Event Details
Friday-May 10th
12:30 – 5:00 p.m.
with a networking reception to follow
DoubleTree Hotel Monrovia
924 W Huntington Dr, Monrovia, CA 91016
Redefining the Renaissance Woman
This year’s 2024 San Gabriel Valley Women’s Summit invites you to meet the modern day Renaissance Woman.
The term “renaissance” often conjures of images of 15th and 16th century paintings and refers, generally, to the successes of men in the transition from the Middle Ages to modernity. But at its core, the definition of renaissance is “rebirth” and is used to describe those that embody the ideals of pursuing knowledge, seeking social consciousness, and finding balance within their endeavors.
Whether she is a young professional, a seasoned executive, a mother, a caretaker, an entrepreneur, or anything in between, the Renaissance Woman is able to adapt and thrive. A Renaissance can be both a nurturing mother and a tenacious entrepreneur. She can excel in her corporate job during the week, while spending her weekends selflessly volunteering. She weaves together her multitudes to create a brilliant tapestry of her strength, resiliency, and hopefully at the end of 2024 Summit, expanded supportive connections of fellow Renaissance Women.
This year’s sessions will offer opportunities to:
- Tell your personal story both in written and spoken word
- Expand your knowledge on embracing modern technology, such as Chat GPT and Canva
- Provide tools in gracefully navigating major life transitions
- Embracing health and wellness practices to care for your best self
Join the Duarte Chamber of Commerce on
Friday, May 10 to engage in meaningful learning, cultivate connections, and prioritize yourself as we redefine together the modern Renaissance Woman.
Regular Price
Member $90 Non-member $100
FREE
2024 Women's Summit T-shirt with Early Bird Registration
San Gabriel Valley's Premiere Women's Event!
This annual gathering not only celebrates the achievements and potential of women but also fosters a supportive community dedicated to lifting each other up. As we continue to honor the visionary spirit of this event and it's founder, the late Councilwoman Tzeitel Paras-Caracci, we call upon our community-your business, organizations, and individuals-to come together in support. Your sponsorship will help sustain this vital platform for growth, mentorship, and leadership, ensuring that every woman has the opportunity to rise, lead, and shine.
The Summit will take place on Friday, May 10 from 12:30 PM at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Monrovia-Pasadena (924 W Huntington Drive, Monrovia, CA). The event will include a lunch and networking.
Sponsorship opportunities are available. Join us carrying forward the work of the Honorable Tzeitel Paras-Caracci and supporting the journeys of women through the San Gabriel Valley by sponsoring this great event.
Regular Price
Member $90 Non-member $100
FREE
2024 Women's Summit T-shirt with Early Bird Registration
SPONSORS:
Senator Susan Rubio
Assemblywoman Blanca E. Rubio
Supervisor Kathryn Barger
The Brooke Law Group, PC
Citrus College
CSArts
Burrtec
D'Aquino Italian Imports
USGV Municipal Water District
Westminster Gardens/Royal Oaks
CMT Insurance Agency
Curo Managed Print Production
CRUMBS N CAKE SHOP
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Monrovia-Pasadena
SoCal Gas
Grover Manufacturing
Ginna Ammon and Donna Baker (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)
Waken Group
EXHIBITORS:
The Brooke Law Group
City of Hope
Foothill Transit
PARTNERS:
City of Duarte
SPEAKERS
Keynote Speaker - Whitney Rice
Whitney Rice jump-started her career by creating her own comedic YouTube videos that were featured in Funny or Die, Deadline, Huffington Post, Buzzfeed, and the Los Angeles Times. The premises for these videos turned into pitches and TV pilots, and her first major success was selling a comedy pitch to Warner Bros in 2019 with Melissa Rauch’s company, After January Productions. Since then, Whitney's digital series Lonely Woman was produced by the YouTube Women's Production Program and sponsored by the Geena Davis Institute; her pilot Blue is Bad was produced by the Just For Laughs Creator Development Initiative; and she was a finalist for the ScreenCraft TV Pilot Competition. In 2020, she developed a pitch with Randall Einhorn at his company, Sad Unicorn. Currently, she is developing an hour-long dramedy with Bill Prady at his production company, Pine Tree Entertainment and a feature film with Katie Krentz at 219 Productions. She stars as Jacqui Hilgrove in the hit show Jury Duty, which was recently nominated for four Emmys, Golden Globes, and won Best Ensemble at the Film Independent Spirit Awards. She can be seen recurring in other shows such as Suits, Blindspot, and Billy Ray’s The Last Tycoon. She is repped by Casey Neumeier and Kimberlin Belloni at Artists First; Amanda Glazer at Kohner Agency; and Marni Anhalt at Imperium 7.
IG: @WhitLeeRice
Jennifer Dickinson
Jennifer Dickinson is a graduate of Hollins University in Roanoke, Virginia, a women's university tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains. The best part of going to Hollins for Jennifer was the nurturing, supportive, all-female environment. There Jennifer thrived as a writer and she dreamed of one day working with female writers. In 2012, she left behind a career as a reality TV casting director to devote herself full time to writing and in 2015, inspired by another empowering all-female experience, this time at a writer's retreat led by a dear friend in Montreal, Jennifer returned to Los Angeles and started her teaching and coaching business. Through her work as a coach, she's relished helping many women sell books and find agents for the proposals she helped them write. And as a teacher, in her workshops, weekend retreats, and critique groups, she's encouraged and championed countless women in finding strength and courage through sharing and honing their unique stories through writing. Many of these women have gone on to publish pieces started in one of Jennifer's offerings. In her own right, Jennifer is a widely published short story and flash fiction writer. Her work has appeared in Beloit Fiction Journal, JMWW, Juked, The Florida Review, Blackbird, and elsewhere. Last year she was the recipient of Isele Magazine's Short Story Prize. Her nonfiction has appeared in Poets & Writers magazine and The Linden Review. She is the recipient of a Hedgebrook residency and a grant from the Barbara Deming Memorial Fund. Connect with Jennifer at jenniferdickinsonwrites.com
IG: @chapteroneworkshopla
Telling Your Personal Story in Writing - Jennifer Dickinson
Course Description: Are you applying for a new job and need to write a cover letter that will help you stand out? Do you want to make new friends in this giant, bustling city?
Over the past 9 years, I've worked as a book coach and writing teacher in Los Angeles. I have a thriving business and it all started from my willingness to be vulnerable, and share about my disability, something that brought me a tremendous amount of shame for the majority of my life. Once I began opening up about my story, my life transformed. Not only did women want to hire me to help them write books, but I now have an amazing network of women that support each other in their career and writing pursuits, including several clients that have published or are about to be published.
During my session, I will share my story to inspire you and then I will lead the group through a writing exercise that will help you take the first step to being vulnerable on the page, and to find strength, not shame, in your personal story.
Teri Bond
Teri Bond is an inspirational business leader and publicist who helps entrepreneurs and executives tell their authentic story in the media and on stage. She’s passionate about guiding experts to make memorable connections with audiences of all sizes.
She works closely with stakeholders to tell powerful stories that make an impact. She has generated compelling feature stories on the BBC, NPR, in Fast Company, the Los Angeles Times, New York Times, Time magazine, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal and Women’s Wear Daily.
She produces meaningful campaigns to advance key messages about equity and access to higher education. As a media trainer, she matches timely expert commentary to trending news on topics such as health, education, wellness and pop culture.
Her media relations skills, content creation and a documentary she produced about autism have been recognized with numerous awards. An immigration story she placed was honored with the Smart PR Best Pitch of the Year prize. Earlier in her career, she was an anchor and reporter for ABC and CBS network affiliated stations in Nevada. A Southern California native, she thrives in nature, on the dance floor and singing at jazz clubs and cafes.
IG: @teribondsings
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teribond/
YouTube: @teribondsings
Bring Your Personal Brand to Life - Teri Bond
Course Description: Have you ever been asked to make a presentation to your board or city council? Are you an entrepreneur who needs an effective elevator speech? Do you feel paralyzed during an interview? Would you like to become a more dynamic storyteller?
In this session, we’ll talk about the fear of public speaking, how to conquer that emotion and convey a meaningful message specific to your personal story. We’ll conduct a self Q&A and then practice delivering a compelling story in a few sentences.
From pre-internet to today’s social media influencers, the one thing that never changes is the need to make an indelible impression. Whether public speaking, chatting with peers or being featured on the nightly news, you need to know how to communicate your personal brand and deliver it with confidence.
In this session, you’ll gain these practical take-aways:
● Understand the value of vulnerability
● Learn the 3 elements of a meaningful message: clarity, brevity and authenticity
● Define, amplify and align your personal brand
● Practice and deliver a powerful elevator speech
● Become a passionate storyteller
● Self-advocate to make an impact
Bonita Bennett
Bonita Marie's journey is a testament to the transformative power of purpose and resilience. Growing up in the vibrant communities of Altadena and Pasadena, she was instilled with the core value of prioritizing faith. Surrounded by the love of her three children and adored grandson, Bonita's life has been guided by grace and anchored in her unwavering commitment to God.
During her early adulthood, Bonita found herself drawn to youth engagement within local churches, where she was mentored by the beloved "Momma D". Through a season of personal challenges, Bonita discovered her inner strength and passion for mentoring others. This led her to establish The HER Experience, a sanctuary where women uplift, encourage, and empower one another, shedding societal expectations to embrace vulnerability and purpose.
As an ordained Elder at Victory Bible Church and a certified Professional Event Planner, Bonita has seamlessly woven spirituality and professionalism into her journey. Through ventures like Divine Creations, B.Eventful, and The Bo and Arrow Group, she has showcased her entrepreneurial spirit and creative flair, leaving an indelible mark on those she encounters.
Bonita's mantra of "always pray, forgive, and love" resonates as she navigates life's trials and triumphs with unwavering grace. Bonita's colorful tapestry of life exemplifies faith, love, and laughter, where every challenge is an opportunity, and every woman is cherished as a member of the tribe.
IG:@theboandarrowgroup
Enjoy the Journey - Gracefully Handling Life Transitions - Bonita Bennett
Course Description: Life is indeed a journey, filled with various transitions that can bring both challenges and uncertainties. Whether you’re navigating a career shift, adjusting to changes in personal relationships, or experiencing major life events, learning to embrace these evolutions with resilience and grace is essential for personal growth and well-being.
Together, let’s share essential tools and consider practical skills we can nurture to facilitate a more effective journey through time of transitioning. Reflect on past experiences of resilience, and how we can draw strength from these experiences in the present. Fear and uncertainty are part of our journey, but they don’t have to dictate our direction.
Remember, we possess the inner fortitude and resilience to “gracefully” navigate any change that life may usher into our world.
Sylvia Gonzales-Youngblood
Sylvia has been an Educational and Disability Rights Advocate/Activist for over 30 years. Her qualifications and skills began not from colonized education, but from real life experience.
Sylvia considers herself a lifelong learner and has had many mentors along the way. She worked in administration for over 30 years in the private sector until her advocacy work brought her into public service with United American Indian Involvement, Inc. Sylvia currently serves as a Community Health Worker/United Mental Health Promoter with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health.
Sylvia is the co-founder and Southern California Administrator of the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) Leadership Collaborative (CACLC). The CACLC is a grassroots organization dedicated to connecting CACs across California to raise awareness in the special needs community on the importance of the legislative process, community involvement, decision making, and the vital role of parent/student leadership within public input. Sylvia is also a past Los Angeles County Commissioner for Older Adults, and currently serves on nonprofit boards, chairs committees and participates in groups that address the needs in the Disabilities, Mental Health and Native American community.
Sylvia is a strong supporter of giving back, positive/effective and meaningful collaborations, advancing forward, and most important bridging and filling the gaps to strengthen and build positive role models and leaders within our communities.
Your Best Self - Prioritizing Mental Health - Sylvia Gonzales-Youngblood, Ohlone (Mission Indian) | Chicana
Course Description: In this session we will focus on our Emotional Wellbeing and Stress. During the session we will talk about:
● What is stress?
● The impact of stress on health and wellbeing
● Understanding our stress response
● Recognizing stress and stressors
● Dealing with Stress in a healthy way
● Culture
We will look at identifying and practicing methods to be centered and grounded in the modern world that we live in as well as doing our part in reducing the stigma on Mental Health and Wellness.
Dr. Victoria Seewaldt, M.D.
Kevin Bostwick
Karen Villaseñor
Kevin Bostwick, Creative Director, Tripepi Smith
Kevin Bostwick is an experienced Creative Director and manager. He delivers powerful ideas visually, distilling unexpected stories from challenging content and designing media for understanding and absorption. He directs and executes for digital, interactive and print mediums…delivering across a blend of channels, particularly for learning, data-display and presentation. His work for major clients has included digital tools, logos, presentation, interactive learning, advertising and print design. He navigates the whole ecosystem, working with high-powered stakeholders to shape concepts, UX, branding, strategy, writing, asset management, information architecture, and infographics.
Karen Villaseñor, Senior Business Analyst, Tripepi Smith
Karen is a Senior Business Analyst with Tripepi Smith. She received her Bachelor of Science in Communication, with an emphasis in Public Relations, from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. Karen brings unique local government experience and insight to the Tripepi Smith team. Having delivered both in-depth research and hands-on work for various public agencies and organizations over the past few years, she assists clients in leveraging their social media and online platforms to connect with their communities. Additionally, backed by first-hand experience in working with city managers and city staff, she is passionate about shaping positive and transparent relationships between local government agencies and the residents they serve.
IG: @tripepismith
Embracing Emerging Technologies - Kevin Bostwick and Karen Villaseñor, Tripepi Smith
Course Description: Generative Ai, or GenAI, has grown in popularity as users find new ways to integrate it into their daily work tasks. When used effectively, GenAI can improve efficiency, eliminate errors and conjure creative ideas in seconds. The benefits of harnessing this technology continue to accumulate, but concern for quality control and limitations equally increase.
In this session, the panel will discuss what we know and what is left unanswered when it comes to implementing GenAI into daily operations. The panelists will also share their personal experiences using GenAI and tips on how to use it in productive and innovative ways.