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 Women’s Health in NJ
What’s Changing & What It Means for You

New Jersey women are facing some big health challenges—but there’s also real progress happening. So what’s the real state of women’s health in NJ, and what does it mean for you, your family, and your future? This session breaks down the key issues—from healthcare access to policies that could impact your well-being. It’s not just a big-picture discussion—it’s a conversation about your health, your choices, and the changes that matter most.
Helen Archontou
Moderator
CEO, YWCA
Northern New Jersey
Kaitlan Baston, M.D.
Commissioner, New Jersey Department of Health
Iris Jones
Executive Director
NJ Department of Health
Office of Women's Health
Maya Harlow
Essex County Health Officer
Balpreet Grewal-Virk
Senior Vice President, Community Health RWJBarnabas Health

Plenary 2

The Future of Women’s Healthcare
Real Change, Real Solutions

Women’s healthcare is evolving—but how do we make sure it’s moving in the right direction? In this dynamic session, industry leaders will break down the biggest challenges in women’s health today—and the bold solutions shaping tomorrow. From expanding access to tackling disparities, we’ll dive into the policies, innovations and community-driven efforts that are making a difference. It’s not just about what’s wrong—it’s about what’s next and how we can work together to create better care for every woman in New Jersey.
Sara Pena
Moderator
Director
External Affairs 
PSE&G

Lisa Antonacci
Vice President
Women's Health
Hackensack Meridian Health
Suzanne Spernal
SVP, of Women's Services RWJBarnabas Health

Deborah Visconi
President & CEO, New Bridge Medical Center

Breakout

The Truth About Menopause, Peri-Menopause & Health, Inspired by The M Factor

Let’s cut through the noise and have an unfiltered conversation about midlife—the good, the frustrating, and the downright unexpected. This session kicks off with a compelling excerpt from The M Factor, followed by a real, no-holds-barred conversation with the voices behind the project. We’ll tackle the myths, the challenges, and the opportunities that come with this stage of life—with insight, humor and the kind of honesty you wish you got from your doctor. Aging isn’t something to fear—it’s something to own.
Joanne LaMarca Mathisen
Moderator
Co-Executive Producer
The M Factor

Sharon Malone, M.D.
Chief Medical Officer, Alloy Women's Health, Author



Jennifer Weiss-Wolf
Executive Director Bimbaum Women's Leadership Center at NYU Law, Author

Breakout

The Many Faces of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer doesn’t look just one way, and no two journeys are the same. This session explores the diverse realities of a diagnosis that impacts people across different backgrounds, lifestyles, and experiences. We’ll hear personal stories, discuss unique risk factors and emphasize why early detection and personalized care matter for everyone. Whether you’re a survivor, a supporter, or simply want to understand more, this conversation is about raising awareness, fostering support, and ensuring that no one faces breast cancer alone.
Eleonora Teplinsky, MD
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

From Awareness to Action:
Navigating the Healthcare System with Confidence

Understanding and navigating the healthcare system isn’t always easy, but knowing how to advocate for yourself can make all the difference. This panel brings together experts in reproductive health, patient advocacy, and healthcare access to break down the biggest barriers to care and, more importantly, how to overcome them. You’ll walk away with real strategies to advocate for your health—and help others do the same. Because knowing how to navigate the system isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.
Patty Caballero
Moderator
Principal & CEO
PSC Consulting
Serena Chen, MD, OBGYN
Director, Advocacy
IRMS CCRM NJ
Monica Townsend, MPA
Medical Director, Prevention & Care Navigation, Rutgers Cancer Institute-Cancer Health Equity Center of Excellence
Olufunke Olushoga, MD
Medical Director, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey

Breakout

Stronger Together
Breaking the Cycle of Isolation & Finding Your People

Feeling disconnected isn’t just an emotional struggle—it’s a real health issue with serious impacts on both mind and body. And yet, so many of us go through major life changes alone. This session dives into the root causes of isolation, how it affects your well-being, and—most important—how to break free from it. Our speakers will share insights on building meaningful connections, advocating for yourself and others, and creating the kind of support network that makes all the difference. Because no one should have to navigate life—or their health—on their own.
Jane Randel
Moderator
Co-Founder CommsCollectiv
Dr. Iian Smith
Ph.D, Head of Behavioral Science, Sunny
Marci Hopkins
Podcast Host, Author, Speaker

Breakout

Your Healthcare Roadmap
How to Get the Care You Deserve

Between specialists, screenings, and ever-changing recommendations, figuring out who to see and when to go can feel like a full-time job. This session helps to simplify the process. Because when it comes to your health, having a plan makes all the difference.
Kelly Fulton
Moderator
Kelly Fulton, RN, SVP
RWJBarnabas Health
Gail Zimmerman, MD
Internal Medicine and Preventative Care
Rachel Blake, MD, FACOG
Board-certified OB/GYN
Lillian Kreppe
Public Speaker, Entrepreneur, Marketing & Public Relations Strategist

Breakout

Innovations in Women’s Health
Breakthroughs You Need to Know

Women’s healthcare is changing—fast. From cutting-edge research to game-changing treatments, this session takes you inside the latest innovations. We’ll explore how new technology, lifestyle medicine, and groundbreaking therapies are reshaping the wellness landscape. If you’re ready for a glimpse into the future of women’s health—and what it means for you—this is the session to catch.
Rachel Braun Scherl
Moderator
Business Builder, Marketing
Strategist, Vagipreneur, Author and Speaker
Komel Caruso
Co-Founder
HerMD
Timothy Merchant
National Director of Cancer Screening Networks
New Jersey Imaging Network
Alyson Maier Lokuta
Senior Director
NJPAC Arts & Well-Being

Breakout

Money & Well-Being
Taking Control of Your Financial Health

Financial pressure can take a serious toll on your mental and physical health, impacting everything from sleep to access to healthcare. In this powerful session, women in finance and business get real - from smart money moves to mindset shifts, you’ll walk away with actionable steps to build financial confidence and a future that feels stable, secure and yours.
Lisa Manzanillo, CFP, CDFA, MBA
Moderator
Managing Director
Client Advisor
Simon & Quick
Dorothy Kahlau
First SVP
Valley Bank's
Women in Business
Frenchie Ferenczi
Business Strategist,
Advisor
Tiffany McGhee
CEO & Chief Investment Officer of Pivotal Advisors, CNBC Contributor

Breakout

Healing Beyond the Diagnosis
New Paths to Healing and Recovery

A diagnosis is just one chapter in the story of your health—what comes next matters just as much. Explore cutting-edge strategies for managing pain and trauma through holistic and science-backed approaches while embracing creative restorative options.
Monica Tirri
Moderator
Breast Cancer Survivor and Advocate
Rebecca C. Yang, MD
Director of Breast Surgery, Director of Comprehensive Breast Health Center, RWJBarnabas Health
Ceallaigh Lorenz-Talleyrand
Founder
Salvation Wellness

Breakout

Beyond the Trends
The Real Science of Weight and Wellness

From diet fads to weight-loss meds, it’s hard to know what’s real and what’s just another trend. This session cuts through the noise to give you science-backed answers about weight management, nutrition, and body image—just real solutions. Experts will break down the facts behind weight-loss medications, the role of nutrition in sustainable health, and the mindset shifts that actually make a difference. If you're tired of the confusion and ready for clarity, this is the conversation you don’t want to miss.
Vanessa Rissetto
Moderator
CEO, Co-Founder
Culina Health
Ragui Sadek, MD, FACS, FASMBS
Chief of Bariatric Surgery, RWJBarnabas Health
Blaire Uniacke, MD, Psychiatry
Columbia University Research Center
Lorraine Maita, MD
Internal Medicine, Atlantic Health

Breakout

Caregiver’s Journey
Showing Up for Others Without Losing Yourself

Caring for a loved one is one of the most selfless things you can do—but it can also be exhausting. The emotional, physical, and mental toll of caregiving is real, and too often, your own well-being takes a backseat. This session is all about finding the balance between compassion and self-care. You’ll learn practical strategies for setting boundaries (without guilt), managing stress, and making sure you get the support you need. Because taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s what allows you to keep showing up for the people who need you most.
Helen Archontou
Moderator
CEO
YWCA Northern New Jersey
Holly Strelzik
Founder,
Center for the Heart
Anne Wargo
President
Anne Wargo Consulting

Breakout

The Journey to Motherhood
Fertility, Pregnancy & the Postpartum Experience

Motherhood doesn’t always follow a straight path. From fertility struggles to postpartum recovery, the journey can be filled with unexpected challenges—physically, emotionally, and mentally. This session takes a real, unfiltered look at the highs and lows of conception, pregnancy, and the postpartum experience. Whether you’re planning for motherhood, in the thick of it, or supporting someone who is, this conversation is all about embracing the unpredictable, honoring your own needs, and knowing you’re not alone.
Sarrah Strimel Bentley
Moderator
Founder
A Chance for Life
Serena Chen, MD
Director Advocacy IRMS CCRM NJ
Brianne Tammaro Paluseo
Owner, CEO
No. 18 Boutique
Alison (Lundgren) Prato
Journalist, Speaker, Author, CoFounder Fertility Rally

Breakout

Healing the Body & Soul
The Powerful Connection Between Faith & Well-Being

Faith and spirituality play a profound role in how we experience health, healing, and even the end of life. This session explores the profound role spirituality plays in healing, resilience, and compassionate care. Whether you find peace in a higher power, a personal belief system, or the support of a faith community, this conversation is about honoring the mind-body-spirit connection and embracing the role of faith in overall well-being.
Eyesha Marable
Moderator
Assist. VP, Community
Engagement NJPAC
Elisabeth (Liss) Larsen
Chaplain
Allie Klein, Rabbi
Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel South Orange

Breakout

The Full Picture
How Sexual Health Shapes Your Body, Mind & Relationships

Sexual health is more than just a medical topic—it’s a key part of your overall well-being, yet it’s often the conversation that gets pushed aside. In this candid session, a sexual health therapist will break down the powerful mind-body connection behind intimacy, desire, and wellness. From the physical to the emotional, we’ll explore how sexual health impacts confidence, relationships, and quality of life. No awkwardness, no judgment—just real talk about something that matters.
Mikki Taylor
Moderator
Author, Cultural Storyteller, Media Personality Editor-at-Large, ESSENCE Magazine
Chanta Blue, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, MEd, LCSW, CST
Co-Owner and Director of Therapeutic Services,
Blue Counseling &
Wellness Center

Breakout

Healthy Mothers, Healthy Communities
The Impact of Maternal Health Disparities

Not all mothers receive the same level of care—and the consequences can be devastating. This session takes a hard look at the systemic barriers that put women, especially women of color, at higher risk during pregnancy and postpartum. Experts will explore the disparities in maternal healthcare, the role of community-based support, and the urgent need for policy change. We’ll also discuss how advocacy, social determinants of health, and innovative care models can help ensure every mother—no matter her background—gets the quality care and support she deserves. Because when mothers thrive, entire communities do, too.
Chris Pernell, MD, MPH, FACPM, Moderator
Founder & CEO, The Esther Group LLC

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

Breakout

Empowered Choices
Taking Charge of Your Breast Health with Confidence

When it comes to breast cancer, knowledge is power—and the more you know, the more control you have over your health. This session dives into the latest advancements in treatment, the role of genetics in prevention, and how lifestyle choices can impact overall breast health. Experts will break down risk assessment, early detection strategies, and the decisions that can make a real difference. Whether you're looking to reduce your risk, navigate a diagnosis, or simply take a more proactive approach to your well-being, this conversation will leave you informed, empowered, and ready to advocate for your health.
Deb Axelrod, MD
Breast Cancer Surgery, Surgical Oncology NYU Langone Health
Julia A Smith, MD, PhD
Medical Oncology NYU Langone Health
Christina Dorr Drake
Founder
Willa's Oat Milk

Breakout

Heart Smart
Protect Your Heart, Protect Your Health

Your heart does a lot for you—but are you doing enough for it? Many women don’t realize their risk for heart disease until it’s too late, and the warning signs aren’t always what you’d expect. In this session, experts break down the latest insights into cardiovascular health, prevention strategies, and how everyday choices—like stress management, nutrition, and movement—play a major role. You’ll walk away with the knowledge and tools to take proactive steps toward a stronger, healthier heart—because when it comes to heart disease, what you do now matters.
Patty Caballero
Moderator
Principal & CEO

PSC Consulting
Gwen Mayes
Patient Influencer, Advocate, Author
GwenCo Health
Amy Ahnert, MD, FACC, FSCAI
Director, Women's Heart Program Morristown Medical Center
Shelia Sahni, MD, FACC, FSCAI 
Director
Women's Heart Program, The Sahni Heart Center

Fireside Chat

Beyond the Plate
The Intersection of Food, Well-Being
and the Business of Nourishment

Food is more than just sustenance—it’s culture, community, and a powerful driver of well-being. In this intimate fireside chat, two women deeply immersed in the world of food share their perspectives on the role of nourishment in our lives. From the cultural significance of nutrition to its impact on health and sustainability, this conversation will explore how food shapes our experiences, traditions, and daily choices.
Vanessa Rissetto
CEO Culina Health
Michelle Berches
Owner,Busy Bee Organics

Fireside Chat

Grown Woman Talk: A Fireside Chat with Dr. Sharon Malone and Dr. Chris Pernell

Join us for an empowering conversation with two leading experts, Dr. Sharon Malone and Dr. Chris Pernell. This candid fireside chat is for any woman who is simply standing at the intersection of aging and health, anxious and wanting solutions. Expect real talk, expert insights, and practical advice on how to take charge of your health. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, share, and engage in an open and honest discussion designed for grown women, by grown women.

Chris Pernell, MD, MPH, FACPM
Founder & CEO, The Esther Group LLC
Sharon Malone, OB/GYN and Certified Menopause Practitioner

Fireside Chat

The Hidden Struggle: Tackling Period Poverty and Personal Care Inequity

Access to basic hygiene products is a fundamental need, yet many people face barriers due to financial hardships and systemic inequities. This session sheds light on the reality of period poverty and hygiene insecurity, exploring how these challenges impact health, dignity, and daily life. Advocates like Eiko LaBoria of The Flow Initiative and Vanessa Freeman of PIX11 will share how community-driven initiatives are making a difference and why raising awareness is more urgent than ever.

Eiko LaBoria, Founder
The Flow Initiative
Vanessa Freeman
CEO and Founder, 1 Woman 4 All, Inc., News Anchor, WPIX, NYC