2025 Speakers & Special Guests

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Keynotes & Special Guests

Keynote

Dr Yaro Fong Olivares
Keynote

Jen Newberg
Comedian

Kelly MacFarland
GODDESS

Christina Pavlina

Keynote

Dr Yaro Fong Olivares

Dr. Yaro Fong-Olivares (she/her) is an influential leader with a rich cultural heritage, combining Afro-Caribbean and Chinese roots from Ayiti and Quisqueya (now the Dominican Republic and Haiti). She brings her diverse background and deep commitment to equity and inclusion to her role as Executive Director of the Gloria Cordes Larson Center for Women and Business at Bentley University.

A visionary in DEI Organizational Development, Dr. Yaro specializes in systems change, equity, and inclusion. She delivers groundbreaking programs worldwide that tackle complex workplace dynamics through an intersectional equity-centered lens. Her expertise is backed by a doctorate in Organizational and Leadership Psychology with a concentration in the neuroscience of leadership from William James College, an M.S. in Organizational Change Management from the Milano School of Management at The New School, and a B.A. in Sociology from Barnard College, Columbia University.

Dr. Yaro’s leadership extends beyond academia. She has held prominent roles such as Past President of the Executive Committee for the New York Center, Member of the Center for the Study of Groups and Social Systems, Co-Creator of Group Relations International, and Certified Consultant at the AK Rice Institute for the Study of Social Systems. Her holistic approach to leadership is also informed by her background as a personal trainer and health coach, with a passion for High-Intensity Interval Training, mindfulness, and yoga.

Join Dr. Yaro in championing a future where equity and inclusion are at the forefront of organizational success.

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Dr. YARO FONG-OLIVARES, she/her – is an Afro-Caribbean and Chinese immigrant from the island of Quisqueya and Ayiti (now known as the Dominican Republic and Haiti), Washington Heights, and now living in Massachusetts. Her most salient identity is as a priest of Yemaya in the Lucumi spiritual tradition. She serves as executive director of Gloria Cordes Larson Center for Women and Business at Bentley University, an organization dedicated to women plus leaders from classroom to the boardroom. As an organizational development leader focusing on racial justice, equity, and inclusion, she has developed and delivered programs worldwide that advance an intersectional equity-centered approach to complex, often covert workplace dynamics. Fong-Olivares received an organizational and leadership psychology doctorate from William James College; she has an MS in organizational change management from the Milano School of Management at The New School; and a BA in Sociology, Barnard College, Columbia University.

Keynote

Jen Newberg

Jen Newberg, Founder of It’s Lifey

Hi, I’m Jen – and my life has been… lifey. What does that mean? It means life has happened – some beautiful, some terrifying, some exhilarating, and some heartbreaking. Sound familiar?

Here’s what I’ve learned: during life’s biggest transitions – whether joyful, confusing, or devastating – it’s easy to feel alone. Because there’s no playbook for this stuff.

That’s why I started It’s Lifey – to help people find their people. To make sure no one has to navigate life’s hardest (or even happiest) moments alone. To create real, meaningful community through shared experiences such as support groups and retreats.

Personally, I’ve been through my share of curveballs: divorce, blending families, addiction, widowhood. And while I haven’t faced everything, I’ve come to believe one truth across the board: connection changes everything. Whether it’s someone walking the same path or someone who’s made it through, talking to someone who gets it can make all the difference. The antidote to loneliness is connection.

Professionally, I’m a communications and partnerships executive with a background in both the for-profit and nonprofit worlds. I’ve led mission-driven campaigns for brands like T-Mobile, Purina, Dove, and Planet Fitness. My superpower is connecting people – building authentic, value-based relationships that make an impact.

It’s Lifey is where my personal journey meets my professional purpose: creating spaces where people can feel seen, supported, and less alone. Because life gets lifey – but we don’t have to go through it alone.

Let’s find your people.

Comedian

Kelly MacFarland

Kelly MacFarland is a stand-up comedian, writer and actress. Kelly is cute, relatable, and totally magnetic. She delivers a performance with best-friend energy, leaving you with the urge to invite her to dinner. The comedy is bold, hilarious, and unexpectedly heartfelt. Kelly brings deeply relatable stories about love, loss, and everything in between. Perfect for audiences who love comedy with brains, edge, and heart. Kelly has appeared on Comedy Central, NBC’s Last Comic Standing, the Today Show, AXS Gotham Comedy LIVE, Up Early Tonight on Hulu, Dry Bar Comedy, Don’t Tell Comedy and Denis Leary’s Comics Come Home at the Boston TD Garden. Check out Kelly’s comedy special, Wit Happens, streaming now on Prime Video.She has several comedy albums available on iTunes and can be heard on SiriusXM radio.

GODDESS

Christina Pavlina

 “When you empower women and help them thrive, you help their communities thrive. Women shoulder the burden disproportionately.” – Joy Bryant

Christina Pavlina is the co-founder and executive director of Jane Does Well, a Massachusetts based non-profit organization that provides support, connection, education, resources, and empowerment to women experiencing divorce and post-divorce trauma.  Jane Does Well has become a trusted resource and a critical support system to women and mothers challenged with redefining their lives and supporting their children. 

During her own challenging divorce, Christina experienced a desperate need for advice, guidance, and a reassuring hug to get her through the daily challenges. After her divorce, she emerged with a profound sense of purpose–a mission to extend a lifeline to others who need support. Christina is passionate about championing the resilience and empowerment of women and mothers navigating the challenging terrain of divorce and post-divorce trauma. 

Since 2015, Jane Does Well has been providing much needed services to women and single mothers in Massachusetts, across New England, and recently expanding nationally. At the heart of Jane Does Well is a commitment to building a compassionate community that uplifts and empowers women to thrive post-divorce. All programs are free of charge and include multi-week structured and drop-in emotional support groups, healing, wellness, legal, financial, and parenting workshops, as well as educational resources for better post-divorce outcomes. With an unwavering commitment to growth, Christina envisions a future where Jane Does Well can be credited for making a positive impact on the lives of women, mothers, and their children for generations.  

 Learn more about Jane Does Well at janedoeswell.org 

Panel Descriptions 2025

Title: Women in Leadership: Building Resilience Through Challenges and Empowerment

DESCRIPTION:

In a world that says women can have it all; a fulfilling career, work-life balance, a happy family, and a rigid self-care routine, while also scrutinizing every choice, it can be a challenge to be yourself first. This panel explores how different journeys and experiences help teach us about the people we want to be.

This panel will explore the common themes of burnout, the effect of intentional communication, and the importance of self-awareness in your personal and professional life.  Join our tenacious speakers as they share their personal stories, highlighting challenges they’ve faced along the way and how they have used these experiences to understand their true selves and needs. Through this conversation you’ll be inspired to face your own challenges and turn them into learning moments.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Self-Awareness & Knowing Your Worth: Take ownership of your identity to discover your needs and what you will not settle for.
  • Communication & Finding Your Voice: Empower yourself and be intentional about your communication – advocate for yourself and others.
  • Leaning Into a Growth Mindset: Challenges and uncertainty are inevitable, the key to building resilience is to adjust your mindset to focus on learning and growing.

Panel Coordinator: Nicollette Reiss

Panelists: 

Title: Becoming the Richest Version of You

Description:

Join a mortgage veteran with 42 years of home-financing wisdom, a mom of four who’s a design-to-build entrepreneur and architectural design instructor reimagining homes, and a seasoned money coach who’s spent 18 years guiding CEO moms to build profitable businesses without losing their minds.

Together, they’ll reveal how to break through the money myths holding you back, build wealth through multiple strategies, and redefine what it means to be rich.

You’ll walk away with a new understanding of what’s possible for your financial future – and the confidence to make it happen.

Key Takeaways:

  • Discover the biggest money myths keeping you small – and how to change the narrative to build wealth with confidence and integrity.
  • Learn proven wealth building strategies these three use daily, including investing in real estate, paying yourself properly as an entrepreneur and solid money management.
  • Redefine what “rich” means beyond the bank account – and why you can have financial freedom, family time, and a life you love all at the same time.

Panel Coordinator: Sheetal Iyer

Panelists: 

Title: The New Networking: Connect Authentically, Grow with Purpose

Description: If the idea of networking makes you cringe, this session will flip the script.  Most people walk into networking events hoping to meet someone, but without the skills to truly connect. In this workshop, you’ll learn simple strategies to boost your relational intelligence, read the room with ease, and take every connection one step further – so you leave with relationships that actually grow your business, career, and influence.

Takeaways:

  • Connect with Confidence – Use simple, body-based tools to feel grounded and at ease, so you can show up as your most genuine self in every interaction.
  • Build Genuine Rapport – Learn how to start and sustain conversations that create trust, mutual interest, and authentic connection — in any setting.
  • Grow Your Circle with Purpose – Identify opportunities, communities, and everyday moments where deeper relationships can form — beyond business cards and brand pitches.

Panel Coordinator: Wendy Esche

Panelists:

Title: How to Use AI to Ignite Your Superpower

Description: This dynamic panel offers practical strategies to boost productivity, streamline home life, drive business success, and navigate legal and ethical considerations. Walk away inspired and equipped to harness AI as a tool for smarter working and living

Key Takeaways:

  • Protect. Verify. Use AI responsibly by safeguarding data and applying human oversight.
  • Align Vision & Energy. Leverage AI to stay focused on business goals while preserving personal well-being.
  • Streamline Home Life. Use AI tools to simplify daily tasks and be more present with loved ones.

Panel Coordinator: Lajja Lantigua

Panelists: 

TITLE: Career Transitions: How to Make Meaningful Moves

DESCRIPTION:

Career transitions can be exciting but are also a source of stress. Change is hard. Whether you are navigating a career transition as a strategic choice or in response to the loss of a job, it’s helpful to have a framework to guide you through this process. This panel will support participants in defining a vision for that move, expanding your network, and identifying specific practices for building resilience during this time of change.

Key Takeaways:

  • Learn specific strategies for building resilience and sitting with discomfort as you navigate a career transition.
  • Define a clear vision for the next chapter of your career and learn a helpful tool to evaluate opportunities through a lens of purpose, necessity, and long-term fulfillment.
  • Discover ways to expand and engage your network to open doors, gain insights, and create new opportunities.

Panel Coordinator: Jody Troderman

Panelists: 

TITLE: Designing A Life You Don’t Need a Vacation From

PANEL DESCRIPTION:

Tired of chasing the myth of perfect balance? You’re not alone—and you’re not failing. In this energizing session, we’ll flip the script on the pressure to “do it all” and explore how small mindset shifts, grounding rituals, and simple self-care practices can help you fuel your power instead. Walk away with practical tools to reduce stress, boost clarity, and show up more fully—without the constant juggling act. It’s time to stop striving for balance and start designing a life that actually works for you and your family.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Reframe the Balance Myth: Learn why striving for perfect balance can be draining—and how shifting your mindset can help you reclaim your energy and focus.
  • Build Simple, Sustainable Practices: Discover easy-to-implement rituals and self-care strategies that support clarity, calm, and confidence in everyday life.
  • Design a Life That Works for You: Leave with practical tools to reduce stress and create a life that aligns with your values—without the constant juggling act.

Panel Coordinator: Susan Trotter, PhD

Panelists:

Title:   Midlife Rewritten: How to Thrive, Not Just Survive Midlife

Description:

Midlife often brings unexpected shifts, like sleep disruption, brain fog, or weight changes that can feel confusing and isolating. In this supportive conversation, women with both professional expertise and lived experience will share practical strategies to tune into your body, cut through wellness noise, and build community. You’ll leave feeling validated, empowered, and better equipped to thrive in your next chapter.

Key Takeaways:

·       Midlife is a powerful invitation to reevaluate, realign, and reimagine what thriving looks like for you.
·       Empowerment begins with honoring what you feel and choosing support that helps you feel seen, heard, and cared for.

·       You are not meant to figure this out alone. Community, shared stories, and support are essential to feeling seen, heard, and empowered.

Panel Coordinator: Stacey Coombs

Panelists:

Title: Leading Authentically and Connecting to Your Purpose

Description:

Join our panelists for an open and engaging conversation about what it truly means to lead with intention, integrity, and impact. They’ll share practical strategies for aligning your career with your values, building a leadership mindset that lasts, and creating a professional life that naturally fits with your personal priorities. You’ll walk away inspired with tools and ideas to lead with purpose, make a difference in your organizations and communities, and create a professional life that feels natural, balanced, and genuinely fulfilling.

Key Takeaways:

·       Purpose and Professional Alignment Create Extraordinary Impact
·       Leadership is Not a Moment, It’s a Mindset

·       Leadership Flows Naturally When Your Work Honors Your Life

Panelists: 

Title: An Empowered Life: Movement > Energy > Nourishment

Description:

It’s time to take care of ourselves and prioritize our well-being. Learn from three accomplished experts who have guided women in transforming their lives, one step at a time. They’ll share insights, experiences, and  methods for adopting and maintaining a healthier lifestyle. Discover practical techniques and strategies that you can implement immediately to begin positive transformations in your life today.

Key Takeaways:
·       Embrace Movement as Empowerment, Not Punishment: Just start where you are and celebrate your progress along the way!
·       Master Energy Management Techniques: Develop strategies to care for and optimize your energy levels.
·       Streamline the Dinner Hour: Implement practical tips to reduce stress, improve your diet and save on groceries.

Panel Coordinator: Christine Riley

Panelists:

Title: A Modern Approach To Stress Management

PANEL DESCRIPTION: 

In today’s world, it can feel like we’re constantly expected to “do it all.” From balancing the responsibilities of parenting, relationships and friendships, to the demands of work, managing a household and everyday life. It can leave us drained, unfulfilled and disconnected from what truly matters. Many women find themselves chasing perfection and holding themselves to unrealistic expectations. But life is too precious to stay trapped in a cycle of fatigue and pressure. This panel of experts will help you navigate these challenges and discover practical ways to manage stress so you can move beyond just “getting by” and find greater joy in your life.  

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Learn to let go of limiting beliefs and how to approach your life with clear intentions.

  • Discover tools to help keep your nervous system regulated and to stress less at work/home.

  • Find the missing keys to successful ADHD mind management.

  • Explore strategies for resilience, working through imposter syndrome, and ways to feel more fulfilled.

PANEL Coordinator: Allison DiRienzo

PANELISTS: Sherri Crowley, Carrie Rowan, Sivan Rose Elefson