Career support, headshots, & 1-on-1 mentorship

Whether you’re ready to re-enter the workforce, pivot into a new role, grow in your current field, or simply explore your next move—you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Hosted by Dress for Success Triangle and Triangle Park (NC) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, Success Sprint is your chance to connect with other women, gain practical tools, and leave with a renewed sense of confidence and direction.

RESERVE YOUR FREE SPOT

What You’ll Experience

  • Professional Headshots – Free, with optional styling from on-site coaches

  • Mini Resume Review – Plus, the option to book a one-on-one career coaching session post-event

  • Round Robin Mentorship – Engage in 1:1 career conversations with local professionals offering real-time guidance and insights

  • Live Panel Conversations – Hear from women who’ve navigated change, seized opportunity, and advanced their careers

  • Google Career Certificates – Free access to online courses to help you learn a new high-demand skill for top fields

  • Ongoing Career Support – Free access to our Virtual Career Growth Center and a network that lasts beyond the event

  • Complimentary Refreshments & Goodie Bag – Because your time is valuable, and you deserve to leave with more than just inspiration

Who Should Attend?

Women in Raleigh, Durham, and surrounding areas who are:

  • Job seeking or considering a career change

  • Returning to work after a break

  • Looking to grow in their current role

  • Eager to expand their professional network

Success Sprint Event Schedule

9:30 AM – 10:00 AM | Registration & Welcome

  • Check-In

10:00 AM - 10:20 AM - Welcome and Keynote with Kyra Jones
Kyra Jones - Welcome Speaker
Kyra Jones is an accomplished leader with 20+ years of experience in Managed Services, Workforce Management, and Global Payroll operations. Known for combining strategic insight with hands-on expertise in consulting, system implementation, and change management, Kyra has led global teams across the U.S., Europe, and Asia to deliver innovative, efficient workforce solutions. As Director of Global Payroll at Ralliant, she’s passionate about empowering people, optimizing processes, and driving measurable impact across complex organizations.

Dr. Lashaunda Lucas - Keynote Speaker
Dr. Lashaunda Lucas is the Founder and CEO of The Black Mental Health Movement, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to advancing mental health awareness, advocacy, and access to culturally responsive care in Black communities. She is also the CEO of Beauty Marks Counseling & Consulting, where she provides therapy, consulting, and training focused on self-worth, trauma-informed care, and psychological safety. A passionate advocate, speaker, and educator, Dr. Lucas holds a Ph.D. in Social Work from North Carolina A&T State University and is committed to breaking stigma, promoting healing, and celebrating Black joy.

10:20 AM - 12:00 PM- Panelists on Following Topics: Resumes, Interviewing, Networking, LinkedIn - Panelists will share insights and guidance for navigating various career topics. Time will be allotted after each segment for open floor Q&A.

Alisa Hughley - Panel Moderator
Alisa Hughley, MPH, is an award-winning health and medical communicator, author-editor, and public speaker who makes complex science understandable. A public health professional turned communications strategist, she leads enBloom Media, partnering with healthcare organizations and executives on plain-language content, thought leadership, and multi-media campaigns. She holds certifications from Harvard Medical School and the NIH and is the 2021 Donate Life America James S. Wolf Award recipient for advocacy.

Danielle Barbour Wilson - Resumes
Danielle Barbour Wilson is a Principal at The Banks Law Firm, P.A., advising employers and organizations on labor and employment matters, compliance, and dispute resolution. She previously practiced at Poyner Spruill LLP and began her legal career with the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Danielle earned her J.D. from Emory University School of Law and a B.S. in Health Care Administration and Planning from Tennessee State University.

Kyra Jones - Networking
Kyra Jones is an accomplished leader with 20+ years of experience in Managed Services, Workforce Management, and Global Payroll operations. Known for combining strategic insight with hands-on expertise in consulting, system implementation, and change management, Kyra has led global teams across the U.S., Europe, and Asia to deliver innovative, efficient workforce solutions. As Director of Global Payroll at Ralliant, she’s passionate about empowering people, optimizing processes, and driving measurable impact across complex organizations.

Dr. Vynedra Smith, MD, FACP - Interviews
Dr. Vynedra Smith, MD, FACP, is a U.S. Medical Affairs Executive Director at Genentech, leading strategic initiatives that bridge clinical insight with innovation in oncology and immunology. A board-certified internist and Yale-trained physician, she brings over two decades of experience spanning clinical practice, regulatory consulting, and medical leadership at organizations including AstraZeneca and RTP Health Solutions. Dr. Smith is passionate about advancing equitable healthcare, mentoring the next generation of medical leaders, and leveraging science to improve patient outcomes.

Noell Ochieng - LinkedIn
Noell Ochieng creates software eLearning and freelances as a tech content writer. Curious by nature, Noell thrives on researching and learning new things—her current obsession is exploring AI in learning design. After transitioning from a career in public education to one in tech, Noell realized the importance of creating relationships and owning your personal and career growth. Originally from Michigan, she lives in Wake Forest, North Carolina with three almost adult kids and two cats. In her free time, Noell enjoys reading, cooking, traveling, and gardening.

Tonya Langley - LinkedIn
Tonya Langley, MBA, SHRM-CP, is Associate Director of Talent Acquisition at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, leading scientific and technical recruiting and employer branding. With 14+ years spanning agency and in-house roles, she builds diverse, high-performing teams and coaches candidates on personal branding and career strategy. A Qualified Diversity Recruiter, Tonya also volunteers as a Career Success Coach with Dress for Success Triangle NC.

12:15 PM - 3:00 PM - Flash 1-on-1 mentoring, networking, expert advise on panel topics, mini career coaching sessions - Enjoy a high-energy mentoring session where you can ask questions, build connections, and receive expert career advice.

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Headshots - Capture a fresh, professional headshot—free for all attendees, thanks to our amazing photographers, Renee Sprink, Amy Stern, and Caryn MacPherson.

ARE YOU AN ORGANIZATION Interested in sponsoring this event?

Sponsorship opportunities are available! As a sponsor, you’ll showcase your commitment to advancing women’s careers while gaining valuable visibility among community leaders and changemakers.

For sponsorship inquiries, please contact:
📧 Melissa Pierce | melissa.pierce@dfstrianglenc.org
🌐 www.dfstrianglenc.org