Founder & president -afropink

ceo & cio - shecio

head of technology & security -​Vera institute of technology

vice president-NYblackmba

Conference Executive Chair

CONFERNCE COMMITTEE

molly

creese

vonetta

hawkins

Melodye ​Harvey

La-toya

niles

CEO, We Network Services

Director, Professional Development

NYBLACKMBA

Conference co-chair

Information Security Specialist

Director, Logistics

NYBLACKMBA

conference co-chair

Section Manager

Program Design New Markets

& Growth Customer Clean Energy ​Program Department

Con Edison

Director,

business development

NYBLACKMBA

conference committee

Chief Executive Officer

VONetta Hawkins ​Consulting Firm Director, ​Business Investments ​NYBLACKMBA

conference co-chair

alicia

suggs

Larissa ​Longchamp

director

horizon blue cross blue shield

Vice president, adminstration ​NYBLACKMBA

conference committee

Community Relations Market ​Manager, Northeast

Citi

Director, Business Investments ​NYBLACKMBA

conference committee

SPEAKERS & INSTRUCTORS

DR. Tia ​Jackson-Bey

Rahana ​Gittens

Petra

Hailu

Patrina ​Battle

Dr. Charles

J. Ascher-Walsh

Jennifer ​Davidson

Dr. Sharon E. ​Smith

Afua

AddO

Executive Director

Program Management

Generative AI

Morgan Stanley

Wealth Management

Deputy director

programs & training

Perception Institute

DEI & Culture Manager

Pernod Ricard

Senior System Vice Chair ​for Gynecology

Division Director, ​Urogynecology

Icahn School of Medicine ​at Mt. Sinai

Reproductive ​Endocrinologist & ​Infertility

Specialist

RMA of NY

Sr. Content Marketing ​Strategist

LinkedIN

Corporate

Medical Director

the estee lauder ​companies

HR Executive & ​Leadership ​Coach

victoria secret ​& co.

Angelena ​Edwards

Nicole ​N'diaye

NovEna ​Riojas

Andrea

Kelli

Ayanna ​Dutton-Diaz

Danielle ​Heuer

MarissA

Danzy

Femala ​Fleming

Founder & CEO

Andrea Kelli Brands LLC

FoundeR

Enviro Coaching

Assistant Commissioner, ​Environmental Design

& Construction

NYC Department of Homeless ​Services

Founder of NAHE LLC.,

OGAM INC, and

BOSSIEE BUDZ LLC.

Strategic Marketing Leader, ​Professional

Development Consultant,

Co-Founder

Non-Corporate Girls, LLC

CEO

EQ by Nahla Fitness

Director of Facilities

Community Access, Inc.

Director

WD Communications

Brenda ​Gonzalez

Tricia M. ​Taitt

Shaw ​Bernard

Lydia

barron

Lauren C. ​Dorvil

Tiffany ​Stewart

Corethia

V.E. OateS

Aja

Evans

CEO

FinCore

CEO

Strut models

Licensed Mental Health ​Counselor

AJA EVANS counseling

Program Lead Coordinator

the Brooklyn

Public Library

Goldman Sachs'

One Million Black Women Initiative

fashion & Personal Stylist

Founder of Styled By B

Vice President, ​Financial Advisor,

Senior Portfolio ​Manager

Morgan stanley

President & CEO

Lydia Barron

Consulting Group

Financial Advisor

Associate Director

UBS

Cynthia

Jean

Darla ​Pires ​DeGrace

corinne n.

mason

Gena ​PembertoN

Christie ​Damis

Angela ​Adetola

Elyse ​Sherman

Shanae ​Williams

Chief Diversity Equity

& Inclusion Officer

Omnicom Health Group

detective

bergen county ​prosecutor’s office

state of new jersey

Legislator,

16th District

Westchester County

State of new york

Lmsw, lsw

Psychotherapist

founder,

Spring Forward Consulting

board president

YWCA of Yonkers

director

nyblackmba

Vice President

IT Operations & Strategic ​Alignment and

Chief of Staff to the CIO

The Estee Lauder Companies

Executive ​Director

Global Head of ​Diversity Talent ​Acquisition

Morgan Stanley

Tameka ​Alsop

Chief Administrative Officer,

Member, Executive Leadership ​Team

Moody's

CAT

TUCKER

Chief of Staff to the CEO

Member, Executive Leadership ​Team

Moody's

norville ​barrington

Managing partner,

bccelerator

president & chairman

nyblackmba

Martin ​Vergara II

Managing director

global head of

talent acquisition

Morgan Stanley

click here for photo gallery

9:00AM EST

opening remarks

ROOM AB

VINA

MORRiS

norville ​barrington

Martin ​Vergara II

Managing partner,

bccelerator

president & chairman

nyblackmba

Founder & president -afropink

ceo & cio - shecio

head of technology & security -​Vera institute of technology

vice president-NYblackmba

Conference Executive Chair

Managing director

global head of

talent acquisition

Morgan Stanley

c-suite fireside

conversations with

ROOM AB

moderator

VINA

MORRiS

Tameka ​Alsop

9:15AM EST

Founder & president -afropink

ceo & cio - shecio

head of technology & security -​Vera institute of technology

vice president-NYblackmba

Conference Executive Chair

Chief Administrative Officer,

Member, Executive Leadership ​Team

Moody's

ROOM AB

moderator

panelist

panelist

Larissa ​Longchamp

Aja

Evans

Tricia M. ​Taitt

Licensed Mental Health ​Counselor

AJA EVANS counseling

CEO

FinCore

Community Relations Market ​Manager, Northeast

Citi

Director, Business Investments ​NYBLACKMBA

conference committee

This session addresses the histroy of our relationship with ​money. Learnt behavior as a result of trauma and the wounds ​we dress on the surface. Experts will provide insights and ​strategies to support women in building a healthier ​relationship by addressing the shakles that binds us. ​Attendees will learn how to cultivate a wealth-building ​mindset, overcome barriers to financial confidence, and ​employ practical strategies for a positive way forward.

BLOCK A: 10AM EST

ROOM N

presenter

Instructor

presenter

MarissA

Danzy

Femala ​Fleming

Danielle ​Heuer

Director

WD Communications

CEO

EQ by Nahla Fitness

Director of Facilities

Community Access, Inc.

Storytelling is a powerful tool for communication and ​connection. This session will guide participants through the art ​of crafting compelling narratives that resonate with audiences, ​whether in writing, marketing, leadership, or personal ​interactions. Attendees will explore techniques for engaging ​storytelling, structuring narratives for maximum impact, and ​using stories to inspire, persuade, and educate.

BLOCK A: 10AM EST

ROOM O

moderator

panelist

panelist

Angelena ​Edwards

Nicole ​N'diaye

Melodye ​Harvey

ROOM DE

instructor

Andrea

Kelli

Assistant Commissioner, ​Environmental Design

& Construction

NYC Department of Homeless ​Services

Founder of NAHE LLC.,

OGAM INC, and

BOSSIEE BUDZ LLC.

Information Security Specialist

Director, Logistics

NYBLACKMBA

conference co-chair

This discussion delves into industries typically less traversed ​by women, providing insights on how women can enter and ​excel. The focus is on uncovering opportunities, overcoming ​challenges, and showcasing strategies that empower women ​to dominate in these unconventional sectors.

Founder & CEO

Andrea Kelli Brands LLC

This session examines the evolving role of artificial intelligence ​in the workplace, assessing both the challenges and ​opportunities it presents. From automation and job ​displacement to enhancing productivity and creating new job ​categories, this session will provide a balanced view on how AI ​is reshaping the professional landscape. Attendees will learn ​how to adapt to these changes and leverage AI for career ​advancement and business innovation.

BLOCK B: 11AM EST

ROOM N

ROOM AB

moderator

panelist

panelist

panelist

panelist

moderator

panelist

panelist

Larissa ​Longchamp

Tricia M. ​Taitt

Corethia

V.E. ​OateS

Tiffany ​Stewart

Gena ​PembertoN

Lauren C. ​Dorvil

Darla ​Pires ​DeGrace

Lydia

barron

CEO

FinCore

Community Relations Market ​Manager, Northeast

Citi

Director, Business Investments ​NYBLACKMBA

conference committee

Financial Advisor

Associate Director

UBS

Chief Diversity Equity

& Inclusion Officer

Omnicom Health Group

Program Lead Coordinator

the Brooklyn

Public Library

Goldman Sachs'

One Million Black Women Initiative

President & CEO

Lydia Barron

Consulting Group

Vice President, ​Financial Advisor,

Senior Portfolio ​Manager

Morgan stanley

Executive ​Director

Global Head of ​Diversity Talent ​Acquisition

Morgan Stanley

This panel is dedicated to empowering participants to achieve ​economic equity, understand and navigate financial systems, ​and build lasting wealth. It will cover key areas such as ​financial literacy, investment strategies, and ​entrepreneurship. The goal is to equip attendees with the ​knowledge and tools necessary to make informed financial ​decisions and to create opportunities for sustainable ​economic growth and personal financial health.

Are we still caught in a cycle of crab mentality, excessive ​individualism, and self-promotion, while our counterparts ​openly support their own with pride? Nepotism who?

BLOCK B: 11AM EST

ROOM DE

instructor

ROOM O

panelist

panelist

panelist

moderator

alicia

suggs

Brenda ​Gonzalez

vina

morris

vonetta

hawkins

Keisha ​Hickson

director

horizon blue cross blue ​shield

Vice president, ​adminstration NYBLACKMBA

conference committee

fashion & Personal Stylist

Founder of Styled By B

Chief Executive Officer

VONetta Hawkins ​Consulting Firm Director, ​Business Investments ​NYBLACKMBA

conference co-chair

Founder & president -afropink

ceo & cio - shecio

head of technology & security -​Vera institute of technology

vice president-NYblackmba

Conference Executive Chair

founder & ceo

Hickson Agency, INC.

This session will take a deep dive into channeling one's ​“Queen” mentality. As when a Black woman walks through this ​world in confidence and stands within her power, she then ​becomes an unstoppable force and the Queen she was born to ​be. Join us as we connect with women that embody that ​Queen persona and learn how that mentality creates ​successful avenues within their lives.

CAFE 11:50AM EST

lunch, networking, ​headshotS, partner ​presentations &

BLOCK C: 1PM EST

panelist

panelist

panelist

moderator

molly

creese

corinne n.

mason

Shaw ​Bernard

Christie ​Damis

ROOM O

moderator

panelist

panelist

Melodye ​Harvey

Shanae ​Williams

Angela ​Adetola

detective

bergen county ​prosecutor’s office

state of new jersey

CEO, We Network Services

Director, Professional ​Development

NYBLACKMBA

Conference co-chair

director

nyblackmba

CEO

Strut models

The "Living Room Conversations" will be a series of bite size ​discussions aimed at one primary goal: empowering Black ​women to embrace their strength and motivation, and to rise ​above societal norms, systemic obstacles, and emotional ​wounds. This session will take the format of workshop and ​panel. Room Setup: Preferrably attendees in a circle with ​panelists seated in the middle of the room. Siste-circle

board president

YWCA of Yonkers

Legislator,

16th District

Westchester County

State of new york

Information Security Specialist

Director, Logistics

NYBLACKMBA

conference co-chair

This session, centers on the pursuit of political and social ​reform. It is designed to empower individuals to engage in ​meaningful activism, fostering dialogue and driving impactful ​changes in society. Participants will explore strategies for ​effective advocacy, learn how to mobilize resources, and ​understand the dynamics of policy change. This engaging ​session aims to equip attendees with the knowledge and skills ​needed to become catalysts for real-world, sustainable reform ​in their communities and beyond.

ROOM N

panelist

Panelist

panelist

moderator

Tameka ​Alsop

Keisha ​Hickson

vonetta ​hawkins

Elyse ​Sherman

Chief Administrative Officer,

Member, Executive Leadership ​Team

Moody's

President & CEO

Home Sweet Home Realty ​Group

Director, Business ​Investments NYBLACKMBA

conference co-chair

Vice President

IT Operations & Strategic ​Alignment and

Chief of Staff to the CIO

The Estee Lauder Companies

founder & ceo

Hickson Agency, INC.

BLOCK C: 1PM EST

ROOM DE

instructor

Femala ​Fleming

CEO

EQ by Nahla Fitness

This session celebrates the profound influence of Black ​women across various sectors and societies. It will delve into ​how Black women can embrace, demonstrate, utilize, and own ​their unique strengths and capabilities. Attendees will explore ​practical strategies for leveraging their influence in leadership ​roles, entrepreneurship, and community activism, highlighting ​the power of visibility and representation.

Emotional Intelligence for Holistic Wellness: A Workshop for Busy ​Professional Women Join us for a transformative workshop designed ​specifically for professional women, focusing on women’s wellness through ​the lens of emotional intelligence. Discover research-based tools that can ​help you reduce stress, achieve weight loss goals, and avoid burnout. Learn ​practical techniques that can be integrated into your daily life, supporting ​your overall well-being and success. Our workshop emphasizes the ​importance of prioritizing self-care without guilt, recognizing that giving ​your best, even if it’s 40%, is an achievement in itself. During the workshop, ​you'll embark on a journey of self-discovery, delving deeper into your ​health and well-being than ever before. Through engaging activities, you'll ​gain a greater understanding of yourself and your health, empowering you ​to make informed decisions. Additionally, you'll participate in a wellness ​review and create a personalized roadmap tailored to guide you toward ​your desired state of wellness.

BLOCK D: 2PM EST

ROOM N

ROOM AB

panelist

panelist

panelist

panelist

panelist

panelist

moderator

moderator

molly

creese

Rahana ​Gittens

Petra

Hailu

alicia

suggs

Patrina ​Battle

DR. Tia ​Jackson-Bey

Dr. Sharon E. ​Smith

Dr. Charles

J. Ascher-Walsh

CEO, We Network Services

Director, Professional ​Development

NYBLACKMBA

Conference co-chair

Director

horizon blue cross blue shield

Vice president, administration ​NYBLACKMBA

conference committee

DEI & Culture Manager

Pernod Ricard

Senior System Vice Chair ​for Gynecology

Division Director, ​Urogynecology

Icahn School of Medicine ​at Mt. Sinai

Reproductive ​Endocrinologist & ​Infertility

Specialist

RMA of NY

Sr. Content Marketing ​Strategist

LinkedIN

Corporate

Medical Director

the estee lauder ​companies

HR Executive & ​Leadership ​Coach

victoria secret ​& co.

The modern workplace is a mosaic of individuals from diverse ​backgrounds, each with unique personalities and ​communication styles. This diversity can pose challenges in ​effective communication and in finding and owning one's ​voice. For women leaders, there's an additional expectation to ​remain gentle, non-aggressive, and cooperative. Suppressing ​one's voice can impact both professional success and ​personal well-being, affecting mental health. How, then, do we ​distinguish and amplify our voices in a crowded space to make ​a mark?

This session will explore the inequities within the healthcare system and ​strategies Black women can employ to navigate these challenges and ​avoid becoming mere statistics. It will cover crucial topics such as ​advocacy, support needs, and health issues specific to Black women like ​fertility, fibroids, and menopause. The discussion will also touch on ​maintaining vitality and allure after 40.

BLOCK D: 2PM EST

Mental Health Matters: ​Cultivating Wellness & ​Community Support

ROOM O

ROOM DE

panelist

panelist

moderator

panelist

moderator

Ayanna ​Dutton-Diaz

NovEna ​Riojas

Cynthia

Jean

vonetta ​hawkins

La-toya

niles

instructor

Afua

AddO

FoundeR

Enviro Coaching

Strategic Marketing Leader, ​Professional

Development Consultant,

Co-Founder

Non-Corporate Girls, LLC

Lmsw, lsw

Psychotherapist

founder,

Spring Forward Consulting

President & CEO

Home Sweet Home Realty ​Group

Director, Business ​Investments NYBLACKMBA

conference co-chair

Section Manager

Program Design New Markets

& Growth Customer Clean ​Energy Program Department

Con Edison

Director,

business development

NYBLACKMBA

conference committee

Deputy director

programs & training

Perception Institute

This session will explore the vital role of mental health in our ​overall well-being, emphasizing the importance of cultivating ​personal wellness and robust community support systems. ​Participants will delve into topics such as stress management, ​resilience building, and the critical role communities play in ​supporting mental health. Through expert-led discussions, ​interactive workshops, and panel debates, attendees will ​acquire valuable insights and practical tools to improve their ​mental health and foster a supportive environment in their ​personal and professional lives.

This discussion explores effective strategies for preventing ​crimes against Black and Brown women, enhancing their ​protection, and ensuring justice is served. We'll delve into ​community-driven safety initiatives, legal reforms, and ​educational programs that raise awareness and advocate for ​victims' rights.

ai TAKEOVER part II with

ROOM AB

Jennifer ​Davidson

Executive Director

Program Management

Generative AI

Morgan Stanley

Wealth Management

3:00PM EST

3:20PM EST

c-suite fireside

conversations with

ROOM AB

moderator

SPEAKER

VINA

MORRIS

CAT

TUCKER

Founder & president -afropink

ceo & cio - shecio

head of technology & security -​Vera institute of technology

vice president-NYblackmba

Conference Executive Chair

Chief of Staff to the CEO

Member, Executive Leadership ​Team

Moody's

women's conference

5PM EST

6 Stone St, New York, NY 10004

NEW MIXER LOCATION

c-suite

fireside ​leaders

C-suite fireside

speaker

cat ​tucker

Chief of Staff to the CEO

Member, Executive ​Leadership Team

Moody's

Cat Tucker is the Chief of Staff to the CEO of Moody's. Prior to this appointment, she was Head of ​Product & Strategy and led the experimentation and integration of generative intelligence within ​Moody's Ratings.

Her additional responsibilities included experience design and digital transformation.

Cat has over 20 years of experience in financial services. She joined Moody's from JPMorgan Chase ​where her roles spanned across product management, digital capability development, business ​planning, and customer engagement.

Cat is a graduate of Howard University, Pennsylvania State University, and the University of Maryland. ​She is a passionate advocate for inclusion in the workplace, and she is a frequent speaker on the topic.

You can follow her on LinkedIn.

C-suite fireside

speaker

Tameka ​Alsop

Chief Administrative ​Officer,

Member, Executive ​Leadership Team

Moody's

Tameka Alsop is Chief Administrative Officer at Moody’s. In this role, she leads a range of strategic and ​operational initiatives, including the company’s global Technology Services Group, Cyber Security ​Group, Corporate Risk & Resilience, and oversight of Moody’s Global Capability Centers. This work ​powers the business with world-class solutions and resilience that drives Moody’s integrated risk ​assessment strategy forward.

Tameka has been with Moody’s for more than 20 years and previously served as Managing Director, ​Head of US Financial Institutions Relationship Management at Moody’s Ratings. She has held various ​leadership positions across the company, including roles in revenue accounting, business planning, ​investor relations, public finance, structured finance surveillance, and ratings operations.

Tameka serves on the Trident American Dreams Advisory Board. She is a founding member of the ​Women’s Business Resource Group at Moody’s, and the current global executive sponsor for Moody’s ​Veterans Business Resource Group. She is also a key contributor to various diversity, equity and ​inclusion initiatives at the company – this includes serving as executive sponsor for Moody’s CORE.

Tameka holds a bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University and is a certified project ​management professional.

You can follow her on LinkedIn.

conference

speakers

in alphabetical order

Afua ​Addo

Deputy director ​programs & training ​Perception Institute

Afua V. Addo is an award-winning trainer and facilitator who commits her time and efforts to the disruption and improvement of the experience ​of oppressive systems. As a nationally recognized advocate, addressing issues of identity, trauma, and restoration, she takes her education and ​life experiences to liaise with diverse populations to examine, educate, and elevate environments. With an emphasis on leveraging the expertise ​of the disenfranchised and overlooked, her work seeks to remove hierarchical oppression by working with leaders, facilitating dialogue through ​differences, building cross-group awareness and providing proven results in personnel engagements, corporate accountability, and mission ​re/alignment.

What sets this change maker apart from other consultants is that Afua works with teams to develop solutions and programming, and works on ​the ground with those individuals that need and require the most support. Service to the underserved drives her unyielding commitment. This ​year, along with her team at the Perception Institute, Afua presents in the Implicit Bias Training for New York State Jurors, Judges, and Court ​Staff winner of 2024/2023 Anthem Awards in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion - Film, Video, Television or Show which she co-wrote along with the ​New York State Unified Court System.

As a Mental Health Counselor and Executive Coach, Afua has developed curricula, trainings and clinical engagements that inspire people to ​center themselves and their identities. By focusing on social self and interactions, Afua teaches and delivers effective trauma-informed services ​and programming. Using multi-disciplinary facilitation, she connects people with resources across sectors and social challenges, meeting people ​where they are and walking with them as they move forward. She is responsible for training judicial, prosecutorial and defense bar stakeholders ​and providing direct support to victim/defendants and their advocates. At the Center for Justice Innovation, she established specialty courts ​and mechanics, enhanced court-based practices, developed prosecutor-led diversion initiatives, and supported mandated task force design and ​implementation for CSEC, Human Trafficking, and Gender-Based Violence initiatives. Afua has a keen ability to develop both micro and macro ​solutions for many of the challenges facing our systems and marginalized groups. Afua's charge with front-line response professionals has been ​to enhance internal dynamics, and also create focused training to reduce clinical bias and enhance internal work culture that ensures ​accountability to healthier communities.

Afua’s approach centers around generating mutual dignity by providing brave spaces for conversation. Call and response has been paramount in ​Afua's upbringing, whether with her childhood church family or arts community. This method of connection, collaborative transparent ​engagement, is the foundation of Afua's work. With over 50 million views, the training tool,"Bias Override" in partnership with the National ​Association of REALTORS®, has assisted real estate affiliates, agencies and institutions to examine and expand their reach by ensuring policies ​and procedures reflect a more inclusive workforce that holistically addresses the needs of the people they serve.

Some of Afua Addo's accomplishments and recognitions include the 2022 “Partners of AYAHP Special Recognition Award,” for her efforts with ​the Bronx community health initiatives, a NoVo Foundation Fellow, Essence Magazine's “Woke 100 Women” for her trailblazing work to achieve ​equity and end violence against women, and service as a consultant for White House Roundtables: Girls of Color AND Intervening Public ​Systems: Interrupting the Sex Abuse to Prison Pipeline. In 2023 she helped design a 988-Lifeline trauma-informed anti-bias training curriculum ​for Vibrant Emotional Health.

After graduating from the University of Virginia with a degree in English Literature & Language, Gender, and African American Studies, Afua spent ​time in the real spotlight as a performance artist and returned to earn a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Fordham University. She ​serves on the board of Girls for Gender Equity, loves all of her nieces and nephews equally and proudly hails from Brooklyn, New York.

Angela ​Adetola

board president

YWCA of Yonkers

Angela Adetola is the President of the YWCA of Yonkers. She has always been committed to the uplifting of ​the community. She has partnered with many agencies across NY State to provide information regarding ​adequate care while developing and maintaining mutually-beneficial relationships with community leaders. ​She has worked with multiple organizations to educate the seniors about health care and mentors youth ​about educational choices, resume wring and job searches. Angela believes that every individual deserves ​to live a long and fulfilling life, and she is committed to providing the tools and resources they need to ​make that happen.

Angela has also assisted in establishing the Office of Climate Change and Health Equity, where she engaged ​with various regional offices to gain and promote a deeper understanding of the unique issues related to ​climate change, environmental justice, and health.

Angela has enjoyed challenging positions in the private sector, which included postings as a Director with ​Optum Insight Consulting, Associate with Booz Allen Hamilton and Chief Compliance Officer and Director ​of Corporate Affairs for MetroPlus Health Plan.

Angela holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from St. Joseph’s College; a Master of Science in Management ​and Policy, as well as an Advanced Graduate Certificate in Management Information Systems from Stony ​Brook University; a Certificate in Climate Change and Health Care Practice from Yale University; and a ​Certificate in Health Care Compliance from Seton Hall University.

Angela serves on various community boards and enjoys traveling, roller skating, and spending time with her ​family.

Dr. Charles

J. Ascher-​Walsh

Director,

General Gynecology & ​Urogynecology, ​Department of ​Obstetrics;

Gynecology ​Reproductive Science ​Icahn School of ​Medicine at Mount Sinai

“I am Director of both General Gynecology and Urogynecology in the Department of Obstetrics,

Gynecology and Reproductive Science at MSSM. I have extensive training and proficiency in

all areas of pelvic surgery including vaginal, laparoscopic and graft augmented surgical

techniques. I have a long-standing interest in clinical research. I have performed numerous

clinical trials over the past 20 years.

I am the Director of the Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery and was the Director of ​the Fellowship in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery. I have a keen interest in surgical ​training, having surgically trained over 160 residents and fellows in the past 20 years. I have been ​overseeing our Simulation Research since its inception in 2014.

I also have an interest in global health. I am on the medical board of Saving Mothers and have been on ​the medical board of the International Organization for Women and Development. I have provided ​medical and surgical care for women suffering with vesicovaginal fistula in Niger and Liberia for the ​past 9 years. I am part of the international health group at MSSM and coordinate missions to Liberia, ​Honduras, Nicaragua and The Dominican Republic.” - Dr. Charles J. Ascher-Walsh

opening remarks

norville ​barrington

Managing partner,

bccelerator

president & chairman

nyblackmba

Norville Barrington has several years of corporate experience with roles in Strategy, Portfolio ​Management, Innovation, Technology, Brand Management, Marketing, and Advertising at ​organizations such as Mondelez International (Nabisco/Kraft Foods), The New York Times, Mars ​Chocolate International, GEICO, and Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield. Norville also serves as Chairman ​of the Barrington’s of Brooklyn, LLC. with holdings in bccelerator, Inc., Paybby, Inc, TekAvenir Group, ​and BlaqueNet.com, AMP Investments as well as the Board of Advisors of the Black Sports Business ​Symposium, Inc.

Norville currently serves as President of the Metro New York Chapter of the National Black MBA ​Association, Inc (NBMBAA) and Chairman of the NYBLACKMBA Advisory Board. In 2023, Barrington ​was awarded the National President of the Year by the National Black MBA Association. Barrington ​holds a Bachelor of Science from Brooklyn College & Master of Business Administration from Rutgers ​Business School.

Lydia Barron is the President and CEO of Lydia Barron Consulting Group, a firm that excels in

management consulting, executive coaching, and professional speaking engagements.

Recognized as a dynamic force of change, Lydia excels in sparking innovation, propelling

business momentum, and securing outstanding outcomes for clients.

With a distinguished background as a corporate executive on Wall Street, Lydia has mastered

the art of leadership coaching and is a highly sought-after speaker. Her executive journey is

marked by significant achievements in C-suite roles, having been appointed as Chief

Information Officer, Chief Technology Officer, and Chief of Staff to the CEO among other

prominent positions. Her expertise has been pivotal to the success of Fortune 50 giants such as

Citigroup, JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Merrill Lynch, Elevance Health, and

Beacon Health Options.

Lydia's academic foundation is solid, holding both Master's and Bachelor's degrees in ​Computer Science. Her commitment to leadership extends beyond her corporate roles; she has

contributed significantly to various boards, passionately advocates for Diversity, Equity, &

Inclusion (DE&I), and currently calls New Jersey her home.

Patrina Battle is a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Culture Manager at Pernod Ricard North America. With a ​specialized focus on developing, supporting, and implementing initiatives that foster an inclusive and equitable ​work environment, Patrina plays a crucial role in shaping the company’s culture. She collaborates closely with ​human resources, senior leadership from various business functions, and external partners to promote diversity ​and inclusivity across the organization.

Patrina's efforts extend to supporting Pernod Ricard's Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), helping them ​achieve their goals and drive meaningful change within the workplace. Her work ensures that these groups ​are empowered and aligned with the broader organizational objectives of fostering a diverse and inclusive ​environment.

With a background in and passion for learning and development, Patrina brings a wealth of knowledge and ​experience to her role in DEI. Her recent transition into the DEI field marks a significant step in her career, allowing ​her to combine her expertise in learning and development with her commitment to equity and inclusion. Patrina is ​dedicated to creating a workplace where every employee feels valued, respected, and able to contribute their best.

Shaw ​Bernard

CEO

Strut models

Shaw Bernard, a visionary entrepreneur and advocate for diversity in the fashion industry, stands at the helm of ​STRUT Models, a boutique modeling agency nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Dumbo, Brooklyn. As a ​proud native of Trinidad and Tobago, Shaw's journey in the fashion world began at the tender age of 14, ​navigating through challenges of discrimination during an era when the presence of black models was ​egregiously overlooked. Fueled by her own experiences and a burning desire to reshape the narrative, Shaw ​established STRUT in 2013, recognizing a glaring gap in the industry's representation.

Starting as a modest modeling school, Shaw's unwavering commitment to inclusivity and empowerment has ​since transformed STRUT into a formidable force, rivaling even the city's largest agencies.

Central to Shaw's ethos is her dedication to fostering diversity and providing a platform for models from all ​walks of life. With an all-female team, STRUT proudly represents a diverse array of talent, amplifying voices that ​have long been marginalized within the fashion landscape.

Beyond her role as CEO, Shaw is a devoted mother to her son and a connoisseur of culinary delights. As an avid ​learner, she constantly immerses herself in literature, particularly in business, self-improvement, and memoirs, ​through audiobooks. Shaw's leadership extends beyond the confines of her agency. Through initiatives like her ​STRUT-Esteem program, she actively gives back to the community, enriching the lives of youths in schools and ​community centers. Committed to leaving an indelible mark on the fashion industry, Shaw continually seeks to ​refine her leadership skills, she is an alum of the prestigious Goldman Sachs 10kSB program.

As the sole black woman holding an executive position in a New York City modeling agency, Shaw is not only ​breaking barriers but shattering them. Through STRUT Models, she is revolutionizing the industry from within, ​creating a safe and inclusive environment while ensuring excellence remains at the forefront of everything she ​does. With Shaw Bernard leading the charge, STRUT Models stands as a beacon of inspiration, illuminating a ​path toward a more equitable and representative fashion future.

Christie ​Damis

project manager,

enterprise information ​technology systems

nyc health + hospitals

director, Leaders of ​tomorrow

nyblackmba

Christie Damis is a strategic and dynamic project manager with over 10 years of experience in Healthcare IT, ​project development, and program management. Born in the Bronx and a first-generation Haitian-American, ​Christie was instilled with a drive for excellence by her parents and benefited from participation in ​programs aimed at supporting underserved youth in the city. Her innate tenacity propelled her to excel ​both

academically, graduating with a Bachelor of Science from Stony Brook University, and professionally, ​earning her MBA from Hofstra University.

Never forgetting those impactful years in community programs, Christie began volunteering with the Metro ​NY Chapter of the National Black MBA Association as a mentor for the Leaders of Tomorrow Program, and ​after some years, she is now serving as the Program Director. Her connection to the city is also deepened by ​her roles as Trustee and Assistant Treasurer for The Schomburg Corporation and Operations Advisor for the ​developing Heart of the City Incorporation. Christie prides herself on fostering strong bonds, and her active ​membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated further exemplifies her dedication to sisterhood, ​service and community.

Jennifer ​Davidson

Executive Director

Program Management

Generative AI

Morgan Stanley

Wealth Management

Jennifer Davidson is a seasoned professional in the Financial Services industry, boasting over 15 years of ​experience in progressively responsible roles. She holds a bachelor's degree and an MIS MBA degree, which ​have laid a solid foundation for her successful career.

At BNY Mellon, Jennifer held a leadership role in the data solutions group. She was instrumental in several ​large-scale strategic data initiatives, including the development of tools and capabilities. Her key focus areas ​spanned a wide range, from designing and implementing enterprise data quality and associated metrics ​through Qlik and Tableau, to building a data catalog using Collibra. Jennifer also spearheaded efforts to identify ​and execute opportunities to streamline, consolidate, reduce, or retire applications and utilities. These ​initiatives aimed to establish standards and reduce costs.

Before her tenure at BNY Mellon, Jennifer was at JPM Chase where she led the program management function ​and the buildout of the securities master, also known as the golden source. She ensured its global applicability ​across international and private wealth management groups. Jennifer also established the modeling and ​reporting team, overhauling the operating model and reporting standard as part of a strategic compliance ​overhaul.

Jennifer's career journey then led her to Morgan Stanley, where she led the E*TRADE core data integration. She ​also spearheaded the exploration of a discovery data tool for democratization as part of a data modernization ​project. Currently, Jennifer serves as the head of Wealth Management program management for the GENAI ​team, where she supports strategy and execution. Her extensive experience and leadership skills continue to ​drive her success in the industry.

Darla ​Pires ​DeGrace

Executive Director

Global Head of Diversity ​Talent Acquisition

Morgan Stanley

Darla Pires DeGrace, a trailblazer hailing from Cambridge, Massachusetts, stands as a first-generation college graduate, ​holding a degree in Business Administration from Emmanuel College and a graduate degree from Simmons University ​School of Management. With a career spanning over two decades, Darla has become a recognized subject matter expert ​in fostering diverse teams and cultivating inclusive work cultures.

Her impactful journey includes strategic recruitment partnerships, launching employee resource groups, and ​facilitating inclusive professional development workshops. Darla's notable achievements include fostering the ​groundbreaking relationship between Reebok and Howard University, resulting in the sneaker brand's first formal ​partnership and internship program with an HBCU. She spearheaded Reebok's inaugural people of color employee ​resource group, paving the way for the development of several other ERGs. Throughout her career, Darla has lent her ​leadership and consultancy skills to prominent organizations such as Adidas, Akamai Technologies, City Year, Legacy ​Global Sports, Tufts University, and the US Department of Education. In 2020, she joined Morgan Stanley as the Global ​Head of Diversity Talent Acquisition, steering the firm's diversity recruitment efforts. Darla’s visionary leadership has ​not only elevated Morgan Stanley’s diversity recruitment efforts but has also contributed to the firm’s standing as a ​champion of inclusivity within the financial industry.

Prior to Morgan Stanley, Darla served as the CEO and DEI Strategist for DeGrace Group Consulting LLC, a thriving ​diversity staffing and culture solutions firm she founded in 2017. A committed advocate for diversity and inclusion, she ​holds the position of President Emeritus and Executive Board Member for the National Black MBA Association-Boston ​chapter, is a Member of the Year-Up Client Advisory Board and newly appointed to the Morehouse Business and ​Economics Advisory Board. Darla's dedication extends beyond corporate realms; she has co-chaired The BASE Women's ​Leadership Council, served on the Board of Trustees for The Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston, Gay Lesbian Advocate ​Defenders, Leadership Brainery, and Commonwealth Corporation. Appointed by Massachusetts Governor Charlie ​Baker, Darla served as Commissioner on both the Black Advisory and the Plymouth 400 Commissions, supporting Black ​and Native American communities throughout the Commonwealth.

In her spare moments, Darla embraces motherhood and tackles gentrification challenges. Notably, she recently ​launched Lincoln Way Projects, LLC., a real estate investment firm dedicated to revitalizing urban communities—an ​endeavor inspired by her roots in the Cambridge public housing development of the same name. Darla continues to be ​a force for positive change, weaving her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion into every facet of her ​remarkable journey.

Ayanna ​Dutton-​Diaz

Strategic Marketing ​Leader, Professional

Development ​Consultant,

Co-Founder

Non-Corporate Girls, LLC

Ayanna Dutton-Diaz is a vision-builder, strategic marketing leader, professional development ​advisor, and entrepreneur. Armed with an MBA in Entrepreneurship from LIM, she has excelled in ​diverse environments. Crafting purposeful frameworks, employing creative problem-solving, and ​executing plans for marketing organizations are some of her notable skills in both corporate and ​non-corporate realms. Ayanna has strategically contributed to renowned brands, including ​LinkedIn, Meta, Dentsu, Coach, Coty Inc., Wacoal America, and Cadillac, to name a few. In addition, ​as the co-founder of Non-Corporate Girls LLC, a podcast and lifestyle media brand, Ayanna ​actively fosters professional and entrepreneurial wellness, embodying her commitment to creating ​safe spaces and championing community.

Links

Personal Website: https://www.ayannadutton.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayannadutton/

Non-Corporate Girls Website: https://www.noncorporategirls.com/

Lauren C. ​Dorvil

Program Lead Coordinator

the Brooklyn

Public Library

Goldman Sachs'

One Million Black Women ​Initiative

Lauren C. Dorvil leverages her background in public health, local/state government, higher

education, and workforce advancement, to support her community. She earned both a B.A. in

Communications and Master's in Public Health from the University at Albany, SUNY. Her work

has spanned program development and evaluation at institutions including the New York City

Council, the New York State Department of Health, and the State University of New York.

Currently, Lauren leads LevelUP; a workforce advancement program at the Brooklyn Public

Library in partnership with Goldman Sachs' One Million Black Women Initiative. Since its

inception in August 2023, the program has supported over 50 Black women seeking to pivot into

Real Estate, Finance, and Technology, and offered educational programming and resources to

over 300 Brooklyn residents. Lauren focuses on creating access to wellness through education

and programming to build generational health through generational wealth.

Angelena ​Edwards

Assistant Commissioner, ​Environmental Design

& Construction

NYC Department of ​Homeless Services

Angela Adetola is the President of the YWCA of Yonkers. She has always been committed to the uplifting ​of the community. She has partnered with many agencies across NY State to provide information ​regarding adequate care while developing and maintaining mutually-beneficial relationships with ​community leaders. She has worked with multiple organizations to educate the seniors about health ​care and mentors youth about educational choices, resume wring and job searches. Angela believes that ​every individual deserves to live a long and fulfilling life, and she is committed to providing the tools and ​resources they need to make that happen.

Angela has also assisted in establishing the Office of Climate Change and Health Equity, where she ​engaged with various regional offices to gain and promote a deeper understanding of the unique issues ​related to climate change, environmental justice, and health.

Angela has enjoyed challenging positions in the private sector, which included postings as a Director ​with Optum Insight Consulting, Associate with Booz Allen Hamilton and Chief Compliance Officer and ​Director of Corporate Affairs for MetroPlus Health Plan.

Angela holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from St. Joseph’s College; a Master of Science in Management ​and Policy, as well as an Advanced Graduate Certificate in Management Information Systems from Stony ​Brook University; a Certificate in Climate Change and Health Care Practice from Yale University; and a ​Certificate in Health Care Compliance from Seton Hall University.

Angela serves on various community boards and enjoys traveling, roller skating, and spending time with ​her family.

Nicole ​N'diaye

Founder of NAHE LLC., ​OGAM INC, and BOSSIEE ​BUDZ LLC.

Nicole N'diaye, the Founder of NAHE LLC, OGAM INC, and BOSSIEE BUDZ LLC.

Currently, she manages over ten hemp/cannabis farms in the State of New York. Nicole led the

company in developing and operating a multi-crop operation. She works with the community in

building relationships with Amish farmers in upstate New York to use their land and labor to fuel

her company.

Ms. N'diaye is also the Coordinator at Bathgate Community Garden and a member at Cooke’s

Community Farm in the Bronx. At both locations, she manages several beds of fruits and

veggies. The food is grown and donated to local farmer's markets. NAHE LLC hosted and

sponsored annual events using the outdoor space. The initiatives went and were well structured

around small groups to educate and provide resources to underserved communities of color.

Nicole is passionate about advocating for environmental justice and giving back to the

community. She joined the Black Farmers United, and Nicole sits on the Social Equity &

Cannabis Committees. In March of 2022, Nicole was appointed the Chair of the New York City

committee at NYCGPA. (New York Growers & Process Association).

Nicole's academic course completion, she has an Associate in Computer Engineering

Technology, Auto CAD at Central Carolina Technical College. Cum Laude with a Bachelor of

Professional Studies in Business Management at Medgar’s School of Business in 2016 following

a master’s with Distinction in the articulated accelerated Executive Master’s Program at Long

Island University Brooklyn in 2017. In addition to a long list of certifications in construction,

Safety, and solar energy.

Aja Evans

Licensed Mental Health ​Counselor

AJA EVANS counseling

Aja Evans is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, speaker, and author specializing in Financial

Therapy. After going through her own financial awakening, Aja realized the connection between

finances and mental health was deeper than she had been taught. With over a decade of

experience, Aja is determined to help more people break the taboo of keeping money and

emotions secret. Her debut book, Feel Good Finance due out December 3rd dives into the

experiences so many of us hid and guides the reader in connecting their life experiences to how

they behave with money. Additionally, Aja serves as president-elect on the board of the Financial

Therapy Association and writes a monthly newsletter, Finance in Focus, for Square.

Aja has been featured in a variety of major news outlets including The New York Times, Business

Insider, NerdWallet, Time, and Teen Vogue. Aja is on a mission to get more people engaged in

living their best lives while attuning to their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors around

money. Outside of work, you can find Aja chasing after her two young children as they hunt down

the next delicious place to eat.

Pre-order link: Feel Good Finance

Website: AjaEvansCounseling.com

Femala Fleming is the founder of EQ by Nahla Fitness, a company dedicated to empowering

women to excel in their health and wellness journeys. She is a Weight Loss Transformation

Specialist and Emotional Intelligence Expert, renowned for her ability to help women achieve

weight loss without relying on traditional gym routines or fad diets. Femala is the Co-Author of

the Amazon #1 Bestseller "Navigating A Triple Pandemic" and the author of "Your Body Is A

Multi-Million Dollar Corporation Act Like It." Her expertise and influence extend beyond her

writing, with appearances on the Amazon Prime reality TV series The Blox, the WOVU and

WGCH radio shows, and prestigious events such as the National Organization of Women’s

Washington DC Conference and the United Nations Commission On The Status Of Women

(CSW68). Femala is actively involved in volunteer work with several non-profit agencies,

further establishing her as a leading force in her field.

With over two decades of experience, including roles at Fortune 500 companies such as

Bloomberg, JP Morgan Chase, Liberty Mutual, AT&T, and the NYC Board of Education,

Femala brings a wealth of knowledge to her coaching, consulting, speaking, and authoring

endeavors. She has successfully guided hundreds of women to victory in health and wellness by

helping them tap into their inner power to ascend to the next level. Femala is also a member of the

Emerging Leadership Council at Harlem Education Activity Fund and sits on the board of

Harris Hands Community Services, a non-profit organization that supports adults with

intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Rahana ​Gittens

HR Executive & ​Leadership Coach

victoria secret & co.

Rahana Gittens is a highly reputable talent advisor and consultant with over 25 years of hands-on ​experience. Rahana’s career spans several, wellknown private and publicly traded organizations, to ​include Victoria’s Secret, Whole Foods Market, The Home Depot, with a niche focus on founderled, ​culturally rich organizations. She has a well-established network of executive leaders across the retail ​industry having successfully led, mentored and developed various teams of HR professionals across ​multiple disciplines: Talent Acquisition, Compensation, Benefits & Rewards, Employee Relations, ​Strategic Planning & Organizational Structure, Learning & Development. Rahana is an experienced ​practitioner of maximizing human capital investment through organizational structure, company ​culture, leadership excellence and data-driven business solutions.

Rahana is a graduate of Brooklyn College and holds a Senior Professional HR Certification (SHRM) ​along with various HR Generalist and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion certifications. Over the past 10 ​years, Rahana has focused on executive leadership development and mentorship of clients and other ​HR professionals. Rahana was born and raised in Grenada before moving to London, UK then onto New ​York, USA where she currently resides with her family.

SBrenda Gonzalez is the Founder of Styled By B, an Entrepreneur, Personal Stylist, Producer, ​Author, and Speaker dedicated to the "Look good, Feel good" philosophy. Her #1 Bestselling book, ​"Styled By Independence," chronicles her journey from a 15-year corporate career to full-time ​fashion entrepreneurship, embracing post-divorce and post-pandemic changes, and redefining ​success.

Through Styled By B, Brenda transforms executives and entrepreneurs by crafting visual identities ​that reflect their personal brand. She has produced a New York Fashion Week show, delivered ​numerous speaking engagements, and will release her second book, “The Style Discovery ​Blueprint,” in Q1 of 2025. In her spare time, Brenda enjoys stand-up comedy and spending time ​with her two boys.

Petra is a marketing strategist with over 15 years of marketing and management consulting ​experience across both B2B and B2C industries. She is agile in her approach, having played the role ​of consultative partner as well as in-house practitioner leading large-scale corporate rebranding ​and integrated marketing campaigns. Petra brings deep expertise in the AdTech and ​media/publishing industries where she has led cross-functional teams on the launch of industry-​recognized digital marketing products and helped unlock revenue growth through the ​advancement of digital marketing capabilities. Petra has an MBA in Brand Management from Duke ​University and a B.S. in Management of Information Systems from Syracuse University.

Petra is a storyteller. She enjoys helping brands tap into their creative and analytical superpowers ​to accelerate growth through storytelling.

In her free time, Petra is a culture fanatic and enjoys experiencing new cultures through food, ​music, and travel.

Connect with me on LinkedIn: Petra Hailu | LinkedIn

Danielle has spent the last 15 years helping clients reach their potential, chart new journeys, and ​find their voices. Through her consulting and coaching on leadership, communications, and career ​pathing, she gets the opportunity to serve clients around the globe, in a variety of industries, and ​with goals that range from career impacting to life changing.

Danielle is passionate about helping clients navigate life’s obstacles, get clear on goals that serve ​them, and connect with a life that brings them joy. Most of Danielle’s work centers around helping ​clients build the skills to achieve their goals, while surrounding themselves with experiences, ​teams, and resources that allow them to reach their full potential.

Danielle likes to grow and learn herself. Her experience coaching TEDx speakers has been a ​rewarding way to give back to the community while sharing her passion for communications. ​Additionally, Danielle has spent the last 8 years as an adjunct faculty member at Rutgers University ​in the School of Communications. The Rutgers communications program is exactly where she ​earned her bachelor’s degree back in the 90s. She has her Masters in Corporate Communications ​from Seton Hall University and is a certified instructional designer and leadership consultant by ​day.

She is also a contributing author in the recently-released “Magnificently Made” anthology of stories

from female authors. Her own book “JoyRide” will be completed in 2024 and is based on her

experiences coaching clients in their pursuit of careers and goals that bring them joy.

Keisha ​Hickson

founder & ceo

Hickson Agency, INC.

Keisha brings 25 years of experience in the financial industry to the table, including roles up to Vice ​President & Senior Branch Manager in Wealth Management. She’s managed strategic initiatives, ​overseeing deposits of over $500 million and assets worth $275 million. Her expertise, backed by ​Series 6 and 63 licenses along with life and health insurance qualifications, has been pivotal in her ​transition from corporate success to empowering others.

Since 2017, Keisha has successfully owned and operated multiple businesses, demonstrating her ​diverse interests and business savvy. Her ventures include a children’s salon, a wellness brand, and ​a luxury gifting business, each flourishing under her leadership with collective revenues in the ​seven-figure range. This aspect of her career showcases her versatility, dedication, and ​commitment to aligning her enterprises with her values and passions.

Despite facing a rare, incurable cancer with a prognosis of 3 to 5 years, Keisha chose to view this ​life-altering moment as an opportunity for profound personal change. She offers a unique ​perspective on confronting complacency and adversity, redefining one’s narrative, and fully ​embracing life.

Dr. Tia Jackson-Bey is a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist who cares for ​patients at RMA of New York in Brooklyn, New York. She is also assistant professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology ​and Reproductive Science at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Dr. Jackson-Bey's professional ​interests include providing fertility related education, advocating for those affected by infertility, and ​mentoring the next generation of reproductive health providers. Dr. Jackson-Bey completed her ​undergraduate education at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee. She then earned her medical degree from the ​University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, while simultaneously completing her Master's in Public Health ​from New York Medical College School of Health Behavior and Practice. Dr. Jackson-Bey completed her ​residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Duke University Medical Center and joined RMA of New York after ​finishing her fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at University of Illinois at Chicago.

Dr. Jackson-Bey is passionate about reproductive justice, increasing access to fertility care for all, and ​creating a pipeline for underrepresented minorities to pursue careers in reproductive health. She works with ​various organizations and medical societies to accomplish these goals. She was appointed to the Diversity, ​Equity, and Inclusion task force as well as the Membership Committee of the American Society for ​Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). She served as Chair of the health disparities special interest group and the ​access to care special interest group in ASRM. Dr. Jackson-Bey is a dedicated fertility expert, who is ​committed to family building, fertility preservation, treatment success, and great outcomes for her patients.

Andrea

Kelli

Founder & CEO

Andrea Kelli Brands LLC

Andrea Kellman of Andrea Kelli Brands, LLC (www.AndreaKelli.com) is the author of

Press the Shift Key: The AI Integration Workbook, in which she encourages

organizations to create a cultural shift that enables the adoption of AI and the mindset

for continued growth with AI.

As a doctoral student in the University at Buffalo’s Learning and Teaching in Social

Contexts program, she is pursuing her research interests in Artificial Intelligence’s

growth in the education sector. Her Masters degree in Secondary English Education

from the State University of New York at Albany led her to an education career of over

twenty years in New York State. Administratively certified through The College of St.

Rose, Andrea also holds a permanent certification in English secondary education and

an executive certification from the Bank of America Institute for Women's

Entrepreneurship at Cornell where she developed her enterprise as an Artificial

Intelligence Consultant.

corinne n. ​mason

Detective Corinne N. Mason has been an essential component of the Law Enforcement Community for over 16 years. In her current role with the Bergen County ​Prosecutor’s Office, she is assigned to the Trial and Bias (Hate) Crimes Units. Prior to her current assignment, Corinne worked as a Special Victim’s Unit (SVU) ​detective. Throughout her career, Corinne has served as a Morris County Prosecutor’s Office (MCPO) detective, a Sergeant with Camden County Sheriff’s Office ​(CCSO), as well as other executive, command level positions. Corinne has had multiple responsibilities throughout her career to include daily supervision of over ​80 officers, oversight of everyday operations, implementation of emergency management training, as well as the development and implementation of Standard ​Operating Procedures.

Corinne served as Commander of the Internal Affairs Bureau, where she was charged with maintaining the integrity of her department by upholding the best ​interest and confidence of the public, while simultaneously doing the same for departmental employees. In other former capacities, Corinne held the position of ​full-time Task Force Officer for the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), South Jersey Violent Offender and Gang Task Force, Fugitive Investigator for the Special ​Investigations Unit (SIU) and Corrections Officer at Garden State Youth Correctional Facility (GSYCF) for the New Jersey Department of Corrections. Corinne also ​served as a hostage negotiator, where she and her team were often called to highly critical situations alongside the SWAT team, where she was tasked with ​negotiating with hostage takers, barricaded and suicidal subjects.

As an active member of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, (NOBLE), Corinne currently serves on the Executive Board as the ​Recording Secretary of the New Jersey Chapter, in addition to her service on committees such as Civil Rights & Diversity, Education and Training, Strategic ​Planning and Legislative Affairs. Corinne has served as Mistress of Ceremonies for the NOBLE 2019 & 2023 Region One Education and Training Conferences, where ​she also had the opportunity to brief the advanced security teams for current NJ Governor Phil Murphy and former NJ Attorney General Gurbir Grewal. ​Additionally, Corinne held the position of Chairwoman of the NOBLE National Election’s committee, where she successfully oversaw the NOBLE National election ​during NOBLE National’s 46th Training and Exhibition Conference. She has also been a member of the International Council of Women in Law Enforcement (ICWLE) ​and serves as a Special Advisor on the Executive Board of the National Black MBA Association, New York Metro Chapter(NYBMBA).

Corinne’s persistence and dedication extend to her impact in the community as well. She has previously served on the Ministry of Protection at her church, where ​she has been able to lend her expertise while serving God, assisted in the establishment of the Camden-based mentorship program for young women, Women of ​the Dream, and sat on the Board of Directors for the Camden-based mentoring program, I Dare 2 Care, both of which support young ladies through their journey ​through life and leadership. Corinne continues to personally mentor the next generation of minority officers, as she has successfully coached several mentees ​through their application, interview and police academy processes and remains as support to them throughout their careers. Corinne has also appeared as an ​invited guest speaker for several community and educational events, geared towards high school and college students, in addition to members of the community. ​Additionally, Corinne is humbled to have received numerous awards for her fortitude and recognition of service. In 2023, Corinne received a letter of recognition ​from New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy for efforts in Criminal Justice Reform and peer training throughout the state.

A native of New Jersey, Corinne received her Bachelor of Arts in Public Service Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University, and her Master's in Human ​Services from Lincoln University, the first degree-granting historically Black college/university (HBCU). She continues to pursue her education through numerous ​professional certifications. Professionally, Corinne often appears as a regular instructor at the Bergen County Police Academy, for both officers attending in-​service training and academy recruits and an Adjunct Professor at Long Island University (LIU) Brooklyn.

Corinne has accomplished much personally and professionally during her tenure in law enforcement. Corinne continues to contribute to the training and education ​of both her law enforcement colleagues and the public. Highly regarded amongst her peers and within the community, Corinne is committed to identifying ​opportunities for quality-of-service improvements within her profession and remains continuously dedicated to doing her part in mending the relationship ​between the police and the community that she so proudly serves.

Corethia

V.E. OateS

Vice President, ​Financial Advisor,

Senior Portfolio ​Manager

Morgan stanley

An experienced financial professional since 1995, Corethia acquired her securities licenses in 1998, and ​began her career at Morgan Stanley in 2000. She believes that only God would strategically place her in ​an industry that would not typically be representative of her. To Corethia, “It’s not just business, it’s ​personal.” She takes a personalized approach to help her clients realize their personal financial goals ​and dreams.

Corethia earned her Portfolio Manager Designation in 2016, which allows her to use discretion when ​managing client assets. As a Senior Portfolio Manager, she utilizes institutional level investment and ​sustainability standards in her core investment strategies, while striving to align clients’ values without ​sacrificing financial returns.

Corethia graduated with honors from Union County College and holds Life & Health Insurance licenses ​as well as the Certified Exit Planning Advisor/CEPA® designation. As a designated Certified Kingdom ​Advisor/CKA®, Corethia provides biblically based financial advice and presentations for her clients and ​organizations, respectively.

She currently serves on the Board of CIANJ, which is a corporate business organization in New Jersey. ​She was the first woman and person of color to Chair the Bergen County Workforce Investment Board ​and 2003 honoree of Bergen County Girl Scouts Woman of Distinction. Corethia is a former Board ​Member and founding Program Chair for the Women’s Institute of Bergen Community College’s Mentor ​Program, an instructor for their Institute for Learning in Retirement, and former Marketing Chair for The ​Hackensack Regional Chamber of Commerce. As a Trustee of Project Literacy of Greater Bergen County, ​Inc., Corethia was responsible for its’ accreditation.

As a Vestry Board member and Youth Group Advisor, Corethia helped establish a soup kitchen, ​computer classroom after school program and homeless program soup kitchen at Grace Episcopal ​Church, Plainfield, NJ. Corethia serves on Community Baptist Church of Englewood, NJ in choir ministry ​and has performed at “A Night of Inspiration” at Carnegie Hall. A competitor with a commitment to ​excellence, Corethia placed in the Track and Field trials for the 1980 Olympics.

Gena ​Pemberton

Chief Diversity Equity

& Inclusion Officer

Omnicom Health Group

Originally from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and currently residing in NYC, Gena Pemberton is the

Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at Omnicom Health Group (OHG). Gena is responsible

for developing and accelerating the DE&I strategy, named Healthy Inclusion, for the entire network

of agencies through attracting talent, training and development, and health equity initiatives.

Previously, she held various Corporate Finance roles spanning over 13 years at Johnson & Johnson

and 8 years at Motorola. Gena is a dedicated volunteer serving as the President for the National

Hampton Alumni Association, Inc from 2018-2022 and currently serves as the Immediate Past

President.

Dr. ​Sharon E. ​Smith

Corporate

Medical Director

the estee lauder ​companies

Dr. Sharon E. Smith is the Corporate Medical Director for the Estee Lauder Companies. In this role she is ​responsible for developing and supporting a culture of health, working across multiple internal teams to ​address health and wellness gaps that affect employees and their families. She is also a partner in crisis ​leadership, addressing infectious disease and illness threats that affect ELC’s employees around the world.

Previously she served as Chief Medical Officer for Prudential Life Insurance Company of America. Dr. Smith ​has practiced Internal Medicine for over 20 years in diverse roles and has held medical leadership positions. ​She holds a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from Howard University College of Medicine, and a Master of ​Business Administration (MBA) degree from Columbia Business School. She is board certified in Internal ​Medicine, Lifestyle Medicine, and is a Certified Medical Review Officer. Dr. Smith

has several professional affiliations and is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians. Her passion is ​population health, and she believes supporting employee health and wellness in the workplace contributes

to the overall wellness of the community.

When not at work Dr. Smith is active in community service as a member of several organizations. She is Chair ​of the Health and Wellness committee of the North Manhattan Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma

Theta Sorority, Inc., and Chair of the Good Health Wins committee of her local section of the National ​Council of Negro Women. She also sits on the Governing board of The Alliance of Families for Justice, a

non-profit organization that seeks to empower formerly incarcerated persons and their families.

Elyse Sherman is the Vice President of IT Operations & Strategic Alignment and Chief of Staff to the CIO ​at The Estee Lauder Companies in New York. She is the executive leader of the Office of the CIO and is ​also responsible for ensuring the CIO’s agenda is met, transformation efforts are successful, strategy is ​reflected in the multi-year technology portfolio plans and budget, and the leadership team and sub-​functional teams across the global IT organization are operating to deliver effectively.

With a wealth of experience in transformation, operational excellence, and technology management, ​Elyse has a track record of successfully building teams, driving strategic change, and aligning IT goals ​with business objectives. Prior to her current role, she was the Head of Change Management at a ​boutique solutions firm where she excelled in creating strategic visions for operational improvement ​and enhancing employee and customer experiences through technology solutions.

Elyse's extensive experience in Human Resources in the IT staffing and consulting industry highlights ​her expertise in organizational behavior and culture building. Her background also includes finance, ​data & analytics, program management, and information systems at Strategic Staffing Solutions, where ​she demonstrated her skills in internal and external program and product delivery, stakeholder ​management, and technology leadership.

Elyse holds a M.S. in Finance and an MBA in International Business from the University of Michigan, and ​a B.S. in Accounting from Walsh College. She is also a SHRM Senior Certified Professional and a Project ​Management Professional. Elyse is currently pursuing a M.S in management of technology from NYU ​School of Engineering.

Tiffany ​Stewart

Financial Advisor

Associate Director

UBS

Tiffany joined UBS in 2017 and focuses on advising families, business owners, and corporate executives

on financial strategies and techniques suited to their unique circumstances. She has helped hundreds of

clients navigate the complexities of retirement and succession planning through comprehensive financial

analysis and tactical portfolio management. Tiffany is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM and enjoys

educating her clients on tools and strategies that can help them achieve their financial goals.

In 2022, Tiffany was selected by the Head of Wealth Management Americas to be a participating

member of the UBS Financial Advisor's Advisory Council (FAAC), where she served as a sounding board

for the firm’s leadership team.

Tiffany earned her bachelor’s degree in economics from Rutgers University and resides in New Jersey

with her family.

Tricia M. ​Taitt

CEO

FinCore

After spending eight years on Wall Street as an equity markets sales specialist and corporate finance ​manager at industry powerhouses such as Merrill Lynch and Citigroup, I realized that my core finance and ​accounting skills were highly transferable to small to mid-sized businesses, which is where I could make a ​bigger and more personally rewarding impact.

With this inspiration, I started offering financial consulting services and officially formed FinCore in 2016 and ​in 2022, published a book about small business financial management entitled, Dancing with Numbers: Grow ​a financially healthy business and choreograph your life. (Available on Amazon).

FinCore offers outsourced CFO and accounting services, a financial planning platform for women ​entrepreneurs and digital financial tools accessible on demand. We know that dealing with numbers can be ​overwhelming. Sometimes you’d rather hide from your numbers than admit you don’t know what you don’t ​know. Finding the right trusted partner that can truly help you feel financially secure can be like searching for ​a needle in a haystack. It’s even harder, almost impossible, to find a financial expert that explains things in ​plain English instead of using all the jargon. Well, look no further than FinCore!

Whether you make $500,000 or $10 million in revenue, we help growth-minded small business owners, ​humble enough to ask for help, be in tempo with their numbers, avoid financial pitfalls, and make critical ​business decisions. We also help them improve their overall financial health – profitability, cash flow, risk ​profile, and value. We start by strengthening their financial core, which is historically the weakest part of a ​small business, and guide them from there to peak performance.

Our mission is to engage, educate and empower 10,000 small business owners, particularly women owners ​grow their business to 7+ figures, allowing them to choreograph their lives whether that involves paying ​themselves more, leaving a legacy for their children, or giving back to their community.

To learn more, visit www.fincorestrong.com

opening remarks

Martin ​Vergara II

Managing director

global head of

talent acquisition

Morgan Stanley

Martin Vergara currently holds the role of Global Head of Talent Acquisition for Morgan Stanley. In his ​role, Martin is responsible for business strategy, budget management, operations, marketing, and ​recruiting effectiveness for all experienced and campus recruiting efforts, globally. Martin joined the ​firm in April 2007. Prior to his current role, Martin served as COO for several organizations, including ​Corporate Services & Global Centers, Private Wealth Management and Firmwide Marketing. ​Additionally, Martin spent time in various producing & managerial capacities within Morgan Stanley ​Wealth Management Division. Outside of work, Martin is dedicated to giving back to his hometown ​Paterson, NJ, serving on several non-profit boards such as the NJ Institute for Social Justice, DePaul ​Catholic High School, and Brilla Charter School. Martin also serves as Board Chairman for the ​Hamilton Partnership for Paterson and NJ Community Development Corporation.

As a High School senior, Martin was drafted by the Cleveland Indians Baseball Club in the 15th Round. ​He forewent going pro and enrolled at the University of Notre Dame as a student-athlete pitching for ​the baseball team and graduating with a B.A. in Finance. In addition to his undergraduate degree, ​Martin holds an MBA from Columbia University. Martin resides in his hometown of Paterson, NJ with ​his wife, Deniz and children, Ayla and Hart.