We’re proud to feature U.S. Representative Jimmy Gomez as a keynote speaker to kick off the summit. Rep. Jimmy Gomez has served California’s 34th District since 2017, is Assistant Whip of the Democratic Caucus, is a member of numerous caucuses, and in 2023 founded the Congressional Dads Caucus. The Congressional Dads Caucus was founded to “advocate for legislation for working families.”

Speaker:
Dirk Doebler, Parento

This session is led by Dirk Doebler, the founder of Parento. It delves into the financial and strategic benefits of implementing paid parental leave policies, providing HR leaders, brokers, and decision-makers with actionable insights. The discussion will begin by examining the return on investment (ROI) of paid parental leave, supported by data on employee retention, productivity, and long-term cost savings. The session will also showcase case studies and success stories, demonstrating how organizations have successfully implemented paid parental leave and the positive outcomes they’ve achieved.

Speakers:
Paul Sullivan, The Company of Dads
Wessel van der Berg, Equimundo
Tiarra Hamlett, Parento

This session will highlight the importance of paternity leave and why it’s important that men take parental leave for their families and greater community. We’ll address stereotypes and workplace misconceptions impacting why men aren’t taking leave, as well as hear firsthand experiences and insights from real working fathers. 

Speakers:
Mahima Chawla, Cocoon
Gabby Slome, Cooper
Courtney Leimkuhler, Springbank

We discuss the role of technology in modernizing and optimizing parental leave programs.

Our panel will explore how these technologies can simplify leave management for HR professionals, provide personalized support for employees, and integrate seamlessly with existing systems. The discussion will also highlight the potential return on investment (ROI) for companies adopting these technologies, reducing administrative burden, and providing better overall outcomes.

Speakers:
Andrea Ippolito, SimpliFed
Kate Roy, Parento
Amanda Hemm, Parento

Investing in family-friendly policies is the future of workplaces. We’re breaking down why employers and companies need to consider investing in policies and programs that support parents, especially lactating and breastfeeding parents at work. 

Speakers:
Lori Mihalich-Levin, Mindful Return
Janel Yessian, earlyHR
Tiarra Hamlett, Parento

This session is designed for working parents to drive workplace policy change, with the goal to empower working parents and HR leaders to advocate for paid leave. This workshop will review how to advocate, what budget is needed, opportunities, and strategies like leveraging EAP and parental support initiatives. Attendees will walk away with tips and a robust guide for individuals to start advocating in their organizations.

Speakers:
John Lemire, Parento
Joy Sanders
Aleksandra Radeva, JUST Capital
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This session is designed for brokers looking to craft comprehensive and competitive benefit packages that meet the evolving needs of their clients. The discussion brings in expert insight from Just Capital as well as cover best practices for balancing cost-effectiveness with high-value benefits, like paid parental leave.

Speakers:
Amanda Hemm, Parento
Paige Turner
Amy Beacom, Center for Parental Leave Leadership

This session focuses on advancing maternal health initiatives crucial for postpartum well-being. Parents need more support beyond PPAD and the maternal health crisis, so experts share strategies for alleviating this burden through better workplace support, shared family responsibilities, and policy changes.

The discussion also addresses the concept of the "mental load"—the invisible yet significant burden of managing household tasks, childcare, and career responsibilities—and its impact on maternal health and well-being. 

Speakers:
Kayt Kopen, Husch Blackwell
Elizabeth Kidd, Parento

This session focuses on the critical aspects of compliance in parental leave policies, providing essential guidance from Husch Blackwell. This discussion highlights the top red flags to watch for when designing and implementing parental leave policies as well as provide expert insight from a legal expert. Attendees will learn how to navigate the complex legal landscape, avoid common pitfalls, and ensure their policies are compliant with both federal and state regulations.

A must-watch for all HR, culture, and people teams!

Speakers:
Michelle Yu, Josie
Dr. Anne Welsh
Sarah Olin, LUMO
Abigail Kidd, Parento

Coaching isn’t just a trend, today’s modern workforce needs continuous touchpoints and support across life, professional, and parenting.

This session explores how tailored coaching strategies are transforming the way organizations engage their workforce. The discussion brings together a panel of coaching experts to delve into how personalized coaching enhances employee satisfaction, fosters professional growth, and aligns individual goals with company objectives.

Speakers:
Rich Fuerstenberg, Mercer
Dirk Doebler, Parento

In this session, we explore the key differences between fully insuring and self-funding a paid parental leave program. We include real-world examples and case studies to illustrate how organizations have successfully implemented both models. By the end, viewers will have a clear understanding of which approach may be best suited to their organization’s size, budget, and workforce needs, empowering them to design the most effective paid parental leave program.

Speakers:
Tahlia Y. dos Santos, livingHR
Carolyn Batyske, Tiny Organics
Tiarra Hamlett, Parento

All family configurations are different, with different needs. We’ll explore diverse families including adoption and LGBTQ+ parenthood, led by experts with strategies and suggestions for how workplaces can support their employees with inclusive parental leave policies.

Speakers:
Tina Lawler McHugh, Boston College Center for Work and Family
Ellen Williams, EY
Amanda Hemm, Parento

This session offers insights into the parental leave experiences of new parents - and how workplaces can help both new moms and dads become the equal caregivers that most desire to be. With data from several Center studies of new parents, including working fathers and dual career couples, the speakers share how leave policies and other key supports like flexible work, coaching, and phased returns can shape a workplace culture that works for families and caregivers of all types.