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March CBW+ Speaker Series | Negotiating with Confidence: Tactics for Women Leaders

March 18, 2026 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM (EDT)

Description


Join us for our March CBW+ Speaker Series presented by our Exclusive CBW+ Champions Conrad Siegel & UPMC.

This month's event will feature Healthcare Executive & Advocate Paula Starnes who will be presenting Negotiating with Confidence: Tactics for Women Leaders.

Negotiating with Confidence: Tactics for Women Leaders

In this presentation we will celebrate the strength, skill, and valuable potential women bring to the art of negotiation. It’s about transforming the way we see ourselves at the table—not as participants hoping for a fair outcome, but as leaders shaping the conversation and driving results while stepping into every conversation with the confidence that our voices matter. Together, we’ll dive into the basics of negotiation, break down outdated myths, spotlight the unique advantages women possess, and show how these qualities can be powerful levers for success. Through relatable stories, proven strategies, and practical tools, you’ll learn how to prepare with purpose, speak with conviction, and turn self-doubt into self-assurance. By the end, you’ll be ready to step into any negotiation knowing you have the power to influence, inspire, and create the outcomes you deserve.

Event Agenda: 

  • 8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. (Networking & Breakfast)
  • 8:30 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. (Welcome Remarks)
  • 8:45 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. (Presentation and Q&A)
  • 9:30 a.m. – 9:40 a.m. (Closing Remarks)

ALL ARE WELCOME! Chamber Business Women+ (CBW+) promotes the progression and advancement of professional women through the education and sharing of ideas and experiences. We invite everyone (of all gender identities) who supports this mission to join the events.

More About the Speaker

Paula Starnes
Health Executive & Advocate

Paula Starnes is a healthcare executive, leadership strategist, and advocate for women navigating complex systems with confidence and purpose. With more than 25 years of experience across managed care, Medicaid, and healthcare operations, Paula has built a career leading large organizations through transformation while championing equity, access, and accountability.

Throughout her leadership journey, Paula has negotiated high-stakes contracts, led multi-state initiatives, overseen billion-dollar portfolios, and navigated executive decision-making in environments where women’s voices are often underrepresented. Her approach to negotiation is grounded not only in strategy and data, but also in clarity, credibility, and values-based leadership.

Paula is widely recognized for her ability to translate complex challenges into actionable solutions that deliver results for organizations and the communities they serve. She has been honored as a Woman of Influence by Diverse Business Elite Magazine and currently serves on the Pennsylvania Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women, where she helps shape policy recommendations affecting women’s health and economic opportunity.

Drawing from her professional experience and personal journey, Paula brings a candid, empowering perspective to conversations about negotiation, influence, and self-advocacy. Her message resonates with women at every stage of leadership, equipping them with practical tools to negotiate with confidence, lead with authenticity, and claim space in systems not originally designed for them.


2026 Charity of Choice

Bethany House supports young women ages 18 to 24 who are aging out of foster care or at risk of homelessness through transitional housing and individualized case management. The Residential Program provides safe, subsidized communal housing where residents have private rooms and shared living spaces. Through its Resource Center, Bethany House also serves individuals who do not qualify for residential services or are on the waitlist. The organization helps remove barriers to stability by assisting with transportation, medical care, and access to food and housing resources. Bethany House also connects residents and clients to free mental health counseling to support healing and long-term success.

Bethany House of Cumberland County, Inc. is currently accepting donations, and guests are welcome to bring contributions with them on the day of the event.

  • Gift cards to grocery stores
  • Gift cards for fun (ice cream, Starbucks, etc)
  • Paper towels
  • Toilet paper
  • Dish detergent
  • Sponges
  • Laundry detergent
  • Fabric softener
  • Lysol wipes
  • Cleaning spray
  • Cold medicine
  • Trash bags


Thank you to our Sponsors


Exclusive CBW+ Champions




CBW+ Believer





CBW+ Allies








Patron Sponsor

Joelle Shea


Gift box Sponsor



Host Sponsor



Interested in sponsoring this year's CBW+ Speaker Series?


Please contact Heather Eyster, Senior Director of Investor & Member Engagement. 

Location

Central Penn College

PARKING INSTRUCTIONS: The event is held in the Conference Center at Central Penn College. The closest lot to the Conference Center is Lot K. For more detailed instructions on how to drive to Central Penn's campus, visit HERE.

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Contact Information

Name: Lindsey Holtzman
Phone: (717) 232-4099
Email: events@hbgrc.org
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