Welcome to the 2026 GIS in Action Annual Conference hosted by the Oregon & SW Washington Chapter of the Geospatial Professional Network & Cascadia ASPRS.
Why does change feel so hard? Change is constant, and yet it’s one of the greatest challenges for individuals and organizations. Dr. Jessica Lorenz examines how the brain responds to uncertainty, why resistance is a biological reaction, and how we can build the capacity needed to move forward with clarity, care, and intention.
Informed by neuroscience, change management, and trauma informed care, this presentation provides practical, accessible strategies for building resilience. Attendees will learn how to strengthen personal capacity during times of transition and how to support others with greater empathy.
By connecting brain science with leadership practices, Dr. Jessica Lorenz offers an actionable path forward to navigate change more effectively, support well-being and build adaptive, thriving teams.
Dr. Jessica Lorenz brings over 18 years of experience helping individuals and teams strengthen organizational capacity through people-centered approaches. As a Change Manager and Workforce Development Analyst at the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, she collaborates across the agency to support change, deepen employee engagement and cultivate a values-aligned culture. She holds a Doctorate in Education with an emphasis in organizational leadership, grounding her work in research-based practices that drive sustainable organizational change.
