2023 Fall Women's Luncheon at Fearrington Village

Amidst headlines of rampant turnover, evolving workforce demands, and the growing gig economy, company culture is more important than ever. But it's not enough to hang an "inspiring" poster on the wall. During their talk, Anna and Amy will discuss the gap between stated and lived company cultures and guide participants through a reflection on their own organization's mission, vision, and values in comparison to their day-to-day experiences at work. 

While culture often feels like an intangible concept, the daily actions of people bring it to life. Because Aurora Leadership always emphasizes practical application, no matter your role, status, or tenure on the team, you will walk away from this session with a few ideas to impact your organization tomorrow. 

Originally from Scranton, Pa, Amy Bugno is the child of two public school educators and has always been drawn to mission-driven work. Following graduation from UNC Chapel Hill with a B.A. in journalism and mass communication, Amy began working at her alma mater in development and alumni affairs, which launched a 15+ year career in higher education. Through earning her M.Ed. in higher education administration at Vanderbilt University's Peabody College, and subsequently career coaching, leading career services teams, and teaching undergraduates at Vanderbilt University, Duke University, and UNC's Kenan-Flagler Business School, Amy has honed her skills of translating theory to practice and motivating teams in a nonprofit space. Outside of work, Amy enjoys writing, hiking, fantasy football, globetrotting, and anything that makes her two young nieces smile.

Anna Millar embraces the idea that the only constant is change. Having lived and learned in three different countries, switching careers from corporate marketing to higher education, and most recently coaching students through the path to adulthood both as Dean at UNC Kenan-Flagler’s Undergraduate Business Program and faculty at Wake Tech Community College, Anna has learned to leverage change as a force for good. Anna has a deep history of building close-knit, dynamic, and successful teams, optimizing talent and inclusion to drive results. Anna earned degrees from Hamilton College and Harvard Business School. Outside the office, you can find Anna hiking through the woods and up mountains, riding a horse through a meadow, and spending time with her family and friends.

In November 2022, these two long-time colleagues and friends launched Aurora Leadership Partners with a mission of delivering tangible tools and practices to leaders and teams of nonprofits, small businesses, and startups at an accessible price point.