WIBC Presenter Bios
Welcome Presentation: Flush the Fear
Beth Allen
Founder, HIP Chicks
Beth Allen is the Founder of HIP Chicks – A DIY Resource for Women. She is also a Licensed Contractor, Media Contributor, Spokesperson, and Registered Nurse. Working with seniors and women homeowners, Beth brings a unique set of skills from her educational experience in both home improvement and dementia caregiving. She is dedicated to empowering women by giving them the knowledge, skill, and guts to maintain their homes with confidence. Beth supports seniors by guiding families living with dementia. Beth produces her own YouTube Channel, which has 3M+ views. This creative, passionate, and fearless entrepreneur loves running, dogs, travel, and, of course, time with her husband and three grown sons.
Session: Gender and Cultural Issues in the Workplace
Luanne Amato
Assistant Professor, Holy Family University, School of Business Administration
Dr. Luanne Amato has been an educator for 20 years and is currently employed as an Assistant Professor at Holy Family University. She teaches management, marketing courses, and quantitative analysis for business. Luanne is responsible for the facilitation of two seminars at Holy Family University on Change Management and Career Development. Luanne’s passion is for student engagement and equality in education, especially in STEM education for marginalized groups. She is the author of several textbook chapters related to this passion which include “Barriers to a STEM Career: Math Anxiety and the Adult Female” published in The Handbook of Research on Social Inequality and Education and also in Research Anthology on Adult Education and the Development of Lifelong Learners. In 2022 her chapter “Improving Diversity and Equality in STEM Education: Universal Design for Learning and the LEVEL Model” was published in the Handbook of Research on Active Learning. Luanne’s current publishing projects for 2023 involve research into the effect of the Freshman Experience course on student retention in higher education and a textbook chapter “Relieving the Fear of Elementary Statistics: Teaching with Technology” in textbook Technology Integration and Transformation in STEM classrooms.
Luanne retired from a 27-year career in Healthcare, acting as the administrative liaison between patient financial services and the medical community as Director of Patient Access. In her final four years, she served as Executive Director for a for-profit Ambulatory Surgery Center. In her role as a medical professional, Luanne also participated as an examiner for the Keystone Alliance for Professional Excellence (KAPE) quality award.
Luanne received her BS in Business Administration and MBA in International Business from Rosemont College and in 2018, was awarded an Ed.D in Curriculum, Teaching, Learning, and Leadership from Northeastern University. She resides with her husband in Northeast Philadelphia and has 5 children and 4 grandchildren.
Panelist: TODAY’S “SUPER STARS” ARE THEIR ACTIONS A ROADMAP FOR ALL GENERATIONS?
Api Appulingam, P.E., C.M.,
Deputy Director of Aviation, Capital Development, Philadelphia International Airport | Northeast Philadelphia Airport
Api Appulingam, P.E., C.M., is the Deputy Director of Aviation, Capital Development and oversees a multi-billion dollar program tasked with making critical improvements and developing new infrastructure at both Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and the Northeast Philadelphia Airport (PNE) through architectural, engineering, environmental, planning and sustainability projects. Ultimately, she is responsible for bringing innovation to the airfield, terminals, and roadways at both airports.
Prior to her current role, Ms. Appulingam served as the Philadelphia Office Leader for RS&H, Inc., a national provider of architecture, engineering, and consulting services. There, she led significant aviation development projects for general aviation and commercial service airports in the U.S. and internationally. Ms. Appulingam earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University and a Master of Business Administration in Project Management/Corporate Finance from the University of Dallas. She is a registered Professional Engineer (P.E.) and an American Association of Airport Executives Certified Member (C.M.).
Ms. Appulingam serves as the Philadelphia Chapter’s President-Elect for Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS), serves in a dual role for the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, as the Committee Chair for the Northeast Chapter and as a Committee Vice-Chair for the national organization. She is also a member of the Board of Trustees for the Free Library of Philadelphia. Ms. Appulingam is passionate about mentoring and supporting the next generation of STEM professionals. She mentors young women ages 13 to 18 as part of the WTS Transportation YOU program, which provides a hands-on, interactive introduction to a wide variety of transportation careers.
In 2017, Ms. Appulingam was recognized by the Society of Women Engineers as a “Woman Engineer You Should Know.” This recognition is for women engineers blazing new trails in a traditionally male-dominated field, aiming to make the world a better place. In 2021, the Philadelphia Business Journal recognized her as a “Woman of Distinction” for blazing trails across Greater Philadelphia’s business landscape with her leadership, vision, and tenacity. Also in 2021, Ms. Appulingam was recognized by Airport Business magazine as a “Top 40 under 40” which showcases the aviation industry’s top talent working to make a positive impact on the way the aviation system works.
Session: The Great Exodus vs. The Great Awakening: How Hiring Has Changed
Myra Brown
Chief Operating Officer and Owner, NWON Opportunities, LLC
Oversight of New Business, Training and Development, and Recruitment for NWON. NWON Opportunities provides work readiness and career preparedness workshops and training to job seekers. We help businesses meet their staffing needs while building a skilled workforce.
34 years of Sr. Human Resources and Executive Leadership experience. Former Regional Director of Business Services and Employment for PA Careerlink. Director of HR and Diversity for The Philadelphia Orchestra. BA Communications and MBA both from Temple University. Goldman Sachs 10KSB Alumni, Cohort 26, Spring, 2022. Chair of Women’s Way.
Panelist: TODAY’S “SUPER STARS” ARE THEIR ACTIONS A ROADMAP FOR ALL GENERATIONS?
Romona Riscoe Benson
Director, Corporate and Community Impact, PECO
Romona Riscoe Benson has more than 25 years of strategic leadership in the areas of corporate philanthropy, stakeholder engagement, non-profit leadership, and entrepreneurship-focused on event and convention planning and tourism development/ promotion. She is currently PECO Energy’s Director of Corporate and Community Impact, an Exelon company. She oversees PECO’s Corporate Social Responsibility strategy, directing high-performance teams, managing an annual budget of over $10M for corporate contributions and sponsorships, customer assistance outreach, workforce development, and employee giving and engagement programs. Romona is passionate about making a difference by creating inclusive strategic and sustainable organizations and programs. She is a recognized corporate leader in advancing the principles of DEI. She has served on various regional initiatives, including the Papal Visit, DNC Convention, and NFL Draft.
Benson previously served as President and CEO of the African American Museum in Philadelphia, where she led a turnaround strategy, directed a multi-million dollar building renovation project, and installation of a nationally recognized exhibit on the early life of African Americans in Philadelphia known as Audacious Freedom.
Romona served as the executive director of the Philadelphia Multicultural Affairs Congress (now PHL Diversity) with the Philadelphia PCVB, positioning the city as a nationally recognized model for multicultural tourism. She owned her own consulting firm for 12 years, Riscoe & Associates, Inc., providing capacity building and meeting services to non-profits. Clients included National Baptist Convention USA, Museum Fine Arts Boston, and New Orleans Multicultural Tourism Network. She also produced Philadelphia’s popular PECO Energy Jazz Festival. Earlier in her career, she held leadership roles with the Abraxas Foundation and New Jersey State Aquarium.
Community service is an important value for Benson. She supports non-profits with her time, resources, and talent, serving on numerous boards and committees, including Board Chair of the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation. She has been honored by numerous organizations over the years, including Meeting Planners International, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and more recently, The Philadelphia Tribune, United Negro College Fund, Mural Arts of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Hospitality, Girl Scouts of Southeastern Pennsylvania, and the Urban League of Philadelphia.
A native of New York, Romona is a recognized donor to causes important to her. She has a passion for the arts and cultural experiences, along with organizations having strong social justice missions. Benson is a jazz vocalist and considers herself a life-long learner. She enjoys spending downtime with her husband, Herb, and their family.
Panelist: TODAY’S “SUPER STARS” ARE THEIR ACTIONS A ROADMAP FOR ALL GENERATIONS?
Fran Burns
Chief Operating Officer, Connelly Foundation
Fran Burns is currently serving as Chief Operating Officer for the Connelly Foundation. Prior to her current role, she taught for one year as a professor of practice at Villanova University. Fran has served over 25 years in the public sector in various leadership positions. Fran served four years as Chief Operating Officer of the Philadelphia School District. She has held key public-sector positions in Philadelphia, including the first woman Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority (PICA), the City’s fiscal oversight board.
Fran served four years as Commissioner of the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I), the City of Philadelphia‘s building department, under Mayor Michael Nutter. She briefly served as Executive Director of the Manayunk Development Corporation before being named Commissioner of Licenses and Inspections.
Fran has also served as Assistant Budget Director and Assistant Managing Director respectively, for the City of Philadelphia. Fran holds an undergraduate degree in political science with a minor in history and holds a Master’s in Public Administration, both from Villanova University. Fran is also an adjunct teacher for Villanova University.
Session: Internet Crimes: What is the Latest Threat We Face in 2022
James Carty
Chief Security Office, FBI Philadelphia Division
Mr. James Carty is currently the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the Philadelphia Division of the FBI, where he is responsible for the security program covering all functional areas of security; physical, personnel, and information. Jim also has the Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP) certification. He is a veteran of 42 years in the law enforcement community and was additionally an Adjunct Professor of Computer Information Systems (CIS) for 21 years at Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) where he has taught classes in computer networking, and digital forensics, and computer and network security. Jim has both a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Masters of Science (MS) degree in Information Systems Management from Holy Family University.
Session: Social Media Trends 2022 and Beyond
Shannon Jester Carr
Senior Digital Marketing Strategist, Vault Communications
Shannon Jester is a Senior Digital Marketing Strategist at Vault Communications. She helps develop and implement marketing campaigns for the agency’s clients across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Twitter, and more. In addition to developing campaign strategies, she stays up to date on the latest social media trends to help clients understand how they can continue to grow their social media presence through paid and organic. When she’s not working, you can find Shannon planning out her next vacation with her husband or spending time at home with their dog & cat at their home.
Session: How to Network When You’re Too Busy to Network
Christine Cicio
Director of Continuing Education, Penn State Abington
Chris Cicio is the Director of Continuing Education at Penn State Abington. She oversees professional development training, custom training for organizations, and youth programs. Prior to arriving at Penn State, she worked at Rutgers University and managed training programs for national, state, and local government employees. Before her time at Rutgers, she worked at Prevent Child Abuse New Jersey, where she designed and delivered researched-based workshops throughout New Jersey. Chris specializes in building community partnerships, identifying strategic opportunities, and implementing new initiatives.
Chris holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology and masters of public administration, which was both obtained at Rutgers University. She is an advocate for lifelong learning and strives to provide people with the skills they need to succeed in their careers.
Session: Finance For Women: How is it Different?
Bill Davis
Professor, Bucks County Community College
Bill received an undergraduate degree from La Salle University and a graduate degree from Temple University and then taught as a professor at both schools. He has also taught at Chestnut Hill College and Bucks County Community College.
While working in a training role with Janney Montgomery Scott in Philadelphia, Bill completed the necessary credentials and transitioned into a career in financial planning. He has since completed the Financial Planning Program at The American College and holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner certification.
Bill joined Ameriprise and started his own practice in 2016, building client-by-client. He specializes in working with women going through life changes and transitions, guiding them through these challenges to help them in their journey to financial independence. Bill focuses on helping his clients learn and understand the financial planning process.
Bill has been named Five Star Wealth Manager in 2020, 2021, and 2022; he and his team have been recognized with Ameriprise’s highest client satisfaction honor, their Client Experience Award.
Actively involved in youth sports organizations, Bill coaches baseball and softball and is an Executive Board Member of the Langhorne Athletic Association; he also coaches basketball for St. Andrew CYO.
Session: Self-Care: Taking Yoga Off the Mat and Into Your Daily Life
Melissa Gyuracki
Wellness Team Leader, Northeast Family YMCA
Melissa is the Wellness Team Leader at the Northeast Family YMCA. She believes that to encompass a healthy lifestyle, one must tend to the whole self and nurture their mind, body, and soul. During the pandemic, she was blessed to gain her 200-hour YTT through Samudra Global School of Living Yoga with the World-renowned Shiva Rea. Ever since Melissa has been sharing her movement meditation as a form of self-care and community care, through her practice, she can lead her team and serve others with a clear mind, an empathetic ear, and a compassionate heart.
Session: What to Expect from the Emerging Gen Z Workforce
Dr. Deirdre Jones-Lowman
Communications Professor, Community College of Philadelphia
Deirdre L. Jones-Lowman is a visionary Thought Leader, dynamic, Motivational Speaker, Social Entrepreneur, and Professional Life Coach with a passion for engaging communities and empowering individuals. She believes in paying forward knowledge, opportunities, and resources that may contribute to the betterment and empowerment of lives while increasing life satisfaction for women. She also believes that understanding and knowing your value is the ultimate act of self-care. Self-care, personal vision, and mental agility are critical attributes that women leaders must acquire, maintain, and cultivate for success in leadership positions, domestically and professionally.
Deirdre began self-sufficiency, and financial literacy education coaching in the financial services sector and recognized the dual importance of autonomy and self-care in women’s mental health and wellness. She has had an extensive career in financial services, mortgage banking, business management, and human services administration while also serving on the board of the My Daughter’s Journey Foundation (Queens, NY, and Knoxville, TN). Furthermore, Deirdre has provided consulting services for the State of Maryland Department of Human Resources, the City of Philadelphia Housing and Community Development, the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, and NeighborWorks America in the areas of homeownership education, and financial literacy education, and mortgage foreclosure intervention.
As a social justice advocate, having partnered with local and regional human services for-profit and nonprofit organizations, Deirdre constantly champions women’s mental health and wellness, women’s rights, and women’s self-care. She is currently a Ph. D candidate in Human and Social Services at Walden University, where in 2009, 2020, and 2021 respectively, she successfully completed her Master of Philosophy in Human and Social Services and Master of Business Administration in Strategic Human Resource Management, with High Honors. She also graduated Cum Laude from Knoxville College, a historically black college located in Knoxville, TN, with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication and English.
Originally from Gary, Indiana, Deirdre Jones-Lowman founded DJ Squared Consultative Group, in 2009 a for-profit career and life management consulting group, and co-founded the Empowered Community Development Corporation located in Philadelphia, PA. Consequently, in 2016, Deirdre founded the Pay It Forward Initiative Life Coaching and Mentoring Service, a WOSB, M/WBE certified coaching practice that offers organization development intervention strategies, leadership development, and work-life balance strategies for women leaders, where she is Managing Director. Deirdre is an ACC Certified Coach, as well as a Certified Youth Resilience and Leadership Coach through the International Coaching Federation. She has participated through ICF Philadelphia in the Pennsylvania Conference for Women, the Ignite program-Big Brothers and Big Sisters, as well as Women’s Way. She is a contributing writer to two digital magazines: Heart and Soul and Soultown magazines. She currently holds active memberships in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated; National Organization of Human Services; the International Coaching Federation, and the American Psychological Association and currently serves as an Adjunct Faculty at Community College of Philadelphia.
Moderator: TODAY’S “SUPER STARS” ARE THEIR ACTIONS A ROADMAP FOR ALL GENERATIONS?
Monica McGrath, PhD
Resources for Leadership, Inc.
Monica McGrath is the former vice dean of Wharton’s Aresty Institute of Executive Education, adjunct professor at the University of Pennsylvania, and a member of the Penn Forum of Faculty Women. In her role as Vice Dean, she led a team of over 100 professional staff and faculty to design and deliver thousands of leadership programs for global executives at every level of organizational responsibility.
Monica served as lead academic and learning director in numerous MBA and executive programs, including “Women in Leadership”, “Executive Coaching”, “High Potential Leadership,” and “Career Comeback: A Fellowship Program for Professional Women”. Monica also served as academic director of a Women’s World Banking initiative for senior leaders, the “Microfinance Leadership Program,” and the initial Goldman Sachs Foundation initiatives to educate women entrepreneurs, the “10,000 Women,” and the first offering of the “10,000 Small Business” programs. She served as an expert in executive development for Wharton’s MBA Feedback and Coaching Network, the Wharton Leadership Program, and the Wharton Leadership Fellows Program.
In addition to her work at Wharton, Monica owns and operates Resources for Leadership, Inc., a leadership development consulting practice established in 1994. She has designed learning programs and served as an executive coach for senior executives and high-potential managers for Fortune 500 companies and not-for-profit organizations.
Monica holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Psychology from Rowan University (cum laude), a Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree from Temple University, and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Organizational Psychological from Temple University. Her area of specialization is adult learning and organizational psychology.
Session: Growth in Uncertain Times. What’s the Best Plan?
Franne McNeal
MBA, Executive Director, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program
Franne McNeal, Education Services Director, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses, helps small business owners develop growth plans to increase revenues, create jobs, and support community involvement.
Franne brings the experience of being a Significant Business Results Coach and a “FranneTastic” serial entrepreneur, keynote speaker, author, radio, and TV show host. Franne’s signature 5K Significant Business Results Coaching services deliver Significant Business Results! Her extensive corporate experience includes financial services, manufacturing, sales, and training.
Franne has nearly 300 LinkedIn recommendations from professionals who have benefited from her expertise. She has worked with over 10,000 executives, business leaders, and professional organizations for over 25 years as an executive coach, trainer, facilitator, keynote speaker, and board member. She has helped her clients generate nearly $1 Billion in total revenue.
Franne has served as Adjunct Faculty with City University of New York (Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses), Adjunct Faculty with State University of New York (Kauffman Foundation FastTrac), and Adjunct Faculty with Community College of Philadelphia. Franne’s impact on the entrepreneurial ecosystem has been highlighted by several awards and recognition, including * 2020, Enterprising Women Award * 2017, Women Supporting Women Trailblazer Award * 2015, Minority Business Advocate, Philadelphia Business Journal * 2014, Power Woman, Main Line Today * 2014, Small Business Influencer Award
As a breast cancer survivor and stroke survivor, Franne McNeal provides motivational keynotes to entrepreneurs who feel “infected with frustration” and “paralyzed by fear”, so they “focus their energy for action and achieve significant business results”. Franne McNeal is the author of the book “Significant! From Frustrated to FranneTastic; Inspirational Stories for the Entrepreneurial Woman”. Her book is also available in French and Spanish. Developing her book provided the momentum to create a podcast, “The Significant Business Results Radio Show”. Through SignificantTV, Franne interviewed 100 entrepreneurs.
Franne McNeal earned a Bachelor of Arts from Princeton University and an MBA from Eastern University. She is pursuing a doctorate in business administration at Temple University.
Franne is an avid walker and gardener. She loves people-watching and writing sitcoms. While Franne has tried salsa dancing lessons, she has promised herself to be more adventurous with long-distance bicycling, zip-lining and sailing. Occasionally Franne catches 5-minute zen-like power naps to refresh her spirits and recharge her batteries!
Panelist: TODAY’S “SUPER STARS” ARE THEIR ACTIONS A ROADMAP FOR ALL GENERATIONS?
Carrie Nork Minelli
Parx Casino®, Director of Advertising & Public Relations
There are certain traits that characterize every performer: poise, confidence, determination, and grace. For Carrie Nork Minelli, the very skills she honed in the entertainment industry early in her professional life helped launch her career in the vibrant world of marketing, public relations, and advertising.
Carrie grew up in Philadelphia and graduated with honors from Temple University. While attending college and for many years thereafter, Carrie pursued her passion for entertaining as a Philadelphia 76ers Dancer and a featured performer in live production shows in New York, Tokyo, Philadelphia, Myrtle Beach, Miami, and Atlantic City. Settling in New York City, she retired from one career in dance and began a new one in public relations. Cataldi Public Relations, a boutique lifestyle agency in the heart of mid-town Manhattan, is where she discovered her future. While at Cataldi PR, Carrie’s talent and personality landed her national clients, including Sony Digital Pictures, SoapCity.com, Metrochannels, Alizé Beverages, Taittinger, American Movie Classics, and WE: Women’s Entertainment Television.
In 2001, Carrie worked with Cashman & Associates, an award-winning lifestyle public relations and marketing firm, and became an integral member of the publicity team. Working in both the New York and Philadelphia offices, Carrie led all clientele in the hospitality, dining, nightlife, and entertainment arenas, including Niche Media, Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (visitphilly.com), and Greater Philadelphia Film Office, Stephen Starr Restaurants, and Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa. She also served as the agency’s Celebrities Relations Director and handled client participation in high-profile events such as Sundance Film Festival, LA Film Festival, Super Bowl, MTV’s Video Music Awards, and Philadelphia’s Live 8 Concert.
In the fall of 2009, after the birth of her first child, Carrie was recruited by top casino executives at Greenwood Racing Inc. and accepted the position of Director of Public Relations for Parx Casino® in Bucks County. In this exciting new venture, Carrie directed and managed all media relations initiatives for the casino as well as the corporate entity of Greenwood Gaming and Entertainment, Inc. She has been involved with many prestigious events and charitable organizations such as 6ABC’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, New Hope Celebrates, Susan G. Komen® Philadelphia MORE THAN PINK Walk™, and Gift of Life Organ Donors Heroes, Philly POPS, Historic Philadelphia’s Franklin Square, and many more. In December 2012, Carrie took on additional responsibilities adding Director of Advertising alongside her public relations role. Currently, Carrie is an integral member of the marketing team for the #1 revenue-generating casino in Pennsylvania. She directs all advertising and public relations efforts, creates publicity-driven events, identifies and directs high-level marketing sponsorships, creates marketing strategies, manages celebrity relations, and oversees social media activity for the company.
In addition to her active position at Parx Casino®, Carrie is a Board of Trustees member for a nationally recognized Blue Ribbon School ~ MaST Community Charter Schools of Philadelphia, and she serves on the Board of Directors for the United Way of Bucks County and the Komen Leadership Council for Susan G. Komen.
Session: Corporate Culture: How to Build, Engage, and Create a Sense of Belonging in the Workplace
Patricia H. Rooney
PHR Director – HR Training and Development, PARX Casino and Entertainment
Patty is currently the Director of HR – Training and Development at Parx Casino and Racing in Bensalem, Pa. She has extensive experience in Training, Organizational Development, Operations, Policy and Procedures, Safety, Employee Relations, and Employee Engagement.
Having worked in the field of Accounting and Marketing during her career, Patty possesses strong business acumen. She has extensive global experience obtained on the ground in North, South, and Central America, Europe, Asia, and South Africa.
She has worked in multiple industries, including Entertainment, Telecommunications, Financial Services, and Pharmaceuticals.
Patty earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the College of New Jersey and has earned her PHR designation and Gaming Management Certification.
Patty is an active volunteer in Bucks County and Chair of the Women’s Leadership Business Resource Group at Parx.
Session: Collaboration for Success: Women Helping Women
Cheldin Barlatt Rumer
CEO & Executive Producer, THIS IS IT NETWORK
As CEO/Executive Producer of THIS IS IT NETWORK™, CheldCheldin Barlatt Rumer is the CEO, and Executive Producer of THIS IS IT NETWORK™, a global female, minority-owned, digital streaming platform.
Each day THIS IS IT NETWORK™ shares inspiring stories with a diverse community of female leaders, executives, and entrepreneurs through educational entertainment. This inclusive and engaging content consists of online video programs and lifestyle blogs that are hosted and written by an array of captivating personalities and professionals.
Rumer uses her magnetic personality, unmatched energy, and industry expertise to promote the accomplishments and ambition of her international guests while captivating her global audience of remarkable women. Through a layered media strategy, she intentionally caters to the multifaceted lives of her community, both personally and professionally.
Through her SCREAM YOUR DREAM™ online courses and in-person classes, she provides participants with the measurable tools and tactics needed to clarify their personal brand, share their brand stories, and generate results.
As an immigrant from Sierra Leone, West Africa, a former Division 1 athlete, a mother of two, an adjunct professor, a personal branding expert, and an author, Rumer works diligently to encourage her audience to no longer whisper their wishes but to scream their dreams.
Session: Corporate Culture: How to Build, Engage, and Create a Sense of Belonging in the Workplace
Michelle Sooby-Saldutti
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, PARX Casino and Entertainment
I have been a Bucks County resident my entire life and really enjoy being involved with the community. I am the proud mother of 3 daughters, which have blessed me with 7 grandchildren. I am currently; A member of the Pennsylvania Board of Realtors since 2001, Parx Casino (2011) Diversity Coordinator, I serve as a Board member for The Greater Northeast Chamber of Commerce (2016), and Committee member of the Building a Better Bensalem Community Coalition (2016), The Chairmen of the Parx People with Disabilities Business Resource Group (2020), Committee member of The Parx Women`s Business Resource Group (2020), Committee member of The Parx Senior Business Resource Group (2020), Committee member of The Parx Pride Business Resource Group (2020), Bensalem Lion Club Member (2016)
For over 30 years, I have enjoyed planning many events. Currently, one of my favorite roles at Parx is to coordinate events to benefit local nonprofit organizations. I feel truly blessed and proud to be part of the Parx Team.
Session: Lessons in Leadership: How Behavior Spreads
Jacqueline Talpa
Century 21 Advantage Gold
Jacqueline was born and raised in the Czech Republic and is a veteran of Real Estate with over 27 years of experience. She had the opportunity to work in multiple markets in the US and several brokerages. Her experience spans the many parts of residential real estate to commercial and Real Estate Development. Jacqueline assisted hundreds of clients with their home sales and purchases as well as building sizable real estate portfolios. She strongly believes in sharing her knowledge and has been helping other licensees become successful as a Real Estate Instructor and Coach. She is an admitted Continuing Education Instructor in MD, DC, PA, IL, and NY and she creates and delivers courses and classes through various associations and organizations. Jacqueline has also enjoyed much success in leadership, managing several Real Estate offices to unprecedented growth. She currently enjoys her role as a Managing Broker for a Century 21 Advantage Gold office in NE Philadelphia and brings forward her leadership and exceptional customer service skills to the NE Philadelphia neighborhoods and their people.
Session: Imposter Syndrome: Don’t Let Fear Keep You From Success
Heather Arlene Woolley
Soul Counselor, Owner, Guided To Heal
Certified Akashic Record Reader and Reiki Practitioner
My career path has wound its way through lawyering, culture and HR training with large and small businesses, business development training, and now, Akashic Record Reading, Reiki energy healing, and Intuitive Card Readings. As a lawyer, I counseled people to find their paths in the earthly realm. As a Soul Counselor, I counsel beings to help them as a Soul on their journey through this human form, relaying the messages offered by the Universe and their own Souls. A common thread through all of my work and teaching is to empower people to set aside fear and embrace their true selves, just as I’ve embraced my own fears in stepping out of my role as a lawyer and into my role as Soul Counselor Energy Healer and Artist.