Women's Business Council: Grace & Growth, Navigating Conflict with Confidence

Description

Conflict at work is inevitable—but handling it with confidence, grace, and effectiveness is a skill worth building. Join us for an engaging and interactive discussion on navigating difficult conversations and mending workplace relationships.

In this two-part experience, we’ll explore how to navigate workplace conflict and change with confidence. Gain valuable insights, strategies, and lessons learned from real-life experiences to help you handle difficult conversations effectively.

We will introduce practical tools for addressing conflict with confidence, and in small groups, you’ll apply these techniques to real-world scenarios. This interactive session allows you to build skills in a supportive environment while connecting with like-minded professionals.

Come ready to learn, practice, and leave feeling empowered to turn workplace challenges into opportunities for growth!

Guest Speaker Colleen Mullen, University at Albany Women's Basketball Coach 

Colleen Mullen was hired as the head coach for the University at Albany in May 2018 ahead of the 2018-19 season. Over her tenure at UAlbany, Mullen has led the Great Danes to 7 straight America East Playoffs and has competed in the semifinal game in 5 of those seasons. Her team was named regular season Co-Champions during the 2022-2023 season, regular season Champions during the 2024-2025 season, and won the America East Tournament Championship during the 2021-2022 season. During the 2023-2024 season, the University at Albany had the #1 scoring defense in the country.

Mullen has recorded a 20+ win season for the past 4 seasons at UAlbany. Over this time, Mullen has led the Great Danes to an overall record of 93-34. In the America East she has boasted a conference record of 53-12 and has an overall home record of 54-5. With a win over Rhode Island on Friday, November 8, 2024, Mullen reached 100 career victories at UAlbany.

Mullen arrived at UAlbany after spending the previous seven seasons at Army West Point. Mullen joined Army’s staff as an assistant coach in July 2011 and was promoted to associate head coach a year later. Mullen made her way to West Point after two years at Long Island University, where she was the top assistant and recruiting coordinator. She also spent a season as an assistant coach at Lehigh. Mullen spent 2005-07 as the top assistant at Southern New Hampshire after serving as the director of basketball operations at Northern Illinois in 2004-05.

As a player, Mullen spent two seasons at Rhode Island, leading her team in assists each year before transferring to New Hampshire. A two-year captain, she was one of the top feeders in Wildcat history and finished her two-year career with 218 assists, the 14th-highest mark in school history. Mullen was named to the America East Academic Honor Roll in each of her two seasons.

Armchair Discussion with Liana Bonavita

Liana Bonavita is a Financial Advisor at Northwestern Mutual, whose genuine curiosity and unique ability to build meaningful bonds quickly is a testament to her non-linear path. With a decade of leadership as the Sports Director at News10 ABC, Liana became known for her excellence in storytelling and worked tirelessly to expand and develop a highly-respected department. As an Emmy-nominated journalist, Liana made the intentional career leap into financial services to help her clients become the heroes of their own stories, while becoming a more present mother herself. Referred to as a friend, coach, advisor, fairy godmother, therapist, godsend, cheerleader, and auntie to her clients’ children, Liana’s relationship-first, judgment-free approach builds trust through authentic connection, and confidence through comprehensive planning. Liana deeply cares about her clients’ success, empowering them to think bigger and achieve their financial goals. With a last name that means “Good Life”, she lives hers alongside her husband and two children, traveling, boating, dancing wherever there’s music, rooting on her favorite sports teams, and creating mini adventures that’ll last a lifetime in memories.

11:30 a.m. Registration, Networking and Raffle Purchases
11:55 a.m. Program Begins
1:00 p.m.   Program Concludes

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