The 2023 Inspirational Women Forum and Leadership Awards, took place at The Beverly Hilton on November 7 at 8:30 a.m., was a full-day event commencing with a series of dynamic panel discussions and culminating in a dinner and awards program. The honors recognized female leaders from corporations and nonprofit organizations across Los Angeles County.
Please see this year’s HONOREES and FINALISTS
Morning Sessions
8:30 a.m. – Registration & Breakfast
9:30 a.m. – Morning Panel Discussions Begin
9:30 a.m.
MENTORSHIP AND SPONSORSHIP: THE KEYS TO CAREER SUCCESS
Mentor and sponsorship relationships can have a profound effect on one’s professional growth no matter the stage of their career. Hear from speakers who have used their leadership to create meaningful mentorship opportunities.
Moderator
Gila Jones, COO, Westbrook Linkedin
Speakers
Betsy Beers, Shondaland
Verna Grayce Chao, City National Bank LinkedIn
Suzy Marjanian, Law Professor, UWLA LinkedIn
10:20 a.m.
GAME CHANGERS
Hear from an outstanding group of women who have been able to disrupt and impact an industry as well as those who have helped advise them on making their visions a reality.
Moderator
Anne Marie Yanez, Zenith
LinkedIn
Speakers
Jing Gao, Fly by Jing Instagram | LinkedIn
Alyson Myers, PH.D, Calcean
Candace Nelson, Pizzana & Sprinkles Cupcakes Instagram | LinkedIn
Alli Webb, DryBar Instagram | LinkedIn
11:00 a.m.
INNOVATION TO IMPACT: BUILDING A STRONGER FUTURE BY FOSTERING A CULTURE OF EMPOWERMENT
Hear from a panel of experts who will share how they have successfully advanced their careers within some of the most competitive industries and organizations in the world.
Moderator
Lilit Davtyan, CEO, Phonexa Instagram | LinkedIn
Speakers
Christine Duque, IBM Instagram | LinkedIn
Jill Griffin, Consultant
Melissa McGuire, Google Instagram | LinkedIn
Jen Wei, Belkin International Instagram | LinkedIn
Lunch Sessions
12:45 p.m. – Registration & Lunch
1:45 p.m. – Afternoon Panel Discussions Begin
1:45 p.m. REVOLUTIONARY TECHNOLOGY, CHANGING CONSUMER HABITS
DnaNudge is transformative technology driving positive outcomes for people and the planet. Changing your day-to-day lifestyle sounds overwhelming, but what if the answer was hidden in your DNA? Unlock the secrets and let your own DnaNudge you towards better product choices every day. Conversation with co-founder DnaNudge, Dr. Maria Karvela about a UK consumer technology coming to the US.
Moderated by
Helya Askari, Los Angeles Times
Fireside chat with
Dr. Maria Karvela, DnaNudge LinkedIn
2:25 p.m.
NETWORK, COMMUNITY, AND RECIPROCITY
Your network is one of your strongest assets. Learn the best methods for building and leveraging it to open up new opportunities.
Fireside chat with
Julie Uhrman, Angel City Football Club Instagram | LinkedIn
2:55 p.m.
DOING WELL BY DOING GOOD
More than buzzwords, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a way of doing business that considers the greater good. How can companies integrate CSR strategies in an authentic and meaningful way?
Moderator
Stephanie Forbes, National Brand Ambassador, West, The Macallan LinkedIn
Speakers
Dulari Amin, Synergy Ventures Instagram | LinkedIn
Karissa Bodnar, Thrive Causemetics & Bigger Than Beauty Skincare Instagram
Karen A. Clark, City National Bank LinkedIn
3:45 p.m.
ESTABLISHING BRAND AUTHORITY
Establishing a brand authority that resonates with customers is vital for any business owner. Hear how these beauty moguls have established a message that is both authentic and sustainable.
Moderator
Anna Magzanyan, COS to Executive Chairman and L.A. Times Head of Strategy and Revenue Instagram | LinkedIn
Speakers
Jessica Rich, Jessica Rich Instagram
Rea Ann Silva, Beautyblender Instagram | LinkedIn
Anastasia Soare, Anastasia Beverly Hills Instagram | LinkedIn
Awards Dinner and Keynote
5:30 p.m. – Registration & Cocktails
6:30 p.m.
CITY NATIONAL BANK FIRESIDE CHAT WITH LINDA DUNCOMBE AND DANIELA RUAH
Speakers
Linda Duncombe, City National Bank
Daniela Ruah, Actress and Director
7:00 p.m. – Dinner
7:45 p.m. – Awards Program
The day concluded with a dinner and awards presentation, honoring an outstanding individual in 9 categories while celebrating the 400+ nominees from corporations and nonprofit organizations who have demonstrated noteworthy success and accomplishments over the last 24 months.
Congratulations to all of the nominees listed here.
Paid Presenting Sponsor
Paid Diamond Sponsor
Paid Platinum Sponsors
Paid Gold Sponsor The Nuvo Group
Paid Gold Sponsor Vanir
For sponsorship opportunities, please email helya.askari@latimes.com