Meet inspiring women at Women for Women Today

2024-05-12 - John Flynn

If you attended the Women for Women Today event at the Woman’s Club this January, you know the rewards of connecting with accomplished, purpose-driven women who are passionate about personal and professional growth.

What better time to return for another evening of fun and mentorship — or to experience it for the first time — than the day after Mother’s Day, Monday, May 13? Whether you’re a student, a working professional, an entrepreneur, or a stay-at-home mom, you can make friends, pick up a new skill, learn about career options, or all the above.

The event — 5 to 9:30 p.m. May 13 at the Terrace, 293 Paramus Road in Paramus — features a lineup of mentors who have each selected a one-word selfdescription, like resilient or dynamic, for discussion.

In that spirit, participants are asked to do the same. You may choose to purchase a ticket for a pre-panel “Meet Your Mentor” option, during which you can sit with and talk to the mentor of your choice for an hour, or spend that time networking with other attendees.

The keynote speaker will be wellness coach Jamie Hess, who is the face of Zuda activewear on QVC, and on-air contributor to television shows including “The Today Show,” “Good Morning America” and “The View”.

Presenting sponsor Dr. Tracy Verrico will be followed by mentors including WABC-TV journalist Nina Pineda; Prana Marketing president Angela Thomas; This Is It Network CEO Cheldin Barlatt Rumer; makeup artist Carmindy Bowyer; real estate agent Amy Ashton Sausa, and T.H. Experiences CEO T.H. Irwin.

Want to chat more or ask follow-up questions? You’ll have the opportunity at the evening’s after-party.

The Women for Women Today event’s nonprofit partner is Englewood’s Women’s Rights Information Center, whose mission is to meet the economic and emotional needs of the individuals they serve. Representatives of the group will be on hand to share information about their free programs.

For more information, email WomenForWomenToday@gmail.com or go to WomenForWomenToday.com, where you may also purchase tickets. This event was produced by T.H. Irwin/ T.H. Experiences LLC.

Here are some brief bios of the presenters you can expect to see, along with their chosen self-descriptions.

For more information or to register for the event visit the Event Brite site and search for Women for Women. Use the discount code “MYDAY” to save on a Meet Your Mentor ticket.

Meet the Women for Women Today keynote speaker

JAMIE ‘DYNAMIC’ HESS

Wellness Entrepreneur, Media Personality and Founder of @nycfitfam Career Highlights:

● Face of Zuda activewear on QVC, and on-air contributor to television shows includingThe Today Show, Good Morning America and The

View

● Mindset and wellness coach

● TEDx speaker

● Keynote speaker helping individuals and organizations focus on wellness, positive mindset shifts, and manifestation

● Host of The Gratitudeology podcast

● Internationally competitive equestrian who won the national finals in the US in 1996

Did you know?

“I was an addict. I didn’t wake up until I almost died. When I got sober, it was like someone “turned on

the light.” Today, I try to help people turn on their light, no matter where they are in their life.”

Lesson Learned:

“Everyone has imposter syndrome. Give that version of yourself a hug and dismiss her. Then step into your greatness.”

Meet the panelists for the Women for Women Today event

CARMINDY ‘FREE-SPIRIT’ BOWYER

Make-up Artist, Beauty Expert and Entrepreneur

Career Highlights:

● Professional makeup artist for more than 30 years

● Best known for being on TLC’s What Not to Wear

● Beauty expert on television appearing on

QVC, The Today Show and Good Morning America

● Work has appeared in the pages of Allure; InStyle; Cosmopolitan; O, The Oprah Magazine; Glamour; Town & Country; Bazaar; Elle; Vogue; Essence; Marie Claire; Condé Nast Traveler and more

● Written four books on beauty

● Speaker on women’s empowerment

Did you know?

“As a lover of travel, I’ve been to more than 54 countries, and have many more to visit.”

Lesson Learned:

“We are always surrounded by light and love, even in dark times.”

CHELDIN ‘ENERGY’ BARLATT RUMER

Personal Branding Expert and Entrepreneur

Career Highlights:

● Created i-g creative in 2009

● Launched THIS IS IT NETWORK in 2014

● NAWBO South Jersey “Women’s Advocate of the Year 2022”

● Author of Scream

Your Dream

● Adjunct professor at Temple and Drexel Universities

● Interviewed more than 1,000 guests and presented more than 100 keynote addresses

Did you know?

“I emigrated from Sierra Leone, West Africa. I was also a Division I field hockey player at La Salle University.” Lesson Learned:

“Be patient.”

NINA ‘RACONTEUR’ PINEDA

Consumer Reporter for 7 On Your Side, WABC-TV Career Highlights:

● Consumer reporter for WABC-TV’s 7 On Your Side

● Multiple Emmy Award winner

● Featured in Women of 9/11 and Behind the Lens regarding experience covering terrorist attacks

● Reported live from London during the funeral of Queen Elizabeth

● Recovered more than $1 million in restitution for 7 On Your Side viewers Did you know? “I’ve scuba-dived in the famous Great Blue Hole of Belize.”

Lesson Learned:

“Express how much people mean to you before it’s too late.”

ANGELA ‘FOCUS’ THOMAS

Executive and Founder of Prana Marketing and Media Relations

Career Highlights:

● 20 years of experience in the music industry

● Leading professional in the marketing and media relations industry

● Worked with leading musicians

● Helped artists earn more than 50 million debut record sales and more than 75 million dollars in total sales Did you know? “While doing my school homework at 5 a.m., I would listen to the radio. One day, I was lucky enough to win a pair of tickets that led me to my internship at WILD Radio in Boston. This internship opened up a world of possibilities for me and I became the music director while attending college for all four years. It was my entry into the music industry. Before that experience, I never knew that one could have a career in music.” Lesson Learned:

“I wish I learned the power of meditation at a younger age, as I would not have worried so much about the things that really didn’t matter.”

Meet the sponsor

DR. TRACY ‘RESILIENT’ VERRICO

Ceo of Bona Dea Gynecology, Wealth Educator and Real Estate Investor Career Highlights

● Founder and CEO of Bona Dea Gynecology

● Founder and CEO of Aquamarine Assets Inc.

● Expert on the intersection of health and wealth

● Licensed real estate professional who has orchestrated more than $3 million in transactions within three years

Did you know?

“I’ve embarked on a culinary adventure, mastering nearly every recipe in the Barefoot Contessa cookbooks. Whether it’s hosting friends for a cozy dinner or experimenting with new flavors in the kitchen, I love bringing people together through the art of cooking and hospitality.”

Lesson Learned:

“Looking back, I wish I had known the importance of not being afraid to make mistakes and given myself permission to not be perfect. In the realm of financial literacy, the fear of making mistakes or not having all the answers can often prevent us from taking necessary steps toward financial empowerment. Embracing imperfection and viewing mistakes as valuable learning experiences can foster growth and resilience, ultimately leading to greater financial confidence and success.”

Meet some of the organizers of the Women for Women Today event