From Meghan's Blog >>
That was just to grab your attention. I’m NOT an expert. Let me be clear. And that’s been made abundantly obvious to me over the last couple days…
This all started with my... more >>>
I don’t know what that means in real life–I vaguely think it refers to an all-out emergency situation. Regardless, that’s how I’m using the term. As I gear up for... more >>>
So for the most part I’ve sworn off concerts. I went to college at William and Mary when Dave Matthews was just getting big; I saw him from the front row of The Flood Zone for $3 so many... more >>>
The Detours and On Ramps Forum is pleased to have been selected to receive a cash award from the Avon Hello Tomorrow Fund.
Learn more...
Join us in Chicago at "Career Relaunch" with our partners, iRelaunch! Learn more here...
Register (Click here)!
Join us in Waltham May 15 at Bentley College for an amazing day.
A big thanks to Bentley College, and the Women's Leadership Institute, who are serving as host sponsors for the second Detours&OnRamps. Here is the overview of our agenda. And remember, our full-day sessions are interactive and informative because each is led by women who have "walked the walk"!
Who should come? Anyone who's looking for a new job after time spent off with children (or parents!)...whether you're looking to get back to work full, part, or flextime. Anyone who's looking for ideas on the right way to balance work and home. Anyone planning to have kids, and interested in proactively planning for a career after kids. And dads...you'll get great information, too, if you want to join us! If you have a friend, or know someone who would benefit, in Boston...download a "Save the Date" and forward it along.
8:30-9:15
General Session: Opening Keynote
Introduction: Meghan McCartan, Founder/Managing Partner
Welcome: Sheila Moeschen, Bentley Women's Leadership Institute
Opening Keynote: Sheila Marcelo, Founder & CEO, Care.com
Sheila will share her thoughts on successfully balancing career and family, women in business, and more in our opening keynote address.
9:30 - 10:15
Breakouts: Choose One of Two
Jobs on Your Terms:
A number of recruiters have taken on the cause of finding great jobs that work for moms...moderated by Career coach Andrea St Jean, this panel features Jane Seibel, CEO of Employmoms, Allison O'Kelly, the founder and CEO of MomCorps, and Melissa Sharples from Aquent.
Educational Panel: The Options Out There for Career Changers and Relaunchers
Dawna Lawson, MIT | Dr. Marianne DelPo Kulow, Bentley College | Pam Jensen, The Tuck School at Dartmouth | Diane Ranaldi, Baypath College
10:20-11:10
Breakouts: Choose One of Two
New Definitions of Success...
Hear from two creative professionals who have balanced career, family, and their own creative talents to put together interesting, if non-linear, resumes.
Angela Pandolfo Roy | G. Xavier Robillard [Offsprung.com] | Dr. Maureen O'Brien, Destination Parenting
Entrepreneurship/Running Your Own Show
Learn the fundamental things that you have to take into consideration to successful run your own business, and learn from some of the stumbling blocks these successful entrepreneurs have tackled. Moderated by Brenda Stanton, the Boston co-leader of "Ladies Who Launch".
Edee Simon Israel, The Worth Collection Limited | Ellen Palmer, Spoil Me Spa | Johanna McChesney, Isis Maternity | Nataly Kogan, Work It Mom | Kathryn L. Maffei, CFP (Financial Advisor, LPL)
11:15-12:15
General Session:
Practical Solutions for Relaunching Success
Carol Fishman Cohen, co-author of "Back on the Career Track", will give you some practical ideas on relaunching yourself after time spent at home, as well as ideas to make your career work if you've never taken time out but are seeking more balance between career and family.
12:30-1:15
Lunch
The Worth Collection, Limited, one of our sponsors, will give you some ideas on key pieces you can interject in your wardrobe to go from "mom" to "successful career woman"--at least, while you're in office mode!
1:15 - 2:00
Breakouts: Choose One of Two
Are You Taking a Break from Your Job? Ten Steps to Take Before You Leave
Whether you've decided to take time off to care for your children or elderly parents, or to launch a new business, don't be hasty. Tacy Paul Roby of Calvert Investments will review the some of the decisions to be made about your income, your company-sponsored retirement account and your health insurance.
Nancy L. Olt, JD, MBA | Heidi Hanson, CFP
Entrepreneurship/Running Your Own Show
Learn the fundamental things that you have to take into consideration to successfully start your own business and learn from some of the stumbling blocks these successful entrepreneurs have tackled. Moderated by Meryl Kessler, Hybrid Mom.
Edee Simon Israel, The Worth Collection, LTD | Linda Kagan, Forms4Parents.com | Christine Koh, Boston Mamas | Roberta O'Neill, Tatutina.com | Laura Tomasetti, 360 Public Relations
2:00 - 3:00 pm
General Session:
The Employment Landscape
What's the best industry to be in these days, and how can you successfully position yourself to take advantage of options being offered by different companies? Hear from Denise Squillante, an attorney who works closely with the Massachusetts Bar Association, on what law firms are doing to retain top female talent. Carey Hoch, one of the top female portfolio managers in the country, will discuss how she balances her successful career and family, and will discuss the advice she gives to other women in demanding roles. Rhaea Photopolous will discuss "balance" in the medical profession and Gwen Acton will cover Science and Technolgy; Melissa Palmer, from Pricewaterhouse Coopers, will discuss balance as a part of a consulting career, and the session will be moderated by Jennifer Fraone from the Boston College Work and Family Roundtable....a group that focuses on and includes companies who are progressively working to help parents succeed at career and family.
3:00 Networking
Join your fellow attendees and our amazing sponsors for some informal networking and idea-sharing.
We plan to be in DC in the fall; stay tuned for more information. Join our mailing list to get updates on our upcoming Forums.
And if you're in the CHICAGO area, and are planning to return to work after time off taking care of children...we're pleased to be partnering with iRelaunch on a new event called "Career Relaunch". Plan to join us there, May 8.
The Detours and On Ramps Forum was founded to address the needs and issues of mothers, especially those grappling with their choice to work full time, part time, or from home.
The Forum was designed to bring intelligent women together to discuss the issues facing us all - because women and the marketplace both benefit when talented, well-educated mothers can contribute both at home and at work.
Through networking with fellow working mothers, discussions with the companies leading the way in solutions for working mothers, and panels and sessions on some of the most common issues faced by mothers who elect to work outside the home, Detours and On Ramps aims to provide a forum for women to meet, examine their options, and figure out their next steps.
With career resources and expert advice offered through panel discussions, small-group sessions, and networking opportunities, the hope is that mothers will leave the Detours and On Ramps Forum feeling more in control of their choices and options - and reassured that as intelligent, educated women, their contributions still matter.