Plenary and Breakout Speakers

Hear from some of New Jersey’s most influential change-makers, and engage in life-changing breakout sessions

Meet Our EMCEE

Mikki Taylor

Author, Cultural Storyteller, Empowerment Speaker, Media Personality

Plenary 1

The State of the State

In this engaging plenary session, you will gain valuable insights into the current state of women’s health and wellness. We will discuss the challenges women face and the initiatives being implemented by state and local organizations, as well as major healthcare systems, to address these challenges. Our focus will be on how these efforts aim to improve health and wellness for all women. Join us for an informative discussion that highlights progress and ongoing strategies in this vital area of health.
Helen Archontou
Moderator
CEO
YWCA Northern New Jersey
Balpreet Grewal-Virk
Senior Vice President, Community Health RWJBarnabus Health
Dr. Kaitlan Baston
Commissioner
New Jersey Department of Health
Maya Harlow
Essex County Health Officer

Plenary 2

Overseeing Women's Health

In this power-packed plenary session, you’ll get a unique glimpse into the current state of women’s health and wellness, and you’ll discover how some of the area’s most prominent healthcare systems are spearheading radical new initiatives to address changing needs.
Sarah Pena
Moderator
Director
External Affairs 
PSE&G

Iris Jones
Executive Director
NJ Department of Health: Office of Women's Health
Lisa Antonacci
Vice President
Women's Health
Hackensack Meridian Health
Suzanne Spernal
Senior Vice President of Women's Services RWJBarnabus Health
Deborah Visconi
President and Chief Executive Officer New Bridge Medical Center

Breakout

The M Factor

The M Factor is the first U.S. documentary to reveal the hidden impact of menopause on women's lives. With 55 million women in the United States currently experiencing menopause, this life stage is often surrounded by silence and misinformation, exacerbating the broader crisis in women’s health. This session will bring to life the women behind the scenes that made it happen and why.
Jo LaMarca Mathisen
Moderator
Co-Executive Producer
The M Factor
Tamsen Fadal
Co-producer, The M Factor; Author, Filmmaker, Women's Health Advocate
Dr. Corrine Menn
Dr. Sharon Malone
Jennifer Weiss-Wolf

Breakout

The Many Faces of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer doesn't only impact one group of people, it does not discriminate based on age, race, or gender. A rich discussion aimed to raise our awareness, be better informed about risk assessments and empower us with choices.
Eleonora Teplinsky
Moderator
Medical Oncology,
Breast Medical Oncology,
Gynecologic Medical Oncology
Valley Health System
Bill Heyman
Co-Founder
Heyman Associates
Miranda Mckeon
Writer, Actress, Creator
Jennifer Bucalo
Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives
Rutgers University, Newark
Sharyce Toppin
Manager of Administrative Services
Rutgers University, Newark

Breakout

Patient Advocacy

Join us for an enlightening panel discussion focused on the critical role of patient advocacy in today’s healthcare landscape. This event brings together a diverse group of experts, including patient advocates, healthcare providers, and policymakers, to explore how advocacy can enhance patient care and improve health outcomes.
Patty Caballero
Moderator
Principal & CEO
PSC Consulting
Dr. Roshni Patel
TBD
TBD
TBD

Breakout

On Loneliness: An Epidemic

This panel discussion seeks to empower attendees with knowledge and tools to combat loneliness, emphasizing the importance of connection in creating a healthier, more supportive society. Join us to learn, share, and build a stronger community together.
Jane Randel
Moderator
Co-Founder CommsCollectiv
Morgan Marler
Associate Director of Network and Partnerships The Foundation for Social Connection
Betsy Parker
CEO
Sunny

Breakout

Your Healthcare Roadmap

Join us for an informative panel discussion designed to help you understand and navigate your healthcare journey effectively. This session features healthcare professionals, patient advocates, and industry experts who will provide insights on how to create a personalized healthcare roadmap that meets your individual needs.
Kelly Fulton
Moderator
SVP, Business
Development
RWJBarnabus Health
Gail Zimmerman, MD
Internal Medicine and Preventative Care
Dr. Fatima Naqvi
OBGYN
Atlantic Medical Group
TBD
TBD

Breakout

Innovations in Women's Health

Join us for an engaging panel discussion that delves into the latest innovations in women’s health. This session features a diverse group of experts, including healthcare providers, researchers, and technology innovators, who will explore groundbreaking advancements and their potential impact on women’s health outcomes.
Rachel Braun Scherl
Moderator
Business Builder, Marketing
Strategist, Vagipreneur, Author and Speaker
Komel Caruso
COO
HerMD
Timothy Merchant
National Director of Cancer Screening Networks New Jersey Imaging Network
Alyson Maier Likuta
Senior Director
NJPAC Arts & Well-Being

Breakout

Financial Health and Well-Being for Women

Join us for an insightful panel discussion focused on financial health and well-being for women across all ages and life stages. This session brings together financial experts, career coaches, and wellness advocates who will share strategies, tools, and resources to help women achieve financial independence and security.
Lisa Manzanillo
Moderator
Managing Partner
Simon & Quick
Dorothy Kahlau
First Senior Vice President
Valley Bank's Women in Business
Frenchi Ferenczi
Strategies for founders & creatives to streamline & simplify their business growth
Tiffany McGhee
CEO & Chief Investment Officer of Pivotal Advisors, CNBC Contributor

Breakout

After the Diagnosis: What Now?

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Monica Tirri
Moderator
Audible & Breast
Cancer Survivor
Rebecca C. Yang
Director of Breast Surgery, Director of Comprehensive Breast Health Center
Ceallaigh Lorenz-Talleyrand
Founder
Salvation Wellness

Breakout

Facts & Fiction: Weight Management

The weight loss industry has been evolving quickly. Whether you are seeking to lose a few pounds, are struggling with stubborn menopausal weight gain or have been a significant weight loss journey, understanding options has become difficult in today’s environment. In this session, medical professionals will discuss benefits and risks of weight loss medications, surgery and other options available for various weight loss needs.
Vanessa Rissetto
Moderator
CEO, Co-Founder
Culina Health
Ragui Sadek
Chief of Bariatric Surgery service line RWJ Barnabas Healthcare System
Blaire Uniake
Lorraine Maita

Breakout

Caregiving and Caring for Oneself

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Helen Archontou
Moderator
CEO
YWCA Northern New Jersey
Dr. Michelle Papka
Director and Founder
The Cognitive and Research Center of New Jersey
Anne Wargo
President
Anne Wargo Consulting
Holly Strelzik
Founder, CEO
Center for the Heart

Breakout

A Journey To Motherhood

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Sarrah Strimel Bentley
Moderator
Founder
A Chance for Life
Dr. Serena Chen
Director Advocacy IRMS CCRM NJ
Brie Tammaro
Owner, CEO
No. 18 Boutique
Alison Prato
Journalist, Speaker, Author, CoFounder Fertility Rally

Breakout

Your Higher Being & Faith

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Eyesha Marable
Moderator
Assist. VP, Community
Engagement NJPAC
Elisabeth (Liss) Larsen
Chaplain
Rabbi Allie Klein
South Orange Congregation

Breakout

Let's Talk About Sex and the Mind-Body
Connection

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Mikki Taylor
Moderator
Author, Cultural Storyteller, Media Personality Editor-at-Large, ESSENCE Magazine
Chanta Blue

Breakout

Health Equity & Maternal Healthcare

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Helen Archontou
Moderator
CEO

YWCA Northern New Jersey
MarieKarl Talty
President & CEO Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey
Tara Norman
Director of Health Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion

Breakout

Why Genetics Matter?

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Dr. Deb Axelrod
Breast Cancer Surgery, Surgical Oncology NYU Langone Health
Dr. Julia Smith
Medical Oncology NYU Langone Health
Christina Dorr Drake
Founder
Willa's Oat Milk

Breakout

Heart Health

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Patty Caballero
Moderator
Principal & CEO

PSC Consulting
Gwen Mayes
Patient Influencer, Advocate, Author
GwenCo Health
Dr. Amy Ahnert
Director, Women's Heart Program Morristown Medical Center

Fireside Chat

Food & Beverage: All in Moderation

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Eiko LaBoria
Founder/CEO
The Flow Initiative
Vanessa Freeman

Robin DiLauri
Chasing Tornadoes
Rob Fusar
Chasing Tornadoes
Rob Fusar
Singer from The Voice
Mckenzie Maurent
Singer Arts Ed
program at NJPAC
DJ Olive
Former Rockette, fitness studio owner
Former Rockette, fitness studio owner