INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S CONFERENCE

An annual flagship event celebrating and empowering women across various fields, featuring influential speakers, panel discussions, and workshops.

Join us for networking, knowledge-sharing,

and inspiration.

Save the Date Saturday, March 9, 2024 from 10AM to 4PM at Hofstra University Student Center.

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Event Agenda

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 main objective of the International Women’s Conference is to ‘Enhance awareness and create a more informed understanding of the opportunities, issues, and approaches of Women Empowerment with resultant attention and resources directed towards supporting women.

The underlying objectives of this conference will be as follows:

Promote entrepreneurship among women.
Provide new opportunities to bridge the gaps and increase opportunities for linkages.
Bring awareness to culture and differences
Highlight leadership amongst women

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

International Women's Conference Speakers

Hon. Sandra Husbands

Minister Of State Foreign Trade and Business, Barbados

Sandra Husbands is the Minister in the Ministry of Foreign Trade with responsibility for trade agreements. The portfolio includes advancing the trade opportunities in Caricom where possible for the CSME and wider across the globe. The Division of Foreign Trade has responsibility for protecting the interests of domestic enterprises and the broader economy in regional and multilateral fora.

Sandra holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology and Law and a Masters in International Trade Policy which prepares her to be able to lead and guide government trade policy to position and enable enterprises to secure trade in regional and international markets.

Ambassador Audrey Marks.

Her Excellency Audrey Patrice Marks in 2008 became Jamaica’s 13thAmbassador to the United States of America and the first to be appointed to the position twice and her country’s first female Ambassador to the United States. She serves concurrently as Permanent Representative of Jamaica to the Organization of American States, where she is an important interlocutor at the premier hemispheric forum for political discussion, policy analysis and decision making in Western Hemisphere affairs.

Well-recognized for her outstanding diplomatic representation of Jamaica in the United States and the Western Hemisphere, Ambassador Marks is also a distinguished and trailblazing business leader and has had the honor of serving
as the first female President of the American Chamber of Commerce of Jamaica during which she brought greater focus on increasing investment and trade between the United States and Jamaica.

Dr. Neva Helena Alexander

Dr. Neva Helena Alexander is a dynamic and influential figure in the fields of education, entrepreneurship, and leadership. As the CEO of Nevalliance, a distinguished professional development company, Dr. Neva has dedicated her career to empowering individuals and organizations to reach their full potential.

Her passion for education and innovation led her to establish the National Educational Venture Alliance (NEVA), a non-profit 501c3 organization committed to preparing students for college and careers.

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Dr. Sandra Scott

Dr. Sandra Scott was appointed Interim CEO of the One Brooklyn Health System by the Board of Trustees, which encompasses Brookdale, Interfaith, and Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Centers. She previously served as the Executive Director of the Brookdale Hospital Campus, making her the first woman and African American to hold this position.

Dr. Scott is an esteemed physician, leader, and educator who graduated from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. She completed her residency in Emergency Medicine at Boston Medical Center and has previously held the positions of Chief of Service for Emergency Medicine at Rutgers's New Jersey Medical School and Chair of Emergency Medicine at Lincoln Medical Center in the South Bronx.

Laura L. Palker

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.

Suzette Bather-Taylor

Suzette Bather-Taylor’s broad experience in finance, construction management and supplier diversity has made her a change agent in the space of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

As Program Director, Aviation Department at the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, Suzette oversees tenant, contractor, and developer efforts to meet or exceed diversity goals across the entire Aviation Department enterprise.

She has been instrumental in developing policies and provisions that hold Aviation’s tenants, contractors and terminal developers accountable by ensuring that they comprehend, commit to and comply with 30% goal for including Minority and Women-Owned Businesses, 3% goal for including Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses , as well as including Small Business Enterprises, Disadvantaged Business Enterprises, Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprises, and Local Business Enterprises, on all airport projects.

RENEE SACKS, Ph.D.

Renee Sacks creates ‘opportunities from possibilities’ and has done so for over three decades in business, government and on behalf of small businesses, especially, women and minorities.

Dr. Sacks is president and founder of Sacks Communications, a New York State and federally certified WBE. The firm provides corporate communications and integrated marketing services in construction, infrastructure, transportation, and real estate to government agencies, private clients, professional and trade associations and non-profits. Dr. Sacks also serves as Executive Director of the Women Builders Council, Inc., a leading advocacy organization. She is regarded as an expert authority on issues related to diversity, equity and inclusion and is developing new programs in this area for many of her clients. Dr. Sacks has won numerous awards for corporate responsibility and in 2023 was named a Woman of Influence for WBC’s work by Crain’s New York Business.

Karmisha Superville

Ebk Events is a full-service event planning and consulting firm bringing you top of the line event management and expert client representation. Our firm is known for mission-focus, innovation and creativity. We embrace technology and provide our clients with professional, exceptional results. We are experts in the metro New York City market, and balance professionalism and a high level of attention to detail and overall client care.

Karmisha Superville is the senior event planner and business consultant at EBK EVENTS, a certified M/WBE (minority women-owned business) event planning and consultation firm located in Brooklyn, New York. With over 7 years of business acumen within the state of New York. Karmisha and her team have planned some of the most successful events for nonprofits, small businesses and city agencies such as the Annual Women’s Conference, Catalyst Youth Summit a partnership with the Department of Youth alongside the Office of the Mayor.

Cindy Brown

Cindy Brown was born and raised in the Caribbean island of Trinidad and Tobago. She migrated to the United Stated in 1998 to acquire her Bachelor of Arts degree at Medgar Evers College.

In 2001 she was crowned Miss Medgar Evers College for her famous monologue performance of Sojourner Truth “Aint I A Woman?” One of her many accolades at Medgar Evers College was a feature in Ebony Magazine representing entitled “The College Queen.”

Ms. Brown’s performances have since provided many opportunities. Some of the places Ms. Brown has performed recently in the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce, Concord Baptist Church and back at her alma mater, Medgar Evers College, just to name a few.

Felicia Smith

Felicia Smith is an Inspirational Speaker, Author, Podcast speaker, YouTube voice, Prepare Enrich Facilitator for couples, and Texas Licensed Professional Counselor.

Felicia holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Christian Counseling as well as Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Liberty University.

Felicia has years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families – helping clients overcome mental health challenges ranging from PTSD to depression and relationship issues at Relate-2-Clinic.

Lauren Moy

Lauren Moy is currently the Associate Director- Graduate Business Career Relations at Hofstra University, Zarb School of Business, and a Certified Career Coach with over 20 years of Human Resources Management and coaching experience in the private, public and non-profit sectors. At Hofstra, Lauren provides career coaching to MBA/MS students, across all business disciplines.

She also builds and cultivates strong relationships with alumni and employers, manages employer and alumni networking events, connects students to alumni and employers, and creates and presents career workshops and webinars.

Patrice Francois

Mss Francois, MHRM,MBA, is a dynamic entertainer, speaker,producer, writer, author and game changing trendsetter that aims to inspire. She migrated from Trinidad and Tobago in her late teens to establish a new legacy for her life. She's the host of The Mss Francois Show-a talk show that encompasses candid conversations with a variety of entertainment, and uses humor to help others with their dysfunctional relationships.

The show was created out of the frustration and heartache over her failed romantic relationships. Many tune in to be engaged, empowered and entertained, as it provides a well needed distraction from the array of emotions that are experienced in different stages of a relationship.

Dr. Corrinne Graham

Dr. Corrinne Graham is a multifaceted business leader who combines sustainability, diversity and entrepreneurship. President of GRAHAM International Consulting and Research Inc., a NYS Certified MWBE that offers management consulting services to small and start-up businesses. She is also the founder of Designs by Dr. G, a sustainable lifestyle brand that gives back 10 percent of its sales to charities. Dr. Graham has a PhD in Healthcare Administration and has published on topics such as profitability and cultural diversity and sustainability.

She is a TEDx speaker, mentor, trainer, researcher and author who helps businesses improve their performance and impact. She is passionate about space exploration and energy, sustainable and conservation development for humans and our rights in these developments.

Sharon Leid

Sharon Leid is a seasoned publicity strategist with over 20 years of public/media/community relations expertise. Holding prestigious positions such as Executive Director for the Community Relations Bureau in the Kings County DA Office and Executive Director Of External, Community, Media and Government Relations for the One Brooklyn Health System, Sharon's expertise is unmatched.

In 2015, Sharon founded NetStruc PR LLC with a passionate dedication to assisting small businesses in uncovering their newsworthiness and unique storytelling. She believes in creating tailored PR Campaigns for each client, ensuring that their brand and needs are met. Her efforts have featured clients on renowned platforms such as ABC NY, Fox 5 NY, CNN, New York Times, Bloomberg News, and Essence and more.

Ama Karikari-Yawson, Esq.,

Ama Karikari-Yawson, Esq., is the founder of Milestales Publishing and Education Consulting and the author of The Talk: A Black Family’s Conversation about Racism and Police Brutality, Sunne’s Gift: How Sunne Overcame Bullying to Reclaim the Gift, and other bestselling books. Her unique understanding of social issues, business, and the law has enabled her to become a relevant voice on issues as varied as race relations, women’s issues, dating, parenting, self-love, hair-bullying, and entrepreneurship.

Her articles have been published in MSNBC’s theGrio, HuffPost, The Atlantic, MadameNoire, and other publications. Ms. Karikari-Yawson has also appeared on The Today Show, Al Jazeera’s The Stream, The Nate Berkus Show, and Fox Business.

Nathalie C. Lilavois, Ed.D.

Dr. Nathalie C. Lilavois has been an educator for thirty-five years in a variety of teaching and administrative capacities. She devoted her first 14 years as a classroom teacher in primary and secondary grade levels followed by a 21-year career as a building and district administrator. Her many accomplishments include a National Blue Ribbon School, the Black Celebration Award in Education, the Phi Delta Kappa International Friends of Education Award, and the Power Women of Long Island Award. These awards recognize her dedication to education, empowerment, and civic responsibility.

Dr. Lilavois is the CEO/Founder of Zahara Crown, Inc., an educational consulting company that provides professional educational support, mentoring and coaching to parents, teachers, and administrators, focused on ensuring high quality, positive, engaging learning experiences for students of color. Using her vast experience as an educator, Dr. Nat strives to level the playing field by empowering families with the educational and financial information, resources, and tools they need to be successful and build a strong legacy for their future.

Rochell Bishop Sleets

Rochell Bishop Sleets is the managing editor at Newsday, where she manages daily operations and works closely with the newsroom’s award-winning team to provide impactful, differentiated coverage to diverse audiences across all platforms. Sleets, who joined Newsday in February 2023, launched her journalism career in high school as a Dow Jones scholar at the Asbury Park Press newspaper in her home state of New Jersey.

She made history in 2020 at the Chicago Tribune as the paper’s first Black news director, where she fiercely advocated for diversity in editing, coverage, and hiring and promotion. She has worked in journalism for three decades and has been dedicated to telling the full, fair stories — the joys and the sorrows — of all people.

Carrie Torres

Carrie Torres is Vice President of the Department Empowerment, Compliance, and Opportunity for New York State Homes and Community Renewal, with a mission to build, preserve, and protect affordable housing and increase homeownership. Carrie's objective is to promote equitable access to economic opportunities for minority and women owned business enterprises plus service disabled and veteran owned business enterprises. She is currently serving on the Governor’s Interagency Taskforce on Health Equity and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. She previously served as a Senior Advisor and Strategic Projects Manager for the Fund for Public Housing and the New York City Housing Authority. A public/private partnership where she led fundraising initiatives to develop and support resident programs for over 500,000 residents in North America's largest public housing authority.

Carrie is a professor of Data Analytics at St. Francis College located in downtown Brooklyn, an executive board member of Active Plus, a non-profit organization serving at risk youth with fitness, mindfulness, and leadership skills and an Advisory member of Sunday Funds, an interest-free micro lender supporting entrepreneurs globally.

Mae Caime

Mae, a timeless visionary at 65, fueled by an unwavering passion to empower women through her secret sauce recipe. Holding formal titles such as a Registered Nurse, Certified Integrative Health Coach, Treasurer to Blue Star Moms NY6, and reigning MS. New York Senior America 2023, Mae is a dynamic CEO with over 35 years of experience in building multimillion-dollar enterprises. Her philosophy centers on guiding women to embrace midlife and beyond as an awakening, discarding the cliché of a "Midlife Crisis."

Mae encourages women to embark on a journey of self-discovery, navigate transformative paths, establish healthy boundaries, indulge in guilt-free self-care, and pursue soulful fulfillment—all while gaining the confidence and courage to effect positive changes. As an eternal optimist, Mae discovered age-defying benefits in body, mind, and soul despite facing challenges like Lupus and Hashimoto's.

Minister Ashley Koprowski

Minister Ashley Koprowski is a licensed social worker and has worked with children and families involved with the foster care system since 2014 through Children’s Aid. She currently facilitates a Special Needs Parenting Class called Unique, and is a parent coach for parents who’s children are in foster care.

Ashley Koprowski was ordained as a Minister by Dr. Glenn and Juliet McBride in 2009. She served at Adonai Community Tabernacle for over 10 years in various roles, largely as youth minister. She is now Vice President of Sister Talk led and founded by Dr. Juliet McBride and is a NYS Task Force Chaplain.

Minister Ashley also volunteers with various organizations such as PAL Girl Talk, where she mentors and facilitates workshops with middle school girls to help them gain skills to succeed in life. She also sits on the board for an outreach ministry, Purpose Driven Ladiez.

Carla Hamilton

Carla is currently the Director of the MBA Co-op Program, Hofstra University Frank G. Zarb School of Business. This is a very New program for Hofstra University. The program is to provide full time MBA students with an integrated educational and professional work experience where their last semester is doing a Co-op in their field of study.

The program also provides an opportunity for business leaders to help grow the base of experienced young business talent here on Long Island. It is her long time goal to enhance this new MBA Co-op program and build its recognition as a premier program that contributes to Hofstra University’s value proposition, while meeting the needs of the students and corporate partners.

Samer Nasser

Samer Nasser’s role as Executive Director of the Press Credentials Office for the City of New York in the Eric Adams Administration is integral in supporting the city's media economy. Leading the Press Credentials Office, Samer ensures the integrity of NYC's press card process by developing operational policies and providing guidelines to journalists and news organizations.

As part of Samer's commitment to the PCO, she collaborates with key entities such as the Center for Communication, the NYC Ethnic and Community Media Group Office, and the Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY.

Christen A. Johnson

Christen A. Johnson is the lifestyle editor at Cosmopolitan where she covers health and wellness, money, career, home, pets, food, and more for print and digital. She’s interviewed celebrities like Issa Rae, Latto, Queen Latifah, Jennifer Hudson, and Megan Thee Stallion, and she also wrote Cosmo’s first-ever digital cover story featuring Chloe Bailey.

Before joining the magazine, Christen was a features reporter at the Chicago Tribune where she specialized in lifestyle content.Several of her health, style, and even pet stories made the legacy paper's front page.

Sally Shahin

Sally Shahin is a multifaceted professional who thrives at the intersection of marketing, data science, and creative expression. As the Marketing Director at Lūvente, Sally leads innovative campaigns that captivate audiences and drive brand growth. Beyond her corporate endeavors, Sally is also deeply passionate about storytelling and the power of shared experiences.

She is currently working on the "Love Without Borders" season II podcast, where she serves as the Marketing Director. Through this platform, Sally aims to bridge global narratives and inspire audiences by sharing stories of love, resilience, and human connection.

Busie Matsiko-Andan

Consultant, Pont Global | Board Trustee, Berkeley College | ED, Africa Future Summit

Busie Matsiko-Andan is an award-winning global strategist, entrepreneur and Board Trustee who has held positions on Wall Street at Smith Barney, Oppenheimer & Co., and Citibank. She is a serial entrepreneur who is widely recognized for her impact leadership.

As a global strategist and CEO of Pont Global, Busie Matsiko-Andan has been instrumental in successfully scaling and growing companies and organizations (industry agnostic). She is the Executive Director of The Africa Future Summit which brings together investors and leaders in technology, entrepreneurship, and politics to address the challenges that affect Africa’s future. She is also the first black woman trustee of Berkeley College.