The Journey Within
Join us for The Journey Within, a one-day leadership conference exclusively for Black women—a space designed to empower, inspire, and connect. This dynamic event provides a platform for attendees to share their stories, celebrate accomplishments, and tackle challenges together.
Through thought-provoking discussions, powerful panels, and keynote addresses by influential leaders, The Journey Within will explore topics including leadership development, career advancement, self-care, and amplifying your voice in professional spaces.
This event is more than a conference—it’s a movement. Together, we’ll honor the strength of Black women, amplify their voices, and provide a powerful launchpad toward a future of boundless potential and success. Join us to be inspired, uplifted, and equipped to advance your leadership journey with confidence and purpose!
Date: Friday, April 11, 2025
Time: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: $100 per person
Venue: Multi-Flex Theater, inside Indiana Tech’s Snyder Academic Center
We have negotiated special rates with The Bradley you
Hotel Accommodations
Hotel accommodations are provided by The Bradley at a discounted rate of $139 for Deluxe Kings and $149 for Double Queens.
Book The Bradly online or call directly at 260-205-5093 and request the reservations department. If booking by phone, provide the Indiana Tech name for discounted rate.
Sponsorship Opportunities
We offer three levels of sponsorship:
1. $5000.00 Signature Sponsor (1 available)
- Prominent logo placement and featured recognition in all event communications
- A dedicated speaking opportunity to address attendees (Remarks or Panel Participant)
- 2 Tables/ 16 Conference Registrations
2. $2500.00 Event Sponsor (2 available)
- Recognition in event promotional materials (website, emails, social media)
- Logo placement on event signage
- 2 Tables/ 16 Conference Registrations
3. $1000.00 Table Sponsor (10 available)
- Logo placement on a table
- 1 table/ 8 Conference Registrations
Who should attend
The content of this forum has been prepared for and will resonate with:
- Black women from diverse backgrounds and professions seeking inspiration, empowerment and personal growth.
- Emerging leaders, professionals and entrepreneurs looking to gain insights and guidance for personal and career growth.
- Allies and advocates dedicated to elevating the experiences and voices of Black women.
- Anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the unique challenges and strengths of Black women.
- This event is tailored for professionals and community members; therefore, it may not fully meet the needs of students who are in different stages of personal and professional development.
Conference format
Throughout the day, our expert facilitators will offer insights, strategies, and tools to help you unlock your leadership potential while building meaningful connections with fellow Black women leaders.
Sessions will flow seamlessly, with engaging speakers rotating to the main stage to share insights and interact with participants. This format encourages continuous dialogue, networking and knowledge-sharing, allowing attendees to fully immerse themselves in the content without missing any key moments. A Journey Within is a space where you can explore your leadership journey, share your experiences,and be empowered to lead with confidence, resilience and authenticity.
Featured speakers and topics
Headline Speaker
Diana R. Patton, Esq
Diana R. Patton, Esq is the CEO and Founder of the Rise With Diana consultancy, the All Rise Global Summit, and the Rise Advocates® Academy where she helps corporate women to speak up and advocate for themselves, to be seen, heard, and valued for their greatest work, so they get promoted and paid their worth. Diana’s experiences, as a former Civil Rights Attorney, Corporate Executive, and the hundreds of women she’s helped, provide the expertise to equip women, and the organizations that they work for, to be more inclusive of the people that represent the customers and clients they serve.
Diana- the bestselling author of her memoir, Inspiration in My Shoes, and This Yogi’s Journey- is a sought-after subject matter expert and TedX speaker, listed on the APB Global Speaker Network. She’s spoken and provided consulting to several global corporations, and has over 10 years experience as a Voiceover Actor, covering several global brands.
Spotlight Speakers
Laura D. Booker, MA
With over 25 years of experience in Learning and Development coupled with more than ten years in Christian Counseling, Laura has forged a professional and private path to holistic learning and mental health solutions. Laura is known as an innovator in adult Learning Design, Development, and Implementation and has utilized her talents in multiple Fortune 500 companies in New York City, Los Angeles, and various geographical locations in between. Laura is dedicated to helping individuals find true wholeness through the integration of spirituality and psychology.
Lisa D. Givan, CDE, CP-HIL
With over 30 years of experience as an inclusive leadership practitioner, Lisa D. Givan has worked with a diverse range of organizations across various industries, including corporate, nonprofit, and educational sectors. She has developed a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with diversity, equity, and belonging, and has successfully implemented strategies to cultivate inclusive environments where individuals can thrive. Lisa has been the driving force behind the award-winning L.E.A.D. Executive Certificate while also being recognized as the ACE-WIN Distinguished Woman Leader Award and a 2024 Greater Fort Wayne Champion of Change
Dr. Kristal Walker, CPTM, SHRM-CP
With nearly 20 years of working in the organizational and leadership development space, Kristal brings a passion for creating impactful learning experiences that result in personal and professional transformation.
In addition to participating in the distinguished Society of CQ Fellows program, Kristal teaches training professionals from around the world how to strategically align learning and development initiatives to business outcomes. She impacts others through magazine articles, podcasts, keynote speaking engagements, and professional development.
Feedback from past attendees
“Everything was perfect and fitting for where I am personally and professionally at this very moment.”
“I appreciate the entire conference. I really like it was an environment of women just like myself. i appreciate the openness of each speaker. What I enjoyed most were the letter to themselves. Me at 28 I am still trying to figure it let alone figure myself out. So it gave me a chance to look at myself and see how far I’ve came and help me plan what I want to become. What stuck with me lost is when i was asked ‘what do people get when they get me?’ because often we fix ourselves to fit an image but each speaker helped me see i can just bring myself and that’s more than enough.”
“The panelists provided support to attendees. i.e. Provide mentors for attendees who are not advancing in their careers. I, also, appreciated the candidness and sisterhood and the willingness of the panelists to call Black women to support Black women.”
“I appreciated the directness and openness of the experiences that were shared. That the vibe was to educate and truly see people, to help them elevate.”