Successful Women: Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges, and Leading with Impact

8–9 a.m.
(Registration and Networking Breakfast)

Welcome:
Dr. Susan Poser, President; Hofstra University

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)

1. 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

2. 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.–12:15 p.m.
Breakout Session II (attendee selects one)

1. 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

2. 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

Speaker:
Dr. Susan Poser, President; Hofstra University

1:30–2:30 p.m.
Dessert Reception

Keynote Speaker

Image

Priscilla Almodovar '87
Leading With Impact While Breaking Barriers: An Insider's Interview
Bio

Lunch Speaker

Image

Dr. Susan Poser
Bio

Breakout Session Moderators and Speakers

Image

Denise Adler '81
Building Your Brand: Stand Out and Shine
Bio

Image

Celia Berk '79
Building Your Brand: Stand Out and Shine
Bio

Image

Calandra Branch '91
Leading With Impact: Empowering Teams and Shaping Culture
Bio

Image

Candace Brown '15
Building Bridges: Expanding Networks and Connecting Across Presumed Divides
Bio

Image

Beth Carey '94
Leading With Impact: Empowering Teams and Shaping Culture
Bio

Image

Heather Cohen '98
Building Your Brand: Stand Out and Shine
Bio

Image

Caren Cook '87
Building Your Brand: Stand Out and Shine
Bio

Image

Emily Corzel '13, MBA '14
Building Bridges: Expanding Networks and Connecting Across Presumed Divides
Bio

Image

Cristal Feliciano '04
Leading With Impact: Empowering Teams and Shaping Culture
Bio

Image

Terry Lamantia '81, JD '86
Breaking Barriers: Redefining Success in the Workplace
Bio

Image

Diana Lake '68, MD
Breaking Barriers: Redefining Success in the Workplace 
Bio

Image

Jacqueline LiCalzi '85
Breaking Barriers: Redefining Success in the Workplace 
Bio

Image

Stella Mendes '09
Building Bridges: Expanding Networks and Connecting Across Presumed Divides
Bio

Image

Emily Miethner '10
Building Bridges: Expanding Networks and Connecting Across Presumed Divides
Bio

Image

Evy Poumpouras '99
Breaking Barriers: Redefining Success in the Workplace 
Bio

Image

Jill Rabin '75, MD
Building Your Brand: Stand Out and Shine
Bio

Image

Alyeah A. Ramjit, MHA '15
Leading With Impact: Empowering Teams and Shaping Culture
Bio

Image

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.

Directions

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