Fierce Lab
College Tour
October 17, 2024
Texas Christian University
Dee J. Kelly Alumni & Visitors Center
Lean Into Fierce Opportunity
Join the Fierce Lab College Tour and gather the resources needed to jumpstart your career. Experience a full day of inspired community and conversation focused on career development, mental health, financial intelligence and risk taking to help transition from stellar student to successful professional with confidence.
The Fierce Lab College Tour, with female empowerment at its core, is FREE to attend and open to ALL students.
Discover The Impact
Listen. Interact. Explore.
We’re gathering strong women with unique stories.
They’ve been there, done that, and are willing to share what worked—and what didn’t. Check back for more speaker announcements soon.
Miriam
Armijo
Lead Project Manager, McKesson Corporation
Miriam Armijo, a Dallas, TX native, serves as a Lead Project Manager at McKesson Corporation. With a diverse project portfolio that spans from enterprise-wide technology implementations to mergers and acquisitions, she brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Miriam earned her Bachelor of Science in Economics with a minor in General Business from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, TX, and became a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) in January 2024.
Throughout her career, Miriam has been recognized for her outstanding contributions, receiving accolades such as the FSS Star Award, the Business Enablement 2023 Impact Maker Award, and the 2024 FinanceRx Award.
Beyond her professional achievements, Miriam is deeply committed to community service. She serves on the boards of the Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas Dallas Chapter and Nexus Recovery Center, where she advocates for empowering women with the resources needed to create a brighter future. In her free time, Miriam enjoys spending time with her niece and nephew, binge-watching the latest shows, and traveling.
Sandy
Cross
Chief People Officer, PGA of America
Sandy Cross, a member of the PGA of America staff since 1996, serves as the Association’s first Chief People Officer. A native of Hamburg, New York, Cross leads the PGA of America’s initiatives regarding its most important asset—its people. She is charged with enhancing a purpose-driven and values-based culture, as the PGA of America strives to be personally fulfilling and meaningful to a multi-generational membership and workforce. Cross focuses on creating opportunities to stretch, lead, and grow, by supporting well-being, learning and development, recognition and reward, and making a positive social impact in the communities where the PGA of America team works and lives. Cross also oversees the Association's diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, human resources, and the operations and guest experience at the Home of the PGA of America in Frisco, Texas.
As Chief People Officer, Cross has been instrumental in launching and sustaining the golf industry’s Make Golf Your Thing movement and PGA of America programs such as JobMatch, VendorMatch and Beyond the Green to present career and business opportunities to individuals and companies from underrepresented backgrounds, along with inspiring general interest and availability to the game of golf.
From 2014-’18, Cross was the Senior Director of Inclusion & Diversity, during which time she launched the Inclusion & Diversity Department and laid out a strategic plan for driving its integration across all lines of business. She has built a tremendous foundation for the PGA’s inclusion programming that is driving creation of a game, an industry workforce and a supply chain that better reflect the demographics of America.
In her prior role as Director of Women’s and New Market Initiatives, she led the groundbreaking “Connecting with Her” strategic initiative to attract and retain women in the sport. She also steered the PGA’s first-ever participation in the Global Sports Mentoring Program, a five-year partnership with the U.S. Department of State and espnW, designed to promote the growth of women and girls in sports worldwide.
Previously, Cross was the PGA’s Director of Business Development, where she secured and cultivated some of the PGA’s most coveted and longstanding partnerships, including National Car Rental and PepsiCo. Cross has been instrumental in the success of numerous initiatives, including the Get Golf Ready Employee Talent Development program and the Get Golf Ready Power Mixer. As well, Cross was instrumental in the development and launch of Golf Retirement Plus, a supplemental retirement program for PGA Professionals.
Chloe
Elise
CEO & Founder, Deeper Than Money
Chloe Elise is the CEO and founder of Deeper Than Money®, a global financial literacy company, dedicated to empowering and educating people on how to build guilt-free wealth. After paying off over $36,000 of debt in 18 months, becoming debt free at 22 years old, she watched her life transform as she learned how to build wealth without giving up her lifestyle. Chloe hit her goal of becoming a millionaire at 27 and now teaches others how to take control of their finances and change the trajectory of their lives.
Rosanna
Green
Assistant Vice President, Fair and Responsible Lending Development Manager-Consumer
Born and raised in Fort Worth, Rosanna Green graduated from Texas Christian University with a Political Science degree.
As a Frost banker, her team’s work delivers on the organization’s commitment to engage in fair and responsible banking practices including Access, People, and Engagement.
As a dedicated advocate of financial wellness, Rosanna is actively engaged in outreach programs to advance the understanding of and access to financial services in Tarrant County.
Her goal is to build a more equitable landscape for all. She is married and has 3 adult children.
Chels
Holmes
Astrologer, Tarot Reader, Podcaster, This Woo Woo Stuff
Hello! My name is Chels Holmes, I am an intuitive astrologer, tarot reader, and podcaster offering readings and workshops online and in Dallas, Texas. I have worked with many facets of woo for years. Readings with me are validation for your lived experience, they’re often future focused but not fortune telling, they help you feel empowered and more connected to your decision making and wellbeing, all through this woo woo stuff.
I offer readings one on one as well as for private events and pop ups. I provide the Weekly Woo with Chels podcast every Sunday covering an astrological forecast for the week ahead, available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
This Woo Woo Stuff is astrology, tarot, ritual work, recipes, crystals, journaling exercises, energy clearing and more. Woo encompasses anything you do with intention to call in a desired outcome, woo is magick. Woo’s etymology is from the Chinese word Wu, meaning a mystic.
My mission is to help people to feel truly seen and understood for who they are, learn how they can create their most aligned lifestyle, and accomplish their goals using the tools of astrology and tarot.
KayDianna
MacKenzie
Cheerleader, Dallas Cowboys
Hello, I’m KayDianna! I’m recently married to my college sweetheart, Eric, and together we share our lives with our three beloved pups, affectionately known as the Big Three. My life is guided by the Four F’s - Faith, Family, Friends, and Fun.
I graduated from Texas Christian University in 2021 with a degree in News and Media Studies and a minor in Film, Television, and Digital Media. Outside of coaching and mentoring high school and collegiate students through my business, KayDianna MacKenzie, you can find me on the sidelines of AT&T Stadium as a proud Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader. Jeremiah 29:11.
Kristen
Martinez
Vice President, Community Development Officer, Frost
Kristen Martinez is the Vice President, Community Development Officer, in Tarrant County for Frost Bank. Kristen began her banking career with Frost 17 years ago starting as a teller and working her way up through various positions around the bank. In her role at Frost, she has the opportunity to work in the community with schools, and non-profits facilitating financial education classes and small business outreach events. Kristen enjoys being out in the community and serving on non-profit boards and volunteering with a number of organizations. In the past she has served on the board of the Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas – Fort Worth Chapter, the Lake Worth Education Foundation and others. She is also a graduate of Tarleton State University. When she is not working, she is also a wife, and mom of 2 kids.
Cami
Miller
Founder, Train For Life
Cami Miller lives at the intersection of wealth and wellness with a career in the investment industry and a passion for feeling fit and fulfilled in all areas of life.
Cami is the vice president of stakeholder experience at Satori Capital, a Dallas-based investment firm built upon the principles of conscious capitalism that manages customized portfolios for private investors, family offices, and institutions. Satori Capital’s purpose is to create, fund, and inspire businesses that elevate humanity. In her role at Satori, Cami focuses on delivering the highest quality of service and support to Satori’s stakeholder groups, including investors, team members, and the broader community.
Prior to joining Satori, Cami was an audit associate for KPMG, LLP, where she assisted with audit engagement activities for private equity clients. She went on to pursue her passion for health and fitness as a manager for lululemon athletica, where she learned to appreciate the importance of an empowering organizational culture. Cami is a graduate of The Neeley School of Business at Texas Christian University, where she received her B.B.A. in Finance and Accounting and her Master of Accounting Degree. In addition to her focus in finance, Cami is a graduate of the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, where she earned her certification as a Holistic Health Coach.
Cami is also the founder of Train For LifeTM, a rising brand built on the belief that we are all athletes training for life. For over a decade, Cami has served as a private coach to leaders in all seasons of life. She lives in Fort Worth with her fiancé and her son, and their dog named Coach. She is actively involved in business, investment, and wellness communities and frequently serves as a speaker, panelist, and advocate on a variety of topics. To learn more, visit Cami’s purpose page at camimiller.life.
Jennifer
Newell
Founder & CEO, Betty’s Co
You might say Betty’s Co. found Jennifer. At the age of 17, she was diagnosed with premature ovarian failure, sending her as an infertile person to solo-navigate a space in healthcare that revealed a massive care gap. From starting their periods up to pregnancy planning, younger women simply were not getting care. Nearly 20 years after her diagnosis, women’s healthcare looked very much the same. So, Jennifer set out to create the change needed.
Betty’s Co. embodies both Jennifer’s personal journey as a patient and her extensive professional background. Throughout her decade-long tenure with healthcare consulting and technology firm, the Advisory Board, and its sister company in higher education, EAB, Jennifer excelled in building and leading high-performing teams in business development, content creation, and product marketing.
Christina
Rodgers
CWS, Vice President, Private Banking, Frost
Christina Rodgers is a vice president and private banker with Frost’s private banking group. She joined Frost in 2015 and has 14 years of experience in the financial industry.
Christina earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance from Southern Methodist University where she graduated magna cum laude. She also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Southern Methodist University where she graduated cum laude. She is a Certified Wealth Strategist®, a General Securities Representative and a Uniform Combined Agent.
In addition to her work at Frost, Christina is a board member of the American Heart Association of Tarrant County, a wish granter and regional council member of Make-A-Wish, a sustainer of the Junior League of Fort Worth and a Guns and Roses committee member of the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. She has previously served as a board member and past board chair of Communities in Schools of Greater Tarrant County.
Christina enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband and two children.
Valerie
Schmitt
Senior Manager Learning Experience Content Design, Samsung Electronics America
Valerie Schmitt is a learning and development leader with over 17 years of experience in building and implementing scalable training content programs, employee engagement initiatives and dynamic events to increase sales, build leaders and define the brand for both internal and external audiences across large organizations.
Valerie holds a Masters in Industrial Organizational Psychology, is knowledgeable on adult learning principles and how to execute through remote learning methods. She is currently the Senior Manager of Learning Content Strategy at Samsung and lives in Frisco, TX with her husband, two children and dogs.
Sydney
Umeri
Program Manager, Sports Partnerships, Meta
Sydney Umeri is a driven and experienced professional in the sports industry, particularly in the NIL space. As a Program Manager on the Sports Partnerships team at Meta, she is dedicated to helping high school and collegiate athletes navigate the NIL landscape by providing tips and best practices for building their personal brands, staying safe online, and monetizing their skills on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Threads. With her prior experience as a writer and social producer at SB Nation, where she covered NIL from its inception, Sydney brings a unique and informed perspective to all NIL conversations.
Sydney's expertise in this field is further enhanced by her personal experience as a student-athlete. She played basketball at the University of Virginia and the University of Kansas, providing her with invaluable insight into the challenges and opportunities faced by today's athletes. With her extensive knowledge and experience, Sydney is a valuable asset to the ever-evolving NIL conversation as she strives to put as much knowledge about the changing space into the hands of athletes so that they can maximize their opportunities during their limited time playing on big stages.
Michelle
Webb
Senior Vice President | Investment Sales Manager, Frost
Michelle Webb is a Senior Vice President responsible for leading the investment sales team for the Fort Worth, Dallas, and Permian Basin markets for Frost Investments. An accomplished industry veteran working in the financial services industry since 1987. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience supporting and developing financial professionals advance the retirement readiness of their clients.
Michelle earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in marketing from Texas Wesleyan University. She also holds a FINRA Series 6, 7, 24, and 63 registrations and is life and health insurance licensed in Texas. Besides her passion for saving financial lives, she enjoys spending time with family that includes her husband of 35 years and her four beautiful grandchildren, traveling, and watching football.
Hanna
Whitley
Marketing Manager, Erin Condren
Hanna has been a part of the Erin Condren team for the last 2.5 years. She started as a paid marketing manager and quickly transitioned to help with all-things Erin Condren, including TikTok! Although she wears many hats throughout the day, she is passionate about social media and bringing individuals together for a greater cause. Hanna graduated from Texas A&M University with her MS in Marketing and considers herself a "lifelong learner" always staying at the forefront of new technology, methods, and strategies. If you ask her how she juggles her work-life balance she would say her planner has been a life-saver. When Hanna isn't behind her laptop or camera you can find her walking the ladybird hike and bike trail in Austin or trying to find the best pasta in town.
Amanda
Zuckerman
Co-Founder & President, Dormify
Amanda is the Co-Founder and President of Dormify, the first to market retailer in the specialty dorm category. Amanda founded Dormify as a college student after facing the challenges of trying to shop for her own college dorm room decor prior to her freshman year. She and her mom / Co-Founder Karen worked together to create what is now the largest retailer of college dorm and apartment essentials, with nearly 600 college and university partners across the country and a thriving community of 1,600+ student ambassadors. Over the last ten years, Amanda has scaled Dormify with strategic funding rounds to grow her company and team of now 40 employees. Amanda continues to serve as the company's President and visionary leader driving product development, retail expansion, and brand/creative. Amanda was named one of Forbes 30 Under 30 in 2018 and has been featured on GMA, The New York Times, and many others. She is a member of YPO and lives with her husband in NYC.
Program Agenda
Coffee and Networking
Presented by Frost Bank
Your Fierce Future Starts Here
Welcome by Tara Wilson, Founder of Fierce Lab
Financial Intelligence
Presented by Frost Bank
Christina Rodgers, Kristin Martinez, Michelle Webb, and Rosanna Green, Frost Bank
Break
Presented by Frost Bank
Break
Schedule is subject to change.
Our Partners Help You Shine
Supporting Partners
Discover the latest in electronic and smart appliance technology with Samsung. Find the next big thing from smartphones and tablets to laptops and TVs and more.
Betty’s is a women’s health company for women+ in their teens and twenties. We provide the care they need from period until pregnancy, with a vision to normalize “women’s health” for younger women+. Our care includes gynecology, mental health, and wellness. We aim to be the most present and convenient option for care. So, we provide both telehealth and in-person care through a customized experience designed to meet young women’s needs.
With nearly $50 billion in assets, Frost is one of the 50 largest U.S. banks and provides banking, investments and insurance services to businesses and individuals across Texas. For more information, visit www.frostbank.com.
The Career Center’s mission is to engage students and alumni in career preparation and continuing development while promoting opportunities for success in a global workplace. To learn more, visit https://careers.tcu.edu/.
Welcome to your ultimate small space decorating destination. We simplify the decor shopping experience for college students and post-grads by creating exclusive products specifically designed for small space living without sacrificing style.
Fierce Moment Partners
Deeper Than Money is a financial literacy company on a mission to prove that finances can be fun & easy! If you're ready for financial freedom, money confidence & a plan to crush your biggest goals while still enjoying life to the fullest — let's go!
Erin Condren is a female-founded and led company obsessed with organization and dedicated to design. We believe you can unlock productivity with a little help from color and fun. Shop best-selling notebooks, planners & more at erincondren.com
Jumpstart Your Career
Fierce Lab is an empowerment platform dedicated to helping women own their future. We believe knowledge is our strength and community our champion, which is why we curate personal and informative content to help courageous people blaze a bold path forward.
By providing access to on-demand resources, and the diverse experiences of individuals who have lived and learned, we’re creating a world where women and our allies can access tools to realize our greatest potential.
Build Community
Fierce Lab welcomes participants from all walks of life, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation and physical or mental disability, in the hopes of fostering a supportive and inclusive community committed to personal growth and positive experiences.
Get The Scoop
Contact
How Can I Contact The Organizer With Any Questions?
We're available at info@fierce-lab.com to address any questions or concerns.
I Am A Member Of The Media, How Can I Get In Touch With Fierce Lab?
Please direct all media inquiries to Paige Hegedus at paige@tarawilson.com.
Attendees
Who Is The Fierce Lab College Tour For?
Fierce Lab is for any college student looking to level up at work and in life. If you're looking to be inspired, learn from experts, connect with your community, and challenge yourself to grow, Fierce Lab is for you.
Is Fierce Lab Only for Female Students?
No! We welcome students of all genders to attend our event. While our content is tailored from a woman’s perspective, everyone will walk away with valuable career and life advice, will engage in professional development activities such as workshops and networking opportunities, and will gain new skills to boost their confidence.
Registration
Is there a fee to attend the event?
No! The Fierce Lab College Tour is free for all current students, faculty, and recent alumni at participating campuses.
Is registering for the event mandatory?
Yes! We require all students to register for the event.
Event Day
Where is the event being held at the Texas Christian University?
The event will be at the Dee J. Kelly Alumni & Visitors Center at 2820 Stadium Dr, Fort Worth, TX 76129.
Where Do I Park?
We recommend students park in their designated parking zones, or in the Frog Alley Garage. There is visitor parking adjacent to the Kelly Center, but spots fill up quickly!
Do I have to attend the whole day?
No! We understand a college student’s day is very busy. If you can stay the whole day, we’d love to have you. If not, feel free to pop in and out throughout the day as your schedule allows. You are still required to register regardless of how many sessions you plan to attend.
Do I Need To Print My Ticket In Advance?
We will be able to scan the ticket on your phone for entry or can verify using your government-issued photo ID.
I Can’t Find My Reservation Email, Can I Still Come?
Yes, we captured your name and information when you purchased your ticket, but be sure to have your government-issued photo ID handy.
What Do I Need To Bring With Me?
Please bring a government-issued photo ID. You may also want to bring some resumes and/or business cards!
Will There Be Food?
Yes. Make sure to check your campuses’ program schedule to confirm which stops include coffee/breakfast and lunch.
I Have A Food Allergy, How Can I Make Sure There Is Safe Food For Me?
Please email info@fierce-lab.com with details.
What Do I Wear To Fierce Lab?
Dress to impress, but be comfortable! You will be sitting and standing throughout the event. Some venues may get chilly so a sweater may be needed.
Partner With Us
Are You A College/University Who Is Interested In Fierce Lab Coming To Your Campus?
We are actively scheduling tour stops for the Spring and Fall of 2025.
If you are interested in learning more, reach out to Paige Hegedus at paige@tarawilson.com.
Are You A Brand Who Is Interested In Partnering With Us?
We seek to create fully-integrated partnership packages that expose your brand to our passionate community through unique activations. Fierce Lab offers a wide range of partnership opportunities across a variety of channels - live events, social media, editorial, corporate engagement, and more!
Interested in learning more? Reach out to Paige Hegedus at paige@tarawilson.com.
Do You Offer Influencer Collaborations with Fierce Lab Live?
Yes! If you're interested in collaborating with us, please reach out to Paige Hegedus at paige@tarawilson.com.