Connect HER 2 WIN Speakers
Get to know our incredible speakers at the
Discover the inspiring lineup of speakers at the Connect HER 2 WIN Conference 2024. Learn from industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators who share their expertise on business growth, leadership, and empowerment. Join us for insightful sessions and networking opportunities designed to help women and allies excel in their professional journeys. Explore the full roster of speakers and find out how their knowledge can help you succeed at Connect HER 2 WIN.
Ernise Cummings, Keynote Speaker
Originally, from New Orleans, Louisiana. A retired Department of Defense federal employee with over 43 years of Federal Service. Considered an expert in the areas of Contracting and Small Business.
Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, from Northwood University and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Troy State University.
Active Real Estate Agent in the State of Georgia.
The Founder/CEO of Secret Miracles, Inc., a Georgia bases non-profit that mentor students in college prep, career planning, entrepreneurship, and other life essential trainings.
Corporate Partner with the non-profit, Women Into Networking (W.I.N), a Business networking community specifically designed to empower women and those who support them, in business by fostering connections, collaboration, and professional growth.
Mrs. Cummings is considered a philanthropist because of the number of resources, experiences, skills, and time given to help create a better world.
LaShana West, Keynote Speaker
LaShana West is a distinguished Business Therapist and Leadership Coach with over 20 years of expertise in mental health and professional development. Specializing in serving dynamic entrepreneurs, CEOs, and industry leaders, LaShana has a profound understanding of both personal growth and business strategy, making her an invaluable asset to high-achieving professionals.
Her career began in a hands-on role with individuals with developmental disabilities, a foundation that instilled deep compassion and a commitment to servant leadership in her approach. Progressing through various roles, LaShana honed her skills in program restructuring, professional training, quality assurance, and behavior modification techniques. These experiences have uniquely equipped her to guide creative and business minds alike towards achieving their full potential.
LaShana's dual expertise in mental health and business acumen allows her to offer a holistic approach to leadership and business challenges, addressing both the mindset and strategic needs of her clients. She is passionate about transitioning corporate professionals into coaching roles, empowering them to achieve greater financial success, time freedom, and peace of mind.
Whether you are looking to enhance your leadership skills, overhaul your business strategy, or achieve personal growth, LaShana West is committed to navigating you through the complexities of professional and personal transformation. Join her to redefine your potential and elevate your life and business to unprecedented heights.
Allegra Jackson, Breakout Room Speaker
Born and raised in the heart of New Jersey, Allegra Jackson has been an ambitious achiever with strong goals and aspirations. Allegra started her first Business in 2007 and successfully scaled to 6 figures with a team of 8 highly motivated individuals. She continued to launch other successful ventures in Business including an IT installation & solutions company along with her current focus, AJCEO Business Coaching Group.
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Allegra has a strong background in Marketing & Management, working with fortune 500 companies and large Corporations as a consultant/liaison in Administration/Team Building, Business planning, & Marketing since 2009. In addition, she studied at University of Florida in Business Management and holds several certifications in Data Analysis & Systems, Business Management, & Marketing.
Currently, Allegra operates as the CEO/Business Development Coach at AJCEO Business Coaching Group. In her role she focuses her efforts in helping Women Entrepreneurs & Black Business Owners establish sustainable Business models while giving her clients access to Business plans & Marketing support.
Allegra also enjoys dedicating her time to building Networking communities & social platforms geared to support the health and longevity of Women Entrepreneurs & Black Business Owners. She also enjoys dedicating her free time to volunteer for charitable causes that involve Urban development and/or improve the infrastructure for education,
health, social & political justice, & cultural heritage protection.
TeeCee Okore, Breakout Room Speaker
Teecee Okore is a seasoned entrepreneur and a thought leader in business optimization and efficiency. With over 9 years of experience in the corporate and entrepreneurial sectors, Teecee Okore has dedicated her career to empowering women in business and the men who support them through innovative implementation strategies and transformative educational programs.
As the founder of Systems Academy, Teecee Okore has created a dynamic platform that equips female entrepreneurs and service providers with the tools they need to streamline their operations, enhance productivity, and achieve sustainable growth. Her academy focuses on implementing practical systems that transform chaotic business processes into organized, profitable models while fostering an environment of support and empowerment for women.
Teecee Okore is a passionate advocate for women's advancement in the business world. She believes strongly in mentoring emerging leaders and regularly speaks at conferences and workshops on topics such as strategic planning, leadership, and entrepreneurial growth.
Teecee's work has been recognized in various business publications, and she continues to inspire women to pursue their dreams with vigor and precision. Her approach not only teaches women how to build successful businesses but also how to create legacies that impact their communities and the world.
At the upcoming networking conference, Teecee looks forward to connecting with like-minded professionals and sharing insights that encourage innovation, leadership, and balance in both life and business.
Shelia Sturgis Craig, Breakout Room Speaker
Sheila Sturgis Craig is an accomplished and experienced leader and facilitator with specialized expertise in organizational effectiveness, equity, training and leadership development.
Sheila’s global leadership and consulting services provides organizations, leaders, and individuals with tools and skills to successfully navigate and lead their organization in the development and implementation of humane practices with equitable outcomes.
Sheila’s career spans state government and private consulting in Louisiana and Texas. Sheila previously served as Director of Civil Rights, Director of Substance Use Programs Planning and Policy in Behavioral Health Services, and as Associate Commissioner for the Office of Minority Health Statistics and Engagement, also known as the Center for Elimination of Disproportionality and Disparities within the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. She is a professional facilitator and consultant in diversity, equity, inclusion and leadership in the United States and Canada.
Sheila has a Master of Arts Degree in Counseling and is the author of the book My Heart Speaks.
Karon Fayerweather, Breakout Room Speaker
Karon's mission is to empower women aged 45-60 to reclaim their lives with confidence and grace, transforming their past traumas into pillars of strength and wisdom. Her vision is to create a global community where women feel valued, understood, and equipped to take charge of their second act in life with vigor and purpose. She brings a unique perspective of integrating affirmations into the healing process, helping women not only recover but thrive by reshaping their internal dialogues and beliefs.
She works with women aged 45-60 who are navigating the rebuilding phase of their lives after experiencing trauma. These are professional to retired women who value growth and seek guidance to enhance their quality of life through empowerment and resilience. They desire a supportive coach who understands their unique challenges of transitioning through midlife crises, identity shifts, and new beginnings.
She encourages her clients to bounce back from setbacks and foster a spirit of endurance, charging them to continuous personal development and learning as a lifelong process, empower themselves with the tools and confidence to take control of their lives and make impactful decisions, and finally having a compassionate approach that acknowledges each woman's unique journey and supports them with empathy and understanding.Karon's mission is to empower women aged 45-60 to reclaim their lives with confidence and grace, transforming their past traumas into pillars of strength and wisdom. Her vision is to create a global community where women feel valued, understood, and equipped to take charge of their second act in life with vigor and purpose. She brings a unique perspective of integrating affirmations into the healing process, helping women not only recover but thrive by reshaping their internal dialogues and beliefs.
She works with women aged 45-60 who are navigating the rebuilding phase of their lives after experiencing trauma. These are professional to retired women who value growth and seek guidance to enhance their quality of life through empowerment and resilience. They desire a supportive coach who understands their unique challenges of transitioning through midlife crises, identity shifts, and new beginnings.
She encourages her clients to bounce back from setbacks and foster a spirit of endurance, charging them to continuous personal development and learning as a lifelong process, empower themselves with the tools and confidence to take control of their lives and make impactful decisions, and finally having a compassionate approach that acknowledges each woman's unique journey and supports them with empathy and understanding.
Sarah Curcio, Breakout Room Speaker
My name is Sarah Curcio, I’m a #1 Amazon best-selling author, CEO/Social Media Strategist of Sarah’s Social Strategy LLC, and the WIN Program Manager and NJ Leader.
I Make Magnificent and Magnetic Marketing for Ambitious, Driven, Decisive, Goal-Oriented Entrepreneurs. By Developing Organic Social Media Strategies that will Spark Engagement and Insights, along with Increasing Visibility and Credibility for Ambitious Preneurs!
Ultimately, leading to social networking opportunities such as guest blogging, podcast appearances, book collaboration, and more.
Zakiyya Chase, Breakout Room Speaker
Zakkiyya Chase is an accomplished author, military wife, and mother of a super-powered autistic son. In her book, No Dream Deferred: Why Black and Latino Families Are Choosing Homeschool, she explores the current educational climate in America and the motivations for the two most rapidly growing homeschool demographics.
She believes homeschooling is a blessing that strengthens families and provides children with a world-class education that prepares them for future success, leadership, and innovation. She has an unyielding drive to better communities by fostering loving connections, creating enriching experiences, and building bridges that lead to long-lasting positive change. You can find her mentoring at a women’s shelter, volunteering to feed needy families, sitting in the local cafe, or browsing the bookstore.