2024 Speakers & Special Guests

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Keynotes & Special Guests

Keynote

Aileen Axtmayer
Keynote

Glenda Carnate
Comedian

Katie Arroyo
Emcee

Gabriela Bello
Goddess Award

Helen Lemoine

Keynote

Aileen Axtmayer

Aileen Axtmayer is a Wellbeing Speaker and Career Coach. As an expert on stress and burnout, over the past 15+ years Aileen has helped thousands of people restore their energy and do more of what they love through keynotes, workshops, and coaching. Aileen has been included in The Boston Globe, Yahoo Finance, and examples of past clients include Harvard T. Chan School of Public Health, America’s Test Kitchen, and Akamai Technologies.

Aileen earned her bachelor’s in psychology from Villanova University and master’s in counseling from Northeastern University. She complemented these studies with a 200-hour yoga teacher training, Integrative Nutrition Health Coaching certification, and Meditation and Breath Coach trainings. She lives in Natick with her husband, their 5-year-old daughter, and their eldest ‘child,’ Buster, an English Cream Golden Retriever. If you’re interested in bringing Aileen into your company or event as a speaker, head to her website www.aspirewithaileen.com to learn more.

Keynote

Glenda Carnate

When her son was diagnosed with autism at two (2) years old, much like any other parents, she struggled with finding information and the right care. There is no roadmap, no smart assistant, and information is so limited/not easily accessible. With this fire in her heart, that there has to be a better way, autism health was born.

With decades-long deep experience in customer experience, automation, data, healthcare, responsible artificial intelligence, and her DNA that ‘everyone deserves to live a full life’, autism health, provides easy access to providers and autism-friendly places at your fingertips. In addition, it significantly reduces the search from months/weeks to literally minutes. With the proprietary care navigation assistant Pogi, caregivers will get help and suggestions throughout the autism journey. This empathetic assistant aims to reduce the pain, cognitive overload, and mental pain/angst caregivers go through from the pre/diagnosis moment, anxiety, finding care, and caring for their autism person. This is just the beginning- there is so much more assistive experience to come with this product.

In addition to being an authority on neurodiversity, AI/data, and 3x entrepreneur, Glenda is an award-winning multi-talented global executive primarily building and commercializing SaaS platforms end to end with revenue as high as $2B. She is a Wien International Scholar, has a Bachelors in Economics (and minors in Philosophy) from Brandeis University and MSc in Finance from New England College of Business & Finance. Coming from humble beginnings, she also mentors up and coming leaders, entrepreneurs, data scientists and serves as an advisor/board member to a number of non-profits. As her interest is vast, she speaks at events with audiences as large as >100K.

Comedian

Katie Arroyo

Katie Arroyo is a comedian who has performed throughout New England and featured in clubs in New York and Boston. She’s performed in the Boston Comedy Festival, the Rogue Island Festival and can be heard on Sirius XM. With an aggressive-good natured act, her varied life experiences have given her the ability to connect with any audience. Whether she’s explaining lesbian weddings or describing her dabbles in depression, it’ll be a good time.

Emcee

Gabriela Bello

Gabriela Bello serves as a project manager in the technology industry, where she has led various teams and driven successful outcomes in the ever-evolving technology landscape. Ms. Bello is fluent in five languages, enabling her to navigate cultural boundaries, fostering connections and understanding across different communities. She is an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion and the power of effective communication. She marries her passion for language with her desire for a more equitable world, creating inclusive spaces where everyone’s voices are heard and respected. 

Goddess Award

Helen Lemoine

Helen Lemoine, now retired, served as the Executive Director of Leadership MetroWest from 2000-2023 and she is a 1993 alumna of the organization’s highly acclaimed flagship program, The MetroWest Leadership Academy, with 900+ alumni working and volunteering in the public, private, nonprofit and grassroots sectors.

She is a recipient of the prestigious “Athena Award,” a national award, given regionally, honoring women leaders who have achieved excellence in their profession, have inspired women to achieve their full potential, and have given back to the community in a meaningful way.

During her years at Leadership MetroWest, Helen was profiled in Common Wealth Magazine as one of eight prominent “civic connectors” in Massachusetts — people with ties to many sectors and networks in the community — who promote civic culture and collaboration.

In 2016 Helen received the inaugural “Women Making History Now” award from Framingham State University. The award honors six women each year who are having a powerful impact on their communities today. In 2023 Helen received the Citizen Laureate award from Framingham State University and she received the Commonwealth Heroines of Massachusetts award from the MA Commission on the Status of Women, nominated by Senate President Karen Spilka.

Helen serves her community in many volunteer capacities and in the past has served on boards including the MetroWest Chamber of Commerce, the MW YMCA, Amazing Things Arts Center, Framingham History Center. Currently she is a corporator for Middlesex Savings Bank and board member for the MW ESL Fund at Framingham Adult ESL Plus. She served as an elected member of the Framingham Planning Board for three terms from 1995-2004 and as an appointed member of Framingham’s Historic District Commission from 2008-2018.

Helen Lemoine is a 1974 summa cum laude graduate of Boston University’s School of Communication. Her retirement gives Helen more time for her longtime avocation and new business venture, genealogy.

2024 Panel Descriptions:

PANEL TITLE:  Transforming Challenges into Triumphs: Strategies for Success

DESCRIPTION:  Join us for an empowering panel discussion designed to equip you with the tools and strategies to transform challenges into opportunities for success. In a world where obstacles are inevitable, our panelists will share actionable insights and personal experiences to help you navigate difficulties with resilience and grace.

This dynamic discussion will offer you valuable perspectives and practical strategies to overcome obstacles and achieve your goals. Whether you’re seeking personal growth, professional advancement, or a renewed sense of purpose, this session is your opportunity to gain the insights needed to turn challenges into triumphs.

Don’t miss out on this chance to learn from your peers and network with like-minded individuals dedicated to transforming adversity into achievement.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  1. Develop a growth mindset to empower yourself to turn challenges into triumphs.
  2. Understand what holistic wellness is and its impact on both your personal and professional life.
  3. Embrace the importance of building and maintaining a robust network of mentors, peers, and allies.

PANELISTS: 

PANEL TITLE: Burned Out: From Surviving to Thriving

DESCRIPTION:  Our world feels designed to keep us busy and striving to do it all, but at what cost? The demands of parenting, maintaining relationships and friendships, our households, careers and everyday life can leave us feeling overwhelmed and unfulfilled. As women we are often holding ourselves to impossible standards, but life is too short to remain stuck in the cycles of exhaustion. This panel of experts will help you navigate your unique challenges and explore ways to tackle burn-out so you can stop “getting through the days” and start to thrive in your life.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  1. Learn to shift away from the busy badge of honor and approach life with clear intention.
  2. Recognize the mental load of motherhood and how to make yourself a priority without the guilt.
  3. Understand strategies for mental resilience and help our children/teens to reduce stress & anxiety by teaching them about “coaching their inner coach.”
  4. Explore ways to manage stress and patterns of behavior to help you find joy again and feel comfortable with who you are.

PANELISTS:

PANEL MODERATOR: Allison DiRienzo

PANEL TITLE: Empowering Journeys: How midlife women are reigniting their passion and purpose for what’s next.

DESCRIPTION: ‘Too late’ isn’t a thing when it comes to lighting up your entrepreneurial passion in mid-life.  Finding synergy between what you love, what brings value to potential clients and most of all, how to combine these to ultimately help you become the CEO of your own business.  Is there a way to do it?  That’s what we’re here to share with you (p.s. the short answer is yes).

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  1. Take your passion and learn the tools to make it your profession
  2. Know you’re ‘not alone’ in your journey
  3. Learn how to think ‘outside of the box,’ to grow your company
  4. Hear how you can expand your network and continue to grow

PANELISTS: 

PANEL TITLE: How to Create a Killer Career You’re Proud Of: Key Lessons to Inspire and Motivate

PANEL DESCRIPTION: In today’s dynamic professional landscape, building a career that resonates with your passions and purpose is more important than ever.  However, this can feel overwhelming, and the way forward is often uncertain for many. This engaging panel brings together seasoned professionals to explore the strategies and mindsets that lead to a fulfilling and successful career. Whether you’re navigating early career choices, pivoting into new fields or roles, or seeking growth in your current professional or business path, this discussion will offer fresh perspectives and practical advice on designing a career that not only aligns with your values but also makes you proud every step of the way. Join us for an inspiring conversation that will empower you to take control of your professional journey and unlock your full potential.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  1. Your story (and how you tell it) matters and helps you stand out from the crowd.
  2. Change your relationship with success, failure, and risk-taking to achieve your wildest dreams.
  3. Your core values are your north star, guiding you to a successful and fulfilling future.

PANELISTS:

 

PANEL COORDINATOR: Namrata Advani

PANEL TITLE: Discover The Magic in Your Mindset: The Path To Well-Being

DESCRIPTION: This dynamic session will change your perspective on the power of mindset and its impact on your emotional, physical and social well-being. Through candid discussions and with practical insights, you will learn how to feel more confident and empowered in different aspects of your life simply by shifting your mindset. Learn how to prioritize what truly matters in your life and elevate your well-being to new heights!

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  1. Learn the importance of reprogramming your subconscious thoughts and patterns in order to create lasting changes in your life.
  2. Discover how to be comfortable in your own skin by freeing yourself from limiting beliefs.
  3. Give yourself permission to let go of things to reduce stress and improve well-being.

PANELISTS:

 

PANEL COORDINATOR: Susan Trotter, PhD

PANEL TITLE: Cultivating Women’s Wellness at Any Stage of Life

DESCRIPTION:  Why are we letting society’s narrative dictate how we try to achieve lifelong wellness?  As women, we are not taught to take care of ourselves. Social media suggests that getting a manicure, massage, or vacation will solve our stress & unhappiness. None of this is working for us though! In this conversational panel, our ultimate goal is for you to feel empowered and educated, so you can create your unique plan for daily habits that lead to long-term wellness.

Whether you are up at night to change your new baby or to change your soaking sheets,

Whether your business hours are 9-5 or noon to midnight,

Whether you’re managing that brutal boss, gossipy co-worker, or your own business rollercoaster,

Then this talk is for you!

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  1. Discover approaches to wellness that work no matter your age or stage.
  2. Explore how prioritizing proactive instead of reactive practices will impact your life and business.
  3. Create a plan of authentic daily habits that enhance your overall wellness and your day to day experience.

PANELISTS:

 

PANEL COORDINATOR: Kaci Ikels

PANEL TITLE: Professional Success Through Your Strengths – Best Practice Sharing

DESCRIPTION: The most successful entrepreneurs, leaders, and employees have all leaned into their strengths. In this panel we’ll discuss how taking a strengths-based approach to your work can help you ask for what you want, and success will follow. The panelists will share insights, strategies, and engage the full group in meaningful brainstorming around best practices in advocating for yourself.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  1. Explore taking a strengths-based approach with your work.
  2. How to weave your personal values with your work approach to achieve professional success.
  3. How do you overcome your fears and frustrations to make the ask.

PANELISTS:

 

PANEL COORDINATOR: Wendy Esche

PANEL TITLE: Discover the Power of Financial Freedom

DESCRIPTION: We all know the importance of saving money for retirement, security, and quality of life. This panel of financial experts will address easy-to-follow steps and actions to help you achieve financial freedom. Join us for this impactful discussion on achieving financial freedom to help you balance what you know you should do and what you are actually doing.a

KEY TAKEWAYS:

1.      Discover what you can do to achieve financial freedom while giving yourself the grace to enjoy things along the way.
2.      Learn how to assess where you are financially today and align that with the vision for yourself, your family, and your future.

3.      Get value added financial tips you can take to help reach your personal financial goals.

PANELISTS:

PANEL COORDINATOR: Carolyn Assa

PANEL TITLE: Navigating Caregiving with Confidence: Being Present & Prepared

DESCRIPTION:  In this panel, we’ll discuss how to navigate the unexpected twists and turns of caregiving with the support of a strong network, and the importance of being prepared to handle legal, financial, and personal challenges.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

1.      Planning is essential to ensure that your assets, your loved ones, and your own well-being are taken care of the way you want them to be, with the least amount of court and conflict.
2.      Understanding the complexities of the caregiving journey and how you can advocate for your family and your own wellbeing.

3.      Caregiving, especially for dementia patients, is a continuous process with many unexpected turns. It’s crucial to be prepared and work with a supportive network.

PANELISTS:

 

PANEL COORDINATOR: Jen Whittemore

PANEL TITLE:  Dare to Live: Finding Your Prosperity

DESCRIPTION: This panel will discuss the dangers and implications of straying from the path that makes you the happiest, and just how easy it can be to fall into the pit-fall of living for other people. And just how incredible life can be when you have the truest form of prosperity.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

1.      True prosperity isn’t created on your own, but it takes a community and support team to accomplish it; those people who support your choices even when they don’t “appear” to make sense to everyone else
2.      Work-life balance is a myth that keeps everyone chasing the unattainable, work-life integration helps create the life and business you love, without the pit in your stomach!

3.      Internal prosperity comes first, and that means making decisions that other people likely won’t understand but align with YOU.

PANELISTS:

 

PANEL COORDINATOR: Christina Spinazola