Join us for an insightful webinar hosted in collaboration with the Center For Excellence in Public Leadership at George Washington University and CommPRO, as we celebrate Women's History Month by delving into women's leadership in business.
We will explore strategies geared toward propelling career advancement and cultivating an environment that fosters equal opportunities for women across all leadership tiers. Emphasizing the importance of community and allyship, we'll discuss actionable steps to champion gender equality in the workplace.
We'll tackle the crucial issue of achieving a healthy work-life balance for women in leadership roles, providing practical insights and tips.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to gain valuable insights and be part of the conversation on women's leadership in business.
WELCOME REMARKS: Liesl Riddle, Ph.D.
Dean, College of Professional Studies, Associate Professor of Int'l Business and Int'l Affairs, School of Business·George Washington University's College of Professional Studies
Liesl Riddle, Ph.D., is the dean of George Washington University's College of Professional Studies (CPS) and an associate professor of international business and international affairs. As dean of CPS, she oversees bachelor's completion, master’s, and executive programs designed to empower students to make an impact in specific industries. She also leads several innovative schools and centers, including the Graduate School of Political Management, the Center for Excellence in Public Leadership, and the Cyber Academy. Dr. Riddle also serves as a member of the Penn West Equity & Innovation District Advisory Committee, developing linkages between the College and greater University with this upcoming engine of growth in the D.C. economy.
MODERATOR: Leslie Grossman
Faculty Director, Executive Women's Leadership Program, George Washington University Center for Excellence in Public Leadership
Leslie Grossman is a Senior Fellow, Faculty Director, and Educator, Executive Women’s Leadership, at the George Washington University Center for Excellence in Public Leadership. Leslie leads the Executive Women’s Program and Women Leaders on the Rise for high-potential women. Leslie builds successful leaders and businesses through collaboration, shared vision, executive presence, and the power of trusted relationships. A leadership strategist, speaker, executive coach, and author of "Link Out: How to Turn Your Network into a Chain of Lasting Connections" (Wiley), Grossman has dedicated 25 years to helping women leaders, executives, entrepreneurs, and CEOs reach their goals and live fulfilling lives. Grossman is committed to closing the leadership gender gap.
Soni K. Basi, Ph.D.
Global Chief People Officer, Edelman
Soni K. Basi, Ph.D., is the global chief people officer at Edelman. She joined the firm in May 2022 and leads the firm’s talent development, recruitment, and retention efforts, partnering with leaders across the agency network to meet the evolving and diverse needs of employees and clients.
Soni is a strategic and passionate global Human Resources executive, guiding the creation of cutting-edge talent programs. With a track record of delivering digital-first initiatives, and more than 20 years of experience, Soni has worked with some of the world's most notable companies in luxury and consumer goods, financial services, and pharmaceuticals.
Amy Coles
Global Head of HR & Chief Talent Officer, Finn Partners
Amy Coles joined FINN Partners in October 2019 with ten years of human resources experience. Before joining FINN, Amy built the HR department at a mid-sized PR agency in New York City, handling everything from benefits and payroll, HR policies and procedures, recruitment and retention, and staff training and development. Amy was also instrumental in that agency’s global expansion, from expatriating staff to addressing U.K. HR matters.
Before moving into a career in human resources, Amy spent 15 years working her way up through the agency PR ranks, starting as an intern at a large Philadelphia agency to a Senior Vice President at a mid-sized New York City firm. As a PR practitioner, Amy worked on some of the world’s most well-known consumer brands with Fortune 500 companies such as 3M, Hasbro, Kellogg, Kraft Foods, and Walmart. For Amy, the lessons learned in serving PR clients – effective communication, the value of transparency, ensuring that tactics and execution align with strategy – also ensure HR success in shaping the employee experience and allowing the company to thrive.
Tamla Oates-Forney
Global Human Resources Executive
Ms. Oates-Forney is a seasoned global human resources executive in large and complex organizations. She recently served as Executive VP, CHRO at USAA, a Fortune 500 company. Before joining USAA Ms. Oates-Forney served as Senior VP and chief People Officer, at Waste Management and served in positions of increasing responsibility during her 20-year career at General Electric, most notably as Chief Diversity Officer for GE Appliances and Lighting, Human Resources Leader for GE Africa, and Vice President of Human Resources for GE Energy Connections. Ms. Oates-Forney was named a GE Company officer in 2016, making her the highest-ranking African-American female executive at the time.
Suzanne Ogle
Suzanne Ogle, CEO of Southern Gas Association is a sustainability and ESG executive with more than 20 years of experience operating at the forefront of social and business transformation, leading through rapid and disruptive change.
As a national thought leader on the future of energy and women's leadership, her work has been published in Forbes, Success Magazine, Energy Central, and more. She is one of the leading women in the energy industry and often focuses on America's energy outlook for 2050.