Women's Leadership and Networking Day Spotlight- Lilli Cloud

Lilli Cloud is a born marketing evangelist and skilled executive-level professional communicator.
She intuitively connects to subjects and issues that are meaningful to her target audience and
then presents these in a way that matters to them.

She runs bluefeet (www.yourbluefeet.com), a creative company that works with leaders to identify
and communicate what makes them or their companies extraordinary through executive and
corporate branding and thought leadership. Her work includes career marketing and presentation
coaching for C-level, senior executives and luminaries.

She was formerly a VP at both FleishmanHillard International Communications and PainePR
(now Citizen Paine). Her career spans communications both internal and external, domestic and
international, corporate and agency.

Ms. Cloud will be speaking this Friday, May 2nd at the YWCA's annual Women's Leadership and Networking Day. Her talk, entitled "Who's Telling Your Story?' will be on how to use stories effectively to create new business opportunities. To register please go to ywca.org/wlnd2014

Women's Leadership and Networking Day Spotlight- Michele Martinez

Michele and several other prominent women will be speaking on her journey into politics at the YWCA's 3rd Annual Women's Leadership and Networking Day on May 2nd at Twin Palms Restaurant and Lounge in Pasadena. Register today at www.ywca.org/wlnd2014!

Michele Martinez’s passion for public service stems from her strong commitment to serving her community.  As one of the youngest to serve on the City Council, Michele brings new and positive energy to the City of Santa Ana.  Michele was elected to the City Council in November of 2006 and was re-elected for a second term in 2010.

Michele’s priorities on the council include economic development, public health and safety and active transportation. Michele understands the importance of having a thriving economic base to support job creation and a healthy and safe community. Furthermore, she is a strong supporter of local businesses and the critical role they play in education, our neighborhood preservation, and the economic development of the City. Michele currently chairs the Finance, Economic Development & Technology City Council Committee and serves on the following City Council Committees: Development & Transportation, Public Safety, Legislative, and the Strategic Planning Sub-Committee.

Michele also represents the City of Santa Ana on several regional boards; she currently serves on the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), the nation's largest metropolitan planning organization representing six counties, 189 cities and more than 19 million residents.  SCAG undertakes a variety of planning and policy initiatives to encourage a more sustainable Southern California.  She is an at-large member for the California League of Cities Orange County Division and also represents the Orange County Division on the League of California Cities, Transportation, Communication and Public Works Policy Committee. Michele is a board member for the Orange County Waste Management Commission, representing City Selection Committee for the 1^st District. She is also the City’s representative on Orange County Council of Governments (OCCOG), a joint powers authority established to monitor, analyze and provide Orange County's technical and policy recommendations on all SCAG plans and programs.  Michele also represents the City on the Transportation Corridor Agencies Committee (TCA).  TCA are two joint powers authorities formed by the California legislature in 1986 to plan, finance, construct, and operate Orange County's toll roads. TCA consists of two local government agencies: the San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor Agency which oversees the San Joaquin Hills Toll Road and the Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency which runs both the Foothill Toll Road and the Eastern Toll Road.

Lastly, she is a board member with the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO); a leadership organization of the nation's more than 6,000 Latino elected and appointed Latino public officials in the United States. Michele also recently became a board member for the Southern California Latino Policy Center, a non-partisan, policy education and research organization created to provide local Latino elected officials from LA County, Orange County and the Inland Empire with resources, research and professional development opportunities designed to help those officials create the most effective and impactful policies for Latino families and all communities.

Michele is a graduate of Cal State Fullerton where she earned a B.A. degree in Criminal Justice. She is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Public Health at Cal State Fullerton. Michele is the Director of Alliance for a Healthy Orange County and enjoys spending her free time cycling and living a healthy life style.

What is Women's Leadership and Networking Day?

Women’s Leadership and Networking Day         May 2, 2014

Being Your Best Self: Courage to Follow your Strengths and Passions

The YWCA Pasadena Foothill Valley is all about empowering women. On May 2nd, seven powerful women will spend the day empowering you!  Sharing stories, experience and wisdom - woman to woman.

At the Women’s Leadership and Networking Day, you will have to opportunity to hear from seven unique women who have followed their passions and capitalized on their strengths to reach their professional goals.  Susanne Whatley of KPCC 89.3 FM will guide us through the day and our six speakers will share some of the wisdom and expertise they've gained along the way.  Interspersed throughout the day are opportunities for networking and making personal and professional connections with other women in a variety of fields.  The conference culminates with a cocktail mixer that gives you the opportunity to deepen the connections you've made. Our gracious sponsors have provided giveaways and raffle items to add to the fun.  Breakfast and lunch are provided.

Who Would be Interested?

This event offers something for all women.  The seasoned professional will find inspiration and keys to prolonged professional growth and success.  The business owner or consultant will be able to connect with potential clients or networks.  The student and young professional will be surrounded by women who possess the experience and knowledge that may help in her next career step. Retired women have the opportunity give back to the next generation of women while being inspired by the energy and creativity in the room.   It is a sharing of wisdom and tools that can empower women in their careers and personal life, as well as an opportunity to be in the company of women.

More about the speakers and their presentations:

Susanne Whatley,  a news anchor at KPCC and host of "Healthline", a weekly cable interview show will facilitate our day.

Ursula Hyman, a retired partner of Latham and Watkins LLP.  Ms. Hyman’s primary passion is bringing dignity to others.  She serves on the board of FVO Solutions, Inc.; LA Regional Council of St. Vincent de Paul and the Board of St. Francis Medical Center.  She will speak on “Finding Your Passion.”

Rosemarie Pilpa, a Technology Specialist in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry.  Ms. Pilpa’s passion led to her involvement in prosecution of patents related to biochemical and biotechnology.  She will share her journey “From Lab Work to Law.”

Melody Godfred, the founder of Write In Color, Inc. creating powerful and personalized brands for individuals and businesses.  Ms Godfred was a litigation attorney at Glaser, Weil, Fink, Jacobs, Howard, Avchen & Shapiro. She is also a novelist.  Ms. Godfred will present, “Living in Color: How to Build Your Personal Brand.”

Phlunte Riddle, known throughout Pasadena for her 29 years with the Pasadena Police Department.  Lt. Riddle was the first African-American female promoted to the rank within the Pasadena Police Department.  She has now launched her own consulting company specializing in organizational development.  She will speak on “Emotional Intelligence Leadership.”

Michelle Martinez, Councilwoman for the city of Santa Ana and board member of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials and the Southern California Latino Policy Center.  Ms. Martinez will share how her passion for public service led to her “Journey into Politics” at a time when we are seeing fewer and fewer females running for public office.

Lilli Cloud, founder of Bluefeet, a creative company that works with leaders to identify and communicate what makes them or their companies extraordinary.  Ms. Cloud is a self-proclaimed marketing evangelist who will help you learn how to use stories effectively to create new business opportunities in her presentation, “Who’s Telling Your Story?”

“I am always excited when women come together to empower women.  I am particularly excited about this diverse panel of speakers who have taken courageous steps to follow their passion in the development of their careers and becoming their best selves.”
- Sharalyn Hamilton, Executive Director
YWCA Pasadena

Women's Leadership and Networking Day Spotlight- Phlunte Riddle

Phlunte’ launched her own consulting company, Phlunte’ Riddle Group in January 2013.  She is a motivational speaker and specializes in organizational development, with an emphasis on Emotional Intelligence Leadership.

Her mission is to bridge the communication gap between multiple generations.  Through emotional intelligence and the skill sets provided, organizations can achieve their goals by imparting leadership methods for optimal organizational success. 

She is the past interim Executive Director of the YWCA, Pasadena Chapter.

Phlunte’ is also an adjunct professor at Biola University and the University of Phoenix.    

Phlunte’ Riddle retired from the Pasadena Police Department in December 2012.  In her 29 years with the police department, she served the community in numerous capacities.

Three years prior to retirement, she served as the Adjutant to the Chief of Police and Public Information Officer for the department. Other assignments as a lieutenant included field service area commander, community relations, and traffic section.  As a sergeant, she worked detectives, vice narcotics, and as a police officer she was assigned throughout the organization as a patrol officer, undercover drug officer, background investigator, detective investigating robberies, sex crimes, and homicides.  .  

Retired Lieutenant Riddle was the first African American female promoted to the rank of lieutenant in 1998 within the History of the Pasadena Police Department.

Phlunte’ is currently a Psychology doctoral student at Phillips Graduate Institute.   She holds a BS degree in public administration from the University of La Verne and a MA degree in organizational leadership from Woodbury University.  She is also a graduate of California Command College and a graduate from the FBI National Academy in Quantico Va. 

Phlunte’ Riddle has received numerous awards and recognition over her years of service.  

Phlunte’ has been married for 35-years and is blessed with three adult sons. 

If you would like to hear Phlunte speak on “Emotional Intelligence in Leadership” at our Women's Leadership and Networking day on May 2nd, please register at www.ywca.org/wlnd2014

Women's Leadership and Networking Day Spotlight- Rosemarie Pilpa

Rosemarie Pilpa, PhD.

Rosemarie Pilpa. PhD. is a Technology Specialist in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, with experience in protein chemistry.

Rosemarie obtained her PhD. from University of California Los Angeles. Prior to her doctoral studies, Rosemarie received a B.S. in Chemistry and Biology from the California State Polytechnic University where her research was concentrated on protein structural and functional studies. In addition to her graduate and undergraduate research experience, Rosemarie also has educational experience having been a Teaching Assistant for laboratory and lecture classes in the areas of biochemistry during her graduate studies. During her studies at UCLA, Rosemarie researched the structural and functional properties of proteins involved in pathogenesis. Rosemarie also has been involved in research and academia at the Salk institute.

Rosemarie’s areas of IP experience and practice include drafting and prosecution of patents related to biochemical and biotechnology.

If you're interested in hearing Ms. Pilpa speak, click here and register for Women's Leadership and Networking Day today!

Women's Leadership and Networking Day 2014 Spotlight - Melody Godfred, Esq.

Melody Godfred, Esq. is the founder of Write In Color, Inc., a full service writing and branding firm in Los Angeles. Melody and her team of writers, designers and programmers create powerful, personalized brands for individuals and businesses. Write In Color also crafts modern resumes for professionals interested in standing out from the stack, and is currently the #1 rated resume service on Yelp. Notable resume, writing and branding clients include Omarosa Manigault, Wiseman Residential, Udaya Yoga, Shareen Vintage, Dr. Robert Applebaum and The Khalili Center.

Before launching Write In Color in 2010, Melody was a litigation attorney at Glaser, Weil, Fink, Jacobs, Howard, Avchen & Shapiro, one of Los Angeles’ premier law firms. Her exposure as an attorney to politics and the entertainment industry served as the inspiration behind her debut novel, “The Agency: Hollywood Talent, CIA Managed.” Melody is also a regular contributor to notable online publications including The Huffington Post and has been featured on I Want Her Job and HyperVocal.

Melody received her law degree, cum laude and Order of the Coif, from Loyola Law School and her undergraduate degree, magna cum laude, from the University of Southern California, where she double-majored in Business Administration and Music Industry.

Melody is passionate about creative expression, especially through color, and her twin toddlers Stella Avery and Violet Harper. To experience the Write In Color’s world, visit Melody on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter @writeincolor. For writing tips, creative inspiration and more, check out the Write In Color Blog, one of the top twenty writing blogs on the web according to Write To Done (www.writeincolor.com/blog).

If you're interested in hearing Ms. Godfred speak, click here and register today!