2:45-3:35

Session Speakers:

  • Lisa Barshinger, Executive Director, White Rose Leadership Institute/Give Local York
  • Dr. Barbara Rupp, Hanover Borough Council, Retired Superintendent, South Western
  • Marisa Tokarsky, Deloitte Consulting

Session Title: Women Who Give Back: Leading Through Philanthropy and Community Impact

Session Description: Women have long been catalysts for positive change in their communities through philanthropy, volunteerism, advocacy, and leadership. This panel brings together inspiring women who are making a difference by investing their time, resources, and influence to address local challenges and create lasting impact. Panelists will share their journeys, discuss the importance of community engagement, and offer practical insights on how others can become agents of change.

Session Speaker: Amy Borneo, Cancer Survivor

Session Title: Surviving and Thriving: A Cancer Survivor’s Journey

Session Description: Please join Amy Borneo, a local cancer survivor, as she shares how a life-changing diagnosis transformed her perspective on life, faith, and personal strength. Through a season of challenges and uncertainty, you will hear how Amy discovered hope, uncovered a deeper sense of purpose, and developed a greater appreciation for each day.  Her journey over the past 12 years has been more than a test of endurance-it has been a testament to resilience, gratitude, and finding faith. As a survivor, wife, mother, healthcare provider, and patient advocate, Amy brings a unique perspective shaped by both her personal experiences and her commitment to serving others.

Session Speaker: Cindy Caldwell, Owner/Trainer

Session Title: Paws for Leadership: What Your Dog Already Knows About Running a Room

Session Description: This session will be an interactive discovery of the lessons our dogs teach us about leadership, boundaries, balance, clear communication, consistency, and calm—qualities that help us thrive in our relationships and leadership roles. It will also include a segment on how dogs keep us healthy both emotionally and physically.

Session Speaker: Lindsay Hahn-Sanders, Professional Organizer

Session Title: Clear Space, Clear Mind: Decluttering is Self-Care

Session Description: This interactive session introduces decluttering and organization as practical, accessible forms of self-care—not just productivity tools. Participants will explore how physical clutter impacts mental load, stress, and decision-making, and learn how simplifying their spaces can create more calm, clarity, and control in their daily lives. Through guided reflection and a quick hands-on exercise, attendees will identify one small, meaningful shift they can make immediately to support their well-being at home or work.

By the end of this session, participants will:

  1. Reframe decluttering as self-care
  2. Recognize hidden stressors in their space
  3. Adopt a simplified decision-making approach
  4. Experience a brief guided reflection (interactive element)
  5. Commit to one realistic next step they can take post-presentation

Session Speaker: Mindy Gulden Crawford, Executive Director, Preservation Pennsylvania

Session Title: What Counts as History: Women, Work, and Erasure in 19th-Century America

Session Description: Women’s work shaped 19th-century America, yet much of it has been minimized, overlooked, or left out of the historical record. This presentation explores how women contributed to households, communities, reform movements, businesses, and the economy—and why their labor was so often dismissed as ordinary, informal, or unworthy of documentation. By reconsidering what counts as historically significant, we can recover women’s experiences and create a fuller, more accurate understanding of the past.

Reception & Closing Remarks

3:35-4:30 Silent Disco and Lip Gloss Bar

Thank You to Our EMERGE Sponsors!

Event Sponsor
Devon Ellis State Farm
Gold Sponsors
Edward Jones Cindy Fremont
UPMC
Schmuck Lumber
WellSpan Health
Table Sponsor
Hanover Auto Team
Bronze Sponsors
Photo Booth Sponsor
Persimmon Sponsors
ACNB Bank
Webb Insurance