Keynote Speaker

Maria initially spent over a decade in unfulfilled administrative support jobs because of her paralyzing fear, but Maria knew there was more purpose for her life. She confronted her fears, re-wrote the script for her life and began her journey of developing people in 1997 as an IT Technical Trainer with the American Cancer Society. She never thought she would have a career standing in front of people because of her shyness but she pressed forward and soon received her Certified Technical Trainer certification in 2001 and began a progressive career as a corporate trainer. Maria traveled all over the United States and Canada for Coca-Cola to implement software training and change management activities. She has developed all levels of people from truck drivers to executive leaders. Her focus was not only on software applications but communication skills, effective coaching for leaders, customer service, presentation skills and team building for large and small corporations.

In 2007, Maria decided to use her skills and experience as a corporate trainer to form Clear Steps Group, Inc.. Through her company, she develops training programs, seminars, and self-help products to continue to develop people. She has also partnered with National Seminars Training and Prosell, Inc. to facilitate professional training programs for their programs.

Maria is also an authorized partner for Everything DiSC which focuses on identifying the strengths and opportunities of personality types in the workplace.  Maria’s years of training and development, interaction with a diversity of people, conflict management, and sheer passion to see people perform to their best has made her a valuable asset to many organizations.

Maria is also a professional speaker and can be found giving inspirational and motivational presentations to large and small audiences. She has been a keynote speaker and breakout session speaker for major annual conferences. Her presentations were so well-received that she has been asked back on several occasions.

She also presents workshops and presentations from her book, “Grab Fear By the Neck”, where she takes her audience on the journey of confronting and managing life-paralyzing fears – a journey she has personally mastered.

Maria continues to dedicate her life to providing programs and products to develop people. Her ultimate vision is to open a retreat center in the Caribbean to offer a place for people to come for a total development experience along with relaxation and renewal.

7th Annual Women’s Business Conference

October 21, 2016

The Lodge in Deadwood

8:00 – 9:00 Registration
9:00 Welcome & Introductions (Helen Merriman, Director, SD CEO)
9:10-10:25 “Managing Generational Differences in the Workplace” (Maria Higgins, Clear Steps Group, Inc.)
10:25-11:00 Break: Business Showcase/Visit Exhibitors 
11:00-11:45 Entrepreneurial Spirit! (Facilitator: Dr. Helen Usera, President, Aspiring Business Consulting)
11:45-12:05 Celebration of 2016 Women in Leadership Graduates 
12:05-12:25 Break: Business Showcase/Visit Exhibitors 
12:25-1:15 Lunch/Networking 
1:15-1:25 Energy Renewal
1:25-2:40 “The Transitional Train” (Maria Higgins, Clear Steps Group, Inc.) 
2:40-3:00 Break: Business Showcase/Visit Exhibitors 
3:00-3:45 Closing Speaker (Dr. Helen Usera, President of Aspiring Business Consulting)
3:45 Closing/Door Prizes
Social Immediately following conference until 5:00 pm (Hosted by the 2016 Women in Leadership Graduates)

Closing Speaker

Dr. Helen Usera the owner and president of Aspiring Business Consulting, a consulting company focused on leadership development and organizational development. She is a certified John Maxwell Team coach and mentor and is also certified with Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. Helen received a Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education from Pittsburg State University; a Master’s of Science, Special Education from Pittsburg State University; and a Doctorate of Education, Educational Administration from the University of Kansas. She currently serves on the boards of Rapid City Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Black Hills Leadership Development, Buffalo Gals and Summers Nights. She was selected to serve as a civic leader for the Air Force Global Strike Command.

2016 Exhibitor Showcase

Akela Spa
AV Productions
BHSU School of Business
Black Hills Energy
Black Hills Lifestyle Magazine
Black Hills Travel
Cadillac Jack's Gaming Resort and SpringHills Suites
Casey Peterson & Associates Ltd.
Clear Steps Group, Inc.
Dakota Business Center
Faux Creations
First Interstate Bank
GenPro Energy Solutions
Gold Dust Hotel & Casino
Great Western Bank
HealthSource Chiropractic of Spearfish
Ketel Thorstenson, LLC.
Lenores
Lorie Eichert, Empowerment Coach
Lucy's Nearly New Shoppe
LuLa Roe
Main Street Square
Mary Kay
Northwestern Mutual
Pioneer Bank and Trust
Prioricare Staffing Solutions
Project Solutions
Regional Health
Scheels
Shaviq Studio & Gallery
Shawn Trupe, Ind. Director, Thirty-One Gifts
Skin Solutions Studio
Small Business Innovation Research
State Farm Insurance
TDG Communications
The OWN
Visitor Publishing
Workforce Diversity Network

Thank you to Akela Spa and The Lodge at Deadwood for providing our grand prizes!

Akela Spa Grand Prize ($125 Value)

30 minute Signature Powerlift Facial, 30 minute Mindful Pedicure, and 1 hour in the Akela garden

The Lodge at Deadwood Grand Prize ($290 Value)

Deluxe Accommodations and a gift basket with a shirt from The Lodge gift shop, wine glasses, a bottle of wine, and chubby chipmunk chocolates.