Speakers

Keynote: Idara Otu

💎 Idara is a 2012 Nigerian Olympian turned Wall Street maven, with a Bachelor of Science and Masters of Science from Stanford University. She founded Let Girls Read, Run, Grow, a charity shaping the destinies of young girls when she was 30. In 2021, she launched NŌK CHOC, a vegan hot cocoa brand fueling dreams of an all-girls primary school in Nigeria. Their mantra is “Every Cup is a Celebration”, echoing the masquerade cultural vibes of her tribe.

💎 She’s a powerhouse in both Corporate America and the entrepreneurial realm by breaking barriers and setting an example for women in business. Her lessons from the track resonate in every boardroom and business venture.

Industry Panel: Women Who Own Their Strength

💎Maitri Chattopadhyay is a Software engineer currently working as an ad tech for many prestigious streaming networks, such as Disney, Hulu and ESPN. She is passionate about bringing positive changes to people’s lives through tech and encouraging young girls to explore the endless possibilities in the tech industry

💎Heidi Steinecker has over 20 years of experience in leading public health policy and healthcare delivery systems. She uses her diverse experience in public health policy and healthcare operations to prove a holistic approach to solving complex issues where government regulations, emergencies, and healthcare intersect.

💎Simona Sillah works in communications management at Folasade Creations. Previously, she was a content and community manager at SoGal Foundation, the largest global platform for women and diverse entrepreneurs and investors. She also led the FEMPIRE x SOGal Angel Investor Education Program and the Diverse Founder Startup Grant initiatives. Her mission is to drive community growth, engagement, and impact and to advocate for equity and diversity in entrepreneurship.

💎Narkesia Swanigan is a dedicated mental health professional with a passion for advocating for vulnerable populations. With over 15 years of experience, Narkesia has traversed various roles within the mental health sector that has allowed her to continue advocating for holistic care and has allowed her to engage in hands-on experiences, including an internship focused on supporting adults contending with psychiatric disabilities and cycling homelessness. 

💎 Stacey Dunn-Emke is a Nutritionist, Author, and Coach. She is the author of the Dietetic Resume Guide and specializes in boosting professional opportunities for dietitians, students, and interns. She has been invited to speak at numerous symposiums, dietetic associations,Harvard medical school, the Oprah Winfrey show and more! 

Workshop One: Shaping Your Financial Future

💎Stephisha Ycoy-Walton is a multifaceted leader with over a decade of experience as a licensed investment advisor. She holds six state and federal licenses allowing her to assist hundreds of families across the nation! Additionally, she fights against systemic inequalities, prioritizing safety and mental health for LGBTQ+ students and demanding financial accountability within educational institutions.

💎Priya Kumar is business coach and financial strategist helping entrepreneurs understand how money moves throughout their organization. She provides entrepreneurs the tools they need to help them diversify accounts to ensure that important areas such as taxes, compensation, and investments are being funded by the business. She is also an advocate for those who have experienced domestic violence and sexual abuse, helping them to create structure and rebuild.

Workshop Two: Polish Your Potential With Communications

💎 Cynthia Gregory: Creativity Coach & Life Strategist
She is a passionate and well-versed life and creativity coach. She helps others find their internal spark and use it to propel themselves through both their social and professional life. Cynthia possesses a rich background in non-profit work, offering her expertise in assisting leaders by identifying and amplifying their strengths while facilitating enhanced decision making.

Workshop Three: Illuminate Your Image With Media

💎Kristy Sammis, CEO of CLKS Digital, trailblazing author, and captivating speaker. She founded the CLEVER influencer marketing agency in 2008, which has helped create innovative partnerships for giants like Ford, Disney, and Amazon. Kristy has propelled her agency to be among Silicon Valley’s Top 50 Fastest Growing Companies. 📈

💎 Katrina Marsh, the founder of Busy Bee Studios and Co-founder of Maganda Media Management. In 2022 she co-founded Maganda Media Management, a comprehensive media focused on nurturing authentic personal brands for Individuals and businesses. From launching a yoga haven in 2021 to creating a holistic wellness community, Katrina is all about nurturing growth and self-discovery.