12:30 PM
Doors Open & Registration

1:00 PM
Opening Remarks
Speakers:
Kate Baumann, COO, MetroHartford Alliance
Amir Johnson, HYPE Board Chair and Director of External Relations & Programs, The iQuilt Partnership

1:10 PM
Keynote Speaker

When WE Win: The Human Advantage in an AI-Powered World
As AI takes on more of our work, what makes people—and the teams they lead—prepared to succeed? In this opening keynote, Zillah M. Fluker, Ph.D., connects responsible AI use with the human skills that build trust and opportunity. Drawing on her leadership across corporate talent development, higher education, and the Why Not Win Institute, she offers a practical approach to strengthening judgment, communication, and relationships. Participants leave ready to use technology thoughtfully, lead with a human touch, and help others grow.

WIN—Work with intention, Invest in human capability, and Navigate change together—provides the framework

Speaker: Zillah M. Fluker, Ph.D., Founder and Principal, activate|elevate
(Fun Fact: Zillah is a HYPE alumna from 2008!)

2:05 PM
Interactive Workshop 1
(Presented in Partnership with UConn School of Business)

Defining Your Voice: The Courage to Have the Conversations That Move You Forward
Some of the most important moments in your career begin with a conversation you might be tempted to avoid. Whether it’s asking for more responsibility, advocating for yourself, addressing a conflict, sharing a different perspective, or setting boundaries, learning to navigate difficult conversations is a critical skill for professional growth. In this interactive session, you’ll explore practical strategies for communicating with confidence and approaching challenging conversations with clarity and purpose. Along the way, we’ll connect these skills to the development of leadership and executive presence, demonstrating how the ability to speak up and build trust can help you stand out and move your careers forward. Participants will leave with a practical framework and a plan for putting these skills into action in their own professional lives.

Speaker: Michael Bozzi, Director, Office of Student Services, MBA Programs

2:40 PM
Buzz Break; Resource Fair Opens
Break - refreshments and networking. Resource Fair opens.

3:00 PM
Fireside Chat

The Career Plot Twist: Navigating Change, Finding Purpose, and Embracing What's Next
Join two Hartford leaders for an honest and engaging fireside chat about the unexpected twists, turns, and opportunities that shape our careers.

Participants will:

• Embrace the unexpected: Discover why career paths rarely follow a straight line and how unexpected changes can lead to meaningful opportunities.

• Find your direction: Explore how your values, interests, and strengths can help guide career decisions, even when you're unsure what's next.

• Build the courage to pivot: Hear real stories about navigating uncertainty, taking risks, learning from setbacks, and stepping outside your comfort zone.

• Leverage your relationships and experiences: Learn how mentors, networks, and transferable skills can open doors across roles, organizations, and industries.

• Take your next step: Walk away with practical insights and inspiration to navigate your own career journey with greater confidence, curiosity, and purpose.

Speakers:
Peter Callahan, Director of Learning & Development, Leadership Greater Hartford
Alise Dixon, President and CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford

3:40 PM
Resource Fair

Your Next Step Starts Here: Connect with organizations that offer opportunities to grow your skills, get involved in your community, build experience, and take your career to the next level.

Featured Organizations:
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut
Leadership Greater Hartford
UConn School of Business
Real Art Ways

4:30 PM
Closing Remarks
Speakers:
Ellen Zoppo-Sassu, Mayor, City of Bristol
Lauren Zevetchin, Executive Director, HYPE

5:00 - 6:00 PM
NextGen Connect Reception