2018
Keynote Speaker – First Lady Tammy Snyder Murphy
“I cannot tell you how very thrilled we are to now have an official mandate to continue listening and working together — with you — to bring out the very best of our state.” – Tammy Murphy
Tammy Snyder Murphy’s upbringing, career, and worldview have been consistently shaped and defined by family, education, service, and leadership. Whether running for student office during college, thriving in a competitive and male-dominated industry, starting and working with nonprofits, or joining the Women’s March in Trenton, Tammy has always believed in problem-solving through coalition-building and participation.
Tammy and Governor Philip D. Murphy have been married for 23 years and together have four children: Josh, Emma, Charlie, and Sam. A transformative experience for the Murphy family was proudly representing the United States in the Federal Republic of Germany. Tammy, individually and together with her husband, spoke and led on behalf of the United States of America. She chaired meetings, gave speeches, and hosted meals and receptions, strengthening our nation’s relationship with a critical ally while impacting the lives of thousands of Germans and Americans. Upon returning to New Jersey, Tammy and Phil realized that the incredible state they called home was in need of bold new leadership.
Together, they founded a think tank to explore ways to help grow the middle class and jumpstart New Jersey’s economy. Most recently, Tammy has been energized and inspired traveling the state and meeting New Jerseyans to hear their concerns, both with Phil and as his surrogate, utilizing her experience in the private and nonprofit sectors to work through policy ideas and solutions, and supporting and advising the Governor on his transition. A graduate of the University of Virginia (B.A., English and Communications, 1987), Tammy currently sits on the University’s Board of Visitors. She also serves as Secretary and charter member of The Climate Reality Action Fund, an organization founded by former Vice-President Al Gore
Over the years, Tammy has worked with non-profits, a think-tank, and other organizations focused on the environment, education, health care, youth and family services, as well as the arts and trans-Atlantic relations. Tammy previously worked in finance in the U.S. and Europe and has traveled extensively throughout the world living overseas in each of London, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, and Berlin.
She speaks German and some Italian. As First Lady, Tammy will continue being a partner to Phil as he works with Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver to tackle the formidable challenges facing the state and its incredible residents.
Women Leading The Chang: Stepping Into A Bigger Version Of You
Presented by: Lena Cohen, Speaker | Author | Consultant, Lena Cohen LLC.
As women we are stepping up and stepping into our power in a bigger way than ever before. We will mastermind to build our leadership muscle, to develop and nurture the characteristics that make us strong, resilient and someone we would want to do business with
- Learn how to build a strong foundation by identifying top leadership characteristics of those who have excelled in their field, revolutionizing the way we operate in our industries.
- Explore your own leadership characteristics and skills, recognizing your strengths and growth areas. Understanding how emotional intelligence can elevate your ability to lead.
- Increase your self-awareness by defining exactly who you are, and where your values and morals lie. Learn how to balance ambition and ethics.
- Create the vision for your future. What is your mission? Have you begun to brand yourself in the industry? What will your legacy be as a leader?
Real Talk: Sexism In The Workplace
Presented by: Kathryn V. Hatfield, Esq., Weiner Law Group
Discussing sexism in the workplace is often considered taboo. Openly and honestly discuss the many ways that sexism may manifest itself in the workplace.
- Gender bias and sexism in the workplace – how does it manifest itself and how should women respond to it?
- What are the subtle forms of sexism?
- What is implicit or unconscious bias and how does it show up in the workplace?
- Is the response to gender bias different depending on your generation?
- How can women shutdown sexism in the workplace and still get ahead?
Act One: Speed Advice – Women Guiding Women
- Phyllis Mirabella, Director of Purchasing, Union County College (Moderator)
- Career: Sarah Blessing | | Marcella Gencarelli
- Finance: June Lazaro | | Dithra “Dee” Sands
- Image: Ferlie Almonte | | Sue Melville
- Nutrition & Wellness: Elizabeth Nusser | | Laura Rokosz
- Relationships: Joi M. Stanley | | Lisa Lieberman-Wang
What’s on your mind? Feeling a little stuck? Ask our expert advisors in Finance, Wellness & Nutrition, Relationships, Career, and Self- Image! Learn to accelerate your career, advocate for yourself, expand your network and make informed decisions. You will have four minutes with each advisor so have your questions prepared! Then rotate into our peer to peer advice category where you may be the solution to someone’s problem!
Wizdom Media, LLC is a privately held, women-owned design firm that was established by the two Creative Partners Jacqueline Duboys and Sheryl Rosenstock-Marcus in September, 2000 in NYC. Wizdom accommodates clients with visual design for marketing social and multimedia needs across the digital landscape, including Print, Exhibit, Environmental and Experiential design. The company supports a well-established client base in the NJ/NY metro area, as well as a broad international clientele.
Wizdom opened its Rahway, NJ location in 2007, which was the new hometown to Jacqueline, and an historic city undergoing intense redevelopment and an Arts renaissance. The robust design firm has won numerous NJ Ad Club awards, many on behalf of the The City of Rahway. Wizdom’s participation in keen marketing, positive Social Media presence and relentless public outreach has all played a part in helping Rahway to become one of NJBiz.com’s “Next Hot Spots to Watch.”
The Creative Partners Jacqueline Duboys and Sheryl Rosenstock-Marcus are consummate graphic design professionals, each with 20+ years of experience and well-versed in all digital and traditional design disciplines. The two women met as class instructors, while teaching design for LI University’s Continuing Ed Program in 1997, and have enjoyed business success together for.18 years.
Jacqueline’s broad spectrum of experience has given her an advantageous perspective on the “business of design.” She is the Oz behind the scenes on most client’s Social Media platforms. Her nickname of choice is “Super Admin” and when she’s not working, you can find her performing at music gigs around town perfecting her command over stage fright.
Sheryl, who still hails from Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, NY, is a traditional, fine and multimedia artist/craftswoman with a passion for all things creative. Sheryl brings a unique blend of branding, marketing and design knowledge to every project.
The two women have worn many hats over the past 18 years: marketeer, slogan-coiner, design psychoanalyst, typeface groupie, teacher, shaker, worker-bee, lounge act, artiste and lifelong student. With proven success in problem solving and change management, they both strive to combine their business acumen with their passion for community relations. As pioneers during the digital marketing revolution, they take great pride and effort to inspire and empower their clients to create marketing.
Jacqueline Duboys & Sheryl Rosenstock-Marcus
Wizdom Media, LLC is a privately held, women-owned design firm that was established by the two Creative Partners Jacqueline Duboys and Sheryl Rosenstock-Marcus in September, 2000 in NYC. Wizdom accommodates clients with visual design for marketing social and multimedia needs across the digital landscape, including Print, Exhibit, Environmental and Experiential design. The company supports a well-established client base in the NJ/NY metro area, as well as a broad international clientele.
Wizdom opened its Rahway, NJ location in 2007, which was the new hometown to Jacqueline, and an historic city undergoing intense redevelopment and an Arts renaissance. The robust design firm has won numerous NJ Ad Club awards, many on behalf of the The City of Rahway. Wizdom’s participation in keen marketing, positive Social Media presence and relentless public outreach has all played a part in helping Rahway to become one of NJBiz.com’s “Next Hot Spots to Watch.”
The Creative Partners Jacqueline Duboys and Sheryl Rosenstock-Marcus are consummate graphic design professionals, each with 20+ years of experience and well-versed in all digital and traditional design disciplines. The two women met as class instructors, while teaching design for LI University’s Continuing Ed Program in 1997, and have enjoyed business success together.for.18.years.
Jacqueline’s broad spectrum of experience has given her an advantageous perspective on the “business of design.” She is the Oz behind the scenes on most client’s Social Media platforms. Her nickname of choice is “Super Admin” and when she’s not working, you can find her performing at music gigs around town perfecting her command over stage fright.
Sheryl, who still hails from Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, NY, is a traditional, fine and multimedia artist/craftswoman with a passion for all things creative. Sheryl brings a unique blend of branding, marketing and design knowledge to every project.
The two women have worn many hats over the past 18 years: marketeer, slogan-coiner, design psychoanalyst, typeface groupie, teacher, shaker, worker-bee, lounge act, artiste and lifelong student. With proven success in problem solving and change management, they both strive to combine their business acumen with their passion for community relations. As pioneers during the digital marketing revolution, they take great pride and effort to inspire and empower their clients to create marketing that customers will love, while always igniting real results for business.
Inez Barberio
Take Charge
Inez Barberio believes in looking for the positives in life. Since earning a certification in Emotional Intelligence (‘EQ’), Inez has developed a strong passion for mastering the fundamental concepts of EQ and living with a positive mindset. As the founder of Inez Barberio, LLC / Core Growth Strategies, Inez has devised practical programs for teaching her clients how to live and lead fulfilling lives that utilize their heads and their hearts in equal measure.
Inez earned a Degree in Journalism and Mass Communications with a focus on Broadcast Journalism after graduating from New York University. She made her mark working in the corporate world, got married, continued her studies and earned a Master’s Degree in Education from Rowan University with focuses on Elementary Education, Psychology and Special Education. She is involved with many female entrepreneur groups that focus on empowering each other and is currently enrolled at Cornell University’s “Women in Leadership” certification program.
While working as a celebrity correspondent for the lifestyle and entertainment publication, Millennium Magazine, Inez learned to strengthen her communication skills and concentrated her stories on the strengths and triumphs of the celebrities she interviewed and brought out their real – life personas to the magazine’s readers. Her most recent interview with James Murray from the hit television show Impractical Jokers inspired Inez to launch a new project which directed its attention towards individuals who shared their stories on what others perceive as their “overnight success.
The emotional well – being of children is a topic that is near and dear to Inez, and one she frequently discusses. She is actively involved with Mallory’s Army; a foundation established in loving memory of Mallory Grossman, who at the tender age of 12 took her own life on June 14, 2017 because of relentless bullying from her classmates at school and on social media. As Inez continues her work with Mallory’s Army, her goal is to introduce EQ into the curriculum of every school across the United States.
Inez has been a guest on television outlets including Latino Motion, and Harry TV with Harry Connick Jr. She has appeared on various radio programs, and has been a keynote speaker for AtlantiCare, small businesses and special events. In addition, she was nominated for Philadelphia’s Womenpreneur of 2018.
“We wake up each day with a choice on how we want our day to be. We hold that power within ourselves. May we choose to live our days in happiness and be an inspiration to others!” ~ Inez Barberio
Joi Stanley– Smith
Relationship Expert
From high-powered corporate executives to small business owners, Joi M. Stanley will ignites your passion to up-level your business and use research-based techniques and tools to keep your business sprinting forward. As an Executive Strategist and Business Development Strategist, Joi…Conducts a needs assessment for every client. Determines where your business should be headed. And creates an action plan for you to get your business moving forward. As a Self-Discovery Strategist and Motivational Speaker, Joi …Helps her audience to shift their mindsets from fear to fierce. Enables you to let go of any fear that holds you back… “Releasing the Pause” And empowers you to rise from confidence-crushing ashes and create a life you never thought was possible.
Joi M. Stanley’s mission is to Empower, Educate, and Motivate, those who aspire to reach higher levels in life, relationships, health & wealth. Joi’s process fosters an environment of ownership, reliability & trust. She shows you how to take responsibility for who you are, and what you hope to accomplish in your life &/or business. As CEO of Loc Soc, Joi has spent countless hours speaking in front of audiences that range from Corporate Executives such as Wells Fargo, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Merck& CO., PSEG, to school age girls between Essex and Union Counties just to name a few with her empowering message to Level-Up in your life and business/career. HER SIGNATURE MESSAGES…“Release the Pause Button” empowers her audience, through the power of Self-Discovery, to never put your life on hold because of fear or lack of self-esteem. “The Big Ask” motivates her audience to unleash the power of asking for what you want.
“What Do You Really Want” inspires her audience, through the power of focus and vision, to discover what you truly want out of life SPECIALTIES Business Development Strategist: is the Soup to Nuts program where I help entrepreneurs develop their roadmap to success. Here I coach from the point of business planning to execution. Together, we create ways to build your business, and then, take your business to the next level. This program has had no less than a 90% rate in increased company productivity since 2003.Executive Development Strategist: is a Sales and Marketing Program that is based on the needs assessment of the company. From the needs assessment, I deliver a team-building platform, motivation techniques, and sales & marketing tools for success. 93% increase in sales productivity since 2003.Self-Discovery Strategist: as a Licensed Certified Professional, I have mastered the technique of helping you “Release the Pause Button” through the process of Self Discovery. As a Self-Discovery Strategist, I encourage my clients to understand the power of owning their shi…(stuff). Through this process, you will shift your mindset and begin creating a life that you never thought possible, because you put yourself on “Pause” due to fear, lack of esteem, negative association, etc. 100% money back guarantee. To date, 100% SATISFACTION since 2010!
Phyllis Mirabella
Speed Advice
Before joining Union County College last year as the Director of Purchasing, Phyllis worked at Chubb Insurance for 18 years and Continental Airlines for 12 years prior. She worked in Operations Management at Continental Airlines and continued her Chubb career in Operations as a Learning & Development Instructional Designer and Trainer. Subsequent positions included Project Manager for Systems Training Solutions in the Field Technology Services Department. In 2007, she was promoted to Assistance Vice President and asked to join the newly formed Operations Process Management Group. In 2009, she was selected to provide project management support for Chubb Commercial Insurance’s companywide Project Catalyst Initiative Phyllis then joined the Audit and Quality Services Department as a Project Manager where she performed operational efficiency reviews, led and managed quality and operational projects and initiatives.
Phyllis’ community involvement has included past president and member of the Education Enrichment Foundation of Scotch Plains-Fanwood, Program Director of SPF LTC 100 and facilitator for UC STEP – both are annual one-day leadership conferences for local middle and high school students, past board member and current Senior Counselor at the New Jersey Association of Student Councils Leadership Training Conference held annually at The College of New Jersey and is a current member of the Union County Commission on the Status of Women. In 2011, Phyllis was awarded the Women of Excellence Award by Union County Commission on the Status of Women for excellence in civic and community leadership.
She holds Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers University with a concentration Political Science and a minor in Economics. Phyllis has holds her Six Sigma Green and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certifications. She holds the designation of Chartered Insurance Operations Professional, C.I.O.P. and has earned her Women’s Leadership Institute Certificate from The John E. Anderson Graduate School of Management, UCLA.
Sarah Blessing
Career Expert
I specialize in working one-on-one with individuals in order to better understand their areas of expertise within the various industries. This knowledge assists me in placing candidates into positions that best meet their criteria and tap into their specific skill sets and strengths. I’ve worked in placing Technologists, Health Care Professionals, Financial Service Professionals, and Administrators all over the country from global conglomerates to local small business.
With technology updating by the millisecond, the ways in which we seek jobs have changed tremendously—even from year to year. Utilizing LinkedIn, Job Boards, and social media improves our “professional presence” and increases our chances in finding the right opportunities. At times those opportunities find us when we least expect it! I focus on educating professionals on how to best utilize these outlets. I provide advice on how to tailor resumes for specific jobs, which increases a candidates odds in being discovered, interviewed, and ultimately selected. Helping others reach their full potential is undoubtedly the best part of my day.
Marcella Gencarelli
Career Expert
Marcella is currently Vice President, Client Outreach Manager for Lakeland Bank. She has 19 years of banking experience and over 25 years of proficiency in business development, coaching and relationship building.
Initially a successful entrepreneur in the Food Industry, Marcella transitioned into the corporate world of banking by utilizing skills acquired through creating “differentiated marketing and client experiences”, business development strategies and maintaining strong relationships.
Marcella received the Circle of Excellence and Service Excellence awards while with PNC Bank and was also recognized as the Summit Area YMCA Mission Volunteer of the Year.
Her current community affiliations and memberships include: Suburban Chamber of Commerce- Chairwoman; WCEC (Women’s Center of Entrepreneurship Corporation) – Women of Influence Committee; Warren Ladies Lunch – Founder; Summit YMCA – Board Member; B.I.G. (Believe, Inspire. Grow) – member.
June Lazaro
Finance Expert
Born and raised in New Jersey; I am a married mom and an entrepreneur. As a financial representative with Primerica for over 15 years, I guide families thru budgeting, saving, living for today and the future. My life’s experience, as a prior nurse, has taught me the precious value of life and the genuine need to appreciate, support and overcome challenges inclusive of monetary needs. Thru workshops and/or one or one visitations; I dedicate my time and expertise in teaching ways to take control of your finances.
As business women; I’ve had the privilege of being there for families who lost a loved one. Some might not want life insurance because of the expense and view it as another bill to pay. Others may not see it as a need or know who to talk with about these personal concerns. As a financial expert, I am here to listen to your concerns and guide you through the process. Imagine when the children are grown, debts are manageable and money is saved thru retirement plans. It is a privilege seeing assets grow for college, retirement or other dreams and goals.
Currently as a Co-Leader of the North Jersey Chapter of ETTWomen; my passion is guiding women and families thru that financial maze and to educate them on the process of financial freedom. Procrastination also known as Financial Paralysis is one of America’s biggest obstacle that need to be conquered to provide this everlasting expression of love.
Caring, Competent, Committed & Connected. For any questions or comments please reach out to me June Lazaro, Financial Expert at 908 930-8310 cell or email me at junlazaro@verizon.net or connect https://www.linkedin.com/in/junelazaro
Dithra “Dee” Sands
Finance Expert
Dithra (Deetra) Sands is an Independent Certified Financial Professional that enjoys helping all in need with their personal finances. Dithra has been a Financial Representative with Primerica for over 17 years. She travels throughout New Jersey sharing her expertise on “How Money Works” through Financial Literacy Workshops that are done completely free to Organizations, Communities, Schools and Corporations.
One of her passions is to educate women on how to take control of their financial future. She mentors individuals who want a career in Financial Services by showing them how to get licensed while being trained and developed as they build their own Financial Services business. This also gives individuals the opportunity to be able to manage their own finances. She will continue to share her expertise with everyone that is in need of it.
Her belief is that knowledge is power, but only if it is used to help someone else.
Cell Phone: 732-754-8793 | | Email: dsands@primerica.com
Ferlie Almonte
Image Expert
Motivational Speaker. Resilience and Confidence Expert. Professional Emcee. International Best Selling Author. Certified Life and Image Coach-Consultant. Inspirational EDUtainer. Inspirational Jewelry Designer.
There is no simple way to describe this multi-talented visionary. Out of her personal catastrophic experiences, Ms. Almonte created a magnificent brand and has emerged into a Global Resilience Leader. Born in the Philippines, but now residing in New Jersey, Ms. Almonte travels the world to speak, hosts important events, concerts and fundraisers, and provides workshops and coaching programs on Resilience, Life Reinventions, Image, Confidence and Public Speaking to private clients, corporations and organizations.
Passionately driven by her mission in life to be The Voice of Hope and Resilience, Ms. Almonte lives to inspire and empower people to rise above their adversities, and help them explore their possibilities, and embrace new beginnings through her diverse areas of expertise.
Ms. Almonte has co-authored three life changing Amazon bestselling books: Empowering Transformations for Women, Pure Genius: Simple Solutions that Work to Light Up your World, and Women Innovators: Leaders, Makers and Givers, Volume One. Ms. Almonte is soon launching her multi-city One Woman Motivational EDUtainment show, “Make your Mess your Message.” In this unique and original fusion of Motivation and Entertainment, Ms. Almonte will take you on an extraordinary life changing experience with her remarkable personal stories of resilience and powerful repertoire of original songs.
To contact or follow Ferlie’s amazing events and workshops, visit www.FerlieAlmonte.com
You can also connect with Ferlie Almonte on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter
Sue Melville
Image Expert
Sue’s love of fashion and desire to empower people to project an image of confidence and style led her to FIT to earn a certificate in Image Consulting. Recognizing the power of color in this process, she also earned her color analysis certification from the Image Resource Center of NY.
She is the founder of Sue Melville Consulting, an image consulting company that helps people who want to take it to the next level but don’t know how. Her mission is to make it easier for them to look their best.
Email Address: SueMelvilleConsulting@gmail.com
Phone Number: (908) 432-5334
Elizabeth Nusser
Wellness & Nutrition Expert
I’ve always tried to live a healthy lifestyle: consistently mindful of my food choices and the incorporation of activity into my weekly routine. In my mind, cheating every now and again on my diet and exercise plan was acceptable because I believed my lifestyle was relatively consistent. I am sure many people can relate to this mindset.
Despite my efforts, the work I was putting into my diet and exercise plan weren’t consistent with my actual results—in fact, just the opposite was happening! When the scale was just shy of 200 pounds I recognized that I needed to make a life changing commitment to myself. I set clear goals and vowed I would do whatever it took to reach them. I also took ownership over my excuses and no longer allowed myself to use cravings, my PCOS diagnosis, genetics or high cholesterol as an excuse for my weight issues.
Through experimenting with a variety of wholesome foods, I was able to learn through experience how the foods with which we choose to fuel ourselves can truly affect our body and mindset. I learned that my body was unique; there was not one diet plan that would work for everyone.
This positive lifestyle change is what put me on this path to becoming a health coach. I wanted to use my personal experiences to help others make changes to live a healthier, happier life!
I have been blessed to find my passion in life as a health coach and personal trainer. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, as well as a health counseling certification from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and a certified personal training certificate from the National Academy of Sports Medicine. I am trained in over one hundred dietary theories and studied a variety of practical lifestyle coaching methods. I am further trained to develop exercise programs based on scientific, evidence-based research, which push my clients beyond their limits to further improve their health. I work with my clients to assist them in creating a personalized plan that suits each unique body, lifestyle, preferences and goals.
Laura Rokosz
Wellness & Nutrition Expert
Laura Rokosz is a Pharmacologist and Food Scientist with 28 years of experience in the Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology industries. She received her B.S., M.S., and Ph.D in Food Science from Rutgers University and is the current Chair of the Rutgers Food Science Advisory Board. Dr. Rokosz was employed with Schering-Plough, Merck and Pharmacopeia where she supported drug discovery efforts related to Metabolic diseases, Autoimmune disorders, Alzheimer’s disease and Cancer. She is the author of over 35 peer-reviewed journal articles including five Expert Opinion articles on Obesity and Cancer. A number of her blogs on fitness and nutrition have recently been published on the syndicated website, Mind Body Green.
Dr. Rokosz is currently the owner of EGGLROCK Nutrition, LLC, an Integrative Healthcare practice providing dietary and lifestyle guidance for disease prevention and health maintenance. EGGLRock Nutrition recently received the Rising Growth Success Award from the Small Business Development Center at Kean University and was named Business of the Year for 2016 by the Union Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Rokosz also teaches a variety of Nutrition courses at Kean and Rutgers Universities and group fitness class at the Gateway Family YMCA of Union, NJ. Be sure to tune into her Radio show on WMTR 1250 AM, “Eat Right with Laura” Tuesday nights at 7:30 PM.