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2016 Conf Celeb

2016 Conference and Celebration features renowned speaks, attracts record crowd

Approximately 800 people took part in the sixth Women's Leadership Conference and Celebration of Inspiring Women, held Feb. 10-11, 2016, at the Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

The speaker roster included the following:

  • Charlotte Beers, advertising executive, former Undersecretary of State for Public Diplomacy, author
  • Maggie Chotas, facilitator, coach and researcher with The Mulberry Partners
  • Alice Domar, pioneer and expert in the application of mind/body medicine to women's health issues
  • Sandra Dubose, motivational speaker and author known as "The Bald Beauty Queen of Self-Esteem"
  • Alyssa Dugan, game designer and co-founder of Honor Education
  • Zaneilia Harris, president of Harris & Harris Wealth Management Group LLC
  • Dawn Higgins, researcher, therapist and educator of the social behavioral health sciences
  • Brandy Incorvia, administrator of educational programs for Santee Cooper
  • Polly Letofsky, inspirational author and speaker who recaps her 14,000-mile walk across four continents and 22 countries
  • Stella Mercado, CEO and president of Mercom Corporation
  • Leann J. Mischel, CCU professor and former vice president of JPMorgan Chase and Priceline.com
  • Jessica Odede, co-founder and COO of Shining Hope for Communities, an organization that combats extreme poverty and gender inequality in Kenya
  • Susan O’Malley, former president of Washington Sports Entertainment and the first female president of a professional sports franchise
  • Betsy Polk, facilitator, mediator and board certified coach for The Mulberry Partners
  • Barb Royal, cofounder/CEO of KidsCanGiveToo.com
  • Justine Siegal, first female coach in Major League Baseball history
  • Sarah Thomas, the first woman to be hired as a full-time game official in the history of the National Football League
  • Barbara Hickman Whye, deputy chief diversity officer, Intel Corporation

Preconference workshops on Wednesday, Feb. 10 focused on entrepreneurship. Speakers included:

  • Katie Allen, vice president of viaONEHOPE
  • Monica Fine, CCU professor and owner of the marketing firm B. Fine Consulting
  • Lee Jones, owner of Carolina Charm Florist & Events
  • Lisa Kinon, business owner, Family Court Judge for the 15th Judicial Circuit in South Carolina
  • Ann Mayfield, owner of Buttercream Cakes & Catering
  • Leann J. Mischel, CCU professor and former vice president of JPMorgan Chase and Priceline.com
  • Kristin Thompson, is the co-founder and partner of T2H Advertising in Myrtle Beach
  • Christine Toner, co-founder and creative director of TwoCreatives and a director and founding leader with viaONEHOPE
  • Ella Vickers, designer and founder of Ella Vickers Sailcloth Collection

The Celebration of Inspiring Women, held the evening of Feb. 11, honored remarkable individuals and celebrate their contributions to our state, region, nation and world. Honorees are Jennifer Ainsworth, Delores Porcher Dacosta, Minor Mickel Shaw and Barbara Hickman Whye. Learn more »

Feb. 12, 2016