Brand State U Presents:

3rd Annual Women's Summit at Sea

A personal branding and professional development summit  hosted by women, for women.

It’s no secret that hard work alone isn't enough for women to advance in their careers. You must have a personal brand and market it, even if it's uncomfortable.  

Throw perfection overboard - it’s all about being authentic. The sooner you begin embracing your worth, the sooner you will level up your personal and professional self. Learn the practical skills you need to be authentic, courageous, strategic, and successful - all while getting a great tan.

Ready to sail to success?

Join us September 1st - 6th 2025 for the Brand State U Women’s Summit @ Sea to build community, connection, and confidence with a group of like-minded women.

Register Today

Develop a mindset for success while learning how to build your brand. 

Join Melissa Bowen and Jaci Russo on September 1st-6th, 2025 on Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas for the ultimate women’s conference cruise. Surrounded by sun, sea, and successful women, you’ll have the time, space, and support to clear your mind and focus on YOU. 

Jaci Russo

Melissa Bowen

Keesha Buteau

Carrie Rickert

Summit Sessions

Pre-Sailing Sessions

These sessions will be presented online before the Summit begins. These live presentations will be recorded and provided to registrants who aren’t able to attend live. 

Jaci Russo 

Melissa Bowen

Introductions, Cruising, & Expectations, Oh My!

Opportunity to get to know each other and get answers to all of your questions about the Summit, the cruise ship, and the details of our week together.

You'll learn:
  • What to pack for the trip 
  • How to schedule your excursions 
  • Discuss the cruise app, onboard wifi, and other details about the ship 
  • How to get the most out of the Summit 

SHip Sessions

Jaci Russo 

She Leads: Personal Branding for Women in Leadership  

Empower yourself and others with strategies tailored for women aiming to lead in their industries. This session will delve into the nuances of branding for women, offering insights to overcome biases and amplify voices in leadership roles.  

You'll Learn: 
  • How to craft a personal brand that commands respect and inspires others.
  • Overcoming common branding pitfalls faced by women professionals.
  • Tactics for expanding your influence within and beyond your industry.  

Melissa Bowen

Discover Your PURPOSE: An Interactive Journey

This engaging workshop empowers participants to explore their passions, values, and strengths to uncover their unique purpose. Through guided activities and self-reflection, attendees will craft a personal purpose statement and identify actionable steps to align their life with what truly matters to them.

By the end of this workshop, participants will:  
  • Understand the concept of purpose and how it intersects with their passions, values, and skills.
  • Identify their core values and explore activities or causes that excite and inspire them.
  • Develop a personal purpose statement to guide their life and decisions.
  • Outline one actionable step to align their life more closely with their purpose.   

Keesha Buteau

Leadership by Design: Intentional Strategies for Lasting Impact

Great leadership is never a matter of chance—it’s created by design, with purpose, intentionality, and strategy. This session delves into the foundational principles that empower leaders to make a lasting impact by design. Participants will learn to craft their own intentional leadership strategies by exploring the key pillars of effective leadership.

By the end of the session, they’ll have a structured approach to designing a personal leadership strategy, equipping them with the tools to inspire, motivate, and sustain high performance in themselves and those they lead. 

Learning Objectives:
  • The Significance of Vision – Understanding the power of a clear, compelling vision as a guiding force for leaders and their teams. 
  • The Head, Heart, Hand Leadership Model – Discovering how to lead with intellect, empathy, and action to inspire and empower others. 
  • Modeling Resilient Leadership – Building the capacity to lead through challenges with resilience, adaptability, and poise. 

Carrie Rickert

Interviewing: A Transferable Skill that Every Leader Needs

You probably think about interviewing relative to hiring or podcasts, but did you know that the skill of interviewing is a highly transferable and very necessary skill for leaders in all fields, and even in your personal life? As leaders, we have questions that need answers - we might need answers from employees, clients, or subject matter experts. Interviewing skills can help you easily get those answers from anyone. 


 We'll talk about where interviewing can be applied, how to prepare for and start an interview, some tips and tricks for making it successful, and then we will practice interviewing and analyze our practice. 
You'll Learn: 
  • Why knowing how to interview is important for many aspects of work and life.
  • How to prepare for and start the interview process.
  • How to end an interview on a good note.

Jaci Russo 

The Marketing Personality: Using DISC to Craft Targeted Messaging

Not all audiences are the same, and neither are their preferences or decision-making styles. This session explores how to use the DISC personality assessment to better understand your target market and create tailored marketing materials that resonate with each personality type.

By aligning your messaging with the behavioral tendencies of your audience, you can increase engagement, drive conversions, and build deeper connections. 

You'll Learn: 
  • The four DISC personality types (Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness) and their unique traits.
  • How to identify and segment your audience based on DISC profiles. 
  • Tailored messaging strategies for each personality type, from assertive Dominants to detail-oriented Conscientious individuals. 
  • Real-world examples of how DISC-informed marketing can improve campaign effectiveness. 
  • Tips for incorporating DISC insights into your overall marketing strategy. 

Carrie Rickert

Neurodiversity in the Workplace: Why Accomodations Matter

Let’s talk about neurodiversity.  It seems like the new “fashionable” inclusivity terminology, but what does it really mean and how is neurodiversity impacting your team.

Understand how making accommodations for your workforce actually improve the overall culture of your workplace, as well as set individual team members up for success. 

Learning Objectives:
  • Understand the definition of neurodiversity.
  • HIPAA Compliance - working around disclosure to give people what they need to do their jobs. (accommodations without diagnosis or disclosure).
  • Benefits of accommodations:
  • For individual employees.
  • For employers.
  • For company culture.
  • Communication and setting the team up for success.

Keesha Buteau

Positive Intelligence: Unlocking Your Full Potential

This session empowers participants by enhancing mental fitness and fostering a culture of high performance. Participants will learn to shift from a reactive, survival mindset to a proactive, thriving mindset. Through interactive discussions and exercises, they’ll discover how to manage their thoughts, reduce self-sabotage, and unlock their full potential.

The session emphasizes building self-command, intercepting negative thought patterns, and cultivating empathy and innovative thinking. By the end, participants will be equipped with practical tools to transform challenges into opportunities and foster collaboration for both personal and professional growth. Ideal for individuals and groups seeking to enhance resilience, improve communication, and create a more positive, productive environment. 

Learning Objectives:
  • Understand the distinction between the Survive and Thrive regions of the brain.
  • Identify and intercept the Judge Saboteur to reduce self and external criticism.
  • Practice the Sage perspective to transform challenges into growth opportunities. 

Melissa Bowen

Breaking Free from BURNOUT: Reignite Your Energy and Focus

Feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or stuck in a constant state of stress? Burnout is more than just being tired—it’s a signal that something needs to change. In this interactive workshop, you’ll uncover the root causes of burnout, discover practical strategies to restore balance, and create a personalized plan to reignite your energy and focus.

Whether you’re navigating workplace stress or personal demands, this session will equip you with tools to regain control and prioritize your well-being. 

By the end of the workshop, participants will:
  • Identify the key causes and signs of burnout in their lives.
  • Practice simple yet effective techniques to manage stress and recharge.
  • Develop a personalized action plan to restore balance and sustain energy.
  • Gain tools to set boundaries and build resilience against future burnout. 

Jaci Russo 

Melissa Bowen

Wrap Up

Recap the week we’ve spent together and discuss the pros and cons of the Summit with specific feedback on how to improve for next year.

How Does It Work?

Your $100 non-refundable, per person, deposit will secure your spot on the sailing.  It’s that easy!  Brand U Women's Summit @ Sea is a unique conference with the rooms, meals, and summit costs all included.

Pick your cabin, invite a pal, and let’s set sail together.

Summit Registration

Registration
(4/1/25 - 5/31/25)
$999

*Your registration for the Womens’ Summit at Sea is $999 and is for all sessions and materials. Summit registration costs do not include your stateroom purchase. Traveling companions not attending the summit are only required to purchase a stateroom, not register for the summit.

Lodging Options
(priced per person/double occupancy)

Registration
(4/1/25 - 5/31/25)

Interior

$562

Oceanview

$695

Balcony

$943

Interior

Registration
(4/1/25 - 5/31/25)

$562

Oceanview

Registration
(4/1/25 - 5/31/25)

$695

Balcony

Registration
(4/1/25 - 5/31/25)

$943

*Prices are per person and based on double occupancy.  Additional $361 per person for fees, ports, taxes, and gratuities.
**Drink package, Internet, and excursion costs are not included. 

REGISTER TODAY

These prices are per person for double occupancy 

Grab your work wife, your BFF, or that nice neighbor lady down the street, and head out to find yourself and your strength.  No better time to relax, rejuvenate, and restore than in the middle of the ocean. After a week of Vitamin Sea, you will return refreshed and ready to make your world a better place. 

Be the captain of your life.   

Your personal brand isn’t just what you think of you, it’s what others think of you. Why leave that up for interpretation? Learn to take ownership of your personal brand and tell the world who you are. Your life, your story, your brand.

Join us on September 1st - 6th, 2025 for the 3rd Annual Women’s Summit @ Sea by Brand State U to build community, connection, and confidence with a group of like-minded women.  

Your Self, Your Voice, Your Strength.

Summit Schedule

DAY 1
Monday Sept 1 - Depart Galveston at 4pm

DAY 2
Tuesday Sept 2 - Day at sea - Summit Sessions 8:30am - 12pm

DAY 3
Wednesday Sept 3 - Summit Sessions 8:30am - 11am Enjoy Costa Maya 12pm - 7pm

DAY 4
Thursday Sept 4 - Enjoy Cozumel 7am - 5pm

DAY 5
Friday Sept 5 - Day at sea - Summit Session 8:30am - 12pm

DAY 6
Saturday Sept 6 - Arrive Galveston 8am

Summit Guides:

Jaci Russo, PCM

Jaci Russo, is the co-founder and CEO of brandRUSSO. Jaci began her career at Creative Artists Agency (CAA) in Los Angeles, California, and then with media mogul Barry Diller, developing the brands of the Home Shopping Network, Ticketmaster, USA Network, and Savoy Pictures. Jaci is a published author and sought-after speaker on all things branding.

Jaci founded Brand State U – an affordable online academy for small businesses and do-it-yourself marketers.  She is a Professional Certified Marketer (P.C.M.) through the American Marketing Association, and a graduate of Leadership Louisiana and the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program. In addition, Jaci serves as a mentor for the American Academy of Entrepreneurs and a Brand Consultant through the Edward Lowe Foundation. In 2012, Jaci was inducted into the Acadiana Business Hall of Fame. Jaci is the proud mother of four and works full-time with her husband of 25 years, Michael.

For information on workshops, speaking, and online courses, visit her website at www.jacirusso.com

Melissa Bowen, LCSW

Melissa Bowen is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Coach, and a Certified Daring Way™ Facilitator. Her work revolves around the belief that lives, relationships, and leadership can be transformed by developing a stronger sense of self and living a more authentic, vulnerable, connected, and courageous life.  

The Daring Way™ is an approach based on the shame-resilience research of Brené Brown. She has a counseling private practice in Lafayette, LA, where she also supervises counselor interns. Melissa has worked with GSK, KADN TV15, The United Way, Family Missions Company, brandRusso, and Chamber of Commerce organizations, among others. Melissa is a New Orleans native, and lives in Lafayette, LA with her husband, Kody, a few cats, and a bunch of ducks. Yes, ducks.

For information on workshops, speaking, and online courses, visit her website at www.theautheticitycenter.com

Keesha Buteau

Keesha B. Buteau has amassed over twenty years of experience as a nonprofit executive, facilitator, and trainer. She has a passion for creativity and growth and believes it is her purpose to be not only a reliable source of encouragement but a beacon for those who need support in search of their own success. Keesha’s presentation style has been described as dynamic, relatable, and engaging as she speaks from the heart and her words are rooted in love. Highly valuing personal and professional development, she believes that good business management starts with people.

I help businesses and individuals define their vision for success and lead the way through personal and professional development. Let’s Find Your Way!

For information on her workshops that are open to the public, visit her website at www.beaconoflightla.com

Carrie Rickert  

Carrie Rickert is an author and the founder and CEO of Nomis Advisors, a management consultancy firm in Stevensville, Maryland. Carrie has worked with hundreds of companies to strategically develop programs to initiate change. Additionally, Carrie is a trauma survivor and an expert on navigating catalytic circumstances. Significant change is a journey with side steps and detours along the way. The only hard and fast rule is that you can't go back to who you were before.

Carrie’s true passion is in helping other navigate their own murky waters to provide support when it seems like there is no road map. She does this through public speaking, writing, and her consultancy practice. Carrie has a BS in clinical psychology from Towson University and an MFS in forensic sciences from George Washington University. She lives in Stevensville, MD, with her two children - Simon and Alli - the family’s two dogs - Holly and Grover - plus Milly the hamster. For information on her consulting and speaking services, visit her website at www.carrierickert.com

Questions?
Reach out via email if you have any questions or concerns or schedule a call to chat directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our focus is on branding and personal development. Each session will build on the last to guide you through the process of making the most of your unique attributes and how you can build a following in your life and online.

Our Summit Sessions are in the mornings and the rest of the day is YOURS to sip on a drink by the pool, enjoy activities on the ship, head to the casino, or anything else that floats your boat.  

Our daily schedule looks something like this:
Day 1 - Depart Galveston at 4pm Attend Welcome Reception
Day 2 - Day at sea - Summit Sessions 9am-1pm
Day 3 - Summit Sessions 9am-11am.  Enjoy Puerto Costa Maya 12pm-7pm
Day 4 - Enjoy Cozumel 7am-5pm
Day 5 - Day at sea - Summit Sessions 9am-1pm  
Day 6 - Arrive Galveston 8am

5 night Western Caribbean Cruise, roundtrip from Galveston, TX on the Royal Caribbean Voyager of the Seas! We chose this particular cruise because a mix of Sea Days and port days means we will have a couple of hours of teaching per day, leaving you enough time to implement what you’re learning and still have plenty of time to take advantage of all the fun activities on board.

Of course! Cruising is more fun with a friend or business bestie! The listed rates reflect individual prices and attendees are required to book in groups of two. All aboard!

Some people will want adult time away from their kids, some don’t even have kids, and others will want to bring their children & family with them. We want you to make this experience the best it can be for you. Royal Caribbean has a great kids program, and all of our training time will be held when the kids club is open.

Lifelong learning is an important part of professional development.  You will be able to bring these best practices back to your company to improve your company’s brand.  Whether you are in a hotel in Houston or a ship in the Gulf, the important part is that you are developing great tools to be more successful.  

*Download this flyer and present it to your company to show the professional development value that comes with this trip.

Sure thing! There will be lots of opportunities for networking and hanging out with all of your new friends. All of the prices listed are per person with two people per room. For solo travelers, the cost to cruise will be double for the cabin, but you will only purchase one summit session.

Women's Summit at Sea has been approved for 11 hours of continuing education credits by the Louisiana LPC Board! This means that licensed professional counselors can knock out 11 of their required continuing education credits by attending the summit. We are still seeking CEC Accreditation for the following industries: Human Resources, Certified Public Accountant, & Realtor. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Our focus is on branding and personal development. Each session will build on the last to guide you through the process of making the most of your unique attributes and how you can build a following in your life and online.

Our Summit Sessions during the first part of the day and the rest of the day is YOURS to sip on a drink by the pool, enjoy activities on the ship, head to the casino, or anything else that floats your boat.  

Our daily schedule looks something like this:  
Day 1 - Depart Galveston at 4pm
Day 2 - Day at sea - Summit Sessions 8:30am - 12pm
Day 3 - Summit Sessions 8am - 11am. Enjoy Costa Maya 12pm - 7pm
Day 4 - Enjoy Cozumel 7am - 5pm
Day 5 - Day at sea - Summit Sessions 8:30am - 12pm
Day 6 - Arrive Galveston 8am

5 night Western Caribbean Cruise, roundtrip from Galveston, TX on the Royal Caribbean Mariner of the Seas! We chose this particular cruise because a mix of Sea Days and port days means we will have a few hours of teaching per day, leaving you enough time to implement what you’re learning and still have plenty of time to take advantage of all the fun activities on board.

Of course! Cruising is more fun with a friend or business bestie! The listed rates are per person with double occupancy.

Some people will want adult time away from their kids, some don’t even have kids, and others will want to bring their children & family with them.  We want you to make this experience the best it can be for you.  Royal Caribbean has a great kids program, and all of our training time will be held when the kids club is open. 

Lifelong learning is an important part of professional development. You will be able to bring these best practices back to your company to improve your company’s brand. Whether you are in a hotel in Houston or a ship in the Gulf, the important part is that you are developing great tools to be more successful.

Download the flyer below to show your company the benefits of attending the Women's Summit.

DOWNLOAD SUMMIT FLYER

Sure thing! There will be lots of opportunities for networking and hanging out with all of your new friends. All of the prices listed are per person with two people per room. For solo travelers, the cost to cruise will be double for the cabin, but you will only purchase one summit session.

Women's Summit at Sea has applied for  11 hours of continuing education credits by the Louisiana LPC Board. This means that licensed professional counselors can knock out 11 of their required continuing education credits by attending the summit. 

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