Our Advisors

Kathleen Alfiero: Kathleen Alfiero’s passion for the well-being of young people has been the foundation of her professional life. She worked for over 25 years in public education as a teacher and substance abuse counselor, has hosted a television program featuring the stories of extraordinary ordinary people that has aired on PBS and worked in live shows in theatres throughout Maine. In 1996, Kathleen was the Executive Director of Maine Communities Face Alcohol, a nationally recognized statewide substance abuse prevention effort summarized in Voices of Hope, a report recognized by the PEW Center with the Batton Award for Civic Journalism.  As founder of Appreciation Unlimited, Kathleen explores and shares the talents, gifts, and contributions of people of all ages through multimedia to a global audience. Celebrate ME, a non-profit arm, produces educational programs and events using storytelling as a medium for positive change and features school people, parents, children and communities.

Gwendolyn Alston: Gwen was born and raised in New York City, got her B.A. at Vassar College and her M.A. at NYU. She’s fluent in French and Spanish and has been living in Madrid for 20 years, where she got her PhD in Comparative Literature from the Complutense University of Madrid and worked in the publishing industry for fifteen years, in marketing and as an editor. During that time, she developed series about art and artists, psychoanalysis, women and business. Five years ago, she quit her publishing job and set up her own company. Along with her sister Angela, now based in Dallas, Gwen runs MocaMedia, offering grassroots outreach services and consultation for independent filmmakers. As she is concerned about environmental, social and cultural issues, representing films that have a mission and a call to action for specific causes was a natural transition. There are many satisfying aspects to her work: working closely with her clients to help them fulfill their goals and dreams for their film; learning about widely diverse subjects; the challenge of reaching out to different communities and getting them excited about a film and its mission; and taking full advantage of new technologies at her fingertips to spread the word and connect with communities, while working remotely from any part of the world. Her business also allows Gwen the possibility to spend
more flexible time with her two daughters, Claudia and Sofia.

Nambata Angula: Nambata Angula has a BBA degree from the University of Namibia, and is currently pursuing her MBA degree in Finance through an online school, Capella University. She has approximately 7 years of experience in the finance/accounting industry and has been working at the United Nations headquarters in New York for the past three years. Her current position at the United Nations is a Payroll Examiner but hopes to branch out to the finance/investment field (which is where her pas- sion lies) once she completes her MBA degree.

Nambata is passionate about current affairs and enjoys reading and spending time with her ten- year-old daughter. She also enjoys mentoring young people and providing advice where possible. She currently services on the Advisory Board of the African Film Workshop.

Carol B. Armitage: Carol has a BS degree from University of Delaware and an MS degree from Princeton University, both in electrical engineering, and approximately 20 years of industry experience in the telecommunications industry.  She worked for about 17 years at Bell Labs/Lucent where her last position was as a Director in the wideband access division followed by 3 years at General Instrument (broadband communications), where her last position was as Senior VP of Technology and Strategy.  Her strengths are in executive management of product and technology design and development, including VLSI, optics, circuit design, software, and system integration.

Carol is currently on the Board of Directors of several technology companies, both public and private, as well as for a non-profit, documentary video production co.  She is also on the Advisory Board of several high tech companies. She is a counselor at SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Execs) providing business advice for start-up companies.

Christina Bark: Strategic Planning ● Business Transformation ● Risk Management

Deb Ashner: Deb has a M.P.H. from New York University with a focus on international community health and holds a B.A. from Richmond College in the U.K. with a degree in sociology with a minor in African economic development.  She has worked for over 20 years in the fields of public health and public policy and is a skilled senior manager with in-depth expertise working on innovative programs with an emphasis on capacity building and sustainability. In addition, she has led multi-year sector research projects utilizing beat practices and analyzing data for publication.  For over a decade she has been the leader at Ashner Associates, a high impact consulting firm, working on projects in the US and in Sub-Saharan Africa funded by the Kaiser Family Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, the National Governors Association, and Housing works in New York.
Her other past professional experiences include working with advocacy groups such as NARAL Pro-Choice and the AIDS Action Council.  Further, Deb has worked as contractor for the US Agency for International Development and held internships with several international NGO’s and PVO’s.
She volunteers for several non-profit organizations in the greater Washington, DC area and serves on the steering committee for the Washington Jew Film Festival.

Christina Bark is a trusted business advisor with expertise in strategy, risk management, operational optimization, leadership development and change implementation.

Christina’s diverse experience as a corporate leader, attorney and entrepreneur has honed her ability to design and promote achievable solutions, even when the odds are against a favorable outcome. Her results-oriented approach is well-suited to accelerate growth, optimize operations, manage risk and introduce new business models. Whether you are considering starting a venture, expanding a business, energizing teams and leaders, managing change or exiting a business successfully, Christina serves as a catalyst for breakthrough results.

Previously, Christina was Global Leader of Business Affairs for Oliver Wyman, a leading international management consulting firm and $1.2 billion subsidiary of Marsh & McLennan companies [NYSE:MMC].  While at Oliver Wyman, Christina was responsible for business process optimization, operational risk mitigation and leading a global team.  She focused on enhancing the firm’s ability to win projects, increase client loyalty and maximize revenue while minimizing risk exposure. She also led programs that enhanced the business through innovative training and organizational transformation.

Christina’s legal expertise has fueled her business success.  She served as Chief Legal Counsel for Oliver Wyman prior to its acquisition by Marsh & McLennan, as General Counsel of Scient, Inc. and as a Senior Attorney for IBM.  She practiced law with Porter Simon, a California- and Nevada-based firm, and in the San Francisco office of Proskauer Rose LLP, a New York-based firm.  She has represented private, public and governmental clients in the areas of general commercial transactions, mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property, real estate and land use, employment law, traditional labor law, complex litigation, trust and estate administration and bankruptcy from the creditor’s perspective.  Christina is admitted to practice in California and Nevada.

Christina’s “hands-on” experience building businesses fortifies her effectiveness as an advisor.  Oliver Wyman has been one of the fastest growing top-tier, strategy-consulting firms with an annual growth rate exceeding 20%.  Scient was one of the fastest growing consulting and technology services start-ups during the dot-com era.  Christina was also co-owner of a retail business in the San Francisco Bay Area founded with limited capital and an abundance of sweat equity.  Armed with a shrewd business plan, talent for capitalizing on free marketing and publicity, a healthy dose of optimism, a fondness for simple solutions and relentless perseverance, the business expanded into four locations in five years and was successfully sold at a competitive price.  Christina understands the challenges and accountability of driving business growth. Christina graduated from Vassar College (A.B., Sociology) and Stanford Law School (J.D.).

Celeste Beatty: Celeste Beatty is President, CEO and Brewster of Harlem Brewing Company. She became fascinated with beer brewing in the early 1990’s. Beatty created the recipe for Harlem Brewing’s Sugar Hill Golden Ale.  Ms. Beatty is an INC Magazine-William J. Clinton Foundation Emerging Entrepreneur. Through this initiative, Beatty worked closely with Pete Slossberg, mentor and founder of Pete’s Wicked Ale. She is the recipient of the Entrepreneur of the Year Award (Harlem Business Alliance) and the Local Hero Award (Alliance of Resident Theaters). Beatty has served as advisor to several start-up ventures, focusing on the specialty beer market. Ms. Beatty is a regular guest speaker at seminars that focus on entrepreneurship and branding. Future plans include a product launch in China, April 2008. Ms. Beatty is an International Studies graduate of Shaw University and continued her studies at NYU. She apprenticed at the Beerworks Brewery in Brooklyn, NY.

Monica Bennett: Monica Bennett is a Certified Reflexologist, Certified Life Coach, and Bachelors in Naturopathy.  After receiving a bachelors in Naturopathy, she was drawn to the art of reflexology and believes this healing power can help people become healthier and more in tune with their body, mind and spirit. Monica has also been a horticulturist for 22 years and loves how nature restores balance in life. She has come to see that just like roots are so important to the plants’ health, our feet are important to our health and well being. They root us, and keep us connected to all of life’s energy. Reflex-zone pressure is a powerful technique to keep us healthy. The feet mirror the image of the body and contain, neurologically speaking, the same elements that make up the body as a whole. Each foot corresponds to exactly half the body. The secret is simply to soften all of the hardness and knots in one’s feet and put them in good working order again by reflexing them. This will activate the organs, lead to better blood circulation, help balance the distribution of nutrients, and promote the disposal of waste products, which will lead to a healthy, ailment-free body. Reflexology can help alleviate a broad range of acute and chronic health problems. Along with realizing how important it is to take care of one’s body, Monica also became aware that the mind must be receptive to growth and be open to receive the benefits of wanting to be healthy. This is crucial for any healing to occur. By helping people overcome blocks and resistance, new ways of thinking can open this channel for allowing the flow of positive energy to vibrate through and to you creating harmony and a relaxed state of being. Being a life coach gives me an opportunity to assist people to live a full and rewarding life.

Beth Berman: Beth Berman is the Marketing Director for Career Placement Associates, a Washington, DC area Recruiting and Placement firm, now in its 27^th year in business. She has co-authored the firm’s newly-released Interview Coaching and Job Search Boot Camp Program, which is directed at college grads as well as graduate level and professional school graduates.

Beth acquired her BBA in Business Administration and Marketing from George Washington University. Born in Northern NJ, she fell in love with Washington, DC during college and resides in the area to this day. After graduating, she was recruited by AT&T and began her initial career in Marketing and Strategic Planning. After 13 years working in varied areas of the company, Beth stepped out of the corporate world and spent 7 years working with young kids in a Child Assault Prevention/Educational Program. Ultimately, the business world called out to her, and in February, 2002, she joined Executive Placement Associates, parent of Career Placement Associates. Initially an Associate Recruiter, she has risen to the role of Marketing Director for the firm’s recruiting and placement business and plays an integral part in the development and marketing of their Interview Coaching and Job Search program. Beth’s marketing role continues to evolve as the firm adapts to changing economic and job market conditions.

(The Interview Coaching and Job Search Boot Camp tutorials and personalized/group coaching sessions cover insiders’ tips, lessons and insights about the entire job search process—from resume writing to utilizing technological tools to optimize one’s job search to addressing in detail the interview process itself, with a focus on teaching strategies and techniques for mastering this most critical phase in a job search).

Judi Biamonte: Judi Biamonte has been a New York City teacher since 1998. Judi holds an undergraduate degree in History and a graduate degree in Education and Curriculum Development, both of which she received from Molloy College. Recently she has started a post-graduate degree in Administration from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.  Before becoming a teacher Judi was part of a small family business growing flowers, did medical billing for a large orthopedic doctors office and was in retail sales and leasing. Today she happily lives with her husband and best friend with their cat Grace. They have 3 children.

Julie Bilinkas: Julie Bilinkas is the Director of Operations for Avaya (a worldwide leader of business communications systems). Julie is an energetic, passionate and seasoned operational leader with demonstrated achievements in; Product Management, Marketing, Sales, Customer Service, Technical Support, Finance and IT. Julie has a proven track record increasing revenues and improving customer satisfaction while decreasing costs and expenses. Julie has a passion for International travel and the arts, and especially enjoys getting to know people of different cultures and religions.

Samantha Bilinkas: Samantha Bilinkas (aka “Sam”) is a High School Senior and a member of the National Honor Society. She has been performing since she was 9 years old. In addition to performing in countless local and regional productions with roles that included; Doubt (Sister Aloysius), Noises Off (Vicky/Brooke), Equus (Jill), Halcyon Days (Patricia), Hello Dolly (Irene Malloy), Godspell (Peggy), Fools (Sophia), Sound of Music (Elsa Schrader), Tuptim (The King and I), Alice in Wonderland (Alice), Wizard of Oz (Dorothy) , Sam has also performed professionally in a Broadway Workshop (Night of the Hunter), Off Broadway (Trials of Ms.Katherine), and in several movies (Spy, Civil War, Vacant, Recoil). Sam is an actress, singer, guitarist, songwriter, photographer, poet and writer. She has a passion for International travel and enjoys volunteering in her community. Sam is a member of Actors Equity Association.

Jeremy Ann Brown: Jeremy has worked as a Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) in New York and New Jersey for more than 20 years. In 1994 she survived a violent crime and since that event has become  an advisor, lecturer and advocate for crime victims. Prior to her career as a CASAC and crime victim’s advocate, Jeremy was a singer/actress working in musical comedy theater in summer stock, community theater as well as on Broadway. Jeremy is divorced with two children, ages 42 and 43. At 70, she is looking forward to mentoring and helping women by sharing her experience, strength and hope.

Valentina Caniglia: Italian-born Valentina Caniglia is an experienced cinematographer who combines her cinematic skills with the moving image camera to shape the light and create illuminative colors that give life in every frames she makes.

For many years, Valentina has always been a cinematographer who focuses her creative and technical knowledge to translate words into visual images which better adapt into a narrative story.

At early age Valentina started her cinematography and camera operator career for dramas, comedies, music videos, commercials, industrials, television episodes, web episodes and documentaries using all kind of formats in video and film and technique with high speed photography, stop motion, special effects, time lapse photography, blue and green screen. She has since traveled around the globe participating in films in USA, Europe, Middle East, India, Asia.

Valentina Caniglia is bi-coastal in New York and Los Angeles.

Throughout her life Valentina discovered the language of light, shadows, movement and composition, which she could use to develop her unique style. A style based on the quality of light and camera work associated to the narrative of a film, music video, commercial, television episode or a documentary.

Her vision strongly create a visual language that translate the script into strong images able to transmit magic emotions which adapt into the story. She has since become a Cinematographer for various production companies where she unveiled her professionalism and creativity.

In 2010, Valentina Caniglia was the cinematographer for The Festival Of Light with Ritu Singh Pande, Aidan Quinn,Jimi Mistry,Melinda Shankar, Ritu Singh Pande.

Valentina was the cinematographer for the film Return To Sender with Bill Cobbs directed by 79th Oscar winner producer Ravi Malhotra. She teamed with Jerry Melichar manager of Distributor Services at Focus Features International in the film Landlocked with Leslie Lyles and was the Director Of Photography on 2nd unit of the film Paraiso Travel with John Leguizamo, Offical selection of the Tribeca Film Festival 2008.

In October 2007, Valentina filmed the feature film “Pomegranates and Myrr” in Middle East, directed by Najwa Najwar with Hiam Abbass and Ali Suliman actors from the Oscar nominated foreign film “Paradise Now”.

Valentina’s other work include the film Vespertine a drama featured on Showtime Tv, Ho Man! a dark comedy, Official selection of the Berlin Film Festival 2003, Nightmare a thriller film released in Europe, winner of the Chicago film festival 2005 and awarded at the New York film festival 2005 and The Woods Have Eyes a thriller with Franky Adonis released in 2006.

Her work as a Director of Photography can be seen on MTV, Channel Plus, ShowTime TV, RAI as well as numerous nationally aired commercials, such as British Airways directed by Nikhil Advani, Ford directed by Kunal Kapoor, Nike directed by Mai La Thai, 2003 GBX , watch you step, and 2004 GBX, make your mark directed by Franco Barbeite both commercials received the Telly Award for two consecutive years.

As Director Of Photography Valentina also made her mark in the music video world where she lensed the music video of Aesop Rock, Fast Cars, which achieved the first position on the MTV 2005 music videos award,the Stain, Articolo 31, Enzo Gragnaniello and The Roots.

In addition to Sailors, a documentary entirely shot on a cargo ship for 25 days, Valentina Caniglia’s feature documentary work includes Double Vision, Artwatch that was shown at the New York Film Festival 2004 and Rage doesn’t sleep.

Julia Cheng, Esq.: Julia Cheng is a partner at the law firm of Di Santo LLP. Julia specializes in advising startups, on-going businesses or individuals on issues relating to business or intellectual property matters.  Her clients include foreign and domestic clients ranging from individuals to established or startup businesses in the fields of software, internet, wireless, branding, entertainment, music, health & fitness, food and non-profit in their dealings with companies which include Fortune 500 companies, government institutions and sophisticated investors such as Microsoft, Electronic Arts, major record labels, Conde Nast, Getty Images, PBS, East Timor government, Copyright Office of Liberia and Icahn ventures.  Prior to joining the firm Di Santo LLP, Julia practiced law for several years at the Wall Street firm of Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP and successfully ran her own practice, CyberlawStudio, Pllc, a corporate and intellectual law boutique for seasoned entrepreneurs from her studio apartment in downtown Manhattan.  A graduate of The Johns Hopkins University and Fordham University School of Law, Julia spent her childhood growing up in Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong, has traveled to 20+ countries (and counting) and speaks Mandarin Chinese, Japanese and French (descending scale of proficiency).  While not advising clients, Julia immerses herself in music composition/production courses at The Juilliard School.

Tasha Cohen: Tasha Cohen, Event Planner/Producer, has had the amazing opportunity to share her talents and skills with some of the most influential people in the industry. Her talents range from a vision to create a “dream come true” affair, to managing a smooth and timely event, foreseeing all possible obstacles before they occur.  Her attention to detail and pride in a well-planned event helps add to her value.  Her vision, values and integrity are a part of her success. Her creative development leads to an event that is not just an experience, but an opportunity to make memories. The majority of her business is on a referral basis with a long list of satisfied clients. While she has had many years of event planning experience, i.e. weddings showers, theme parties, corporate parties, fashion shows, talent showcases, and special events, Tasha’s real love is gearing young individuals not to be just performers but to be humble, honest and most of all be team players.  Being a singer and actress herself and the mother of an up and coming child star, Tasha finds joy in helping him and other children within her community alike succeed in this business by helping to provide the necessary tools in order to further their talents in this industry.

Tasha has always taught her son that in life you can’t always wait for an opportunity to present itself—sometimes you have to create your own.  With this strong aspiration to help young individuals, she decided to create a platform called “I’M A STAR TOO” for teens & young adults with dreams of becoming a star, because she truly believes that all of our children are stars!!!

Paula Darlington: Paula is a multi-media consultant who has worked in book publishing as an editor and publicist as well as in marketing assisting local businesses with television advertising campaigns. She has written for large corporate newsletters and executive speeches and has put together many successful events for both politicians and corporations. Currently she assists local businesses manage their social media and email communication to their customers.

In addition, she has also produced several web sites including one for the legendary Danny Kortchmar’s band Slo Leak. Her real passion is music and she regularly performs as a soprano soloist for Chris Coogan and The Good News Gospel Choir including one very memorable night as the opening soloist for a show with Mavis Staples at The Westport Country Playhouse. She is currently working on a recording project with Charlie Karp, whom she performs with. Although Paula is based out of Redding, CT, she frequently travels to New York City for business as well as for interesting meetings such as I Can Still Do That and Women Who Lunch and Network.

Elaine T. Davis: Elaine Totten Davis is a certified life and career coach (C.E.C) and a certified Energy Leadership Coach. With more than 25 years’ experience in advertising and publishing, Elaine partners with creative professionals such as photographers, writers, art directors, and fine artists to help them focus on their professional and personal aspirations.

Together, Elaine and her clients explore ways to tap into strengths, identify barriers, and develop strategies for achieving long- and short-term goals. Elaine’s resume includes roles as: 1) An Advertising Art Producer at both BBDO Worldwide in New York and Arnold Worldwide in Boston, 2) a Sales and Marketing Representative for both the Black Book in New York and AtEdge – Serbin Communications based out of Santa Barbara, CA and 3) a freelance Photo Consultant marketing and editing commercial photographers’ portfolios. In addition to her work with creative professionals, Elaine is passionate about supporting women in their pursuit to sustain a balance between the careers they love and the personal lives they treasure. Elaine values the ideas that “life happens all day” and that “we can all make things possible.

Dorothy Doppstadt: Dorothy Doppstadt the president of Surge Partners Company, teaches college students how to “surge ahead” and achieve in the professional world. Faculty and students have applauded her workshops as relevant, informative and engaging. Her combination of corporate experience at ABC NEWS as a national award-winning reporter and her ten years teaching experience as a writing professor at various universities and colleges in and around New York City are valuable assets for preparing students as they launch into an increasingly competitive work environment. Professor Doppstadt has taught broadcast writing and production at Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism and has developed courses at Fordham University, including the journalism core requirement, screenwriting, Shakespeare in Film, and advanced writing for the media. She has also taught business writing, magazine writing and feature writing at Manhattan College and the College of Mount Saint Vincent. She has a Master of Fine Arts in writing, a terminal degree, from Columbia University. Sony Pictures and Avenue Production have optioned several of her original screenplays.

Samantha N. Drazin: Samantha is a recent graduate of Franklin & Marshall College where she majored in Government and minored in Psychology.  She has experience in marketing, event planning, and fundraising for a non-profit organization called Prevention First.  During her internship at Prevention First she coordinated public events and fundraisers which netted upwards of $200,000, wrote press releases, and secured donor support.  Samantha was briefly Co-Director of Awareness and Development for the Tommy Foundation, a non-profit organization that raises funds and awareness about Autism in the greater Lancaster, Pennsylvania community.  Eager to embark on an exciting career in communications and media, Samantha will be attending the University of Miami in September to obtain her Masters in Public Relations.

Mindy Dutka: Mindy is President/Founder of The Event Company.  She brings over 25 years experience in Event Management, Marketing, Public Relations, Sales, Advertising, Community Relations, Business Development, Fundraising and Customer Service to every project she undertakes.

Her trademark is her attention to detail and her ability to think quickly on her feet, solving problems swiftly and effectively. She has the unique talent to determine her client’s needs and deliver them with successful results. Mindy’s events produce feelings of camaraderie and excitement, which equal a memorable, outstanding event. Being the consummate professional, she makes it all look easy while making the client look like a superstar. Her background includes employment with Fortune 500 companies Rueben H. Donnelly, Pitney Bowes and Chase Manhattan Bank. As director of Sales & Marketing for Chase Manhattan’s Conference Center, Mindy managed the conference center, from a start-up to over $3 million dollars in revenue, a client base of over 60 corporations and the implementation of more than 1200 meetings within the first year.

In 1995 she started, S’Mall Happenings Inc. and created an award winning family program called “Kid’s Causes.” S’Mall Happenings Inc. grew rapidly and has now evolved into The Event Company. The Event Company is a full service Event Marketing firm that plans a multitude of events and marketing programs for an impressive roster of ever-growing clients.

Carolyn Enger: American pianist Carolyn Enger is a passionate and distinctive musician whose recitals express her joy of sharing great music with audiences. In an era when musical interpretation has become predictable, Ms. Enger’s memorable concert experiences make an indelible impression on the individuals who hear them. Ms. Enger has appeared in many venues throughout the New York City and New Jersey area including Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, Bruno Walter Auditorium at Lincoln Center, Steinway Hall, Bechstein Piano Centre, Yamaha Artist Services, The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, and the Puffin Cultural Center.

Her many recitals have also included numerous outreach concerts for libraries, community centers, churches, and synagogues. Ms. Enger presents programs designed to inspire audiences to engage deeply with classical music of all kinds. Her concert repertoire includes piano literature from all periods, ranging from the great masterworks of European history to fresh new discoveries from living composers. Her recital programs are carefully crafted to the venues and performance contexts in which she appears. She has recently created recital programs featuring music by a number of living American and Israeli composers including Ned Rorem, Lowell Liebermann, Avner Dorman, Lior Navok, and Menachem Zur. Ms. Enger has released a recording entitled In Evening Air, which includes music of Beethoven, Scriabin, Hanson, Copland, Rorem, and Liebermann. She has also recorded a forthcoming CD devoted entirely to piano music of Ned Rorem.

Ms. Enger is a graduate of Molloy College. She has furthered her musical study at the Manhattan School of Music, the Juilliard School, Vassar College, and the Adamant Music School in Vermont. Her teachers have included Marc Silverman, Arkady Aronov, Peter Vinograde, and Robert MacDonald. She has also participated in masterclasses and coaching with Ward Davenny, Golda Vainberg, and Jacob Lateiner.

Ms. Enger was a student of the late Freda Rosenblatt, a musical descendant of Theodor Leschetizky, one of the world’s foremost piano teachers (whose students included the famous pianists Ignace Paderewski and Artur Schnabel). Leschetizky himself was a student of Carl Czerny, who in turn was Beethoven’s star pupil. Ms. Enger is honored to be a part of this distinguished tradition.

Furthering her interest in distinctive concert experiences, Ms. Enger is currently working on a multimedia project that will combine music, literature, and images, centering on the lives of Holocaust survivors.

Lynn Eros: Lynn’s expertise is in marketing analytics and product management. She has 10+ years experience at Morgan Stanley, most recently as Vice President, Product Manager leading a global marketing system and team.  Lynn has held other senior posts within Morgan Stanley: within Equity Marketing Analytics generating new revenue ideas, and within Technology preparing financial forecasts and budgets.  She has extensive client relationship experience and 5 years as a management consultant with Price Waterhouse.

Lynn holds an MBA from Emory University and a BSE in engineering from the University of Pennsylvania. She has always enjoyed travel (over 15 countries and 5 continents so far). Lynn just joined an improv comedy group and performs on stage in NYC.  Her other passions include dogs, hiking, sailing, reading, and mentoring.

Sondra Farganis: Sondra Farganis is the former Director of the Wolfson Center for National Affairs at The New School, holds a B.A. from Brooklyn College, a M.A. from the New School, and a Ph.D. from the Australian National University. Before coming to the New School in 1988, she taught at CUNY, Vassar, and Hamilton. At the New School, she has been the Chair of the Social Sciences Department, the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and the founder and Director of the Vera List Center for Art and Politics. Her books include: The Black Revolt and Democratic Politics; The Social Reconstruction of the Feminine Character; and Situating Feminism: From Thought to Action. She has written numerous articles for scholarly journals on subjects ranging from theories of liberty, identity formation, Hannah Arendt, intellectuals, and postmodernism. She has been president of both the New York State Political Science Association and the Northeast Political Science Association and has chaired the Theory Prize section of the American Sociological Association. Her current research is on the role of social movements and the cultural elite in the transformation of American society.

Lorraine Frankfurt: Lorraine Frankfurt, born and raised in Staten Island, New York now resides just minutes outside the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area in Northern Virginia.  Starting in the late 1970s, Lorraine worked on Wall Street for years in administrative positions in companies such as Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette and was office manager in the commodities exchange for the Coffee, Sugar and Cocoa Exchange at the World Trade Center.  In these positions she developed computer and technical skills that carried her over to managerial positions in Washington where she worked for government contracting firms, managing Word Processing and Graphics Departments that were responsible for the final products presented for proposals, along with carrying out the projects themselves.  Eventually, she had her own business contracting out her technical expertise.  Over the past decade plus, Lorraine has been moving in a completely differently direction, juggling two different “worlds” as it were.  Just this year she has completely given up her clients from her old business and has dedicated herself to her non-profit organization, the Namasté Center of Light and Education, Inc. The Center is dedicated to helping one open up their awareness to oneself, thereby living a happy and more balanced life.  Lorraine is a certified Reiki Master Practitioner, is certified in Reconnective Healing™ and The Reconnection™, Crystal Healing, Vibrational Healing and Metamorphosis—after studying for a year, in early October, she will become a teacher of Metamorphosis.  She also offers Life Coaching, Intuitive Guidance, Cellular Release of fear and negativity and Brain Gym—learning through kinesiology.  Lorraine is an Ordained Minister of the Universal Brotherhood Movement, a multi-faith organization.

Wilhelmina Frankfurt: Wilhelmina Frankfurt is a former ballerina with The New York City Ballet under the direction of George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins. She is a choreographer, director, coach and teacher. She has been the Artist in Residence at Sarah Lawrence College, SunyUlster, and The  Masters School. She has presented lectures and performances on Balanchine at numerous venues and schools( ie Vassar College, The Harvey Milk School, Ballet Florida School in Palm Beach). She is on the Board of The Real Theater Company and The Clockwork Theater Company. Currently, Ms Frankfurt is on  the faculty of Talent Unlimited High School for The Performing Arts In New York City where she serves as director of the Musical Theater Department and teaches ballet in the Dance Department. She also has developed a method for integrating the teachings of George Balanchine for public school dance students. She has three children Maggie, Jake and Sarah-Mae.

Lisa Gold: Lisa Gold comes from a show business background growing up with a comedian father and fortunate to be encouraged every step of the way during her 30 year career. A graduate of North Carolina School of the Arts, she also attended the acclaimed Cincinnati Conservatory of Music before leaving to study acting privately with renown teachers Gordon Hunt and Darryl Hickman. She began working professionally at age 16 and has made an income from acting or singing every year since, performing for Presidents, Astronauts (the 20th anniversary of the first lunar landing) and audiences worldwide. Her musical theater credits include a long list of well known shows as well as some groundbreaking new works headed for Broadway. Currently working in television (most recently the Emmy Award winning daytime drama All My Children), commercials, print and independent film, she has turned her attention to leading seminars on the Business of the Business as a way to contribute to others from experience she has gained both as a performer and as one of the owners of Actors Connection. A small mom and pop networking facility in the 90’s, Actors Connection has grown into the #1 Networking/Educational studio in New York. The studio today, with over 120 networking events monthly, is a testament to the need and desire of actors needing vital connections that will ultimately lead to their desired success. Lisa’s underlying purpose in everything she does is to end the “Starving Artist” syndrome by aligning with like-minded individuals and entities who believe creative artists deserve to make a great living at their chosen profession.

Amy Goldberg: Amy has spent the last 16 years in residential real estate sales and management. Prior to that 10 years of experience at WNBC-TV, New York in broadcast journalism. No matter what my vocation over the last 25 years I have found that people are at the heart of every transaction and they should be treated with care, patience and respect.

My affilliations: Currently a member of the Real Estate Board of New York.- and a former member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and New York State Association of Realtors (NYSAR) I participated on the Committee for Professional Standards and Ethics on the state level, and the Committee for Realtor Education in Ulster County NY. (1996-2004)

In my present position as the Director of Sales for Shares of New York Marketing LLC, I , specialize in the sale of “unsold” shares in existing cooperative buildings and condominium of conversions. Shares offers a diverse selection of renovated and un-renovated apartments on Manhattan’s Upper Westside and Whitestone, Queens.

Marcy J. Gordon Marcy J. Gordon is a highly experienced attorney with many years of providing sound business advice and strategy to her clients. Marcy has a broad range of experience as an attorney, entrepreneur, project manager and technology procurement professional.  Marcy’s advice has saved her clients untold amounts in time as well as money.  Marcy has advised start-ups as well as major Wall Street financial services firms. Marcy has been a computer consultant, software developer, technical writer and software entrepreneur.  She has advised and participated in major business transactions, including a $4-billion asset sale.  Marcy has a proven ability to win client loyalty.  Even while working as an attorney, clients repeatedly came to her for business advice and strategy. Marcy has been an attorney at Commodore Business Machines, Prodigy, Globix, Merril Lynch, Shearson Lehman Brothers, Lehman Brothers, Bear Stearns and UBS, as well as at an intellectual property/technology boutique firm (Brown, Raysman & Millstein) and a major law firm (Sonnenschein, Nath & Rosenthal).  She has represented buyers and sellers, and did a legal internship with a defense contractor, negotiating US government contracts.  Marcy has done a variety of techology, licensing, and general goods and services contracts, including major outsourcing arrangements and telecommunications agreements.  In addition, she has done trademark work, advertising agreements, construction contracts, utility contracts, HR agreements and a variety of data services agreements in the financial services industry.  Marcy is admitted to practice in Pennsylvania and New York.

Sabine Hoffman: Sabine Hoffman began her journey to becoming a film editor in Berlin, studying art, philosophy and film history.

In the United States Ms Hoffman has edited  independent feature films for over 12 years, including Rebecca Miller’s films “Personal Velocity” (Sundance Grand Jury Award and Best Cinematography winner and also the winner of the John Cassavettes Award) , and “The Ballad of Jack and Rose” (starring Daniel Day Lewis).

She edited Morgan J. Freeman’s “Desert Blue” and “Hurricane Streets” (which won  the Audience, Best Director and Best Cinematography awards at the Sundance Film Festival),  Alex Sichel’s “All Over Me” (a Teddy Award winner at the Berlin Film Festival), “The Day the Ponies Come Back”, directed by Jerry Schatzberg (also director of “Panic in Needle Park” ) and  “Harlem Aria” (winner of three Audience Awards : Urban World Film Festival in NYC, the Chicago International Film Festival,  as well as the Los Angeles Pan African Film Festival),  directed by William Jennings, starring Damon Wayans and Gabriel Casseus.

Other credits include “Brother to Brother “(winner of the Special Jury Prize at the  Sundance Film Festival,  the Gordon Parks Award, the Grand Jury, Audience and Best Actor awards at  Outfest, and the Showtime vanguard award) ,“Saving Face”, directed by Alice Wu (starring Joan Chen) and “Off the Black” , directed by James Ponsoldt, starring Nick Nolte.

Sabine has also edited numerous documentary films, including the Academy Award nominated “Ferry Tales” , directed by Katja Esson, as well as “The Party is Over”, starring Philip Seymour Hoffman and Thomas Allen Harris “The Twelve Deciples of Nelson Mandela”.

She has served as a consultant and story advisor on numerous productions, most recently  on “playground”, a documentary directed by Libby Spears, produced by Steven Soderbergh and George Clooney.

Ms Hoffman most recently completed Rebecca Miller’s upcoming feature film “The Private Lives of Pippa Lee” (starring Robin Wright Penn, Keanu Reeves, Julienne Moore and Wynona Ryder) and is currently editing “An Invisible Sign of my Own”, directed by Marilyn Agrelo (“Mad Hot Ballroom”), starring Jessica Alba, Chris Messina and J.K. Simmons.

Ms. Hoffman served as an adjunct professor at Columbia University and founded the Editing Award for feature and documentary narratives at the Woodstock Film Festival in 2004.

Nicole Johnson: Nicole Johnson (16) is a junior musical theater major at Professional Performing Arts High school. At age 13 Nicole founded Javanna Productions, a student driven production company in Miami Florida. At age 14 Nicole moved to New York city and has continued to build Javanna Productions into a full fledge professional company that is geared towards raising funds and awareness for community causes. Recently, Nicole directed, choreographed and produced a choreography showcase, entitled Move For Autism. The cast consisted of New York city teens from the Professional Performing Arts School in midtown Newyork and the profits were donated to the national autism organization, Autism Speaks. In addition to raising funds for community causes, Javanna Productions is geared towards providing talented community kids with an opportunity to use their talents.

Ana Maria Jomolca: Ana Maria is a Cuban-American writer, director and actress. Several of her plays have appeared Off Broadway.  She has written and performed in theAtrainplays and The House of Bernarda Alba at Repertorio Español. Her one-woman show Just Another Spic was work-shopped at Manhattan Theatre Source.

She wrote and produced the film, everygirl, which debuted at Tribeca Film Center and screened at “Women in the Director’s Chair International Film Festival” in Chicago, The New Festival in NYC, BAM Cinema and Pioneer Theatre’s New Filmmaker’s Forum. TVappearances include; 30 ROCK, Without a Trace, The Jury, directed by Barry Levinson, Law & Order: Trial by Jury, Criminal Intent, and Rescue Me.

She has been published in The Sun Magazine, The New York Press, ‘National Geographic’s ‘Glimpse Abroad’ and GLEE magazine.  She received her MFA in Fiction Writing at Hunter College under the tutelage of Peter Carey and Colum McCann and her short story, Twin Bed, in Sisters: An Anthology is out now in bookstores.

Her visual art, PINS, RODS & OTHER INTRUSIONS, a photo essay exploration of “the body as canvas” was on exhibit at The Estrogenius Festival. She currently performs the stage adaptation of Sandra Cisneros’s novel, The House on Mango Street (one woman show) as part of The American Place Theatre’s Literature to Life Program.

Her most recent play, Chiquitina, debuted in New York in 2009 and will return this fall 2010.

Susan Kelly: Susan Kelley is a VP in the Global Technology Group at Keefe, Bruyette & Woods.  KBW is a boutique investment bank that specializes in the financial services sector.  At KBW, Susan is responsible for managing enterprise projects across the front and back office, with a focus in the Sales and Trading vertical.

Prior to joining KBW, Susan spent several years at Deutsche Bank in trading room technology and was a member of the team that developed the first electronic Order Management System for Cash Equities.  With over 15 years of experience in trading system technology, Susan has been involved in building trading platforms for energy companies, and buy-side and sell-side firms in the financial services sector.

Susan has always had a passion for the transformational power technology welds in shaping the modern human experience.  Her hands-on involvement in the evolution of electronic trading has enabled her to participate in the rise of the capital markets over the past two decades, and experience first-hand, the impact this has had on the global economy and the global village.

Susan has a degree in Science, Technology and Society from Vassar College. She did graduate studies in Mathematics and Computer Science at the University of Houston in Houston, Texas.

Susan is involved in several professional and non-profit organizations.  She is active in the Women’s Fund of New Jersey, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of women and children in the state of New Jersey.  Susan is a fitness enthusiast and has a special interest in women’s and senior fitness.

Vicki Koenig, MS, RD, CDN: is a Masters level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. She has maintained a private counseling practice and consulting business since 1987. As consulting Nutritionist to the national Stonyfield Farm yogurt company, she writes a popular Wellness Moosletter, answers consumer questions and helps with new product development.

As Co-President of Natural Affinity Ventures, Inc. with Dan Schneider, Vicki and Dan are creating a network and virtual community of like-minded business and health consumers by creating A Discount Card with a Conscience.

Vicki offers onsite Corporate Wellness programs to create a healthier workplace. With personalized goals and group incentives, businesses can have a healthier bottom line. Employees are more productive, use less sick time and insurance usage goes down.

Vicki has worked with people of all ages promoting nutrition for wellness while addressing diverse chronic health conditions. Working as a consultant to food companies, businesses, schools and organizations, Vicki communicates healthy nutrition guidelines that make it easy to move towards health.

Drawing on her comprehensive knowledge of nutrition throughout the life cycle provides Vicki with a broad perspective when speaking, counseling, consulting and writing; allowing her to specialize in Nutrition for Wellness.

Vicki lives in the Hudson Valley of New York State with her Green Architect husband, Rick Alfandre, twin daughters, Joy and Sonia, dog Pearl and Jaspurr the cat.

Deanne Landress: Deanne Landress has just completed a 10-year stint building and selling an internet cafe in Maplewood, NJ. Prior to that she was involved with finance, primarily trading mortgages (or anything that ‘rolls, floats, or flies!).  Earlier in her career she was in politics, as a lobbyist for DC-37, AFSCME, running campaigns and working in Albany.  Her duties for the union included organizing community groups of union members in neighborhoods ranging from Harlem to Co-op City, Far Rockaways to East New York.  She attended Vassar, ‘78 and Stanford GSB, ‘82.

Stephanie Lear: Stephanie Lear is a Video and Broadcast Producer for top New York-area companies(and non-governmental organizations). She has had over 15 years of experience producing video for leading corporate and consumer brands: from production planning and on-location producing and directing to overseeing all aspects of post production (editing, scoring, etc.). She is known for her skills as an interviewer. Stephanie is highly regarded for her ability to foster superb client relationships and her track record for delivering a final product that exceeds expectations.

Linda Lees: Linda Lees is director of Creative Cities International (CCI), a consultancy based in New York and London founded on the conviction that culture and the arts are at the heart of successful urban regeneration and social well-being.  CCI has organized international conferences and forums to research challenging issues in urban planning, resulting in the Vitality Index™, a set of criteria focusing on the elements that make cities attractive, livable and sustainable.  It has recently finished the “Take Me to The River” project in West Harlem.

Dr. Lees’s experience encompasses the worlds of academics, theatre, and public programming.  She has served as Director of Humanities in the School of Continuing and Professional Studies at New York University and Director of Cultural Affairs for the British Council in New York.  In that role, she developed and produced the UKwithNY festival’s cultural program in October 2001, which hosted over 100 events in the arts and education from the four nations of the UK.  In Washington, DC, she produced public programs for the Smithsonian Institution and was founder and artistic director of The Next Stage, a theatre which produced international work as a platform for the exchange of ideas on culture and foreign policy.

Dr. Lees has taught at several universities including Georgetown University.  She holds a BA from Boston University, an MA from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, and an MA and Ph.D. from the University of California at Berkeley.  She is a member of the American Association of Museums and a voting member of BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Theatre Arts).  She serves on the American advisory board of LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art).

Kathryn S. Levine: Kathryn is a dynamic broadcast media professional with over 500 hours of first-run nationally syndicated television credits. Created, supervised, and delivered over 2000 episodes of daytime television programming. Expertise in all aspects of above and below the line production; including contracts, budgets, hiring, talent management, set design, editing, and control room operations. Credits include: “Texas Justice”, “Forgive or Forget”, “The Ricki Lake Show”, “The Richard Bey Show”, “The Christopher Lowell Show”, and others. Kathryn holds a Masters in Corporate and Organizational Communication from Fairleigh Dickinson University-Madison, NJ where she teaches “Audio Visual Media Production”. She also teaches “Aesthetics and Analysis of Television” at Brookdale Community College-Lincroft, NJ.  Kathryn began her career as a television producer at KCOP in LA. Prior to that she served as a radio producer at KSDO in San Diego.  Kathryn is a member of National Association of Television Arts and Sciences, Women in Communications, The National Organization for Women, and the International Association of Business Communicators. She is Listed on International Movie Data Base (IMDB).

Peekoo (Alfreda) Lewis: Peekoo (Alfreda) Lewis was born on Snapper Hill, in Monrovia, Liberia. She was educated in Sierra Leone and the United States. Peekoo established Palaver Hut Special Events in 1990 and has worked with many clients including the Nigerian Mission to the United Nations, The Apollo Theater, Russell Simmons’s Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation, Liberian filmmaker Gerald Barclay’s GeeBee Productions, Wesley Snipes’ Amen Ra Productions and many independent films and music video productions. She and her husband, Jaheed Ashley, are the East Coast representatives for the Pan African Film Festival, and have recently completed production on a documentary about Nigerian musical icon, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, titled Fela, Fresh From Africa. Ms. Lewis also works in theater, does grants research and is a founding member of the International Mothers of Liberia. She resides in New York City.

Kim Lockett: Kim Lockett is an actress/entertainer.  Originally from Springfield, MA, Kim worked for Big Y Foods, Inc. for a little over six years as a Learning Services Support and Media Support person.  She recorded over 70 voice-overs for many of Big Y’s computer based trainings and was also one of two news broadcasters for Big Y News—internal news broadcast highlighting Big Y’s events and company culture.  Kim graduated in 2006 from Springfield Technical Community College with an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts.  Her theater performances there include Marshael Foster in The Wake of Jamey Foster and Cora in Tom Walker.  She transferred to Rutgers University in 2009 to pursue a Journalism and Media Studies Degree but recently put her degree on hold to pursue an acting career.  She will play Delilah in the original piece Imperfect Women of the Bible, written and directed by Marsha Trice.

Rebecca Lopez: Rebecca Hoe Lopez, Esq. is a corporate attorney specializing in international commercial law, technology development and licensing, securities and financial services. Rebecca started her career with the Wall Street firm of Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton and has since worked at MasterCard International, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, American Express Corporation and American International Group, Inc. She is currently building her own practice for a range of corporate clients. Rebecca is a graduate of the University of California at San Diego and the University of Michigan Law School. She is licensed to practice in New York and the District of Columbia.

Beverlie Lord: The creation of Satsun Photography is a revolutionary salute. I woke up one morning and realized the powers of my dreams were sent to make me happy. Thus began the revolution: full of creation, open and limitless. This thought has inspired me every day and every moment, to walk into my future. To create, respect and honor in my soul the search for Truth. Identity. Peace.

It is my belief that we all long for some meaningful work, some creative endeavor by which the energies within us can flow out and heal the world. This belief is why I dedicated myself to working with children and youth in the non-profit sector for almost a decade. Upon quitting my job in 2004, I realized that effecting social change can consist of anything as long as the forms – love, peace and truth – are present.

As a photographer I believe that everything and everyone have “beautiful moments.” My job is to be around when these moments occur and capture them. Nothing lasts forever – this is true but if a photographer is around we can definitely prolong what was for generations to come. My most favorite quote at the moment – “Don’t cry because you think it’s over – smile because it happened.”

Leslie K. Malin: Leslie K. Malin has over twenty five year experience as a mentor, consultant, speaker, entrepreneur, and psychotherapist working with people who want to achieve “more to life”.

Leslie has trained, coached and consulted with literally thousands of people across industries and inspired them with her vision of what is possible for them. She is the co-author of The Essential Coaching Book and the author of the forthcoming book, More to Life at Work: 4 Pathways to Deeper Meaning and Joy in Your Livelihood and The Alchemy of Aging: Re-Imagining, Re-Inventing, and Re-Purposing Your Life after 50

Leslie has coached professional women for many years. With Ladies Who Launch, she was a facilitator of Intensive Incubator groups in the Hudson Valley. “I adore working with women who are called to create something wonderful in their lives, in their work, and in the broader community.” In her role as the Executive Director of Jewish Family Services of Ulster County she designed and managed Project Hope the first Woman to Woman Mentoring Program in Ulster County that was funded by Hope’s Fund, a United Way affiliate. Community women were screened and selected as Mentors; then trained and matched with an Associate, an Ulster County women 18 years old + who wanted to make changes in their lives but did not have the ability to access mentoring services. The program is presently a year old and has positively impacted the lives of both Mentor and Associate.

Leslie is constantly re-inventing her life and career. Presently, she is focused on working with people 50 years old + who are challenged by the changes they are experiencing in their work, life and relationships as they age. Alchemy of Aging offers counseling, coaching, and workshops. She is also a certified by the National Association of Social Workers as a Geriatric Care Manager working with individuals and families facilitating the transitions into new living arrangements and healthcare systems and to serve as the point person to oversee and quality-ensure the services they are receiving.

She has been interviewed for numerous articles on spirituality and personal empowerment in the workplace both in the US and Canada. She has been quoted in The Long Island Business News, The Tennessean, and The Vancouver Times as well as frequently interviewed and quoted in Patricia Kitchen’s column in the Career Section of Newsday.

Leslie has a B.A. from Vassar College and holds a Masters in Social Work from the Adelphi University School of Social Work. She is a member of the Academy of Clinical Social Workers, and is a Certified Advanced Social Work Case Manager.

Jillian Markowitz: Jillian Markowitz is a 2007 graduate of the prestigious Gallatin School of Independent Studies at New York University.  While pursuing her undergraduate degree, Ms. Markowitz created an interdisciplinary major combining business and film studies.  This unique focus lead her to accept a full scholarship to Hofstra Law School where she is currently in her third and final year. Her professional resume includes credit as a producer for the unreleased film, Elise. She plans to use her education and skills as a lawyer producer.

Dr. Jan McDonald: DR. JAN MCDONALD is an honors graduate of Vassar College and Harvard Medical School. She trained at the Mayo Clinic, Mass General, University of Pennsylvania Hospital, and Wayne State. She is an award winning and Board Certified Dermatologist with offices in North Carolina and Virginia (Diplomat American Board of Dermatology – Board certified in dermatology and dermatological surgery. Re-certified June 2005, scoring in the top 98 percentile of test.) Dr. McDonald has also done graduate studies at the University of Michigan Law School and won a scholarship to Dartmouth’s Tuck Minority Business Executive Program, a highly selective program for successful entrepreneurs with over 1.5 million dollars in sales.

Dr. McDonald’s extensive community service work includes House of Delegates Nevada Medical Association , Board of Directors Clark County Medical Society, Member of Democratic Host Committee for President Clinton in Las Vegas, Member of Las Vegas Mayor’s Board of Women Advisors (Mayor Jan Jones), Co-founder and Board of Directors Black Business Council , Fundraiser for Planned Parenthood, Member Board of Directors Nevada Task Force on AIDS , Member Women’s Leadership Council Nevada Democratic Party . Dr. MacDonald is also member of the Board of Directors of the International Exchange Institute and the First Winner of the America the Beautiful Fund/ I Can Still Do That Foundation “American Beauty” award.

Hillary-Marie Michael: Hillary-Marie, Founder and Director of Jersey Tap Fest, is most known for being a tap soloist, performer, choreographer and teacher, specializing in the American art form of Rhythm Tap Dance. Her other dance training includes Jazz, Ballet, Pointe, Hip-Hop, Salsa, Swing, African and Modern. Having established herself as a reputable teacher, Hillary-Marie teaches weekly tap classes across the state of New Jersey.Hillary-Marie has been mentored by and assistant to Dr. Harold ‘Stumpy’ Cromer since 2007 and mentored by Karen Callaway Williams since 2004. A native to New Jersey, she has been a company member of the New Jersey Tap Ensemble since April 2006, where she continues to be overseen by Founder and Artistic Director Deborah Mitchell and Maurice Chestnut. Outside of the ensemble, she has worked with The Russian Moscow Ballet, The American Tap Dance Foundation as well as award-winning composers Marvin Hamlisch, Leonard Oxley and Nikki Denner. Outside of teaching and performance, she is currently a writer for Terrence Taps’ Tap Dance Blog. Additionally, Hillary-Marie is a member of the International Tap Association and New Jersey Jazz Society, where she dedicates herself to keeping the art form of tap dance alive.

Theresa Moore: Ms. Moore is President and Founder of T-Time Productions LLC. T-Time Productions develops and produces unique programming and content for various media platforms including television, film, online/broadband and wireless. Current projects include “License to Thrive: Title IX at 35” (www.licensetothrive.org), a multi-media educational project which examines the critical role of the Title IX legislation in helping to create female leaders; educational programming for use in South African schools; a documentary exploring the history of multi-racial adoptions; and a documentary about the history of African Americans in professional football.

Prior to T-Time, Moore was an executive at ESPN with responsibilities that included television advertising sales and business affairs for the company?s new media platforms including business development and content acquisition. While at ESPN, Moore also created programming for the network including “The Block Party” which aired for three seasons and “Images in Black and White,” a documentary that aired on ESPN in February 2005 as a part of the network’s programming schedule for Black History Month. Moore’s work has been considered for Peabody, Sports Emmy, Billie and NAACP Image awards and has been featured on “Good Morning America.” Moore previously worked at The Coca-Cola Company where she developed and executed strategic marketing and promotional plans for some of the world’s premiere sports properties as well as Coca-Cola’s ethnic audiences and also worked at Chubb Insurance as an underwriting manager with responsibilities for financial and liability analysis and risk management.

Moore received her BA from Harvard University and her Masters of Business Administration from Emory University in Atlanta. She is also a graduate of the NAMIC Executive Leadership and Development Program at the Anderson Graduate School of Management at UCLA and has completed extensive coursework at New York University. She serves on the board of directors of The Harvard Varsity Club, the Opportunity Network and the Ubuntu Education Fund. She is a member of the Visiting Committee for Athletics to the Harvard Board of Overseers. In 2002, she was inducted into the International Scholar Athlete Hall of Fame and was a recipient of the 2005 Harlem YMCA Salute to Black Achievers in Industry award. She is currently featured on the “Ivy at 50” website which highlights the accomplishments of a select group of Ivy League student-athletes over the past 50 years. Moore was also inducted into the Rhode Island Interscholastic League Athlete Hall of Fame in May 2007.

Maria Nemeth, Ph.D. , MCC: “Would it be all right with you if life got easier?” Whether you are looking at how you use money, time or any other source of energy to achieve your creative goals, Maria Nemeth has discovered a way for you to do it. And do it with clarity, focus, ease and grace.

Maria Nemeth, uses an effective and accessible coaching model that has empowered thousands throughout the world to move beyond self-limiting thoughts, worries and doubts. As a result they wake up to their own gifts. Her work supports people in being productive and effective while making their own unique contribution.

Her outstanding presentation skills combined with her unique perspective, warmth, compassion and humor provide a fascinating, focused and fun approach to topics. As a result, areas that are often difficult to face—such as how to use money to create a prosperous and meaningful life—come alive with possibility and promise. The tools she teaches are simple yet powerful. People immediately see how to incorporate them into whatever they are doing. They experience hope and gratitude as they attain tangible results with ease.

The core principles Dr. Nemeth teaches are based on more than 30 years of tested personal research developing and leading hundreds of successful seminars, and workshops. Her lectures are an outgrowth of her extensive background as a licensed clinical psychologist. She has served as a professor in the California UC system, as well as a director of clinical programs assisting alcohol and substance abuse clients. She has authored articles and three successful books, including The Energy of Money for which she was featured on Oprah.  Her nine-hour audio cassette tapes of The Energy of Money won the 1999 Audie award for best Personal Development Series.  Maria has also studied numerous wisdom traditions and integrated these into her philosophy.

As an MCC, Master Certified Coach, the Founder and Executive Director of the Academy for Coaching Excellence, an International Coach Federation accredited training program, Maria Nemeth is an international leader in the field of coach training. The Academy for Coaching Excellence combines training in powerful principles and specific tools to develop professional coaches who produce maximum results in any coaching situation. The Academy for Coaching Excellence delivers both on-site and distant learning programs to people around the world.

The focus of her life is supporting people in discovering their own capacity, abilities and talents and the development of a worldwide connected coaching community concentrating on individual and professional empowerment where success includes making a unique contribution.

Charlotte W. Pfahl, Esq.: Charlotee received a B.A. cum laude from University of Denver in 1973 and a J.D. from Brooklyn Law School in 1978. She also attended Oxford University, Oxford, U.K., the N.Y.U. School of Law, LLM. in Taxation, and the World Trade Institute.

Ms. Pfahl specializes in private client matters (wills, trusts, family limited partnerships) and real estate law. She represents foreign and domestic clients – including individuals, trusts, partnerships and corporations in a number of jurisdictions – on a broad range of domestic and transnational business transactions, including organization of domestic and off-shore entities and trusts, acquisitions of business interests and property, buy-outs and financing, as well as real estate matters, commercial and residential acquisitions, and leasing. Her real estate-related clients include cooperative corporations, developers, foreign banking institutions, and private investors.

Ms. Pfahl is admitted to practice in the States of New York and Florida and to the Bars of the U.S. Tax Court, the U.S. Court of Claims, and the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. She is a member of the Financial Women’s Association and The International Alliance.

Bette Prinsen: Bette Prinsen is presently at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater as a substitute ballet teacher in the Ailey Extension Program for Adults and also at Broadway Dance Center as a substitute ballet teacher in New York City.  She has also taught at Ballet Hispanico and the Zena Rommet floor-barre in New York City.  Among her many teaching credits, Bette has been the Director of the Ballet Department of the Great Neck Arts Center as well as ballet instructor for the Usdan Center for Creative and Performing Arts on Long Island.  After dancing professionally in NYC, Washington, D.C., and Atlanta for many years Bette began her own successful contemporary ballet company, Ballet En Noir, and later received her Master of Arts in Dance and Dance Education from Columbia University’s Teachers College.  She also holds a Bachelors degree from Vassar College.

Grace Ng Rahme, Esq.: Grace Ng Rahme is an attorney and a real estate broker.  As an attorney, Grace’s background is in immigration law, intellectual property, corporate formation, and litigation.  She has also clerked for a federal judge and worked in the litigation bureau at the New York State Office of the Attorney General.  As a real estate broker, Grace is the Vice President of Business Development for Triumph Property Group, Ltd. and oversees the Manhattan-based brokerage’s expansion into various Brooklyn neighborhoods.  Grace works closely with developers to come up with creative marketing strategies and has brought her passion of art and non-profit to real estate through various cross-marketing efforts such as art exhibitions, benefit concerts, and green-living expos. Prior to becoming an attorney and broker, Grace was a therapist for autistic children, piano teacher, and artist in California, where she grew up.

Anne Radford: Anne Radford, an attorney licensed to practice in New York and Connecticut, is currently spending time in Atlanta and excited about getting involved with the I Can Do That Foundation.

A Georgia native, she has spent the past fifteen years in the northeast, attending Wellesley College in Massachusetts before moving to New York City. Following several years as a caseworker for children in foster care, she entered the accelerated law degree program at Yeshiva University’s Cardozo School of Law. During her school tenure, she interned with Federal Judge Harold Baer of the Second Circuit, aided in criminal defense cases with the Legal Aid Society, and worked in foster care and adoption law with The Law Office of James Abramson. Following law school, she worked in the Civil Courts of New York City as a trial lawyer with the Wall Street firm of Jaffe & Koumourdas, LLP, focusing on insurance defense, and was involved in numerous cases that successfully broke-up fraud rings.

More recently, Anne has volunteered with the Sunshine Kids Foundation and with the Fulton County CASA program, as an advocate for children in foster care.

She is a 1994 graduate of Atlanta’s Paideia School, received a degree in Psychology from Wellesley College in 1998 and a Juris Doctor from Cardozo School of Law in 2003.

Francesca Rizzo: Francesca Rizzo is an award-winning multi-media artist working in video, film, theater, publishing, fine arts and social media. She specializes in creating media content, marketing, programming and building welcoming communities for commercial, social or artistic purposes.

By combining her above-ground background in pr, advertising & marketing with her underground experience in indie filmmaking, experimental theatre and avant-garde works she’s been able to produce polished, entertaining & informative media that is provocative, funny and highly imaginative.

Although she has a great deal of professional experience under her belt, “I’m eternally curious and expand my skill base continuously,” says Rizzo. Last year she picked up Digital Storytelling while earning a BA in Media Arts and garnered the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence along the way.

For 14 years she was the CEO of MovieBaby Productions, Inc. a Tribeca-based independent film & video company which created award-winning short films and marketing videos as well as radio & on-air promo campaigns for MTV, Nickelodeon, Bravo and PBS. In the aftermath of 9/11, she went on to design and head up The CineSalon, a series of video production workshops and film study programs offered through universities, cultural arts organizations and other educational institutions.

During her term as president of the ailing non-profit CineWomen NY (now merged with NYWIFT), she re-branded the organization and introduced it’s first website, e-newsletter, member weblist, screening series, affiliate relationships and festival participation which resulted in quintupling the organization’s membership.

In the 90’s, she has championed films made by and about women into producing female-themed screening events & symposiums including Beyond The Babe: Writing Women Who Rock and The World According to Girls in Manhattan and, in recent years she has programmed the Cinema-Femina film/video series at New Jersey’s premier Union County Performing Arts Center.

Francesca is now looking to channel her passion and skills into a full-time executive position where she can create media content, program, brand and market a social business or organization trying to make a difference in the world.  She possesses highly effective traditional PR skills and is equally equipped to create top-notch ad campaigns, materials, video, podcasts, websites and blogs all in-house.

Kyle Lamont Robinson: Kyle Lamont Robinson graduated from The University of Missouri- Columbia in 2007 with a degree in English. She was a four time recipient of The Gannett Scholarship for outstanding journalism. She spent her first two years at Mizzou on the Big VII swim team fulfilling her scholarship obligations. She was a distance swimmer which gave her lots of time to think; which in turn, helped her realize that swimming was no longer her passion. She set her sights on Broadcast Journalism. After completing an internship with Fox 10 News in Phoenix, Arizona she caught the bug and immediately applied for another internship with the ABC affiliate in Columbia, Missouri. Out of all the applicants from the Broadcast Journalism School, she was accepted. She worked very hard while simultaneously holding down a job as an artist liaison for The Blue Note, a live music venue.

Here, she found the power of music and the meaning of a shared experience. Her hard work at ABC paid off and she was offered a job as a morning show production assistant. After Kyle graduated she embarked on a solo road trip across the country searching for a road that would lead her to a career. The road led to NYC. No career in broadcasting yet, but lots of live music. Currently, Kyle is working to create her own web series as in Internet Journalist. The series will capture and showcase the intricacies of an artist or band and the hard work that’s needed in order to make a concert happen. Utilizing her unique reporting style and alluring panache, combined with her love and knowledge for live music, will make the series one of a kind. Please contact me if you know how to design a website, edit video or operate a camera. This is Grass Rootz baby!

Allie Roth: Allie Roth is a career and executive coach with 25 years experience and the founder and director of the Center for Creativity and Work. Her holistic and pragmatic approach and warm and inspiring style have helped thousands of men and women find more creativity, fulfillment and meaning in their work and personal lives.

For corporations and the non-profit sector, Allie has designed training programs and conducted seminars in managing change, visioning and goal setting, creativity, career development, leadership and stress management. She has coached managers and executives from over 60 companies in clarifying vision, communications and building inspired teams while integrating personal wellness with their business objectives.

In her private coaching practice, Allie has counseled and coached corporate executives, small business owners and solo entrepreneurs, attorneys, educators, non-profit directors, artists, helping professionals and others. She is a frequent public speaker and an active member of the Career Counselor’s Consortium and the Sustainable Business Alliance and has taught career related courses at NYU, College of New Rochelle, SUNY Ulster, Omega Institute and the New York Open Center.

Allie comes from a background of teaching English, recruiting, training and outplacement. In addition to her Master’s degree in English, she has done graduate work in counseling and career development. Her work is based on Jungian and transpersonal psychology which she integrates with her recent studies and training in Coaching, Chi Kung, Yoga, Interface Ministry and Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction. She has been interviewed and featured in the Denver Post, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, LA Times, and in Healthy Living and Smart Money magazines. She can be reached at allie@allieroth.com and her website is www.allieroth.com.

Carol Scott: Carol Scott is the C.E.O. of ECA World Fitness.  An international organization for Fitness Professionals. She is an International presenter, speaker and consultant for the fitness industry. Carol has spoken on such varied topics as fitness workouts and trainings, programming, and nutrition to branding and creating marketing strategies. She has appeared on network TV, featured in Newspapers and magazines including  the New York  Times,  and consults for Fitness Publications world wide.  She is the recipient of  2003 Program Director of the Year award from IDEA, Health and Fitness Association.  Carol is the former National Director of Group Fitness for Equinox Fitness Clubs. She is sought after for her ability to identify and create fitness trends, and her successful marketing and advertising campaigns. Her fitness philosophy mixes results with fun.  “Be Yourself, Everyone else is taken” oscar wilde.

Ingrid Sertso: INGRID SERTSO is a 
Vocalist, and Poet. Through her work with such avant-jazz musicians as Don Cherry and Karl Berger, Ingrid Sertso established herself as a captivating, adventurous vocalist, capable of blending jazz, African, South American and other worldbeat influences into a distinctive, hypnotic sound.

Although Sertso didn’t become well-known until the release of Dance with It in 1994, she spent over 20 years honing her art. During the late ’60s, she lived in Europe, leading her own trios and performing with the likes of Eric Dolphy, Don Cherry, Steve Lacy, Karl Berger and Leo Wright; she also worked as a music teacher at several institutions in Europe. In 1972, she became a permanent resident of the United States and she released her first album, We Are You, on Calig Records. Over the next few years she taught, while she performed in North America and Europe with the likes of Cherry, Ed Blackwell, Lee Konitz, Sam Rivers, Jimmy Giuffre, Bob Moses, Dave Holland, Perry Robinson and Jumma Santos. In 1974, she released Kalaparush on Trio Records in Japan. It was followed in 1975 by Peace Church Concerts on India Navigation/CMC Records.

In 1975, Sertso became a faculty member at the Naropa Institute in Boulder, Colorado. She stayed there through 1975 and 1976, before moving to the Banff Centre of Fine Arts in Calgary, Canada. She had two residencies at Banff before moving to the Creative Music Studio in Woodstock, New York, where she became the co-director. While working at the Creative Music Studio, she began singing in the Art of Improvisation with Berger and David Inzenon. In 1979, she toured major European cities as a solo artists, supported by the Woodstock Workshop Orchestra. She also released an album on MPS Records that year.

During the early ’80s, Sertso remained a co-director at the Creative Music Studio, while continuing to record and perform with a variety of musicians, including such mainstays as Don Cherry and Karl Berger, as well as Paulo Moura, Nana Vasconcelos, Steve Gorn, Dan Brubeck and Mike Richmond. In 1984, she performed with the Music Universe Orchestra at the Kool Festival in New York and released a duet album, Changing the Time, with Berger on Horo Records in Italy. She also toured Europe twice during this time and she also toured West Africa with Olatunji and Aiyb Dieng.

Sertso’s career picked up momentum during the latter half of the ’90s. She held a series of concerts and workshops in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and she regularly tour the US on club and festival circuit. Sertso also toured Europe twice and sang solo vocals on Berger’s orchestral ballet, The Bird. She was one of the co-leaders of Rhythm Changes, who released the Jazzdance album on ITM Records. During these five years, she also performed and recorded with a variety of artists, including Pauline Oliveros, Lee Konitz, Frank Luther, Anthony Cox, Leroy Jenkins, Jimmy Cobber, Linda Montano and Karl Berger.

In 1990, Sertso catapulted back into the mainstream jazz spotlight through her version “Until the Rain Comes” on Don Cherry’s Multi Kulti album. Shortly afterward, she began working on a new album, but she became sidetracked by collaborating with Karl Berger and guitarist Paul Koji Shigihara. The trio blended original compositions with Sertso’s poetry, improvisations and interpretations of traditional tune. Sertso also regularly performed poetry readings at the Tinker Street Cafe in Woodstock and the Knitting Factory in New York, and she also regularly played clubs along the Northeast coast. In 1994, she released her comeback album Dance with It, which earned postitive reviews. – Stephen Thomas Erlewine (All Music Guide)

Ari Shagal: Composer, lyricist, and all-around goofball Ari Shagal describes herself as “the secret freak offspring of Todd Rundgren and Laura Nyro.”  As the frontwoman of the Summarily Dismissed, this University of Chicago alumna occupies a distinct niche in the music world– that of the funny woman.  In a society that discourages women from flying the flag of humor, Ari bravely bucks the trend, casting herself in the mold of such veteran eccentric musicians and bands as Randy Newman, Tom Waits, Ween, and They Might Be Giants, in addition to the aforementioned Rundgren.  Other compositional influences include Donald Fagen, Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, and Gil Evans.  The Summarily Dismissed will release their album Throw Money in the fall of 2009.

Amanda Sileo: Amanda is a senior at Pace University in downtown Manhattan, she is a film and screen studies major. She recently finished up an internship at Mister-Lister films. There she helped them promote their film “Breaking Upwards” which was picked up and distributed by IFC. She set up screenings at colleges and film schools, contacted press, worked the New York premiere, and also performed personal assistant duties for lead actress Zoe Lister-Jones. It was a learning experience in how to promote your own independent film. Amanda has taken production classes and is interested in that aspect of film, however she did enjoy the publicity work as well. She is a hard working and driven 22 year old who is eager to learn.

Maria Sivori: Born into a family of Neapolitan restaurateurs, Maria developed a love for cooking as a child and as a teenager worked alongside her mother and grandmother at Icumani, the family restaurant. Coming to America in 2000, she quickly broke into the New York culinary world, establishing a reputation for creativity and quality which led to posts as Chef at Caffe Pompei, Cinema Paradiso (Astoria), and a brief return to Italy as Sous Chef at Milan’s Princi. Maria’s strong personality and passion for her art puts a unique stamp on her dishes. She currently has her own catering business and is exploring opening her own restaurant.

Maria also has a weakness for Martinis and can drink any three Northern Italians under the table with one hand tied behind her back, blindfolded, and standing on her head.

Joellen Sommers: Joellen Sommers has over 15 years of financial and operational experience at The New York Times, Price Waterhouse Coopers and The Nielsen Company. She has extensive experience in entertainment/media/new media including music, theater, film and real estate. She consults with a variety of businesses, non-profits and individuals as their P/T CFO/Business Manager and is a CPA, CFE, MBA and Certified QuickBooks Pro Advisor.

Maia Spilman, Esq: Maia Spilman is an intellectual property attorney with over eleven years of experience in entertainment, music and new media. She has been in-house counsel for INgrooves, BMG Distribution, an associate at Selverne, Mandelbaum & Mintz, LLP and had her own practice for several years.

Maia is currently a member of the Information Technology Committee of the New York City Bar Association and the former Chair of the Small Law Firms Committee of the same association.  She is also a member of the Puerto Rican Bar Association and serves on the Board of the Musicians Foundation.

Maia received her J.D. from Northeastern University in Boston, MA and her Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Fine Arts from Syracuse University in Syracuse, NY.  She is also a proud graduate of the High School of Music & Art in New York City (the “Fame” school).  She has a passion for music, sailing, running and travel.

Vicki Stadlen: Vicki Stadlen is a native New Yorker. She received a B.A. in European Literature from Brooklyn College and then studied acting at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, England. When she returned home, she pursued a career in the theater for a number of years and also taught in New York City elementary schools. After raising her own children, Vicki completed a certificate program at the National Center for Paralegal Studies in Atlanta, Georgia. She worked as a compliance officer for the Georgia Commission on Equal Opportunity investigating cases of employment discrimination and later worked as a paralegal for the New York City Law Department. For the past ten years, she was the administrative assistant to the senior vice president of a large non-profit organization. Vicki is currently seeking employment that will utilize her analytical, interpersonal, investigative and administrative skills.

Dr. Sharna L. Striar: Sharna L. Striar, M.S.N., Ph.D., R.N. is a nationally known expert in the area of human sexuality, intimacy, and relationships.  Over the course of many years, Dr. Striar has studied and taught at leading institutions in her field, including the University of Michigan, Hunter College, and Seton Hall University, has lectured extensively, is the author of dozens of articles, and has been a frequent expert guest on national radio and television. She is a Psychiatric Nurse, Certified Sex Therapist, and Psychotherapist, and is also trained in neuro-linguistic programming and in hypnotherapy. She is also the Dean of Nursing for The International University for Graduate Studies in St. Kitts, W.I.

Lucy Swensen, MS: Lucy has lived multiple lives and hopes to continue metamorphing. She has been an inner city schoolteacher, a Woodstock Children’s Center first grade teacher and a GED instructor at the Woodstock Youth Center. She was a computer consultant for Blue Cross and a Senior Systems Analyst for Chase Manhattan Bank corporate headquarters. She helped design money transfer systems. She has sold her hand made accessories and her 3 dimensional art pieces to many NYC stores – Macy’s, Henry Bendells, Fiorucci’s, etc. as well as designing merchandise for major bands including the Clash, Pat Benetar and Blondie. She is currently owner and designer at The Turning Mill, a multi-media music and art studio in the Hudson Valley.  Most of her life she has been involved in local groups involving children; donating her time and services. She is an election inspector and has even spent some time as a real estate agent. She is the mother of Valen, a talented and creative daughter following in her proud mom’s footsteps.

Lucy also comes with all the mainstream credentials-BS in Education from CCNY/ magna cum laude, MS in the child individualized curriculum- CCNY, Computer Programming Certification  – NYU, Audio Visual Certification, NYS teaching license, NYC teaching license, Real Estate License, Phi Beta Kappa, Kappa Delta Phi and all that good stuff.  She also brings a host of alternative credentials – Body Centered Therapy Certification, Essential Oil Massage-Training Certification I, II and III, Plant Spirit Medicine -one year Apprenticeship, Reiki Master 1 and is now on the path to Reiki 2, 3 and reflexology certifications.

Joy P. Taylor: Event Production (A/V, writing, entertainment, speakers, venues, etc.) Wedding Planning, Baby Boomer Parties, Commitment Ceremonies, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs (vud den J )…and (drum roll). I am a professional writer as well. Articles, scripts, speeches, PR and Marketing, website design, etc. In the days of “used to was it,” I even had a call-in talk show called THE TAYLORED WORD….

At present I am writing a humorous self-help book which I hope to showcase on Oprah, and I am also freelancing for all those luxuries in life, i.e., food, shelter…J

Yes, a creative gal, but I am diverse and flexible as well J …I also have extensive experience in the insurance industry…I was head of a department in one of the largest Third Party Administrators in this country, of which I mediated and  negotiated with over quarter of a million policyholders, each Department of Insurance in every State, every internal department, and the insurance companies we administered for. I was also an Associate to the President of an A.M. Best rated Life company. The best of both words…corporate and creative. Please feel free to email me at: tayloredone@optonline.net

Logan Tracey: Logan Tracey is an actress and singer based in New York City. A graduate of Ithaca College and the National Theatre Institute, Ms. Tracey has been performing in film, television, and theatre since moving to NYC in 2003. Logan has performed in numerous new musicals, as Sheila in HAIR at the Gallery Players, completed a season of summer stock at the Saxtons River Playhouse playing Catherine in Pippin and Laurie in Oklahoma! With a focus on comedy and improv (and training from the Upright Citizens Brigade), Ms. Tracey has performed with CollegeHumor.com, NBC.com, in the NY Underground Comedy Festival, numerous NYCFringe Festivals, and on All My Children and Guiding Light.  Ms. Tracey has a strong background in Musical Theare and teaches dance and directs at SophieDance in Hollywood, CA. Logan is great with kids and loves teaching and working with children. Check out her website for photos, music, and a performance reel: www.logantracey.com

Jamie Turndorf, Ph.D.: Dr. Turndorf holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, is an internationally known emotional communication expert, relationship therapist, author and advice columnist read by millions.

Known worldwide as Dr. Love, through the web, television, radio, and print, Dr. Turndorf has authored, Till Death Do Us Part (Unless I Kill You First): A Step-by-Step Guide for Resolving Relationship Conflict. Her book was endorsed by two New York Times #1 Best Selling Authors Dr. John Gray who wrote “Men are From Mars, Women are from Venus,” John Bradshaw who wrote “Homecoming” and Pulitzer Prize winning author and Harvard Professor Dr. John Mack.

Dr. Turndorf is the creator of askdrlove.com, the first relationship advice site on the internet. The site has received up to three million hits per month and was voted Best of the Net and Hottest Site on the Web. At her website, she offers the world’s first searchable relationship advice database and the web’s only customized automated consultations that are tailored to users’ age, sex, gender, sexual-orientation, marital status, life situation and presenting problem.

Dr. Turndorf has appeared on every major television network including, NBC, CNN, CBS, Fox, on such programs as Later Today, Fox Five, America’s Talking, Inside Edition, VH1, and many others. Her expert advice has been featured on the radio and in print on WebMD, iVillage, and in magazines and newspapers worldwide.

As Founder/Director of the Center for Emotional Communication, she has spent the past twenty-five years perfecting her Core Therapy method, which enables people to unearth and heal the early wounds that interfere with our ability to establish and maintain loving relationships with others and ourselves.

Dr. Turndorf is the inventor of the award-winning game, LoveQuest: The Game of Finding Mr. Right, nominated by Mensa as the “Most Creative and Intellectually Challenging Game of the Year” and voted by Fun and Games magazine as a sure winner for the international “Most Creative Game of the Year” award.

She has also authored the foreword to The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Affair Proof Love and co-authored The Pleasure of Your Company: A Socio-Psychological Analysis of Modern Sociability (with Emile Jean Pin).

Since the recent death of Emile Jean Pin, her beloved husband of 27 years, she has discovered that relationships do not end in death. His miraculous manifestations, often in front of witnesses, have proven to her that there is life after life. Jean has asked her to tell their story to ease the two greatest and most universal fears: that of loving and losing and that of death and dying. Her experiences with him have led her to develop a groundbreaking form of grief therapy that diverges from traditional Western approach (grieve, let go and move on). By contrast, her method guides people to reconnect and, if needed, make peace with the deceased. Her story and new grief therapy method is soon to be presented in her latest book entitled Love Never Dies: How to Reconnect and Make Peace with the Deceased.

NOMINATIONS AND AWARDS

Who’s Who in the World – 1996 through present

Who’s Who of American Women – 2000 – present

Who’s Who in America- Millennium Edition – 2000 and through present

Who’s Who in Medicine and Healthcare – 1997-98 through present

Who’s Who in Science and Engineering – 1996-97 through present

Stacey van Hooven: Stacey is a native New Yorker who now lives in Munich, Germany. She is Vice President and General Counsel for Tissue Europe, a division of SCA Hygiene Products SE where she is entrusted with the overall responsibility for the legal work within the Business Group. She is also the company’s European Compliance Officer. In addition to her legal work, Stacey teaches a course in U.S. Business Law at the law school in the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich. Stacey is a graduate of the joint CCNY/NYLS Urban Legal Studies Program. She began her legal career in 1985 as a litigator on civil commercial matters. Later, she served in City government under the leadership of Mayor Ed Koch and his successor, Mayor David Dinkins, as an investigative attorney with the New York City Department of Investigation. In 1991, she moved to Munich, Germany where she founded her own business law practice advising German clients on American law and assisting German law firms in American related corporate and commercial matters and later formed an affiliation with the law firm of Jacob & Associates. She has been with SCA since 2007. Stacey is a founding member and was the first President of Beth Shalom, the liberal Jewish community in Munich.

Joan M. Vitello, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, FAHA, NEA-BC: Dr. Joan Vitello has over 30 years experience in hospital organizations ranging from a clinical staff nurse to most recently where she served as the System VP and Chief Nursing Officer for Hallmark Health System and for her last 8 months there as the Chief Operating Officer for Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Medford, MA.  She is now an independent consultant specializing in leadership development, appreciative inquiry, positivity training and coaching, emotional intelligence skills building and service excellence.  During her tenure in health care, Joan has championed the value of collaboration and the need to build linkages with other disciplines outside nursing to ensure the overall excellence of patient care.

She has combined her clinical expertise with a formal educational background in organizational development. With this expertise, Joan has consulted on leadership development, emotional intelligence, positive emotions, systems thinking and strategic planning. She has consulted with the Boston Public Schools system in regards to curriculum development of their health careers academy. In addition, Dr. Vitello has served as a consultant to 3M Healthcare, Hewlett-Packard, Kontron Cardiovascular Inc., Wilkes Barre General Hospital, Georgetown University, Mount Sinai Hospital, Maine Medical Center, Northeastern University and Regis College School of Nursing and hospitals in England, India, China and Israel, among others.

Joan is passionate that in order to find meaningful work, people must be appreciative of the talents they can bring to their work. She is studying positive emotions and how we as human beings can improve upon on our positive words, images and actions.  She is also proud of the fact that she wants to help develop young aspiring leaders to become more effective leaders through self-reflection, coaching and feedback.

Joan has served as the 25th President of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses, the world’s largest nursing specialty organization.  She has also served on various other health care boards and not-for-profit boards and was recently the President of the Visions of a Better World Foundation. Joan was inducted as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, and as a Fellow of the American Heart Association Council on Cardiovascular Nursing.  Joan received her associate degree from Massasoit Community College, her BSN from the University of Massachusetts and was awarded her MSN from the University of Alabama in Birmingham in Cardiovascular/Critical Care.  She received her M.A.in Organizational Development and her Ph.D. in Human and Organizational Systems from The Fielding Graduate Institute in Santa Barbara, California. Her dissertation research explored the leadership practices and emotional intelligence of nursing leaders. An internationally recognized author, lecturer, researcher, Joan has received numerous awards and recognitions in healthcare. Her most recent honor came early this year as she named the “2009 Living Legend in Massachusetts Nursing” by the Massachusetts Association of Registered Nurses.

Wendy R. Williams: Wendy R. Williams is a Private Mortgage Banker with Wells Fargo.  She has been in the mortgage business for twelve years.  Wendy is also a licensed New York Real Estate Broker and a Texas licensed CPA.

In her “spare” time, Wendy edits and writes for www.newyorkcool.com, an online zine that covers “New York from every perspective.”

Andrea Wolper: Vocalist, songwriter, and recording artist Andrea Wolper is a respected member of the New York jazz and improvised music communities. Andrea performs regularly in the New York area, and tours nationally and internationally. She leads her own jazz group, The Andrea Wolper Trio / Quartet, is a member of the improvising trio, “TranceFormation,” with Connie Crothers and Ken Filiano, and appears as a guest artist with numerous other artists and ensembles. Andrea teaches vocal technique, does performance coaching, and leads workshops and master classes. One of her original songs is the 5th most downloaded track of all time at AllAboutJazz.com (click here; it’s free! http://snipr.com/aaj-freedownload). Andrea is a President Emerita of International Women in Jazz, and served as an Advisor to the Jazz Vocal Coalition.  In addition to her musical endeavors, Andrea is a former freelance writer, with books and numerous articles to her credit, including the first-of-its-kind collection, “Women’s Rights, Human Rights: International Feminist Perspectives” (co-editor, Julie S. Peters; Routledge, 1994). Andrea is a lifelong human rights activist. Originally from California, Andrea resides in Brooklyn, NY. For more about information, including performance schedule, or to send an email, please visit  www.AndreaWolper.com

Emily Wolper: Emily Wolper founded E. Wolper, Inc. Admissions Consulting in 1999 after having served as an admissions officer at Columbia University. Ms. Wolper, who holds a BA in religion from Vassar College and an MA in Educational Theatre from New York University, consults privately to both undergraduate and graduate applicants and their families, sharing with them the knowledge that she has gained during her years on the admissions side and throughout her consulting career. She is a frequent speaker and facilitator of workshops and is very passionate about helping students discover their interests through extracurricular activities.

Emily is the former President of the Vassar Club of New York. Under her leadership, the club grew significantly and developed new and compelling programming, reaching all generations of Vassar Alumnae/i. She is a professional singer, avid crafter and leadership volunteer. She works with teens at the Red Cross in her hometown of Morristown, NJ, and she is an active member of and frequent soloist in the award winning Harmonium Choral Society. Emily is also a proud member of In Good Company Workspaces, a workspace and community for women entrepreneurs.

Lisa Zari: Lisa is founder/president of Zari International. She has now added a new division to her already versatile agency — ‘Z’ Woman Designs — helping her growing array of clients, here and abroad, develop their own brand distinction through logo design and public relations.

Lisa also heads Zari Intl Productions, a division which specializes in photo shoots (pre and post production) for global clients. Her company deals with a full range of services — studio rentals, insurance, equipment, catering, permits, and usage negotiations. It guides, consults and aides creative teams with casting, talent, and location scouting. The company’s clients in Belgium include Blue Water and Green Grass.

Prior to this, Lisa was a Photographer’s Representative / Independent Contractor at Creative Management Agency, managing the careers of 10 leading photographers, while launching new talent. Her efforts resulted in sales growth of 25%. Her duties, which included negotiating of all legal usage of photography, entailed working with art buyers and editors on layouts.She also organizied breakfast portfolio reviews at ad agencies. Her clients included: Bank of America, Merck, Make a Wish Foundation, and Verizon. Photographers she represented were Jim Erickson, Alaister Thain, Olaf Veltman, Markku, and Henrik Halvarsson.

Lisa’s first business venture was Zari International USA / Europa, a photographic and multi- talent agency. She managed the careers of 15 photographers, as well as numerous make-up artists, hair stylists, and fashion / prop stylists. Her art division represented popular editorial Illustrators. Her work included brand development, advertising placement, assignment negociation, interviews, and staff develpoment. Clients included: La Perla, Neiman Marcus, Cosmair, Parker Pens, Kodak, Sony Music and Relvon. Some of the well known photographers were Joyce Tenneson, Marc Hauser and Regis Fialaire.

Prior to this, Lisa Zari traveled the globe as a fashion model, working with leading international modeling agencies, and appearing in various ad campaigns, publications, and commercials.

Amanda Zwirn: Amanda has been involved in stage productions at French Woods Camp since age  nine. She is currently a senior at NYC’s Firorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music and Art and Performing Arts, majoring in Technical Theatre, where she works on major productions in dance, musical theatre and drama.  In her spare time she has volunteered her theatre skills to a local non-profit community theatre organization in her neighborhood of Rockaway Beach.  In the coming years she looked forward to employing her theatre skills at the college level.