Speaker:
Rep. Jimmy Gomez (CA-34)

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.”

Rep. Gomez will share his journey to fatherhood and founding the caucus, and his efforts to move forward positive policies for working families. There will be an audience Q&A at the end of his session.

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. Attendees will learn practical strategies for finding and allocating budget resources to support these policies, even in cost-conscious environments.

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. By the end, participants will have a clear understanding of how to justify, budget for, and measure the success of paid parental leave within their organizations.
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Session attendees may be eligible for SHRM-SCP and HRCI Professional Development Credits (PDC) units.

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

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. 

With national paid leave a highlight of the upcoming presidential campaign, now’s the time to amplify this conversation and understand what the legislation and policy frameworks look like today.

Session attendees may be eligible for SHRM-SCP and HRCI Professional Development Credits (PDC) units.

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

In this session, we’ll discuss the role of technology in modernizing and optimizing parental leave programs. The session will bring together a panel of parental leave related solutions, and how technology can help automate, personalize, and streamline the leave experience.

Participants 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, showcasing how they can lead to improved employee satisfaction, reduced administrative burden, and better overall outcomes for both employers and employees. 

Session attendees may be eligible for SHRM-SCP and HRCI Professional Development Credits (PDC) units.

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.

Attendees will learn how to strategically assess client needs, industry trends, and employee demographics to build tailored benefit offerings that attract and retain top talent.

Session attendees may be eligible for SHRM-SCP and HRCI Professional Development Credits (PDC) units.

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

This session will focus 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 will focus on the critical aspects of compliance in parental leave policies, providing essential guidance from Husch Blackwell. This discussion will highlight 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.

By the end of the session, attendees will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to safeguard their organizations from legal risks and ensure their parental leave policies are robust, fair, and compliant.

We encourage all HR, people and culture teams to attend!

Session attendees may be eligible for SHRM-SCP and HRCI Professional Development Credits (PDC) units.

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.

Session attendees may be eligible for SHRM-SCP and HRCI Professional Development Credits (PDC) units.

Speakers:
Rich Fuerstenberg, Mercer
Dirk Doebler, Parento

In this session, we will explore the key differences between fully insuring and self-funding a paid parental leave program. The discussion will help attendees understand the financial, administrative, and compliance implications of each option.

We'll include real-world examples and case studies to illustrate how organizations have successfully implemented both models. By the end, attendees 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.

Session attendees may be eligible for SHRM-SCP and HRCI Professional Development Credits (PDC) units.

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.

Session attendees may be eligible for SHRM-SCP and HRCI Professional Development Credits (PDC) units.

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

This session will offer 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 will 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.   

This is a great opportunity to learn how to enhance your parental leave policies and what progressive organizations are doing to attract and retain employees in the family-building phase.

Speaker:
Dirk Doebler, Parento

After a day filled with education, awareness, advocacy and policy, we'll close with encouragement and call-to-action for all attendees to create workplace change through paid parental leave.