The People Track at the UWEBC Annual Conference explores the strategies and practices that help organizations attract, develop, and empower their people.
This track brings together leaders and practitioners working across human resources, talent development, learning and development, leadership, and change management. Sessions focus on how organizations are building strong workplace cultures, supporting employee growth, and leading teams through an evolving business landscape.
From talent strategy and workforce development to leadership effectiveness and organizational change, speakers share practical insights and real-world experiences that help organizations strengthen the people side of their business.
Track Speakers
Mindy Geisser
Chief People Services Officer, Savers
Mindy Geisser serves as Chief People Services Officer at Savers® Value Village®, where she leads the company’s people strategy with a focus on attracting, developing, and retaining engaged teams who are deeply connected to the organization’s purpose and impact. She partners closely with senior leaders globally to strengthen capabilities, build high‑performing teams, and enable people‑centric growth that drives strong business outcomes and long‑term value.
With more than three decades of global HR leadership experience, Mindy has held senior executive roles across technology, real estate, and consumer and industrial sectors, including positions at Amazon, Philips Medical Systems, and Colliers International. Beyond her corporate role, Mindy regularly speaks at conferences on leadership, culture, agility, and employee engagement, and is involved in nonprofit board leadership, including serving as Board President of the Stroum Jewish Community Center through 2025, and currently serving on the JCC of North America Board of Directors. Mindy earned her BA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and her Masters of Industrial Relations from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management.
Antonia Turnquist
Director of Talent Strategy & Acceleration, Zendesk
Antonia Turnquist is the Director of Talent Strategy & Acceleration at Zendesk, where she specializes in driving business growth through innovative talent strategy design. With nearly 20 years of experience leading high-stakes business transformations, Antonia has earned a reputation as a trusted advisor to CEOs and executive teams.
Her approach is uniquely intentional and data-driven, bridging the gap between human behavior and business-aligned solutions to deliver outsized impact. Whether scaling emerging businesses or navigating large enterprises through complex transformations, Antonia leverages deep market insights and human capital analytics to connect the “what” and the “how,” bringing organizational visions to life.
A recognized thought leader, her insights on return-to-office strategies and employee engagement have been featured in InBusiness Madison magazine. Beyond the boardroom, Antonia is a passionate advocate for social impact, dedicating her time to empowering women and giving back to her community. She is driven by a singular mission: creating sustainable, thriving workplaces where both people and businesses excel.
Additional speakers will be named soon. Check back often!
Steering Committee
Jennifer Anderson
Position title: Practice Director in Residence – Change Leadership
Kari Lauritsen
Position title: Enterprise Employee Experience AVP
American Family Insurance
Jennifer McCulley
Position title: Director of Employee & Labor Relations
Sub-Zero Group, Inc.
Track Host
Jennifer Anderson
Position title: Practice Director in Residence – Change Leadership
Jennifer Anderson, MS is a recognized thought leader on transformation and organizational change, inspiring leaders to execute strategy with clarity, focus and resilience. As a consultant and executive coach, she guides organizations to adapt and thrive by developing conscious leaders to create high-performing teams and intentional, human-centered culture.
With a background in organizational behavior and extensive experience as a mind-body practitioner, Jennifer brings a unique blend of science and wisdom to her work. She is the Founder of Resilience, LLC and a Co-Active coach. Jennifer holds multiple certifications including Be Well Lead Well Pulse Guide, ProSci Change Practitioner, iRest meditation teacher, and Mind-Body Practitioner.
As a Practice Director in Residence, Jennifer helps UWEBC bring real-world perspective to our programming. If you’d like to connect with her or suggest topics for future events, contact UWEBC Director Doug Barton to coordinate the conversation.