Women's PowerStrategy Conference 2012
March 24, 2012 9:00 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. San Domenico School Marin County, California |
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Erika Bjune is Co-Founder/President/Co-CEO of Native Cloud Systems, a start-up
software company delivering next-generation cloud computing solutions. Prior to Native
Cloud Systems Erika served in the role of Vice President of IT at Tides. During that time,
she started and directed the Avatar Action Center, the first nonprofit organization
established in the virtual world Second Life, which provided interactive educational
experiences around the topic of global sustainability. One of her goals is to encourage
more young women to enter the expanding and diverse field of technology. Website:
www.nativecloudsystems.com
software company delivering next-generation cloud computing solutions. Prior to Native
Cloud Systems Erika served in the role of Vice President of IT at Tides. During that time,
she started and directed the Avatar Action Center, the first nonprofit organization
established in the virtual world Second Life, which provided interactive educational
experiences around the topic of global sustainability. One of her goals is to encourage
more young women to enter the expanding and diverse field of technology. Website:
www.nativecloudsystems.com
Christine Bronstein is the founder of A Band of Wives a social network and
information website for women. She was CEO of one of the few women-run, venture
backed health and fitness companies in the nation and president of a child-welfare
foundation.She's a graduate of Columbia/UC-Berkeley executive MBA program and a
member of Beta Gamma Sigma. Chris is married to Hearst/San Francisco Chronicle's
Editor-at-Large Phil Bronstein and is the mother of three. Website:
www.christinebronstein.com
information website for women. She was CEO of one of the few women-run, venture
backed health and fitness companies in the nation and president of a child-welfare
foundation.She's a graduate of Columbia/UC-Berkeley executive MBA program and a
member of Beta Gamma Sigma. Chris is married to Hearst/San Francisco Chronicle's
Editor-at-Large Phil Bronstein and is the mother of three. Website:
www.christinebronstein.com
Nancy Calef completed Bronx High School of Science at age 15 and received a
scholarship to study painting and sculpture. She's lived in San Francisco since 1977,
but has traveled extensively throughout North America, Southeast Asia, Nepal and
India. She's also lived in Europe and Thailand, all of which served to develop her
painting style and sharpen her understanding of the cultural and spiritual diversity of
the world landscape. Her renowned “Peoplescapes”--- oil, sculptured characters and
applied objects on canvas, address cultural, political and spiritual issues facing
society. Nancy's paintings will be on display at the conference, but don't miss her
unique, creative website which features her paintings "come to life" and a whole lot
more: www.nancycalefgallery.com
scholarship to study painting and sculpture. She's lived in San Francisco since 1977,
but has traveled extensively throughout North America, Southeast Asia, Nepal and
India. She's also lived in Europe and Thailand, all of which served to develop her
painting style and sharpen her understanding of the cultural and spiritual diversity of
the world landscape. Her renowned “Peoplescapes”--- oil, sculptured characters and
applied objects on canvas, address cultural, political and spiritual issues facing
society. Nancy's paintings will be on display at the conference, but don't miss her
unique, creative website which features her paintings "come to life" and a whole lot
more: www.nancycalefgallery.com
Zoe FitzGerald Carter's memoir, Imperfect Endings is the story of how Zoe’s busy life
takes an unexpected detour when her glamorous, independent-minded mother, who, tired
of living with Parkinson’s disease, declares she's no longer willing to go where the illness
is taking her. Unsure how—or when—she will end her life, she's certain of one thing:
she wants her three daughters there when she does it. Imperfect Endings was
excerpted in O magazine and has won numerous awards including finalist for the
National MS Society's Books for a Better Life Awards in the "Inspirational Memoir"
category, and is a Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers pick. Read an excerpt
and see photos from the memoir at:www.zoefitzgeraldcarter.com/
takes an unexpected detour when her glamorous, independent-minded mother, who, tired
of living with Parkinson’s disease, declares she's no longer willing to go where the illness
is taking her. Unsure how—or when—she will end her life, she's certain of one thing:
she wants her three daughters there when she does it. Imperfect Endings was
excerpted in O magazine and has won numerous awards including finalist for the
National MS Society's Books for a Better Life Awards in the "Inspirational Memoir"
category, and is a Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers pick. Read an excerpt
and see photos from the memoir at:www.zoefitzgeraldcarter.com/
Marisa Churchill has worked at such notable restaurants as Rubicon, The
Slanted Door and Yoshi’s, where she was named “one of the cities top pastry
chefs” by the San Francisco Chronicle’s head food critic, Michael Bauer. Her work
has been featured in a number of magazines including Food & Wine, Bon Appetit,
People, and Shape. She's also been featured on the "Food Network Challenge",
and various morning shows promoting healthier ways to cook and bake. Marisa
began focusing on using natural ingredients to create recipes that were full of
flavor without all the fat. This proved particularly challenging when it came to
developing delicious desserts, but she kept at it, and her low-fat, sugar-free
desserts have continued to grow in popularity, especially her low-fat chocolate
fudge cake which was a hit on "Top Chef." After receiving her nutrition certification
through Cornell University, she completed her first cookbook, Sweet & Skinny
which features 100 delicious but skinny desserts. Life is too short to skip dessert!
Get some of her fab recipes at: marisachurchill.com
Slanted Door and Yoshi’s, where she was named “one of the cities top pastry
chefs” by the San Francisco Chronicle’s head food critic, Michael Bauer. Her work
has been featured in a number of magazines including Food & Wine, Bon Appetit,
People, and Shape. She's also been featured on the "Food Network Challenge",
and various morning shows promoting healthier ways to cook and bake. Marisa
began focusing on using natural ingredients to create recipes that were full of
flavor without all the fat. This proved particularly challenging when it came to
developing delicious desserts, but she kept at it, and her low-fat, sugar-free
desserts have continued to grow in popularity, especially her low-fat chocolate
fudge cake which was a hit on "Top Chef." After receiving her nutrition certification
through Cornell University, she completed her first cookbook, Sweet & Skinny
which features 100 delicious but skinny desserts. Life is too short to skip dessert!
Get some of her fab recipes at: marisachurchill.com
Self-made and self-taught, Kaye Cloutman is a bookworm, Lifestyle/Food/Wine/Travel
writer with an insatiable desire for all things wonderful! Currently the editor in chief of
Gastronomique En Vogue, Kaye's expertise in publishing, editing, creative marketing,
sales, event promotion and public relations have made all her ventures a success. She
became proficient in using Photoshop, Sony Vegas Video and DVD Architect to create
videos and slide shows for family and friends.Eventually she began to participate in video
shoots and trade show demonstrations and speaking in public. She ran her own
successful business marketing custom products for the spa/resort industry in the
Philippines.Check out her fab website: gastronomiqueenvogue.com
writer with an insatiable desire for all things wonderful! Currently the editor in chief of
Gastronomique En Vogue, Kaye's expertise in publishing, editing, creative marketing,
sales, event promotion and public relations have made all her ventures a success. She
became proficient in using Photoshop, Sony Vegas Video and DVD Architect to create
videos and slide shows for family and friends.Eventually she began to participate in video
shoots and trade show demonstrations and speaking in public. She ran her own
successful business marketing custom products for the spa/resort industry in the
Philippines.Check out her fab website: gastronomiqueenvogue.com
Deborah Grabien has lived and worked from London to Geneva to Paris to Florence,
but since her first look at the Bay Area, she’s always come home to San Francisco.
Between 1989 and 1993, she published four novels, took a decade away from writing,
and then picked up where she’d left off with the five novels of her Haunted Ballads
series being brought out by St. Martins Minotaur between 2003 and 2007. Still Life With
Devils, a standalone thriller about a serial killer who may not be human, was released by
Drollerie Press in December 2007. Dark’s Tale, her first YA title, draws on her
experiences working with the SPCA’s feral cat program in Golden Gate Park. Her current
series, the Kinkaid Chronicles, are the books of her heart. Narrated by aging rock
superstar guitarist John “JP” Kinkaid, this character-driven mystery series not only takes
the reader into the way rock and roll really works at the highest end, but illuminates what
living with a chronic progressive illness is like. Like JP, Deborah herself has lived with
multiple sclerosis for nearly a decade. Website: deborahgrabien.com
but since her first look at the Bay Area, she’s always come home to San Francisco.
Between 1989 and 1993, she published four novels, took a decade away from writing,
and then picked up where she’d left off with the five novels of her Haunted Ballads
series being brought out by St. Martins Minotaur between 2003 and 2007. Still Life With
Devils, a standalone thriller about a serial killer who may not be human, was released by
Drollerie Press in December 2007. Dark’s Tale, her first YA title, draws on her
experiences working with the SPCA’s feral cat program in Golden Gate Park. Her current
series, the Kinkaid Chronicles, are the books of her heart. Narrated by aging rock
superstar guitarist John “JP” Kinkaid, this character-driven mystery series not only takes
the reader into the way rock and roll really works at the highest end, but illuminates what
living with a chronic progressive illness is like. Like JP, Deborah herself has lived with
multiple sclerosis for nearly a decade. Website: deborahgrabien.com
Jeb Harrison has been involved in a wide range of creative endeavors. Novelist, script
writer, painter, musician, he has performed in sleazy bars and concert halls alike. He paints
landscapes in oil and has sold over 30 original pieces over the past several years. Formerly
the co-founder and director of InterActive Media Inc., Jeb designed, wrote and produced
over 100 integrated interactive marketing, sales, training and consumer edutainment
programs, one of which was SportWare Golf™, a multimedia title published by HarperCollins
Interactive.As creative director of The SoftAd Group, he designed programs for clients such
as Ford, Buick, BMW, IBM, Coke, and more. As a songwriter/musician, he's done live
performances at venues such as The Fillmore, and as a landscape artist he was a winner
of the Grumbacher Award, Marin Society of Artists, 1997. Jeb's novel, Hack is being
released by Harper Davis Publishers in May of 2012.
Website: jebharrison.com
writer, painter, musician, he has performed in sleazy bars and concert halls alike. He paints
landscapes in oil and has sold over 30 original pieces over the past several years. Formerly
the co-founder and director of InterActive Media Inc., Jeb designed, wrote and produced
over 100 integrated interactive marketing, sales, training and consumer edutainment
programs, one of which was SportWare Golf™, a multimedia title published by HarperCollins
Interactive.As creative director of The SoftAd Group, he designed programs for clients such
as Ford, Buick, BMW, IBM, Coke, and more. As a songwriter/musician, he's done live
performances at venues such as The Fillmore, and as a landscape artist he was a winner
of the Grumbacher Award, Marin Society of Artists, 1997. Jeb's novel, Hack is being
released by Harper Davis Publishers in May of 2012.
Website: jebharrison.com
Laura McHale Holland runs the editorial department for a financial services
trade publication by day and is an author and independent publisher by night.
Her childhood memoir, Reversible Skirt, which recounts the gut-wrenching
decade after her mother’s suicide, won a silver medal in the 2011 Readers
Favorite book awards. Laura’s stories and articles have appeared in numerous
publications including the original San Francisco Examiner. She is a member of
both Redwood Writers and the Storytelling Association of California. Visit her
website at: lauramchaleholland.com
trade publication by day and is an author and independent publisher by night.
Her childhood memoir, Reversible Skirt, which recounts the gut-wrenching
decade after her mother’s suicide, won a silver medal in the 2011 Readers
Favorite book awards. Laura’s stories and articles have appeared in numerous
publications including the original San Francisco Examiner. She is a member of
both Redwood Writers and the Storytelling Association of California. Visit her
website at: lauramchaleholland.com
Joe Klocek has performed at every major comedy club in the country, including
Alaska and is a regular on the Bay Area Comedy Scene. He's a square peg in a round
hole sort of guy. Raised a Midwesterner, so he has manners, but living in San
Francisco for 20 years, so he thinks he's better than you. Joe does two things well -
tells stories and talks to the crowd. Joe has appeared on Comedy Central's "Live at
Gotham," NBC's "Last Comic Standing," and was the commentator for Emmy Award
winning documentary,"A Bridge so Far." He is the co-creator of the critically acclaimed
storytelling show, "Previously Secret Information" and has also been a runner-up in
the "San Francisco International Comedy Competition" and a finalist in the "Seattle
Comedy Competition." Voted "Best Comic" in the 2011 SF Weekly Readers Poll.
www.standupjoe.com
Alaska and is a regular on the Bay Area Comedy Scene. He's a square peg in a round
hole sort of guy. Raised a Midwesterner, so he has manners, but living in San
Francisco for 20 years, so he thinks he's better than you. Joe does two things well -
tells stories and talks to the crowd. Joe has appeared on Comedy Central's "Live at
Gotham," NBC's "Last Comic Standing," and was the commentator for Emmy Award
winning documentary,"A Bridge so Far." He is the co-creator of the critically acclaimed
storytelling show, "Previously Secret Information" and has also been a runner-up in
the "San Francisco International Comedy Competition" and a finalist in the "Seattle
Comedy Competition." Voted "Best Comic" in the 2011 SF Weekly Readers Poll.
www.standupjoe.com
| *Keynote Speaker Malissa Feruzzi Shriver, California Arts Council Chair, Founder, Feruzzi Fine Art |
| *Presenter Patricia V. Davis, Author of The Diva Doctrine, President, Harper Davis Publishers |
| Hosted by |
| The Women’s PowerStrategy Conference is a gathering of leaders from diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise who are joining forces to educate and inspire women of all ages to believe and invest in their own talent, skills, and potential. |
Dena Kouremetis debuted as a Sacramento Bee newspaper columnist in 1997 and
subsequently began writing marketing copy for PR firms, web sites and businesses as well.
Author, co-author and expert consultant for three business trade books by Chicago's
Dearborn Trade Press, now part of Kaplan Publishing, Kouremetis had expanded her love of
writing to a variety of topics, ranging from baby boomer lifestyles to health and fitness, real
estate and mortgage, architecture and design, beauty, finance, legal content, and personal
finance. She is also a regular contributor to women's books on life, love and middle age.
Now focusing on helping businesses with blogs and newsletters in addition to copywriting
and producing web site content, she offers her expertise in training small business owners
in the art of business blogging and creating their online professional profiles. Visit her site at:
www.communic8or.com/
subsequently began writing marketing copy for PR firms, web sites and businesses as well.
Author, co-author and expert consultant for three business trade books by Chicago's
Dearborn Trade Press, now part of Kaplan Publishing, Kouremetis had expanded her love of
writing to a variety of topics, ranging from baby boomer lifestyles to health and fitness, real
estate and mortgage, architecture and design, beauty, finance, legal content, and personal
finance. She is also a regular contributor to women's books on life, love and middle age.
Now focusing on helping businesses with blogs and newsletters in addition to copywriting
and producing web site content, she offers her expertise in training small business owners
in the art of business blogging and creating their online professional profiles. Visit her site at:
www.communic8or.com/
Vicki Larson is the Lifestyles editor and writer at Marin Independent
Journal, a blogger for The Huffington Post, a columnist for Mommy Tracked:
Managing the Chaos of Modern Motherhood; and a contributor to “Knowing
Pains: Women on Love, Sex and Work in Our 40s,” a fundraiser for breast
cancer. She is co-writing a book about reinventing marriage, "The New I Do,"
and sometimes even writes something halfway intelligent on her own blog,
the OMG Chronicles omgchronicles.vickilarson.com
Linda Lee is a writer, speaker, educator and website designer who demystifies the
online experience. She is the founder of "Smart Women, Stupid Computers" and Askmepc-
Webdesign. Linda began her own online business in 1998, and since then her
entrepreneurial sensibilities have helped others find their own place on the web.
Linda also provides informative presentations on diverse tropics ranging from “Internet
Safety” to “Branding Yourself Online.” Linda is also the co-president of the Women’s
National Book Association, San Francisco Chapter and is the current the Volunteer
Coordinator of the San Francisco Writer’s Conference. She is also co-founder of Click-
Speak-Learn, a seminar and web-based enterprise designed to bring audiences
inspirational information. Online and off, Linda continually helps others achieve their
personal best.Visit: AskMePc Web Design
online experience. She is the founder of "Smart Women, Stupid Computers" and Askmepc-
Webdesign. Linda began her own online business in 1998, and since then her
entrepreneurial sensibilities have helped others find their own place on the web.
Linda also provides informative presentations on diverse tropics ranging from “Internet
Safety” to “Branding Yourself Online.” Linda is also the co-president of the Women’s
National Book Association, San Francisco Chapter and is the current the Volunteer
Coordinator of the San Francisco Writer’s Conference. She is also co-founder of Click-
Speak-Learn, a seminar and web-based enterprise designed to bring audiences
inspirational information. Online and off, Linda continually helps others achieve their
personal best.Visit: AskMePc Web Design
Frances Lefkowitz is the author of To Have Not, named one of five “Best
Memoirs of 2010” by SheKnows.com. The former senior editor of Body+Soul
magazine (now Martha Stewart's Whole Living), Frances is now the book
reviewer for Good Housekeeping and a freelance writer, editor, and writing
teacher. Her articles, essays, and short stories have appeared in numerous
publications and she has twice been honorable-mentioned for the Pushcart
Prize, once for Best American Essays, and was a finalist for a James Beard
Foundation Food Writing Award. For more on Frances and links to her writing
and events, visit her website at www.FrancesLefkowitz.net
Memoirs of 2010” by SheKnows.com. The former senior editor of Body+Soul
magazine (now Martha Stewart's Whole Living), Frances is now the book
reviewer for Good Housekeeping and a freelance writer, editor, and writing
teacher. Her articles, essays, and short stories have appeared in numerous
publications and she has twice been honorable-mentioned for the Pushcart
Prize, once for Best American Essays, and was a finalist for a James Beard
Foundation Food Writing Award. For more on Frances and links to her writing
and events, visit her website at www.FrancesLefkowitz.net
Hyla Molander is an author, inspirational speaker, social media maven,
photographer, widow, wife, and mother of four, is the founder of Social Good
Project, Widowed Web on Facebook, and co-producer of Women Rock It.
As a spokesperson for the Masonic Medical Research Lab, Hyla raises awareness
about Brugada Syndrome, the unrecognized genetic problem which led to her late
husband’s death at the age of 29. Hyla’s book, Finding Light: Images and Words of
Hope, encourages those who have experienced any type of tragedy to push
through their darkness. Other writing projects include her forthcoming memoir, Drop
Dead Life: A Pregnant Widow’s Heartfelt and Often Comic Journey through Death,
Birth, and Rebirth, and her marketing guide, Secrets of Scribd Success: How
Writers, Entrepreneurs, Non-Profits, and Corporations Can Grow Their Audience
with Scribd.com. Learn more about Hyla at her website: hylamolander.com
photographer, widow, wife, and mother of four, is the founder of Social Good
Project, Widowed Web on Facebook, and co-producer of Women Rock It.
As a spokesperson for the Masonic Medical Research Lab, Hyla raises awareness
about Brugada Syndrome, the unrecognized genetic problem which led to her late
husband’s death at the age of 29. Hyla’s book, Finding Light: Images and Words of
Hope, encourages those who have experienced any type of tragedy to push
through their darkness. Other writing projects include her forthcoming memoir, Drop
Dead Life: A Pregnant Widow’s Heartfelt and Often Comic Journey through Death,
Birth, and Rebirth, and her marketing guide, Secrets of Scribd Success: How
Writers, Entrepreneurs, Non-Profits, and Corporations Can Grow Their Audience
with Scribd.com. Learn more about Hyla at her website: hylamolander.com
Kimberly Moore ran private duty home health agencies,worked in recruitment for
physicians and nurses and had a side business as a healthcare informatics
consultant for several years. She spent several years in the U.K. but returned to
the U.S in late 2008, where she used the economic downturn in her industry as an
opportunity to expand her consulting business yet focus on the bright and shiny
new world of Social Media. Parasol Creations was born in the late summer of
2010. Kimberly partnered with three fantastic women who combined all their
expertise to form a Social Media Marketing company that allowed each to highlight
their strengths and support each other. Parasol Creations is busy and growing
and has extended into a network of over 25 sites that they own and manage –
incredible when you think of the time line! Website: Kimberly Moore
Communications
physicians and nurses and had a side business as a healthcare informatics
consultant for several years. She spent several years in the U.K. but returned to
the U.S in late 2008, where she used the economic downturn in her industry as an
opportunity to expand her consulting business yet focus on the bright and shiny
new world of Social Media. Parasol Creations was born in the late summer of
2010. Kimberly partnered with three fantastic women who combined all their
expertise to form a Social Media Marketing company that allowed each to highlight
their strengths and support each other. Parasol Creations is busy and growing
and has extended into a network of over 25 sites that they own and manage –
incredible when you think of the time line! Website: Kimberly Moore
Communications
Amanda McTigue is the Principal at "i.e" --- Ideas Expressed. A writer, director and
creative consultant,her background as an Executive Director at Paramount
Entertainment/Viacom makes her invaluable to clients, both national and international,
as they explore brand extension, product development, retail, residential and
commercial planning and guest experience through such L.A.-based design firms as
Thinkwell Design and the Hettema Group. Management positions she’s held have put
her in charge of hundreds of employees at a clip, overseeing multi-million dollar bottom
lines. Her show treatments written for Walt Disney Entertainment have led to top-rated
productions. She coaches actors through affiliations with the National Association of
Singing Teachers and Sonoma State University and has been directing stage
productions in the North Bay area for the past ten years. Her debut novel," Going to
Solace", will be published in 2012 by Harper Davis. amandamctigue.com
creative consultant,her background as an Executive Director at Paramount
Entertainment/Viacom makes her invaluable to clients, both national and international,
as they explore brand extension, product development, retail, residential and
commercial planning and guest experience through such L.A.-based design firms as
Thinkwell Design and the Hettema Group. Management positions she’s held have put
her in charge of hundreds of employees at a clip, overseeing multi-million dollar bottom
lines. Her show treatments written for Walt Disney Entertainment have led to top-rated
productions. She coaches actors through affiliations with the National Association of
Singing Teachers and Sonoma State University and has been directing stage
productions in the North Bay area for the past ten years. Her debut novel," Going to
Solace", will be published in 2012 by Harper Davis. amandamctigue.com
Ivory Madison is a writer, editor, entrepreneur, and founder of Red Room. A
former management consultant to startups and Fortune 500 companies, Madison
combines her business acumen with her dedication to supporting writers. A
frequent keynote speaker and panelist on writing, entrepreneurship, and social
media, she's been a guest lecturer to the faculty and writing coaches at the
Stanford Graduate School of Business and the Stanford Publishing Course.
Trained as an attorney, Madison was Editor in Chief of her Law Review,
interned at the California Supreme Court, and served as a Law Fellow at
Americans United for the Separation of Church and State. Her adventures have
also included episodes as a New Orleans restaurateur, radical feminist politico,
and torch singer at the Plush Room. Her feminist-mafia-noir graphic novel,
Huntress: Year One, was published by DC Comics in February 2009. Visit her
website: Red Room
former management consultant to startups and Fortune 500 companies, Madison
combines her business acumen with her dedication to supporting writers. A
frequent keynote speaker and panelist on writing, entrepreneurship, and social
media, she's been a guest lecturer to the faculty and writing coaches at the
Stanford Graduate School of Business and the Stanford Publishing Course.
Trained as an attorney, Madison was Editor in Chief of her Law Review,
interned at the California Supreme Court, and served as a Law Fellow at
Americans United for the Separation of Church and State. Her adventures have
also included episodes as a New Orleans restaurateur, radical feminist politico,
and torch singer at the Plush Room. Her feminist-mafia-noir graphic novel,
Huntress: Year One, was published by DC Comics in February 2009. Visit her
website: Red Room
Gilbert Mansergh is the psychological educator internationally acclaimed for
utilizing Hollywood movie clips as teaching tools. Gil is the author of over sixty non-
fiction books, a syndicated film column, and a NYTimes affiliated movie blog. He is
also the producer/host of the Word By Word: Conversations With Writers radio
show on Sonoma County’s NPR station, KRCB-FM. Gil’s first novel, The Marvelous
Journals of Miss Virginia Pettingill is fictionalized from true stories told by his
mother, and has received glowing pre-publication reviews. It will be released by
Harper Davis Publishers in mid - 2012. www.gilmansergh.com
utilizing Hollywood movie clips as teaching tools. Gil is the author of over sixty non-
fiction books, a syndicated film column, and a NYTimes affiliated movie blog. He is
also the producer/host of the Word By Word: Conversations With Writers radio
show on Sonoma County’s NPR station, KRCB-FM. Gil’s first novel, The Marvelous
Journals of Miss Virginia Pettingill is fictionalized from true stories told by his
mother, and has received glowing pre-publication reviews. It will be released by
Harper Davis Publishers in mid - 2012. www.gilmansergh.com
Monique Lessan is a multi-lingual licensed private investigator with over ten years
of experience who has conducted many extensive worldwide investigations to
recover missing and abducted children and runaways. She has been called in on
missing persons cases, sex trafficking cases, infidelity cases, undercover sting
operations, criminal defense investigations, and surveillance. Featured on many
television news and talk shows, Monique is an activist in the fight against human
trafficking and an expert in child abduction recoveries. Ms. Lessan has recovered
missing children from San Diego, Singapore, Mexico, England, Saipan and Nicaragua.
In 2009 Monique founded Teens Against Human Trafficking and has a non-profit called
"ProjectFACE" (Fighting Against Child Exploitation) Website: eyeinvestigate.com
of experience who has conducted many extensive worldwide investigations to
recover missing and abducted children and runaways. She has been called in on
missing persons cases, sex trafficking cases, infidelity cases, undercover sting
operations, criminal defense investigations, and surveillance. Featured on many
television news and talk shows, Monique is an activist in the fight against human
trafficking and an expert in child abduction recoveries. Ms. Lessan has recovered
missing children from San Diego, Singapore, Mexico, England, Saipan and Nicaragua.
In 2009 Monique founded Teens Against Human Trafficking and has a non-profit called
"ProjectFACE" (Fighting Against Child Exploitation) Website: eyeinvestigate.com
Justin Oliver is the "Slim" in Slim Jenkins, a "swinging, shouting, jumping
young gun act out of San Francisco." Their speciality is "dark swing,
voodoo blues and the dirtiest R&B around." Band members are: Felix
MacNee beating the swing drums, Timothy Vickers walking the upright
bass, Joel Martinez and his lead guitar blues licks, and Randy Johnson
and Byron Burchard on the saxophones. Add the smooth, melodious
tones of Justin Oliver's singing and it's no surprise that in less than two
short years, this band has become wildly popular in the Bay Area.
www.slimjenkins.com (Justin will be on our Men's Panel.)
young gun act out of San Francisco." Their speciality is "dark swing,
voodoo blues and the dirtiest R&B around." Band members are: Felix
MacNee beating the swing drums, Timothy Vickers walking the upright
bass, Joel Martinez and his lead guitar blues licks, and Randy Johnson
and Byron Burchard on the saxophones. Add the smooth, melodious
tones of Justin Oliver's singing and it's no surprise that in less than two
short years, this band has become wildly popular in the Bay Area.
www.slimjenkins.com (Justin will be on our Men's Panel.)
Kim Pipkin has 20-plus years experience marketing for the
architecture/engineering and construction industry. She holds a Masters of
Architecture from U.C. Berkeley and Masters of Business Administration from St.
Mary’s College. She is a specialist in MBE/WBE outreach and contract compliance.
Previous employers include EHDD Architecture, Swinerton & Walberg Builders,
Whisler Patri Architects, Del Campo & Maru Architects and Don Todd Associates
Construction Managers. Kim is a licensed real estate agent in the state of California
and has served as Planning Commissioner to the Town of San Anselmo, California.
She now serves as Director of Business Development at Kwan Henmi Architects.
www.marshmarketing.com
architecture/engineering and construction industry. She holds a Masters of
Architecture from U.C. Berkeley and Masters of Business Administration from St.
Mary’s College. She is a specialist in MBE/WBE outreach and contract compliance.
Previous employers include EHDD Architecture, Swinerton & Walberg Builders,
Whisler Patri Architects, Del Campo & Maru Architects and Don Todd Associates
Construction Managers. Kim is a licensed real estate agent in the state of California
and has served as Planning Commissioner to the Town of San Anselmo, California.
She now serves as Director of Business Development at Kwan Henmi Architects.
www.marshmarketing.com
Rebecca Rosenberg is a writer, product designer and co-owner of Sonoma Lavender
who by combining her creative talent and marketing savvy has been able to produce a
number of successful ventures, one of which was her marketing and advertising
agency. Specializing in retail, it provided her access to several top retail chains where
she was responsible for brand and advertising campaign development.
Rebecca recently created an extensive line of unique lavender and beneficial products
for Sonoma Lavender which can be found in over 4,000 stores throughout the United
States and around the world. Her book, Lavender Fields of America, is now available
and her debut novel, “Matchless” has just been completed. See the beautiful website of
Sonoma Lavender
who by combining her creative talent and marketing savvy has been able to produce a
number of successful ventures, one of which was her marketing and advertising
agency. Specializing in retail, it provided her access to several top retail chains where
she was responsible for brand and advertising campaign development.
Rebecca recently created an extensive line of unique lavender and beneficial products
for Sonoma Lavender which can be found in over 4,000 stores throughout the United
States and around the world. Her book, Lavender Fields of America, is now available
and her debut novel, “Matchless” has just been completed. See the beautiful website of
Sonoma Lavender
Jeannette Sears was a lyricist for Jefferson Starship writing the words for many of
the bands critically acclaimed songs. Jeannette and her husband, Pete Sears, have
long been active in the environmental, peace, and justice movements from as far back
as the 1960s. Their concept album,"Watchfire" (by Pete Sears and Friends—including
Jerry Garcia, Micky Hart, David Grisman, Babatundi Olatungi, Mimi Farina & Holly Near)
was one in which Jeannette wrote all the lyrics to most of the songs, and they reflect
her concern about the future of the planet and the effects of the United States’
disastrous foreign policy in Guatemala and El Salvador. One of the songs,
"Guatemala," was turned into a powerful music video and was picked up by Amnesty
International,used to raise awareness about human rights abuses in Central America.
Jeannette has just completed her first novel, A Light Rain of Grace. Much more about
Jeannette can be found on her website:www.jeannettesears.com
Ransom Stephens Ph.D, is a professor of particle physics
turned writer and speaker. He discovered a new type of matter,
was on the team that discovered the top quark, led an engineering
commando team in conquering complex technical and marketing
problems for a Fortune 500 Company and now makes a living as a
novelist, speaker and high tech consultant. Ransom has written
over 300 articles on impossible subjects like quantum physics and
parenting teenagers, produces events for Litquake and co-
produces two literary series. His first novel, The God Patent, was
“the first debut novel to emerge from the new paradigm of online
publishing” according to the SF Chronicle and has spent over a
year on several top ten lists. His second novel has just been
completed. www.ransomstephens.com
turned writer and speaker. He discovered a new type of matter,
was on the team that discovered the top quark, led an engineering
commando team in conquering complex technical and marketing
problems for a Fortune 500 Company and now makes a living as a
novelist, speaker and high tech consultant. Ransom has written
over 300 articles on impossible subjects like quantum physics and
parenting teenagers, produces events for Litquake and co-
produces two literary series. His first novel, The God Patent, was
“the first debut novel to emerge from the new paradigm of online
publishing” according to the SF Chronicle and has spent over a
year on several top ten lists. His second novel has just been
completed. www.ransomstephens.com
Director, cinematographer, editor, sound designer and composer,
Alex Vargas was born in Uruguay where he studied classical
theatre at the E.M.A.D. (National School of Theatre). Born into a
family of musicians, Alex was a professional recording artist and
front man for a rock band in Denmark until he moved to the Bay
Area in 2003. Fluent in three languages, Alex held an number of
jobs in the arts, health, travel and non-profit fields. Since 2009 Alex
has focused exclusively on all aspects of filmmaking and in
mastering pre and post film production, making his work truly
personal compositions of art told through multi-dimensional layers.
Alex Vargas was born in Uruguay where he studied classical
theatre at the E.M.A.D. (National School of Theatre). Born into a
family of musicians, Alex was a professional recording artist and
front man for a rock band in Denmark until he moved to the Bay
Area in 2003. Fluent in three languages, Alex held an number of
jobs in the arts, health, travel and non-profit fields. Since 2009 Alex
has focused exclusively on all aspects of filmmaking and in
mastering pre and post film production, making his work truly
personal compositions of art told through multi-dimensional layers.
Niko Volonakis is an independent filmmaker, writer, actor, and
composer who divides his time mostly among San Francisco, New York,
and Athens, Greece. Past projects include The 48 Hour Film Festival,
Litquake, and a variety of trailers and shorts. He is currently at work on
his first full-length film, "Hate Your City," some of which was shot on
location in Cairo, Dublin, Athens, and San Francisco. See samples of his
work on MySpace and Vimeo.
composer who divides his time mostly among San Francisco, New York,
and Athens, Greece. Past projects include The 48 Hour Film Festival,
Litquake, and a variety of trailers and shorts. He is currently at work on
his first full-length film, "Hate Your City," some of which was shot on
location in Cairo, Dublin, Athens, and San Francisco. See samples of his
work on MySpace and Vimeo.
Jody Weiner is an attorney, writer, and producer, who wrote the suspense novel
Prisoners of Truth, and co-authored Kinship With Animal. In film, Jody was the
consulting producer to "Hoodwinked Too! Hood vs Evil" (Kanbar Entertainment and
The Weinstein Company, 2011) and he also wrote additional dialogue for it. Jody
also produced "Perfect Two," a music video by Ceej (2011) He also wrote the
comedy screenplay "Heck, No" (2011) and was the writer/director of the animated
music video, "Lost My Mind Again," (2005). Jody is a member of the California Bar,
the Illinois Bar, the Fifth, Sixth, Seventh and Ninth Circuit Courts of Appeal, and
more. His clients have ranged from an inventor of the MRI machine to death row
inmates, from an NBA All-Star to Koko the signing gorilla. He's served as corporate
counsel to Skyy Spirits, advised The Artist’s Guild of San Francisco and The Gorilla
Foundation; a director of the Golda Foundation,and also serves on the Advisory
Board of Litquake. www.jodyweiner.com
Prisoners of Truth, and co-authored Kinship With Animal. In film, Jody was the
consulting producer to "Hoodwinked Too! Hood vs Evil" (Kanbar Entertainment and
The Weinstein Company, 2011) and he also wrote additional dialogue for it. Jody
also produced "Perfect Two," a music video by Ceej (2011) He also wrote the
comedy screenplay "Heck, No" (2011) and was the writer/director of the animated
music video, "Lost My Mind Again," (2005). Jody is a member of the California Bar,
the Illinois Bar, the Fifth, Sixth, Seventh and Ninth Circuit Courts of Appeal, and
more. His clients have ranged from an inventor of the MRI machine to death row
inmates, from an NBA All-Star to Koko the signing gorilla. He's served as corporate
counsel to Skyy Spirits, advised The Artist’s Guild of San Francisco and The Gorilla
Foundation; a director of the Golda Foundation,and also serves on the Advisory
Board of Litquake. www.jodyweiner.com
March 24, 2012 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. San Domenico School Marin County, California |
| Tiana Andreas will be playing some of her songs from her debut CD, "Butterfly in the Snow," during our noon buffet; the perfect accompaniment to a glorious meal and a glorious day. (Tiana's daughter is Chef Marisa Churchill, who will be speaking at our conference and preparing one of her signature recipes as part of our luncheon.) Learn more about Tiana and hear her music at: www.tianapiano.com |
| __________________________________________________________ |
March 24, 2012 9:00 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. |
March 24, 2012 9:00 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. |
| CLICK HERE to Sponsor a Girl for the Conference |
March 24, 2012 9:00 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. |
| __________________________________________________________ |
March 24, 2012 9:00 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. |
March 24, 2012 9:00 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. San Domenico School Marin County, California |
March 24, 2012 9:00 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. |
March 24, 2012 9:00 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. |
| CLICK HERE to Sponsor a Girl for the Conference |
March 24, 2012 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. San Domenico School Marin County, California |
March 24, 2012 9:00 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. |
March 24, 2012 9:00 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. |
| CLICK HERE to Sponsor a Girl for the Conference |
March 24, 2012 9:00 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. San Domenico School Marin County, California |
| Our Speakers and Panelists |
| About Our Guest Performer |
| *About Our Keynote Speaker |
Evan Bailyn is an internet entrepreneur, bestselling author, and child advocate. His
first book, Outsmarting Google, debuted to rave reviews in mid-2011. Its sequel,
"Outsmarting Social Media" comes out in early 2012.Evan is the founder of The
Evan Bailyn Foundation, which promotes emotional awareness in children. His
Facebook page, which encourages people to be true to themselves, gained over
100,000 fans in a year, making it one of the most popular non-celebrity pages on
Facebook. Evan has been interviewed on ABC and Fox News and featured in The
New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and several other major publications.
Visit his website: evanbailyn.com
first book, Outsmarting Google, debuted to rave reviews in mid-2011. Its sequel,
"Outsmarting Social Media" comes out in early 2012.Evan is the founder of The
Evan Bailyn Foundation, which promotes emotional awareness in children. His
Facebook page, which encourages people to be true to themselves, gained over
100,000 fans in a year, making it one of the most popular non-celebrity pages on
Facebook. Evan has been interviewed on ABC and Fox News and featured in The
New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and several other major publications.
Visit his website: evanbailyn.com
Women's PowerStrategy Conference is a Registered Trademark of Harper Davis Publishers
| *About Our Presenter |
March 24, 2012 9:00 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. |
March 24, 2012 9:00 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. |
| CLICK HERE to Sponsor a Girl for the Conference |
March 24, 2012 9:00 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. San Domenico School Marin County, California |
March 24, 2012 9:00 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. |
March 24, 2012 9:00 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. San Domenico School Marin County, California |
CLICK HERE if you would like to be a Vendor |
CLICK HERE if you want to sponsor a Girl to attend the Conference |
CLICK HERE to REGISTER |
March 24, 2012 9:00 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. San Domenico School Marin County, California |
| Malissa Feruzzi Shriver was appointed to the California Arts Council by Governor Schwarzenegger in 2005 and elected as Chair on January 27, 2009. The professional painter, writer, and owner of Feruzzi Fine Arts also serves on the boards of the National Assembly of State Art Agencies (NASAA), the California Institute of the Arts, and the Western States Arts Federation (WESTAF) including on its Congressional Advocacy Committee. She is a policy board member for the California Alliance for Arts Education (CAAE) and former board member of the California Music Project, a nonprofit organization created to support music education programs for California K-12 schools. Malissa has been actively involved with the Santa Monica Department of Cultural Affairs to promote a cultural center as part of the civic plan for the City of Santa Monica. She's also involved in other nonprofit work, including the Santa Monica Museum, PS Arts, For The Arts (an endowment for the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District), and the California Museum for History, Women and the Arts in Sacramento. As an artist, Ms. Feruzzi Shriver works in oils and specializes in both originals and recreations of old master paintings. She studied painting and sculpture at the University of California, Los Angeles, and comes from a family of accomplished artists. Website: California Arts Council |
| Patricia V. Davis is the author of the award-winning Harlot's Sauce: A Memoir of Food, Family, Love, Loss and Greece, and The Diva Doctrine: 16 Universal Principles Every Woman Needs to Know. She is the founder and editor-in-chief of the non-partisan HS Radio e-magazine and podcast and the president of Harper Davis Publishing Inc. Patricia is actively involved in empowering women through her writing and speaking and was named one of Top 25 Mentors for Women and Young Girls by The Hot Mommas Project of George Washington University in both 2010 and 2011 and a VivMagnificent Woman by Viv Magazine in 2011. Her latest work and first published fiction, "Chopin, Fiendishly" appears in Tales From the House Band: Volume I, published by Plus One Press. Patricia holds a Master's Degree in Creative Writing and Education. Website:www.patriciaVdavis.com |
March 24, 2012 9:00 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. San Domenico School Marin County, California |
CLICK HERE to REGISTER |
Susanna Solomon never thought that “electrical engineer” would be her career
choice, but she has been one for over 25 years. In 1980, realizing she was married to
an alcoholic, she decided she needed to get a “man’s degree” and went back to school
to study math and science, despite the fact that her math skills were weak and her
father, a scientist, thought it was laughable. In 1987, she graduated from San Francisco
State with honors and began working with companies large and small as an engineering
consultant for the next 15 years. Eleven years ago, Susanna started her own business
designing electrical systems and has since worked on everything from high-end
residences to industrial buildings. In her second shift, she writes delightful, character-
driven short stories which she reads at literary gatherings.
choice, but she has been one for over 25 years. In 1980, realizing she was married to
an alcoholic, she decided she needed to get a “man’s degree” and went back to school
to study math and science, despite the fact that her math skills were weak and her
father, a scientist, thought it was laughable. In 1987, she graduated from San Francisco
State with honors and began working with companies large and small as an engineering
consultant for the next 15 years. Eleven years ago, Susanna started her own business
designing electrical systems and has since worked on everything from high-end
residences to industrial buildings. In her second shift, she writes delightful, character-
driven short stories which she reads at literary gatherings.
Mimi Towle is the executive editor of Marin Magazine where she is responsible for
writing and assigning for the "In Marin" and "Destinations" departments as well as
features. Prior to that she was the senior editor for eHow.com where she created and
edited the Health, Family, Pet and Relationship channels. Her stories are known for being
beautifully constructed and expertly edited. Mimi is the author of lilaguide's The Nanny
Translator and Bilingual Babycare and she waxes poetic about travel destinations at
www.mimitowle.com
writing and assigning for the "In Marin" and "Destinations" departments as well as
features. Prior to that she was the senior editor for eHow.com where she created and
edited the Health, Family, Pet and Relationship channels. Her stories are known for being
beautifully constructed and expertly edited. Mimi is the author of lilaguide's The Nanny
Translator and Bilingual Babycare and she waxes poetic about travel destinations at
www.mimitowle.com
Laurie Berry is a licensed aesthetician, massage therapist and
herbalist with over 25 years experience at some of the top spas in
Las Vegas including the Ritz Carlton and The Wynn's Encore. She
has extensive knowledge of holistic skincare, Bach flowers and
aromatherapy and tours the country teaching classes on team
building with aromatherapy, and releasing blockages and healing
mind, body, and soul with Bach flowers. She was a featured
speaker on healing trauma at the National Psychiatric Conference in
Maui, and is a national trainer for Naturopathica.
herbalist with over 25 years experience at some of the top spas in
Las Vegas including the Ritz Carlton and The Wynn's Encore. She
has extensive knowledge of holistic skincare, Bach flowers and
aromatherapy and tours the country teaching classes on team
building with aromatherapy, and releasing blockages and healing
mind, body, and soul with Bach flowers. She was a featured
speaker on healing trauma at the National Psychiatric Conference in
Maui, and is a national trainer for Naturopathica.
Francesca Soares Alati was transplanted to San Francisco four
years ago from New York City. She is a writer, photographer and
lover of the arts. She attends City College of San Francisco, majoring
in Social and Behavioral Sciences. As a feminist and advocate of
healthy relationships, Francesca has worked with programs like
PROJECT SURIVE to gain skills in teaching men and women how to
have healthy, non-abusive relationships.
years ago from New York City. She is a writer, photographer and
lover of the arts. She attends City College of San Francisco, majoring
in Social and Behavioral Sciences. As a feminist and advocate of
healthy relationships, Francesca has worked with programs like
PROJECT SURIVE to gain skills in teaching men and women how to
have healthy, non-abusive relationships.
Dr. Tamara McClintock Greenberg is a published author and speaker. She
contributes to websites like The Huffington Post and Psychology Today and is an
Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco.
Dr. Greenberg provided consultation-liaison services within the UCSF hospitals and in
long-term care facilities for over ten years. She currently has a private practice in San
Francisco, CA. tamara-greenberg.com/
contributes to websites like The Huffington Post and Psychology Today and is an
Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco.
Dr. Greenberg provided consultation-liaison services within the UCSF hospitals and in
long-term care facilities for over ten years. She currently has a private practice in San
Francisco, CA. tamara-greenberg.com/
Verna Dreisbach is the founder and president of Capitol City Young Writers, a non-
profit organization dedicated to the education and mentoring of aspiring young
writers in junior high and high school. Verna is also a literary agent, author,
educator, and former police officer.. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from
Sacramento State University with a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in English.
She has taught publishing and writing courses through the University of California
Davis Extension and is currently teaching college level English courses in
Sacramento, CA. She is the editor of Why We Ride: Women Writers on the Horses in
their Lives, published by Seal Press. www.captitolcityyoungwriters.org
profit organization dedicated to the education and mentoring of aspiring young
writers in junior high and high school. Verna is also a literary agent, author,
educator, and former police officer.. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from
Sacramento State University with a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in English.
She has taught publishing and writing courses through the University of California
Davis Extension and is currently teaching college level English courses in
Sacramento, CA. She is the editor of Why We Ride: Women Writers on the Horses in
their Lives, published by Seal Press. www.captitolcityyoungwriters.org
