TIME: 9:15-10:15AM ROOM: PRUDENTIAL HALL

From genetic testing and personalized medicine to AI-driven diagnostics and new approaches in early detection and treatment, this session demystifies the latest advances shaping the future of care. We’ll explore how these innovations are making healthcare more precise, proactive, and personal. Because when we’re informed, we’re empowered to make better decisions, for ourselves and for those we care about. 

Moderator - Sara Pena, Director of External Affairs at PSEG,  

• Cliffondra Brown, Vice President of Customer Relations and Training, RadNet 

• Dr. Faith Goldman, Breast Surgery, General Surgery, Atlantic Health     

• Suzanne Spernal, SVP, Women’s Health, RWJBarnabas Health

• Lisa Antonacci, Vice President, Women's Health Network Service Line, Hackensack Meridian Health 

TIME: 10:30-11:15AM ROOM: PRUDENTIAL HALL

Midlife is a critical whole-body health moment for women. Changes in mood, cognition, sleep, and stress reflect interconnected shifts across the brain, hormones, metabolism, and nervous system, not isolated symptoms. This session takes an evidence-based, integrated look at midlife health, including perimenopause and menopause, and why investing in women at this stage matters now. Panelists will explore how to advocate for comprehensive care that supports long-term well-being.

Moderator -Dr. Tracy Verrico, DO, FACOOG, MS., Board Certified OB-GYN, Hormone Expert, Wealth Educator

• Dr. Somi Javaid, Board-certified OB/GYN, Surgeon, and Founder of HerMD

• Lauren Tetenbaum, Advocate, Therapist, Author, Millennial Menopause, The CounseLaur

• Dr. Gail Zimmerman, MD, MSW, Board Certified Internist, Certified Menopause Practitioner (MSCP) 

TIME: 10:30-11:15AM ROOM: PARSONNET ROOM 

Whether it stems from personal loss, family history, or life’s unexpected turns, emotional pain leaves a mark. This session explores how grief, generational patterns, and internalized wounds shape our mental and emotional well-being and how they can also spark growth. Together, we’ll reflect on what it means to acknowledge our pain, break cycles that no longer serve us, and move toward healing with intention, courage, and compassion.

Moderator - Dr. Falisha Gilman, MD, Psychiatrist, Emi Psychiatry

• Dr. Megan McDowell, Heartworks Foundation Founder and Psychotherapist

• Melissa Gonzales, Author, The Purpose Pivot

• Vernita Bostick, Breast Cancer Survivor, Speaker & Comedian, Resilient AF (And Funny) 

TIME: 10:30AM - 11:15PM ROOM: VICTORIA THEATER  

Talking about the tough stuff isn’t always easy, but it’s one of the most powerful ways we deepen connection and build trust. In this session, we’ll explore how to support each other without trying to fix, how to listen with empathy, navigate difficult conversations with clarity and care, and move forward through forgiveness. Because when we show up with honesty and heart, our relationships get stronger.

Moderator - Helen Archontou, MSW, LSW, Professor, Public Advocate, CEO, YWCA Northern New Jersey

• Jani White, Visibility and Communication Strategist, Prepared to Speak, LLC.

• Sanya Bari, MEd, LPC, NCC, Licensed Psychotherapist & Emotional Clarity Specialist, Founder, The Love Clarity Method™

• Chanta Blue, Sex & Relationship Therapist, Co-Founder Chanta Blue, Blue Counseling & Wellness Center

TIME: 11:30AM-12:15PM ROOM: PARSONNET ROOM

This session explores how neurodivergence, including ADHD, autism, and anxiety, can shape the way we think, feel, and move through the world. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, questioning, or simply seeking a better understanding of your mental wellness, we’ll discuss real-world challenges, everyday tools for support, and how to define well-being on your own terms in a world that often expects sameness.

Moderator, Stephanie Robertson, Director Mental Health Equity Innovation, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

• Darian Eletto, LPC, Chief Clinical Officer of Behavioral Health, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center 

• Sarah Kernion, Founder, INCHSTONES 

• Dr. Tiffany Timberman, DSW, LSW, Fairleigh Dickinson University MSW Program, Lecturer and MindSpa Therapy and Counseling, PsychotherapistDescription text goes here

TIME: 11:30AM-12:15PM ROOM: CHASE ROOM 

From rising rates of breast and colon cancer to the early onset of perimenopause, younger women are facing serious health challenges that don’t fit outdated medical assumptions. Is it lifestyle, environment, genetics, better diagnostics, or something else entirely? This session pulls back the curtain on what’s really happening and why. We’ll explore emerging trends, including the growing role of genetic screening, what the data shows (and doesn’t), and what younger women need to know now to better understand their risk and advocate for themselves.

Moderator - Dr. Patti O'Brien-Richardson, Global Leader, Health Equity & Education Strategy, Harvard Business Impact Contributor, International Keynote Speaker, Author

• Shari Ungerleider, Senior Manager, Head of Education & Outreach, Jscreen

• Alissa Alter, Movement and Performance Specialist aka The Amy Poehler of Vaginas, Pilates For Your Privates  

• Amri Kibbler, Host, The Space Between: Navigating Cancer & Family Life, Women’s Health Advocate & Community Builder

• Dr. Jessica Opoku-Anane, MD, MS, Associate Professor, Section Chief of Benign Gynecological Surgery

Sponsored By Hackensack Meridian Health 

TIME: 11:30AM - 12:15PM ROOM: PRUDENTIAL HALL

Constant fatigue, high stress, and survival mode aren’t just lifestyle issues, they’re warning signs. This session explores the deep connection between burnout and the importance of being proactive about your health. Preventive care catches issues before they escalate; learn what tools, screenings, and strategies can help you break the cycle and take charge of your well-being. You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of what to ask for, when to act, and how to be proactive in a system that too often waits for something to go wrong.

Moderator - Gail Zimmerman, MD, MSW, Board Certified Internist, Certified Menopause Practitioner (MSCP) 

• Dr. Merieme Klobocista, MD, Gynecologic Oncologist, John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center 

• Dr. Su Wang, Medical Director of Viral Hepatitis Programs and the Center for Asian Health at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, RWJBarnabas Health

• Dr. Sheila Sahni, Interventional Cardiologist and Director, Women's Heart Program, Sahni Heart Center - Hackensack Meridian Health

• Dr. Cassandra Hutchins, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Owner and Founder of The Cass Center for Psychological and Holistic Wellbeing

TIME: 11:30AM - 12:15PM  ROOM: VICTORIA THEATER 

From TikTok therapists to Instagram affirmations, the internet is full of mental health advice, but is it helping or hurting? This session explores the blurred line between support and misinformation, the emotional impact of constant digital connection, and how to navigate content overload while protecting your peace and finding real, meaningful support.

Moderator - Dr. Tonya Smith-Jackson, Chancellor, Rutgers University–Newark

• Laura Budinick, Chief Administrative Officer, RWJBH Newark Beth Israel Medical Center & Children's Hospital of New Jersey

• Dr. Serena Chen,  Director of Advocacy, CCRM Fertility

• Halyn Xheraj, Rutgers Newark & BOLD Alumna, Incoming Rutgers New Jersey Medical School Student

TIME: 1-2PM ROOM: PRUDENTIAL HALL

In a world that often celebrates hustle over healing, women are rediscovering joy as a form of resistance, resilience, and radical self-care. This vibrant session invites women to reimagine happiness, not as a fleeting moment, but as a daily, intentional practice rooted in authenticity, boundaries, pleasure, and purpose. Together, we’ll explore how choosing joy, especially in the face of stress, burnout, and injustice, is not just self-care, but survival.

Moderator - Meaghan Murphy, Author, Editor, Emmy-award winning TV host, Your Fully Charged Life, Woman's Day 

• Sarrah Strimel Bentley, Motivational Speaker, Breast Cancer Survivor, A Chance For Life Creator, Mama, 

• Dr. Lucky Sekhon, Reproductive Endocrinologist and Infertility Specialist, Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York (RMA of NY)

• Dr. Rachel Goldman, Licensed Psychologist and author of When Life Happens, Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the Dept of Psychiatry, NYU Grossman School of Medicine,

TIME: 2:15-3PM ROOM: PRUDENTIAL HALL

A clear, balanced look at GLP-1s, metabolic health, and long-term wellness. With growing interest in weight loss medications, this session explores how they work, where lifestyle and nutrition fit in, and what it all means for lasting health. Join us for a grounded conversation about informed choices, real bodies, and sustainable care.

Moderator - Vanessa Freeman, News Anchor and Founder of 1 Woman 4 All, Inc,  ​​ 

• Dr. Karen Mann, Medical Director, Noom

• Vanessa Rissetto, MS, RD, CDN, CEO & Co-Founder, Culina Health

• Dr. Sheila Sahni, Interventional Cardiologist and Director, Women's Heart Program, Sahni Heart Center - Hackensack Meridian Health

Sponsored By: Valley Bank 

TIME: 2:15-3PM ROOM: CHASE ROOM 

Healthcare today is about more than appointments. It is about access, ease, and informed choices. This session helps you understand how to navigate modern wellness options, balance convenience with quality care, and advocate for yourself in a system that is not always intuitive. Walk away with practical tools to make care work for your life.

Moderator, Chelsea Dormer, Senior Vice President, Business Banking Sales Leader, Valley Bank  

• Lisa Williams, CEO & Owner, Hello Again 

• Jari Becker, Pharmacist, Director of Women's Health, Town & Country Compounding Pharmacy

• Samantha Brito, NJLINCS/ Emergency Preparedness & Health Education Coordinator, Student intern Preceptor, Essex County Health Department (Office of Public Health Management)

TIME: 2:15-3PM ROOM: PARSONNET ROOM 

This session explores how to foster deep, lasting relationships, whether through friendship, chosen family, or community. We’ll dive into the realities of navigating adulthood, identity, and boundaries, and what it takes to build a circle that truly sees, supports, and stays. Because everyone deserves to feel heard and at home.

Moderator - Marcia Brown, Esq., Attorney, Educator & Community Leader

• Catherine Wilson, President and CEO, United Way  

• Sabrina Dias, Music Artist, Sabrina Dias Music

• Helen Le Frois, Vice President, Development at JBWS

• T.H. Irwin, Creator of Awesomeness, CEO, T.H. Experiences + Women for Women Today

TIME: 2:15-3:15PM ROOM: VICTORIA THEATER

From personal healing to community transformation, faith plays a critical role in how we care for ourselves and one another. In this conversation, we’ll explore the influence of spiritual spaces as hubs for emotional support, mental wellness, and social impact. Learn how tapping into faith traditions can offer grounding, growth, and a sense of belonging in times of both calm and crisis.

Moderator - Chris T. Pernell, MD, MPH, FACPM, Founder & CEO, The Esther Group LLC

• Gloria Hagood, Co-owner, HealYourLovePeriod (HYL.)

• Councilwoman Amina Bey, Central Ward Council Member, City of Newark

• Reverend Rountree, Council Member-At-Large, City of Newark

Sponsored By Minette's Angels 

TIME: 10:30-11:15AM ROOM: CHASE ROOM

A breast cancer diagnosis isn’t the final word, it’s the start of a new story. Join us, from medical professional to survivor, as we come together for a candid, uplifting conversation about what comes next. We’ll share the tools, support systems, and personal truths that helped us navigate life beyond treatment and how you or your loved ones can too.

Moderator - Dr. Elenora Teplinsky, Medical Oncologist, Valley Heath

• Sarrah Strimel Bentley, Motivational Speaker, Breast Cancer Survivor, A Chance For Life Creator, Mama

• Melissa Berry, Breast Cancer Advocate and Founder, Cancer Fashionista

• Trish Michelle, Chief Community Officer, The Breasties 

Sound Healing and Meditation by Primavera 

Facilitator: Primavera Salva

Time: 10:30am-11:15pm

Location: Community Room

What you will need:Comfortable attire is recommended. 

Yoga mats provided

The session will bring together gentle vibrations, harmonic resonance, and guided intention to help you release tension, slow your mind, and deeply reconnect with your inner rhythm.

Pelvic Floor Workshop by Willow Pelvic Health and Wunda Bar 

Facilitator:  Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist Lital Elfassi of Willow Pelvic Health and Pilates Instructor Blake Vaknin, East Coast Regional Director of Pilates Addiction.

Time: 11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m. 

Location: Community Room

What you will need: Pen, notebook, and water bottle. Comfortable attire is recommended. 

Yoga mats provided

A workshop dedicated to building pelvic floor awareness and exercising with confidence
Join pelvic floor physical therapist Lital Elfassi of Willow Pelvic Health and pilates instructor Blake Vaknin, East Coast Regional Director of Pilates Addiction, for an empowering women’s health workshop that blends pelvic floor education with pilates movements.

Yin Yoga by Lifetime Fitness

Facilitator:  Corey Brueckner, Yoga Instructor and Boutique General Manager at Lifetime

Time: 2:15pm -3pm

Location: Community Room

What you will need: A water bottle and comfortable attire is recommended. 

Yoga mats provided

A calming Yin-focused practice designed to release tension, increase mobility, and invite deep relaxation. We’ll hold poses for longer periods to gently stretch connective tissues, with a small dose of light movement to warm the body. Perfect for slowing down, breathing deeply, and nourishing the mind and body.