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Building Bolder Foundations

BuildHER

November 13, 2026

Welcome to BuildHER! Join us in Uptown Charlotte for an experience that is designed to bring together women who are ready to grow, lead, and take meaningful steps forward in their careers.

Get Notified for Early Access

The Mission of BuildHER

Join us for BuildHER, a high-impact, half-day experience designed for emerging and established women leaders in the Charlotte region. This program is designed to empower professionals with the confidence, skills, and strategies to advance their careers, strengthen their influence, and lead within their organizations.

Whether you are stepping into new responsibilities or looking to strengthen your professional foundation, you will leave with a fresh perspective and tangible strategies you can apply immediately.

Friday, November 13, 2026

8:00 AM – 12:30 PM

The Dubois Center – UNC Charlotte Center City
BuildHER Conference

Registration & Pricing

Invest in your professional growth. Secure your spot early for the best rates:

$79
Early Bird & Group Rate
Opens July 1, 2026
$99
Regular Registration
Starts September 16, 2026
$129
Last-Minute & Day-Of
Event Agenda
8:00 – 8:30 AMRegistration & Networking BreakfastLight breakfast and coffee while attendees connect. Table prompts encourage meaningful conversation such as leadership challenges, next career goals, and skills participants want to develop.
8:30 – 8:40 AMWelcome & Opening RemarksOpening from a university leader or conference host. Frame the importance of advancing women in leadership and outline what participants will gain during the morning.
8:40 – 9:10 AMKeynote presented by UNC Charlotte Chancellor Sharon GaberFocus on the shift from operational excellence to strategic leadership. Topics may include executive presence, influence in decision-making spaces, and common barriers women face in advancing their careers.
9:10 – 9:30 AMNetworking Break and BuildHER Marketplace in AtriumShort refresh break allowing participants to connect and reflect on keynote insights. Shopping time in the curated BuildHER Marketplace.
9:30 – 10:15 AMWork Site Break Out SessionsInteractive workshop covering topics such as managing up, handling difficult conversations, advocating for resources, and communicating with authority.
Session 1: Handling difficult conversations Speaker: Karri Kennedy
Session 2: Communicating with authority Speaker: Mary Smith
10:15 -10:35 AMNetworking Break and BuildHER Marketplace in AtriumShort refresh break allowing participants to connect and reflect on Work Site insights. Shopping time in the curated BuildHER Marketplace.
10:35 – 11:20 AMExecutive Panel: Women Leading in Charlotte moderated by Elisabeth ThorntonPanel featuring women leaders from key regional industries such as finance, healthcare, energy, higher education, or professional services. Discussion topics include leadership transitions, visibility strategies, and lessons learned in advancing to executive roles.
11:20 – 11:35 AMNetworking Break and BuildHER Marketplace in AtriumShort refresh break allowing participants to connect and reflect on Executive Panel insights. Shopping time in the curated BuildHER Marketplace.
11:35 AM – 12:05 PMOvercoming Imposter Syndrome presented by Amy WarthamMany high-achieving women experience moments of self-doubt, questioning whether they truly belong in leadership spaces. This session explores the roots of imposter syndrome and how it shows up in the workplace, especially during career transitions and leadership growth.
12:05 – 12:30 PMClosing & Next StepsSummary of key insights and introduction to the university’s leadership certificate program with an attendee-only enrollment opportunity. Final shopping time in the curated BuildHER Marketplace.
Parking Information

Please note the following requirements for the Pivot Parking managed lots near The Dubois Center:

  • Smartphone Required: Physical payment kiosks are no longer available.
  • Arrival: Parking sessions must be initiated within 15 minutes of entering the lot.
  • Payment: Scan the unique QR codes posted in the lot to access the browser-based app, or text 44989 with the lot code (e.g., PIVOT422).

Enforcement: Violations are handled via license plate readers and mailed to the registered owner.

Skills
BuildHER is a high-impact leadership experience designed to empower women to grow, stretch, and take meaningful steps forward in their careers.
Confidence
Through a combination of strategic insight, practical skill-building, and authentic conversation, attendees will gain the tools and confidence needed to navigate today’s workplace with clarity and purpose.
Strategy
This is not a traditional conference. BuildHER is designed to be engaging, actionable, and rooted in real-world leadership growth.

Dr. Sharon L. Gaber

Chancellor, UNC Charlotte | Keynote

A trailblazer in higher education, Dr. Sharon L. Gaber is widely recognized for her visionary leadership and commitment to innovation. As the first woman to serve as Chancellor of UNC Charlotte, she has helped propel the University’s rapid rise.

Under her leadership, UNC Charlotte has earned the prestigious Carnegie R1 research designation and has been established as North Carolina’s most innovative public institution.

Amy Wartham

Director of Corporate Training and Executive Education, UNC Charlotte

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Amy Wartham is a distinguished leader in professional development and a powerful voice for workforce empowerment. With over 25 years of experience in high-impact leadership training, she specializes in helping individuals and organizations navigate the evolving landscape of the modern business world.

As the Director of Corporate Training and Executive Education at UNC Charlotte, Amy is at the forefront of shaping the next generation of professionals. Her career has been defined by a commitment to excellence and a passion for helping women ascend to new heights in their professional journeys.

Speakers: Work Site Breakout Rooms

The speakers for the "Work Site" breakout rooms bring real-world case studies that illustrate how to navigate organizational hierarchies and advocate for essential resources within a professional environment.

View Agenda Details
karri kennedy

Karri Kennedy

Handling Difficult Conversations

Mary Smith

Mary Smith

Communicating with Authority

Executive Panel: Women Leading in Charlotte

Join our panel featuring women leaders from key regional industries such as finance, healthcare, energy, or higher education. We'll discuss leadership transitions, visibility strategies, and lessons learned in advancing to executive roles.

View Agenda Details
Karen Calder

Karen Calder

Classroom Central, Executive Director

elisabeth thornton

Elisabeth Thornton

UNC Charlotte, Moderator

Want to Support the Mission?

Sponsorship Opportunities

Show your commitment to women’s leadership. Packages range from Community Sponsor ($150) for small businesses to our premier Skyline Sponsor ($5,000), offering top-tier visibility and speaking opportunities.

Join the Marketplace

Are you a woman-owned business? Apply to be a vendor in our BuildHER Marketplace to showcase your products and services to Charlotte’s top professional talent.

Explore the Media Kit for More Information

Questions? Contact Us!

For more information on the BuildHER: Building Bolder Foundations conference please reach out to Dayle Janus.

About UNC Charlotte School of Professional Studies

The UNC Charlotte School of Professional Studies serves as the University’s gateway for adult learners seeking to strengthen their professional impact. With a portfolio ranging from industry-recognized certifications to specialized licensure prep the School offers flexible learning formats designed to fit the lives of busy professionals. Through strategic partnerships and a commitment to regional economic growth, the School of Professional Studies ensures that Charlotte’s workforce remains competitive, innovative, and prepared for the future of work.