August 2025

Editor's Message
by Ruth Sternberg, NCOPE – NRWA Newsletter Editor

Colleagues,

This issue of The Watercooler is all about the upcoming 2025 NRWA Conference, Phoenix Rising, taking place Oct. 13–16 in Chandler, AZ, located near Phoenix.

We've made a correction and are resending this to you! Our information about our featured speaker Nicholle Overkamp was wrong - but now we've fixed it! You will love her presentation!

General conference programming kicks off at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, October 13, and wraps up at noon on Thursday, October 16. As always, we've built plenty of time in the schedule for networking, connecting, and reconnecting. 

I’m registered and can’t wait to see you at the Crowne Plaza Resort! 

If you have not yet been to an NRWA conference, you’re in for a treat. It’s high energy and idea packed. I joined the organization in 2020 and have attended every conference since then, starting digitally during the pandemic and continuing live post-pandemic; the benefits have been exponential.

I have improved my ability to serve clients and grown my business by applying the guidance given by colleagues and guest speakers. I’ve learned about sales, marketing, the latest career trends, resume development techniques, best practices for serving clients, and much more!   

Visit our conference page (linked above) or visit YouTube to watch a video with member Marissa Polselli. Marissa received one of the NRWA’s professional development grants, offered four times per year. 

This year’s schedule has something for everyone, including resume writers, career coaches, and college career advisors. We will dive into everything from AI tools and salary negotiation to storytelling, federal resumes, and inclusive career services. 

You’ll get hands-on guidance for boosting your LinkedIn presence, creating digital products, building strong networks, and growing your business with intention.

Our keynote speakers will take you inside the future of work, share insider hiring insights, and offer real-world strategies to help you thrive. Whether you're here to sharpen your skills, expand your offerings, or connect with peers who "get it," this year’s conference is packed with the tools, ideas, and community to take your work to the next level.

Read below to learn about our keynotes, sessions, special events, and ways to maximize your involvement by contributing a door prize or becoming a sponsor.

I hope to see you there! 

Learn About the Latest Career Trends with These Top Speakers

Featured speakers are always a draw. This year, we have three high-demand presenters who redefine career success, financial empowerment, and negotiation strategy: 

Jessica Pierce:

Navigating the Future of Work with Purpose and Passion

Jessica Pierce, founder and CEO of Career Connectors, takes the stage with a bold and energizing keynote on the Future of Work: Top Trends for 2026. A nationally recognized voice in workforce development, Jessica brings over 15 years of experience helping more than 75,000 professionals align their careers with purpose. At this year’s NRWA conference, she’ll dive into the top workforce trends that will define 2026, including the rise of Gen Z, AI-driven talent strategies, and how career professionals can stay ahead of the curve. Known for blending real-world insight with inspiration, Jessica will leave you not only informed but motivated to lead change in your own practice and community.

Nicholle Overkamp:

From Stuck to Unstoppable

 You're not alone—and you're definitely not broken. In this no-fluff keynote for business owners and solopreneurs, Nicholle Overkamp delivers the real talk, real strategy, and real tools you need to finally gain traction in your business—and yes, that includes how to stop fearing AI and start using it like the growth accelerator it actually is.

John Gates:

Salary Negotiation Secrets from Inside the Hiring World

John is offering us a special opportunity to learn more about his proven salary negotiation methods with a pre-conference workshop. These can help resume writers and coaches boost their clients’ pay outcomes. What happens behind the recruiter’s desk? John Gates knows. With three decades leading global talent acquisition and 75,000 job offers under his belt, John’s pre-conference workshop delivers high-impact, no-fluff insights to help resume writers add real value for their clients. As a best-selling author and creator of The Salary Coach Method, he’ll show you how to position resumes to support better pay, prep clients for tricky money talks, and grow your business with confidence. Expect practical tools, mindset shifts, and a clearer understanding of what really works in salary negotiation, direct from a Fortune 500 insider.

Read more about them here.

First time attending the conference? No need to feel awkward!

We have built in some features that will help you meet people and navigate the schedule.

NRWA President Cathy Lanzalaco is hosting a President’s Table at breakfast on the first day of the conference. It’s a space for first-time attendees to sit down, ask questions, and learn how to make the most of their experience at the conference.

Can’t choose between sessions? Conference committee member Shoni Bellhas built a "newbie" conference roadmap for new members. No guessing, no scrambling, just clear guidance on how to navigate the sessions, the networking, and everything else that makes this event so valuable.

Relax at Our Special Events

If you are wondering what we will do in the evenings, you can gather with other attendees to enjoy some dining in the surrounding area. 

In addition, join us for:

An opening reception on Monday with snacks, beverages, and lots of invigorating conversation.

On Tuesday, Career Stories Unplugged is hosted by yours truly, Ruth Sternberg. This is an opportunity to share and hear “you can’t make this stuff up” stories from your colleagues about their own career experiences. This is what we always do when we’re sitting with colleagues, right? Let’s laugh, cry, and shake our heads together! Come prepared with a story to share during this casual, relaxed, and thoroughly supportive event. 

Wednesday will feature our annual awards reception, hosted by Heather Rothbauer-Wanish, which will include the annual ROAR and Outstanding Achievement awards. And then, join us for the closing party! We will have a dinner buffet and prizes that you won't want to miss! (One special box is coming from Australia…)

Stay in Touch Throughout

Anxious about staying connected as you plan and attend? We are pleased to announce a tool that can help us:a Google Group as a dedicated space for conference attendees and speakers to connect, collaborate, and communicate.

This group will serve as a central hub where you can:

• Coordinate transportation and travel plans
• Connect with others attending the same sessions
• Make dinner or networking plans
• Ask questions and share insights

You will receive information about the group after you register!

If You Attend, You Might Win a Free 2026 Registration

This year, at the annual NRWA conference, in addition to the usuals (fun merch and raffle prizes), we’re giving away our biggest prize yet: a FREE 2026 CONFERENCE REGISTRATION.

What: Valued at $695, this prize allows one lucky winner to register for next year’s conference free of charge.

Who: Attendees at the conference close* on Thursday, October 16 are eligible. In addition to the drawing, we’ll be recognizing Industry Hero and Vivian Belen Award winners and announcing the location of next year’s conference. 

* Must Be Present to Win

Contribute a Conference Door Prize!

Enhance your brand's presence and engagement by becoming a door prize sponsor. By supporting the NWRA annual conference in this way, you're not only boosting your brand but also contributing to a richer, more engaging industry event. Door prizes can include a product, service, book, gift card, or any other item of value. We will highlight each contributor in front of the entire conference, acknowledging your valuable support and enhancing your industry stature.

To learn more or to discuss your sponsorship, please email our office at adminmanger@thenrwa.org.

The “Ask the Experts” panel was a popular session in 2024. Pictured here last year answering conferee questions are (left to right): Annette Richmond, Lorainne Beaman, Grant Cooper, Mary Jo King, Tom Powner, Nancy Grant, and Paula Christensen.

Supercharge Your Expertise with These Powerhouse Sessions

This year’s conference features a robust lineup of sessions that go beyond the basics, helping career professionals deepen their impact across a wide range of client needs.  

In “Turn Up the Heat,” Ellen Steverson and Tom Powner will show you how to expand your services into career management, helping clients take charge of their careers with workshops, programs, and long-term support. 

Tom returns with “AI Isn’t Replacing Career Pros, It’s Empowering Them,” a must-attend session for anyone looking to harness tools such as ChatGPT and Claude to streamline services and boost results without losing the human touch.

For those working with younger job seekers, “Empowering Students” with Danielle Powelson will equip you with strategies to help students build confidence, create strong resumes, and enter the workforce with clarity and preparation.

In “Invisible Barriers, Visible Strengths,” Nancy Grant offers a thoughtful and actionable approach to inclusive career services, focusing on how we can better serve clients with disabilities and others facing systemic challenges. And in “Preparing for 2026 Recruiting Trends,” Vincent Vitale will help you anticipate what’s next in hiring, giving you the tools to better align your services with what recruiters will be looking for in the years ahead.

These sessions will challenge, inform, and equip you to serve a broader range of clients more effectively while staying ahead of trends and expanding your impact.

You can read more here, but here’s a quick list of what else is coming up:

DAY ONE: MONDAY, OCTOBER 13
Pre-Conference Workshop
Behind the Recruiter’s Desk with John Gates
Get insider tips from a former recruiter to help clients land interviews and negotiate better offers.

DAY TWO: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14
The Future of Work: Top Trends for 2026 with Jessica Pierce
Explore the trends shaping the workforce, from AI to Gen Z priorities.

What’s Next: A Simple Roadmap to Growing Your Business with sponsor Davis Nguyen of Purple Circle
Learn a clear daily framework to move your business forward with intention.

The Art of Storytelling in Resumes with Heather Rothbauer-Wanish
Discover how to draw out client stories that create standout, compelling resumes.

Network Like a Pro with Laura Bashore
Build stronger referral relationships and partnerships that grow your business.

Unlocking New Revenue Streams with Digital Products with Stephanie Cartwright
Turn your expertise into scalable income with templates, courses, and downloads.

Ask the Experts Live with multiple experts
This is one of our most popular sessions.
Bring your most challenging questions to a dynamic, unscripted problem-solving panel.

Storytellers hosted by Ruth Sternberg
Let’s swap real-life personal and professional career stories that are raw, funny, and unforgettable.

DAY THREE: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15
Reimagine Your Client Intake Process with Amy Adler and Marni Vyn
Streamline your information-gathering process to create better resumes faster.

The Career Thread with Gina Riley
Teach clients how to connect the dots in their story for interviews and branding.

Job Searching in the Modern Age with Donna Shannon
Guide clients through today’s job market from AI screening to ATS optimization.

Fill Your Client Calendar with sponsor Davis Nguyen
Find the one marketing strategy that works best for your business.

Federal vs. Private Sector Resumes with Lori Norris
Master the key differences to expand your services and income.

LinkedIn for Business Growth with Mary Fain Brandt
Turn your LinkedIn profile into a magnet for referrals and opportunities.

Beyond the Resume with LaShanda Brown
Coach clients on the fundamental factors that help them stand out beyond the page.

DAY FOUR: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16
From Stuck to Unstoppable with featured speaker Nicholle Overkamp
Utilize real-world insights and AI strategies to overcome business plateaus and grow with confidence.

Conference Close with NRWA President Cathy Lanzalaco, NRWA President-Elect Nancy Grant, Conference Chair Sara Timm, and Past President Brenda Mariah
Celebrate award winners, welcome the new board, and get a sneak peek at next year’s event.

Professional Development 

The NRWA offers live and on-demand webinars, a self-paced Resume Writing 101 course, teleseminars, and more opportunities for learning throughout the year.

Certification Programs 

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