The second annual International Women’s Day Conference will be hosted by the Women’s Leadership Program at Cal State Fullerton’s College of Business and Economics on March 7 at the Titan Student Union. This year’s event, supported by Mercury Insurance, is a symposium on women’s empowerment and professional development focused on building a versatile personal brand.

This year’s keynote address will be delivered by Sharon Don, a CSUF communications alumna, professional YouTuber, SAG actress, and producer who will share insights on excelling in today’s competitive marketplace. The event will also include talks by Mercury Insurance Director of Talent Acquisition Shweta Mogha and Cal State Fullerton Marketing Professor Emeritus Christopher Kondo.

“Taking advantage of unexpected opportunities doesn’t have to be based on luck. Instead, you can capitalize on life-changing moments by intentionally positioning yourself with a versatile mindset,” explains Don, who has worked at top companies across various industries. “My presentation will explore how to navigate career growth, personal branding, and skill expansion with purpose. The talk will be infused with clever nods to the award-winning film Everything Everywhere All at Once. This talk will offer actionable takeaways.”

Don believes the fear of missing out – a common anxiety among young professionals – can be channeled to beneficial ends. “It’s a reminder to stay open to new opportunities. When channeled wisely, it can lead to experiences that shape your future in ways you might never have expected.”

Mogha, a global human resources and talent acquisition leader focused on diversity and executive coaching, will examine how to leverage LinkedIn to boost your professional presence. With experience at Mercury Insurance, Meta, Amazon and Airtel, she will explore strategies on creating your brand on LinkedIn, building connections that count, and developing a dynamic profile.

“Your LinkedIn profile is your digital business card,” Mogha says. “I will guide you through creating a standout profile to attract recruiters, clients and collaborators. Don’t miss this chance to enhance your LinkedIn presence and take your professional brand to the next level!”

Leveraging decades of experience as a marketer, executive career coach and professor, Kondo will enlist audience participation in creating one’s personal brand. “Whether they know your capabilities or not, managers, potential clients, and individuals who impact your career form opinions about you,” he says. “It’s based upon what they hear. But the good news is that managing your personal brand can positively impact what they hear.”

The International Women’s Day Conference is open to students, alumni, faculty and staff of Cal State Fullerton, as well as the broader Orange County community. For more information or to register, visit the event website.

For more on the Women’s Leadership Program at Cal State Fullerton, read more of our articles on women’s leadership development.