Breakout Sessions

12:00 – 1:00 PM
Juan Constantino, CEO, La Casa de Amistad

Juan Constantino is the chief executive officer of La Casa de Amistad, a youth and community center in South Bend. A Holy Cross College alum, he started his career at La Casa in 2016 as a programming assistant. He worked his way into a full-time development role for La Casa as they launched a $3.25 million capital campaign in 2019. On September 16, 2021, the board of directors of La Casa de Amistad appointed Juan as their executive director and in August 2024, Juan was promoted to CEO. 

Juan is actively involved in the community where he serves on Indiana University South Bend’s Advisory Board to the Chancellor and is a board member for Downtown South Bend. He is a first-generation grad, a DACA recipient, a son of immigrant parents and a product of this South Bend community.

1:00 – 1:15 PM
Break & Transition to Breakout Sessions

1:15 – 2:00 PM

Breakout 1 - Session 1
Confidence in Action: Leading Through Doubt, sponsored by Notre Dame Federal Credit Union
Speaker: Cherri Kulp, Principal Coach & Founder of Internal Garden Coaching & Leadership Solutions | LinkedIn

You got here because you're good at what you do. You know it. But somewhere between "I've got this" and "Am I actually qualified?" the doubt shows up, and suddenly you're second-guessing everything. This workshop is built for leaders who are ready to move past Impostor Phenomenon instead of around it. We'll explore what confidence actually looks like through an emotional intelligence lens, name the patterns that show up when doubt wins and walk through three concrete actions you can bring back to your workplace. 

Breakout 1 - Session 2
AI Etiquette in the Workplace: Using AI Responsibly
Speakers: Teresa Covarrubias Gonzalez, Manager of AI & Transformational Technology at Beacon Health System, Chris Sharp, Co-Founder of Sharp-Wilkinson, and James Horvath, President and Founder of LecsIT

AI is becoming part of everyday work across industries. The conversation is shifting from “How do I use this?” to “Am I using it correctly?” Join Teresa Covarrubias Gonzalez, Chris Sharp, and James Horvath for a discussion on navigating AI responsibly in the workplace. Explore how organizations are integrating AI tools safely and effectively. Panelists will discuss privacy and accuracy while also addressing workplace expectations. This session will help young professionals understand what AI can do and how it should be used responsibly.

2:00 – 2:15 PM
Break

2:15 – 3:00 PM

Breakout 2 - Session 1
Understanding Personality and Leadership Assessments
Speaker: Aaron Schneider, Director of Development at Ivy Tech Community College South Bend-Elkhart | LinkedIn

Most professionals have taken at least one personality or leadership assessment throughout their careers. Myers-Briggs, CliftonStrengths and DISC are just a few of the options available. But how do you choose the right tool for yourself or your team? Aaron will break down the major types of assessments and what makes each one distinct. Learn how to match the right tool to your goals and leave with a practical approach to choosing the assessment that meets your needs.

Breakout 2 - Session 2
Homeownership 101- Buying Your First Home in America’s #1 Housing Market, sponsored by Everwise Credit Union
Speaker: Vanessa Hawkey, Mortgage Originator (NMLS: 724620) | LinkedIn

Buying a home can be one of the biggest financial decisions you make. Understanding the process can make it much less intimidating. Join Vanessa Hawkey for an approachable look at homeownership and mortgages for young professionals. Learn how to prepare financially and better understand your mortgage options. This session will also cover what to expect throughout the homebuying process so you can make informed decisions about your future.

3:00 – 3:15 PM
Break

3:15 – 4:00 PM

Breakout 3 - Session 1
"Tell Me About Yourself": Building a Personal Brand That Works Online and In Person
Speaker: Ashley DeJonge, Social Media Manager at Lippert | LinkedIn

Your digital presence often makes an impression before you ever enter the room. In this hands-on workshop, social media manager and storyteller Ashley DeJonge will help you get clear on what you want to be known for and turn it into a personal brand statement you can use the next time someone asks, "Tell me about yourself." Then you'll put it to work online, checking your LinkedIn and digital footprint against your statement to see where they line up and where they don't. No marketing background required! You'll leave with a draft brand statement and one concrete update to make right away.

Breakout 3 - Session 2
Culture by Design: Intentionality, Vulnerability, and Building a Workplace That Matters
Speaker: Peter Rienks, Founder of TRG | LinkedIn

 "What actually creates a great workplace culture? It’s not ping-pong tables or mandatory after-hours fun—it’s intentional design, psychological safety, and leaders willing to put people over profit. In this interactive breakout session, TRG Founder and President Peter Rienks shares his journey from corporate ladder burnout to building a purpose-driven real estate and construction firm. He breaks down the candid lessons from TRG's evolution—including a $14,000 lunch, the "car ride" hiring filter, and a pivotal moment where TRG slowed down top-line growth to protect employee mental health. You’ll walk away with actionable tools to foster low-stakes vulnerability, protect team standards with grace, and realize that because you are the average of the five people around you, workplace culture isn’t something you wait for—it’s something you make."

4:00 – 5:30 PM

After Party, sponsored by Hello Home
Unwind, connect, and celebrate with drinks, music, and good vibes. The Head Shot Station will also be available at this time. 

Photography provided by Sharp Wilkinson

Registration includes:

Cost: $120 per person, for YPs/young adults, ages 21-39

Questions?

Contact Felix Adams at
574.400.4002 or fadams@sbrchamber.com for more information