One of the most common concerns women in our industry have — particularly first-time conference goers, solo travelers or traveling in general — is staying safe on the road.
That’s why we’ve gathered helpful tips, tricks, recommendations from experts, and resources to help you travel more safely. Arm yourself with the tools and knowledge you need to be better prepared so you’ll feel ready to handle whatever situations you may run into.
The panel will be moderated by Kathryn Rose, CEO of channelwise, an ACW partner.
Webinar Info:
- Date: January 19, 2023
- Time: 4 p.m. EST
Panelists
Brendan Heffner, Stephenie Rodriguez
About Brendan O. Heffner
Brendan O. Heffner serves as the United States Marshal for the Central District of Illinois. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on April 26, 2018 and sworn in on May 25, 2018.
Marshal Heffner’s responsibilities encompass leading and directing operations, including security and protection of the United States Courts, criminal investigations, fugitive apprehension, execution of federal court orders and other law enforcement activities.
Marshal Heffner began his law enforcement career in 1985 as a patrol officer at the Normal, Illinois Police Department. In 1989, he became an Illinois State Trooper, serving in that agency for 21 years in various capacities, including general criminal investigator, internal investigations, labor relations, counterterrorism and drug interdiction. He supervised a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force and became an Academy Commander.
He retired from the Illinois State Police in 2010 as a Lieutenant Colonel. Marshal Heffner went on to work at State Farm Insurance Company as a Safety/Security Specialist and instructor with Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System (ILEAS). In 2013, he was selected as the Chief of Police in Bloomington, Illinois, where he served until his selection as United States Marshal for the Central District of Illinois.
Marshal Heffner holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communications from Illinois State University.
About Stephenie Rodriguez
Stephenie Rodriguez is a startup founder and serial digital entrepreneur. She founded ‘lifestyle’ media in Australia in 2001, importing and becoming the publisher of Ocean Drive Australia magazine.
She transitioned to digital publishing, creating works for global brands, including Pirelli Tyres and Oakwood Hotels.
In 2004, she founded MightyMedia Group and led the social media and digital transformation aspects of marketing in the travel sector.
Stephenie became the architect of award-winning digital marketing campaigns for international brands, including Cebu Pacific Air, SSP-The Food Travel Experts, Hardys Wines, Club MedEPAC and Sydney Airport.
In 2016, she pivoted to address the problem of personal safety for women and vulnerable people and founded JOZU for Women Inc.
In 2018, she developed and launched the WanderSafe brand, personal safety ecosystem and the WanderSafe beacon, winning Best New Travel Accessory of 2019 by Frontier Magazine.
Rodriguez is on a mission to impact a billion lives by 2025 and democratize safety in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The free WanderSafe app is issued in more than 58 countries currently.