The workplace is changing. Careers are evolving. And the path to building wealth and becoming a leader may look very different than it did just a few years ago.

So, what does it take to thrive in what comes next?

Cal State San Bernardino’s Jack H. Brown College of Business and Public Administration (JHBC) will tackle that question at its 9th annual JHBC ShEconomy on Thursday, Oct. 22, bringing together accomplished women from entertainment, banking, investment and higher education for an evening of candid conversation, practical advice and connection.

This year’s theme, “The Future of Work: Building Careers, Wealth, and Leadership,” will explore not only how people can navigate changing industries, but how career success, financial well-being and leadership can work together to create more possibilities for the future.

“This year’s ShEconomy theme — ‘The Future of Work: Building Careers, Wealth, and Leadership’ — could not be more timely,” said Francisca Beer, professor, associate dean and director for the JHBC Office of Academic Equity. “We want students to understand that career success, financial well-being, and leadership are interconnected, and our panelists bring valuable real-world perspectives to that conversation.”

The free event will take place at the Santos Manuel Student Union South Theater and is open to students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members. The in-person experience begins at 5:30 p.m. with registration and networking, followed by the program and livestream at 6 p.m. Register on the event webpage. 

Among this year’s speakers is Miranda Lee, a CSUSB alumna who serves as leadership and culture programs lead at Prime Video & Amazon Studios. Lee earned her Master of Science in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from CSUSB and was recognized as the 2026 CSUSB Emerging Leader Award recipient during the university’s Alumni Hall of Fame celebration. Through her work developing leadership and workplace culture programs, she will offer a behind-the-scenes perspective on how people, innovation and organizational values are shaping the workplaces of tomorrow.

Joining her is fellow CSUSB alumna Kara Dutton, vice president and business banking relationship manager II at PNC Bank. With more than 20 years of banking experience, Dutton has helped entrepreneurs and business owners strengthen their financial foundations, access capital and pursue long-term growth. She will bring the money side of the future-of-work conversation into focus, including the connections among career growth, entrepreneurship, financial knowledge and building wealth.

Nefertiti Long brings extensive experience in investment, organizational leadership and community service as chief operating officer of Alta Loma Enterprises, a family-office investment company. She also serves as president of the Alliance of Black Women Accountants, chair of the Inland Empire Community Foundation’s Women’s Giving Fund and chair of the CSUSB Philanthropic Foundation.

Rounding out the panel is Anna Ni, associate dean of JHBC and professor of public administration. Ni oversees the college’s academic programs, student success initiatives, faculty development and accreditation efforts and is an accomplished author and scholar. Her academic and administrative experience will add a perspective on how education and workforce preparation can help people meet a rapidly changing professional landscape.

Together, the four panelists will take on some of the big questions surrounding the future of work: How do you build a career when industries are constantly changing? How can financial knowledge create more options? What does leadership look like in tomorrow’s workplace? And how do you keep growing when there is no single roadmap for what comes next?

“As the workplace continues to evolve, students need to be prepared not only to find opportunities, but also to create them,” Beer said. “Our ShEconomy panelists will share experiences and perspectives that can help students think differently about their careers, their financial futures, and their potential as leaders.”

That focus on possibility has been part of ShEconomy since its beginning. For nine years, the event has created a space to talk about women, careers, financial empowerment and leadership while giving students the chance to learn from women who have put those ideas into practice.

“What makes ShEconomy special is the opportunity for students to hear directly from accomplished women who have built successful careers and stepped into leadership,” Beer said. “Their stories make the possibilities feel real and provide lessons students can carry with them long after the event.”

Marina Kamel, who has helped plan ShEconomy since its inception, said the experience is also about making connections.

“ShEconomy is a wonderful opportunity to learn from accomplished women leaders, make meaningful connections, and leave inspired to build a stronger career, financial future, and leadership journey,” Kamel said.

Although the program will also be available via livestream, organizers encourage attendees to come in person to get the full ShEconomy experience, including networking, opportunities to make new connections and free gifts.