Fierce Lab
College Tour
October 18, 2024
University of North Texas
Union - Emerald Ballroom 314
Soar To New Heights
Eagles, now is your chance to fly. Join the Fierce Lab College Tour for a full day of inspired community and powerful resources to jumpstart your career. Participate in meaningful discussions on career development, mental health, financial intelligence and risk taking with proven leaders who have lived and learned -- and start navigating your transition from stellar student to successful professional.
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.
Demetra
Bradley
CEO & Chief Self Defense Instructor, Foxy Defense and Protection, LLC
Demetra began her law enforcement career as a student studying criminal justice at Sam Houston State University by working as a Jailer in Walker County. She also served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army as a Civil Affairs Specialist. Later, she transitioned to the Fort Worth Police Department, where she currently serves as a Detective assigned to the Professional Standards command. While serving as a patrol officer, Demetra encountered women who didn't know how to physically and mentally protect themselves in dangerous situations - Foxy Defense and Protection, LLC was born. As CEO and Chief Self Defense Instructor, Demetra focuses on teaching young girls and women simple self defense techniques, providing awareness tips and strategies, and making non-lethal aids of opportunity available for purchase. She is also a Certified Professional Speaker, delivering engaging and impactful presentations on topics such as personal safety, cultivating confidence, and superwoman syndrome. In her spare time, Demetra likes to bake delicious cakes, roller skate, and spend time with her husband and 3 children. Her favorite quote is, "Be the change you wish to see in the world" by Gandhi.
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.
Daisy
Mendoza
Partnership Solutions Specialist, LEARFIELD
Daisy Mendoza is a Partnership Solutions Specialist at LEARFIELD, where she plays a pivotal role in driving revenue through innovative marketing strategies and creative solutions. Her expertise spans across developing and packaging customized sales concepts, supporting local sales teams, and identifying new category opportunities to enhance business growth. With a strong background in corporate partnerships, Daisy has gained valuable experience in roles with the Dallas Cowboys, iHeart Media, Texas Rangers, and SponsorUnited, managing game day activations, partner relations, and customer experience initiatives.
A graduate of the University of North Texas with a degree in Marketing, Daisy's academic and professional journey has been marked by leadership roles, including Vice President of the UNT Sports Marketing Association, and extensive volunteer work at high-profile events such as the NCAA Women’s Final Four, LPGA Texas Shootout, CONCACAF, and Liga MX Soccer Tournaments. Outside of work and other volunteer opportunities, she currently serves on the WISE (Women In Sports & Events) DFW board to mentor and support women in the business of sports.
Iyannei
Miranda
PGA WORKS Program Coordinator, PGA of America
Iyannei Miranda is the PGA WORKS Program Coordinator at PGA of America, where she plays a pivotal role in managing two key programs aimed at diversifying the business of golf: The PGA WORKS Fellowships and John and Tamara Lundgren Scholars. With some background in diversity, equity, and inclusion, Iyannei is working to create opportunities and foster an inclusive environment within the golf industry.
Born and raised in Miami, Florida, Iyannei is a first-generation college graduate. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of Central Florida and furthered her education by obtaining a Dual Master’s Degree in Business Administration and sports Business Management from the same institution, where she also served as Cohort Vice President.
Iyannei's professional journey is marked with diverse experiences in the sports industry. She has worked as an Operations Admin Assistant at Florida Citrus Sports for the Cheez-It Bowl and Citrus Bowl. She’s also worked as a Business Development Intern, and a Recruiting & Operations Intern for UCF Football. Additionally, she gained valuable experience as a PGA WORKS Fellow with The North Florida PGA, where she coordinated junior golf tournaments, managed events, and ensured operational goals were met efficiently.
A servant-leader at heart, Iyannei dedicates time to serving her local church and volunteering where she can in other community events. In her leisure time, she enjoys roller skating, playing volleyball, running, and trying new restaurants with her friends.
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.
Kelly
Poquiz Burke
Founder & CEO, Career Slay
Kelly Poquiz Burke is an Executive Coach and the Founder of Career Slay®. Prior to launching Career Slay, she was an award-winning marketer with over a dozen years of experience from both advertising agencies and brands. She’s worked on numerous iconic brands such as GameStop, DiGiorno, Central Market, and Chick-fil-A, and led brand equity and Super Bowl campaigns for Avocados From Mexico, Frito-Lay, and Doritos. In 2023, she won the Brand Innovators “40 Under 40” Award for the Southeast region.
After beating breast cancer while pregnant during the pandemic in 2020, Kelly found purpose in motivating others to live their lives authentically. She launched Career Slay with the goal of helping leaders unlock their greatest potential while finding joy and fulfillment in their work.
Outside of Career Slay, Kelly is the EVP of Strategy & Insights for the DFW American Marketing Association. She was also on the Executive Leadership Council for Susan G. Komen. She has an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin, a BBA from the University of Notre Dame, and is pursuing an ICF Associate Certified Coach credential.
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.
Amanda
Sweet
Founder, The ReVamp
Amanda Sweet, affectionately known as the Creative Fairy Godmother, is an immersive and experiential global speaker, community leader, event curator, and fashion junkie. Amanda Sweet’s goal is to help people make friends, get fly, and save the world through sustainable community events.
As the Founder of “The ReVamp”, Sweet is on a mission to teach people how local impact creates global impact, she's able to teach and practice sustainable fashion that impacts her peers and Homeless and Domestic Violence shelters in Detroit. Amanda is currently the Community Director with Bamboo Royal Oak and gets to work with and develop professionals, small business owners, and entrepreneurs in their workflow and growing their networks, through events and consulting. She is the Host of The Let’s Glow Show, where she interviews Creative Entrepreneurs every week to share their inspiring story and help motivate professionals to grow and glow. Sweet is the recent recipient of the Facilitator’s Choice Award for Tech Town’s Retail Bootcamp Program, where she worked on building ReVamp The Community - a membership based coevent space she’s in the planning process of bringing to life. Amanda Sweet is the Inaugural and Former crowned Miss Voluptuous America, on a Global Pageant Stage celebrating and empowering plus-size, and all size, women and girls all over the world. Through her platform, Party with Purpose, Amanda Sweet lives and breathes the mission of bringing joy to the world and leaving it better than she found it.
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.
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.
Program Agenda
Coffee & Networking
Your Fierce Future Starts Here
Welcome by Tara Wilson, Founder of Fierce Lab
Break
Time Management Made Easy
Workshop with Jessica Diklich, Samsung
Break
Slaying Your Career
Workshop with Kelly Poquiz Burke, Career Slay
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.
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
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
Your journey to better banking starts with Truist. Checking and savings accounts, credit cards, mortgages, small business, commercial banking, and more.
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 University of North Texas?
Where Do I Park?
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.