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  • Attendees at Women's Leadership Forum
  • Attendees at Women's Leadership Forum
  • Attendees at Women's Leadership Forum
Attallah College of Educational Studies

» 4th Annual Women's Leadership Forum

Women's Leadership Forum 2020 logoSaturday, March 7, 2020
8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Argyros Forum 209

Sponsored by SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, the Annual Women's Leadership Forum brings together dynamic leaders from different fields to share their personal passions, the importance of collaboration and mentorship in the workplace, and career advancement advice.

The Annual Women's Leadership Forum includes keynote speakers, a panel discussion with Q&A, and breakout sessions with field leaders. The event also includes a special session for members of CALSA (California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators).

People of all ages, genders, and backgrounds are invited to attend. Networking opportunities are available and encouraged!


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2020 Keynote Speakers

photo of Tracy Walder (MA '07)

Tracy Walder (MA '07)

CIA Operative, FBI Special Agent Turned Teacher and Author
Tracy Walder earned her bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Southern California (USC) and her master’s degree in teaching from Chapman University. From 2000–2004, Tracy worked in the CIA’s Directorate of Operations as Staff Operations Officer (SOO) in the Central Intelligence Agency's Counterterrorism Center. At the agency, she worked in the Counterterrorism Center’s Weapons of Mass Destruction Group and spent time in various war zones, Africa, the Middle East and Europe. In late 2004, Tracy left the CIA to become a Special Agent at the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office specializing in Chinese counterintelligence operations. Tracy then spent 14 years teaching history and government in both private and public high schools. In addition to public speaking though the World Affairs Council, she now serves on the Board of Directors at Girl Security, an American nonprofit that encourages young women to pursue national-security careers through learning, training, and mentoring support. Her memoir, The Unexpected Spy: From the CIA to the FBI My Secret Life Taking Down Some of the World’s Most Notorious Terrorists, was published in February 2020.
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photo of Nicole

Nicole Washington

Director of Innovation and Growth
Nicole Washington is the Director of Innovation and Growth at OCTANe. She has nearly 20 years of systems integration and management consulting experience. She is the founder and owner of Micro Biz Coach, a firm that focuses on educating the micro and small business owner to leverage various aspects of internet technology in their business operations. Nicole is a member of the Angel Capital Association through her fund Ohio Tech Angels, and she is Trustee of the Board of Education for the Samueli Academy.
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2020 Panelists

photo of Brateil Aghasi

Brateil Aghasi

Chief Executive Officer
Brateil Aghasi is Chief Executive Officer of WISEPlace, one of Orange County’s first communities devoted specifically to unaccompanied homeless women in transition. Prior to joining WISEPlace, Brateil lead a series of nonprofit organizations, from trauma-informed healthcare and clinical services to national youth mentoring programs. She brings more than 15 years of business experience to the nonprofit community. Under Brateil’s leadership, WISEPlace is now embarking on a supportive housing development partnership to build 50+ units of permanent supportive housing with wrap-around services. She believes in a housing-first approach to solve issues of poverty and homelessness.
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photo of Martha Martinez

Martha Martinez

Superintendent
Martha L. Martinez, Superintendent for Salinas City Elementary School District, has more than 40 years of experience in public education serving as a teacher, principal, and central office positions from coordinator to Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services. Martha holds a master’s degree in organizational leadership from the University of San Francisco and a bachelor’s degree in child development from San Jose State University. Her recent accomplishments include ACSA Region 10 Superintendent of the Year, Children’s Abuse Prevention Leadership Award, and Golden Bell Awards for Changing School Communities and Heart for the Homeless.
photo of Nikki SooHoo

Nikki SooHoo

Film and Television Actor
Best known for her roles in the movies “The Lovely Bones,” directed by Peter Jackson; “Stick It,” costarring alongside Jeff Bridges; and “Bring It On Fight to the Finish,” Nikki SooHoo has been a professional film and television actor for the past 16 years. You can see her on TV shows like "The Resident," "Heathers,"" Speechless," and "Pretty Little Liars," playing various guest roles. She also can be heard in her voice over work on shows like "Star Wars Resistance" on Disney XD and "Shimmer and Shine" on Nick Jr.

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In Partnership With

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