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A Warm THANK YOU to all who participated in the 8th Annual Symposium "Navigate your Path to Abundance", March 1, 2024!
3rd Annual Event Program
501c(3) public nonprofit TAX ID 81-3501443
In Honor of International Women's Day
Improving the quality of life, financial independence, and confidence of women in Southern California
Power Up! Knowledge is Empowering!
Friday, March 8, 2019 11:30 am to 3:00 pm Long Beach Marriott
NOTE FROM THE FOUNDER OF WSSC
Welcome! Let’s Power-Up! Knowledge is Empowering! What we do is worthwhile, and how we choose to live our lives can have a positive impact. We are here today to celebrate International Women’s Day, gather in this symposium format and help each other unlock our potential! We can see the bright possibilities for our present & future together. Like a pebble in water – the effects are seen throughout our lives when we plan and take positive actions for ourselves.
Let’s focus on goals we are passionate about and see what’s working today from those who have tales from the trenches and stories of success. The best we can do is to encourage women that we Can Do It! Meet your closest friend or family member and share, look in mirror, and then live that life you want yourself. Keep in mind, it's only the image we fear in our own minds- we can look closer and become better prepared for change. We can change our reactions or attitude, and come up with creative solutions in the worst of times.
WSSC is here to guide you in a supportive way. Change happens eventually and we want to help! Having a plan and some background to important topics is empowering!
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Here is how I see Personal Empowerment:
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Knowledge - laws protecting us/policy changes, resources for all backgrounds
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Resources - tools exist here at WSSC, in other places, or create new resources
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Voices - make our voices heard in order to be in tune with what we want, empower others
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Visions - see things through others’ eyes, get uncomfortable & have respect for visions
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Change - being an agent of change – implementation of new ideas and collaborations
It continues to be my dream to further serve and give back to the women of this Southern California community. It’s my hope that when opportunity knocks on your door, you will have the guts and confidence to walk through that door! Let us listen to our hearts and intuition, listen to our inner voice, love ourselves - think big and dream even bigger!
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“It takes as much energy to wish as it does to plan.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
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Warm Wishes & Cheers!
Marah Fineberg-Kuck, CFP®, CRPC
Founder & Executive Director Women’s Symposium of Southern California
Stay Tuned for Next Year’s Symposium to celebrate International Women’s Day: March 8th 2020
WSSC is overwhelmed with gratitude to these volunteers for the support and encouragement they have contributed. Thank you for your support to women’s issues & empowerment. Women’s Symposium of Southern California could not exist without you and all of your hard work over the last year. Your energy, passion, enthusiasm, and dedication are to be admired and recognized. You truly are the “leaders and the best”!
WSSC Program Committee Chair:
Susan Viator - Wealth Planning Consultant & Volunteer
Ph: (310) 500-8805 email: susanviator@capitas.financial.com
WSSC email: WSSCprogram@outlook.com
A Special Thank You for Helping:
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Shelly Harrison, Publicist CEO/Founder, Luminary Leaders ph:(909) 519-3712 luminaryleaders@gmail.com
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Janet M. Elie, Founder Launch 4 Life ph: (480) 788-6366 janet@launch4life.com
WSSC Marketing & Partnership Committee Chair:
Kirsten Larsen- Chief Risk Officer, Philanthropist, Volunteer WSSC email: womenssymposiumsocal@gmail.com
A Special Thank You for Helping: ​
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Linda A. Chiazzese-Nelson, Impact Training Academy mpacttrainingacademy.com@gmail.com ph:310-293-4987
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Jacqueline D. Serrao, Attorney at Law jds@cabkgroup.com ph: 562-430-6002
WSSC Event Planning Committee Chairs: Marah Fineberg-Kuck & Theresa Murphy, Executive Director at Precious Life Shelter
Executive Director: Marah Fineberg-Kuck, pro-bono basis
WSSC Attorney: Shannon Switzer, pro-bono basis sswitzer@cratonlaw.com
WSSC CPA: Merrietta Fong, pro-bono basis mfong@sofcpa.com
Thank you to all Program Participants and event day volunteers for your time and commitment to this 3rd annual women’s symposium. You make this grassroots event a success!
To keep this event growing & thriving, get involved! Volunteer your time, your talent, your sponsorship……………. Email Marah to Volunteer for Women’s Symposium 2020: womenssymposium@outlook.com
WSSC PROGRAM AGENDA MARCH 8, 2019
In Honor of International Women’s Day
Power Up – Knowledge is Empowering!
11:30 a.m.
Registration & Sign-In
Buffet Luncheon
12:00 p.m.
Welcome & Opening Remarks
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Host
Marah Fineberg-Kuck, CFP® , Founder of WSSC
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Master of Ceremonies
Mary Parks, TV Host, Producer, American Spirit
12:10 p.m.
Keynote: Living the Life I Choose – It’s My Decision
Scharrell Jackson, CEO/Founder, Leadership in Heels
12:30 p.m.
Table Topic Roundtable Discussions
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Discussion Leaders Rotate Tables every 20 minutes
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Realizing Financial Wellness
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Fueling Your Entrepreneurial Spirit
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Achieving Harmony – Master Your Best Life
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Mastering Personal & Professional Communications
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Giving Back – Making a Difference
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Know Your Rights – Equality in Workplace
2:30 p.m.
Keynote: Too Ambitious – Say What?
Kimjera Whittington, Keynote Speaker, Marketing Consultant, Conscious Leadership Adviser
2:50 p.m.
Closing Remarks
Master of Ceremonies
Mary Parks, TV Host, Producer, American Spirit
3:00 p.m.
Symposium Concludes
Power Up – Knowledge is Empowering! ROUNDTABLE TOPICS
Realizing Financial Wellness
There are essential planning tasks to ensure you achieve financial wellness. Our experts understand the anxiety you might feel over where to start, where to seek advice and sorting through the options and costs associated with implementing a plan. Let them show you how to alleviate the stress and guide you through the steps to tackle these decisions and implement your plan. A sound financial plan evolves as your needs and situation changes. Keeping your plan current requires constant adjustments over time. Our Specialists address a myriad of issues from fundamental planning to more complex and sophisticated decisions we face as we age, such as Medicare and Social Security. Join the dialog with our professionals to work through these difficult and confusing financial issues and learn the tools that constitute a healthy financial plan.
Fueling Your Entrepreneurial Spirit
Do you day dream about the “perfect” job. Do you have a special talent, an expertise, an invention, or a much-needed service that sets you apart from the current marketplace? Join the conversation with successful entrepreneurs who turned their dreams into reality and created viable, profitable businesses. Hear how they transformed their passion into a revenue-generating venture. Learn the secrets to building a client following, creating an effective business plan, seeking capital or investors to fund your idea and utilizing social media to optimize your market presence. Achieving success is tricky. A key lesson they share is to embrace your failures and missteps as they open up new and better ways to achieve your end goal. Don’t miss this opportunity as our business owners, and the experts they rely on, reveal techniques and steps to create, launch, grow and protect your business.
Achieving Harmony and Self Actualization – Master Your Best Life
Are you challenged on how to balance work, career and family without losing yourself in the process? Are you where you want to be and doing what you want to do? Identifying and taking care of your needs first is paramount to the safety briefing when you fly. “If you are traveling with children, make sure that your own mask is on first before helping your children.” Learn how to achieve “harmony” in your life and find your path to creating a “second life” or starting a new career or business. Hear about STEAM careers and exposing the next generation to these opportunities. Professionals address issues the “sandwich generation” faces in caring for children and parents concurrently. Discover how to come back from an unexpected loss of a loved one or a divorce or a layoff. Discuss self-care tips and mindfulness activities with life coaches. Join this indispensable conversation to “Master Your Best Life”.
Mastering Personal and Professional Communications
The key to delivering and landing your message involves the nuances of listening, awareness of your audience, empathy, compassion and encouragement. Effective communication is a vital component of healthy personal and professional relationships. How you interact and connect with clients, customers, co-workers, your family and friends feeds the probability of success. If interested in learning more, listen to our specialists share ways to score a winning result every time. Explore social media trends in digital marketing and learn how to optimize your social capital. Specialists reveal strategies to help grow your outreach and target your message. Learn techniques for productive networking, designing and building websites, maximizing social media and more. This is a not-to-miss discussion for anyone looking to master their communication exchanges.
Giving Back – Making a Difference
Are you leading a “purposeful” life? While some people define success by physical trappings, others search for deeper meaning. Opening your attention beyond work or family, there are many ways to “give back” to your community and society. Volunteering your time and energy to a favorite charity provides an outlet to realize your inner purpose. It starts with identifying a cause or group which enlightens your spirit and matches your values system. Discuss how to select the best match for you and your talents amongst the wealth of non-profit groups. Perhaps your passion is oriented toward serving your community in public office or on a charity’s corporate board. Examine the intricacies of pursuing these paths. Consider factors such as the time commitment you are willing to make, full or part-time and how to seek these positions. Social responsibility doesn’t just involve individuals. Many business owners are drawn to raising consciousness by “giving back” to their community or a cause. Both individuals and business owners will benefit from joining this conversation.
Know Your Rights – Equality in the Workplace
This is the year of the woman. Do you know your compensation value? This grants you an edge up when seeking a promotion, a raise or a new opportunity. HR professionals share how to calculate your personal worth and techniques for capturing what you seek. The workplace can be a treacherous environment to maneuver through these days as men and women search for safe territory in a highly sensitized arena. Be sure you know what resources are available to you should you encounter harassment, discrimination or inequity in any form. Learn how to grasp resolution and safety. Competition is a productive force to achieve our best but don’t forget to support others while striving for your rewards. We all benefit when we work together and respect each other. Consider mentoring, a great avenue for uplifting our work and neighborhood communities. Learn, discuss and share how you are taking advantage of the momentous time we are in.
2019 WSSC PROGRAM PARTCIPANTS
ALL Program Participants are involved on complementary or pro-bono basis.
Marah Fineberg-Kuck
2019 Host & Founder of WSSC
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®), Volunteer, Activist & Mother of Twins
Marah has 17 years of financial industry & investment portfolio management experience for public and private sector. Marah's experience as a holistic CFP® allows her to accept responsibility as a professional fiduciary and Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) to manage money and offer advice for her clients. Marah attended UC San Diego where she received her double bachelor’s degrees in Economics and Chinese Studies. Marah has been a guest speaker at several nonprofit events and educational seminars on various topics. She is also a member of the Financial Planning Association of Orange County, member of Seal Beach Lions Club Int'l and former VP & Board Member for Seal Beach Chamber of Commerce. Marah was honored with six consecutive years from the Los Angeles Magazine’s Five Star Wealth Manager Award from 2012- 2018 and attended Barron’s national Top Women Financial Advisors’ Summit in 2014. Marah’s passion to directly help women was implemented when she founded Women’s Symposium of Southern California (WSSC) a 501c3 public non-profit in 2016 for the advancement of equality and empowerment of women. Marah resides in Orange County with her husband Aaron and 5-month-old fraternal twins Caleb & Stella.
Mary Parks
2019 WSSC Master of Ceremonies - TV Host & Producer
Producer American Spirit, a weekly television & web series with Mary Parks
Mary Parks is a SoCal based journalist who has spent more than 30 years working in all forms of media. She is the East Los Angeles and Inland Empire Bureau Chief for Spectrum News One. Mary shoots, writes and edits a special report each Friday for Spectrum called California Spirit. Mary was also creator and host of American Spirit, an inspiring weekly television series seen in more than 8 million homes in California on local PBS affiliate KVCR, Charter Cable and The California Channel. American Spirit stories were also broadcast to 100 countries, in 41 languages through Voice of America Television. Mary is a regular contributor of American Spirit stories to West Coast Magazine as well. Mary teamed up with her longtime friend, criminal defense attorney Virginia Blumenthal, to co-host the weekly radio show-The Verdict with Virginia on AM590. Together they discuss legal topics in the area of criminal defense. Under the umbrella of American Spirit, a non-profit organization Mary started with her good friend Virginia, she runs The Princess Spirit. More than a dozen of Mary’s friends and co-workers volunteer their time to be transformed into some of America’s most recognizable princesses to spend quality time with children and families at Loma Linda Children’s Hospital and Ronald McDonald House. The Princess Spirit provides gifts of hand-made dolls and wigs. The visits are free of charge to the hospitals and organizations The Princess Spirit serves.
Scharrell Jackson
2019 WSSC Keynote Speaker - CEO/Founder Leadership in Heels
Leadership In Heels
Scharrell is a Partner, COO/CFO of Squar Milner LLP, one of the nation’s 50 largest accounting firms. She provides executive leadership to the Accounting, Human Resources, Information Technology, and Administrative teams. Scharrell Jackson has served as an executive in the field of Finance/Accounting and Operations for over 30 years. She is known for her remarkable business acumen and her commitment to developing leadership attributes in others, streamlining business operations and automating processes that drive growth, increase efficiency and profit. Scharrell is also a highly sought-after engaging keynote speaker and emcee. Scharrell founded “Leadership in Heels”, a professional Speaker Series, for the sole purpose of making a significant difference in the lives of others. These sold out events have captured Orange County among OC business leaders. Scharrell serves on a number of boards, host a small group in her home and is a mother of three amazing sons.
​Kimjera Whittington
2019 WSSC Closing Keynote Speaker Keynote Speaker,
Marketing Consultant, Conscious Leadership Adviser
Award winning career development expert, keynote speaker and conscious leadership adviser Kimjera Whittington opens a new path for you to take intentional, positive charge of your business and career. Kimjera’s passion lies in helping companies and organizations develop leaders who will build powerful and productive teams that thrive. Kimjera has more than 20 years of experience as a sales and marketing executive. She has hired, mentored and trained hundreds of successful sales professionals. She holds a Master’s degree in Consciousness Studies and obtained her Executive Leadership training at the UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business.
Realizing Financial Wellness LEADERS:
Michele Farrell
Partner and Financial Advisor
The Financial Architects, Central Ave Chino, CA 91711
You deserve the absolute best when it comes to your hard-earned money, and should accept nothing less. That’s why it’s my priority to make sure you have a customized plan tailored specifically for your goals and needs. I have been in the insurance industry for over fifteen years. I made the transition to financial services when my mom, who has been left behind by the traditional industry, had to medically retire with no retirement to speak of. I was searching for purpose, and knew this is where I was going to make an impact and difference in people’s lives. One of many reasons I chose The Financial Architects is because we are non- captive, which means that I am not limited to the companies I can reach out to for solutions for clients. Throughout my journey in this amazing career, I truly found my passion, helping women - especially entrepreneurs - create wealth and teach higher laws of success. I am a member of IAW, International Association of Women. I love spending time with friends, family and my dog, Maxie, making people laugh and cheering on local sport teams. A few of the ways I help clients are: Retirement strategizing, Income protection, Tax advantages & deductions, Estate Planning, College Planning, Debt Solutions.
Kara M. Rudin
Attorney at Law
1720 Pacific Coast Hwy., Suite 102 Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Ms. Rudin is an Estate Planning Attorney in Huntington Beach, California. Ms. Rudin opened her practice in 2006 with the goal of offering personalized legal services and compassionate representation. Over the past decade she has assisted individuals, families and business owners with their comprehensive estate planning, including planning for incapacity, probate avoidance, reduction or elimination of estate, gift and other tax, and family wealth preservation. She has also provided guidance and comfort to trustees during the trust administration process. Ms. Rudin received a Bachelor of Arts from the University California, Santa Barbara. She continued her education at Whittier College of Law, Costa Mesa, California where she received her Juris Doctor. She lives in Huntington Beach with her husband and young son. When not working she enjoys spending time with her family at the beach.
Fueling Your Entrepreneurial Spirit LEADERS:
Denise Boroff
Business Consultation Specialist
Necie Insurances Services & Solutions Lic. #0H12843
Denise Boroff is a Broker and Consultant with 30 years of business experience of which 10 of those years has been in the business to business sector. Denise partners with CEO’s, Executives and Solopreneurs that seek her advice and want solutions to their complex business needs. Denise continuously helps entrepreneurs navigate through the strict and confusing regulations of health and various insurance products for their businesses and employees. Denise is certified and licensed by the State of California in the area of Insurance. Denise participates in annual trainings to keep updated on the latest changes within her field. Denise has received accolades and certificates of appreciation from the US Postal service and multiple city officials for her services and contributions to the community.
Margaret Hernandez Brown
Digital Strategist SocializeLA.com
Streamlining your digital Customer Journey.
Margaret Hernandez Brown is the founder and CEO of SocializeLA.com, a fullservice digital marketing and training agency. Margaret helps build profitable digital strategies. She is so passionate about digital that she created: The #FlexYourInfluence Membership site to be able to offer guidance to those doing their own digital marketing. Today, SocializeLA.com has experienced explosive growth while helping clients achieve success. She travels around the country providing training, guidance, and management to organizations. Margaret and her team prove that "There's Value in Getting Noticed."
Valerie Dufix
Principal
BUSINESS CAPITAL 8484 Wilshire Blvd - Beverly Hills
Valerie Dufix has 18 years of experience in the lending industry. Valerie worked for BNP Paribas (Paris, France), an international banking giant (ranked no 7 in the world by Forbes in 2017) right after she graduated from college. She then worked 12 years at Wells Fargo Bank as a Business Lending Officer in Los Angeles, before she founded Dufix Business Capital in 2013 where a team of experts are looking after the clients' best interests. Dufix Business Capital are loan brokers, we have a network of 80 lenders and bring the power of choice. We work with banks, non banks, alternative lenders, investors. We specialize in funding Business Loans: SBA loans, Equipment, Business lines, Accounts receivables, Terms loans etc... We are prominent in the following industries: Manufacturing, Construction, Healthcare, Hospitality, Automotive & Real estate Financing. Our competitive advantage is our passion for our clients' longevity. We've been sharing our expertise with business owners on the subtleties of Lending while implementing our proprietary system: 7 Pillars of Business Sustainability. We are teaching workshops at companies like: Goldman Sachs, WIN, Merriwether & Williams, Law offices (Shepard Mullin, 16 offices worldwide), CPA firms (Marcum LLP, 40 offices nationwide) etc... We are relationship driven and are paving the path every day for our clients' longevity.
Rhonda L Sher
LinkedIn Trainer, Speaker, Coach
Rhonda Sher is a nationally recognized expert in business networking and LinkedIn. She is the author of Convert Your Connections to Cash and Relationships to Revenue, The Two Minute Networker, The ABC’s of LinkedIn, Get LinkedIn or Get Left Out and How to Avoid the Business Card Pile-Up – 52 Ways to Boost Your Business with Business Cards. Rhonda is the expert at teaching CEO’s, speakers, authors, small business owners and entrepreneurs how to leverage LinkedIn and convert relationships to revenue. Rhonda’s natural humor, interactive approach and 20 years of business experience has brought her into the forefront as a sought-after national keynote speaker and trainer. She teaches powerful, practical techniques and insider secrets to take your Profile to Profit using LinkedIn. When it comes to generating leads and referrals on LinkedIn, you won’t be “left out” when you work with Rhonda.
Achieving Harmony -- Master Your Best Life LEADERS:
​Leisa Reid
Engaging Speaker & Mindset Facilitator
Productive Learning, LLC
Leisa Reid is a Speaker and Facilitator with Productive Learning, a boutique personal growth company founded in 1992, and has trained thousands of people on the power of the mindset. After 20+ years of Management, Sales and Executive Leadership, Leisa has dedicated her life to guiding others in their personal development journey. Leisa earned her Master’s Degree in Speech Communication, while being a Speech Instructor at California State University, Fullerton at just 22 years old. She is the founder of the OC Speakers Network and the author of “Manage to Success: A Guide to Cultivating Happy and Productive Employees.” She is a mother to Ariana and wife to Mark, and has enjoyed living in Orange County since 1991, after moving from her hometown of Fairbanks, Alaska.
LaVonne Shields
Accounting Strategist
Management Consultants of America
At the age of 7, LaVonne knew that financial management was her calling, she would diligently track her allowance as it came in and as it flowed out. Her work background (as an employee) merged with her accounting knowledge with administrative skills, which lead to the development of Strategic Accounting. Working with small business owners and entrepreneurs she created and educational and training system that helps to engage business owners into the financial management of their business and seamlessly integrate their accounting into their operations. LaVonne Shields is an Accounting Strategists. Her specialized training and consulting services help to provide peace of mind and relieve stress associated with accounting, all while improving the bottom line, LaVonne uses her expertise to help engage business owners in the financial management of their businesses. She serves as an expert for the Inland Empire Women’s Business Center in San Bernardino and a QuickBooks instructor for the Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (SBDC).
Mastering Successful Personal & Professional Communications LEADERS:
Nadiya Manji
Speaker- Author, Consultant
Suite#340-600 Crowfoot Crescent NW Calgary, Alberta T3G 0B
Nadiya is an international speaker, author, TEDx speaker and Alignment Consultant. She is also certified in NLP, EQ 2.0, a certified hypnotherapist, and Founder of Executive Quantum Training. Her extensive background in physiology and biochemistry makes her a leading authority in human communication, influence, and persuasion at the quantum level. For over a decade, Nadiya studied extensively with leading practitioners in three continents to decode quantum energy and how it affects alignment. Nadiya is a sought an expert in energy, intuition and communication, bringing together the four areas of mind, soul, thoughts and feelings and their imminent effects on performance.
Linda A. Chiazzese Nelson
Coach & Speaker
Impact Training Company
Combining her love for teaching and a strong desire to empower others, Linda A. Chiazzese Nelson has built a successful career as a professional business skills coach and speaker. She has 25+ years of experience elevating more than 15,000 people in a variety of situations. And she is in the process of starting her own business, Impact Training Company, which will specialize in communication courses. Linda’s professional background includes development of training/compliance programs for major corporations, banks and real estate companies. For the past six years, she has worked as a trainer, mentor and speaker for Precious Life Shelter serving homeless pregnant women. The work has been deeply rewarding for Linda who understands the power of inner strength and its ability to change lives for the better. Her curriculum centers around issues related to co-dependency, communication and self-esteem.
Joan Burke Stanford
CEO and Chief Content Developer
Jazzy Pen Communications
JOAN B. STANFORD is a sassy sentence slayer with a penchant for powerful words. As the CEO of Jazzy Pen Communications, she works with entrepreneurs to build their brands and craft compelling content to attract their ideal customers. The award-winning business owner has more than 20 years of professional writing, editing and marketing experience in a diverse array of industries including manufacturing, software technology, and market research, to name a few. While she has written content for Fortune 500 companies, bestselling authors, and high profile individuals, it is her work with small business owners and entrepreneurs where she truly excels. Joan holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from San Jose State University. When she’s not creating content or facilitating workshops, Joan enjoys Zumba and searching for incredible deals on amazing shoes. What She’s Currently “Jazzed” About: Tollhouse’s White Chocolate and Macadamia nut cookies and the new season of Grey's Anatomy.
Giving Back -- Making a Difference LEADERS:
Judy A. Willis
Experienced Professional Guest Speaker, Volunteer
Judy graduated from Boston College Law School and began her career as in-house counsel to H.P. Hood dairy in Boston. She worked for Parker Bros. Games for five years where she did the licensing of all new products as well as extensive work policing and protecting their trademarks and copyrights. She then moved to California to work for Mattel Toys where she began as head of the Intellectual Property Law and Licensing Department. In 1996, she was promoted to Senior Vice President, Business Affairs responsible for all worldwide in-licensing of entertainment properties and new product ideas. She retired in 2009 after 20 years. Judy has taught numerous seminars in Intellectual Property Law including at Northeastern University, Columbia Law School and for the Practicing Law Institute. She has also been a guest speaker on Licensing and Negotiating for the American Bar Association, the International Trademark Association, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Cal Tech Management Association, USC, BookExpo America, etc. She was a founding board member of the Children Affected by AIDS Foundation on which she served for ten years. She also volunteered at Rainbow Services for 18 years working with children at their emergency shelter for battered women. She spent 5 years volunteering in the College Center at San Pedro High helping students with scholarships and financial aid. She now volunteers at the Boys & Girls Club in Long Beach as well as being active with the American Association of University Women working on various projects involving children and students.
Dianne Callahan
Speaker, Emcee, Auctioneer, Author
Dianne Callahan is an award-winning public relations professional, non-profit executive, author and motivational speaker. She works with corporate, professional and charitable organizations; cancer support groups; women’s conferences; and churches to bring her message of hope and joy to people across the country. Dianne is a guest lecturer in the Osher Life-Long Learning Institute at Fresno State University and works with the UK-based non-profit Action for Happiness to facilitate their 8-week course “Exploring What Matters”. Dianne’s passion is helping people recognize the power they have to choose their thoughts and behaviors and create a life full of purpose, meaning, joy and success by their definition.
Cecilia M. Mota
Speaker, Emcee, Auctioneer, Author
Empowerment Expert, Motivational Speaker & Entrepreneur
Cecilia Mota is an Influential Women Empowerment Expert, Motivational Speaker & Entrepreneur. In her recent role as a Radio Host at Radio Latino Inc. she’s an advocate for Business Owners & Women Empowerment. As a multi-faceted woman Cecilia also serves as the Executive Director of the Nonprofit LatinaVIDA, an organization dedicated to the development of Latina Executives. Her past business ventures include former Partner of Spanish Women Education & Empowerment platform Mujersisimas, and served as the Volunteer Executive Director of her family's foundation, the Manny Mota International Foundation. Cecilia is a Philanthropist at heart and over the past 20 years, has generously given much of her time to serve on the board of or run local and national nonprofit organizations. Most recently she served as Chairwoman of the Board of the CA Hispanic Chambers of Commerce Foundation, and past National President of the National Latina Business Women Association. Cecilia currently sits on the Board of Trustees of the Dominican Republic Sports & Education Academy and the Advisory Board of the Association of Black Latinos. She is also a former Board Director of the U.S. Latino American Chamber of Commerce, the Alliance of Multicultural Entrepreneurs, and Operation Project Hope. Being a women empowerment advocate allows Cecilia to be a voice for women who cannot speak for themselves and are desperately seeking to improve their lives and change their current situation through learning, entrepreneurship and/or personal development. After many years, she's fulfilling her lifelong dream of traveling the world, embrace her power and uniqueness as an Afro Latina Woman, and feel the joy of being a role model to her children and her community. Cecilia is a true believer in what her mother has always told her, “Charity starts at home”. Twitter: SoyCeciliaMota
Know Your Rights - Equality in the Workplace LEADERS:
Dr. Terri Horton MBA
MA, SHRM-CP, PHR, HCS, SWP Workforce Futurist, Corporate Trainer, Speaker
Dr. Terri Horton is a workforce futurist and artificial intelligence business strategist and the founder of FuturePath, LLC. She consults, speaks, coaches, trains and provides strategies and solutions for organizations, executives, and entrepreneurs to develop agile leaders, talent and teams so that they can innovatively future-proof and scale their brands in Industry 4.0. Dr. Horton has a multidisciplinary background in human resources, brand development, innovation, artificial intelligence business strategy and higher education. Her unique expertise combines leadership and organizational change, innovation, human-centered design, talent, learning and skill development with the impact of artificial intelligence on organizational strategy, the future of work and careers. Dr. Horton holds a Doctorate in Education from the University of Southern California focused on Organizational Change and Leadership MA in Management, MBA in Marketing and micro-credentials in Data Analytics from Cornell University and Artificial Intelligence Business Strategy from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). She holds the human resource designations of SHRM-CP, PHR, HCS, and SWP. Dr. Horton is also a Forbes contributor on the topics of leadership and the future of work.
Susan Tabbaa Nachawati
Ph.D- California State University Long Beach College of Engineering and Computer Science
Dr. Terri Horton is a workforce futurist and artificial intelligence business strategist and the founder of FuturePath, LLC. She consults, speaks, coaches, trains and provides strategies and solutions for organizations, executives, and entrepreneurs to develop agile leaders, talent and teams so that they can innovatively future-proof and scale their brands in Industry 4.0. Dr. Horton has a multidisciplinary background in human resources, brand development, innovation, artificial intelligence business strategy and higher education. Her unique expertise combines leadership and organizational change, innovation, human-centered design, talent, learning and skill development with the impact of artificial intelligence on organizational strategy, the future of work and careers. Dr. Horton holds a Doctorate in Education from the University of Southern California focused on Organizational Change and Leadership MA in Management, MBA in Marketing and micro-credentials in Data Analytics from Cornell University and Artificial Intelligence Business Strategy from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). She holds the human resource designations of SHRM-CP, PHR, HCS, and SWP. Dr. Horton is also a Forbes contributor on the topics of leadership and the future of work.
A Special Thank You to 2019 Titleholders for sharing their time and voices with us at this year’s event!
Leanne Parrino
Mrs Southern California Cities
Undeniably, Leanne is one of the most outgoing people you will ever meet. Her enthusiasm and positive energy are contagious. As the mother of a 3 year old son and wife to an extremely supportive husband and college professor, life is ever evolving. Leanne attended Cal State Long Beach where she earned a BA and Masters Degree in Communication Studies. Leanne has a passion for public speaking. She has taught makeup and skin care in front of a variety of audiences including Girl Scouts, seniors, women in recovery homes, and professionals on their lunch break. Not to mention, training hundreds of consultants on how to build their businesses. Leanne has earned 6 Pink Cadillacs with Mary Kay Cosmetics. Recently Leanne won her first title as Mrs. Southern California Cities 2019. She has an ability to build rapport with people from all walks of life with the goal of enriching the lives of women, all while balancing her faith first, family second, and career third. Currently, she on the Board of Directors for His Little Feet, a nonprofit that provides shoes to underprivileged children in the Long Beach area. Leanne actively participates in multiple fund-raising events to bring awareness to additional nonprofit organizations, attends civic and community events, and actively inspires and encourages others through her can-do attitude.
Tanya Williams
Ms Long Beach
An experienced marketing and community relations professional, Tanya Figueroa recently celebrated 21 years with Epson America, Inc, where she is currently a Marketing Communications Specialist. She is a longtime volunteer for many organizations throughout Long Beach and was recently crowned Ms. Long Beach 2019. Together with Pageant Director Justin Rudd’s Community Action Team, Tanya participates in over 30 annual community events throughout the city. As a titleholder with a purpose, she cherishes the opportunity to engage more fully with her fellow community members and improve the social well-being of others. A devoted mother of three teenagers –a daughter and two sons –Tanya is also a certified KettleBellSport Coach and enjoys training and competing in marathons and duathlons in her free time.
Alicia Diaz
Miss Long Beach
Recent Cal State Long Beach graduate Alicia Diaz was selected 2019 Miss Long Beach, Sunday night, Nov., 18, at the Scottish Rite Event Center’s Ernest Borgnine Theater. “I was born and raised here in Long Beach and I want to give back to my community and this is a good way to do it,” said Diaz, 22, who aspires to be a kindergarten teacher.
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