Monday, February 12, 2018

A speed coaching and networking event powered by bizwomen.

Mentors

1 | Patrice Andrews | Chief of Police, Morrisville Police DepartmentPatrice Andrews joined the Morrisville Police Department in June 2016. Prior to being appointed as the Chief of Police in the Town of Morrisville, Andrews was the Commander of the Criminal Investigations Division with the Durham Police Department. During her 20-year law enforcement career, Andrews has held positions in Uniform Patrol, Criminal Investigation Division, Special Operations Division, Warrant Squad, Office of the Chief of Police, and the High Enforcement Abatement Team.

2 | Joni Barnes | Director Sales & Leasing, Pinpoint PropertiesJoni Barnes has over 16 years of commercial real estate experience in a variety of responsibilities ranging from acquisition and due diligence analysis to sales and marketing management. At Pinpoint Properties she performs general brokerage, tenant and landlord representation, and has developed a niche in the area of office and retail condominium sales and leasing.

3 | Rachel Boone | Founder, Career Coach, BeEvolvedHRRachael Boone, Human Relations Expert, is the founder of Solutions Life Coaching, LLC & Associates dba BeEvolvedHR based in North Carolina. Rachael is a member of the John Maxwell Team of consultants. Rachael’s vision for her company was created out of her desire to inspire, empower & educate individuals who serve as the leaders of today and tomorrow. Her focus as a speaker, trainer & educator is leaders, entrepreneurs, and individuals currently on the path of their own career & personal development.

4 | Anne Bradley | Associate Manager of Corporate Interiors, Cline Design AssociatesIn her role as Manager of Corporate Interiors, Anne works with a diverse client base, developing interior design solutions for corporate offices, fit-ups and apartment clubhouses. Managing a team of interior designers, Anne ensures that the design integrity and vision of the client is maintained though the duration of the process. Her passion lies in creating unique, innovative, and functional spaces that embody the brand of each of her clients.

5 | Ann Camden | Principal & Managing Director, G&S Business CommunicationsAnn plays an integral role in developing strategies to build and enhance corporate reputations and strong brand identities for clients in agribusiness, advanced manufacturing, technology and professional services. She also manages external and internal communication efforts on a broad array of organizational needs ranging from change management and employee outreach to marketing programs. She is one of the owners of G&S Business Communications.

6 | Jenna Carpenter | Dean & Professor, School of Engineering, Campbell UniversityDr. Jenna P. Carpenter is Founding Dean and Professor of Engneering at Campbell University, where she is leading a talented team of faculty, staff and students to build an innovative engineering program to educate engineering leaders for the 21st century. Dr. Carpenter is past President of WEPAN (Women in Engineering ProActive Network), past Vice President of ASEE (American Society for Engineering Education) and past First Vice President of the MAA (Mathematical Association of America).

7 | Laurie Clowers | Vice President, Communications and Marketing, Wake Tech Community CollegeAt Wake Tech, she oversees all internal and external communications, including marketing, public relations and digital communications. She was named Wake Tech Staff Person of the Year in 2009. Prior to joining Wake Tech in 2007, she was an award-winning broadcast journalist, most recently working as an anchor/reporter at WRAL-TV. Originally from Connecticut, Laurie received a B.A. in Mass Communications from the University of Massachusetts and an academic minor in Spanish while studying at the University of St. Louis in Madrid.

8 | Donna Cohen | Attorney and Company Owner, Donna R. Cohen Attorney at Law PLLCDonna R. Cohen has been practicing law in NC for over 25 years, and is also admitted to practice in the State of New York. She is a solo practitioner with a general civil practice where she enjoys doing both transactional work and litigation. Ms. Cohen assists clients in creating estate documents, including drafting wills, powers of attorneys and simple trust agreements as well as assisting clients in the administration of estates.

9 | Linda Craft | CEO, Craft Residential & CommercialLinda Craft is the CEO of Craft Residential and Craft Commercial. Both powerhouse companies are locally owned and operated in Raleigh, NC. Linda is a celebrated expert at branding, marketing and leadership and is a frequent national speaker. Her top ranked Team has the highest per agent production in the Triangle. Linda has created a work culture based on strong Core Values and a Mission Statement which motivates, inspires and encourages top performance and deep relationships.

10 | Sharon Crawford | Studio Director, GenslerSharon’s passion and motivation centers on building client relationships, teamwork and high quality design. Sharon is studio director of the Raleigh office and is the Education practice area leader in the Southeast region. She is certified with the National Council of interior Design Qualifications and one of the first interior designers in the area to become LEED accredited. Sharon is a member of the International Interior Design Association, serves on the advisory board at Meredith College School of Interior Design and is the upcoming President Elect for Triangle Commercial Real Estate Women.

11 | Jane Doggett | Senior Leasing Representative, Highwoods Properties, Inc.Jane is a licensed commercial real estate broker who specializes in office leasing and build-to-suit development for Highwoods Properties, Inc. Her office portfolio is comprised of over two (2) million square feet in 23 office buildings in the Raleigh and Cary market. Jane joined Highwoods in 1999 and has since completed over 486 lease transactions totaling over $731 million in lease revenue.

12 | Elizabeth Doran | President & CEO, North Carolina TheatreWith 17 years as an arts leader, Elizabeth Doran sees theatre as a tool to unlocking joy, enlightenment and empathy in society. Doran has successfully led complex arts organizations including as the CEO of San Diego Theatres, a major performing arts center; as Executive Director of the Pasadena Playhouse, State Theatre of California; and as Managing Director of The Actors’ Gang in partnership with Oscar-winner Tim Robbins. She has an MBA in entrepreneurship from Rensselaer, and is a recognized expert in theatre production, audience development, and fundraising.

13 | Cecily Durrett | Director Relocation & Business Development, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Carolinas RealtyCecily has held corporate communications roles as Vice President of Marketing with Duke Energy, Carolinas Healthcare and Presbyterian/Novant Health. She also worked as the Audience Development Director for Triangle Business Journal. For the past four and a half years she has led Relocation and Business Development teams for Berkshire Hathaway-Carolinas Realty across NC, often partnering with economic developers to bring new businesses to the state.

14 | Sally Edwards | CEO, Marbles Kids MuseumSally Edwards is CEO of Marbles Kids Museum and IMAX Theatre, where she leads a creative, playful team of staff and volunteers with a mission to spark imagination, discovery and learning through play. Marbles ranks among the top attractions in NC and is nationally recognized for its bold approach to play-based learning. Under her leadership, Marbles has earned a reputation for outstanding stewardship and built a strong list of corporate, government and community partners. With continued growth on the horizon, Marbles plans to expand in 2020.

Mentors

15 | Sheila Forte-Trammell | President/Consultant, Total HR Services, LLCSheila is a retired IBMer, who has held several Global Leadership positions. During her tenure, she designed and led HR programs that improved employee productivity, engagement, retention and knowledge transfer. She partnered with Cornell University to conduct a global longitudinal study on leadership development and the results were published in the Applied Journal of Psychology March 2014. She is also a co-author of Intelligent mentoring and Agile Career Development.

16 | Jill Heath | President & CEO, CALYX Engineers + ConsultantsAs CEO, Jill sets the strategic direction for the firm, executes the company’s vision, and fosters a company culture that cultivates and expands business relationships and alliances. She works closely with CALYX’s leadership team in championing the firm’s initiatives. Throughout her successful tenure with CALYX, Jill has held a number of leadership positions with the Triangle area’s professional and community organizations. She serves on the boards of the Wake Technical Community College Foundation, Triangle YMCA, and the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce.

17 | Alyssa Hellman | Founder/Owner, Compass South ConsultingI wholeheartedly believe that I’m in this world not only to better myself and live up to my full potential but to help others realize theirs so they can do so too. I genuinely care about your success - a trademark of my training and coaching programs that allows me to gain most of my business by referral. This is something that I’m extremely thankful for, but also proud of. I make it my mission to not just deliver on my promises, but to give you an experience worthy of telling your friends about.

18 | Becky Jacobs | Chief Engagement Officer, Simple ChangeSimple Change is focused on helping businesses leverage wellbeing as a leadership strategy to maximize the performance and engagement of their teams. She spent more than twenty years in various leadership roles, including VP of National Credit Card Bankruptcy at Bank of America, Senior Director of Global Operations Change Management at Red Hat, and Interim Chief Operations Officer at Rise Against Hunger. She volunteers her time on the Strategy Committee of Inter-Faith Food Shuttle, and the Advisory Board of Alexander YMCA.

19 | Lori Jones Gibbs | SVP - Community Development Banking, PNCLori Jones Gibbs is the Senior Vice President, Community Development Carolinas Market Manager for PNC. In this capacity, she leads a team of people who focus on how PNC can partner with organizations to initiate and/or expand existing community and economic development activities.

20 | Deana Labriola | Attorney, Ward and Smith, P.A.Deana’s practice encompasses a broad range of business matters, from drafting and negotiating corporate agreements and documents to managing all aspects of mergers, acquisitions, and debt and equity financing transactions for a variety of companies. She represents privately held companies, and assists them in all aspects of their business, from corporate governance and transactions to business structuring, development, and expansion opportunities.

21 | Hon. Elaine Marshall | NC Secretary of State, NC Department of the Secretary of StateIn 1996, Secretary of State Elaine F. Marshall became the first woman elected to statewide, executive branch office in North Carolina. A former teacher, small business owner, and private practice attorney, Secretary Marshall was elected to the NC State Senate before rising to statewide office. As Secretary of State for five consecutive terms, Secretary Marshall has pioneered e-commerce in government, protected investors and intellectual property owners, and promoted financial capital formation in North Carolina.

Mentors

22 | Jennifer Martin | Executive Director, Shop Local RaleighJennifer Martin is the executive Director of Shop Local Raleigh a division of the Greater Raleigh Merchants Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to connecting business and community while encouraging consumers to support their small business community. The organization has over 700 members, owns and manages the Raleigh Christmas Parade and Brewgaloo, the state’s largest craft beer festival.

23 | Me’chelle McKenney | Owner, Third Degree SolutionsMe’chelle is owner of 3rd Degree Solutions. Her successful career has taken her around the world. She empowers them with “Blueprint Leadership Strategies” to take significant next steps in their careers and personal development. Before becoming a speaker, Me’chelle worked for over 20 years as a consultant/project manager. She is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and Scrum Master. Me’chelle is an action-oriented manager recognized by clients as an innovative problem solver.

24 | Shelley McPhatter | President, BridgePoint General ContractingIn 2007, Shelley founded BridgePoint Construction Services, which delivers unparalleled Owner’s Agent services to developers, architects, facility managers, and owners. After several successful years and at the request of her clients, Shelley launched BridgePoint General Contracting in 2013 to provide general contracting services to her clients including tenant fit-ups, interior renovations, facilities projects, historic renovations and new construction.

25 | Teressa Merck | Architect/Director of Interiors, Boomerang DesignAs a commercial architect and interior designer, my ‘designsense’ comes from years of training and experience in interior design before moving into the field of architecture. My background in interior design has molded my design process, which tends to move from the inside of a space outward. As a Director of Interiors, I have extensive experience leading clients and project teams through the design process to develop a place that encompasses the client’s culture that represents their unique style, values, and principles.

26 | Darelyn Mitsch | CEO, President, The Pyramid Resource Group, Inc.Darelyn “DJ” Mitsch’s personal mission is to rehumanize work with a specific focus in the healthcare industry. DJ is an award-winning game changer, pioneer of the coaching profession, and president of the Pyramid Resource Group, which partners with leaders and healthcare providers to ignite genius and unleash full potential in their organizations. The sixth president of the International Coach Federation (ICF) and a founding global board member, DJ helped drive ICF chapter development across borders.

27 | Betty Noonan | Chief Marketing Officer, Cree, Inc.Impassioned and unafraid to break with convention, Betty Noonan, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at Cree, Inc., is a marketing-technology leader and part of the greatest disruptions in homes and businesses today – the move to smarter, better lighting and the electrification of the world. Cree’s current and emerging technologies in LEDs, smart lighting, power electronics and RF devices are critical to advancing markets, such as smart buildings, horticulture, electric vehicles, renewable energy, power storage and 5G.

28 | Sheila Ogle | Member/Manager, Ogle Enterprises/Cary Innovation CenterShe founded MRPP a full service media advertising agency in 1987 and sold it in 2012. During that time she renovated a historic mansion in Cary Dowtown, which is known as The Matthews House Events Facility and Conference Center, Basil and Thyme On and Offsite Catering and Patisserie Take Away Bakery. She, with 4 other partners stared Integrated Clinical Trial Services which she sold in 2010. In 2012, she was instrumental in starting the Cary Innovation Center, a business incubator focusing on main street businesses which is located in Cary Downtown.

Mentors

29 | Carrie Peele | President, Mako Medical DocumentsCarrie started a luxury transportation company in 1990 and sold the multi-million dollar business in 2014. Carrie started The File Depot - Raleigh a records management company in 2015, and in 2017 another records management company, Mako Medical Documents, a document management company that stores, scans and shreds medical documents. She is also the founder and facilitator of Triangle Ladies Power Lunch, which has hosted some of the most powerful women in NC as they speak about their journeys.

30 | Mary Poole | President & CEO, ArtspaceMary has over 20 years of experience in non-profit arts administration and grants management. Serving as the President & CEO of Artspace, a non-profit visual arts center in Raleigh, Poole provides the executive direction in the advancement of the organization mission and achievement of fundraising goals while driving the position of Artspace as a visionary leader in the arts community. She received an MA in Arts Administration from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and a BS in Business Administration from the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA.

31 | Holly Richard | President & CEO, Tammy Lynn Center for Developmental DisabilitiesHolly Richard began her career in the disability field in the early 1990’s, working as a direct support staff, supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This experience was the catalyst for her returning to school, while working and raising her two children, and embarking on a career of creating and running innovative programs to support people with IDD and their families.

32 | Laura Ridgeway, CFRE | Director of Community Partnerships, Girl Scouts- NC Coastal PinesWith over 20 years of nonprofit and community leadership experience, Laura’s strength is connecting great people to great missions. Her ability to build strong relationships comes from love of philanthropy, excellent verbal and written communication, motivation of community and business leaders, volunteers and colleagues, strategic planning and research, and follow-through to deliverlong-term results.

33 | Genevieve Rockett | President, GCR ConsultingGenevieve served as COO & CFO and was co-owner of Rockett Interactive, a digital advertising and analytics agency for 11 years. Genevieve steered the growth of Rockett, landing on the Inc 500 four consecutive years, defined the strategic business goals, fostered the company culture and drove the sale of Rockett Interactive. Currently, Genevieve serves as a consultant, helping people to start, run, improve and sell their small business.

34 | Sue Sandberg | Chief Operating Officer, UNC REX HealthcareA native of Minnesota, Sue began her career as a registered nurse in suburban Chicago before moving into healthcare administration roles. She has extensive experience in strategic planning and leading program growth, championing quality improvement initiatives, and operational effectiveness. Sue has been a leader in advocacy efforts with children, including Safe at Schools legislation in Indiana. She currently serves on the board for Susan G. Komen, North Carolina Triangle to the Coast.

35 | Suzy Beth Sarver | Publisher, 919 MagazineSuzy Beth Sarver is a Mother, entrepreneur, writer and media professional with over 25 years of experience in the marketing, advertising and publishing industries. In 2017 she celebrates five years as the Publisher of 919 Magazine in Raleigh, North Carolina, with more than 125 published issues to her credit. Sarver is experienced with both the business and editorial side of operating and producing a major regional magazine.

Mentors

36 | Kerry Saunders | Executive Vice President & COO, NAI Carolantic RealtyMs. Saunders was named Vice President of the company in 2012 and was promotedto Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer in 2015. She directs all aspects of marketing, research and business development for the company. She also oversees the production of NAI Carolantic’s Annual Triangle Commercial Real Estate Conference, including the compilation of the real estate data and production of the final report and DVD to clients and the community.

37 | Gretchen Saussy | Director of Business Development and Marketing, Sigmon ConstructionWith over 25 years of experience in marketing, business development, fundraising, community outreach and advertising – my work has always been interesting. Most of my career has focused on the real estate industry. I’ve served a residential real estate company, a national developer, a property management company, and a commercial real estate company. I now work with the Triangle’s best residential remodeler—Sigmon Construction.

38 | Kate Shirah | Program Director, John Rex EndowmentKate Shirah is the Program Director for the John Rex Endowment, a private foundation focused on supporting an environment where children in Wake County live healthy lives. She is responsible for planning, designing and implementing grant programs and program-related initiatives, as well as directing grant management and evaluation. If you spend time with Kate, you’ll notice her guiding belief that empowering people and developing relationships are core to enabling healthy and whole kids, families and communities.

39 | Moni Singh | President and CEO, STEM For KidsMoni Singh is an entrepreneur and a recognized business leader in education who has impacted Telecom, Energy and Education sectors. She is bringing the excitement of Science and Engineering careers to children on a global scale through franchising the innovative and proven STEM For Kids’ business system. She has grown STEM For Kids to a global brand with educational programs offered in five USA states and two countries.

40 | Rhonda Smith Hicks | Senior Event Director, Amazing Grace Event ManagementRhonda has over 20 years personnel, account, and project management experience in the telecommunications and IT fields. She is the owner of Amazing Grace Event Management which offers personalized and customized consultative and planning services. She also founded Project She which supports and encourages every woman to make herself a priority. Rhonda is also President of the National Association for Professional Women - Raleigh - Durham Chapter.

41 | Marlene Spritzer | Corporate Managing Director, Savills Studley, Inc.Marlene is a commercial real estate expert specializing in representing corporate end-users, both tenants and owner-occupants. She focuses her practice on life science and technology companies of all sizes as well as medical offices, law firms and other corporate occupiers. She has a unique background as attorney with an undergraduate degree in Chemistry, coupled with her Certified Commercial Investment Management (CCIM) certification and over 20 years of commercial real estate transactional experience, brings a strong knowledge base to her clients.

42 | Jodi Strenkowski | Owner, The Merrimon-Wynne HouseJodi is the owner of The Merrimon-Wynne House in downtown Raleigh. Jodi purchased the house in 2013, and has since restored the historic building and property to become one of the Triangle’s premier venues for weddings and special events. In addition to owning and managing The Merrimon-Wynne House, Jodi is also a co-owner in a second event venue and floral design studio located on 26 acres in Austin, Texas. Together with her business partner, Jodi’s goal is to create a family of unique and distinguished properties for weddings and special events across the country that stand for exceptional service, quality, and experiences.

Mentors

43 | Cindy Waite | President/CEO, Accentuate StaffingCindy Waite is the President of Accentuate Staffing, a local recruiting firm focused on Office Professional, Accounting, and Skilled Labor, IT, Scientific and Engineering recruiting services. Cindy has over 23 years’ experience in both staffing agency and corporate recruitment experience. A Garner native, Cindy earned her Master’s in Accounting and Bachelors in Business from UNC-Chapel Hill. She began her career in public accounting and stumbled into recruiting. Cindy has been recognized with a 40 under 40 Award and Business Impact recognition.

44 | Pamela Williams | President & Founder, PROMOQUEST, IncPROMOQUEST helps people-centered organizations increase revenue and improve retention by creating high touch promotional experiences that connect, engage and attract the right employees, and customers. Pam serves on the board, and is Immediate Past President, of the National Association of Women Business Owners, Greater Raleigh chapter. She also serves on the board of the Triangle Chapter of the American Marketing Association. Pam has fundraised, and served as a mentor, for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Man & Women of the Year campaign; is a member of Women Impacting Public Policy and teaches Sunday school to 4 & 5 year olds.

Mentors

National Sponsors

Local Sponsors