Thanks to everyone who helped make this year’s Women Speak event a great success, with special appreciation to our speakers for sharing their wisdom and experiences, to Tapestry for graciously hosting us on their campus, and to our generous sponsors who made this event possible

EVENT PHOTOS
by Sailey Williams

Step & Repeat

Event

Pre- & Post-Event

What’s Working & What’s Next – The results are in! Having women and gender expansive individuals who occupy several different intersections of identity in leadership positions is driving businesses in meaningful ways. Each panelist has been a part of large-scale, comprehensive campaigns to put these leaders at the forefront of the industry. These executives have crucial and tactical takeaways from the belly of the beast to help us understand what is working for our community and where we can improve. This session will zero in on how organizations and companies can generate a significant and positive impact in their community, harnessing partnerships for good, and building ongoing programs that will support future generations successfully.

PANELISTS
Kija Barnes, Iris Coker & Ben Keith

MODERATOR
Evelyn Ocas Salazar

KIJA BARNES
She/Her
UNITED AIRLINES
Culture Chair of EQUAL (United’s LGBTQ+ Business Resource Group)

IRIS COKER
She/HerKATE SPADE NEW YORK
Director, Global Influencer Relations + Social Media Strategy

BEN KEITH
They/Them
WALMART CONNECT
Business Development, Manager: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

EVELYN OCAS SALAZAR
She/HerMOODY’S INVESTORS SERVICE
Assistant Vice President – Analyst, Financial Institutions Group

Click on Speaker’s Headshot for Bio

Over 42% of new businesses are owned by women, yet recent reports have found that female founders receive only about 2-3% of venture capital funding, and less than a half percent going to queer and trans women of color. Join us for a thought-provoking panel featuring founders from diverse industries as they explore the unique barriers women and gender expansive individuals face. From securing funding to balancing work-life demands, this discussion will highlight the innovative solutions and best practices that are empowering diverse entrepreneurs to succeed in today’s competitive landscape. The time is now to support and amplify these voices in entrepreneurship.

PANELISTS
Aisha Diori, Kelly Moffat, and Stacy Pisone

MODERATOR
Kisha Keeney

AISHA DIORI
(GLITTERATIE)
She/HerAFRICA EVERYTHING
Founder

KELLY MOFFAT
She/HerKIRRIN FINCH
Co-Founder & COO

STACY PISONE
She/HerCAFETERIA RESTAURANT
& EMPIRE DINER
Founder & COO

KISHA KEENEY
She/HerNORTHWESTERN MUTUAL
Senior Director, Diversity and Inclusion

Click on Speaker’s Headshot for Bio

An HMI youth mentee will engage in meaningful dialogue with their selected mentor, exploring the significance of goal setting and mentorship within the LGBTQIA+ community. This exchange is preceded by dedicated time spent together, fostering rapport and setting the stage for an impactful discussion.

PANELISTS
Diavana Maraboli (Mentee) & Lazara Paz-Gonzalez (Mentor)

MODERATOR
Bridget Hughes

DIAVANA MARABOLI
She/HerNYC DEPT OF HOMELESS SERVICES
Mental Health Case Manager

LAZARA PAZ-GONZALEZ
She/Her/EllaHETRICK-MARTIN INSTITUTE
Senior Director, Youth Services

BRIDGET HUGHES
She/HerHETRICK-MARTIN INSTITUTE
Chief Program Officer

Click on Speaker’s Headshot for Bio

OPENING REMARKS

AMY HARCLERODE (She/Her)
HETRICK-MARTIN INSTITUTE
Chief Executive Officer


IRIS COKER (She/Her)
KATE SPADE NEW YORK
Director, Global Influencer Relations
+ Social Media Strategy

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If you are unable to attend and would still like to make a gift, please do so below.  

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