Agenda
Theme: Reignite | Resilience | Relentless
Date: September 24, 2025
Time: 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: ZA Ranch – Private Luxury Ranch, Covington, LA (Hosted by Gina Zapanta)
10:30 AM – Arrivals + Welcome
- Attendee Check-In
11:00 AM – Opening Remarks | Step into your
power
- Betty Aquino: Welcome
- Gina Zapanta: The Fire Within – Reigniting Your Why
- Darleene Peters & Dr. Raven Dunlap: Inhale Strength, Exhale Fear Reignite | Resilience | Relentless
- Brana Williams: The Power of Leading Unmasked
Morning Sessions: Fueling Women in Business &
Law
11:30 AM – 12:15 PM – (Workshop)
Owning the Room – Confidence Starts Here & Now
Topics: Pitching, Negotiating, & Showing Up Unapologetically
Format: 3 Groups with Team Leads + Moderator + Live Q&As
Moderator: Case Status
Host: Regina Faul
- Pitching: Mindi Kaploe, Wendy Meadows, Rhoda Polhill, Tresha Cowell
- Negotiation: Gordi Mikalacki, Kelly Chase, Natalie Gladden, La Sonjia Jack, Michelle
Simpson Tuegel - Showing Up Unapologetically: Sandra Diggs Miller, Lynn Luker, Hannah & Evelyn J. Laporte,
Karen Evans
12:15 PM – 1:00 PM – Lunch & Networking
1:00 PM – 1:30 PM – Breakout Group Sessions
- Built to Scale – Business Development Strategies That Win (Chris Rose)
- Women Who Scale – Building a business from 6 to 8 figures (Kristen Pitts, Laura Ramos James, Latrice
Smith, Christine Han) - The Business Powerhouse – Managing a business with operational finesse (Tayrin Wittenstein, Kristina
Ducos, Tracy Laskos, Giselle Urbina) - Team Leads & Co-Leads – How to identify, nurture, and elevate top talent (Karen Evans, Lisandra
Matos, Katherine Mayer, Renee Trotman) - Get Visible – Content creation + social media strategies for professionals (Kelly Chase, Lauren
Pilie, Taly Goody, Sarah Flack)
1:30 PM – 2:00 PM – Fireside Chats + Cocktails +
Networking
Three 10-minute fireside chats during Drinks:
- When the Plan Changes: Reinventing Yourself with Grace – Raynique Keelen
- Money & Power Moves: Planning Like a CFO for Your Life & Firm – Juliana Chaidez
- Dating, Marriage, Single & Life Coach – Brittany Jenkins
2:00 PM – 2:30 PM – (Group Workshop)
Vision Casting for 2026
- Led by Jenn Gore
- Attendees write their future headline, success story, and top 3 intentions
2:30 PM – Break
2:45 PM – 3:15 PM – (Style as Strategy) Dress
Like You Mean Business: The Business Confidence Closet
This session explores how personal style can be a powerful tool for professional success, confidence, and
leadership presence. Attendees will learn how to align their wardrobe with their career goals, build a signature
look that speaks before they do, and embrace fashion as a form of strategic self-branding.
- Led by Betty Aquino & Elizabeth Magazine
3:15 PM – 3:30 PM – Body, Balance, and Business: The
Wellness Trifecta
- Led by Betty Aquino & Elizabeth Magazine
This session focuses on how physical health, mental clarity, and professional performance are deeply connected.
Learn practical wellness strategies that help women professionals sustain energy, reduce stress, and show up as
their most powerful selves.
3:45 PM – 4:00 PM – Closing Reflections + Departure
Gratitude Circle with with everyone sharing one word of the day
Theme: Reignite. Resilience. Relentless.
Date: Thursday, September 25th
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
7:30 AM – 8:15 AM – Conference Registration
8:15 AM – 8:45 AM – Conference Ballroom Opens | Breakfast Networking
9:00 AM – 9:15 AM – Welcome Opening Performance
Betty Aquino, Owner & Founder WILBYBETTY | Hosted by Hosted, Daryl A. Gray, Esq.
9:15 AM – 10:00 AM Morning Solo Featured Presenter’s | Building Influence | Visibility & Firm Wide Leadership |
Brand Leadership
Hosted by: Heather Reese, Esq.
Featured Speaker, Jenn Gore, Esq.
Topic: Winning Inside and Out: Building a Reputation That Elevates Your Career
A candid conversation on how personal injury lawyers rise above the noise through mentorship, case wins, branding, and consistency.
Topic: Winning Inside and Out: Building a Reputation That Elevates Your Career
A candid conversation on how personal injury lawyers rise above the noise through mentorship, case wins, branding, and consistency.
Featured Speaker, Megan Whiteside, Esq.
Topic: Women In Business Branding: How Law Firm Owners Build Influence That Attracts Cases and Talent
Explore how owners can position themselves as industry leaders, grow their firm’s visibility, and attract top-tier clients and team members through intentional personal branding.
Topic: Women In Business Branding: How Law Firm Owners Build Influence That Attracts Cases and Talent
Explore how owners can position themselves as industry leaders, grow their firm’s visibility, and attract top-tier clients and team members through intentional personal branding.
Featured Speaker, Karen Evans, Esq.
Topic: Standing Out in a Saturated Market: Influence Strategies for the PI Firm Owner
Tips and tools to elevate your profile among competitors—media presence, awards, legal rankings, and digital strategy that gets you noticed.
Topic: Standing Out in a Saturated Market: Influence Strategies for the PI Firm Owner
Tips and tools to elevate your profile among competitors—media presence, awards, legal rankings, and digital strategy that gets you noticed.
Featured Speaker, Kristen Pitts, Esq.
Topic: When the Name on the Door Leads the Brand
How firm owners can lead from the front—through thought leadership, public presence, and community engagement—to make the firm’s name synonymous with excellence.
Topic: When the Name on the Door Leads the Brand
How firm owners can lead from the front—through thought leadership, public presence, and community engagement—to make the firm’s name synonymous with excellence.
10:00 AM – 10:15 AM Opening Keynote Speaker I
Hosted by: Sandra Diggs – Miller
Retired Judge Evelyn Laporte, Esq.
Keynote Topic: The Fire Within: Reigniting Purpose, Leading with Resilience, and Rising Relentlessly
Keynote Overview:
In this powerful and deeply personal opening keynote, Judge Evelyn Laporte takes the stage to explore
what
it
truly means to reignite your purpose, especially as a woman navigating leadership in law, justice, and public
service.
With decades on the bench and a lifetime of breaking barriers, Judge LaPorte will share stories of overcoming
institutional challenges, maintaining dignity under pressure, and showing up with relentless focus—especially
when the system tries to dim your light.
Attendees will walk away reminded that resilience is a daily decision, that purpose evolves with every chapter,
and that relentlessness isn’t loud—it’s consistent.
Whether you’re rebuilding, growing, or entering a new season of leadership, this keynote will set the tone for a
transformative experience.
10:15 AM – 10:30 AM Morning Session Break I
Reignite, Resilience & Relentless: The Leadership Code for Women who Refuse to Settle
10:30 AM – 11:10 AM Morning Keynote Session II
Keynote Speaker, Pamela Peynado
Reignite the Fire: Finding Purpose Again in Your Leadership Journey
A keynote that explores how high-performing women can reconnect with their passion, redefine success on their
own
terms, and lead from a place of authenticity—even after burnout, setbacks, or transition.
Moderator: Sarah Flack, Esq.
Keynote Speaker, Retired Judge Evelyn Laporte, Esq., Former Judge Pro Tempore Lynn Luker & Judge Pamela Peynado
Built to Withstand: The Resilience Blueprint for Women in Power
This keynote unpacks the emotional, mental, and strategic tools that resilient women use to overcome adversity,
lead through change, and stay grounded while navigating high-stakes environments.
Keynote Speaker, Former Judge Pro Tempore Lynn Luker
Relentless by Design: Creating a Legacy That Outlives Your Title
An empowering message about owning your voice, multiplying your impact, and scaling influence relentlessly.
Focused on how to turn leadership into legacy, especially in industries where women remain underrepresented at
the
top.
11:10 AM – 12:15 PM Morning Session Panel Discussion I
Hosted by: Chris Rose, Esq.
Business Travels | Women Professionals Practical Tips
Moderator: Jayden Doye
Featured Speaker: Jessica Tehlirian, Esq., Erica Caviness, Megan Whiteside, Esq. & Ledia Regis, Esq.
The Power Traveler’s Playbook: Travel Hacks, Loyalty Perks & Luxe | Safety Savvy & Success on the Road
Explore insider tips on the best airlines, hotel chains, and credit card point systems. Learn how to maximize
upgrades, access lounges, and make business travel rewarding—literally.
Resilience | Reclaiming Your Purpose | Growth Beyond Past Setbacks
Hosted By: Case Status
Moderator: Renee Trotman
Featured Speaker: Dr. Braley Bourque, Marlie Willer, Esq., Briseida Robles & Karen Evans, Esq.
11:20 AM The Manager or Company Didn’t Break Me—It Built Me
Stories from women who navigated gaslighting, under-recognition, or bias and came out stronger, with better
boundaries, sharper insight, and a more aligned path.
Moderator: Cristina Zaher
Featured Speaker: Regina Faul, Esq., Julie Gossett, Taniesha Whorton, & Tracy Laskos
Redefining You: Why Your Past Doesn’t Get to Write Your Future
This session focuses on letting go of shame, failure, or labels—and rewriting your own narrative with
confidence,
vision, and voice.
Moderator: Latrice Smith, Esq.
Featured Speaker: Wendy S. Meadows, Darleene Peters, Esq., Kristina Ducos, Esq. & Robin Frank, Esq.
From Wounds to Wisdom: Turning Career Trauma into Fuel for Growth
Panelists share how they healed from toxic work environments, abusive leadership, or career disappointment—and
used those experiences to rebuild with clarity, strength, and purpose.
Moderator: Amanda Hankins
Renee Trotman, Sarah Flack, Esq., Dr. Raven Dunlap, & Lisa Knierim
Surviving the System: Healing from Corporate Culture Abuse & Toxic Leadership
Women lawyers and professionals share their experience navigating toxic firms, discrimination, or abusive
leadership—and how they chose purpose over pain.
Moderator: Mindi Kaploe
Featured Speaker: Gordi Mikalacki, Esq., Gina Zapanta, Esq., Jenn Gore, Esq. & LaSonjia Jack
12:00 PM Permission to Begin Again: Reinventing Your Career, Voice & Purpose
This panel explores what it means to walk away—from a title, a firm, or an identity—and step into something
aligned, bold, and driven by your truth.
Moderator: Marisa McKain
Featured Speaker: Charlene Reyes
Topic: The Hardest Road, The Deepest Love: Choosing Grace After Unthinkable Pain
This topic centers on radical forgiveness, inner freedom, and the audacity to choose love, healing, and
impact—despite having every reason not to.
12:15 PM – 1:00 PM Networking Lunch | Conference Break
1:00 PM – 1:30 PM 9 High-Impact, Interactive Workshop Topics
The WILBYBETTY Conference workshop | Inspire, Empower, and Engage
Host: Giselle Urbina
Lead by: Regina Faul
1. Pitch Perfect: Crafting Your 60-Second Power Pitch
Team Lead: Kenna Morgan
Interactive Element: Each attendee delivers a live pitch and receives real-time feedback from peers and a branding expert.
Takeaway: A polished elevator pitch to use in networking, business, and media.
Team Lead: Kenna Morgan
Interactive Element: Each attendee delivers a live pitch and receives real-time feedback from peers and a branding expert.
Takeaway: A polished elevator pitch to use in networking, business, and media.
2. Power & Presence: Executive Communication Mastery
Team Lead: Sandra Diggs- Miller
Interactive Element: Role-playing scenarios to practice assertive communication, boundary-setting, and conflict resolution.
Takeaway: Scripts and templates for difficult conversations and boardroom confidence.
Team Lead: Sandra Diggs- Miller
Interactive Element: Role-playing scenarios to practice assertive communication, boundary-setting, and conflict resolution.
Takeaway: Scripts and templates for difficult conversations and boardroom confidence.
3. Brand You: Visual Identity & Messaging That Converts
Team Lead: Laura Ramos James
Interactive Element: Attendees complete a mini brand audit, mood board, and tagline creation session.
Takeaway: Personalized brand clarity toolkit + social media-ready messaging.
Team Lead: Laura Ramos James
Interactive Element: Attendees complete a mini brand audit, mood board, and tagline creation session.
Takeaway: Personalized brand clarity toolkit + social media-ready messaging.
4. From Burnout to Boundaries: Redefining Balance
Team Lead: Darleene Peters
Interactive Element: Journaling prompts + group discussion + create-your-own-boundaries blueprint.
Takeaway: A realistic and personal self-care plan to support long-term success.
Team Lead: Darleene Peters
Interactive Element: Journaling prompts + group discussion + create-your-own-boundaries blueprint.
Takeaway: A realistic and personal self-care plan to support long-term success.
5. Influencer Lab: Content Creation for Visibility & Impact
Team Lead: Emerald Smith
Interactive Element: Attendees script and film a 30-second social media video on-site with guidance.
Takeaway: A professional, post-ready video that builds authority online.
Team Lead: Emerald Smith
Interactive Element: Attendees script and film a 30-second social media video on-site with guidance.
Takeaway: A professional, post-ready video that builds authority online.
6. Own the Ask: Negotiation Workshop for Women
Team Lead: Michelle Simpson Tuegel
Interactive Element: Negotiation simulations and partner drills.
Takeaway: Proven frameworks to confidently negotiate salary, contracts, or client deals.
Team Lead: Michelle Simpson Tuegel
Interactive Element: Negotiation simulations and partner drills.
Takeaway: Proven frameworks to confidently negotiate salary, contracts, or client deals.
7. Financial Game Plan: Building Wealth & Beyond
Team Lead:
Interactive Element: Small-group budget breakdowns, investment scenarios, and wealth-building exercises.
Takeaway: A starter financial roadmap tailored to solo practitioners and firm owners.
Team Lead:
Interactive Element: Small-group budget breakdowns, investment scenarios, and wealth-building exercises.
Takeaway: A starter financial roadmap tailored to solo practitioners and firm owners.
8. Build Your Power Circle: Strategic Networking & Referrals
Team Lead: Gina Zapanta
Interactive Element: Speed-mentoring rounds, peer introductions, and connection mapping.
Takeaway: A curated list of 3–5 meaningful connections and a network-building game plan.
Team Lead: Gina Zapanta
Interactive Element: Speed-mentoring rounds, peer introductions, and connection mapping.
Takeaway: A curated list of 3–5 meaningful connections and a network-building game plan.
9. Vision Board Activation: Aligning Purpose with Profit
Team Lead: Rashida Forbes
Interactive Element: Physical or digital vision board creation + guided visualization + goal planning.
Takeaway: A visual roadmap for the next 12 months with aligned action steps.
Team Lead: Rashida Forbes
Interactive Element: Physical or digital vision board creation + guided visualization + goal planning.
Takeaway: A visual roadmap for the next 12 months with aligned action steps.
1:30 PM Power + Collaboration + Allyship
Moderator: Mel LaGrone, Esq.
Featured Speaker: Markisha Bosley, Giselle Urbina, Laura Moore, Esq., & Tresha Cowell
1:30 PM Topic: Unearthing Your Power: Discovering the Gift Only You Carry
A guided conversation on how to identify your innate strengths, unique voice, and God-given purpose and how to
align them with your career, leadership path, or business.
Moderator: Jenn Gore, Esq.
Featured Speaker: Daryl Gray, Esq., Jeremy Tissot, Esq., Michael Madadi, Esq., Chris Rose, Esq., & Conway
Martindale, Esq.
Beyond the Title: How Male Leaders Can Actively Champion Women in the Workplace
This session explores the tangible ways male allies can use their influence to open doors, share power, and
amplify women’s voices at every level of leadership.
1:50 PM – 2:00 PM Afternoon Break
WILBYBETTY Afternoon Program Agenda
2:00 PM – Afternoon Kickoff | Daryl Gray, Esq.
Systems, Wealth & Operational Power
Hosted by: Michael Madadi
Hosted by: Michael Madadi
2:00 PM – 3:15 PM Afternoon Session
Keynote Speaker Former Judge Pro Tempore Lynn Luker
2:05 PM Redefining Legacy: Leading with Impact, Not Just Intention
Overview: Lynn explores how women can build a legacy that isn’t just personal, but transformative for those who follow through mentorship, advocacy, and community.
Great Fit: Speaks to law firm owners, senior leaders, and seasoned professionals reflecting on their next chapter. Moderator: Olga Fofanova, Esq.
Featured Speaker: Samantha Teal, Rashida Forbes, Tycha Kimbrough, Esq. & Brittany Elmore
Overview: Lynn explores how women can build a legacy that isn’t just personal, but transformative for those who follow through mentorship, advocacy, and community.
Great Fit: Speaks to law firm owners, senior leaders, and seasoned professionals reflecting on their next chapter. Moderator: Olga Fofanova, Esq.
Featured Speaker: Samantha Teal, Rashida Forbes, Tycha Kimbrough, Esq. & Brittany Elmore
2:15 PM – Building a Business Ecosystem: Partners, Influencers & Amplifiers Panel Discussion
Focus: How to create a network of strategic allies (vendors, thought leaders, referral partners) to fuel visibility and client growth.
Moderator: Jeremy Tissot
Featured Speaker: Lindsay Coulter, Laura Ramos James, Esq., Latrice Smith, Esq. & Katherine Mayer
Focus: How to create a network of strategic allies (vendors, thought leaders, referral partners) to fuel visibility and client growth.
Moderator: Jeremy Tissot
Featured Speaker: Lindsay Coulter, Laura Ramos James, Esq., Latrice Smith, Esq. & Katherine Mayer
Beyond the Logo: What a True Strategic Partner Looks Like Panel Discussion
Focus: Distinguishing between transactional vendors and long-term business allies that support vision, revenue, and reputation. Moderator: Paul Hansen
Featured Speaker: Juliana Chaidez
Focus: Distinguishing between transactional vendors and long-term business allies that support vision, revenue, and reputation. Moderator: Paul Hansen
Featured Speaker: Juliana Chaidez
The Power of Capital: Wealth Strategies for Women in Business and Law
Discover how private and commercial banking expertise, strategic tax planning, and tailored wealth solutions can help women in law and business leverage capital, protect assets, and scale with confidence.
Discover how private and commercial banking expertise, strategic tax planning, and tailored wealth solutions can help women in law and business leverage capital, protect assets, and scale with confidence.
Hosted by: Natalie Gladden
Featured Speaker: Hannah Molitoris, Esq.
Beyond the Verdict: Obtaining Three Eight Figure Verdicts in Less Than Two Years
Focus: A deep dive into the preparation, team leadership, and mindset required to lead a high-stakes trial to victory.
Featured Speaker: Michelle Simpson Tuegel
Featured Speaker: Hannah Molitoris, Esq.
Beyond the Verdict: Obtaining Three Eight Figure Verdicts in Less Than Two Years
Focus: A deep dive into the preparation, team leadership, and mindset required to lead a high-stakes trial to victory.
Featured Speaker: Michelle Simpson Tuegel
2:45 PM – She Believed, So We Fought: What Winning Looks Like for Survivors
Focus: Redefining “winning” from a trauma-informed lens—what success looks like beyond the verdict, and how lawyers hold space for healing and justice. Moderator: Bri Robles, Lisandra Matos, Esq., Heather Reese, Esq., Ty Wittenstein, Esq., Arnice Foster, Esq. & Christine Han, Esq.
Focus: Redefining “winning” from a trauma-informed lens—what success looks like beyond the verdict, and how lawyers hold space for healing and justice. Moderator: Bri Robles, Lisandra Matos, Esq., Heather Reese, Esq., Ty Wittenstein, Esq., Arnice Foster, Esq. & Christine Han, Esq.
Becoming the Brand: How I Built Authority in My Industry Using Social
This panel features women who have successfully leveraged social media to establish themselves as trusted voices in their industry. They’ll share the strategies, content styles, and mindset shifts that helped them grow visibility, attract ideal opportunities, and turn their online presence into real-world influence.
This panel features women who have successfully leveraged social media to establish themselves as trusted voices in their industry. They’ll share the strategies, content styles, and mindset shifts that helped them grow visibility, attract ideal opportunities, and turn their online presence into real-world influence.
2:55 PM – Networking & Refreshment Break (15 mins)
- Light refreshments, informal mingling, photo ops
Hosted by: Olga Fofanova
Women Who Lead | Building Legacies
Moderator: Mindy Hofman
Featured Speaker: Ty Cardenas, Esq., Colleen Young, Bree Jenkins, Cherise Challenger, Esq.
Moderator: Mindy Hofman
Featured Speaker: Ty Cardenas, Esq., Colleen Young, Bree Jenkins, Cherise Challenger, Esq.
3:10 PM From Chaos to Cohesion: How to Build the Dream Team That Has Your Back
Focus: Building trust, loyalty, and aligned team culture—especially when managing virtual or hybrid teams.
Featured Speaker: Dawn Marullo, Esq.
Focus: Building trust, loyalty, and aligned team culture—especially when managing virtual or hybrid teams.
Featured Speaker: Dawn Marullo, Esq.
Confidence Built in the Fire: What Trial Work Taught Me About Owning My Voice
Focus: Personal growth through high-stakes litigation—how courtroom experience helped shape a fearless, resilient advocate.
Featured Speaker: Lauren Pilie, Esq.
Focus: Personal growth through high-stakes litigation—how courtroom experience helped shape a fearless, resilient advocate.
Featured Speaker: Lauren Pilie, Esq.
Turning the Tables: What Happens When a Woman Knows the Trucking Industry Better Than the
Defense
Focus: Breaking gender expectations and using specialized knowledge to dominate in depositions, cross-examinations, and closing arguments.
Featured Speaker: Marlie Willer, Esq.
Focus: Breaking gender expectations and using specialized knowledge to dominate in depositions, cross-examinations, and closing arguments.
Featured Speaker: Marlie Willer, Esq.
When the System Fails Mothers: What Birth Injury Cases Reveal About American Maternal
Health
Focus: How birth injury cases expose critical gaps in maternal healthcare across America. Through real case insights, we’ll examine systemic failures and discuss how legal advocacy can drive accountability and reform for mothers and families.
Moderator: Margarita Eberline
Featured Speaker: Marisa McCain, Bhumi Patel, Rashid Forbes, Tracy Laskos & Janelle Sanchez
Focus: How birth injury cases expose critical gaps in maternal healthcare across America. Through real case insights, we’ll examine systemic failures and discuss how legal advocacy can drive accountability and reform for mothers and families.
Moderator: Margarita Eberline
Featured Speaker: Marisa McCain, Bhumi Patel, Rashid Forbes, Tracy Laskos & Janelle Sanchez
4:00 PM The Sisterhood Strategy: Sponsorship, Collaboration, and Long-Term Growth Panel
Discussion
Focus: What intentional relationships between women across experience levels can unlock doors, deals, and dollars.
Hosted by: Emerald Smith
Featured Speaker: La Sonja Jack
Focus: What intentional relationships between women across experience levels can unlock doors, deals, and dollars.
Hosted by: Emerald Smith
Featured Speaker: La Sonja Jack
Authentic Wins: Why Owning Your Story Is Your Superpower
Focus: The journey of embracing personal identity, vulnerability, and truth as the foundation for building a respected brand in the workplace.
Moderator: Katherine Mayer
Featured Speaker: Marlie Willer, Esq., Meliha Perez Halpern, Esq., Danielle McCray, Esq. & Hannah J. Molitoris, Esq.
Focus: The journey of embracing personal identity, vulnerability, and truth as the foundation for building a respected brand in the workplace.
Moderator: Katherine Mayer
Featured Speaker: Marlie Willer, Esq., Meliha Perez Halpern, Esq., Danielle McCray, Esq. & Hannah J. Molitoris, Esq.
The COO Mindset: How to Think Like an Operator Even If You’re a Lawyer
Focus: Teaching lawyers how to adopt operational thinking, delegate smarter, and manage firm performance beyond just the legal work.
Moderator: Meliha Perez Halpern, Esq.
Featured Speaker: Cristina Zaher, Kristen Pitts, Esq., Massiel Rhoden, Gordi Mikalacki, Esq. & Veronica Dalzon
Focus: Teaching lawyers how to adopt operational thinking, delegate smarter, and manage firm performance beyond just the legal work.
Moderator: Meliha Perez Halpern, Esq.
Featured Speaker: Cristina Zaher, Kristen Pitts, Esq., Massiel Rhoden, Gordi Mikalacki, Esq. & Veronica Dalzon
Scaling with Intention: Building a Team and Back Office That Supports Your Vision
Focus: Strategic hiring, process documentation, and infrastructure design that aligns with your long-term growth and lifestyle goals.
Moderator: Janelle Sanchez
Featured Speaker: Kristina Ducos, Esq., Jenn Gore, Esq., Mel LaGrone, Esq. & Lisandra Matos, Esq. & Brana J. Williams, Esq.
Focus: Strategic hiring, process documentation, and infrastructure design that aligns with your long-term growth and lifestyle goals.
Moderator: Janelle Sanchez
Featured Speaker: Kristina Ducos, Esq., Jenn Gore, Esq., Mel LaGrone, Esq. & Lisandra Matos, Esq. & Brana J. Williams, Esq.
From Intake to Impact: Creating a Seamless Client Experience Through Operational Strategy Panel
Discussion
Focus: Mapping the client journey and improving internal processes to boost retention, referrals, and revenue.
Featured Speaker: Jayden Doye, CPA
Focus: Mapping the client journey and improving internal processes to boost retention, referrals, and revenue.
Featured Speaker: Jayden Doye, CPA
The Million-Dollar Business Blueprint: Systems, Sales & Scaling with Intention
Focus: Building a legacy brand that’s rooted in purpose, not trends—covering media, brand equity, and high-value visibility.
Hosted by:
Moderator: Margarita Eberline
Featured Speaker: Jessica Tehlirian, Esq., Christine Han, Esq., Taly Goody, Esq. & Kelly Chase
Focus: Building a legacy brand that’s rooted in purpose, not trends—covering media, brand equity, and high-value visibility.
Hosted by:
Moderator: Margarita Eberline
Featured Speaker: Jessica Tehlirian, Esq., Christine Han, Esq., Taly Goody, Esq. & Kelly Chase
Reputation ROI: Turning Your Brand Equity into Business Growth
Focus: How strong branding leads to higher conversions, better partnerships, and long-term client loyalty.
Featured Speaker: Erica Caviness
Focus: How strong branding leads to higher conversions, better partnerships, and long-term client loyalty.
Featured Speaker: Erica Caviness
The power of difficult or uncomfortable conversations.
Leading these with grace and grit regardless (regardless of who initiates)
Moderator: Daryl A. Gray
Featured Speaker: Taly Goody, Esq., Gordi Mikalacki, Esq., Brittany Elmore & Mindi Kaploe
Leading these with grace and grit regardless (regardless of who initiates)
Moderator: Daryl A. Gray
Featured Speaker: Taly Goody, Esq., Gordi Mikalacki, Esq., Brittany Elmore & Mindi Kaploe
The Future Is Female (and Automated): How Women Entrepreneurs Are Winning with AI
Focus: Real-world use cases of women using AI to streamline operations, boost marketing, and scale with lean teams.
Moderator: Natalie Gladden
Featured Speaker: Lasonjia Jack, Veronica Dalzon, Gina Zapanta, Esq., Jenn Gore, Esq. & Gordi Mikalacki, Esq.
Focus: Real-world use cases of women using AI to streamline operations, boost marketing, and scale with lean teams.
Moderator: Natalie Gladden
Featured Speaker: Lasonjia Jack, Veronica Dalzon, Gina Zapanta, Esq., Jenn Gore, Esq. & Gordi Mikalacki, Esq.
When Private Pain Goes Public: Leading Through Life’s Toughest Chapters
Strategies for staying grounded, protecting children, and leading with dignity while the public weighs in on your personal life.
Strategies for staying grounded, protecting children, and leading with dignity while the public weighs in on your personal life.
5:20 PM Closing Remarks
Betty Aquino
WILBYBETTY Conference Program at The Roosevelt Hotel
DAY 3 Friday, September 26th
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Theme: Reignite. Resilience. Relentless.
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Theme: Reignite. Resilience. Relentless.
8:00 AM – 8:45 AM | Morning Power Prayer Session
(Optional)
Team Lead: Taniesha Whorton, Patricia Whorton, Carmen Aquino & Rhoda Polhill
(Optional)
Team Lead: Taniesha Whorton, Patricia Whorton, Carmen Aquino & Rhoda Polhill
9:00 AM – 9:15 AM | Morning Power Kickoff
Hosted By: Daryl Gray
Host Welcome + Community Activation Moment | Betty Aquino
Community Activator: Crystal Taylor Jones
Music. Movement. Intention Setting.
The moment to reignite energy and purpose for the final day.
Hosted By: Mindy Hofman
Opening Keynote- Lynn Luker
9:15 AM The Long Game: How Relentless Women Redefine Success on
Their Terms
Focus: Lessons from a career built over decades—what it means to stay in the fight, shift with purpose, and
rise
again and again.
Hosted By: Massiel Rhoden
Keynote – Pamela Peynado
Their Terms
Focus: Lessons from a career built over decades—what it means to stay in the fight, shift with purpose, and
rise
again and again.
Hosted By: Massiel Rhoden
Keynote – Pamela Peynado
Resilience Isn’t a Trait—It’s a Choice
A nationally recognized woman in law sharing her personal story of comeback, grit, and rising through
adversity.
A nationally recognized woman in law sharing her personal story of comeback, grit, and rising through
adversity.
Manifest the Mission: Turning Vision into Action
Hosted By: Jessica Tehlirian, Esq.
Lead by: Jenn Gore, Esq.
Hosted By: Jessica Tehlirian, Esq.
Lead by: Jenn Gore, Esq.
9:35 AM – 9:55 AM | The Next Level Me: Designing the Woman You’re
Becoming | Workshop
Focus: Personal evolution, mindset shifts, habits, and leadership identity.
Prompt: Who is the woman I want to become in the next 12 months? How does she lead, live, and love?
Lead by: Michael Madadi, Esq.
Becoming | Workshop
Focus: Personal evolution, mindset shifts, habits, and leadership identity.
Prompt: Who is the woman I want to become in the next 12 months? How does she lead, live, and love?
Lead by: Michael Madadi, Esq.
In Her Corner: What True Allyship Looks Like When No One’s
Watching
Focus: A heartfelt discussion on the role of male allies in uplifting women leaders at the table, behind
the
scenes, and when it matters most.
Watching
Focus: A heartfelt discussion on the role of male allies in uplifting women leaders at the table, behind
the
scenes, and when it matters most.
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM | Morning Power Panels | How to
Workshop
Moderator: Ty Cardenas, Esq., Patricia Whorton, Olga Cardenas, Carmen Aquino & Donna Duncan
Workshop
Moderator: Ty Cardenas, Esq., Patricia Whorton, Olga Cardenas, Carmen Aquino & Donna Duncan
The Original Hype Woman: How Mom Support Shapes Confidence,
Courage & Stage Presence Mom’s Club
Focus: Celebrating the emotional and practical role mothers play in helping their daughters and sons show
up
boldly—on stage and in life.
Moderator: Darleene Peters, Julie Gossett, Erica Caviness, Tycha Kimbrough, Esq. & Tresha Cowell
Courage & Stage Presence Mom’s Club
Focus: Celebrating the emotional and practical role mothers play in helping their daughters and sons show
up
boldly—on stage and in life.
Moderator: Darleene Peters, Julie Gossett, Erica Caviness, Tycha Kimbrough, Esq. & Tresha Cowell
Enemies in Disguise: Recognizing Fear, Imposter Syndrome & Fake
Support
Focus: Unpacking the hidden enemies we often invite in—like perfectionism, comparison, and the need for
validation.
Moderator: Sandra Diggs- Miller, Esq.
Featured Speaker: Mindy Hofman, Bri Robles, Kelly Chase & Samantha Teal
Support
Focus: Unpacking the hidden enemies we often invite in—like perfectionism, comparison, and the need for
validation.
Moderator: Sandra Diggs- Miller, Esq.
Featured Speaker: Mindy Hofman, Bri Robles, Kelly Chase & Samantha Teal
Discerning the Room: Who’s Helping You Eat and Who’s Watching You
Starve?
Focus: Identifying true allies vs. energy-drainers in your business, firm, or circle—and how to move with
wisdom
and grace.
Moderator: Jeremy Tissot, Esq.
Featured Speaker: Marlie Willer, Kristen Pitts & Jenn Gore
Starve?
Focus: Identifying true allies vs. energy-drainers in your business, firm, or circle—and how to move with
wisdom
and grace.
Moderator: Jeremy Tissot, Esq.
Featured Speaker: Marlie Willer, Kristen Pitts & Jenn Gore
Beyond the Courtroom: Law Firm Ops Management, Marketing & Making
It Work
Focus: Managing partners, paralegals, operations, HR, client experience, and team building.
Moderator: Karen Evans, Esq.
Featured Speaker: Rashida Forbes, Mel LaGrone, Esq. & Meliha Perez Halphen, Esq.
It Work
Focus: Managing partners, paralegals, operations, HR, client experience, and team building.
Moderator: Karen Evans, Esq.
Featured Speaker: Rashida Forbes, Mel LaGrone, Esq. & Meliha Perez Halphen, Esq.
Executive Leadership Team | Women Who Play to Win: Leadership
Lessons from the Field to the Boardroom
Focus: Women in business, executive leadership, high-performance habits.
Hosted By: Jayden Doye
Moderator: Katherine Mayer
Featured Speakers: Natalie Gladden, Veronica Dalzon, Lisandra Matos, Esq.& Renee Trotman
Lessons from the Field to the Boardroom
Focus: Women in business, executive leadership, high-performance habits.
Hosted By: Jayden Doye
Moderator: Katherine Mayer
Featured Speakers: Natalie Gladden, Veronica Dalzon, Lisandra Matos, Esq.& Renee Trotman
Money Talks: Using Financial Data to Make Smarter Budget, Hiring
& Investment Choices
Focus: A practical How-to guide to interpreting P & Ls, cash flow, and ROI data to make bold, smart
financial
moves especially in male dominated industries.
Moderator: Chris Rose
Featured Speakers: Taly Goody, Esq., Gordi Mikalacki, Esq., & Emerald Smith
& Investment Choices
Focus: A practical How-to guide to interpreting P & Ls, cash flow, and ROI data to make bold, smart
financial
moves especially in male dominated industries.
Moderator: Chris Rose
Featured Speakers: Taly Goody, Esq., Gordi Mikalacki, Esq., & Emerald Smith
Social Media: Analytics to Strategy: What the numbers are telling
you and how to act on it
Decode your engagement metrics to improve brand awareness, reach the right audience, and generate new business. A
must for women building personal and firm brands online.
Moderator:
Featured Speaker: Sarah Flack, Esq., Ty Cardenas, Esq., Karen Evans, Esq., & Hannah Molitoris, Esq.
you and how to act on it
Decode your engagement metrics to improve brand awareness, reach the right audience, and generate new business. A
must for women building personal and firm brands online.
Moderator:
Featured Speaker: Sarah Flack, Esq., Ty Cardenas, Esq., Karen Evans, Esq., & Hannah Molitoris, Esq.
Gut Vs. Data: Reclaiming the Narrative Around Intuition and
Analytics in Leadership
How women leaders can trust their gut yet also back it up with data for stronger boardroom influence, strategic
pivots, and team management.
Analytics in Leadership
How women leaders can trust their gut yet also back it up with data for stronger boardroom influence, strategic
pivots, and team management.
11:00 AM – 11:15 AM | Morning BREAK + Sponsor Spotlight
Activation
Grab a coffee, visit exhibitor tables, and engage in a live sponsor challenge for giveaways.
Hosted By:
Activation
Grab a coffee, visit exhibitor tables, and engage in a live sponsor challenge for giveaways.
Hosted By:
11:15 AM – 12:00 PM | Unshaken: Mastering TBI Cases and Fighting
Beyond the Defense’s Limits
Moderator: Michael Madadi, Raynique Keelen, Karen Evans
Beyond the Defense’s Limits
Moderator: Michael Madadi, Raynique Keelen, Karen Evans
Litigating the Invisible Injury: How to Tell a TBI Client’s Story
So It Sticks
Traumatic brain injuries are often misunderstood and hard to see, making them one of the most difficult cases to
litigate. This session explores how to craft a powerful narrative that brings the invisible injury to life—through
expert testimony, compelling visuals, and authentic storytelling. Learn how to bridge the gap between medical
facts and human impact to win trust, clarity, and justice in the courtroom.
Moderator: Lauren Pilie
Featured Speaker: Lisa Knierim
So It Sticks
Traumatic brain injuries are often misunderstood and hard to see, making them one of the most difficult cases to
litigate. This session explores how to craft a powerful narrative that brings the invisible injury to life—through
expert testimony, compelling visuals, and authentic storytelling. Learn how to bridge the gap between medical
facts and human impact to win trust, clarity, and justice in the courtroom.
Moderator: Lauren Pilie
Featured Speaker: Lisa Knierim
More Than a Diagnosis: Building Client Trust and Compassion in
TBI Cases
Focus: Trauma-informed client communication, managing expectations, and handling complex emotional dynamics
with
TBI clients and their families.
Focus: Powerful storytelling techniques to illustrate cognitive decline, emotional toll, and life
disruption in
cases where injuries aren’t physically visible.
TBI Cases
Focus: Trauma-informed client communication, managing expectations, and handling complex emotional dynamics
with
TBI clients and their families.
Focus: Powerful storytelling techniques to illustrate cognitive decline, emotional toll, and life
disruption in
cases where injuries aren’t physically visible.
The Power of the Pen: Write It, Launch It, Sell It
Moderator: Kelly Chase
Featured Speaker: Margarita Eberline, La Sonjia Jack, Taniesha Whorton
Moderator: Kelly Chase
Featured Speaker: Margarita Eberline, La Sonjia Jack, Taniesha Whorton
From Idea to Impact: How to Write the Book That’s Already Inside
You
Focus: Helping aspiring authors get started—clarifying their message, outlining their story, and building
writing
momentum.
Moderator: Jayden Doye
Featured Speaker: Lindsay Coulter, Wendy S. Meadows, Esq., Elizabeth Magazine, Esq.
You
Focus: Helping aspiring authors get started—clarifying their message, outlining their story, and building
writing
momentum.
Moderator: Jayden Doye
Featured Speaker: Lindsay Coulter, Wendy S. Meadows, Esq., Elizabeth Magazine, Esq.
The Business of the Book: How to Sell, Promote & Profit from Your
Story
Focus: Strategies to launch and market your book—turning it into speaking opportunities, media features,
client
leads, and passive income.
Hosted By:
Story
Focus: Strategies to launch and market your book—turning it into speaking opportunities, media features,
client
leads, and passive income.
Hosted By:
Visibility Is Power: Marketing Like a CEO! Brand Like a Boss:
From Hidden Gem to Industry Icon
Moderator: Julie Gossett
Featured Speaker: Dr. Braley Bourque, Danielle McCray, Esq., Raynique Keelen, Esq., Laura Moore
From Hidden Gem to Industry Icon
Moderator: Julie Gossett
Featured Speaker: Dr. Braley Bourque, Danielle McCray, Esq., Raynique Keelen, Esq., Laura Moore
Beyond the Billboard: Modern Marketing Strategies That Actually
Work
Focus: Innovative branding, digital visibility, community engagement, and niche-specific campaigns.
Moderator: Rashida Forbes
Featured Speaker: Mindy Hofman, Gina Zapanta, Esq., Michelle Simpson Tuegel, Esq. Christine Han, Esq. &
Jessica
Tehlirian, Esq.
Work
Focus: Innovative branding, digital visibility, community engagement, and niche-specific campaigns.
Moderator: Rashida Forbes
Featured Speaker: Mindy Hofman, Gina Zapanta, Esq., Michelle Simpson Tuegel, Esq. Christine Han, Esq. &
Jessica
Tehlirian, Esq.
Social Media That Sells: Content Creation for Case Growth &
Authority
Focus: What to post, when to post, and how to go from content to client.
Breakdown: Educational reels, case results, FAQ posts, team culture, behind-the-scenes.
Moderator: Mindi Kaploe
Featured Speaker: Heather Reese, Esq. Cristina Zaher, Laura Elkin, Taly Goody, Esq.
Authority
Focus: What to post, when to post, and how to go from content to client.
Breakdown: Educational reels, case results, FAQ posts, team culture, behind-the-scenes.
Moderator: Mindi Kaploe
Featured Speaker: Heather Reese, Esq. Cristina Zaher, Laura Elkin, Taly Goody, Esq.
Content Queens: Creating for Impact, & Influence
Focus: Social media strategy, content pillars, digital branding.
Featured Speaker: Brittany Elmore
Focus: Social media strategy, content pillars, digital branding.
Featured Speaker: Brittany Elmore
Bounced Back, Built Bigger: The Real Road to Success
The “Why” is More than Important than the “What”
This session explores how understanding the “why” behind behavior—both your own and others’—is key to effective
collaboration and resilient leadership. Using insights from the Enneagram personality framework, we’ll explore a
powerful mindset shift that self-awareness is both a personal virtue as well as a professional advantage. When we
know what drives us—and what drives others—we’re better equipped to respond to challenges, foster connection, and
lead with authenticity.
This session explores how understanding the “why” behind behavior—both your own and others’—is key to effective
collaboration and resilient leadership. Using insights from the Enneagram personality framework, we’ll explore a
powerful mindset shift that self-awareness is both a personal virtue as well as a professional advantage. When we
know what drives us—and what drives others—we’re better equipped to respond to challenges, foster connection, and
lead with authenticity.
From Inner Clarity to Outer Impact: The Personality Blueprint for
Women Who Lead
Unpack how understanding your core tendencies helps you communicate with intention and build influence with ease.
Women Who Lead
Unpack how understanding your core tendencies helps you communicate with intention and build influence with ease.
12:15 PM – 1:00 PM | Networking Power Lunch + Table topics
1:00 PM – 1:15 PM | Afternoon Keynote
Reignite: Building a Life and Legacy That Lights Up
Others
Moderator: Pamela Peynado, Lisandra Matos, Michelle Simpson Tuegel, S. Shakira Ali Kelley
Scaling your business, Systems, and Smart Money Moves
She Means Business: Making Money, Managing Teams, Building Wealth
Moderator: Colleen Young
Featured Speaker: Bhumi Patel, Renee Trotman, Colleen Young & Kristina Ducos
Others
Moderator: Pamela Peynado, Lisandra Matos, Michelle Simpson Tuegel, S. Shakira Ali Kelley
Scaling your business, Systems, and Smart Money Moves
She Means Business: Making Money, Managing Teams, Building Wealth
Moderator: Colleen Young
Featured Speaker: Bhumi Patel, Renee Trotman, Colleen Young & Kristina Ducos
HR, Culture & Conflict Management |The People Side of Power:
Hiring A-Players, Leading & Holding Space
Hosted By: Latrice Smith
Hiring A-Players, Leading & Holding Space
Hosted By: Latrice Smith
1:30 PM – 2:00 PM | WILBYBETTY CONFERENCE WORKSHOP (Olga
Fofanova, Esq., Ty Cardenas, Esq., Tresha Cowell & Dawn Marullo, Esq.)
Workshop Title: Goals That Move: Mapping Your Mission for the Next 90 Days & Beyond Looking Ahead 2026 – Reignite.
Resilience. Relentless.
Workshop Overview: This hands-on session is designed to help you define your short-term and long-term goals
with intention and strategy. Use this handout to reflect, plan, and take inspired action.
Hosted By:
Fofanova, Esq., Ty Cardenas, Esq., Tresha Cowell & Dawn Marullo, Esq.)
Workshop Title: Goals That Move: Mapping Your Mission for the Next 90 Days & Beyond Looking Ahead 2026 – Reignite.
Resilience. Relentless.
Workshop Overview: This hands-on session is designed to help you define your short-term and long-term goals
with intention and strategy. Use this handout to reflect, plan, and take inspired action.
Hosted By:
2:00 PM – 2:30 PM Afternoon Q & A’s
Resilience Stories: Women Who Refused to Quit
Focus: Women who faced personal, professional, or public adversity—and chose to rise. Through raw,
inspiring stories, attendees will witness the courage it takes to keep going, rebuild, and lead with unwavering
purpose in the face of overwhelming odds.
Featured Speaker: Olga Fofanova
Resilience Stories: Women Who Refused to Quit
Focus: Women who faced personal, professional, or public adversity—and chose to rise. Through raw,
inspiring stories, attendees will witness the courage it takes to keep going, rebuild, and lead with unwavering
purpose in the face of overwhelming odds.
Featured Speaker: Olga Fofanova
No Roadmap, Just Grit: The Immigrant’s Guide to Breaking Barriers
in Business and Law
Focus: Practical and emotional insights on overcoming obstacles, leveraging community, and building
credibility in a new environment.
in Business and Law
Focus: Practical and emotional insights on overcoming obstacles, leveraging community, and building
credibility in a new environment.
Final Keynote: Retired Judge Evelyn Laporte
Relentless Doesn’t Mean Alone: Why Community is the Ultimate Power Source
A deeply human, motivational keynote that sends the audience out connected, clear, and called.
Relentless Doesn’t Mean Alone: Why Community is the Ultimate Power Source
A deeply human, motivational keynote that sends the audience out connected, clear, and called.
3:15 PM – 4:00 PM | Closing Ceremony & Call to Action
