As we draw closer to the Women of Western Wake Forum, coming September 25 to The Umstead Hotel and Spa, we’re gearing up for the opportunities for personal enrichment throughout the day. Between the keynote breakfast and luncheon panel, attendees can choose one of three workshops to inspire personal growth and a solid plan for the future.
Thriving Through Change: Building Resilience, Confidence, and Well-Being in Times of Uncertainty
Presented by Elizabeth Stalford, Supervisor of Mental Health & Well-Being, WakeMed Health & Hospitals
Change is inevitable, but feeling overwhelmed by it doesn’t have to be. Whether navigating career transitions, leadership opportunities, unexpected challenges, or changes in our personal lives, our mental well-being plays a critical role in how we move forward. This session will explore practical, evidence-based strategies for managing stress, building resilience, embracing uncertainty, and developing the confidence to navigate what’s next. Participants will leave with actionable tools to support their mental health while turning change into an opportunity for growth.
Confident, Not Cautious: Making AI Work for Your Business
Presented by Manisha Khanna, AI Thought Leader & Global Lead, Market Strategy – AI Practice, SAS
Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a buzzword. It is a practical tool that small and medium-sized business (SME) owners can use every single day. Yet, many women founders hesitate to adopt AI due to fears of job loss, technological complexity, or data security. This workshop is designed specifically for women entrepreneurs who want to cut through the noise and discover how AI can act as a powerful lever for business growth.
Rather than focusing on coding or complex algorithms, this session emphasizes practical AI fluency. Attendees will learn how to overcome common fears, position AI as an assistant rather than a replacement, and implement simple tools to automate repetitive tasks, enhance customer personalization, and make faster, data-driven decisions. By the end of the workshop, participants will have a clear, actionable roadmap to start integrating AI into their daily operations safely and effectively, transforming anxiety into a competitive advantage.
You’ve Got Next: Taking Control of Your Journey & Owning Your Next Move
Moderated by Tarkisha Poole, Manager, Community Impact Team, Coastal Credit Union
With speakers Muffy Grant, Executive Director, Dress for Success Triangle
Sabrina Seymore, Owner, Prevailing Pilates Studio
Hearing inspiring stories is powerful — but how do you translate that inspiration into concrete action for your own life? This interactive workshop goes beyond the main stage to give you the practical tools needed to own your next chapter.
Featuring three dynamic leaders who will each reveal a personal object symbolizing a defining pivot, this session blends candid storytelling with real-time personal application. You won’t just listen to their experiences; you will actively map out your own. Together, we will examine how personal agency and financial well-being work hand-in-hand to build the confidence, stability, and margin needed to navigate life’s unexpected turns. You’ll leave with a renewed sense of purpose, a clear personal framework, and a concrete micro-step to execute within 48 hours.
Feeling inspired? Join us for the Women of Western Wake Forum, Friday, September 25, at The Umstead, and pick the workshop that speaks to you.
