Hofstra University’s Women in Leadership Symposium
Successful Women: Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges, and Leading with Impact
March 13, 2025
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Hofstra University's Women in Leadership Advisory Board is thrilled to announce its inaugural Women in Leadership Symposium. The experience will provide attendees with direct access to shared experiences, career advancement, guidance, and opportunities — and a chance to expand their Hofstra network to grow in today's dynamic environment.
Join us on
Thursday, March 13, 2025
8 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Hofstra University's David S. Mack University Club
Questions?
Contact Meredith Celentano, associate vice president of development and alumni affairs, at Meredith.Celentano@hofstra.edu.
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Successful Women: Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges, and Leading With Impact
Hosted by the Hofstra University Women in Leadership Advisory Board
March 13, 2025
Hofstra University's David S. Mack University Club
8–9 a.m.
(for registration and networking breakfast)
9–10:15 a.m.
Keynote Address: Leading With Impact While Breaking Barriers: An Insider's Interview With Priscilla Almodovar '87
President and Chief Executive Officer, Fannie Mae
With Dr. Eva Badowska, Dean, HCLAS, and Dr. Janet Lenaghan, Dean, Frank G. Zarb School of Business
10:15–10:30 a.m.
Coffee and Networking Break
10:30–11:15 a.m.
Breakout Session I (attendee selects one)
-
Leading With Impact: Empowering Teams and Shaping Culture
Sponsored by Enterprise Mobility
In this roundtable session, discover how to motivate teams with purpose, reinvent yourself as a leader, and create a culture that thrives. Learn the keys to inspiring others, stewarding a positive workplace environment, and driving meaningful change. Attendees will gain insights on leading with authenticity as well as leaving a lasting impact on both people and organizations. Additional topics: negotiation skills and career reinvention. Listen in while industry leaders share their thoughts with one another.
Moderator: Alyeah Ramjit, MHA '15, System Vice President, Departments of Cardiology, Orthopedics & Surgery; One Brooklyn Health
Speakers:
Calandra Branch '91, Senior Healthcare Operations Executive
Beth Carey '94, Chief Booking and Casting Producer, Development; Law & Crime Productions
Cristal Feliciano '04, Executive Benefits and HR Professional; Former Vice President for Benefits & HRIS, 1-800-Flowers.com
- Breaking Barriers: Redefining Success in the Workplace
Join us for an empowering session designed to illustrate ways to break through workplace barriers. Hear from a diverse group of successful women who have carved their own paths, sharing how they found their voices and the strength to persevere. Walk away with actionable strategies to overcome challenges, cultivate dynamic success, and boost your confidence to influence and lead.
Moderator: Terry Lamantia '81, JD '86, Managing Director, CBIZ
Speakers:
Diana Lake '68, MD, Oncologist, Memorial Sloan Kettering
Jacqueline LiCalzi '85, Managing Director, Global Head of Regulatory Relations; Morgan Stanley
Evy Poumpouras '99, NBC Law Enforcement Contributor; Former Special Agent, U.S. Secret Service; and author of the bestselling book Becoming Bulletproof: Protect Yourself, Read People, Influence Situations, Live Fearlessly
Dee Raviv, MBA '12, Executive Coach, Arete
11:15–11:30 a.m.
Coffee and Networking Break
11:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
Breakout Session II (attendee selects one)
- Building Your Brand: Stand Out and Shine
In this dynamic session, discover how to define what makes you unique and identify the values that set you apart in the workplace. Learn to align your personal strengths with the needs of your organization and craft a brand that reflects your authentic self. Attendees will walk away with actionable insights on how to elevate their presence, leverage their skills, and become indispensable in their professional journey.
Moderator: Caren Cook '87, Assistant General Counsel, Atlanta Hawks & Philips Arena
Speakers:
Denise Adler '81, Artist, Pictor Gallery
Celia Berk '79, Human Resources Consultant, Vocalist
Heather Cohen '98, President, The Weiss Agency
Jill Rabin '75, MD, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell; Chief, Division of Ambulatory Care; and Head of Urogynecology
- Building Bridges: Expanding Networks and Connecting Across Presumed Divides
In this session, learn effective networking strategies to build meaningful connections beyond your immediate circle. Explore how to work with, understand, and motivate multigenerational and diverse teams. Attendees will leave with actionable insights on fostering collaboration, bridging gaps, and leveraging diversity for stronger, more dynamic relationships in leadership and beyond.
Moderator: Emily Miethner '10, Entrepreneur, Speaker, Professor
Speakers:
Candace Brown '15, Senior Manager, HR Communications; L'Oréal USA
Emily Corzel '13, MBA '14, Managing Director, Jefferies LLC
Stella Mendes '09, Senior Managing Director, FTI Consulting
12:30–1:30 p.m.
Lunch and Remarks
1:30–2:30 p.m.
Dessert Reception
2025 Women's Leadership Symposium
Keynote Speaker
Priscilla Almodovar '87
Leading With Impact While Breaking Barriers: An Insider's Interview
Bio
Breakout Session Moderators and Speakers
Denise Adler '81
Building Your Brand: Stand Out and Shine
Bio
Celia Berk '79
Building Your Brand: Stand Out and Shine
Bio
Calandra Branch '91
Leading With Impact: Empowering Teams and Shaping Culture
Bio
Candace Brown '15
Building Bridges: Expanding Networks and Connecting Across Presumed Divides
Bio
Beth Carey '94
Leading With Impact: Empowering Teams and Shaping Culture
Bio
Heather Cohen '98
Building Your Brand: Stand Out and Shine
Bio
Caren Cook '87
Building Your Brand: Stand Out and Shine
Bio
Emily Corzel '13, MBA '14
Building Bridges: Expanding Networks and Connecting Across Presumed Divides
Bio
Cristal Feliciano '04
Leading With Impact: Empowering Teams and Shaping Culture
Bio
Terry Lamantia '81, JD '86
Breaking Barriers: Redefining Success in the Workplace
Bio
Diana Lake '68, MD
Breaking Barriers: Redefining Success in the Workplace
Bio
Jacqueline LiCalzi '85
Breaking Barriers: Redefining Success in the Workplace
Bio
Stella Mendes '09
Building Bridges: Expanding Networks and Connecting Across Presumed Divides
Bio
Emily Miethner '10
Building Bridges: Expanding Networks and Connecting Across Presumed Divides
Bio
Evy Poumpouras '99
Breaking Barriers: Redefining Success in the Workplace
Bio
Jill Rabin '75, MD
Building Your Brand: Stand Out and Shine
Bio
Alyeah A. Ramjit, MHA '15
Leading With Impact: Empowering Teams and Shaping Culture
Bio
Dee Raviv, MBA '12
Breaking Barriers: Redefining Success in the Workplace
Bio
Chair ∙ $7,500
- Eight (8) complimentary Symposium tickets
- Complimentary logo on marketing material
- Social media – dedicated post
- Named as conference sponsor during welcome/keynote and luncheon
- Company booth set-up*
- Opportunity to add branded swag for the day's participants
- Full-page ad in the program
CEO ∙ $5,000
- Six (6) complimentary Symposium tickets
- Complimentary logo on marketing material
- Social media – dedicated post
- Named as networking dessert sponsor during welcome/keynote and luncheon
- Company booth set-up*
- Opportunity to add branded swag for the day's participants
- Full-page ad in the program
President ∙ $3,000
- Six (6) complimentary Symposium tickets
- Complimentary logo on marketing material
- Social media – dedicated post
- Named as luncheon sponsor during welcome/keynote and luncheon
- Company booth set-up*
- Opportunity to add branded swag for the day's participants
- Half-page ad in the program
Vice President ∙ $2,500
- Four (4) complimentary Symposium tickets
- Complimentary logo on marketing material
- Social media – general inclusion
- Named as session sponsor during welcome/keynote and luncheon
- Company booth set-up*
- Opportunity to add branded swag for the day's participants
- Half-page ad in the program
Director $1,000
- Two (2) complimentary Symposium tickets
- Complimentary logo on marketing material
- Social media – general inclusion
- Named as breakout session sponsor during welcome/keynote and luncheon
- Quarter-page ad in the program
*Certain restrictions apply
.For more information, contact Meredith Celentano, associate vice president of development and alumni affairs, at Meredith.Celentano@hofstra.edu.
.Hofstra University's Women in Leadership Advisory Board
This new initiative is designed to highlight the accomplishments of the countless successful Hofstra alumnae. The group will serve a professional resource and powerful network for both alumnae and current students.
Meredith Celentano
Associate Vice President of Development and Alumni Affairs
Meredith.Celentano@hofstra.edu
516-463-6377
For media inquiries, please contact:
Deborah Jerome
Assistant Vice President of Public Relations
Deborah.Jerome@hofstra.edu
516-463-6816
Location
The Women in Leadership Symposium will be held on March 13, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Hofstra's David S. Mack University Club. This in-person event is open to Hofstra University faculty, staff, and alumni.
Cost
Individual Tickets:
Early Bird price: $99 (purchase before 3/1/25)
$125 after 3/1/25
GOLD (undergraduate year between 2014 and 2024):
Early bird price: $49 (purchase before 3/1/25)
$75 after 3/1/25
Registration includes: Continental breakfast, lunch, education sessions, and networking reception
All attendees are expected to submit a registration fee to attend. Visit the registration page for more information.
Contact information
Meredith Celentano
Associate Vice President of Development and Alumni Affairs
Meredith.Celentano@hofstra.edu
516-463-6377
Candace Brown
Candace Brown is a Brooklyn-based communications professional committed to creating materials with intentionality and impact. She has spent nearly a decade using communications to further initiatives that matter — from her work driving corporate responsibility and DEI awareness to her time as a music publicist, and now within human resources. Outside of the professional communications space, Candace spends her time pursuing interior decorating, creative writing, and detailed nail design.
Evy Poumpouras
Evy Poumpouras started her career with the New York City Police Department before becoming a special agent for the U.S. Secret Service. She’s protected Presidents William J. Clinton and George W. Bush, and served on the personal details of President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. When not safeguarding the world’s most high value assets, Evy worked complex criminal investigations and operated undercover. She was a highly skilled interrogator for the Secret Service’s elite polygraph unit, traveling the world conducting interviews on high threat, high stake cases.
Evy is NBC’s law enforcement analyst, covering breaking national security and crime news stories for NBC News, Today Show, MSNBC, News Now, and Dateline. She has appeared on CNN, FOX, and Good Morning America. Evy has been published in Newsweek, Forbes, Fortune, The New Yorker, and Cosmopolitan.
Evy was the co-host of Bravo TV’s competition series Spy Games, the law enforcement analyst of HLN’s Dr. Drew on Call, and a hunter on CBS’s prime time series The Hunted. She is also a contributor for BBC, History Channel, and Oxygen networks.
Evy is an adjunct professor for The City University of New York, where she teaches criminal justice, criminology, psychology, and policing. She is a visiting lecturer for the MBA program at Athens University of Economic and Business, where she teaches leadership and negotiation, and has guest lectured at Columbia University’s School of Journalism on the principles of interviewing.
Evy’s podcasts and online talks continue to be in high demand, having garnered over 40 million views. She is a 2-time TEDx presenter and an international keynote speaker for Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and universities. Her talks cover an array of topics that include communication, building trust, leadership, resilience, and more.
Evy is a former cadet of the New York City Police Department, a graduate of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and U.S. Secret Service Academy. She’s also a graduate of the Department of Defense Polygraph Institute, where she was trained in lie detection, human behavior, and cognitive influence. As a undergraduate student, Evy double majored in fine arts and political science at Hofstra University. She earned master’s degrees in forensic psychology and journalism from Columbia University.
Evy received the Presidential Citation and Valor Award for her acts of heroism at the World Trade Center on September 11th, 2001.
Priscilla Almodovar
Priscilla Almodovar is the president and chief executive officer of Fannie Mae. Her responsibilities include overseeing Fannie Mae’s strategy, managing risk, driving innovation and efficiency, and promoting and fostering diversity and inclusion throughout the business.
Prior to joining Fannie Mae, Ms. Almodovar was the president and CEO of Enterprise Community Partners, a national organization focused on increasing the supply of affordable housing, advancing racial equity, and aggregating and investing capital to create meaningful change for systems, people, and communities.
Previously, Ms. Almodovar worked at JPMorgan Chase and led two of the firm’s national real estate businesses; most recently serving as managing director, co-head of real estate banking, where she served national and regional real estate developers, investors, owners, and investment funds.
Earlier in her career, she was president and CEO at New York State Housing Finance Agency, State of New York Mortgage Agency, and Affordable Housing Corporation. In this role, she oversaw the agencies responsible for providing construction and permanent loans and tax credit equity to multi-family developers, mortgages to first time homebuyers, and credit insurance. During her tenure, New York State Housing Finance Agency was the largest issuer of housing bonds in the U.S. She started her career as equity partner at the global law firm, White & Case LLP, specializing in international project finance.
Ms. Almodovar is a board member of Realty Income, a real estate investment trust. She also serves on the board of New York Road Runners, a non-profit organization established to help and inspire people through running. She earned her bachelor’s degree in economics from Hofstra University and her Juris Doctor from Columbia University School of Law.