Central Mass Conference Speakers
2025 Keynotes & Special Guests

Raquel Knight

Christina Puleo

Suzanne Graham Anderson

KEYNOTE
Raquel Knight
Racquel Knight is a dedicated social entrepreneur and brand strategist focused on empowering businesses and individuals to build impactful legacies. As the Founder and CEO of Own Your Legacy Brand LLC, she helps entrepreneurs develop strategic, purpose-driven brands through expert marketing, business development, and brand positioning. Her mission is to equip businesses with the tools to start, grow, scale, and thrive.
In addition to her entrepreneurial work, Racquel is deeply committed to education and community empowerment. She is the Founder and Board Chairperson of For One Child Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities for underserved children in rural Jamaica. Under her leadership, the foundation has provided schools with essential learning tools, including books, laptops, and infrastructure support, ensuring children have access to quality education.
Racquel also serves as the Director of the Central MA Women’s Business Center, where she supports low-to-moderate-income women entrepreneurs by providing critical resources, mentorship, and training to help them launch and grow successful businesses. Her work in this role underscores her passion for economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, and social change.
She holds an MBA with a concentration in Marketing from Johnson & Wales University, a Bachelor of Arts in Global Citizenship from Becker College, and an Associate of Science Degree in Agriculture Education from the College of Agriculture Science and Education, which includes a Diploma in Secondary Teaching. Her diverse academic background enhances her ability to holistically approach business, education, and global engagement.
Racquel’s impact has been recognized through multiple accolades, including WBJ 40 Under 40, Massachusetts Commonwealth Heroine, and Worcester Magazine Women to Watch (2025). She inspires and uplifts through her leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment to entrepreneurship, education, and community transformation.

KEYNOTE
Christina Puleo
Christina Puleo is the Senior Executive Director of the Greendale YMCA and Membership Strategy for the YMCA of Central MA. She has been with the YMCA of Central MA since 2011 and with the YMCA movement for over nineteen years. As a woman born and raised in Worcester her love of this city had her return to this community post-graduation from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. She currently lives in Holden with her husband Chris and her twin 17-year-old daughters – both employed at the YMCA. Christina’s commitment to strengthening community and member service has led her to her current role where she has many noteworthy accomplishments. A few being: – Achieving the best financial results in the history of the Greendale Family Branch, improving results 43% since her start – Diversifying the staff team to reflect the community we serve – Launching of national cause driven programs that support cancer survivors, non-swimmers, and individuals of all abilities – Successfully leading philanthropic efforts to support two capital campaigns and twelve annual campaigns; totaling over $1 million – Graduate of Leadership Worcester’s Class of 2015, the first class in the program’s resurgence What Christina is most proud of professionally is her involvement with the work the Y did during the COVID-19 Pandemic. From emergency child care, to remote learning, to pivoting and supporting community re-engagement – Christina led our YMCA to be here at a time when our neighbors needed us most. When asked what has led to her success, Christina will enthusiastically tell you it is her love of people and recognition of talent. She feels blessed to have met so many cause-driven leaders through her career. Both those who have mentored her as well as those she has had the great privilege of mentoring. Understanding that leadership is a skill that needs exercise she considers herself a lifelong learner, as she feels she owes this commitment to ongoing learning to the 325 employees she is responsible for supporting. When not at our Y, Christina can be found with her large circle of friends and family enjoying good food, many laughs, ski country, and crocheting!

EMCEE
Suzanne Graham Anderson
Suzanne Graham Anderson is a dynamic leader and the founder of Positively Suzanne LLC, a lifestyle brand aimed at inspiring and empowering individuals. Through her book Detoxifying Leadership, podcast Sit Down With Suzanne, and talk show Sipping Tea With Suzanne, she shares valuable insights that uplift individuals and communities. Suzanne is an energetic and enthusiastic keynote speaker and moderator. Suzanne creates and facilitates workshops, seminars, summits, and conferences on leadership and self-worth. With over twenty years of leadership experience, Suzanne has dedicated her time to mentoring individuals of all ages. She recognizes the importance of women supporting one another, which has led her to become a mentor at Quinsigamond Community College and EforAll of Greater Worcester. As Alumni President of Quinsigamond Community College, she actively cultivates the next generation of leaders. Suzanne’s commitment to creating equitable and thriving diverse communities is evident through her involvement on multiple boards. Her dual master’s degrees in business and organizational leadership equip her to drive positive changes. Suzanne is a true catalyst for empowerment, inspiring all to uplift each other and work together for a brighter future.