In honor of Women’s History Month, the City of Irvine hosted a Women’s Conference that brought community members together for a day of education, empowerment, and connection Friday, March 13, at Irvine City Hall.
The free event featured panel discussions and breakout sessions focused on a range of topics, including healthcare and wellness, domestic violence awareness and resources, financial education and independence, personal and professional stories of resilience, older adulthood planning, and entrepreneurship.
Reflecting the City’s ongoing commitment to fostering opportunity, advancing education, and supporting the well-being of residents at every stage of life, the conference connected attendees with community resources during networking breaks and an on-site expo featuring City of Irvine programs and services, as well as informational booths hosted by participating speakers and partners.
View details and speakers below.
Women’s Conference Schedule
8:30-9 a.m.: Refreshments & Registration
9-9:30 a.m.: Opening Remarks
- Mayor Larry Agran and Councilmember Betty Martinez Franco
- Dr. Dyonne Bergeron, Vice Chancellor of the Office of Inclusive Excellence at University of California, Irvine (UCI)
9:30-10:15 a.m.: Session 1
- Thriving at Midlife: Preventative Care, Menopause, and the Power of Knowing Your Body
Dr. Rebecca Sauer, board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist and Health Sciences Associate Professor at the University of California, Irvine
- Domestic Violence Awareness & Resources
Maricela Rios-Faust, MSW, LCSW, CFRE; Chief Executive Officer, Human Options
Gabriella Blanchard, Member of the Human Options Board and Survivor Advisory Council
10:30-11:15 a.m.: Session 2
- Financial Education: Money Management Through Transitions
Orange County’s Federal Credit Union
Alejandro Hernandez, Senior Community Education and Development Manager
- Breaking Barriers: Women, Second Chances, and Opportunity in the Labor Market
Taryn Williams, PhD Candidate, UCI Paul Merage School of Business; Chair, City of Irvine Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee
11:15 a.m.-Noon: Lunch & Networking
Noon-12:45 p.m.: Session 3
- Older Adulthood for Self and Family
Hollis Dalton, Executive Director, Irvine Adult Day Health Services
Patty Barnett Mouton, Alzheimer's OC, Vice President, Outreach & Advocacy
- Writing an Effective Business Plan
Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center Network
Manal Richa, Center Director
Katie Smith, Business Consultant
1-1:45 p.m.: Closing Keynote
- Jessica De Nova, Independent Journalist
