2011 Speakers
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2011 Speakers
Martha Beck
Psychology Today, USA Today and NPR have all referred to Martha Beck as one of the best-known life coaches in America. She is a columnist for O, the Oprah Magazine … Read Full Bio
Mika Brzezinski
Mika Brzezinski is the co-host of MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.” Her memoir “All Things At Once“ became a New York Times bestseller in January 2010. Brzezinski’s second book”… Read Full Bio
Maria Ebrahimji
Maria Ebrahimji is the director and executive editorial producer for network booking at CNN Worldwide. In this position, she …. Read Full Bio
Tory Johnson
Tory Johnson is all about spark and hustle at work, dating back to high school in Miami Beach where she joined her all-male debate team—and became the first girl … Read Full Bio
Marion Jones
Marion Jones is one of the world’s most celebrated athletes. As a college basketball star for the North Carolina Tar Heels, U.S. Olympic track athlete and now a … Read Full Bio
Betsy Myers
Betsy Myers is currently speaking and leading workshops around the world on the changing nature of leadership. In addition, she is currently working to finalize her… Read Full Bio
Gretchen Rubin
Gretchen Rubin is the author of the #1 New York Times and international bestseller, “The Happiness Project”—an account of the year she spent test-driving the wisdom of the ages… Read Full Bio
Joe Scarborough
Former Congressman Joe Scarborough (R-Fla.) is the host of MSNBC’s “Morning Joe, “the show Time Magazine calls “revolutionary” and The New York Times … Read Full Bio
Special Guest Speakers
Anne Finucane
Anne M. Finucane is global strategy and marketing officer at Bank of America, and is also a member of the company’s executive management team. During her 16 years as a senior… Read Full Bio
Diane Patrick
First Lady Diane Patrick has her own record of excellence and distinguished professional and public service. She is a lawyer…. Read Full Bio
Breakout Session Speakers
James Beckerman
Cardiologist James Beckerman, M.D. was moved by his wife’s family experiences with heart disease to retool his own message into a flexible system for…. Read Full Bio
Lisa Bender
Dr. Lisa Bender is vice president and chief human resources officer for The MITRE Corporation. In this role, Dr. Bender is responsible for strategic planning and direction of… Read Full Bio
Joanne Bockmiller
Joanne Bockmiller is vice president of human resources and security for Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems (IDS). In this role, she is responsible for leading IDS’ global HR… Read Full Bio
Caitlin Boyle
Caitlin Boyle discovered purpose through battling negative self-talk. Tired of hearing her own inner voice telling her she wasn’t good enough, the blogger scribbled… Read Full Bio
Dr. Brené Brown
Dr. Brené Brown is a writer and research professor at the University Of Houston Graduate College Of Social Work. Her groundbreaking research on vulnerability, courage, and shame… Read Full Bio
Wendy Capland
Wendy Capland is a pioneer and leader in the fields of leadership and executive coaching. She is the founder and CEO of Vision Quest Consulting founded… Read Full Bio
Linda Driscoll
Linda Driscoll is the founder and CEO of Dream Big! After 24 years in the non-profit and sports management world, Driscoll launched Dream Big! in 2010 to provide … Read Full Bio
Maria Ebrahimji
Maria Ebrahimji is the director and executive editorial producer for network booking at CNN Worldwide. In this position, she leads a team of editorial producers ,…. Read Full Bio
Samantha Ettus
Samantha Ettus is a personal branding expert, bestselling author and TV personality. As a contributor to Forbes, Ettus writes “Personahood,” a blog focused on … Read Full Bio
Moira Forbes
Moira Forbes is the president and publisher of ForbesWoman, a multi-media platform dedicated to successful women in business and leadership. She … Read Full Bio
Linda Dorcena Forry
Born and raised in Dorchester, State Representative Linda Dorcena Forry has dedicated her professional life to a career in public service…Read Full Bio
Leigh Hurst
Leigh Hurst is the president and founder of the Feel Your Boobies Foundation as well as president of Say Something Big. Read Full Bio
Shama Kabani
Shama Kabani is a Web and TV personality, bestselling author, international speaker and award winning CEO of The Marketing Zen Group – a global digital marketing firm… Read Full Bio
Karen Kirkwood
Karen A. Kirkwood serves as vice president of corporate communications for Thermo Fisher Scientific. Kirkwood joined the company in 1985 when it was Thermo Electron,…Read Full Bio
Kimberly Kissam
Kimberly Kissam and her sister, Alexis are the proud co-owners of Isabel Harvey, a trendy jewelry and unique home accessories company with a boutique feel. Keeping it all in the family,… Read Full Bio
Kyla LaPierre
Kyla LaPierre started with State Street in February 1994 working as a trade processor. At the same time, LaPierre worked nights managing staff for Osco Drug in Canton, MA…Read Full Bio
Cynthia Lariviere
Cynthia Lariviere is a consumer market executive at Bank of America, responsible for Banking Center operations and building community …Read Full Bio
Elisabeth Leamy
Elisabeth Leamy is the consumer correspondent for ABC News’ “Good Morning America.” Her specialties are stories on how to save money, keep your family safe and avoid scams … Read Full Bio
Barbara Lynch
James Beard Award-winner Barbara Lynch is regarded as one the country’s leading chefs and restaurateurs- and you can find her… Read Full Bio
Juliette Mayers
Juliette Mayers is executive director, multicultural marketing at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. She is an award-winning executive, business strategist… Read Full Bio
Johanna McChesney
Johanna McChesney founded Isis Parenting in 2003 with a devoted group of experts and baby fanatics united by the deep desire to help families through one of the… Read Full Bio
Betsy Myers
Betsy Myers is currently speaking and leading workshops around the world on the changing nature of leadership. In addition, she is currently working to finalize her… Read Full Bio
Lida Orzeck
Lida Orzeck is CEO and co-founder of Hanky Panky, a popular women’s lingerie brand with 34 years under its garter belt. Orzeck, along with creative director and co-founder,…Read Full Bio
Gina Otto
An award-winning author, international speaker, producer, social entrepreneur and children’s advocate,Gina Otto is currently…Read Full Bio
Babette Pepaj
Babette Pepaj is the founder and CEO of BakeSpace.com(2010 and 2009 Webby Award Nominee for “Best Social Network”) and the founder and producer of TECHmunch…Read Full Bio
Mel Robbins
Mel Robbins is a working mother of three and America’s Life Coach. She’s a relationship exert, syndicated radio host, author, columnist, lawyer and co-founder of … Read Full Bio
Flora Sah
Flora Sah is a senior vice president at State Street Corporation and is the head of Enterprise Solutions IT division for State Street Global Markets. She has over 18 years of strategy… Read Full Bio
Carole Simpson
After 24 years, three-time Emmy-award winning anchor and senior correspondent, Carole Simpson retired from ABC News in 2006…Read Full Bio
Jane Swift
Jane Swift earned her place in history as the first woman to serve as Governor of Massachusetts and as the first governor in the United States to give birth while in office,… Read Full Bio
Tammy Tibbetts
Tammy Tibbetts passionately advocates the power of social media to create social change. She is the founder and president of She’s the First, a not-for-profit that sponsors …Read Full Bio
Farnoosh Torabi
Farnoosh Torabi is a personal finance journalist, author and TV personality. The New York Times calls her advice “perfectly practical.” She is the author of the new book… Read Full Bio
Bobbie Weiner
At 46 years old, Bobbie Weiner, a.k.a. “Bloody Mary,” started a new career by going to makeup school in 1993 for the film and TV industry. After her first horror film, …. Read Full Bio
Jess Weiner
Considered this generation’s “Go to Girl” for self-esteem, Jess Weiner inspires audiences worldwide with her authentic take on living a confident life. Read Full Bio
Chrissy Wellington
Chrissy Wellington, being a Division I athlete, knows first-hand how to balance a busy schedule with a healthy lifestyle and strives to help guests maintain a similar balance…Read Full Bio
Lena West
Lena L. West is an award-winning social media consultant, blogger, speaker, journalist, technologist and the founder of InfluenceExpansion.com, …. Read Full Bio
Megan Wherry
Megan Wherry joined EMD Serono in October of 2007 as vice president of human resources. In this role, she is responsible for managing all human resource functions…. Read Full Bio
Nicole Williams
Nicole Williams is the bestselling author of three books, the latest of which, “Girl on Top: Your Guide to Turning Dating Rules into Career Success, …. Read Full Bio
Yifan Zhang
co-founder and president of development for Gym-Pact, an online fitness commitment keeper
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Expert Exchange
Beth Carlson
Beth Carlson is vice president of global talent development and learning for Raytheon Company. She brings more than 30 years of experience to this role… Read Full Bio
Lisa DeSisto
is the chief advertising officer for Boston Globe Media and the general manager for Boston.com. She joined the Boston Globe in 1995 as marketing manager for the newly created Boston.com… Read Full Bio
Denise Kaigler
Denise Kaigler is the senior vice president of corporate communications for Boston Scientific and is responsible for all company communications, including internal and external communications, media relations,…Read Full Bio
Julie Haskell
Julie Haskell is the vice president of WorkLife and Global Inclusion for State Street. In this role, she is responsible for supporting the company’s North American commitment to inclusion…Read Full Bio
Joan Luise Hill
has been accused of doubling as the energizer bunny. Her recent radio, television and personal appearances surrounding her new book, “The Miracle Chase” …Read Full Bio
Katie Mahon
describes stepping away from her fast-tracked career in senior management in banking to be as uncomfortable as it was liberating. In retrospect, it was a defining moment… Read Full Bio
Mary Mullin
Mary Mullin has been with Merrill Lynch for 29 years; she currently works with affluent families and business owners providing a comprehensive approach to financial planning… Read Full Bio
Maria Murnane
Maria Murnane had a successful career in public relations for nearly 10 years before deciding she needed a change. She left for Argentina for what was supposed to be a … Read Full Bio
Pam Paton
Pamela Paton is a senior vice president of State Street Corporation and chief administration officer for the company’s Corporate Development …Read Full Bio
Meb Phillips
started to believe in miracles when her baby daughter, shaken and blinded by a neighbor’s nanny survived, then thrived, against unbeatable odds. The tragedy … Read Full Bio
Marcy L. Reed
Marcy L. Reed is president of National Grid in Massachusetts. She is responsible for the financial, operational, and customer service performance of the business in Massachusetts… Read Full Bio
Stacy Schaeffer
Stacy Schaeffer joined EMC in 2005 as a director of Lean Six Sigma. She led a number of cross-functional initiatives as part of the Field Productivity Program…Read Full Bio
Stephanie Sonnabend
Stephanie Sonnabend is chief executive officer and president of Sonesta International Hotels Corporation, the hotel business her grandfather, A.M. Sonnabend, founded…Read Full Bio
Local Leaders
Josefina Bonilla
Josefina Bonilla is the managing director of Color Media Group, LLC and publisher of its flagship publication, Color Magazine. She is responsible for creating business … Read Full Bio
Sonia Chang-Diaz
Sonia Chang-Díaz is the first Latina elected to the Massachusetts State Senate. She is serving her second term on behalf of the Second Suffolk District, which is … Read Full Bio
Renee Connolly
Renee Connolly joined EMD Serono, Inc. in June 2004 as vice president of US Communications, where she is responsible for all external and internal communications, including… Read Full Bio
Leigh-Ann Durant
Attorney Leigh-Ann Patterson Durantserves as associate general counsel at EMD Serono, Inc., a leading international biopharmaceutical company…Read Full Bio
Linda Dorcena Forry
Born and raised in Dorchester, State Representative Linda Dorcena Forry has dedicated her professional life to a career in public service…Read Full Bio
Mary Beth Hawkins
Mary Beth Hawkins is responsible for a team of over 300 retail employees and all of AT&T’s retail locations in Western Massachusetts,Read Full Bio
Grace Kelly
Grace Kelly is a saxophonist, vocalist, composer, lyricist and arranger. At only 19 years old, this talented young woman …Read Full Bio
Dottie Lessard- Brownsberger
Dottie Lessard-Brownsberger is one of the most inspirational examples of what the human spirit and mind can accomplish. At six weeks…Read Full Bio
Candy O’Terry
Candy O’Terry is a multi-media broadcaster heard daily on Magic 106.7 and 96.9 Boston Talks and seen weekly on the Emmy-award winning talent show Community Auditions… Read Full Bio
Small Business Boot Camp
Michael Alter
Michael Alter, president of SurePayroll is responsible for the overall business model development, strategic planning Read Full Bio
Meryl Weinsaft Cooper
Jessica Kleiman and Meryl Weinsaft Cooper are co-authors of “Be Your Own Best Publicist: How to Use PR Techniques to Get Noticed, Hired and Rewarded at Work”
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Samantha Ettus
personal branding expert, bestselling author and TV personality
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Laura Fitton
founder and CEO, OneForty.com
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Ross Kimbarovsky
co-founder, crowdSPRING and leading small business expert
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Jessica Kleiman
Jessica Kleiman and Meryl Weinsaft Cooper are co-authors of “Be Your Own Best Publicist: How to Use PR Techniques to Get Noticed, Hired and Rewarded at Work”
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Marley Majcher
CEO, The Party Goddess! And author, “But Are You Making Any Money?”
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Danae Ringelmann
co-founded IndieGoGo in 2008 with the goal of leveling the playing field.
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Kathryn Rose
social media strategist and co-founder of Social Buzz Club
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Lena West
social media strategist and co-founder of Social Buzz Club
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Paula White
Paula and her husband Chris White founded 600 lb gorillas, Inc, maker of premium all natural frozen cookie dough and ice cream sandwiches in 1999
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Vanessa Wilson
founder and proprietor, Crafty Gemini, LLC
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Yifan Zhang
co-founder and president of development for Gym-Pact, an online fitness commitment keeper
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Susan Zimmerman
serial entrepreneur with the ability to read a changing market and create revenue opportunities that leverage emerging consumer trends
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Health & Wellness Pavilion Speakers
Dottie Lessard- Brownsberger
Dottie Lessard-Brownsberger is one of the most inspirational examples of what the human spirit and mind can accomplish. At six weeks…Read Full Bio
Noreeen Nugent
is director of US research operations for EMD Serono, Inc., in this capacity she spearheaded collaborative efforts between scientists and architects in creating…Read Full Bio
Ryan Parker
Ryan Parker is a wellness club chef for Whole Foods Market. He has a diverse background of culinary experiences including teaching culinary arts in Tianjin, China, serving…Read Full Bio
Julie Silver
Julie Silver, MD is an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School in the department of physical medicine and rehabilitation and the chief …Read Full Bio
Dr. Andy Smith
is the vice president of imaging science for Hologic, Inc. He has been involved in medical imaging research and development for over 20 years, with a current focus…Read Full Bio
2012 keynote and workshop/panel speakers will be announced soon. Please join our email list for the latest announcements!