Morning Panel Discussion

Hear from a panel of successful women entrepreneurs.  Learn from their triumphs and the stumbles they’ve had along the way.  Moderated by Yvonne Nava of NBC Connecticut, this will be a lively discussion that will provide everyone with ideas they can use no matter wehther they are in business by themselves, work for a large company, or are considering beginning a new adventure into the world of business.

Panelists

Deborah Winick, owner of Capital Bankcard & Bankcard Services, provides credit card processing, check guarantee, and gift/loyalty programs for businesses of all sizes.  She has grown her merchant services business over the past several years recently opening a second office in Warwick, RI.  Beginning her career as an art director at an ad agency, she also spent ten years on a speaking circuit teaching new business owners how to run their companies successfully.  Debbie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design and Marketing, and an Associates degree in Fine Arts.

Sharon Fales Grodzicki is the owner and CEO of TonSha Marketing & Printing.  Her firm has been in business for over 30 years providing clients with strategic marketing planning and budgeting.  Sharon built TonSha on a belief that customer serice comes first.  Over the years, her company’s services have expanded to become a full-service marketing resource to include in-house graphic design, printing, direct mail, advertising and public relations.

Sharon has been recognized by the Connecticut Municipal Development Commission and NASCAR for marketing achievement, and is the recipient of a national leadership award from Executive Women’s Golf Association.

Karen Spada is an Independent Sales Director with Mary Kay Cosmetics.  She has spent more than 23 years in business servicing hundreds of loyal clients and leading a team of women in business from all over the United States.

Karen holds a Bachelors in Business Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

 

 

 

Milena Stankova Erwin has over 20 years’ experience working for, counseling and training small businesses, most recently as a Business Advisor at the Entrepreneurial Center at the University of Hartford.    With her expertise in marketing and export sales management, she has led companies to international growth in an increasingly global world.  In her role as a business advisor, Milena advises and trains entrepreneurs and small business owners on how to start, run and grow their businesses.

A native of Bulgaria, Milena speaks five languages and has lived on three continents.  She holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Business and a Master’s degree in Business Administration.

Featured Speaker Kate Emery

Kate Emery is founder and CEO of Walker Systems Support, one of Connecticut’s largest IT Services firms.  Walker provides a comprehensive range of information technology services from systems support to virtualization. 

Several years ago, Kate restructured Walker as a social enterprise, transforming its mission from maximizing shareholder profits to maximizing social contribution.  Among other commitments, any profits distributed by Walker must be divided equally between employees, the community, and shareholders. 

Kate is also the founder of reSET, the Social Enterprise Trust, a nonprofit whose mission is to promote, preserve, and protect social enterprise as a new, more sustainable and satisfying way of doing business.  reSET is actively engaged in making Connecticut a hub of social enterprise through its educational and advocacy work. 

After graduating Magna Cum Laude from the University of Connecticut’s Business School, Kate went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Management Information Systems at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. 

Kate serves on the Board of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Hartford and reSET and often speaks passionately to entrepreneurs and innovative business leaders on the subject of social enterprise.  She lives in Farmington with her husband, Steve Silk and son David. 

Workshops

Following are workshops that will be presented.  Additional workshops will be added so be sure to check back frequently!

Women’s Health – Everything You Want to Know but Were Afraid to Ask

The list of questions and answers related to women’s health fill volumes.  Every magazine, news program and on-line article tries to address many of these topics but often leave women with more questions than answers.  What are the most important things a woman can do on her own to protect her health?  What are the most important medical screening tests for women and at what age should they have them?  What are the most important medical symptoms women should not ignore?

Sarah Graceffa, MD will join us to answer these questions and more about women’s health. Dr. Graceffa is an OBGYN with OBGYN of Eastern Connecticut. She is a graduate of Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science/Chicago Medical School, and a member of the American Medical Association, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopy. In 2011, she was named Special Resident in Minimally Invasive Gynecology by the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopy, and received the John J. McGrade, MD Excellence in Reproductive Medicine Award from Danbury Hospital. Dr. Graceffa is trained and certified in daVinci Robotic Surgery.

Taking Control to Reduce Stress

Donna has been with Eastern Connecticut Health Network (ECHN) for 10 years.  She currently works with ECHN’s Employee Assistance Program to help individuals solve personal and work-related issues.  Before leading the Employee Assistance Program, Donna was part of their Behavioral Health Inpatient Services staff.  She has a Master’s degree in Social Work from Fordham University.

Mentoring – From the Workplace to the Community and YOU

Jill Spineti, President and CEO of The Governor’s Prevention Partnership will help everyone understand the benefits of mentoring for both the mentor and the mentee.  Whether you would like to begin a mentoring program within your organization, help in your community, or discover how to find a mentor for yourself, Jill has a great message.  She has over 20 years of experience in youth wellness, including developing and implementing programs to increase prevention resources and programs in Connecticut.  The Governor’s Prevention Partnership, a not-for-profit alliance between government and business, is dedicated to youth mentoring and prevention of violence, underage drinking and substance abuse in order to build a strong future workforce.

A graduate of The University of Connecticut with a Bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies, Jill has been a featured speaker at events across the state.  She is frequent radio and television guest and a nationally known expert on expert on youth wellness issues and mentoring.

Continuing Education – What’s In It For Me?

Cindy Moore, Global Human Resources Manager from General Electric will moderate a panel discussion focusing on options available to women of all ages who are contemplating whether or not going back to college would be worthwhile to their individual goals.  Panel participants will include representatives from the University of Hartford, Manchester Community College and Asnuntuck Community College.  If you have ever thought “should I go back to finish my degree”, “should I try to find a job or continue toward my Masters“, or even “why should I go to college at my age“, this breakout session will help you understand the options that are available.

Moore holds a Masters in Organizational Management from Eastern Connecticut State University and has spent over 15 years in the Human Resources field at prominent companies including General Electric, Philips, and DST Output.

Panelists

Ann Bonney

Ann Bonney is the Director of Credit-Free Programs at Manchester Community College.  She directs the publication of the Credit-Free catalog and the offerings to adults in the communities served by the college.  As a liaison to the MCC Organization of Active Adults, she works closely with the Board and Programming Chair to serve over 1000 members that attract seniors to the college campus.  Ann has served on college Legislative Advocacy, Diversity, Diversity Day, Academic Standards, Search, Emergency Management and other committees, and has chaired statewide Continuing Education Community Services Network.

Bonney has a Master’s degree from Iowa State University in Child Development and Family Relations, and a Bachelor’s from Cornell University in Human Development and Family Relations.  Before coming to Manchester Community College, she worked at Eastern Connecticut Health Network where she was responsible for direction of four departments.

Tim St. James has been Director of Admissions at Asnuntuck Community College since the fall of 2010.  Prior to that, he served the ACC community in his role as Transfer Counselor where he helped students make the transition on to Bachelor degree granting institutions.  Before coming to Asnuntuck in 2008, Tim worked as the Associate Registrar and Assistant Director and Transfer Admission Coordinator at Springfield College.  He began his professional career in higher education as an Admissions Counselor at Western New England College.  Tim finds that helping students along their journey to academic and career success is extremely rewarding, and there is no better place to do that than at a community college.  Tim is a life-long resident of Connecticut and currently resides in the town of Enfield.

Karen Sullivan

Karen Sullivan is the Associate Director of Adult Academic Services at the University of Hartford.  Along her journey to her Bachelor’s degree in English from Trinity College at the age of 43, she attended seven colleges.  After a long hiatus from education, she returned to school and completed her Master’s in Communication at the University of Hartford in 2008.

While testing the waters at many schools, Karen also tested out several careers including licensed practical nurse, middle school English teacher, freelance writer and art consultant.  Oddly enough, this tortuous personal journey of trying to find her passion and complete her education was the perfect preparation for her dream job which she has enjoyed for the past 10 years: helping students like herself who are struggling to complete their education and find their own passions while working and raising a family.  In addition to her work in the Center for Adult Academic Services, Karen is also a member of the advisory board for the Center for Professional Development and the planning comittee for the Presidents’ College of the University of Hartford.

Cynthia Zeldner

Cynthia Zeldner has been the Associate Director of Admissions at Manchester Community College for the past 10 years.  She returned to college as a working learner, earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Hartford and continues to enroll in courses for professional and personal development.

A recipient of the MCC Leadership for Women award, Cynthia is committed to helping studends of all ages realize their dreams and academic goals.  Cynthia is a lifelong resident of Connecticut.

Nuture Yourself Without Hesitation: Open the Doorway to Personal Empowerment & Total Wellness in 3 Easy-to-Learn Steps

Presented by Dawn Greenfield, Founder of Yoga Born Studios

Do you take care of everyone else but not yourself?
Do you wonder why you keep feeling overwhelmed?
Do you wish you felt more confident, moving easily and happily through your day?

If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, you will greatly benefit from these 3 easy-to-learn steps.  Using “Do Any-Where” techniques will soothe your emotions which will provide clarity and confidence in all arenas of your life.  You will leave the session with a raised level of personal empowerment and motivated for success in your life!

 Dawn Greenfield, Founder of Yoga Born Studios, is a certified Yoga teacher and speaker.  She began practicing yoga in 2002 and openly shares how it has transformed her life.  Since 2005, Dawn has worked and trained in yoga for over 10,000 hours.  Her studends include people of all ages including more than 600 yoga hours with the special needs community.  She is dedicated to making the world a happier place through encouraging community, consciousness and yoga fun!

Using Technology to Your Advantage

Presented by Janette Dion, Express Verizon Wireless

Smart Phone, iPad, iPhone, laptop, tablet.  The list just keeps growing.  And like many of us, how do you decide?  Technology is advancing faster than many of us can keep up.  As soon as one new device hits the market, three others follow quickly on its heels.  Presented by Janette Dion from Express Verizon Wireless, this session will help you understand which of the new devices might be right for you and, possibly, which type you want to leave in the store. 

Janette has been in the wireless industry for 16 years.  She is currently responsible for Business to Business activities and frequently conducts workshops on ever changing technology.

Conference Agenda

A full day focusing on personal and professional development with workshops, discussions, dynamic speakers, exhibitors, and much more!

Tuesday, March 27 2012

8:00–8:30	Registration and breakfast
8:30–8:45	Opening remarks
8:45–9:45	Panel Discussion – Entrepreneurship
10:00–10:30	Social Enterprise Kate Emery
10:30–11:00	Take a Break with Take a Brake Bakery
11:00–11:30	Breakout Sessions What does “Mind, Body, Spirit” mean to me?  Mind – Taking Control to Reduce Stress Donna Schneider, MSW, LCSW, ECHN Body – Women’s Health – Everything You Wanted to Know But Were Afraid to Ask Sarah Graceffa, MD, OBGYN of Eastern Connecticut Spirit – Nuture Yourself Without Hesitation Dawn Greenfield, Yoga Born
11:45–1:45	Lunch Keynote Address Carolyn Kepcher
1:45–2:30	Book Signing Vendor Exhibits
2:30–3:00	Breakout Session Continuing Education – What’s in it for me? Panel discussion with Moderator Cindy Moore Using Technology to your Advantage Janette Dion, Verizon Express Mentoring – From the Workplace to the Community and YOU! Jill Spinetti, Governor’s Prevention Partnership
3:00–3:30	Ice Cream Social
3:00–3:30	Vendor Exhibits remain open