May CBW+ Speaker Series | When Life Happens: Balancing Empathy and Results
Wednesday, May 27, 2026 (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM) (EDT)
Description
Join us for our May CBW+ Speaker Series presented by our Exclusive CBW+ Champions Conrad Siegel, PA Treasury Department & UPMC.
This month’s event will feature Andrea Becker, MBA, principal of Synastry Creative Connections, LLC, and Stacy Beers, MBA, vice president of marketing at Penn State Health, presenting When Life Happens: Balancing Empathy and Results.
When Life Happens: Balancing Empathy and Results
While Human Resources principles can be taught, managing and supporting people through real-life challenges like suicide, addiction, and grief is rarely discussed. These times when “life happens" deeply impact how we show up in our jobs, especially if we are responsible for leading others. This session explores how personal tragedies and mental health crises shape leadership, empathy, and resilience while still getting the work done. Join us for an open discussion that will transform your approach to leadership and support in the workplace.
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.
About the Speakers
Andrea Becker, MBA
Principal, Synastry Creative Connections, LLC
Andrea Becker leverages a diverse background in clinical healthcare, marketing, and non-profit leadership to uncover unseen connections that drive results. With over 25 years of experience, within regional healthcare systems, Andrea excels at leading once in a lifetime expansion projects and building highly functioning teams. She is a straightforward leader who is energized by working alongside and learning from incredibly gifted colleagues and supporting team members in their growth aspirations.
As the Principal of Synastry Creative Connections LLC, Andrea leads projects that align with her deepest passions: mental health awareness, veteran advocacy, and animal welfare. Outside of her professional work, she fuels her creative fire by attending live music events,and seeking new experiences where she can connect with new people that will lead to more stories to be told from great connections.
Stacy Beers, MBA
Vice President, Marketing, Penn State Health
Stacy Beers is an enterprise marketing executive known for transforming marketing into a true engine for growth. With more than 25 years of experience, she builds high-performing organizations that connect brand, data and technology to deliver measurable business impact. As Vice President of Marketing at Penn State Health, Stacy oversees the marketing investment for the multi-billion, multi-hospital organization. She has repositioned marketing as a strategic driver of enterprise growth – aligning it with operational priorities, access and service line performance.
Her work is grounded in a clear philosophy: marketing should not simply generate demand – it should help organizations understand where growth comes from and ensure they are built to capture it. Known for bridging strategy and execution, Stacy builds brands that don’t just resonate – they perform. She has led the development of enterprise platforms like “Breakthrough Medicine Lives Here,” while implementing data-driven systems that connect marketing investment directly to outcomes.
Beyond her executive role, Stacy is a passionate advocate for mental health awareness. Through her speaking, she brings a candid and human perspective to leadership – sharing how resilience, authenticity and personal growth shape not only how we lead, but how we show up for others.
A trusted advisor to CEOs and executive teams, she is known for bringing clarity, alignment and momentum to complex organizations.
At her core, Stacy believes the strongest organizations are built the same way strong leaders are – through clarity, accountability and the courage to show up authentically, even when it’s hard.
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, Rita's, etc.)
- Paper towels
- Toilet paper
- Dish detergent
- Sponges
- Laundry detergent
- Fabric softener
- Lysol wipes
- Cleaning spray
- Cold medicine
- Trash bags
- Sunscreen
- Beach towels
Thank you to our Sponsors
Exclusive CBW+ Champions
CBW+ Believer
CBW+ Allies
Patron Sponsors
Erin Woods
Gillian Byerly
Jeannetta Politis
Joelle Shea
Mary Oliveira
Wendy Zimmerman
Become a Patron Sponsor today!
Gift box Sponsor
Host Sponsor
Interested in sponsoring this year's CBW+ Speaker Series?
Please contact Heather Eyster, Senior Director of Investor & Member Engagement.
600 Valley Road
Summerdale, PA 17093-0309 United States
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.