2023 Speakers & Special Guests

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OUR 2023 CONFERENCE IS NOW SOLD-OUT

Keynotes & Special Guests

Keynote

Kimberly Jones
Keynote

JC Monohan
Emcee

Maria Milagros
80's Band

Slam Trans-Am
Goddess Award

Debra Sayre

Keynote

Kimberly Jones

Effervescent Inspirational Speaker | Entrepreneurial Servant Leader

Kimberly is a dynamic influence who calls others to achieve their top potential.  An effervescent speaker, Kimberly’s quest for excellence is palpably magnetic and consistently energizes others to a place of questioning the status quo and planning for increase in life.  With radiant eloquence tempered by humility, she consistently delivers a potent message.
     
Kimberly’s journey began as a 14-year-old “papergirl” delivering newspapers on her bike at 5:00 a.m. in Upstate New York.  With purpose, focus and determination, Kimberly eventually relocated to Boston to attend college and begin her professional career with a Fortune 50 company before deciding to attend law school.  Today, Kimberly is an executive leader, resourceful entrepreneur, inspirational speaker and award-winning attorney who encourages others to move beyond life’s limitations to “Own their Excellence.”  Not surprisingly, executives and leaders from corporations, universities, nonprofit organizations and other business enterprises turn to Kimberly as an innovative thought partner and trusted advisor.

You are invited to “Come Together” on a shared journey to discover, awaken and embrace the power of your “Inner Light” and to celebrate your Awesomeness!

Keynote

JC Monohan

JC Monahan is an Emmy award winning journalist with more than 25 years of experience. She is not only an anchor and reporter, she is also an AMS sealed meteorologist.

She came to NBC10 Boston in 2017 from WCVB where she began as a weekend meteorologist in 2001.

After 10 years forecasting for the weekday EyeOpener, JC was promoted to co-anchor of Chronicle, the station’s evening magazine show, where she earned both a regional Edward R. Murrow award and a Gracie award. She was also WCVB’s evening news anchor. During this time, she covered the Boston Marathon tragedy, co-hosting a one-hour special on the first anniversary and helping develop a live special for the Boston Strong concert.

JC has traveled extensively throughout New England, reporting from northern Vermont to southern Rhode Island. Some notable events include covering Pope Francis’ first trip to the U.S. and the presidential election of Donald Trump.

For NBC10 Boston, JC reported from the Super Bowl in Minnesota and spent more than a month in South Korea covering the Winter Olympics.

A Newton native, Boston has always been home for JC. She’s the proud mom of two beautiful daughters. When she’s not trying to keep up with her kids, JC enjoys dancing, reading and being with friends and family. She lives by the motto “Life is not a dress rehearsal. Live it.”

Emcee

Maria Milagros

Maria Milagros (Vazquez) is an award-winning keynote speaker, award nominated author, 2x TEDx speaker, storyteller, personal growth & development expert, empowerment life coach, and love activist. Whether sharing her life experiences and knowledge through impactful talks, workshops, leadership training, life coaching or videos, Maria uses stories to bring encouragement, education, and love to empower others to get out of their way and break free from hindering thoughts or beliefs, so that they can live amazing lives and leave their unique and positive mark on the world. She is passionate about living with intention, creating spaces of love, joy and fun, connecting with others, overall health, and empowerment. 

A survivor of abuse, depression, and a childhood accident that should’ve left her immobile, Maria embraces her past to create a present of health, happiness, fun, love, and abundance. She believes that she is able to thrive in life not in spite of, but because of, every aspect of her story. She knows that no matter where you come from, what you’ve been through, or what you have done, a healthy mindset shift, rooting into love, and taking personal responsibility, can change every area of your life, as it has for her. 

With over 15 years of leadership and personal development educating in her pocket, Maria leaves audiences with relevant tools and shifted mindsets that last well after she steps off the stage. Her authentic congruence, infectious energy, and ability to teach from a relatable and positive perspective leaves attendees feeling like they had a fun and deep conversation with a trusted friend. 

When not speaking or coaching, Maria can usually be found making memories with her incredible daughter, meditating, dancing in public places, leading group fitness classes, reading, or watching a Marvel movie.

To inquire about her speaking availability, one-on-one coaching, or book “Super Sparkly Everything”, or to sign up to get the free weekly email, please visit her website at www.mariamilagros.net.

You can also connect with her on Instagram, YouTube, or Facebook. 

80's Band

Slam Trans-Am

Goddess Award

Debra Sayre

2023 Panel Descriptions

BREAKOUT SESSIONS 1 & 2
10:00AM-10:45AM & 11:00AM-11:45AM (SESSIONS REPEAT)

INNER PEACE, OUTER SUCCESS

LOCATION:  CONCORD ROOM

DESCRIPTION:  As women with big goals, we are constantly balancing external responsibilities, demands and pressures with our personal need for inner peace. During this conversational session, panelists will help you find ways to tap into your resilience and inner wisdom to better navigate life’s transitions and challenges in our busy and uncertain world. Finding safety and peace within yourself can be the missing key to creating and realizing your personal success. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • How to access your inner self and authentic voice in the midst of chaos.
  • Embrace the message that you are worthy of peace because you are.
  • Reclaim parts of your Self and identity to welcome personal prosperity into your life.

PANELISTS:

NETWALKING VS. NETWORKING: HOW TO ATTRACT THE LIFE AND BUSINESS YOU DESIRE

LOCATION: WORCESTER ROOM                                                 

SPONSORED BY: AVIDIA BANK 

DESCRIPTION:  The pandemic forced us to rethink our work and reevaluate how we want to live. Rather than approach business as opportunistic, the pandemic empowered women especially to be who we innately are deep connectors, collaborators, and leaders with heart. In this panel, you’ll learn how to create the life and business you desire by leaning into you as your greatest asset.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • How to confidently relinquish who you’re not and embrace who you are.
  • Strategies for growing your business by connecting deeply with others.
  • How to build trust with your clients and your community.

PANELISTS:

PANEL COORDINATOR: Maud Dentico

PANEL MODERATOR: Janel Maysonet

BUILT FOR SUCCESS: BUSINESS GROWTH STRATEGIES

LOCATION: ASHLAND ROOM

DESCRIPTION:  Setting yourself apart in the constantly evolving marketplace, connecting with your ideal audience where they are, and embracing new opportunities are all key to growth in your business. Maybe you’re excited (or anxious) to try something different, feel that you’ve hit a plateau or you’re stuck when it comes to choosing what to focus on in order to achieve the next level of success. This panel of experts will help you understand how to create an authentic brand experience and determine your opportunities to stand out, as well as how to develop meaningful connections with your audience and why you should do it. All while staying true to your purpose and doing the work you love.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Dive into authenticity as a critical piece of building a successful business and recognize that we all have something unique to offer and our own stories to tell.
  • Learn how to create a meaningful, impactful brand experience both online and in person.
  • Discover the powerful impact on your business when you focus less on your competitors and more on finding your own voice in the marketplace.

PANELISTS:

PANEL COORDINATOR: Allison DiRienzo

THRIVE THROUGH THE PEAKS AND VALLEYS OF YOUR CAREER

LOCATION: CARLISLE ROOM

DESCRIPTION: You can’t anticipate the ups and downs of life and work. Sometimes we find ourselves on top, sometimes at the bottom, and sometimes completely stuck. Learn techniques that will help you to navigate these scenarios and thrive even when it might feel impossible. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS:   

  • Claim the power to stay in charge of your career when things feel uncontrollable. 
  • Learn to embrace your strength and abilities to maintain confidence through trying times.  
  • Tune into your internal navigation to steer yourself onto the right course.  

PANELISTS:

Panel Coordinator: Wendy Esche  

NAVIGATING WORKPLACE CHALLENGES: PRESENT AND FUTURE

LOCATION: WAYLAND, NORTH & SOUTH                       

SPONSORED BY: MIDDLESEX SAVINGS BANK

DESCRIPTION: In today’s workplace, we are challenged by new and complex situations that we haven’t encountered before. The traditional workplace, as we once knew it, has changed significantly, and will continue to evolve over time. Why? Societal transformations, heightened concerns about divisive behavior, further evolution of the ‘Me Too’ movement, calls for equity, the pandemic, feelings of polarization, unconscious bias and the shifting legislative landscape are just some of the issues that are impacting the way we relate to one another and conduct ourselves, whether the environment is virtual or on-site. This panel will highlight how employees and employers can successfully navigate today and strategize best practices to be prepared for what is around the corner.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Understand the importance of implementing proactive communication plans to keep hybrid employees engaged and involved.
  • Explore strategies to prepare for the changing demographic mix including team building and training sessions.
  • Share workplace expectations through clear and specific policies that are regularly updated and discussed in a positive manner.

PANELISTS:

PANEL COORDINATOR: Ashley Newhall

BREAKOUT SESSIONS 3 & 4
2:00PM-2:45PM & 3:00PM-3:45PM (SESSIONS REPEAT)

GOODBYE STRESS, HELLO WELL-BEING

LOCATION: CONCORD ROOM

DESCRIPTION:  Learn how to shift your thinking, feel better and create the life you want. This panel will lead experiential exercises and share important information about meditation, mindset work and habit formation so that you feel empowered to move forward in your life. You will leave with actionable steps that you can begin to implement in your life right away to reduce stress and create a greater sense of well-being.

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

  • Understand the benefits of meditation so that you can reduce your stress and promote good health.
  • Learn how to shift your mindset so that you can reduce burnout and feel more confident.
  • Learn the art of habit formation so that you can create a life by design, versus a life by default.

PANELISTS:

PANEL COORDINATOR: Susan Trotter, PhD

READY TO THRIVE: TAKING CARE OF YOUR FAMILY & YOURSELF

LOCATION: CARLISLE ROOM

DESCRIPTION:  Say YES to being fierce, courageous, and getting to all of the goals you want! A dream starts with a thought/idea. A goal or a result is achieved through a culmination of your thoughts/ideas. It’s the in-between that gets us stuck. This panel will teach how to bust through the “stuckness” with confidence to achieve all the goals you want.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Don’t wait for the perfect next step – take a leap, learn that failing is part of achieving goals, and be fierce!
  • Change your mindset to change your results.
  • Embracing obstacles and mistakes along the way.

PANELISTS:

PANEL COORDINATOR: Jen Whittemore

THE BALANCING ACT: WORK, LIFE & EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN

LOCATION: WORCESTER ROOM            

SPONSORED BY: MUTUAL ONE CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

DESCRIPTION:  Work-life balance is hard. How we manage our personal and professional lives has shifted dramatically in the last few years. There is no magical way to deliver a perfect work/life balance. In this session, we will share some concrete actions and strategies to help you prepare for the balancing act, wherever you are in the journey.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Understand what is OK to discuss and negotiate as you look to come back into the workforce or make a career change in 2023.
  • How you can ask for better work/life balance benefits in your current role.
  • Navigate flexibility in the workplace as an employee or leader of the organization.

PANELISTS:

PANEL COORDINATOR: Carly Baker Bettencourt

CULTIVATING SELF-CONFIDENCE: OVERCOMING IMPOSTER SYNDROME

LOCATION: ASHLAND ROOM

DESCRIPTION:  Join us for this impactful discussion on transforming self-doubt into self-assurance. It’s time to shed the veil of imposter syndrome and embrace the full extent of your capabilities with confidence and authenticity. This panel will address steps you can take to embark on a path to personal and professional empowerment!

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Defining Imposter Syndrome – You Are Not Alone: Defining Imposter Syndrome – what does it means? Where does it come from? How can imposter syndrome limit you?
  • Overcoming Imposter Syndrome – Practical Strategies: Develop strategies for setting achievable goals, foster a sense of purpose and direction that boosts your self-confidence.
  • Be Your Best Self – Live Life Fearlessly: Use these strategies to consciously live a purposeful life in which you shine without fear – imperfections in all!

PANELISTS:

PANEL COORDINATOR: Carolyn Assa

TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

LOCATION: WAYLAND, NORTH & SOUTH

DESCRIPTION:  Women’s roles often intersect with societal expectations; therefore, carving out a space for self is essential. When it comes to Mental, Emotional, and Physical Health and Wellbeing, women experience a flux of challenges within personal, family, and professional life. This panel will explore, examine and discuss practical applications, tools, and techniques to empower, inspire, build hope and gain some clarity for your personal Mental Health and Wellness Journey; to encourage you to “Take Charge,” make a change, grow, and feel like “I CAN DO IT!”

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Explore challenges women and professionals face when it comes to mental health/wellness.
  • Begin building the bridges, starting the conversation, and cultivating kindness & compassion towards self when addressing the obstacles and challenges.
  • Learn the transformative power of setting boundaries, implementing an emergency “go-bag” of strategies and tools for when the world may slide sideways.
  • Gain inspiration and empowerment in connecting with the part of you who WILL “Take Charge,” make a change, grow, and feel like “I CAN DO IT!”

PANELISTS:

PANEL COORDINATOR: LadyTea Sturns & Rachele Manning