Yasmin Davidds is the CEO and Founder of Empowering Latinas, Inc. A best-selling author, empowerment specialist, and host of her own television and radio talk show, Ms. Davidds was recognized as one of the leading Latinas by Hispanic Magazine. Two new books, Take Back Your Power: How to Reclaim It, Keep It and Use It to Get What You Deserve and You Go, Girl!: Give Your Daughters the Tools to Be Powerful Women are being released this year. She serves on the Board of Directors for HOPE (Hispanas Organized for Political Equity).
Carleton S. (Carly) Fiorina was President and CEO of Hewlett-Packard Company from 1999 to 2005. She served as chairman of the board from 2000 to 2005. Prior to joining HP, Ms. Fiorina spent nearly 20 years at AT&T and Lucent Technologies, where she held senior leadership positions and directed Lucent's initial public offering and subsequent spin-off from AT&T. In 2004, the Private Sector Council honored her with its 2004 Leadership Award and White House appointed her to the U.S. Space Commission. A recipient of the Appeal of Conscience Award, in 2003 she received the Concern Worldwide "Seeds of Hope" Award in recognition of her worldwide efforts to make global citizenship a priority for business. Ms. Fiorina has a bachelor's degree in medieval history and philosophy from Stanford University, a master's degree in business administration from the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland, and a master of science degree from MIT's Sloan School.
Arianna Huffington is the Co-Founder and Editor of the HuffingtonPost.com, a nationally syndicated columnist, and author of ten books. She is also co-host of "Left, Right & Center," public radio's political roundtable program. Her weekly liberal commentary is syndicated in newspapers across the country. Her new book, On Becoming Fearless…In Love, Work, and Life, will be published in September. Originally from Greece, she moved to England at 16 and at 21, became president of the famed debating society, the Cambridge Union. She lives in Los Angeles with her two daughters.
Hosts
Tina Macuha is a News Anchor for "Good Day Sacramento" on CW 31, the Sacramento affiliate of CBS 13. She started her career in radio and was on the morning show of Sacramento's FM 102 in the early 1990s. After 12 years in radio, Ms. Macuha transitioned to her television home on "Good Day Sacramento" when it first aired in August 1995. In March 2000, she received the Women of Color Day 2000 Award for Caring and Responsive Journalism and as An Outstanding Woman of Color. A Sacramento native, she served as the on-court emcee for the Sacramento Monarchs WNBA team during the 1999 and 2000 seasons.
Marianne McClary is the co-host of "Good Day Sacramento," the valley's top-rated morning news and information program that has been on the air since 1995. She got her start in television news as an intern at Fox station KCPQ-TV in Tacoma, Washington. From there she moved to KNDU-TV in Eastern Washington for her first full-time anchoring job; then on to the bright lights of Las Vegas as an anchor before landing in Phoenix for a four-year stint as weekend anchor on NBC affiliate KPNX-TV.
Jan Yanehiro is the host of "Appraise It!" which can be seen on Home and Garden TV, and hosts "Women of Vision" and "The New Americans" on KCSM TV. She also reports on KCBS AM 740 News Radio. She has a degree in Journalism from California State University, Fresno and was host of "Evening Magazine" on KPIX TV in San Francisco for 15 years.
Session Speakers
Griselda Barajas started her first business when she was 21. She now operates two restaurants in the California State capitol Building: Tex Mex at the Capitol and Jade Orchid Café. She also owns Griselda’s Catering, a full-service catering company. In 1996 Barajas was named Businesswoman of the Year by the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and in 1999 she received the same title from the California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. In 2000 the California Chamber of Commerce named her the Business Advocate of the Year.
Maxine Barish-Wreden, M.D., is a board-certified Internal Medicine specialist and the Co-Medical Director of Sutter Downtown Integrative Medicine. Her passion for a holistic approach to healing led her to combine her medical training and Bachelor of Science degree in nutrition with studies in medicine that encompass the mind-body-spirit connection. She strives to create a healing partnership that treats the illness while restoring balance and wholeness. Dr. Barish-Wreden earned her medical degree from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine and completed her internship and residency at UC Davis Medical Center.
Janine Bera, M.D. joined Kaiser Permanente in 2002 after completing her Internal Medicine residency at the UC Davis Medical Center. As a Board Certified Internist, Dr. Bera's expertise includes preventive medicine and the role of nutrition and exercise in improving the overall management of chronic disease. The Smoking Cessation Champion for Kaiser South Sacramento, she serves as a Physician Ambassador and Communication Consultant to help doctors enhance their relationships with their patients. Dr. Bera also volunteers at the Imani Clinic, a student-run free clinic at UC Davis.
Elmy Bermejo currently serves as Chair of The Women's Foundation of California and is the President of HOPE, Hispanas Organized for Political Equality, a non-profit organization committed to ensuring political and economic parity for Latinas through leadership, advocacy and education to benefit all communities and the status of women. She is also immediate Past Chair of the California State Commission on the Status of Women. A board member of the National Women's Political Caucus, Ms. Bermejo serves as the Special Assistant to Senator Don Perata, President Pro Tempore of the California State Senate.
Louann Brizendine, M.D. is a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the Langley Porter Psychiatric Institute and the Founder and Director of the Women's and Teen's Mood and Hormone Clinic at UCSF where she pursues active clinical, teaching, writing and research activities. She completed her degree in Neurobiology at UC Berkeley, graduated from Yale School of Medicine, did graduate work in London at UCL in Philosophy of Mind and History of Science and Medicine, and completed a residency in Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. Her first book, The Female Brain, was released August 1, 2006.
Maxine Clark is Founder, CEO and Chief Bear of Build-A-Bear Workshop. She is a veteran of the retail industry and has been recognized for her innovative work. She spent 25 years with The May Department Stores Companies and later served as President of Payless Shoe Source where she turned the shoe retailer into the number one seller of children's licensed footwear in the world. Since 1997, Ms. Clark has focused her attention on Build-A-Bear Workshop with 200 stores around the world and a Fifth Avenue outlet due to open later this year. A book about her experiences, The Bear Necessities of Business: Building a Company with Heart, was published in May, 2006.
Laura DuPriest is a television personality, former fashion model and internationally recognized beauty expert who is the owner of the Laura DuPriest Salon & Day Spa in Sacramento. The author of Natural Beauty, Salon Secrets at Home and A Beautiful New You: Inspiration and Advice to Transform Your Looks and Your Life, she offers her expertise to the film, television, modeling, and bridal industries. Her "Monday Mid-day Makeover" segment can be seen on ABC television affiliates in Northern California. A top make-up stylist and designer. Ms. DuPriest holds three California licenses - cosmetologist, aesthetician, and manicurist and is also a certified spa therapist and paramedical make-up artist.
Kim Elsbach, Ph.D. is a Professor of Management and the Director of Executive Education at the University of California, Davis Graduate School of Management. Her expertise and research include perception management, decision making, problem solving and creativity in organizations. A Co-Director of the newly-formed Center for Women and Leadership whose mission is to promote research and education to improve the status of women in business, she helped prepare a study that examined the participation of women in corporate leadership in California.
Stephanie Flores is the Director of Education for CalSAE - The California Society of Association Executives. Its 1,100 members include the CEOs and staff executives of national, state and local not-for-profit organizations, plus vendors of goods and services to these organizations. CalSAE serves its members through education, networking opportunities, a website and other resources. Prior to CalSAE, Ms Flores spent 13 years in diverse positions in IT, human resources and fundraising with the United Way California Capital Region and United Way of the Bay Area.
Shirley Gordon is Vice President of Operations for State Farm Insurance where she is responsible for the Human Resources, Learning & Development, Leadership Academy, Administrative Services, Finance, Agency Services and Management Planning & Information departments. A board member of the Sonoma-Mendocino-Lake Counties United Way and the Northern California Center for Wellness, Ms. Gordon is the recipient of the 2003 Leadership California Community Award and the 2004 Reverend James E. Coffee Human Rights Award of Sonoma County.
Sandra Holtz is a Senior Supervisor on the CCP2 Client Team at Genentech. She began her career at Genentech in 1996 as a bioprocess technician in the South San Francisco facility. She participated in the successful startup and licensure of the first manufacturing facility at Genentech’s Vacaville site and is currently a Manufacturing Senior Supervisor supporting the startup of the second manufacturing facility in Vacaville. Ms. Holtz obtained her Bachelor’s degree from U.C. Davis in biochemistry and is currently working on a Masters in Business Administration from U.C. Davis.
Pallas Hupé co-anchors the 5, 6 and 10pm newscasts on CW 31 with Sam Shane. Prior to that, Ms. Hupé spent six years anchoring and reporting at the Fox and UPN affiliates in Detroit, Michigan as well as North Carolina and Florida. She has reported on topics as diverse as how the Iraqi community in the Detroit area reacted to the Iraq war to the myriad challenges parents face in the 21st century. The two time Emmy award-winning journalist has received recognition from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists, Radio and Television News Directors Association and the Michigan Association of Broadcasters.
Kandeel (Kay) Judge, M.D. is a board-certified Internal Medicine specialist and the Co-Medical Director of Sutter Downtown Integrative Medicine. Her goal is to help her patients find balance between mind, body, emotions and spirit so that they can attain their fullest potential as human beings. Dr. Judge received her medical training at Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit, Michigan. She was a senior staff physician and teaching attending at Henry Ford Hospital prior to joining Sutter Medical Group in 2003.
Memuna Lee joined the State Farm agency program in November, 2005. Since then she has acquired her Notary Public, Life & Health, Property & Casualty, Series 6 and Series 63 licensee designations. Prior to joining State Farm, Ms. Lee managed the family economic development division of one of the most influential non-profit land development corporations in Oakland. She attended Saint Mary’s College of California, graduating in 2002 with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics.
Michael Lee, CPA, is Member Education Manager at The Golden 1 Credit Union where he presents approximately 150 financial workshops yearly to the Golden 1 members, non-members, senior groups, businesses, various organizations and students. Prior to his role at The Golden 1, he was a practicing Certified Public Accountant. A faculty member in the business departments of University of California, Davis, California State University, Sacramento and Los Rios Community College District, Mr. Lee also serves on the Board of Directors for the Sacramento Chapter of Junior Achievement.
Sharon Levine, MD, is the Associate Executive Director for The Permanente Medical Group of Northern California where she is responsible for the recruitment, compensation, and clinical education for the group’s physicians; government and community relations; health policy and external affairs; and pharmacy policy and drug use management. A board certified pediatrician, Dr. Levine has served as Chief of Pediatrics, Chief of Quality, and Physician in Charge of the Fremont Medical Center. A member of the American College of Physician Executives and the American Medical Association, she serves on the Board of Directors of the American Cancer Society and the Women’s Foundation of California.
Ann Lucas is the Executive Director of the Nonprofit Resource Center in Sacramento whose mission is to increase the funding and improve the management of nonprofit organizations. It accomplishes this work through the Center’s information services, consulting, the Executive Director’s Networking Lunch, members-only affinity group meetings, conferences, and specialized training for executive directors and board members. Previously, Ms. Lucas was the Director of Professional Development Programs at the Mandel Center for Nonprofit Organizations at Case Western Reserve University. She has worked in the nonprofit sector for over 20 years in various capacities and has served on a number of nonprofit boards.
Dodie Lutes-Burnett is the Director of Marketing for Sacramento magazine. She has worked in the marketing arena for over 20 years for Sacramento area companies such as River City Bank and SAFE Credit Union. Her expertise is in promotions, sales, special events and media relations. Ms. Lutes is active in the community and has served on multiple boards and committees for non-profit organizations. She has a degree in Business and Marketing from California State University, San Jose.
Petie Mazzoni is the Director of North America Classroom Operations for Oracle University. Oracle Corporation is the largest enterprise software vendor. Mrs. Mazzoni has worked for Oracle for eight years and her current staff is located in several locations throughout the US, Canada, and India. Prior to joining Oracle, Mrs. Mazzoni worked for UPS for 17 years where she held various management positions. Mrs. Mazzoni also sets on the Board of Directors for the Sierra College Foundation.
Robert Pagliarini is the author of The Six-Day Financial Makeover, a unique personal finance book published in October 2006. He is the President of Pacifica Wealth Advisors, a boutique investment and financial planning firm in Southern California. Raised in a poor family by a single mother of five, Mr. Pagliarini has a personal passion to help women and ordinary families experience a greater sense of security and financial independence. He is a Certified Financial Planner, holds a master's degree in Financial Services, and has been interviewed by CNN, the Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, and Money magazine.
Stacy Parson is a Career Coach and Senior Manager with Deloitte Services where she enhances engagements by partnering with individuals to align their personal goals with business goals to maintain focus to produce results. Through practical methodologies, insightful assessments and exercises, guided discussion, and tailored action plans, Ms. Parson coaches clients to move from career management toward career ownership. A Certified Professional Co-Active Coach, she is a member of the International Coach Federation (ICF), The Professional Coaches and Mentors Association (PCMA), and the Co-Active Network.
Natalie Paulsen is a Marketing Coordinator for the Sacramento Magazines Corporation where she is manages a growing calendar of events and public relations opportunities and administers all donations and donated advertising. Previously she was a special event coordinator for local non-profit groups including the Sacramento Children’s Home and the American Cancer Society. Ms. Paulsen has a B.A. in Communications, Film Studies and Spanish from the University of California at Santa Barbara and she earned a Certificate of Achievement in Spanish Language, Culture and Civilization from the Universidad Complutense de Madrid.
Michealene Cristini Risley is an entrepreneur, director, and former executive with over 20 years' experience in the consumer products and entertainment industries. She launched the first ever branded maternity license for Adidas, and as Vice President of Licensing and Character Development for Sega of America, she championed the Sega's Girls Task Force. She also produced, directed, and funded a documentary called "Flashcards" that garnered status at last year's Cannes Film Festival. She is co-author of the soon-to-be published book, This is Not the Life I Ordered.
Leslie Sbrocco is a wine expert and the author of The Simple and Savvy Wine Guide: Buying, Pairing and Sharing for All, and Wine for Women, A Guide to Buying, Pairing and Sharing Wine. She is a regular wine columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle and has appeared on numerous television and radio programs including the “Today” Show and CNN. She currently is the wine contributor on the PBS cooking show, “Seasonings.” Previously, Ms. Sbrocco was the weekly wine reviewer for the New York Times online and Executive Editor of WineToday. She feels that wine should not be feared or revered – simply enjoyed.
Cindy Solomon is the President and CEO of the Solomon Group, Inc. and Deputy Director of the office of State Senator Jackie Speier. She is an entrepreneur, speaker, writer and consultant in the fields of leadership, employee engagement and customer relationship management. Ms. Solomon is one of Inc Magazine's tenured speakers and she created the Women's Success Forum in 1998, a nationally-recognized women's leadership conference. Ms. Solomon's first book, Creating A Culture of Courage™, is due out this fall.
Jackie Speier was elected to the 8th Senate District in 1998 with more than 79 percent of the vote. The chair of the Senate Insurance Committee, she also sits on the committees of Appropriations, Energy, Utilities and Communications, and Transportation; the Select Committee on Bay Area Transportation; and the Joint Legislative Audit Committee. Senator Speier earned a BA from the University of California Davis and a law degree from the University of California Hastings College of the Law.
Deborah Collins Stephens is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of the Center for Innovative Leadership that works with leaders and organizations on improving customer service, creating inspired teams, and building the link between employee motivation and customer loyalty. Ms. Stephens is the author of six books with three reaching the bestsellers list: Maslow on Management, One Size Fits One, and Revisiting The Human Side of Enterprise. She is co-author of the soon-to-be published book, This is Not the Life I Ordered.
Keri Thomas is the Community Benefits Manager for the Sutter Health Sacramento Sierra Region where she is responsible for coordinating and working with community and elected leaders and not-for-profit agencies in Sacramento, Placer and Yolo counties on sustainable programs that enhance community health. With a budget of more than $3 million, she helps link clients with community services. A graduate of the Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce Leadership Sacramento Class of 2000, Ms. Thomas earned her Master’s Degree in Public Policy and Administration from California State University, Sacramento.
Angela Van Dyke is a Global Supplier Business Process Manager at Intel Corporation where she is responsible for optimizing business processes with Intel’s Supplier Relationships to drive quality, efficiency, and best known methods across Indirect Procurement organizations. She has had management roles driving Contingent Workforce Policy compliance globally, as well as managing Environment, Health, and Safety for critical business units. Ms. Van Dyke’s work has contributed to Intel Quality Awards being granted to three separate divisions throughout her career.
Jennifer Wahnschaft is the NAFTA Divisional Quality Manager for Instrument Clusters at Siemens VDO where she manages the design quality resources for instrument clusters in Michigan, Alabama, and Guadalajara, Mexico. Her position allows her great variety in day-to-day work experience from high energy problem solving and customer relations to strategic thinking and process development. Previously, Ms. Wahnschaft held a variety of engineering positions from warranty analyst to reliability/quality engineer to design engineer at General Motors and Irvin/Takata Automotive. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan State University.
Susan Wheeler is a Principal with Pathfinder Consulting Solutions which helps companies around the world improve the way they do business through strategic planning and process improvement. Previously, she held a number of senior level positions at General Electric and AT&T. As the President of SAGE - Sacramento Advocates for Girls Empowerment - Ms. Wheeler hopes to open up new career possibilities for girls and young women. She has an undergraduate degree in Computer Science from the University of California, Berkeley and an MBA from Columbia University.
Joan C. Williams is a Distinguished Professor of Law at UC Hastings College of the Law, Director of the Center for WorkLife Law, and Co-Director of the Project on Attorney Retention (PAR). The author of Unbending Gender: Why Family and Work Conflict and What to Do About It, she has been widely quoted in the media on issues relating to work/life balance. Ms. Williams has been featured on numerous television news shows and in the PBS documentary, "Juggling Work and Family," with Hedrick Smith. She has taught at Harvard, the University of Virginia, and UC Hastings law schools.
Patricia Williams is the Director of the Silicon Valley Complex at Merrill Lynch, which includes the San Jose, Cupertino and Carmel offices, as well as those in Asia Pacific. She has been with Merrill Lynch for 16 years, the first ten as a Financial Advisor in the Menlo Park office, and subsequently serving the company as Sales Manager and Resident Manager. Ms. Williams, who serves on the company's national diversity task force, received her BA from Vassar College. She is the Board President of the Professional BusinessWomen of California.
John Wood is the Founder and CEO of Room to Read, a non-profit organization that provides underprivileged children with an opportunity to gain the lifelong gift of education. A former Microsoft executive, Mr. Wood left in 1998 to combine the lessons he learned in the business world with the compassion and service ethic found in the non-profit arena. He holds a B.S. from the University of Colorado and a Masters in Business Administration from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management. His new book, Leaving Microsoft to Change the World: An Entrepreneur's Odyssey to Educate the World's Children, will be published this September.
