Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker, the founder of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure and former Ambassador to the Republic of Hungary, was sworn in as Chief of Protocol of the United States on September 14, 2007. [more]

Elizabeth Edwards is a Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress where she works on healthcare issues and writes occasionally for the Wonk Room, the Center for American Progress Action Fund's newly-launched, first-of-its-kind policy rapid-response blog.  A passionate advocate for children and an accomplished attorney, she has been a tireless worker on behalf of important social causes.[more]

Nontombi Naomi Tutu took the challenges of growing black and female in apartheid South Africa as inspiration for her role as an activist for human rights.  Her experiences have taught her how much we all lose when any of us is judged purely on physical attributes. [more]

Liz Smith is a voice of reason and common sense, observing popular culture for Fox News, the New York Post, Daily Variety and 70 newspapers.  She is also a founder of wowOwow.com. [more]

Julia Reed is contributing editor at Vogue and Newsweek, and the author of Queen of the Turtle Derby and Other Southern Phenomena.  Her new book, The House on First Street: My New Orleans Story, will be published in July. [more]

Marci Alboher,a former corporate lawyer, is a columnist/blogger for The New York Times and the author of One Person/Multiple Careers: A New Model for Work/Life Success. Ms. Alboher’s articles have appeared in numerous national publications including Time Out New York, Travel and Leisure, The Chronicle of Philanthropy, and Legal Affairs, covering such topics as workplace issues, entrepreneurship, and travel. A sought-after speaker on workplace trends and career issues, Mrs. Alboher’s insights have been covered by countless media outlets including NPR, CNBC, Business Week, The Boston Globe, USA Today, and The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Susan L. Anderson is the chief of staff and deputy director of the Governor's Office of Health Care Reform.  Creating this office was Governor Rendell's first official action as Governor in 2003.  The Office, which was created to reform health care in Pennsylvania, has been credited with many major accomplishments, including the Prescription for Pennsylvania, cited nationally as the most expansive health care reform plan in the nation. Prior to this role, Ms. Anderson was a principal in the investment and consulting firm of GRECOventures, Ltd.  Prior to that, she founded a female owned law practice in Philadelphia where she practiced for 20 years.  Ms. Anderson currently serves on the National Board of Girl Scouts of the U.S.A., the Board of Trustees of the Philadelphia Zoo, and the Board of Directors of the Women's Humane Society of Philadelphia.

Donna M. Baxter is the founder and web mistress for TheSoulPitt.com, an Internet community that captures Pittsburgh’s “Soul” and expresses it online. This site has become one of the fastest growing web sites with over 450,000 views per month, focusing primarily on the African-American community in Pittsburgh and surrounding areas and expanding to include local resources for other minority groups such as Africans and Latinos. She is also the co-owner of Soul Impressions, a tech company owned along with Kirsten Womack.  Ms. Baxter is a native of Johnstown, PA, and a 1997 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh. For her undergraduate studies Ms. Baxter completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications / Media and earned a Master’s degree in Education and Instructional Technology from AIU.  She serves on the public relations committee of the Pittsburgh Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO).

Renee Brown is the director of capital management group marketing, corporate marketing at Wachovia.  In this role she leads marketing initiatives for capital management group businesses, including brokerage, asset management, retirement and securities lending.  Previously she served as senior vice president, director of brand management and cross enterprise marketing; vice president and brand manager; assistant vice president; and senior marketing specialist.  Ms. Brown is a native of Indian Bayou, Louisiana, and earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Louisiana State University.

Yvette Butler is the president of Wachovia Securities Investor Resource Team, responsible for an integrated sales and service business serving Mass Affluent investors through remote channels. Hired as the senior vice president, director of Affluent Client Experience in 2007, Ms. Butler was responsible for developing and evaluating opportunities to grow and retain the most loyal affluent client base in the industry.   Prior to joining Wachovia Securities, Ms. Butler led E*TRADE Financial’s Investor Marketing team of 4 departments including Product Marketing, Mass Affluent Marketing, Channel Marketing and Corporate Services (B2B).    Her team was responsible for 360° marketing communications, print and television advertising alignment, online acquisition, website marketing, sales support, branch merchandising, lead management and direct mail and email.  Prior to E*TRADE, Ms. Butler held various business strategy and marketing roles at Merrill Lynch’s Retirement Group and Financial Advisory Center, Charles Schwab’s Business Strategy Group and various financial services internet start-ups.

Pamela Browner-Crawley has spent over 20 years in the world of media and public relations and is now the Senior Vice President & Director of Public Affairs for Citizens Bank, one of the nation’s top 10 banks. She is actively involved in the Philadelphia community, serving on the board of directors for Cancer Treatment Centers of America, serving as the Chair of the Marian Anderson Award and also focusing much of her attention to promoting workforce development opportunities for youth. While she’s juggling these roles, she considers her most important one as happy grandmother of her beautiful grandson, Marley.

Tricia Cattrell is vice president and sales officer for BNY Mellon Wealth Management.  In this role, she is responsible for new business development in the Western Pennsylvania region, and works with individuals and families to identify how BNY Mellon’s investment and wealth management capabilities can help them reach their overall financial goals.  She has more than 25 years of legal and financial services experience. She started her career with a major brokerage firm, moved into the practice of law and then served in a number of trust and investment positions with several major financial institutions. Ms. Catrell received her bachelor’s degree and her law degree from the University of Pittsburgh. She is a member of the Allegheny County Bar Association, the Women’s Bar Association, the Estate Planning Council of Pittsburgh and the Executive Women’s Council.

Tracy Certo is publisher and editor of Pop City, (www.popcitymedia.com) an innovative weekly online publication showcasing the continuing transformation of Pittsburgh. An award-winning writer and former ad agency and marketing executive, she operated her own writing and marketing business and was editor of AIA Pittsburgh's Columns magazine. She has been published nationally on topics ranging from architecture and urban design to health and travel and she has worked with clients ranging from PNC Bank to Carnegie Mellon University. A two-time boomeranger, she returned from Los Angeles where she worked in national media sales, with post-grad studies in writing and photography at UCLA. Born in Chicago, she has lived in the south, southwest and northeast, and has traveled extensively, including as a Global Village trip leader for Habitat for Humanity.

Anne Crowley is National Audubon Society’s state coordinator on global warming.  She has a lifetime of commitment to bringing women’s perspectives to the policy arena.  Starting as a PTA leader and a civic association officer, she later was appointed a Virginia Governor’s Fellow and worked as a legislative staffer for a U.S. Senator. In 2006 she ran a highly competitive race for a Pennsylvania State House seat. Currently she serves on the Chester County Board of Health and on the Board of Daemion Counseling Center. Ms. Crowley holds advanced degrees in government and educational psychology. She has enjoyed a varied career as a teacher, school psychologist and marketing professional.

Aradhna Dhanda is the president and CEO of Leadership Pittsburgh.  A graduate of the program herself, Ms. Dhanda knows first hand the role the organization can play in developing new leaders.  Previously she served as the Children’s Festival Chorus executive director and as a program officer at The Forbes Funds. She is a graduate of the Nutan (Hindi for new) Girls College, University of Bhopal, where she earned both a BA and MA in psychology. Engaged at 20, by 21 she was married and whisked off to America, to Rutgers, where she earned an MBA and enrolled in a PhD program in organizational development, specializing in industrial psychology.  Though she admits that she came to Pittsburgh with every intention of leaving after three years, Ms. Dhanda has stayed and left and indelible mark on this city.

Jennifer Davidson Jennifer Davidson is founder of Reality Check Coaching LLC where she brings together coaching and her more than 5 years experience in corporate training and leadership development. Leveraging her experience as a leader, she was appointed the Hub Leader for the GE Women’s Network of Oregon & SW Washington. Jennifer has designed her coaching practice with an emphasis on empowering others to reach their full potential. She holds a B.A. of Liberal Arts from Portland State University and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Marylhurst University.

Sara Davidson, author of Leap!  What Will We Do with the Rest of Our Lives, first captured our imagination with her international best seller, Loose Change, the definitive book about the boomer generation’s coming-of-age. She’s written for Harpers, Esquire, The Atlantic, the New York Times and Rolling Stone. In television, she created two drama series, Jack and Mike and Heart Beat, which ran on A.B.C. Heart Beat was the first ensemble of women on television who had no male boss above them, and featured the first lesbian character. She was later co-executive producer of Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, wrote hundreds of hours of drama episodes, movies and miniseries, and in 1994 was nominated for a Golden Globe.  She's been a guest on national television shows such as The Today Show, Larry King Live and 60 Minutes, and she conducts interviews and does commentary on public radio.

Ariane de Bonvoisin is the CEO and founder of First30Days, a New York City-based media company focused on guiding people through all types of changes, both, personal and professional, social or global. The company launched its beta web site, first30days.com, in February 2008 and currently features nearly 60 life change subjects. With a degree in economics and international relations from the London School of Economics, Ms. de Bonvoisin began her professional career at The Boston Consulting Group and worked in over a dozen countries during her tenure.  After receiving an MBA from Stanford University, she moved to New York, working with media companies BMG and Sony Music. In 2000, she joined Time Warner as the Managing Director of a new digital media venture fund. It was during this time the concept of First30Days was born. Her new book entitled, The First 30 Days: Your Guide to Any Change was published by Harper Collins in May 2008. Ms. de Bonvoisin has a monthly column in Redbook magazine; is a Life Balance expert for Health magazine and has appeared on dozens of TV and radio shows.

Melinda Emerson is a seasoned entrepreneur, speaker and small business coach whose areas of expertise include small business start-up, strategic leadership and supplier diversity.  With over 1500 small business owners who have grown their businesses based on her proven coaching techniques, she has become a well-known expert in achieving bottom line results and business success.  She is an expert in helping people transition from a job to small business ownership.  Ms. Emersonhas been featured on NBC Nightly News and in the Wall Street Journal, U.S. News and World Report. Her first book Be Your Own Boss! How to Quit Your Job and Start Your Own Business 18 months or Less! is being released by Adams Media in Spring 2009.  She also has an audio CD 10 Things Your Must Never Forget in Business.  Ms. Emerson has won numerous awards including Top 50 Women in Business in Pennsylvania, Top 30 Leaders of the Future by Ebony Magazine, the National Association of Women Business Owners’ Woman of Distinction Award.  She is a graduate of Virginia Tech. 

Teresa English is a financial planner at Prudential Financial. She joined Prudential in 1982 and previously held the position of financial planner and registered representative of Pruco Securities in the Western Pennsylvania Agency since 2002.  She is dedicated to helping grow and protect the wealth of the small communities and families in the Butler County Area. Ms. English holds the designations of Chartered Life Underwriter, Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow, Chartered Mutual Fund Consultant and Certified Long Term Care Consultant.  Ms. English is a graduate of Slippery Rock University where she earned a BS degree in elementary and special education. She belongs to the Butler Elks Lodge and Soroptimist International of Butler County and works tirelessly with volunteer organizations including the Soroptimists, Junior Achievement and Victim Outreach Intervention Center.  She is a docent for the Maridon Museum, an Asian Art collection museum.

Jeanine Fallon is a senior vice president for First Commonwealth. Prior to joining First Commonwealth, Ms. Fallon served as senior vice president and district manager for Citizens Bank. With more than 20 years’ banking and financial services experience, she has received numerous professional distinctions, including being named “World-Class Performer” for five consecutive years at Citizens and Mellon Financial Corporation. She is a member of the Urban League, a member of the Downtown Partnership, and she currently serves as director on the Junior Achievement of Western PA Board of Directors.

Stacy Francis, CFP, CDFA, is president of Francis Financial, Inc., a successful fee-only financial planning firm located in New York, and formerly served as director of investment relations and investment banking analyst at other New York firms.  Ms. Francis has appeared on NBC’s Today show, CNBC, and Fine Living, and has been quoted in The Wall Street Journal, Business Week, CNN, Dow Jones and Money magazine.  She graduated cum laude from Middlebury College with a B.A. in international economics and also attended the NYU Center for Finance, Law and Taxation.  Ms. Francis is founder of Savvy Ladies, a non-profit organization educating and empowering women to take control of their finances.

Caitlin Friedman and Kimberly Yorio are public relations and marketing professionals, authors and entrepreneurs.  They are the co-owners of YC Media, a boutique agency specializing in cookbooks and the co-founders of Girls Guide, a company created to help women achieve professional success. As authors of the best-selling Girls Guide series (The Girl's Guide to Starting Your Own Business, The Girl's Guide to Being a Boss and The Girl's Guide to Kicking Your Career into Gear), Ms. Friedman and Ms. Yorio have been featured on CNN and The Today Show as well as covered by magazines ranging from Time to Parade. As the co-author of The Girl's Guide business book series, they have been invited to be a guest speaker at various conferences, corporations and colleges including Cornell, Harvard, Boeing, UPS and Amazon.com.  Learn more about them at www.girlsguidetobusiness.com.

Lynne Garfinkel is the executive director for Strong Women, Strong Girls in Pittsburgh, an innovative after school program that raises the aspirations and self-esteem of low-income, at-risk elementary school girls by connecting the girls with college mentors, exposing them to strong women in history and helping them develop the skills they need to achieve their dreams. Ms. Garfinkel is an active community leader and human resources consultant. She is the immediate past resident of National Council of Jewish Women, Pittsburgh Section, a 1,500 member volunteer organization, sponsoring many non-sectarian community service programs and advocacy initiatives in the Pittsburgh community. She has received numerous local and national awards in recognition of her contribution to these community organizations. Ms. Garfinkel is also a mayoral appointee to the Pittsburgh City Planning Commission. 

Galia Gichon is the founder of Down to Earth Finance.  For more than twelve years, she has been helping consumers and professionals understand the world of finance and wise personal money management.  In the late 1990's, Ms. Gichon sold exclusive financial conferences to senior executives of top investment managers in the United States and Europe, for Institutional Investor. Previously, she spent six years writing financial research for top investment banks Bear Stearns and Nomura Securities. Ms. Gichon earned an MBA in Finance from Fordham University in New York City. She also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from the University of Florida and Series 7 and 63 NASD licenses, demonstrating her mastery of investing and finance.  She launched Down-to-Earth Finance to demystify personal finance, money management and investing for individuals—particularly women—who have found money matters baffling and intimidating. Ms. Gichon serves on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) New York City chapter.

Pamela W. Golden is senior vice president, regional marketing for the Allegheny Conference on Community Development.  In this role she’s responsible for marketing southwestern Pennsylvania to regional, national and international audiences for Allegheny Conference on Community Development.  Previously, Ms. Golden was employed by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, as Director of Community Affairs; Magee Womens Hospital as Director of Communications; and PBS station WQED as Director of National Program Marketing.  An active member of the community, Ms. Golden serves on the boards of directors of Coro Center for Civic Leadership, The Children’s Institute and the Pittsburgh Child Guidance Foundation. She also serves in an advisory capacity on the board of the Allegheny Regional Asset District.

Cathy L. Greenberg, Ph.D., author of What Happy Women Know, is an internationally recognized authority on leadership and human behavior.  A sociobiologist and former managing partner in two of the world’s largest consulting firms, Accenture and CSC, she holds a doctorate in the behavioral sciences. Most recently, she was the founder and Executive Director of the Institute for Strategic Leadership, LeBow College of Business, Drexel University. Currently, a founding partner in a new venture, h2c: Happy Companies Healthy People, What Happy Brands and the h2c Leadership Foundation.  She hosted the Women.Future.com event and is the founder of the Alliance for Women in Leadership (A4WL), targeting the special needs of women leaders.  Dr. Greenberg is always available to help organizations achieve their best, and  takes particular pride in being the Canyon Ranch speaker on the Queen Mary II World Tour 2007 from Sydney to Dubai.

Bob Harper has skyrocketed from being one of the most in-demand fitness specialists in the Los Angeles area to becoming one of the most recognized and popular lifestyle personalities in the world. Now entering his fourth year as one of the fitness trainers on NBC's The Biggest Loser, Mr. Harper has become one of the most credible and sought-after motivational experts on television and DVD, in books and in personal appearances. He has also been featured in magazines such as Oprah Magazine, US Weekly, and Entertainment Weekly.  He’s spent more than a decade in Los Angeles developing his trademark brand of fitness and nutritional integration that leads to lasting lifestyle transformations, and in so doing, he has cultivated a devoted following of clients. Mr. Harper is certified with the American Fitness Training of Athletics and with Aerobics and Fitness Association of America.

Diane Holder is an executive vice president of UPMC, president of UPMC Insurance Services Division and president and CEO of UPMC Health Plan. UPMC Insurance Services provides health coverage and benefit management to over one million Pennsylvanians with Commercial, Medicaid, Medicare, Behavioral Health, EAP, Health Promotions and Worker’s Compensation programs.  Ms. Holder has held multiple leadership positions in health care and is a faculty member of the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Medicine and Graduate School of Public Health. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Columbia University and a frequent presenter on health care topics.

Lynne Honickman is founder of Moms Against Guns, a web-based advocacy campaign for common sense gun law reform in Pennsylvania. Via the website www.momsagainstguns.org, this grass roots initiative has signed up thousands of PA voters, supported rallies in Harrisburg during house votes on new gun laws and led community forums to build understanding and support.  Lynne is a lifelong advocate for children's health, education and a better quality of life. She is a longtime activist for critical social issues from AIDS, to poverty, to equitable education, to ending gun violence in 2008.  Lynne served on Mayor Street’s Council for the Homeless and continues on Mayor Nutter’s Action Leadership Team to End Homelessness. She is a trustee of Project H.O.M.E., the American Poetry Review and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where she co-chairs Education and Photography and sits on the Architectural and Executive committees respectively. She is also an Advisory Board Member of MANNA, a non-profit organization that delivers nourishment to people with life-threatening illnesses.

Julia Hubbel is a professional speaker, seminar leader, and prize-winning journalist who specializes in teaching the art of charisma. She has spent nearly three decades in senior corporate and consulting positions in the areas of training and organizational development in America, Australia, and New Zealand. She is the author of CLICK: Capture Your Charisma and Make Your Connections Count!  Ms. Hubbel is a fully disabled, decorated Vietnam-era veteran who served as a journalist and television producer/director in the Army and as Chief of Military Protocol under President Jimmy Carter in 1977.

Marilyn Logan, also known as, "The Money Lady", is a national radio and television personality, business owner, author and motivational speaker. She is on a mission to "get your money right!"  Armed with years of experience as a successful investment broker for major corporations and individuals, "The Money Lady" has an in-your-face, pull-no-punches style, which sets her apart from the everyday "stuffed-shirt" financial expert.  She's appeared as an expert discussing finances and relationships on several national shows including the Dr. Phil Show – “Rules of Engagement” series, The Steve Harvey Morning Radio Show, Les Brown's Chicago Speaks Radio Show and The Yolanda Adams Morning Gospel Hour.  Her first book, I Can't Afford To Marry You: A Guide to Understanding the True Cost of Love, is a personal and motivating story of her journey from credit card hell to eventual financial grace and a must-read for anyone looking to increase their financial literacy.

Allyson Lowe, Ph.D., is director of the Pennsylvania Center for Women, Politics, and Public Policy (PCWPPP) and Assistant Professor of Political Science at Chatham University. Previously, she held the Elsie Hillman Chair in Politics at Chatham. As Director of the Pennsylvania Center for Women, Politics, and Public Policy, her work includes campus programming, curriculum development, research coordination, and community outreach and engagement activities that encourage women’s participation in public leadership.  As a member of the political science faculty, she offers courses in comparative politics, women and politics, European integration, and international relations. Her research interests include these same fields along with political institutions, leadership and policy development. She recently received a Fulbright Award for the German Studies Program.

Rebecca L. Lucore joined Bayer Corporation in 1994 and presently serves as executive director of the Bayer USA Foundation and manager of community affairs for Bayer Corporation.  She is responsible for directing Bayer’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs, including the company’s STEM education partnerships, and oversees the Bayer USA Foundation and donations management for the United States. She is a Board Member of Achieving Student Success Through Excellence in Teaching (ASSET) Inc. in Pittsburgh; chairs the Advisory Board for the Bayer Center for Nonprofit Management at Robert Morris University; serves as an advisory committee member of the National Governors Association’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Center Grant Program; and is a member of the Conference Board’s Corporate Citizenship and Sustainability Council.  Ms. Lucore received her bachelor’s degree in public relations from Duquesne University where she also received a master’s degree in corporate communications.   She resides in Pittsburgh with her husband and three sons.

Nancy Lynches is a 30-year industry veteran focusing on retirement planning. Nancy believes that today's investment challenges demand an old-fashioned approach. She is conservative, caring, contemporary, goal-oriented, honest, people-sensitive, flexible and intuitive. Her primary focus is to match client objectives, both short-term and long, with the most suitable investment options available.  As branch manager of the Pittsburgh office, "fully invested in our clients" has always meant that people come first. Personal, one-on-one service remains the foundation of her work. Nancy's achievements include A.G. Edwards Chairman's Club recognition, graduation from the Security Industry Program (SIA) at Wharton's School of Business, and she is a certified financial planner (TM).

Courtney Macavinta is founder and CEO of Respect Rx LLC.  She is an award-winning journalist, author, speaker and coach who has reached more than a million girls and women through her work, including her blog RespectRx.com and bestselling book, RESPECT: A Girl’s Guide to Getting Respect and Dealing When Your Line Is Crossed, which has won both IPPY and iParenting awards. As an expert on teens and women, Ms. Macavinta has been featured on CNN, ABC, Fox, National Public Radio, MSNBC and in USA Today, CosmoGIRL!, Teen People, Teen Vogue, Glamour, The San Jose Mercury News and numerous other media.  She is an ambassador for the national organization Girls For A Change and has worked with organizations such as the Girls Inc., the YMCA, Girl Scouts of the USA, and the Dove Campaign for Real Beauty.. She is on the Advisory Boards of the Bay Area Girls Rock! Camp and Jenna Druck Foundation.

Susan E. Massenzio, Ph.D., is the Associate Director of Family Dynamics for Calibre.  In this role, Dr. Massenzio consults with families to clarify their values, develop shared goals, design and facilitate family meetings, and provide wealth education and ongoing individual consultation to family members.  Prior to joining Calibre, Dr. Massenzio was the Senior Psychologist for John Hancock.  She also founded her own consulting firm working with family businesses around succession, leadership and business transition.  Dr. Massenzio was also a professor and Program Director at Northeastern University. Dr. Massenzio holds a Ph.D. in psychology with a specialization in family and organizational psychology from Northwestern University and a B.A. in sociology from Simmons College.

Kathleen McGinty was the first woman to head the state Department of Environmental Protection, a 3,000-employee agency with a mission to protect Pennsylvania’s air, land and water from pollution and provide for the health and safety of its citizens through a cleaner environment.  Previously, she chaired the White House Council on Environmental Quality --- the first (and still only) woman to head CEQ, an office established by law in 1969 --- and acted as Deputy Assistant to President Bill Clinton.  She also created and headed the first-ever White House Office on Environmental Policy.  In this capacity, and as the senior U.S. government official on environmental matters, Secretary McGinty worked to create a new approach to these issues that bring together environmental and economic interests. Secretary McGinty currently serves on the Board of Trustees of St. Joseph’s University.  A native of Philadelphia, Ms. McGinty earned a chemistry degree from Saint Joseph’s University and a law degree from Columbia University School of Law.

Beth Mooney is the founder and co-director of Learning to Lead.  She became involved in leadership activities in high school and since has always understood the importance of developing these skills at a young age. Ms. Mooney graduated cum laude from Bucknell University and held several campus leadership positions both at Bucknell and while completing her graduate degree at Loyola College. Previously she served as the Assistant Director of Leadership Development and Greek Affairs at Villanova University. Then she joined a Fortune 500 company to round out her experiences. She served in many different capacities, including manager of development programs for associates and new managers. She spent a majority of her time working in executive administration having the opportunity to experience and learn first hand from the executives of a company's decision processes and leadership skills.  However, she always promised herself to return to endeavors that developed leadership skills in others, starting with adolescents. So in 2005 she started Learning to Lead to ensure that others became inspired, empowered and motivated leaders.

Valerie Coleman Morris is the former Business Anchor for CNN Financial Network in New York City.  On any given day her audience numbered more than 290 million homes, hotels and airports in the United States and around the world as her reports aired on CNNfn, CNN Prime, CNN Headline News, CNN International and CNN Airport Network.  She has decades of experience in television and radio broadcasting.  Ms. Morris is a frequent speaker at professional, educational and civic events throughout the country.  Since choosing to leave CNN, Ms. Morris is dedicated to financial literacy for women, young people and emerging markets.

Rosalyn Taylor O'Neale, the CEO of Barnes, O'Neale, & Associates, is an internationally acclaimed speaker, author, and consultant. Ms. O'Neale recently completed a prestigious two-year tenure as the executive vice president of diversity initiatives for MTV Networks. When she is not speaking to audiences around the world, she is helping executives and leaders create inclusive cultures in Fortune 500 companies, professional associations, non-profit organizations, and government agencies. She is the chair of the worldwide board for Dress For Success and serves on the Rainbow Endowment Board. She recently released her first business book, 7Keys 2Success: Unlocking The Passion For Diversity.

Gina Pferdehirt is the Public Relations and Community Relations Director for UPMC Health Plan. UPMC Health Plan provides health coverage and benefit management to more than one million members in Pennsylvania with Commercial, Medicaid, Medicare, Behavioral Health, EAP, Health Promotions and Workers’ Compensation programs. In addition, UPMC Health Plan is a strong supporter of many community organizations such as America On the Move, HEALTHY Armstrong, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh and many more. Ms. Pferdehirt has held public relations and communications positions in health care, non-profit and government organizations. She is a graduate of Duquesne University.

Mary Anne Papale, director of community affairs at Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield since November, 2005, began her career with Highmark (then Blue Cross of Western Pennsylvania) in 1986, as an advocate for personal wellness and living a healthy lifestyle.  Today, Ms. Papale draws on that experience by promoting health and well-being for Pennsylvania’s children.  Highmark’s unique community mission drives its corporate imperative of giving back, particularly within the 49 Pennsylvania counties that the organization serves.  Highmark contributes over $5 Million in corporate sponsorships and grants every year to a variety of nonprofit organizations.  Additionally, Ms. Papale works with the Highmark Foundation’s on its Highmark Healthy High 5 initiative, a $100 million, five year investment to improve the health and well-being of our kids and create a brighter future for us all. Highmark is a major corporate sponsor for the United Way, and supports employee volunteerism among its 10,000 Pennsylvania-based employees. 

Joanne Quinn-Smith is the CEO of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates, a full service marketing company offering synergistic non-competitive experts in management services for all facets of marketing. She has served on several committees and boards including The Allegheny / Pittsburgh Womens Commission, Girls Going Places, NAWBO National Committees, the Allegheny County Casino Vendors Sub-Committee and WEDO. She has been an active board member of NAWBO for many years and is the immediate Past President of the Greater Pittsburgh Chapter. She is the host of a weekly pod cast called Techno Granny, which airs each Monday at 7am on Talkshoe. The pod cast helps other entrepreneurs learn how to negotiate and make the most of today’s technology. She is also the host of three other pod casts including Positively Pittsburgh Live, The Monday Morning Marketeer, and Professionals With Impact. Her websites are www.positivelypittsburghlivemagazine.com and www.technogrannyshow.blogspot.com.

Evelyn Resh, MPH, CNM, is the director of Sexual Health Services at Canyon Ranch. She is an advanced practice nurse and certified nurse-midwife who continues in clinical practice. She has a clinical background in OB/GYN and integrative and preventive medicine.  Her special interests include sexual health and aging, increasing awareness and integration of sensual pleasures, and helping women and men maintain life-long interest in sexual intimacy.  She is a sought-after speaker, and has presented at Speaking of Women’s Health conferences, and has appeared frequently on radio programs such as the Joan Hamburg Show on WOR-Radio and on internet radio. Additionally, she presented at the first Massachusetts Conference for Women and at the International Confederation of Midwives Triennial Congress in Vienna and Norway. She holds a master's degree in public health, Boston University School of Public Health, and received certification as a Nurse Midwife from Baystate Medical Center, Tufts University.

Simran Sethi is a freelance journalist, focusing on social and environmental sustainability. The award-winning journalist is a contributing environmental correspondent for NBC News and the Lacy C. Haynes Visiting Professional Chair at the University of Kansas School of Journalism, where she currently teaches a course on Media and the Environment. Ms. Sethi is writing a book on environmental justice for Harper Collins and is the contributing author of Ethical Markets: Growing the Green Economy, winner of the bronze 2008 Axiom Award for Best Business Ethics book. She is New York University's inaugural Goddard Fellow and an Associate Fellow at the Asia Society. Ms. Sethi is also the co-host/ writer of Sundance Channel's environmental programming The Green, and a featured commentator and former story consultant for the original series Big Ideas for a Small Planet, the 2007 Environmental Media Award winner for Best Documentary. Lauded in Vanity Fair as the environmental "messenger," Ms. Sethi moderated the panel on climate change at the first Clinton Global Initiative University and hosted a forum on global warming with Nobel Laureate Al Gore.

Beth Schoenfeldt co-founded of Collective-E, (www.collective-e.com) in 2008. Collective-E is a destination for women entrepreneurs of all levels to nurture ideas and build brands by working with, learning from, and harnessing the power of the community. Collective-E brings together the four crucial elements found to be essential to establishing and growing businesses: Business Strategy, Public Relations Strategy, Online Presence, and Community using participation-based tools, events, educational programs and other benefits that make an impact on their members success. Previously, Ms. Schoenfeldt developed Marketing and Sales programs for such organizations as Clinique, ibeauty.com and American Express.  She then went on to establish the highly successful learning solutions company FLOinc, and then moved on to co-found Ladies Who Launch (LWL).  She grew the lifestyle and business-focused media company to over 53 cities with 50,000 members.  She’s has been featured in Time magazine, Elle Magazine, the Wall Street Journal, Cosmopolitan, The New York Times and on MSNBC, and The Today Show.

Carol J. Scott, MD, MSED, FACEP, is an Emergency Physician & Health Educator.  She is an expert on the connections between stress & health and the developer of the BestStress Zone concept.   A highly sought after speaker and one‐on‐one StressRelief Coach she enables participants & clients to gain knowledge, practical solutions. specific strategies & motivation to live with less stress and improved health.  She has been cited or featured in the Wall Street Journal, Fast Company magazine, WorkSpan, and The Washington Post.  Dr. Scott trained in internal medicine at Rush Presbyterian St. Luke's in Chicago and Duke University. She trained in Emergency Medicine at Johns Hopkins Hospital and later earned a Masters in Education from Johns Hopkins University.  She is board certified in both emergency medicine and internal medicine.  Her upcoming book, Discover Your BestStress Zone: a Health and Wellness Guide for Women, John Wiley and Sons Publishers and will be released late 2008.

Hayley F. Scott-Davis is manager of analytical services at U.S. Steel’s Mon Valley Works. She began her career with U. S. Steel as manager of accounting research in November 2001 and was promoted to director of external reporting and financial analysis in December 2003.  In December 2006, she was named manager of financial services at the Mon Valley Works. A graduate of Pennsylvania State University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, Ms. Scott-Davis joined Price Waterhouse LLP in 1994 where she served a number of major companies in the manufactured products industry.  She is a member of the U. S. Steel Diversity Council, and serves on the Steering Committee of the U. S. Steel Women’s Network.  A Certified Public Accountant, she is currently a member of The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Institute of Management Accountants. She is also an active member of the Audit and Finance Committee for Animal Friends.

Renée Peterson Trudeau is a nationally recognized career/work-life balance coach and president of Career Strategists (www.CareerStrategists.net), a coaching/consulting firm dedicated to helping professionals and entrepreneurs create careers that support their life goals. Career Strategists’ corporate clients include Fortune 500 companies, national women's organizations and coaching clients include professionals employed by IBM, Shell Oil, Whole Foods Market, 3M, GSD&M Advertising, Deloitte, Intel, Amazon.com, Dell Computer Corporation, Accenture and government/nonprofit agencies among others.  Ms. Trudeau has been featured in US News and World Report, Working Mother, American Way, Family Circle, AARP and in numerous additional print and broadcast media. She is the author of the award-winning The Mother's Guide to Self-Renewal: How to Reclaim, Rejuvenate and Re-Balance Your Life. Thousands of women around the world are starting and joining self-renewal circles based on the Guide, as a way to enhance balance and well-being in their lives. Ms. Trudeau is currently writing a second book on everyday spirituality. You can learn more about Ms. Trudeau at www.ReneeTrudeau.com.

Laura Vassamillet is vice president and senior portfolio manager at BNY Mellon Wealth Management. She works directly with clients to address their investment and wealth management needs. She has more than 25 years of industry experience, having practiced law and served in various capacities with a number of financial institutions.  Ms. Vassamillet received her bachelor’s degree from Smith College and her law degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. She is a member of the Allegheny County and Pennsylvania Bar Associations, the Pittsburgh Planned Giving Council and the Estate Planning Council of Pittsburgh.  Additionally, Ms. Vassamillet serves as Chair of the Board of Directors of Heritage Valley Health System, the community health system with hospitals located in Sewickley and Beaver, Pennsylvania.

Nancy C. Widmann has over twenty-five years of experience in broadcasting and marketing. Prior to starting a consulting and coaching business, she had a distinguished career at CBS, Inc.  She is co-author of I Didn’t See It Coming, a practical guidebook for executives. In addition, she currently coaches senior managers in publishing, radio, retail and investment banking. Ms. Widmann was the first woman President at CBS, Inc. and managed the CBS Radio Division for eight years. At the time, CBS Radio was the largest radio broadcasting operation in the country with over $400 Million in revenues and 1200 employees. She is a member of TheGuruNation.com, a professional community of industry experts, authors, and corporate leaders providing continuous learning for career success. Ms. Widmann has volunteered for ten years at Dress for Success, a non-profit organization helping women return to the workforce and serves on the advisory board.

Pennsylvania Treasurer Robin L. Wiessmann is a veteran of public finance and investment banking, and a pioneer for women in her field.  As Treasurer, Ms. Wiessmann has focused on the optimization of Treasury's financial management resulting in the "Pennsylvania Investment Principles," an analytical framework that maximizes investment opportunities and minimizes market threats; the Treasury Opportunity Fund, utilizing emerging and minority money managers; and reallocation of $3.4 billion of Treasury's portfolio ensuring the liquidity, safety and enhanced returns of Commonwealth funds. Prior to serving as Treasurer, Ms. Wiessmann was a founder and president of Artemis Capital Group, a leading women-owned investment banking firm. She was a director with Merrill Lynch, a vice president at Goldman Sachs, deputy director of finance for the City of Philadelphia, and a financial advisor to numerous state treasurers and governors. In 1999, the National Women Executives in State Government Association awarded her the "Breaking the Glass Ceiling Award."

Sally Wiggin is the anchor of WTAE Channel 4 Action News at noon and 6 p.m..  She is the recipient of the United Press International Best Special Award, a regional Emmy and a National Headliners award for WTAE-TV’s Sept. 11 coverage.  Ms. Wiggin serves as a board member of a number of organizations, including The Caring Foundation, the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium, the Women's Center and Shelter, the Humane Society and the American Heart Association. She previously served as a board member for the Ronald McDonald House, the Alzheimer's Association of Greater Pittsburgh, City Theater and the Pittsburgh Dance Council.   She also served as a spokesperson for the campaign Working Hearts. She was selected as the 1989 Hadassah Woman of the Year, the Vectors 1990 Communications Person of the Year, and Carlow College Woman of Spirit. She received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Pittsburgh Radio and TV Foundation and the Humanitarian of the Year award for the United Cerebral Palsy in 2003. For 15 years she was the honorary chairperson of the American Cancer Society Daffodil Days Campaign.

Erika Wirkkala, is founder of Tapis Rouge Events & Communications (TRE Communications), a boutique Event Management and Public Relations firm with offices in Pittsburgh and Los Angeles. Since founding the company in early 2005, she has secured positive media coverage in publications such as the Wall Street Journal, Inc. Magazine and Redbook among many, many other media outlets.  Prior to moving to Pittsburgh, she worked on the planning of high profile events including events for Hitachi, Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, and The Pasadena Tournament of Roses. She began her career in marketing communications in the early 90's while working at the powerhouse P.R. agency, Hill & Knowlton Public Relations in Los Angeles. Locally, she worked in the public relations department of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra before venturing into the world of an entrepreneur. Most recently, TRE Communications opened a second office in Los Angeles, California.  The office is already busy planning a series of events for young professionals in Southern California.