Interactive Hall Highlights

Open All Day!
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Hall C

Exhibitor Listing

INTERACTIVE HALL MAP

Join us for a wine & spirits tasting from 1:15–5:00pm, sponsored by Fine Wine and Good Spirits
Save some energy for the End of Day Party at 4pm — featuring DJ Lady FX & Chef Robert Irvine

Leave a note for a new mom at the Merck Coloring Wall
Visit the Women-Owned Business Hub for a chance to WIN 1 of 5 tickets to the 2025 Pennsylvania Conference for Women!

This year’s Interactive Hall is organized into five Hubs:

Career Hub

Resume Review & Career Coaching sponsored by Villanova School of Business
Complimentary headshots courtesy of Villanova School of Business
Networking & Connections sponsored by Plynk
Concessions and career-focused exhibitors

Community Hub, sponsored by Comcast

Charging Lounge sponsored by Merck
Local & national non-profits & community organizations

Learning Hub

Bookstore Lounge sponsored by PECO
Learning Stage sponsored by Bristol Myers Squibb
Educational exhibitors
Author book signings

Wellness Hub, sponsored by Merck

Health & wellness-related exhibitors
Wellness Stage sponsored by Target
Therabody Wellness Lounge
Hydration Station sponsored by FMC

Women-Owned Business Hub, sponsored by Bank of America

Support local and national woman-owned businesses!
Featuring retail, service, and B2B businesses

Interactive Hall Map

Click to enlarge (PDF)

Resume Review & Career Coaching,
sponsored by Villanova School of Business

Work 1-on-1 with a career coach and have your resume reviewed. Appointments are first-come, first-served and are open from 8:00 a.m.–10:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.–5:00 p.m.

See participating coaches & reviewers.

Small Group Peer Networking
sponsored by Plynk

9:00–9:45am • 2:00–2:45pm • 3:15–4:00pm

Effective networking is a mix of give and take, and these peer-to-peer Meetups are designed to do just that (and also take the intimidation out of networking). The Meetup is led by a facilitator who will guide participants through a series of prompts that will foster conversation and idea exchange. Everyone has the chance to “give” and to walk away with new insights, perspectives, and connections.
Facilitator: Susan T. Dinnocenti, Ph.D., NBC-HWC, PCC, DPP

Learning Stage Schedule,
sponsored by Bristol Myers Squibb

8:15 – 8:40 AM	Business Lift-Off: Launching Your Company and Scaling It Up This is your gateway to mastering the entrepreneurial game. An attorney with seven thriving companies, Diana Kahn shares the strategies that have fueled her success and can do the same for you. From discovering your golden niche to building a brand that dominates, she’ll unlock the secrets to crafting a business foundation that not only withstands the test of time but scales with ease. You’ll learn how to attract top talent, leverage innovative funding, and use cutting-edge technology to automate your way to the top. This session will empower you to overcome any hurdle, captivate your audience, and lead with the confidence and resilience needed to thrive in today’s fast-paced market. Get ready to launch your business into the stratosphere. Speaker: Diana Khan, Attorney & Founder, DK Law Group
8:45 – 9:10 AM	The Marathon of Motherhood: Navigating Work-Life Balance Motherhood is a marathon, not a sprint—full of unexpected turns, challenges, and victories. Join Brigid Zeoli as she shares how to build stamina by surrounding yourself with a strong support network, integrate work and life seamlessly, and take the lead in advocating for better parental leave policies. Whether you’re navigating an unexpected path like starting a business or simply looking to balance professional growth with lifestyle needs, this session will provide you with practical strategies to maintain energy, uphold your values, and thrive in both motherhood and career. Speaker: Brigid Zeoli, Head, OD/Change, FMC
9:15 – 9:40 AM	Fashion to Fine Wine: Lessons in Leadership, Resilience, and Empowerment In this session, Angela Schaul will share key leadership lessons from her career journey, spanning major brands to the fine wine industry. Drawing on her experiences in women’s empowerment and navigating challenges in male-dominated fields, Angela will highlight the power of mentorship, resilience, and relationship-building in overcoming adversity. Discover actionable insights for leading with a “people first” mindset and empowering others across industries. Leave inspired to apply these strategies to your own leadership journey. Speaker: Angela Schaul, Director of Retail Operations and Stores, Fine Wine & Good Spirits
9:45 – 10:10 AM	Navigating DEI Priorities in Uncertain Times Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are essential for your organization’s success, but advancing these initiatives can sometimes present unique challenges. In this session, you’ll gain actionable insights and practical strategies to navigate and address obstacles to DEI efforts. Through case studies and real-world examples, you’ll explore leadership strategies to prevent, manage, and overcome resistance and build a more inclusive workplace. Walk away with the tools to advocate for inclusive practices and support your organization’s goals, enhancing your ability to drive positive, lasting change. Speaker: Dr. Corinne Post, Fred J. Springer Endowed Chair, Business Leadership & Professor of Management, Villanova School of Business, Villanova University
1:45 – 2:10 PM	Accessing Capital: Breaking Barriers for Women Entrepreneurs Accessing capital is a game-changer for women entrepreneurs ready to take their businesses to the next level! In this empowering session, we’ll break down the barriers and give you the inside scoop on how to secure the funding you need. Lenders focus on six “Cs” when assessing your business: Capacity (can you handle debt?), Capital (what have you invested?), Collateral (what assets back your loan?), Conditions (how’s the market looking?), Character (your experience and reputation), and Communication (building a strong lender relationship). Let’s get you the capital to grow and thrive! Speaker: Jonathan Sklar, VP, Business Community Officer, Bank of America
2:15 – 2:40 PM	From One Chapter to the Next: Confidently Shifting Careers Ready to embrace change and take control of your career path? Leena P. Shah, Pharm.D., exemplifies the power of adaptability and proactive change as she shares her journey from pharmacy school to leading global drug development programs in the pharmaceutical industry. Learn how she strategically navigated career shifts across drug development, medical affairs, and business development. This session will empower you to plan intentional career moves, build confidence, and embrace new opportunities. Gain practical insights on setting career goals, leveraging your skills, and building a supportive network as you confidently transition from one chapter to the next. Speaker: Leena P. Shah, Global Program Leader, Global Drug Development, Bristol Myers Squibb
3:15 – 3:40 PM	Soaring with Purpose: Servant Leadership and Ownership Culture In 2024, Wawa, a family and associate-owned PA-based company, celebrates its 60^th anniversary of opening its first store in Folsom, PA to spreading its wings to over 1,060 locations and growing. Hear from Chief People Officer Maria Kalogredis and Store Operations Director Becky Altemus on how servant leadership drives the retailer’s higher purpose of Fulfilling Lives for its associates, customers and community and how you can soar to new heights at Wawa or create a culture where everyone feels included and valued at your workplace.Speaker: Becky Altemus, Store Operations Director, Wawa Maria Kalogredis, Chief People Officer, Wawa
3:45 – 4:10 PM	Overcoming Impossible: Learn to Lead & Build a Team Join celebrity chef and entrepreneur Robert Irvine as he sits down with ABC6’s Christie Ileto for an insightful conversation on leadership and team-building. Robert will share how he’s overcome seemingly impossible challenges in his career and personal ventures, offering practical strategies to lead through adversity and build teams that excel under pressure. Whether you’re managing a business, a project, or a personal goal, this session will leave you with actionable tools to inspire resilience, collaboration, and success. Speaker: Robert Irvine, Celebrity Chef, Entrepreneur & Philanthropist, Irvine’s Spirits/ Robert Irvine Foundation Moderator: Christie Ileto, 6abc Action News Anchor/Reporter

Wellness Stage Schedule,
sponsored by Target

8:45 – 9:10 AM	How to Feel Better at Every Stage Ready to learn one tiny habit that can transform your well-being? In this insightful session, Amanda Henry will show you how to listen to your body throughout the M’s of womanhood—Menstruation, Mental Well-Being, Motherhood, and Menopause. You’ll learn simple strategies for better managing your health and prioritizing self-care, plus how to empower yourself to live in sync with your body’s needs. Speaker: Amanda Henry, VP, Business Development & Women’s Wellness, TheraBody
9:15 – 9:40 AM	Money on My Mind: 5 Steps for Building Financial Confidence Building financial confidence is just like building confidence in life—it grows with practice. In this session, Kristin Kanders will guide you through five key steps to take control of your financial future. You’ll learn how to start with a solid foundation by educating yourself, understanding your risk tolerance, and ensuring your money works for you. Discover strategies for investing that fit your comfort level and learn how to negotiate job offers and advocate for your worth. Finally, you’ll learn the importance of goal setting and the power of practice—it’s the repetition that builds true financial confidence. Leave this session ready to take actionable steps toward mastering your money. Speaker: Kristin Kanders, Head, Marketing & Engagement, Plynk
1:45 – 2:10 PM	Living to Thrive, Not Just Survive: Being Honest About Mental Health Join Dr. Reetika Kumar as she candidly explores the journey of mental health, drawing from her rich experiences as an immigrant, mom, clinician, and executive. In this insightful session, you’ll learn to navigate the complex interplay between mind and body, confront cultural and societal stigmas, and embrace the importance of self-care. Discover practical tools to cope with life’s challenges, recognize when you’re running on empty, and find the courage to ask for help. This empowering session will inspire you to prioritize your mental well-being and truly thrive in all aspects of life. Speaker: Reetika Kumar, VP, Market Clinical Solutions & Pharmacy Services, Independence Blue Cross
2:15 – 2:40 PM	Striving for Health Equity: Advocating for Yourself and Family Health equity is a vital issue, especially for women who often face disparities in both health outcomes and access to care. In this session, Josette Gbemudu will shed light on the common health inequities women experience and explore how social determinants of health can impact up to 80% of one’s health status. Learn how to navigate the healthcare system effectively and advocate for yourself and your family to ensure timely and responsive care. Josette will provide practical strategies for women to take charge of their health and empower their loved ones, equipping you with the tools to strive for better health equity. Speaker: Josette Gbemudu, Executive Director, Health Equity, Merck and Company
2:45 – 3:10 PM	Put Your Oxygen Mask on First: Tips to Prioritizing Your Physical and Mental Well Being Women often put everyone else first, allowing their own well-being to take a back seat. In this session, Dr. Delana Wardlaw will share practical strategies for women to prioritize their health—without guilt. Learn how to boost productivity in all areas of life by focusing on key wellness pillars: improving sleep, diet, and exercise, managing stress, and embracing preventative health measures. This session will provide actionable tips to help you reclaim your time, energy, and peace of mind so you can show up fully for yourself and others. It’s time to put your oxygen mask on first and start living a healthier, more balanced life. Speaker: Dr. Delana Wardlaw, board-certified Family Medicine Physician
3:15 – 3:40 PM	Leading with Purpose: Wellness Strategies for Driven Women with Demanding Roles In today’s fast-paced digital world, leading with purpose requires building and maintaining meaningful connections, which are essential for both professional success and personal wellness. Join Dr. Patricia Henwood, a senior executive, physician, athlete, mother as she delves into the transformative power of connection for enhancing overall wellness. Drawing from her extensive experience in leadership, humanitarian response, medicine, and juggling a demanding career with family life, Dr. Henwood shares macro wellness strategies to foster connections with your inner circle, colleagues, and in the broader community. Learn how these strategies can lead to a healthier life, underscoring the importance of social wellness in overall health. Speaker: Dr. Patricia Henwood, MD, FACEP, Chief Clinical Officer, EVP, Jefferson Health

Author Book Signings

1:30–2:00pm

Sheryl Lee Ralph, DIVA 2.0: 12 Life Lessons From Me For You!

Joyce Abbott, Teaching the Ms. Abbott Way: Lessons in Learning, Leadership and Life

4:30–5:00pm

Robyn L. Garrett, Happy at Work: How to Create a Happy, Engaging Workplace for Today’s (and Tomorrow’s!) Workforce
Elise Loehnen, On Our Best Behavior: The Seven Deadly Sins and The Price Women Pay to be Good
Sheela Subramanian, How the Future Works