Agenda

Upon arrival, you can check in, receive a name badge, get your Swag Bag and enjoy coffee and a lite-fare breakfast. Plus, you can visit the many companies and organizations showcasing services and products to help you embark on a happier, healthier and more rewarding life!

Welcome remarks will be presented by this Women's Summit Founder, Stacey Smith who is also the Founder & President of Smith Consulting & Events. And then the real fun begins as our emcee for the day, the incredibly fun and energetic Anne Bonney (view profile here), will officially launch our day of inspiration, conversations and connections. Anne's introduction will be followed by an insightful and motivating fireside chat style conversation between Hilary Phelps (view bio here) and Alicia McKenzie (view bio here) as they address: Finding Your Voice, Purpose & Path to a Happier and Healthier You. As entrepreneurs, moms, wellness coaches, speakers and now friends, Hilary and Alicia have experienced their share of ups and downs in life. Through this casual and candid conversation, they'll share some of their own experiences and tips to help you integrate mind, body, community, and financial wellness habits into your life. It's a conversation that will set a tone of excitement and enthusiasm for taking action to create a happier, healthier and wealthier you!

Own Your Next Chapter Do you ever dream of doing something different with your life – a new career path, a new adventure, or even a new hobby – but not sure if the moment is right or if it’s realistic? Learn to take control of your future and own your next chapter in life in this fireside chat with Mary Beth Marsden (view bio here), artist and former WMAR-TV News Anchor, and Rebecca Pearce (view bio here), CEO of Extend Coaching & Consulting. Mary Beth and Rebecca both found themselves at a crossroads in their lives and walked away from what defined them in order to discover a renewed sense of purpose and joy in life. Hear how health scares, industry changes and career failures inspired them to pursue passions and new opportunities. Discover valuable insights and first-hand experiences that inspire and motivate you to embark on your next chapter.

Take a few moments to stretch your legs, grab a beverage or snack from the snack station, visit the restroom or check out an exhibiting company or two. But remember, this is a brief break and the next session will begin in just 20 minutes.

Healthy Lifestyle: Strategy Over Willpower In this session, Dr. Davinna Ligons (view bio here) will share 5 keys for creating and maintaining a lifestyle of unprocessed whole natural food and intermittent fasting. You'll learn why these two lifestyle habits are critical for health and longevity and steps you can take to get started. If you need support with developing a healthier lifestyle, this session is for you!

How to Flourish Through Life’s Big Changes – Financial Strategies for Women Facing New Beginnings When life changes are significant - like a divorce, the loss of a spouse, a career change, or retirement - the ensuing feelings of worry and uncertainty for women can be overwhelming. One of the most prominent concerns typically revolves around financial stability and gives rise to questions such as: How will I manage my finances? Am I making the right decisions to secure my future? How can I bridge the gap between where I am now and where I want to be?  Too many women grapple with these worries, largely due to a lack of access to the right financial advice and knowledge along with a low level of self-confidence. The consequences of not addressing these issues can range from short-term financial instability to long-term financial hardships. However, there is a way forward, a way to transform worry into action, uncertainty into clarity, and fear into empowerment. In this session, our guest speakers, Phil Weiss (view bio here) and Megan Kopka (view bio here) of Apprise Wealth Management, will walk you through the 5 steps to help you embark on a journey to transform financial worry into financial independence. Note: Phil and Megan will each be available for 10-minute private consultations in Room A306 from 12:30-1:45 PM. Reserve a timeslot on the sign in sheet just inside A306 after their Break-Out Session concludes.

The Trifecta of Prosperity: Relationships, Wellness & Success Achieving prosperity involves cultivating robust connections, well-being, and success. In this session, Karen Falkler (view bio here) will share practical tools to quickly improve and enhance personal and professional relationships, boost wellness, and navigate the path to success with greater ease.

There's so much to see and do during your lunch break, but remember, it's only one hour and 15 minutes long. Check out the incredible Gourmet Buffet in the Maritime Conference Center's Chesapeake Dining Room where you will find buffets galore and desserts to make your mouth water. And don't forget to save time to visit with the exhibitors in our Conference foyer and hallways areas. There are so many great ideas, products and services being showcased to help you be happier, healthier and wealthier!

Estate Planning: How to Ensure There Are No Loose Ends There is a common misconception that “estate planning” is for those with substantial wealth, but nothing could be further from the truth.  Estate planning involves preparing yourself and your loved ones to navigate a wide array of circumstances from life to death.  If you own any kind of asset, regardless of its value, or if you have loved ones who depend on you, then good estate planning can serve as a means of protection in times of emergency and as a valuable transitionary tool after death. In this session, our guest speaker, Jessica Gorsky (view bio here) of Whiteford Taylor & Preston LLP, will walk you through the fundamentals of estate planning and discuss the importance of critical documents such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney and health care directives.

What Every Woman Needs to Know About Menopause Hot flashes, night sweats, hair loss, irritability, weight gain, difficulty concentrating, anxiety, headaches, depression. Are these just normal symptoms of getting older? Or could there be an underlying health issue? Has your doctor told you your bloodwork results are within the normal range, prescribed anxiety medications, told you cut out the wine and chocolate chip cookies from your diet, and sent you on your merry way until your next annual appointment? Yet the symptoms you are experiencing continue and are often debilitating? Or maybe you haven’t had these conversations with your doctor yet and want to be armed with the knowledge of what to ask. In this session, Eric Rittmeyer (view bio here), known as The Menopausal Marine (that’s also the title of his new book) will share insights from his years of intense research on the science behind menopause, the medical community’s knowledge (or better yet, lack of knowledge) on the subject and the therapies available to help women find much-needed, and oftentimes, life-changing relief. Eric will arm you with the information you need to have candid conversations with your medical professional to find solutions that lead to a healthier and happier you! Oh, and did we mention that what Eric will be sharing is “JENMA?” You’ll have to tune into his session to discover what that means. 😊

Take a few moments to stretch your legs, grab a quick cup of coffee or snack from the snack station, visit the restroom or check out an exhibiting company or two. But remember, this is a brief break and the next session will begin in just 20 minutes.

Evolving Friendships: The Art of Maintaining & Sustaining Friendships Life happens, things change....and so do people. So is it possible to maintain our friendships throughout life’s transitions? Discover through this casual and insightful fireside chat featuring female friendship coach and educator, Danielle Bayard Jackson (view profile here), how to sustain our friendships AND make new, meaningful connections as we mature, age, and evolve. Be part of this interactive and thought-provoking chat that will leave you feeling hopeful, inspired and better equipped to not only be a better friend but to understand and express your relationship needs to the important people in your life.

Our guest emcee, Anne Bonney (view profile here), will lead us through an interactive activity to wrap up the day. Following the fun, our leading sponsors will present a check to our designated nonprofit beneficiary, the Women's Housing Coalition (WHC) . You can learn more about the organization and its services here. WHC Executive Director Beth Benner will be joining us to accept the check to be used by her organization to further its worthy mission!

Enjoy connecting with speakers, sponsors, exhibitors and fellow attendees over cocktails, mocktails and tasty bites.