Larry Hochman: Keynote
“Juggle to Success” Owner
Bio:
Larry Hochman is a longtime counselor, educator, entertainer and trainer. He learned juggling as a way to cope with self-doubt and low self-esteem while in college and turned the skill into a program for personal power, leadership and team building for tens of thousands of people around the world. He has entertained and trained populations as diverse as business millionaires and members of the Sandy Hook community. Larry is a product of the Connecticut higher education system, having received a master’s degree in school counseling and advanced professional diploma in educational leadership, both from Central Connecticut State University. He currently resides in Oxford, Michigan.
Joelle A. Murchison: Morning Speaker
CEO and Founder, EMG
Bio:
Joelle A. Murchison is the CEO and Founder of EMG, a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and leadership consulting practice. Murchison has worked in DEI for more than two decades. In particular, she served as the Chief Diversity Officer at both Travelers Insurance and the University of Connecticut, before launching EMG. Additionally, Joelle serves as the Executive Director of Lawyers Collaborative for Diversity (LCD) and as an adjunct faculty member in the School of Business at the University of Connecticut. She is a board member for College Possible, a national nonprofit focused on college access and is a trustee and chair of the equity diversity and inclusion committee of the Corporation of Brown University, the university’s decision-making body. She is also a life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, an international public service organization, and currently serves as the president of the Hartford (CT) Alumnae Chapter. Joelle is the recipient of numerous awards; she most recently was recognized by the Life Insurance industry as a DEI Industry Partner and was selected to participate in the Fall 2023 Cohort of the Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women: Black in Business program.
Pavan Bolla is a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in leadership, financial analysis, and project management. He holds a Bachelor of Technology in IT and an MBA in Finance & Operations Management. During his tenure at Deloitte, Pavan contributed to the “Rewards, Recognition, and Well-being” team, and served as a Vendor Manager and Portfolio Controller with the CIO office, overseeing financials. He’s currently pursuing an MS in Business Analytics & Project Management at UConn, blending his technical background with a passion for wellness. He’s also currently a Graduate Student Employee at Center for Students with Disabilities at UConn, Avery Point. Pavan has delivered wellness sessions to sophomores at the Peter J. Werth Residence Tower – Innovation House Learning Community under the leadership of Kathy Rocha & Aaron Rosman at UConn, Storrs. His unique approach to leadership integrates holistic well-being, utilizing natural resonances in guided meditation to cultivate mindful leadership. He is currently serving as IMA Hartford Chapter Board Director, Prospanica New York Chapter Education officer and VP of Toastmasters International Club.
Well-Being Certifications:
Certified Meditation Guide™ (American Association of Drugless Practitioners), CPD Certified Resilience Practitioner™, CPD Certified Fitness Trainer™, Well-Being Ambassador, and a member of NAMI Connecticut and the Advocacy Network of Mental Health America.
Wiley Dawson: I have dedicated my career to helping students navigate the complexities of the college experience to achieve their aspirations. Currently, I am the Assistant Director of the Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills at the University of Connecticut, Hartford campus. In this role, I provide personalized guidance, workshops, and resources to students from diverse backgrounds. With a proven track record of success, I have honed my skills in career counseling, program management, professional development, and creating inclusive environments. My passion for empowering students and alumni drives me to ensure they have the tools and support they need to succeed. Outside of work, I am dedicated to my family and committed to lifelong learning, with a passion for personal growth, community involvement, and achieving overall success.
Karen Skudlarek: Karen is the IT Accessibility Coordinator at the University of Connecticut. She provides guidance and assistance to campus departments in integrating accessible technology into the classroom and workplace environments. In addition, she develops and implements staff and faculty training programs related to accessible technology and instruction for students and employees with disabilities.