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