INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S CONFERENCE

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Saturday, March 8, 2025 at Hofstra University from 10AM - 4PM.

The conference will be held at Hofstra University, David S. Mack Student Center.

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IWC 2025 PROPOSAL

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ABOUT THE CONFERENCE

Nevalliance started the International Women’s conference in 2017 to empower women. Women constitute more than 50 percent of the world’s population and have contributed substantially to socio-economic development. Unfortunately, their contribution largely remains unrecognized in parts of the world.

Empowering women has become a critical element in the development of an economy. With women moving forward, the family, the village, and the nation move. Hence, improving the status of women by way of their economic empowerment is highly called for. Starting a business and bringing creativity to life with self-esteem and happiness are directly linked. Economic growth is highly vital for any country, which can substantiate by ensuring the participation of women. Being the focal point of economic development, entrepreneurship can play an instrumental role in building the world.

Our International Women’s Conference is a celebration of the achievements of women. This annual conference aim is to inspire women while celebrating our social, economic, cultural, and political achievements.

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OBJECTIVES OF THE CONFERENCE

The underlying objectives of this conference will be as follows:

Provide new opportunities to bridge the gaps and increase opportunities for linkages
Bring awareness to culture and differences
Highlight leadership amongst women
Promote Holistic Well-being
Advocate for Women's Health Issues
Inspire Personal Growth

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

Women
Policy Makers
MSME promotional agencies/organizations,
BDS (business development service) providers
Representatives from NGOs and trade & industry associations
UN agencies
Multi-lateral and bi-lateral Organizations
Media persons
Men that supports women
Healthcare professionals

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S CONFERENCE SPEAKERS

Dr. Susan Poser

President of Hofstra University

Dr. Susan Poser became the 9th president of Hofstra University on August 1, 2021. She is the first woman to lead the institution. Hofstra enrolls approximately 6,000 undergraduates and 4,000 graduate and professional students, offering programs in the liberal arts and sciences, engineering, business, communications, performing and visual arts, health sciences, nursing, law, and medicine.

At Hofstra, Dr. Poser has prioritized strategies for growing and strengthening academic programs, increasing interdisciplinary teaching and research, enhancing student success and belonging, and diversifying the faculty. She has increased community and local outreach, strengthening ties between the University and the surrounding areas by collaborating on events and providing pathways to college credit for local high school students.

Monica Morales

MC for IWC

Monica Morales is a seven-time Emmy Award-winning PIX11 News investigative reporter for the weekday evening newscasts at 5:45 p.m. She also hosts a TV show called “Monica Makes It Happen.”

In 2024, her show won an Emmy Award for “Community Service.” Morales is renowned and beloved throughout New York City for making connections that positively change lives.

Since 2016, Morales has personally visited over 250 New York City housing developments, helped to ensure the repair of hundreds of homes and secured transfers to safe homes for dozens of families. Thanks to Morales’ recent investigations on housing issues and a SNAP benefits scam, many New Yorkers recently received reimbursements. Morales has also helped shed light on dozens of public spaces and community centers needing repairs. Her coverage of deteriorating conditions at several Bronx playgrounds helped to secure $1 million to repair those playgrounds. Thanks to a series of her stories, she helped save a Bronx pantry set to close.

Dr. Pearl McMillan

Chief Medical Officer, Bahamas.

Dr. Pearl McMillan is the Chief Medical Officer, Ministry of Health and Wellness, The Bahamas. In this role she serves as the chief technical officer with responsibility for oversight and leadership for health of the country and advisor to the Minister of Health
on all medical and public health matters. The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) is responsible leading the implementation of public health policies and supervising technical teams.

In collaboration with the Permanent Secretary, the CMO ensures infrastructure, policies, and systems support efficient and effective health services, health promotion and disease prevention, while managing and executing key aspects of the
Essential Public Health Functions to protect population health.

Prior to undertaking this position, she served as the Director of Public Health, for the Department of Public Health contributing in a management and technical capacity for oversight of Community Health Clinics across The Bahamas, as well as the
implementation of National Public Health Programs and Initiatives.

Neva Helena Alexander

CEO of Nevalliance, a WMBE, and Co-Director of Ascend Long Island

Dr. Neva Helena Alexander** is the dynamic CEO of Nevalliance, a WMBE, and Co-Director of Ascend Long Island, where she exemplifies transformative leadership in education, entrepreneurship, and professional development. As a visionary, she founded the National Educational Venture Alliance (NEVA) to empower students for both academic and professional success. A renowned educator, speaker, and author, Dr. Neva has made a profound impact across various industries by delivering invaluable insights into startup strategies, women’s empowerment, and leadership.

Dr. Neva's influence extends globally, with her keynote addresses and workshops at international conferences, addressing crucial topics like leadership, entrepreneurship, and cultural diversity. Her ability to connect with diverse audiences is a testament to her exceptional communication skills and deep expertise.

Laura L. Palker

Founder and CEO of Trade Show Solutions Center

The Live Events industry, which includes Trade Shows, is an expansive one that creates millions of jobs, generates billions of dollars in spending, and adds more than a trillion dollars in gross production to the United States economy. In boom times and in vastly challenging times alike, businesses reach for an industry leader to help promote their brand on the trade show floor – whether in person or digitally. For businesses of every size and scale, Laura Palker is called upon for her expertise, her warmth, and her candor.

Laura is the Founder and CEO of Trade Show Solutions Center, a leading provider of exhibit planning, design, production, and marketing services for the past twenty years. A respected and highly sought after firm, Trade Show Solutions Center provides planning and execution for businesses of all sizes. Laura's skill in sales, marketing, and branding, coupled with her insight into her clients and their needs, has led to the company's success.

Sharon Leid

CEO of NetStruc PR and a seasoned Publicity Strategist

Sharon Leid is the CEO of NetStruc PR and a seasoned Publicity Strategist, PR Consultant, Speaker, and Business Strategist. With over 20 years of expertise in Public, Media, Government Relations, and Community Engagement, Sharon enjoys securing press placements for clients who either lack a media footprint or are seeking to expand their brand visibility through community engagement or Government affairs. Her goal is to elevate brand awareness, establish credibility, attract new prospects, and ultimately increase profitability for her clients.

Sharon began her career at the Kings County District Attorney's Office in New York City, where she progressed from Community Relations Specialist to Executive Director of Community Relations, managing public relations and media outreach across the borough. In 2015, after a career transition, Sharon founded NetStruc PR LLC, a full-service PR boutique dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and small businesses leverage media to build their brands.

Zoryn Lazarus-Theodore

Owner of Zen Life Therapy LLC & the Theodore Family Farm

Zoryn Lazarus-Theodore is the owner of Zen Life Therapy LLC & the Theodore Family Farm. She is Clinical Licensed Social Worker in the state of New York with over 20 years’ experience working with children, adolescents, couples, and families.

She has a passion to educate, inspire, and lead others to live the best version of greatness. She worked extensively with adolescent/adults coping with a wide variety of issues and concerns. She has extensive knowledge and training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy as well as experience in providing individual/family therapy.

Her vision is to inspire others to live and not just exists approach.

Paulina Lopez

Author, Speaker, Business Consultant, and Strategist.

Paulina Lopez is an Author, Speaker, Business Consultant, and Strategist.

Her Corporate Background is in Finance, Operations, Strategy, Human Resources and Communications. She is CEO and Founder of The Business of WE (Women Entrepreneurs), a Mastermind community in New York City. This highly interactive business community brings together and supports female founders and entrepreneurs, at all stages of their businesses.

The Business of WE events are designed to advance the pursuits and networking efforts, where women have real conversations and establish genuine relationships.

Sumita Yadav

System Vice President for Operations & Cardiovascular Service Lines-Catholic Health

Sumita Yadav is a healthcare leader with a demonstrated history of 15+ years in establishing and leading several service lines by building trust and executing strategies that maximize results. As the System Vice President Operations & Cardiovascular Service Line at Catholic Health, she collaborates with senior leadership to drive Organizational success through sustainability and change management. Sumita received her Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery at PGIMS Rohtak and her Masters in Healthcare Administration (Sloan program) at Cornell University.

At Sloan, Sumita gained greater insights into the complexities of healthcare delivery and was determined to make an impact by helping shape policies and decisions that were both pro-clinician and pro-patient. Her hope was – and continues to be – that she would help bridge the clinical and administrative gap.

Dr. Uzma Syed

Chief of Infectious Diseases|Founder/President of Eid Holiday Coalition

Dr. Uzma Syed is a first generation American, born to parents who immigrated from India in pursuit of world class higher education for their children. Their lifelong goal was to raise their daughters to be highly educated & independent. In order to pursue their lifelong goal her parents moved across various countries leaving everything behind till they reached America, the land of opportunity, the place of a million dreams.

Growing up on Long Island, Uzma enjoyed the suburban life while her parents both worked full time. After graduating high school Uzma was accepted to a 7 year accelerated combined medical program. She spent her undergraduate years in upstate NY followed by medical school in Maine. All the while drawn back again & again to her hometown of Syosset. After graduating medical school she matched for residency in Internal Medicine at Winthrop University Hospital & then completed her fellowship in Infectious Diseases there.

Claudette D. Powell, MA, BSN, RN

Claudette Powell a registered professional nurse. Her career and experience span many years in home health care administration, health education and advocacy. Claudette is a health care consultant specializing in health care regulations, compliance and accreditation. Currently, she’s employed with the New York State Department of Health. Claudette’s strong passion for nursing and healthcare led her to venture and participate in a wide range of healthcare activities.

Claudette Powell is integrally involved in promoting healthcare in Jamaica where she was born. In November 2010 she participated at the Jamaica 2030 Health Care Vision Forum, in Minnesota, with officials from the Jamaican Ministry of Health, other stakeholders and Friends of Jamaica, to develop the framework for enhancing the public health system.

Mae Caime

Visionary Event Organizer | Inspiring Emcee

Mae is a multi-talented leader with a passion for inspiring and empowering others. At 66 plus years young, she has a deep-seated passion to share her ageless secret sauce recipe to empower women to live with zest, sass and some amazing sparkle.

Her official titles: a visionary CEO, Registered Nurse, certified integrative health coach, Vice President of Blue Star Mothers NY6, and Ms New York Senior America Queen 2023.

Her journey as an entrepreneur, health expert, and advocate is marked by creativity and impact. Her newest venture is the founder and CEO of aMAezing Midlife and Beyond to inspire and support women, to discredit ageism and to ignite a fire within to live with energy action and purpose

Mary T. Rogers

Small Business Liaison Officer, Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) Procurement & Property Management Division

Mary Rogers joined BNL's Business Services Directorate in February 2013 as an Assistant Business Specialist and has since assumed roles with increasing responsibility and impact. Mary took a position in 2022 to administer the duties of the Brookhaven Small Business Program.

She is working to create and increase procurement opportunities for small businesses in socioeconomic categories, such as Women-Owned Small Businesses, Veteran-Owned Small Businesses, Minority-Owned Small Businesses, and others. Mary is passionate about championing the Lab's commitment to advocating and supporting supplier diversity!

Elizabeth Velez

Elizabeth Velez spearheads strategic growth and project diversification for the over 50 year old Velez Organization as President and principal, ensuring that the second-generation construction services firm is one of the longest established and successful in the region. To her credit are hundreds of projects which have come to fruition under her direction, including over 600 units of housing made affordable by State and Federal grants in the Bronx and Harlem, and over thirty billion dollars of significant educational, healthcare and large-scale projects throughout New York.

Today, Ms. Velez is leading the Velez Organization to increasing prominence as the choice builder,construction manager, diversity, equity and inclusion and mentoring partner in New York and beyond.She is a sought-after advocate by numerous public and private institutions on economic development,
legislative issues and the building industry.

Dawn Wells

Dawn Wells is supply chain professional with a public health heart. She currently serves as Assistant Vice President of Supply Chain at Northwell Health, New York’s largest healthcare provider, serving NYC, Long Island, and Westchester. In this role she leads supply chain operations for the Health Systems’ Ambulatory Care Network comprised of more than 900 physician practices and outpatient facilities.

In addition to these responsibilities, Dawn takes an active role in championing and facilitating programs that impact all levels of the organization. She has been a consistent champion of diversity; representing supply chain as a member of the diversity and health equity council and corporate social responsibility committee.

Sophia Bryan, Esq

Miss Sophia D. Bryan, Esq. is the Managing Attorney at the Law Boss Firm based in Kingston Jamaica. Her mission is to support Professionals, Entrepreneurs & Investors with creating and sustaining profitable brands that are built on integrity and guided by strategy. She supports her clients to leverage the law as a tool to build and protect their legacy. Sophia’s practice areas include Estate Planning, Corporate Governance and Real Estate.

Sophia is apart of the 2018 class of the United States Department of State Community Solutions Fellowship. During that time she received a Masters Level Certificate in Leadership from the George Mason University.

Joy Machelle Williams

Joy Machelle Williams is a visionary leader at the intersection of wellness, entrepreneurship, and community engagement. As the Associate Director of Community Engagement and Initiatives at Hofstra University's Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Joy oversees the Entrepreneurship Assistance Center Program, empowering aspiring entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into thriving businesses.

Concurrently, Joy is the founder and CEO of SoulJoy Wellness, a lifestyle wellness media brand dedicated to empowering Black women in mind, body, and soul. Under her guidance, SoulJoy Wellness recently secured its second grant from the New York State Department of Health, solidifying its commitment to addressing health disparities.

SPONSORS AND PARTNERS

Natalie Silvera

Natalie Silvera – Entrepreneur | Founder of JamParallel Global & Exotique Beauty™️ | People Empowerment Advocate.

Born in St. Mary, Jamaica, Natalie Silvera is a visionary entrepreneur, dedicated advocate for self-care, and a dynamic business leader. As the founder of JamParallel Global - Passport Services and the self-care brand Exotique Beauty™️, she has carved a niche in both the business and wellness sectors, blending her passion for beauty with her expertise in customer service and empowerment.

Natalie’s entrepreneurial journey began in her teenage years when she showcased her creativity by mixing petroleum jelly with flavored Kool-Aid to craft her own lip gloss, an early testament to her innovative mindset. Inspired by her mother, who baked and sold Jamaican pastries (bulla) to supplement the household income, she developed a strong work ethic and an unwavering drive for success.

Sarah Sajjad

This lionize idea of “ YOLO You Only Live Once”doesn’t befit her proposition of Life. You live every day, every moment and this is your course of action when to make shifts in life and change the patterns. Sometimes the pattern to survive might not be to hold on and progress as Growth, is Non-Iinear.

Herself Sarah Sajjad, Happily married and settled in New York. She did BBA and MBA Bi-Major( Marketing & Finance) from Pakistan.

She is a firm believer that every girl needs to be well educated and enlightened enough not just for a professional career but to have an astute vision and perspective towards life and everyday ruling. kicked off her career as a lecturer in university. She was an Editor and later a Manager of the University’s News Letter. Being a people’s person, she joined the telecom industry in Pakistan as a Marketing Manager. She communicate through her poetry, writings and narration. She loves to connect with people through conversation and dialogues.

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