Speakers
Saturday, March 24, 2012 at the Travelers Claim University, 99 Lamberton Road, Windsor, Connecticut
Gilda Bonanno,
Keynote Presentation
Gilda Bonanno is a speaker, trainer and coach who helps people improve their presentation and communication skills so they can be more successful. She achieves these results by combining her extensive business experience with a background in improvisational performance and a belief that with the right training and practice, everyone can become a more effective communicator and leader.
She speaks about communication, leadership and motivation to groups ranging from entrepreneurs to engineers to healthcare professionals. In addition to facilitating high-energy, client-focused training programs, she also coaches individuals to overcome their fear of public speaking and eliminate the barriers to letting their voice be heard. She has worked with clients throughout North America and in South America, Europe, China and India.
Gilda is a certified Project Management Practitioner (PMP), has a certificate in Process Reengineering and holds an Advanced Business Certificate in Management from the UCONN School of Business.
She is President of the CT chapter of the National Speakers Association (NSA-CT), Immediate Past President of the Southern CT chapter of the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD-SCC) and a member of Board of Directors for the Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC). www.gildabonanno.com
Stephanie Dalfonzo, “Architect of Change”, All About You
In addition to her speaking engagements and corporate workshops, Stephanie offers individual and group sessions at her office in Fairfield County, Connecticut.
Stephanie’s presentations are highly-informative and delivered with a healthy dose of compassion, enthusiasm and humor. Known for her quick wit and friendly approach.
Stephanie helps participants tap into their own power to make lasting changes in their lives, including stress management, smoking cessation, career advancement, concurring fears and phobias and weight control.
Stephanie teaches tools and techniques for immediate use to make positive changes in people’s lives to achieve a balanced, happy life.
Endia DeCordova, All About You
Endia DeCordova is the Acting Associate Dean of Institutional Advancement at Manchester Community College (MCC). She was formerly the Associate Director of Institutional Development & Community Engagement at MCC. She is an innovative, comprehensive communications professional recognized for creating, designing, and executing, strategic public relations initiatives, development and fundraising programs, marketing and development communication plans, as well as community outreach programs. Additionally, Ms. DeCordova is an adjunct faculty member at MCC teaching courses in sales and advertising.
Prior to joining MCC, Ms. DeCordova was the Director of Public Relations and Marketing Communications for the Salvation Army, Southern New England Division in Hartford. She currently serves as the immediate past-president of the Public Relations Society of America-Connecticut Valley Chapter (PRSA-CVC), a community of public relations and communications professionals with members representing nearly every practice area and professional and academic setting within the public relations field. Ms. DeCordova also serves on the board of directors for Greater Hartford Habitat for Humanity and a member of the Connecticut Network of Women in Higher Education . Previously, she served on the Board of Directors for NBC Connecticut’s “Black Perspective” public affairs program as producer and host.
Ms. DeCordova holds a master of business administration degree from the University of Hartford Barney School of Business and a bachelor of science degree in Communications from Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland. Ms. DeCordova resides in Windsor, CT with her eight-year-old son Jaiden.
Lis Faenza,
The Charisma Code
Unlocking the DNA of Influence
Lis Faenza’s journey as a speaker began when she became the spokesperson for the Hartley House Society for Physically Handicapped Children, and discovered she had a gift for capturing a room and leading them toward a common goal. After graduating from university with a double degree in Languages and Psychology, Lis qualified as a Clinical Hypnotherapist before going on to complete her Masters.
In the early ‘90s Lis began to facilitate personal development courses and deepened her passion for the spoken word as a tool for personal and group transformation.
Lis went on to become an international speaker and trainer for the Direct Sales Industry, delivering keynotes, training sessions and workshops around the world, in a variety of settings, from the intimate dinner-meeting to conventions in Australia and the USA with thousands of delegates.
More recently Lis has become a popular speaker within the public and private sectors, delivering keynotes and personal mentoring to executive level staff on productivity and personal development, and helping business leaders reposition their branding for greater influence.
In her acclaimed book ‘The Energy Bucket,’ Lis addressed the void that exists in evidence based approaches to managing energy, attitudes and behavior. Filled with practical examples, her latest book – ‘The Charisma Code’ takes this to the next level.
Beatrice Ferry, All About You
Beatrice Ferry is a Director in Regulatory Finance at United Healthcare and also teaches at Tunxis Community College (TCC) as an Adjunct Accounting Professor. Additionally, she serves as Vice President of Membership on the Board of the Connecticut Chapter of the National Society of Hispanic MBAs. She is also an Advisory Board member of the Connecticut Forum. Beatrice is an excellent motivator in possession of keen business acumen. She is a seasoned and mature leader with at least 10-15 years of broad finance/accounting experience, including serving as CFO managing the strategic and financial aspects of insurance organizations, and public speaking experience that includes delivering keynote address to graduating class at TCC. Her professional background includes Finance, Accounting, Tax, Insurance (Healthcare, Personal/ Commercial Property and Casualty), Estate/Trusts, and Sarbanes-Oxley Audits. She has owned and operated various businesses. Her talents also include performing as a classical pianist and producing and hosting her own television and radio shows.
Ms. Ferry holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Connecticut and a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Central Connecticut State University. Ms. Ferry is in the process of writing her memoirs about her experience as a foreigner in the United States, with admonitions about what she believes it takes to be successful, and why she thinks each one of us has a duty to nurture our gifts and share those gifts with society. Ms Ferry is quoted as saying: “I like to live on the outer edges of my abilities. That’s how I learn and grow.”
Harrine Freeman,
Act Like a Woman, Manage Your Money Like a Man
Harrine Freeman is the CEO and owner of H.E. Freeman Enterprises which provides financial counseling services to help clients restore their credit rating and develop good money management skills to pay off debts, save and plan for retirement for the past 12 years. She is an energetic speaker, author, financial trainer, and freelance writer. She was once in $19,000 in debt, only making $21,000 a year and was successfully able to get herself out of debt without filing for bankruptcy.
As a guest speaker at regional churches and schools, national radio shows, organizations and Fortune 500 companies she has provided credit repair, debt management and business credit seminars to various audiences. She has appeared in Market Watch, Wall Street Journal, Black Enterprise, Essence Magazine, Ebony, Pink Magazine, Forbes, Huffington Post, MSNBC.com, Bankrate.com, The Michael Baisden radio show, NPR, and on CBS, NBC and ABC. She is an Advisory Council member of Russell Simmon’s HSAN Get Your House Right Home Ownership Initiative.
Her personal experiences with debt and her business savvy have proven her to be an effective and competent speaker on personal finance and business credit issues. She is also the author of “How to Get out of Debt: Get An “A” Credit Rating for Free”, a self-help book on credit repair that provides consumers with a step by step plan on how to get out of debt, increase their credit rating and maintain their good credit.
Amy Graver,
SEO Optimization Demystified
Amy Graver is the President and Creative Director of Elements, a graphic design and marketing communications firm based in Branford, Connecticut.
In the years since starting her agency, Elements, from her dining room table, Amy has become a nationally recognized leader within the design and marketing community. Her agency is sought out for their design and marketing expertise and Amy is frequently being asked to write, speak and present her thoughts and ideas on design and marketing communications.
Her work has been cited for excellence both nationally and internationally, winning numerous design awards and recognition. In 2007, the trade magazine Graphic Design USA named her a “Designer to Watch” – an honor only a few nationally recognized designers ever earn. She was also included in the international “Women Designer Project” which recognizes the best graphic designers from around the world. Amy’s work has been widely published in graphic design publications, including Package Design Magazine, Pring Magazine, Felt & Wire and more. Amy just recently finished writing her first book – along with co-author and Element Senior Designer Ben Jura – called Best Practices for Graphic Designers: Layouts and Grids due to be released by Rockport Publishers in Spring 2012.
She serves on the Advisory Board for Package Design Magazine, is the immediate past Vice President and co-founder of the AIGA (American Institute of Graphic Arts) Connecticut Chapter and is the past President and long-time board member of the Connecticut Art Director’s Club (CADC).
Amy is a contributing writer to several publications and regularly gives seminars to various organizations on the power of social media and how to integrate the technology into marketing strategy; website SEO, marketing and graphic design.
For more information, visit http://www.elementsdesign.com and while there, visit her studio’s lively blog about marketing communications and design. amy@elementsdesign.com | Twitter: @elementsdesign | Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/amy.graver
Lesley Ingves, Success Coach and owner of Clear Pathway, LLC,
All About You
Life changes, even when you don’t think it will….
Lesley always provided top notch managing and organizing services to her employers and thought a lifelong career in construction development was her path. A shift came back in 2004, while working on a project that seemed to “suck the life out of her” and this misery spilled out into her personal life, deteriorating her marriage and health.
Change came after a tear filled commute, in the form of a sign which read: “Remember who you wanted to be.” Realizing that the heartfelt fulfillment she longed for was hidden in dreams of the past began her the journey to rediscover “who she wanted to be.”
This realization prompted her to immediately take steps to create her own business. Duplicating the steps she took on her own breakthrough, Lesley set her mission to help others recognize their special gifts and use them to live a better life.
Utilizing years of experience organizing and managing project offices, and combining this with personal talents, Lesley coaches clients through the process of business startup and building, particularly stressing the need for clarification and planning.
Lesley is the Work Readiness Certification Instructor, training entry level workers to prepare for the demands of employment, through OIC of New London County, a non-profit organization. She is also the author of the “Career Breakout Program” home study guide.
Arthur D. Levy,
Controlling Your Cash Flow
Arthur D. Levy, CPA, Partner, The Roart Group, LLC is a business consulting firm that works “hands on” with entrepreneurs to strategize and develop growth opportunities for future growth. Having many years of experience in the financial community, he uses his wealth of knowledge to guide business owners in executing their goals and achieving greater financial success.
Mr. Levy has had guest appearances on NBC’s Today Show, CNBC, Fox 5 Good Day New York, CNN, and the Morning Show with Mike and Juliet. Radio interviews included WOR, CBS(fm), KRock, WBBR, and WNLK. National and local publication citations and features include, but not limited to; Entrepreneur Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Crain’s New York Business, The New York Times and The Norwalk Hour. He is a frequent guest speaker at conferences, universities, organizations, and corporations around the world.
Chris Makell,
How to Create a Six Figure Business
Chris Makell is best known as the Courage to “Think Bigger™” Business Coach. Having worked with hundreds of business owners, she recognized that while all had incredible talents, skills and expertise, many were holding back and playing small. Her abiding passion in helping more business owners Think Big…Play Bigger™ inspired led her to lead the revolution to help entrepreneurs become more confident and committed to “think bigger” and grow their business from where they are today.
As the business mentor/coach to the entrepreneur who is ready to thrive, be they former corporate executive/leaders, coaches, consultants, speakers, and other solopreneurs, Chris is particularly skilled at helping her clients create profitable 6 & 7 figure businesses.
Prior to leading her business full time, she spent 28 years at IBM in high-level positions. She coached senior executives and traveled through China, India and France transforming employee skill levels, globally. Her business leverages her corporate skill in guiding entrepreneurs to thrive and lead their businesses.
A highly sought after speaker, workshop facilitator, coach/mentor and Score® counselor, she is a certified marketing coach, with a no nonsense approach and unwavering support of her clients. As a result they break through their fear of success and create the 6-figure business that includes more clients, more money and more time to enjoy it all!
Laurie Perez,
The Fashion Segment
Award-winning reporter Laurie Perez is native of South Windsor. She’s thrilled to be working in Connecticut covering stories that affect the communities and people she loves.
Prior to Fox 61, Laurie worked as a reporter at WSPA-TV, the CBS affiliate in Greenville, South Carolina. Her first job was reporting at the CBS affiliate KEPR-TV in Kennewick, Washington.
Laurie has a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University in Chicago. She earned her undergraduate degree at Tufts University and is a graduate of the Loomis Chaffee School.
Laurie is a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.
In Washington, South Carolina and here in Connecticut Laurie has been honored for her writing and interviewing. She has been nominated the past four years for the Emmy for Best Overall Reporter in New England.
Laurie is the host of Fox CT’s weekly political show “The Real Story.”
Jessica Pizano, All About You
Jessica Pizano is the owner of Fit to You, LLC, which offers personalized training programs and health counseling. Her concentrations include general fitness, weight loss, food allergies/sensitivities, post-rehabilitative work, training/nutrition for medical conditions, obesity intervention, pre- and post-natal exercise and nutrition, and Pilates.
A certified personal trainer and a corrective exercise specialist through the National Academy of Sports Medicine, she is also certified in mat Pilates through PHI Pilates and earned her Clinical Exercise Specialist and Longevity Wellness Specialist through the American Council on Exercise.
She completed her training to practice Health Coaching at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, which is the only nutrition school integrating all the different dietary theories—combining the knowledge of traditional philosophies with modern concepts like the USDA food pyramid, the glycemic index, the Zone and raw foods. She is certified as a holistic health coach through the American Association of Drugless Practitioners.
Currently, Jessica practices personal training and health counseling in Glastonbury. Jessica also serves as an instructor in the Professional Fitness Training program at Branford Hall Career Institute in Windsor, CT.
Chris Socha,
Salary Negotiations
Chris Socha is Vice President of Sandler Training/TEM, an award winning sales and management training and consulting company, having offices in Connecticut and New York. The firm provides programs focusing on various aspects of sales, sales management, and human relations skills at locations from coast to coast. TEM also conducts corporate training programs and executive briefings for organizations and associations.
Prior to joining TEM, Chris’ career began in management, operating multiple businesses in the hospitality industry. After graduating from Framingham State College with a degree in Business Management and a minor in marketing, Chris continued to grow his business venture until he joined the TEM team.
Chris is an award winning salesperson who has clients ranging from Fortune 500 to individuals. He is a certified trainer in STAR (Sales Talent Acquisition Routine), which is the sales development industries’ leading sales recruiting system. His interest and commitment are with his clients – working with salespeople, managers and business owners who have a common goal to increase their business through effective sales development. Chris’ view that success in sales is a process involving hard work and continued refinement is shared by all of his colleagues at Sandler Training/TEM.
