Emerge Summit 2024

What is Emerge Summit?

Emerge Summit is a young professional’s conference spearheaded by Metro EDGE, a program of the Sacramento Metro Chamber Foundation, Emerge Summit is a collaborative effort of regional organizations committed to supporting young professionals and their growth in the community.

Who is considered a “young professional”?

We define “young professional” as any current or aspiring professional between the ages of 18 and 40. We establish age parameters not to be exclusive, but to improve our ability to create specificity around programming.

Unofficial FAQ: Are we checking ID? No.

How many people attend this event?

Over 400 young professionals from all over the Sacramento region.

What is the dress code?

You will see a wide range of attire at the Emerge Summit. Come in what you feel best in. We want you to feel comfortable and confident so you can focus less on what you’re wearing and more on what you’re learning.

Please note: Breakout and lunch locations will be located within walking distance. Comfy shoes are highly recommended.

Do I have to be a member of Metro EDGE to attend Emerge?

You don’t have to be a Metro EDGE member to attend. There are lots of great benefits of membership. Members have the option to take part in a series of great committees including the Emerge Summit committee which helps to plan and organize events as well as staff the conference the day of.

Gold Sponsors

Sutter Health

Silver Sponsors

SMUD

Lunch Sponsor

Media Sponsor

The Sofia Home of B Street
2700 Capitol Ave Sacramento, CA 95816

Pricing:
Group Tickets (5+): $115 each
Single Ticket through June 30th: $130
Single Ticket through July 31st: $140
Single Ticket through August 31st: $150

Metro EDGE Member Rate: $60
Members email metroedge@metrochamber.org for promo code.

Schedule of Events:

8:00 – 9:00 AM
Check-In
Networking and Experiences at the Sofia


9:00 – 10:45 AM
Main Stage Program
Speakers, Keynote, and Experiences at the Sofia

11:00 – 12:00 PM
Breakout Session #1

12:00 – 1:30 PM
Lunch (provided)


1:45 – 2:45 PM
Breakout Session #2


3:00 – 4:00 PM
Breakout Session #3


4:00 – 6:30 PM
EDGE 916 After Party
Located at Harlow’s

Securing the future of Sacramento is at the heart of Metro EDGE’s mission: To Engage a diverse network, Develop critical business skills, Give back to the community and Empower leadership.

The Emerge Summit is the flagship event for Metro EDGE, bringing together the region’s top leaders,creatives, professionals, and experiences to connect and grow together! Jam-packed with themed keynotes, breakout sessions, and activations meant to inspire, engage, and motivate you to build and grow the community.

KEYNOTE Speaker

Inspirational, mission-driven thought leader and communicator who is passionate about designing and leading transformation strategies.
Shelly Trumbo is a senior health care executive with over a decade of strategic and operational experience focused on maximizing the impact and value of community and population health investments, leading implementation and evaluation efforts to measurably and sustainability improve individual, organizational and community well-being.
Her areas of expertise include: 1) collective impact, collaboration and community-wide systems of care ecosystem development, 2) population health and value based care (at-risk) programs that reduce the total cost of care and improve patient outcomes, 3) leadership, team development and organizational change  management, 4) health equity and social determinants of health, 5) well-being strategy design and  implementation, and 6) community benefit, community health needs assessments and community health  improvement strategies.
As Vice President of Well-Being for Adventist Health System, Shelly led numerous well-being transformation strategies such as partnering with communities to launch the largest Blue Zones Community Project initiative in the world. She directs research and evaluation efforts to identify best practice measurement and infrastructure design for the strategic investment of health care community benefit dollars, including innovations in improving the efficacy and equity of the system’s Community Health Needs Assessments and Community Health Improvement Strategies. Under her leadership, the organization deeply invested in employee well-being, bringing Blue Zones Associate and Campus Certification to every worksite throughout the system, responding intentionally to the post-Covid well-being needs of health care workers. She also led the system’s strategic response to the CalAIM Medicaid innovation opportunity, building a new strategic health care service line from the ground up, including the infrastructure for community-based enhanced care management and addressing the social determinants of health by strengthening community ecosystems that support well-being improvement for underserved and high-risk populations.
Shelly began her career focused on quality improvement for early childhood programs, as well as hands-on leadership of collective impact efforts resulting in measurable improvement in well-being and health outcomes.  A life-long learner, Shelly began with human development and social change, advanced to MBA in health care administration, and is now completing executive education training in product design, executive coaching certification, and doctoral level organizational change management and leadership. She has authored articles in publications such as STAT, American College of Health Care Executives and the Journal of Interprofessional Education and Practice, and regularly provides insights and technical assistance to industry associations and organizations. She consults with non-profit organizations to strengthen community eco-systems and is a frequent keynote speaker bringing clarity and igniting energy around topics such as well-being, leadership, health equity and community transformation.


Engage Speaker

Cynthia Moreno is a former award-winning journalist and communications professional. She graduated from UC Berkeley on a full academic scholarship. Today, she is currently the Press Secretary for California State Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas- the first Latina to hold the post in the last 20 years. She was previously a Communications Officer at Sierra Health Foundation and a Consultant with Visit Sacramento. In 2019, she was appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom to the California Department of Motor Vehicles as the Assistant Deputy Director of Communications where she helped promote and amplify the REAL ID campaign, online services, and social media platforms. During the COVID pandemic, she worked with the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) and the Listos Campaign to develop Spanish-language content for Californians. Before her appointment, Cynthia worked in the State Assembly as a Communications Consultant, and as a Communications Director in the State Senate. For 15 years, she was a member of the Capitol Press Corps and the Capitol Political Correspondent for Vida en el Valle. She wrote, produced, and hosted her own public affairs show on Azteca America and was a news reporter for Telemundo 33. Cynthia was recognized as the Sacramento Bee’s TOP 20 Latino Change Makers, has been featured in Capitol Weekly, Comstock’s Magazine, and was named a 40 Under 40 honoree by the Sacramento Business Journal. She is a former New York Times Fellow, a Rotary Fellow, and the recipient of the National Association of Hispanic Publications and the McClatchy President’s Awards.


DEVELOP Speaker

Cameron Law, a Sacramento native, is the Executive Director of the Carlsen Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. With a strong background in social ventures, venture capital, and economic development, he is dedicated to making the Greater Sacramento region a leading hub for innovation. Cameron actively builds the entrepreneurial ecosystem through his roles with the Sacramento Entrepreneurial Growth Alliance, 1 Million Cups, and as a co-coordinator for Global Entrepreneurship Week. He also serves on the leadership team of FourthWave.io, supporting women-led tech businesses.

Cameron’s civic involvement includes serving on the boards of the Greater Sacramento Economic Council, the City of Sacramento’s Inclusive Economic and Community Development Investment Committee, the Neighborhood Wellness Foundation, Culture LabX, the Northern California World Trade Center, and as an Advisory Board Member for the Growth Factory.

He holds a Master’s in Social Impact & Sustainability and International Business from The University of Queensland, and a Bachelor’s in Managerial Economics from UC Davis. Cameron was among the first to earn the Entrepreneurship Development Professional credential from the International Economic Development Council. . He was selected in 2019 as a Sacramento Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree and in 2023 won for Ecosystem Champion of the Year for the Global Entrepreneurship Network, one of Comstock’s Magazines Young Professionals of the Year as well as one of the 2023 40 Under 40 in Economic Development by Development Counsellors International and Jorgenson Consulting (partner of IEDC).


Give Speaker

Dr. Janine Bera is proud to be the Chief Medical Officer for WellSpace Health.   WellSpace provides comprehensive medical, dental, behavioral health, and supportive services to more than 125,000 people each year at 31 locations in Sacramento, Placer counties.  WSH is an integrated system of Federally Qualified Health Centers, a Certified Community Behavioral Health Center (CCBHC), other Behavioral Health Centers, California’s second largest 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Center (988 Sacramento), WellSpace Nexus, and collaborative partnerships across our region.   As the CMO, Dr. Bera leads this vast clinical practice serving our communities most vulnerable residents, including adults and children who live in poverty, are experiencing homelessness, and/or are uninsured.  Dr. Bera has been recognized by the California State Assembly as an Unsung Hero in the State of California in 2022, Sacramento Magazine as one of the 100 Notable Business Leaders in 2021, and she received the Woman Who Means Business award from Sacramento Business Journal in 2017. 

Before joining WellSpace Health, Dr. Bera was a longtime Primary Care physician specializing in preventive medicine and the role of nutrition and exercise in improving the overall management of chronic disease. She is a graduate of the UC Davis Medical School and their Internal Medicine Primary Care Residency program.

Outside of her professional roles, Dr. Bera is a motivational speaker and active community leader. She is the President of the American Heart Association, Sacramento, and a Past President of the Sacramento Tree Foundation.  She serves on the Board of Directors for the Sierra Sacramento Valley Medical Society, Crocker Art Museum, and Wide Open Walls.  She also serves on the BOD of our national Planned Parenthood Federation of America and is a former board member of Planned Parenthood Mar Monte and continues to serve on the PPMM Development Committee.  Dr. Bera is a delegate to the California Medical Association and serves on the Advisory Board for Molina Health.  She is also a member of the Sacramento Links, Inc. and a Senior Fellow in the American Leadership Forum.

Dr. Bera is married to Congressman Dr. Ami Bera with one delightful adult daughter. Dr. Bera’s philosophy is to “Work hard. Make a difference. And, have fun!” 


Empower Speaker

Romi Sunga is the co-founder of Dance On The Edge, which provides Latin dance and music events to the Sacramento Region at no cost for the public to attend.
Through Dance On The Edge, Romi has spoken on stage and led hundreds of dance lessons and presentations. Over 10,500 people attended dance events in 2023.

Because of his passion for growing the dance community, Romi was empowered to learn different skill sets. He was empowered to be a public speaker in order to promote on live TV, traditional media, and social media. He was empowered to attend professional events with leaders from local organizations to learn how to grow professional relationships and business development.

Romi Sunga is also the Business Development Specialist for the Sacramento MBDA Business Center. Which works directly with minority business enterprises by providing business consulting, access to capital, access to contracts, and technical assistance.

Romi combines his experiences from Dance On The Edge and the Sacramento MBDA Business Center to empower entrepreneurial-minded people to achieve their professional goals.


Emcee

Rukayatu “Ruky” Tijani is a Trademark Attorney and the Founder, Creator, and Managing Attorney of Firm for the Culture. Ruky founded the Firm for the Culture after years of serving as an intellectual property attorney in the Silicon Valley Office of the top litigation firm in the country. 

Firm for the Culture was borne out of Ruky’s passion for the law, social impact, social entrepreneurship, and strategically scaling to create sustainable change. 

Drawing on her extensive experience as an intellectual property attorney in the Silicon Valley office of the top litigation firm in the Country, Ruky provides extensive, detail-oriented and comprehensive trademark education, copyright, licensing, and contract strategy, and application services to a host of social entrepreneurs and innovative founders at accessible flat-fee prices.

Ruky is a Nigerian-American first-generation professional from the projects of Brooklyn, New York; a graduate of UC Berkeley School of Law; and a member of the New York and California State Bars. She loves to cook, sing, and hike.

Radical Collaboration 101
EDGE: Give
HOST: Valley Vision 
LOCATION: The Sofia – Gallery A 

Valley Vision, which is celebrating its 30th Anniversary this year, has been engaged in numerous community engagement efforts over the past several years, including the regional We Prosper Together initiative and the Sacramento Neighborhoods Activating on Air Quality (SNAAQ). These projects and others are examples of bringing together diverse stakeholders who don’t have a history of working together, and building a collaborative structure to catalyze action.

 In WPT, we are bringing together business, labor, environmental justice, government, tribal, and other leaders to create a blueprint for inclusive economic development across an 8-county region. SNAAQ is focused on conducting air quality monitoring and advancing clean air projects to address Environmental Justice inequities in North Sacramento, Oak Park/Fruitridge, and Meadowview. Learn about these collaborative efforts in our community and how you as a young professional can have a lasting impact. 


Slaying Stereotypes: Motherhood, Mental Health, and Mentoring 
EDGE: Empower
HOST: Moderator: Leticia Garay Panel Speakers: Daniela D. Telles, Christina V. Rodriguez, Kristi Wilkerson
LOCATION: The Sofia- Gallery B 

Wish you could peek into your future, both professionally and personally? You’re not alone. Motherhood is a shared experience among women, yet discussions around its intersection with mental health and mentoring, in both professional and personal spheres, are often overlooked. How do you manage it all? Join us for an engaging session where we’ll have candid conversations with mothers navigating careers, grad school, relationships, and life. We’ll delve into the importance of allyship and building inclusive communities, explore how different identities intersect and impact paths forward, and discuss strategies for maintaining boundaries, nurturing mental health, and finding direction in both your personal and professional journey. 


How to get U.N.S.T.U.C.K and Achieve your Goals
EDGE: Develop
HOST: Emily Guerra
LOCATION: The Sofia – Gallery C  

According to a 2021 study by Oracle, ~75% of people feel stuck in their personal and professional lives, unable to progress towards their goals despite their best efforts. This sense of stagnation leads to frustration, low self-worth, overwhelm, and a lack of motivation (the list can go on and on). So how can we break free from this vicious cycle and move forward towards the life we truly want? By understanding why we’re stuck, shifting our mindset, and mastering my 7 U.N.S.T.U.C.K. strategies. This session uncovers the root causes of stagnation, offers techniques to transform thinking patterns, and explains practical, actionable strategies to get unstuck in any situation. Get ready to leave the session inspired and equipped with the tools to take that crucial first step towards achieving your goals immediately!


Philanthropy and Board Service for Young Professionals 
EDGE: Give
HOST: Kelly Seifkin, Sacramento Regional Community Foundation 
LOCATION: CLARA – Auditorium 

Have you been curious about what it means to give back but are not sure where to start or think that is not an option for you? This session will explore demystifying what philanthropy means and how those 40 and under can make an impact locally. Explore giving circles, board service, charitable funds, and other vehicles to create a legacy during your lifetime.


How to Communicate When it’s Hard 
EDGE: Empower 
HOST: Kara Fiscus, 3fold Communications 
LOCATION: Harlow’s – Main Floor 

In this session we’ll put insights into practice after learning how to navigate the tough stuff, like asking for a raise, giving feedback, or in moments of emotional distress. Equal parts lesson, equal parts repeatable workshop, you’ll walk away with the confidence to pilot through confusing, challenging, and unclear situations. Join us for an interactive session with your next millennial mentor.


Catalyze Your Career: Insights from the Region’s Top Hiring Managers 
EDGE: Develop
LOCATION: Harlow’s – Starlet Room 
HOST: Greater Sacramento Economic Council- Moderator:  Olivia Cano, Panelist: Caleb Banks, Robert Half ; Trish Moratto, SMA America ; Michael Smith, Rhombus 

The Greater Sacramento region is on the rise, attracting innovative companies and creating bountiful job opportunities – but how can the next generation of employees get their foot in the door at these top employers? This interactive panel discussion will feature four hiring managers from top employers in the region. They’ll discuss what kinds of employment opportunities are available for young professionals, what they’re looking for while hiring, and how to stand out among applicants. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions to the recruiters and get insight into what it takes to build a career within these companies. Expect to walk away inspired and energized about opportunities to advance your career in the Greater Sacramento region.


Navigating a Multigenerational Workforce
EDGE: Engage
HOST: UC Davis MBA- Moderator: Professor Stephen Garcia, Professor at Graduate School of Management, Panelist: Becca Litman, CX Technical Communications Lead at Blue Shield of California, ’22; Keith Leung, Senior Associate, Operations at Team Rubicon, ‘25; Marissa Hernández, Labor and Delivery Supervisor at UC Davis Health, ‘25
LOCATION: The Sofia Mainstage 

The modern workforce spans a wide range of generational perspectives, from Baby Boomers to Gen Z. With the rapid changes to technology, workflows, and communication styles in the past several decades, what have been the challenges and opportunities? Join a faculty, student, and alumni panel from the UC Davis Graduate School of Management in a discussion about how multigenerational and diverse workforces are affected by changes in generational values and behaviors. 


Inclusive Decision Making 
EDGE: Develop
HOST: Adrianna Lucero & Jeni Odoms, City Year
LOCATION: Harlow’s – Main Floor

Have you ever seen a leader make a decision that you thought wasn’t inclusive or equitable? Are you trying to become an inclusive and equitable leader yourself? We ALL make decisions every day that impact other people, whether we manage teams, support customers, design and create, or collaborate with others. In this session, you will explore a framework that our organization uses for making more inclusive decisions, and apply it to your work. You will discuss the complexities of honoring the perspectives of those impacted by a decision while navigating hierarchy and authority. This session is relevant for professionals at all stages of their leadership journey.


Evolving Your Leadership to Elevate Your Career: Moving from Individual Contributor to Team Leader
EDGE: Empower
HOST: Julie Philips, Randle Communication 
LOCATION: The Sofia – Gallery B 

Are you interested in upward mobility in your organization and taking that next step in your career? In this session we will discuss ways to incorporate new strategies, mindset shifts and daily practices to strengthen your capacity and success as a leader. Through this workshop you will learn 4 keys to success in leveling up in your organization. 


How to Start a Business 101
EDGE: Develop
HOST: Bobby Reed, Capitol Tech Solutions
LOCATION: The Sofia – Gallery C 

In this session, Bobby Reed will guide you through the essential steps of launching a business in California. Drawing from his extensive entrepreneurial experience, Bobby doesn’t just cover the initial ideation phase but dives deep into the practicalities of establishing a legal entity in the state. From navigating regulatory requirements to setting up operational frameworks, Bobby shares insights gleaned from his own ventures, offering invaluable perspectives on turning entrepreneurial visions into successful realities. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or looking to refine your startup strategy, this session promises practical advice and actionable steps to kickstart your entrepreneurial journey in California.


Shift: From Corporate America to Entrepreneur  
EDGE: Develop 
HOST: Liliana Bernal and Christina Dixon 
LOCATION: Harlow’s – Starlet Room 

After 25 years in corporate america Liliana started her own business in 2020 a month before the pandemic. In sharing her story and what she has learned in the past 4 years after starting her business and growing it to the 3rd fastest growing company in Sacramento in 2023 you will be provided a guide and advice on what to expect and learn . The good, the bad and the ugly !!!


Level Up Your Network with the Metro Chamber Board 
EDGE: Engage
HOST:  Moderators: CJ Stone and Cameron Gallad  Panelists: Gordon Fowler, Founder 3Fold Communications; Erica Taylor, SVP Community Impact and Public Relations Golden1 Credit Union; Darrell Teat, CEO Safety Center Incorporated; Keri Thomas, VP External Affairs Sutter Health; Annett Smith, CEO Impact Group Enterprises
LOCATION: The Sofia – Gallery A

Come learn from board members of the Chamber of Commerce on multiple aspects of networking. Through this interactive workshop you will have the opportunity to ask networking professionals- What tips do they have for networking in Sacramento? What should young professionals avoid when networking? How did they connect with more seasoned professionals?

After an informational panel a speed networking exercise will commence where everyone can practice what was just preached- come join the fun and bring a stack of business cards! 


Recharge, Refocus, Renew: Mindfulness and Breathwork for Leaders
EDGE: Empower
HOST: Robyn Vasquez-Gutierriez
LOCATION: CLARA Auditorium

In today’s fast-paced world, leaders often prioritize the needs of others over their own well-being. This session offers practical tools and techniques to help you recharge, refocus, and renew your energy. Through mindfulness and breathwork practices, you will learn to manage stress, improve focus, and enhance overall well-being.


The Grounded Leader: Reconnecting with your People and Purpose
EDGE: Engage
HOST:  Stacey Kauffman 
LOCATION: The Sofia – Gallery A  

Today’s leader has spent the last few years bouncing from one external disruptor to the next, aside from the “usual suspects” specific to business, industry and company dynamics. While carrying that emotional weight for their teams and companies, and with less staff to execute the strategy, more leaders have taken their focus off of their role and back into that of their team. This “head’s down” approach has put leaders back into task minutia and firefighting, at the unintentional expense of strategy, vision, culture, connection, and ultimately- team performance, as well as increased burnout.


GPS Coordinates 
EDGE: Engage
HOST: Dimitrious Chattman  
LOCATION: The Sofia – Gallery B 

Once, I was lost but now I am found – A leadership journey in finding your identity in the busy hustle and bustle of instaface, graham cracker, bookface and trick tock. 

Leaders will walk away from this session with a customized road map for planning their personal brand and leadership identity using old tried and trusted methods that are backed by data and stand the test of time. 


Crafting the Perfect Resume 
EDGE: Develop
HOST: Daniel Chapnick, Raley’s 
LOCATION: The Sofia – Gallery C 

In today’s competitive job market, creating a standout resume and performing well in interviews are crucial skills for young professionals. This breakout session will guide participants through the process of crafting a compelling resume that not only grabs the attention of hiring managers but also passes through AI monitored Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Attendees will learn about essential keywords, and formatting tips to ensure their applications are seen and considered. Additionally, the session will cover best practices for interview preparation, including how to effectively showcase skills and experiences, answer common interview questions, and leave a lasting impression. By the end of this session, participants will be equipped with actionable insights and practical tools to boost their chances of landing their dream job.


Make Your Mark: Creating an E.P.I.C Personal Brand
EDGE: Develop
HOST: Vanessa Errecarte, UC Davis MBA
LOCATION: CLARA Auditorium

How do experts become experts? How do thought leaders/pundits become thought leaders/pundits? How do you get to the point where you are being recruited for opportunities instead of applying for them?

In this workshop, attendees will learn how to use the cornerstone principles of both corporate branding and content and digital marketing to define and create their own personal brand funnel in four phases: Establish, Package, Inform, and Cultivate (E.P.I.C.).This is a fast-paced and actionable workshop that attendees can immediately implement to grow their careers and personal brands online.


From Surviving to Thriving  
EDGE: Engage, Develop, Give and Empower
HOST: Emiliano Rosas, PRO Youth & Families
LOCATION: Harlow’s – Starlet Room 

MindOneSix (MOS) is a mental wellness curriculum designed by PRO Youth & Families to support young people in the development of skills to care for their own mental health, discover resources for support, and become ambassadors of wellness in their families and communities. In this one-hour workshop, participants will get a sneak peek at one MOS lesson: “From Surviving to Thriving.” After this session, adult participants will have language and practical tools to actively engage in conversations about the basic components of well-being, how well-being impacts different aspects of their lives, and how to develop their own personalized self-care plan that goes beyond what they see on social media.

Get a scholarship

Each year we sponsor registration for one young professional to attend through a scholarship. Individuals interested in receiving this scholarship are encouraged to apply.

Applications are open now!

Propose a breakout session!

We are looking for diversity in breakout session topics, be creative, think outside of the box, and aim to engage with many of the region’s young professionals!

Applications are closed for the 2024 Summit- We look forward to receiving and application from you in 2025!

Savannah Fox

Questions breakout sessions? Let’s talk!

Savannah Fox
Foundation Program Manager
(916) 319-4260

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