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Join us for the 2025 Women’s Business Conference at The Bunker in Jamestown, North Dakota for a day filled with inspiration, networking, and growth. The event will be held at 1520 3rd St SE, a convenient location for all attendees. Connect with fellow female entrepreneurs, learn from industry leaders, and take your business to the next level. Get ready for a day of empowerment and collaboration. See you there!

Agenda:

8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. – Networking
9:00 a.m. to 9:05 a.m. – Welcome Remarks
9:05 a.m. to 9:55 a.m. – Dr. Liz Hunt, Executive Director, Unruh School of Character in Leadership – Professor of Leadership Studies – University of Jamestown

Workshop Title: Servant Leadership

Workshop Description:
• Introduction & Definition of Servant Leadership (5 minutes)
• Overview of Key Components of a Servant Leader
(Listening, empathy, healing, awareness, persuasion, stewardship, commitment to the growth of people (empowerment), and building community.) (10 minutes)
• Deep Dive into 1-2 Key Components (you pick) (15 min each) [short breakout sessions to discuss how participants currently engage these components]
• Review of Benefits of Servant Leadership to Followers & Organizations (10 min)
• Q&A (5 min)

Presenter Bio:
Elizabeth K. Hunt is an associate professor of leadership and Director of Character in Leadership at the University of Jamestown in Jamestown, ND. Hunt holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from Regent University, a Master of Arts in communication from NDSU, and a Bachelor of Arts in History-Political Science and English from the University of Jamestown. Her research interests include sensemaking, leadership communication, organizational culture and climate, servant leadership, and values and character education.

10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. – Molly Kocialski, Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office – Rocky Mountain Regional Office – Presentation on Patents, Trademarks, and Copyrights

Workshop Title: Developing Your Intellectual Property (IP) Strategy – A Must for Every Business

Workshop Description:
Developing your intellectual property (IP) business strategy is essential, and includes evaluating your IP assets, knowing your competition, understanding the pace of innovation and opportunities for growth, and determining the best ways to protect your IP. It also increases leveraging power, and adds value to your company. Whether it’s creating and using a brand that distinguishes an owner from other businesses, demonstratively protecting the company’s trade secrets, or investing in a more competitive business decision by allowing an invention to be published while seeking a patent, ownership should always be the first thought when the work is being done. Regional Director Molly Kocialski, of the U.S. Patent and Trademark’s Rocky Mountain Office, will lead an interactive session where participants will be challenged to identify and label the IP in a business simulation, while also dispelling the myth that protection will only help some businesses. In this session, participants can expect to leave with a better understanding of how to develop a business strategy to establish, monitor, and protect IP rights.

Presenter Bio:
As the Director of the Rocky Mountain Regional United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), since January 2016, Mollybeth (Molly) Kocialski carries out the strategic direction of the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO, and is responsible for leading the Rocky Mountain regional office. Focusing on the nine states within this region and actively engaging with the community, Ms. Kocialski ensures the USPTO’s initiatives and programs are tailored to the region’s unique ecosystem of industries and stakeholders.

Ms. Kocialski brings more than 20 years of intellectual property experience to the USPTO. Most recently, Ms. Kocialski was the Senior Patent Counsel for Oracle America, Inc., where she was responsible for managing an active patent prosecution docket and was also responsible for all of the post-grant procedures and patent investigations for Oracle and its subsidiaries. Prior to Oracle, she worked at Qwest Corporation and was also in private practice in both New York and Colorado focusing on intellectual property litigation for multiple high-tech companies while maintaining an active prosecution docket.

Ms. Kocialski is a recognized IP leader in the Rocky Mountain region. Ms. Kocialski currently serves on the Colorado Federal Executive Board’s Executive Committee. Ms. Kocialski is the President of the Colorado IP Inn of Court and was previously the Chair of the Planning Committee and a member of the Board of Directors of the Colorado IP Inn of Court. Further, Ms. Kocialski is a member of the Planning Committee for the Rocky Mountain Intellectual Property Institute, an annual two-day conference on intellectual property that attracts over 500 attendees. She was the Chair of the Intellectual Property Section of the Colorado Bar Association and served on the Colorado Bar Association’s Board of Governors. Ms. Kocialski served as the head of the IP Committee and was a member of the Board of Directors for the Colorado Chapter of the Association of Corporate Counsel and served on the National IP Committee of the Association of the Corporate Counsel. In 2015, Ms. Kocialski was recognized by Managing IP magazine as one of its North America Corporate IP Stars.
Ms. Kocialski is a graduate of the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law and received a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of New Mexico. Ms. Kocialski is a registered patent attorney and is admitted to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the New York and Colorado state bars as well as to the United States Courts in those jurisdictions.

11:10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – Ranetta Starr, Community Programs Director, USDA Rural Development Community Facilities and Business Programs

Workshop Title: How USDA Rural Development Benefits Rural Communities Across North Dakota

Workshop Description:

USDA Rural Development focuses exclusively on America’s rural people and their communities. USDA Rural Development offers loans, loan guarantees, and grants to individuals, businesses, and communities that provide funding for economic development, homeownership, infrastructure, and essential community facilities and services.

Presenter Bio:
Ranetta Starr serves as the Director of Community Programs at USDA Rural Development in North Dakota. With a remarkable portfolio worth $640 million, she plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of nearly every corner of rural North Dakota.

Her journey with USDA Rural Development spans over 17 years, during which she has worn many hats, from enhancing housing opportunities to fostering business growth and community programs. This diverse experience has equipped Ranetta with a profound understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that rural areas face.

Before her impactful career in public service, Ranetta worked in the private banking sector for 13 years, specializing in consumer, commercial, and real estate lending. This background not only deepens her insight into economic development but also fuels her commitment to creating sustainable solutions for the communities she serves.

A proud graduate of the University of North Dakota, Ranetta holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Her journey is a testament to her dedication to driving positive change and her leadership continues to inspire those around her as she works tirelessly to improve the quality of life for all North Dakotans.

12:00 p.m. to 12:50 p.m. – Lunch – Salad Bar

12:55 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. – Tanya Taplin, Assistant Professor of Cyber Defense, University of Mary

Workshop Title: Cyber Threats: Reshaping Our Defense Strategies

Workshop Description:
I. Introduction (3 minutes)
• Welcome
II. Understanding Cyber Threats
• Definition of cyber threats
• Overview of current trends in cyber threats
o Types of threats (malware, phishing, ransomware, etc.)
o Case studies of recent high-profile attacks
III. The Evolving Cyber Landscape
• Factors driving the evolution of cyber threats
o Technology advancements (AI, cloud computing, IoT)
o Increased digital dependence across industries
IV. Current Defense Strategies
• Overview of traditional cybersecurity measures
V. Reshaping Our Defense Strategies
• Need for a proactive and adaptive approach
• Key components of a modern defense strategy
VI. Future Trends in Cyber Defense
• Predictions for the future of cyber threats
VII. Conclusion and Q & A

Presenter Bio:
Tanya Taplin is a former Cybersecurity Advisor for North Dakota (Homeland Security/CISA) and currently serves as Program Director and Assistant Professor of Cybersecurity at the University of Mary. A native of North Dakota, Taplin brings 25 years of expertise in cybersecurity and information technology, with a distinguished career dedicated to advancing technology within state and federal government as well as academia.

She earned her Master’s degree in Cyber Defense from Dakota State University and holds multiple industry certifications. Deeply committed to mentoring and educating the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, she enjoys coaching cyber competitions and participates in various community initiatives. Additionally, Taplin is a member of several prominent Cybersecurity, IT, and AI organizations.

1:50 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. – Discussion on Event Planning Strategies & Founders Journey with Deidre Hillman, owner of the 13th Hat, LLC

Workshop Title: Engaging Experiences: Mastering Event Planning

Workshop Description:
This exciting session will unveil innovative ideas to ignite FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) and drive attendance at your events. Discover how to design immersive experiences that cater to all guests, foster inclusivity among staff, volunteers, board members & donors (for non-profits), and attendees alike. Additionally, learn the art of developing strategic partnerships, harnessing the power of collaboration to amplify your impact and create meaningful connections with charities, individuals and businesses eager to support your event. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to elevate your event planning game and leave a lasting impression on your community!

Presenter Bio:
Deidre Hillman holds an impressive resume of experience. Prior to founding the 13th Hat, she was a state director for the ND Women’s Business Center and has worked in a variety of roles throughout her prior careers from human resources to safety compliance. The 13th Hat is a corporate event planning company servicing clients regionally and assists planning events from small board or staff retreats to large conferences. Outside of 13th Hat, Hillman serves on the Dakota Zoo board, is a wish coordinator for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and co-founded the Bismarck Mandan Power of 100. Hillman is a John Maxwell Leadership Trainer and certified coach and a facilitator for Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses.

2:50 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. – Michael Kantrud, Outreach & Marketing Specialist (Contracting) – U.S. Small Business Administration – Small Business Certifications

Workshop Title: Federal Certifications for Government Contracting and How It Can Help You

Workshop Description:
The federal government has goals for contracting with Small Business, HUBZone, Women Owned, Disadvantaged and Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses and are allowed to restrict competition through contract set-asides as a means of achieving its goals. We will discuss the eligibility requirements for each of these categories, including which require third-party certifications and which allow for self-certification. The session will also discuss the 8(a) Business Development Program, which is a special nine-year business development program for Small and Disadvantaged businesses.

Presenter Bio:
Michael Kantrud is a Marketing and Outreach Specialist who works at the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) North Dakota District Office. He leads the procurement and contracting services provided by the office. While promoting SBA Certifications, he manages the 8(a) portfolio and leading two local webinar series. The Tri-State Procurement Webinar Series, a procurement-focused webinar hosted with Minnesota and South Dakota representatives from SBA and Apex Accelerators, along with the Business Builders Webinar Series that combines the strengths of SBA’s resource partner network.

3:30 p.m. – 4:15 .m. – Networking

Thank you to our wonderful sponsors!