2011 Stellar Women China Delegates
Laurie McDonald Jonsson, Delegation Leader
Principal & Board Member, Stellar Holdings, President & CEO, Stellar International Founder & President, Stellar International Networks, Washington State, U.S.A.
Laurie McDonald Jonsson is principal and board member of Stellar Holdings, an international real estate investment company; president and CEO Stellar International and founder of Stellar International Networks. Laurie has directed and owned businesses in the travel, cruise ship and real estate industry co-founding Sundance and Admiral Cruises; Sundance Tours and Stellar Travel. Business board directorships include Puget Sound Bank and founding director of Expedia.com and Commerce Bank that successfully went public during her directorship. She was the first woman to oversee actual cruise ship construction and one of the first women owners of a cruise ship business with sailing’s to Mexico, Alaska and the Caribbean.
As founder of Stellar International Networks whose mission is to link women leaders of the world by providing a high caliber platform that taps into the power of women to influence change that creates more harmonious cooperation in the world through cultural exploration, exchange and engagement. In 2006 and 2008 Stellar International Networks successfully organized women leadership delegations to China with Senator Maria Cantwell. In addition to China, Laurie organized and led delegations with Senators Patty Murray and Cantwell to Cuba, Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Sweden, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and other countries.
Laurie was appointed chair of the Governor’s Executive Women’s Council under then Governor, now, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke; founding chair of the Center for Women and Democracy, University of Washington and awarded a US presidential appointment to the board of the National Women’s Business Council and founding president of the Washington State Women’s Forum of the International Women’s Forum organization. Awarded the 2005 “Women Who Make A Difference” award and received the “Leading Woman Entrepreneur of the Year” award in Monaco.
Laurie currently is a member of the USC Marshall School of Business Board of Leaders; the advisory council of the Women Presidents’ Organization; is a long time member of the Committee of 200 (C200) and the Harvard University JFK School of Government Women’s Leadership Board.
As founder of Stellar International Networks whose mission is to link women leaders of the world by providing a high caliber platform that taps into the power of women to influence change that creates more harmonious cooperation in the world through cultural exploration, exchange and engagement. In 2006 and 2008 Stellar International Networks successfully organized women leadership delegations to China with Senator Maria Cantwell. In addition to China, Laurie organized and led delegations with Senators Patty Murray and Cantwell to Cuba, Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Sweden, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and other countries.
Laurie was appointed chair of the Governor’s Executive Women’s Council under then Governor, now, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke; founding chair of the Center for Women and Democracy, University of Washington and awarded a US presidential appointment to the board of the National Women’s Business Council and founding president of the Washington State Women’s Forum of the International Women’s Forum organization. Awarded the 2005 “Women Who Make A Difference” award and received the “Leading Woman Entrepreneur of the Year” award in Monaco.
Laurie currently is a member of the USC Marshall School of Business Board of Leaders; the advisory council of the Women Presidents’ Organization; is a long time member of the Committee of 200 (C200) and the Harvard University JFK School of Government Women’s Leadership Board.
Julia
Plotts, Assistant Professor of Clinical Finance and
Business Economics, USC Marshall School of Business, California, U.S.A
Professor Julia Plotts is an expert in banking and
financial services, including corporate finance, valuation and government
oversight. She specializes in
financial analysis and valuation, mergers and acquisitions and corporate
finance. She is the author of several valuation case studies and contributed to
Valuation: The Art and Science of Corporate Investment Decisions.
Julia has received numerous awards, including the USC Mellon Mentoring Award (2010), Dean’s Award for Community (2010), USC Parents Association Teaching and Mentoring Award (2009), Golden Apple Award (2005, 2007, 2010), and USC Mortar Board Society (2009) . Before joining USC, she worked for Banc of America Securities LLC on equity and debt financing, valuation, and mergers and acquisitions.
Education: MBA, from University of Southern California; BA, Loyola Marymount University.
Julia has received numerous awards, including the USC Mellon Mentoring Award (2010), Dean’s Award for Community (2010), USC Parents Association Teaching and Mentoring Award (2009), Golden Apple Award (2005, 2007, 2010), and USC Mortar Board Society (2009) . Before joining USC, she worked for Banc of America Securities LLC on equity and debt financing, valuation, and mergers and acquisitions.
Education: MBA, from University of Southern California; BA, Loyola Marymount University.
Julie Auslander, President & Chief Cultural Officer, cSubs, LLC, New Jersey, USA
As a 5 time serial entrepreneur, Julie looks to match market opportunity with precision and drive. Julie Sue Auslander is President and Chief Cultural Officer of cSubs, LLC, where she guides one of Inc. Magazine’s 5000 fastest growing companies in the U.S., managing subscription programs for leading corporate subscribers. By providing an intuitive web based program, developed under Ms. Aulander’s guidance, companies can reduce their spending by 15-%20% on publications, memberships, site licenses and online services. Julie Auslander created an employee/client centric eco-system, through an internal culture that fosters total team engagement, believing if given what they need to succeed, her team would channel their own efforts toward a high quality customer experience. Formerly, Ms. Auslander presided over her prior company’s liquidity event to a public company, overseeing a $14 million budget.
Julie, having reaped the benefits as one of the originally certified WBENC companies back in 1997, realizes the importance of being certified and the challenges of doing so. When sitting on the New York WPEO Certification Committee, she saw the number of rejected or tabled applications and the time in dealing with them. As well, many applicants never submit or resubmit their requests. To those ends, wanting to be able to have as many women that qualify, seek and certify their businesses and become part of the ranks and privileges that certification brings Certify My Company was born. The mission is to simplify the arduous certifying process. Certify My Company (www. CertifyMyCompany.org) is here to personally coach applicants through the mountain of paperwork that is required. More than 60% of applications submitted get rejected for certification due to poorly filled out, incomplete or misunderstood paperwork causing unnecessary delays or abandon opportunities. With the goal of inspiring and helping women grow their businesses and have more fun and time doing it, CMC provides the inspiration needed for women by helping them get their qualified businesses nationally certified. CMC helps link them with large corporations and each other to increase revenue, connecting them to events and sharing expert knowledge and inspiration. She sits on the Advisory Board of the Center for Women & Enterprise and the Portable Playhouse.
Julie, having reaped the benefits as one of the originally certified WBENC companies back in 1997, realizes the importance of being certified and the challenges of doing so. When sitting on the New York WPEO Certification Committee, she saw the number of rejected or tabled applications and the time in dealing with them. As well, many applicants never submit or resubmit their requests. To those ends, wanting to be able to have as many women that qualify, seek and certify their businesses and become part of the ranks and privileges that certification brings Certify My Company was born. The mission is to simplify the arduous certifying process. Certify My Company (www. CertifyMyCompany.org) is here to personally coach applicants through the mountain of paperwork that is required. More than 60% of applications submitted get rejected for certification due to poorly filled out, incomplete or misunderstood paperwork causing unnecessary delays or abandon opportunities. With the goal of inspiring and helping women grow their businesses and have more fun and time doing it, CMC provides the inspiration needed for women by helping them get their qualified businesses nationally certified. CMC helps link them with large corporations and each other to increase revenue, connecting them to events and sharing expert knowledge and inspiration. She sits on the Advisory Board of the Center for Women & Enterprise and the Portable Playhouse.
Betty Blount, Owner, Architect, Designer, Zena Design Group, Washington State, U.S.A.
Betty Blount is the owner of Zena Design Group, an architectural and interior design firm which focuses on hospitality design. She has been working with the Shangri-La hotel group and the Hyatt hotel group designing local and international projects.
Betty founded Zena Design Group focusing on hospitality, specialty commercial and private residential design. Her background began in art and architecture, with degrees in architecture and business.
She has also worked in architecture and feasibility consulting, and then expanded into interior architecture and design. The firm concentrates on projects where attention to detail is critical to the outcome of the project.
Recent projects have included clubs, hotels, restaurants, and private residences. A major element of design is to incorporate art, artistic elements, and local craft into projects, using materials and techniques that are unique to the area or fit within each setting. Also, a central concept is recognizing the challenge of using new materials, techniques, styles, etc., yet not compromising the element of timelessness of the space.
Betty founded Zena Design Group focusing on hospitality, specialty commercial and private residential design. Her background began in art and architecture, with degrees in architecture and business.
She has also worked in architecture and feasibility consulting, and then expanded into interior architecture and design. The firm concentrates on projects where attention to detail is critical to the outcome of the project.
Recent projects have included clubs, hotels, restaurants, and private residences. A major element of design is to incorporate art, artistic elements, and local craft into projects, using materials and techniques that are unique to the area or fit within each setting. Also, a central concept is recognizing the challenge of using new materials, techniques, styles, etc., yet not compromising the element of timelessness of the space.
Pamela Coker, Co-Founder, Former CEO, Acucorp, Inc., California, U.S.A.
Pamela Coker, Ph.D., is a corporate leader in the field of
artificial intelligence, software and integration services. In 1988, she
co-founded Acucorp, Inc., a San Diego-based company that modernizes software
business applications written in COBOL, and, as president and CEO, she steered
the company into a global enterprise serving customers in 100 countries. After
Acucorp’s sale in 2007, Dr. Coker joined a team of four CEOs who provide
software consulting and interim executive services under the name DaggerBoard
Advisors.
Dr. Coker began her career in academia, most recently as an assistant professor for Claremont Graduate University in the field of cognitive psychology. In 1979, she left the university to take the helm of Integrated Research & Information Systems Inc., and went on to co-found Computer Cognition, Inc., serving as its president and director of research from 1983 to 1988.
For her considerable achievements, Dr. Coker has been recognized as Entrepreneur of the Year by the National Association of Women Business Owners (San Diego chapter) and one of the “Top 100 Influential Alumni in the first 50 years of the University of California, San Diego.” California Business has ranked her among the “One Hundred Execs Who Make a Difference,” and, under her leadership, Acucorp was named one of “America’s Fastest Growing Private Companies” by Inc.
Dr. Coker was admitted to C200 in 1998 for her inspirational role among female executives, and was formerly on the Membership Committee. She has served on an array of professional and non-profit boards, among them the Torrey Pines Children’s Liberal Arts Foundation, the San Diego Chapter of the International Forum for Corporate Executives, and California Innovation Network.
A graduate of University of California, Dr. Coker holds a Ph.D. in cognitive psychology (Irvine), and a bachelor’s degree in psychology/mathematics (San Diego). Pamela has a grown son, Loren. She lives in Del Mar, CA with her sweetheart, John Walls.
Dr. Coker began her career in academia, most recently as an assistant professor for Claremont Graduate University in the field of cognitive psychology. In 1979, she left the university to take the helm of Integrated Research & Information Systems Inc., and went on to co-found Computer Cognition, Inc., serving as its president and director of research from 1983 to 1988.
For her considerable achievements, Dr. Coker has been recognized as Entrepreneur of the Year by the National Association of Women Business Owners (San Diego chapter) and one of the “Top 100 Influential Alumni in the first 50 years of the University of California, San Diego.” California Business has ranked her among the “One Hundred Execs Who Make a Difference,” and, under her leadership, Acucorp was named one of “America’s Fastest Growing Private Companies” by Inc.
Dr. Coker was admitted to C200 in 1998 for her inspirational role among female executives, and was formerly on the Membership Committee. She has served on an array of professional and non-profit boards, among them the Torrey Pines Children’s Liberal Arts Foundation, the San Diego Chapter of the International Forum for Corporate Executives, and California Innovation Network.
A graduate of University of California, Dr. Coker holds a Ph.D. in cognitive psychology (Irvine), and a bachelor’s degree in psychology/mathematics (San Diego). Pamela has a grown son, Loren. She lives in Del Mar, CA with her sweetheart, John Walls.
Jeanette Chan, Partner, Paul Weiss, Beijing & Hong Kong, China
The head of the China Practice Group and the Asia Communications and Technology Practice Group, Jeanette K. Chan is a partner in the Corporate Department and splits her time between the firm's offices in Hong Kong and Beijing.
Her practice has focused on foreign direct investments into the PRC, with emphasis on joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions and private equity investments. She has also been an active participant in the Chinese telecommunications, IT and media markets since 1994, when they first opened to foreign companies. The other industries Ms. Chan has been involved in include insurance, banking, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and health care.
Ms. Chan spent several years with Paul Weiss in Hong Kong, New York and Shanghai prior to relocating to Hong Kong. From 1987 to 1989, she managed the firm's Shanghai presence, assisting clients in their investments and operations in Shanghai and elsewhere in China. In addition, Ms. Chan spent almost two years based in Hong Kong as the senior international legal advisor of Cable & Wireless, plc for the Asia Pacific region, including their operations in China.
Ms. Chan is a Chinese speaker (Mandarin, Shanghainese and Cantonese) and writes Chinese. She is frequently recognized as one of the world's leading PRC law practitioners, particularly in the communications, media and technology industries, by various publications including AsiaLaw Leading Lawyers, Asia Pacific Legal 500, Chambers Global, IFLR 1000 and Who's Who. Chambers Asia 2010 ranked Ms. Chan as a "Band 1" leading individual for TMT in information technology and telecommunications & broadcasting in China/Hong Kong. Practical Law Company listed her as a leading individual for private equity: buyouts in China, telecommunications in China and Hong Kong and highly recommended for media in China and Hong Kong in 2010. Asialaw Leading Lawyers 2010 identified Ms. Chan as a leading lawyer in TMT and venture capital & private equity. Ms. Chan was voted one of the "20 Leading Lawyers" by Asian Legal Business' Leading M&A Firms survey 2009 and for the sixth year Asian Legal Business named Ms. Chan as a "Hot 100" legal practitioner in Asia. Asian-Counsel magazine selected Ms. Chan as an "External Counsel of the Year 2009." Ms. Chan was noted as a leading individualin TMT in the Asia Pacific Legal 500 2009/2010 edition. Ms. Chan was also noted as a Paul, Weiss "Leading lawyer" in China M&A and Hong Kong private equity by IFLR 1000 2010 edition. Ms. Chan is an elected member of the Council of Governors of the Cable and Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia ("CASBAA"), and is a foreign legal consultant to the All China Lawyer's Association.Ms. Chan is a member of the New York Bar. She is also admitted to practice law in Canada, the UK and Hong Kong. Ms. Chan received her legal training at the University of British Columbia Law School and an LL.M. degree in international law from Harvard Law School.
Her practice has focused on foreign direct investments into the PRC, with emphasis on joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions and private equity investments. She has also been an active participant in the Chinese telecommunications, IT and media markets since 1994, when they first opened to foreign companies. The other industries Ms. Chan has been involved in include insurance, banking, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and health care.
Ms. Chan spent several years with Paul Weiss in Hong Kong, New York and Shanghai prior to relocating to Hong Kong. From 1987 to 1989, she managed the firm's Shanghai presence, assisting clients in their investments and operations in Shanghai and elsewhere in China. In addition, Ms. Chan spent almost two years based in Hong Kong as the senior international legal advisor of Cable & Wireless, plc for the Asia Pacific region, including their operations in China.
Ms. Chan is a Chinese speaker (Mandarin, Shanghainese and Cantonese) and writes Chinese. She is frequently recognized as one of the world's leading PRC law practitioners, particularly in the communications, media and technology industries, by various publications including AsiaLaw Leading Lawyers, Asia Pacific Legal 500, Chambers Global, IFLR 1000 and Who's Who. Chambers Asia 2010 ranked Ms. Chan as a "Band 1" leading individual for TMT in information technology and telecommunications & broadcasting in China/Hong Kong. Practical Law Company listed her as a leading individual for private equity: buyouts in China, telecommunications in China and Hong Kong and highly recommended for media in China and Hong Kong in 2010. Asialaw Leading Lawyers 2010 identified Ms. Chan as a leading lawyer in TMT and venture capital & private equity. Ms. Chan was voted one of the "20 Leading Lawyers" by Asian Legal Business' Leading M&A Firms survey 2009 and for the sixth year Asian Legal Business named Ms. Chan as a "Hot 100" legal practitioner in Asia. Asian-Counsel magazine selected Ms. Chan as an "External Counsel of the Year 2009." Ms. Chan was noted as a leading individualin TMT in the Asia Pacific Legal 500 2009/2010 edition. Ms. Chan was also noted as a Paul, Weiss "Leading lawyer" in China M&A and Hong Kong private equity by IFLR 1000 2010 edition. Ms. Chan is an elected member of the Council of Governors of the Cable and Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia ("CASBAA"), and is a foreign legal consultant to the All China Lawyer's Association.Ms. Chan is a member of the New York Bar. She is also admitted to practice law in Canada, the UK and Hong Kong. Ms. Chan received her legal training at the University of British Columbia Law School and an LL.M. degree in international law from Harvard Law School.
Tena Clark
Composer/Lyricist, CEO & Chief Creative Officer,
DMI Music & Media Solutions, California, U.S.A
What musical touchstone does President Barack Obama, the most powerful ruler in the world, share with Aretha Franklin, crowned the greatest singer of the rock era by Rolling Stone Magazine? The answer is the music expertise of Tena Clark. The company she founded, DMI Music & Media Solutions, programs the President’s music for Air Force One, and Clark also recently produced the Queen of Soul’s most recent album. Patti LaBelle, Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, Natalie Cole, Jennifer Holliday, Gladys Knight, CeCe Winans, Dionne Warwick, Patti Austin, Stephanie Mills, Yolanda Adams and Rev. Shirley Caesar are among the iconic recording artists for whom Clark has written and/or produced for. In 2009, Natalie Cole was honored with two GRAMMY awards for Still Unforgettable, executive produced by Clark. A musical compass has guided Clark from rural Mississippi to Hollywood. Beginning at age five, she would visit New Orleans with her mother, a songwriter from the big band era, where she absorbed the city’s intoxicating rhythms. Her first professional gig at 15 was playing drums at the Crescent City’s famed Roosevelt Hotel. Since then, Clark has excelled in multiple genres across an astonishing breadth of mediums. Highlights include penning award-winning country hits, contributing to multi-platinum movie soundtracks including Hope Floats, The Five Heart Beats, Where the Heart Is, and My Best Friend’s Wedding, writing for television shows like Desperate Housewives, and creating the instantly recognizable national campaign theme, “Have You Had Your Break Today,” for McDonald’s. In homage to her musical and spiritual roots, Clark produced Church: Songs of Soul and Inspiration that included classic soul artists like Patti LaBelle and Chaka Khan plus contributions from Pulitzer Prize winner, Dr. Maya Angelou and Toni Morrison. A stratospheric anthem from this collection, “Way Up There,” written and produced by Clark and performed by Patti LaBelle, was nominated for a GRAMMY award. “Way Up There” was originally commissioned by NASA as their theme song. Clark, a preeminent songwriter, is one of the rare female producers in the music business, and is among the most influential women in American media. Recently, Clark was named “Entrepreneur of the Year” by the Committee of 200, a prestigious group of the highest ranking women executives in successful private and public companies. Also, Clark recently launched “Twist, An American Musical” to rave reviews in Atlanta; Clark is the composer and lyricist. “Twist” was directed and choreographed by Debbie Allen. As CEO/Chief Creative Officer for the industry leader DMI Music & Media Solutions, the company she envisioned 13 years ago, she is involved with every imaginative aspect of the forward-thinking firm’s far-reaching endeavors. But she is never far from her recoding studio and her world-class campus. Writing eloquent songs for remarkable artists is at the heart of her musical soul.
Bonnie
J. Dunbar
PhD NAE RSE Astronaut, Speaker, Executive Director, Wings Over
Washington, Washington State, U.S.A
Dr. Bonnie Dunbar recently retired as the President and CEO of the Museum of Flight to assume the position of Executive Director of Wings Over Washington, an affiliate organization of The Museum of Flight in Seattle Washington. The “MOF” is the largest private air and space museum in the world, with an education program that provides for more than 120,000 students per year. Wings Over Washington is dedicated to future development of the Museum, including building a new Space Gallery, to acquiring Space Artifacts, including a retiring Space Shuttle, and to building the Aviation High School on its campus. Dr. Dunbar retired from the NASA Johnson Space Center in 2005 where she had a 27 year career as a Space Flight Controller, an Astronaut, and a member of the Senior Executive Service.
As a NASA Mission Specialist astronaut and veteran of 5 space flights, Dr. Dunbar logged more than 50 days in space. She has served as the Payload Commander on two flights, including the first Space Shuttle docking mission to the Russian Space Station Mir. Following her flight career, Dr. Dunbar served in the government Senior Executive Service for 7 years, holding various management positions at the NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C., and at the NASA Johnson Space Center.
Dr. Dunbar holds BS and MS degrees in Ceramic Engineering from the University of Washington, and a PhD in Mechanical/Biomedical Engineering from the University of Houston. She graduated from the Harvard School for Senior Managers in Government in 2001. Prior to working for NASA, she was a senior research engineer with Rockwell International Space Division, where she helped to develop the equipment and processes for manufacturing the thermal protection system for the Space Shuttle. Dr. Dunbar is a member of the American Ceramic Society (Fellow), the National Institute of Ceramic Engineers (NICE), the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA/Fellow). She has been awarded the NASA Space Flight Medal five times, the NASA Exceptional Leadership Medal, and the NASA Distinguished Service Medal. She was named a Woman of Influence by the Puget Sound Business Journal and has received the Washington State Medal of Merit.
Dr. Dunbar holds seven honorary degrees, is a registered Professional Engineer in Texas, is an elected member of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, an elected member of the Royal Aeronautical Society, and, in 2002, was elected to the US National Academy of Engineers.
As a NASA Mission Specialist astronaut and veteran of 5 space flights, Dr. Dunbar logged more than 50 days in space. She has served as the Payload Commander on two flights, including the first Space Shuttle docking mission to the Russian Space Station Mir. Following her flight career, Dr. Dunbar served in the government Senior Executive Service for 7 years, holding various management positions at the NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C., and at the NASA Johnson Space Center.
Dr. Dunbar holds BS and MS degrees in Ceramic Engineering from the University of Washington, and a PhD in Mechanical/Biomedical Engineering from the University of Houston. She graduated from the Harvard School for Senior Managers in Government in 2001. Prior to working for NASA, she was a senior research engineer with Rockwell International Space Division, where she helped to develop the equipment and processes for manufacturing the thermal protection system for the Space Shuttle. Dr. Dunbar is a member of the American Ceramic Society (Fellow), the National Institute of Ceramic Engineers (NICE), the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA/Fellow). She has been awarded the NASA Space Flight Medal five times, the NASA Exceptional Leadership Medal, and the NASA Distinguished Service Medal. She was named a Woman of Influence by the Puget Sound Business Journal and has received the Washington State Medal of Merit.
Dr. Dunbar holds seven honorary degrees, is a registered Professional Engineer in Texas, is an elected member of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, an elected member of the Royal Aeronautical Society, and, in 2002, was elected to the US National Academy of Engineers.
Elizabeth Haenle, CEO, Peridot Paper and Founder and president of Elizabeth Haenle Weddings, Lifestyle and Events, Beijing, China
Elizabeth is the founder and president of Elizabeth Haenle Weddings, Lifestyle and Events, a consulting company that focuses on custom weddings, lifestyle and social events around the world. She is also the president and CEO of Peridot Paper, the award-winning custom gift packaging and gift design company she founded in 2003.
Prior to moving to Beijing, Elizabeth served eight years at the White House as the social secretary and residence manager to the Vice President of the United States. During her time at the White House, Elizabeth planned social events on behalf of the President and Vice President with many global leaders. As residence manager, she was also responsible for coordinating the interior and landscape design, the culinary program and the art collection for the official residence of the Vice President.
While at the White House, Elizabeth also traveled extensively on behalf of the Vice President to plan events in the United States, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
She previously worked for two U.S. presidential campaigns, a member of Congress, a former Secretary of Commerce and the 1996 centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia.
Prior to moving to Beijing, Elizabeth served eight years at the White House as the social secretary and residence manager to the Vice President of the United States. During her time at the White House, Elizabeth planned social events on behalf of the President and Vice President with many global leaders. As residence manager, she was also responsible for coordinating the interior and landscape design, the culinary program and the art collection for the official residence of the Vice President.
While at the White House, Elizabeth also traveled extensively on behalf of the Vice President to plan events in the United States, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
She previously worked for two U.S. presidential campaigns, a member of Congress, a former Secretary of Commerce and the 1996 centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia.
Kai Falkenberg, Editorial Counsel, Forbes, New York,
U.S.A
Kai Falkenberg is the editorial counsel at Forbes where she is responsible for all legal issues relating to the editorial content of Forbes’ print and online publications. In addition to her editorial legal work, Ms. Falkenberg writes on legal issues for Forbes and appears regularly on the Forbes on Fox program on Fox News.
Prior to joining Forbes, Ms. Falkenberg was an associate at Davis Wright Tremaine where she specialized in media law and represented various national magazines and broadcast clients.
Before joining Davis Wright, Ms. Falkenberg clerked for Judge A. Raymond Randolph of the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, and was an associate at Wachtell Lipton Rosen & Katz.
Ms. Falkenberg is a graduate of Dartmouth College and earned her J.D. from Columbia Law School, where she served as an editor of the Columbia Law Review.
Prior to joining Forbes, Ms. Falkenberg was an associate at Davis Wright Tremaine where she specialized in media law and represented various national magazines and broadcast clients.
Before joining Davis Wright, Ms. Falkenberg clerked for Judge A. Raymond Randolph of the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, and was an associate at Wachtell Lipton Rosen & Katz.
Ms. Falkenberg is a graduate of Dartmouth College and earned her J.D. from Columbia Law School, where she served as an editor of the Columbia Law Review.
Michele Fabrizi
President & CEO, MARC USA, President, Co-Founder & CEO,
two:peas Jewelry, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
Michele Fabrizi is a leader and brand champion, who creates
game-changing strategies that generate real business results for her clients.
Under Michele’s leadership, MARC USA, one of the nation’s largest independent
advertising agencies, has become known for its unique ability to weave a web of
engagement around consumers – effectively bridging the online and offline
worlds.
Michele knows what it takes to successfully market and grow a business. She joined MARC USA, one of the nation’s largest independent advertising and marketing communications firms, in 1982 and moved rapidly up the ranks. In 2003, Michele was named President & CEO of the nationwide advertising division. Prior to this, as President and Chief Executive Officer of MARC USA’s Pittsburgh headquarters, she oversaw unprecedented growth culminating in a 200% increase in billings in her first two years at the helm. She is respected as a leading professional in her field, and Adweek magazine cited her as one of the outstanding women in advertising.
On the national level, Michele is a member of the Board of Directors of the March of Dimes. Closer to home, she serves on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, where she led the development of the regional brand and the marketing efforts for Pittsburgh’s 250th Anniversary. She also serves on the Executive Committee and Board of the United Way of Allegheny County and was the first woman to chair the annual fundraising campaign. Michele chairs the Board of Directors of the Pittsburgh Opera and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Andy Warhol Museum.
Michele’s contributions to her profession and the community have been recognized with numerous awards. Her honors include Pennsylvania Department of Commerce Fifty Best Women in Business, Carlow College Women of Spirit, Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce Athena Award, Ernst & Young Western PA Entrepreneur of Year Finalist, YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh Tribute to Women – Communications, and Girl Scouts of SW Pennsylvania Woman of Distinction – Professional.
Michele knows what it takes to successfully market and grow a business. She joined MARC USA, one of the nation’s largest independent advertising and marketing communications firms, in 1982 and moved rapidly up the ranks. In 2003, Michele was named President & CEO of the nationwide advertising division. Prior to this, as President and Chief Executive Officer of MARC USA’s Pittsburgh headquarters, she oversaw unprecedented growth culminating in a 200% increase in billings in her first two years at the helm. She is respected as a leading professional in her field, and Adweek magazine cited her as one of the outstanding women in advertising.
On the national level, Michele is a member of the Board of Directors of the March of Dimes. Closer to home, she serves on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, where she led the development of the regional brand and the marketing efforts for Pittsburgh’s 250th Anniversary. She also serves on the Executive Committee and Board of the United Way of Allegheny County and was the first woman to chair the annual fundraising campaign. Michele chairs the Board of Directors of the Pittsburgh Opera and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Andy Warhol Museum.
Michele’s contributions to her profession and the community have been recognized with numerous awards. Her honors include Pennsylvania Department of Commerce Fifty Best Women in Business, Carlow College Women of Spirit, Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce Athena Award, Ernst & Young Western PA Entrepreneur of Year Finalist, YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh Tribute to Women – Communications, and Girl Scouts of SW Pennsylvania Woman of Distinction – Professional.
Brenda Brown Hunter, Science Advisor, Office of Defense Programs, NNSA, Washington, DC, U.S.A.
Brenda Brown Hunter is the Science Advisor in the Office of Defense Programs at the Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). She assists the Deputy Administrator in directing the Stockpile Stewardship Program (SSP), which is responsible for maintaining the safety, security, and reliability of the Nation’s nuclear weapons stockpile. The NNSA’s nuclear weapons complex includes three national research laboratories, the Nevada Test Site, and four production plants.
Ms. Hunter is the representative on the Science Council for all of the production plants. NNSA approximately $5.2 billion program, with over 25,000 people around the country, encompasses operations associated with manufacturing, maintaining, refurbishing, and dismantling the nuclear weapons stockpile. Defense Programs also provides oversight and direction of the research, development, and engineering support to maintain the safety and reliability of the nuclear weapons stockpile in the absence of underground testing, and assures the capability for maintaining the readiness to test and develop new warheads, if required.
Ms. Hunter holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Alabama State University and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Tennessee. Among numerous other awards, she is most proud to have received the Levi Watkins President’s Award while attending Alabama State University.
She is the recipient of the 2008 YWCA Tribute to Women in Business and Government award. Her talents and drive are visible within the organizations she serves. She expends her energy and her network of contacts to raise funds to support the mission of organizations, such as the American Cancer Society and United Way.
Brenda Brown Hunter can be summarized as a real person of compassion and deep desire to effect positive impacts on her community and its citizens.
Ms. Hunter is the representative on the Science Council for all of the production plants. NNSA approximately $5.2 billion program, with over 25,000 people around the country, encompasses operations associated with manufacturing, maintaining, refurbishing, and dismantling the nuclear weapons stockpile. Defense Programs also provides oversight and direction of the research, development, and engineering support to maintain the safety and reliability of the nuclear weapons stockpile in the absence of underground testing, and assures the capability for maintaining the readiness to test and develop new warheads, if required.
Ms. Hunter holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Alabama State University and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Tennessee. Among numerous other awards, she is most proud to have received the Levi Watkins President’s Award while attending Alabama State University.
She is the recipient of the 2008 YWCA Tribute to Women in Business and Government award. Her talents and drive are visible within the organizations she serves. She expends her energy and her network of contacts to raise funds to support the mission of organizations, such as the American Cancer Society and United Way.
Brenda Brown Hunter can be summarized as a real person of compassion and deep desire to effect positive impacts on her community and its citizens.
Rosanne F. Lapan, Founder, Rosanne F. Lapan Holdings, LLC, Washington State, U.S.A.
Rosanne Lapan has practiced corporate law and estate planning in Arizona for over 30 years. She is currently a partner in one of the largest commercial retail owners in Southern Arizona. Rosanne F. Lapan Holdings invests in various real estate developments, venture, stocks and bonds. Rosanne Lapan is dedicated to women’s leadership and has participated in numerous international women’s delegations.
Rosanne has been active on a variety of boards including The American Jewish Committee, Jewish Philanthropic Foundation, The Jewish Community Center, Women's Studies Advisory Council at UofA, the Foundation for Integrative Medicine, Angel Charity for Children, Susan G. Komen Foundation, the Center for Women and Democracy, and Washington State Women’s Forum.
Ms. Lapan was recognized as a "Local Hero" by the National Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in 1998. She authored "A Resource Guide for Breast Cancer - Breast Cancer Network, Tucson Guide," first published by the American Cancer Society in 1999 and was the first "Gift of Life" recipient by the American Cancer Society, Southern Arizona Chapter, in 2000. She earned her B.A. and M.A. at the University of Washington and earned her J.D. at the University of Arizona.
Rosanne has been active on a variety of boards including The American Jewish Committee, Jewish Philanthropic Foundation, The Jewish Community Center, Women's Studies Advisory Council at UofA, the Foundation for Integrative Medicine, Angel Charity for Children, Susan G. Komen Foundation, the Center for Women and Democracy, and Washington State Women’s Forum.
Ms. Lapan was recognized as a "Local Hero" by the National Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in 1998. She authored "A Resource Guide for Breast Cancer - Breast Cancer Network, Tucson Guide," first published by the American Cancer Society in 1999 and was the first "Gift of Life" recipient by the American Cancer Society, Southern Arizona Chapter, in 2000. She earned her B.A. and M.A. at the University of Washington and earned her J.D. at the University of Arizona.
Deborah
J. MacInnis, Vice Dean for Research and Strategy, Charles L. and
Ramona I. Hilliard Professor of Business Administration and Professor of
Marketing at the Marshall School of Business, University of Southern California, U.S.A.
Deborah J. MacInnis is the
Vice Dean for Research and Strategy, Charles L. and Ramona I. Hilliard
Professor of Business Administration and Professor of Marketing at the Marshall
School of Business, University of Southern California where she oversees Marshall’s
strategic planning process and all aspects of faculty and PhD student research
(grants, corporate sponsored research, and research resources). She is an expert in consumer emotions and
their impact on consumer behavior. She is also an expert in branding and
consumers’ attachments to brand. She has published over 75 papers, book
chapters and books in areas related to consumer behavior. Her work has been
published in the Journal of Consumer
Research, Journal of Marketing, Journal of Marketing Research, Journal of
Consumer Psychology, Journal of Advertising, and others. She has served as Associate Editor or a
member of the Editorial Reviewer Boards of each of these journals.
She is currently Co-Editor of the Journal of Consumer Research. She is past President of the Association for Consumer Research, and past Vice-President of Conferences and Research for the Academic Council of the American Marketing Association. She is the recipient of the Journal of Marketing’s Alpha Kappa Psi and Maynard awards for high impact research on branding and consumer emotions. She has also received numerous teaching awards for her work with undergraduate students. She received her PhD in business administration from the University of Pittsburgh and she holds a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Smith College. She served on the faculty at the University of Arizona from 1986-1994. Her husband is also a faculty member at Marshall. Together they have two teenage children.
She is currently Co-Editor of the Journal of Consumer Research. She is past President of the Association for Consumer Research, and past Vice-President of Conferences and Research for the Academic Council of the American Marketing Association. She is the recipient of the Journal of Marketing’s Alpha Kappa Psi and Maynard awards for high impact research on branding and consumer emotions. She has also received numerous teaching awards for her work with undergraduate students. She received her PhD in business administration from the University of Pittsburgh and she holds a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Smith College. She served on the faculty at the University of Arizona from 1986-1994. Her husband is also a faculty member at Marshall. Together they have two teenage children.
Mauree McKaen, President & CEO, Leadership Unlimited, Seattle, WA, U.S.A.
Mauree McKaen
is the founder and president of Leadership Unlimited, Inc., an executive
leadership consulting firm for non-profit and small business organizations.
Mauree brings over 30 years of leadership, directorship and executive coaching
experience.
Mauree is a highly sought out speaker who designed a development program for emerging leaders entitled “LEADS to Leadership Success in the 21st Century™.” Her company has assisted countless leaders and leadership teams on improving performance with executive recruitment; assessment, strategic planning, small business start-up and expansion and other advisory consulting services. She designs and facilitates processes for executive teams in tactical and strategic planning; developing sustainable organizations, cross-cultural competency for leaders and conflict resolution.
Mauree has participated in many international exchanges and has a passion for global women’s leadership. She has served on numerous boards in both public and private sectors. She is the former board chair of the City of Seattle's Board of Ethics and served as the founding President of First Place; one of the first schools in the United States designed to serve homeless children.
Mauree earned her M.S.W. from the University of Michigan and her law degree from Seattle University.
Mauree is a highly sought out speaker who designed a development program for emerging leaders entitled “LEADS to Leadership Success in the 21st Century™.” Her company has assisted countless leaders and leadership teams on improving performance with executive recruitment; assessment, strategic planning, small business start-up and expansion and other advisory consulting services. She designs and facilitates processes for executive teams in tactical and strategic planning; developing sustainable organizations, cross-cultural competency for leaders and conflict resolution.
Mauree has participated in many international exchanges and has a passion for global women’s leadership. She has served on numerous boards in both public and private sectors. She is the former board chair of the City of Seattle's Board of Ethics and served as the founding President of First Place; one of the first schools in the United States designed to serve homeless children.
Mauree earned her M.S.W. from the University of Michigan and her law degree from Seattle University.
Guillermina Molina
Director,
Undergraduate Programs, USC Marshall School of Business, California, U.S.A.
Guillermina Molina is the Director of Undergraduate
Programs at the USC Marshall School of Business. In
this position, she manages important co-curricular programs in the areas of
career development, leadership development, and international education for
nearly 4,000 business students. Since 2002, Guillermina has been
instrumental in firmly establishing the USC Marshall Undergraduate Program
within the top 10 best business schools in the country (according to US News
and World Report).
She effectivelycreated and fine-tuned programs that engage students in their career development path and that increase their global mindset. From July, 2006 through March, 2007 Guillermina also served as Interim Associate Dean. She began her career as a change management consultant at Accenture, working with clients such as Shell, the US Postal Service, and Ericsson. She also worked as a consultant and project manager at Sony Pictures Entertainment and The Game Show Network.
Guillermina earned a bachelor's degree with honors from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a master's degree in Communication Management from USC's Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. Guillermina lives in Culver City, CA with her husband and daughter.
She effectivelycreated and fine-tuned programs that engage students in their career development path and that increase their global mindset. From July, 2006 through March, 2007 Guillermina also served as Interim Associate Dean. She began her career as a change management consultant at Accenture, working with clients such as Shell, the US Postal Service, and Ericsson. She also worked as a consultant and project manager at Sony Pictures Entertainment and The Game Show Network.
Guillermina earned a bachelor's degree with honors from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a master's degree in Communication Management from USC's Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. Guillermina lives in Culver City, CA with her husband and daughter.
Melissa D. Obegi, Managing Director, Oaktree
Capital (Hong Kong) Limited
Ms. Obegi is a Managing Director with Oaktree’s Asia Principal Group, based in Hong Kong. Oaktree Capital Management is a global investment management firm with over $80 billion in assets under management. Oaktree’s Asia Principal Group focuses on private equity investments in Asia, including Greater China, Japan, Southeast Asia and Australia. Ms. Obegi’s responsibilities include investment sourcing, structuring, execution and management, as well as fund-level operational responsibilities. Ms. Obegi has been with Oaktree since 2002, first in Oaktree’s headquarters in Los Angeles where she acted as Associate General Counsel, and then in Hong Kong since 2006.
Prior to joining Oaktree, Ms. Obegi worked for the Overseas Private Investment Corporation in Washington D.C. as Associate General Counsel, Investment Funds, with responsibilities for its $3 billion portfolio of emerging markets private equity investment funds. Prior thereto, she was an associate in the International Banking Group of the law firm Coudert Brothers, working in their New York and San Francisco offices. Ms. Obegi graduated magna cum laude with a B.S.F.S. degree in International Politics from the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University and received a J.D. from the University of California at Los Angeles School of Law, where she was a member of the Order of the Coif.
Prior to joining Oaktree, Ms. Obegi worked for the Overseas Private Investment Corporation in Washington D.C. as Associate General Counsel, Investment Funds, with responsibilities for its $3 billion portfolio of emerging markets private equity investment funds. Prior thereto, she was an associate in the International Banking Group of the law firm Coudert Brothers, working in their New York and San Francisco offices. Ms. Obegi graduated magna cum laude with a B.S.F.S. degree in International Politics from the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University and received a J.D. from the University of California at Los Angeles School of Law, where she was a member of the Order of the Coif.
Colleen Payne, President & CEO, Mobile Cardiac Imaging, LLC, Oklahoma,
U.S.A.
Entrepreneur, author and professional speaker, Colleen J.
Payne, is much sought after for her message on success, inspiration and
empowerment. She is founder and CEO of Mobile Cardiac Imaging, LLC, (dba) MCI Diagnostic
Center. MCI Diagnostic
Center is one of the most successful and well-positioned companies in the
medical industry and has been listed with Inc. Magazine as one of the 5000
Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America for 2007, 2008 and 2009. Payne
delivers motivational talks that challenge audience members to take charge of
their lives and careers while creating a sense of balance. She helps to
illuminate the drive and determination that lives within each of us to uncover
our best life yet.
Payne has written numerous leadership and business articles, and has been featured in many publications, including Washington G2, Black Enterprise, Influence Magazine, and Inc. Magazine. Payne has appeared on national and local television with segments on Fox News, ABC, CBS and NBC. She was also named as one of Tulsa’s Most Influential People in 2008, was the SBA’s Small Business Person of the year in 2007 for the State of Oklahoma, and was selected as Business Innovator of the Year in 2003 by Black Enterprise Magazine.
Payne is the author of I Did it My Way and…It Worked! a savvy, no-nonsense approach to business and entrepreneurship. She candidly discusses how she overcame the obstacles in her life and met these challenges head on. Her story demonstrates what is possible for entrepreneurs and provides an overall blueprint on how to most effectively run an organization.
Payne has written numerous leadership and business articles, and has been featured in many publications, including Washington G2, Black Enterprise, Influence Magazine, and Inc. Magazine. Payne has appeared on national and local television with segments on Fox News, ABC, CBS and NBC. She was also named as one of Tulsa’s Most Influential People in 2008, was the SBA’s Small Business Person of the year in 2007 for the State of Oklahoma, and was selected as Business Innovator of the Year in 2003 by Black Enterprise Magazine.
Payne is the author of I Did it My Way and…It Worked! a savvy, no-nonsense approach to business and entrepreneurship. She candidly discusses how she overcame the obstacles in her life and met these challenges head on. Her story demonstrates what is possible for entrepreneurs and provides an overall blueprint on how to most effectively run an organization.
Pepper Schwartz, Ph.D
Author, Speaker, Professor of Sociology, University of
Washington, Washington State, U.S.A.
Dr. Pepper Schwartz is
Professor of Sociology at the University
of Washington. She is
past president of the International Society for the Scientific Study of
Sexuality, the Pacific Sociological Association, and the Centers for Sexuality
and the National Sexuality Resource
Center.
She is presently the relationship and love Ambassador for AARP, the largest membership organization in the United States and a founding member and chief relationship expert for Perfectmatch.com. She is the author of 16 books and over 50 academic articles and the winner of the American Sociological Association award for Public Understanding of Sociology and the Matrix award for Excellence in Education. She was honored as a Distinguished Alumni by Washington University in St. Louis and has served on the alumni council of Yale University where she attended graduate school.
A frequent commentator on intimate relationships; she has appeared multiple times on Oprah, the Today Show and writes a blog for PsychToday.com and Triporati.com. She lives in Snoqualmie, Washington on a horse farm near Seattle.
She is presently the relationship and love Ambassador for AARP, the largest membership organization in the United States and a founding member and chief relationship expert for Perfectmatch.com. She is the author of 16 books and over 50 academic articles and the winner of the American Sociological Association award for Public Understanding of Sociology and the Matrix award for Excellence in Education. She was honored as a Distinguished Alumni by Washington University in St. Louis and has served on the alumni council of Yale University where she attended graduate school.
A frequent commentator on intimate relationships; she has appeared multiple times on Oprah, the Today Show and writes a blog for PsychToday.com and Triporati.com. She lives in Snoqualmie, Washington on a horse farm near Seattle.
Rhona Silver, Founding
Director, Caterbid.com, New York, U.S.A.
Rhona Silver is currently
one of the Founding Directors of CaterBid.com. CaterBid.com is leading a
nationwide Catering Revolution and changing the way events are booked. She is a
visionary entrepreneur and a prominent figure in the catering industry for over
forty years. She is a trailblazer, able to fill niche segments of the catering
industry. Along with her children, Ms. Silver created CaterBid.com to revolutionize
and simplify the way events are booked, taking catering into the 21st century.
Rhona has traveled the world as an official representative of the United States catering industry first in Helsinki, Finland
then Regal Latvia, Bahrain,
and Dubai through a Women’s Mentoring Program
and Business Summit led by former US Ambassador Bonnie McElveen
Hunter. Ms. Silver previously owned the largest catering facility in the USA,
where she showcased events honoring Presidents, Heads of State and Governors, as
well as hosted numerous trade shows, weddings, and corporate events. She has
been featured on NBC, W-ABC, CNN, and CBS for her catering expertise and
advice.
Ms. Silver is a long time member of The Committee of 200 (C200) as well as the Young Presidents' Organization (YPO). Ms. Silver is also as member of the Tiffany Circle of the American Red Cross, a cause that she is greatly devoted to. Ms. Silver also serves on the eWomenNetwork’s Foundation Advisory Council. She has been listed on Crain's Top 40 Women and is the proud recipient of numerous awards, including the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, Top 100 New Yorkers of the Year, Top 50 Women Awards on Long Island, NY, and Hofstra Law School’s Distinguished Alumni Awards. Rhona earned her J.D. from Hofstra Law.
Ms. Silver is a long time member of The Committee of 200 (C200) as well as the Young Presidents' Organization (YPO). Ms. Silver is also as member of the Tiffany Circle of the American Red Cross, a cause that she is greatly devoted to. Ms. Silver also serves on the eWomenNetwork’s Foundation Advisory Council. She has been listed on Crain's Top 40 Women and is the proud recipient of numerous awards, including the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, Top 100 New Yorkers of the Year, Top 50 Women Awards on Long Island, NY, and Hofstra Law School’s Distinguished Alumni Awards. Rhona earned her J.D. from Hofstra Law.
Wina So, CEO, Solstice
Medicine Company, California, U.S.A.
Wina So: Female
Entrepreneur Turning Old-World Tradition Into Modern-Day Innovation.
Solstice Medicine Company was founded in 1979 with the intent of providing traditional Chinese medicines to immigrants. Without proper labeling, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) would not allow these products to be brought into the United States. Solstice Medicine Company was the first of its kind to break into this market and import them in bulk.
Wina So Tran – CEO of Solstice Medicine Company – is a Chinese-American entrepreneur from Glendale, California. Armed with a degree in Business Administration from the University of Southern California, Wina joined her father’s company in 2001 with the objective to modernize business operations, implement exclusive distribution contracts with manufacturers, and enforce trademarks registration to stop the distribution of counterfeit products in the marketplace.
In 2007, Solstice moved its headquarters into a brand new 40,000 square feet state-of-the-art building in Downtown Los Angeles. With the new facility, Wina streamlined business operations by improving logistics and warehousing efficiency. She was able to structure and modernize the business using various campaigns that resulted in FDA compliance and registration of all products, a hologram design on packaging to prevent counterfeits, as well as revenue of $10.9 million in 2010.
Solstice Medicine Company is now the largest importer and distributor of traditional Chinese medicines in the United States. With headquarters centered in Downtown Los Angeles, the company represents over 400 products from 8 different countries including China, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, France, and others. Wina has been able to modernized Solstice Medicine Company onto a new and innovative platform that has revitalized traditional Chinese medicine.
The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) has recognized Wina as the 2011 Rising-Star Award recipient. She has led the way in the business community to build a legacy for the next generation of female entrepreneurs. Having been involved in numerous organizations for many years, Wina dedicates her time to establishing an outlet for economic, social, and political power for female entrepreneurs.
Solstice Medicine Company was founded in 1979 with the intent of providing traditional Chinese medicines to immigrants. Without proper labeling, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) would not allow these products to be brought into the United States. Solstice Medicine Company was the first of its kind to break into this market and import them in bulk.
Wina So Tran – CEO of Solstice Medicine Company – is a Chinese-American entrepreneur from Glendale, California. Armed with a degree in Business Administration from the University of Southern California, Wina joined her father’s company in 2001 with the objective to modernize business operations, implement exclusive distribution contracts with manufacturers, and enforce trademarks registration to stop the distribution of counterfeit products in the marketplace.
In 2007, Solstice moved its headquarters into a brand new 40,000 square feet state-of-the-art building in Downtown Los Angeles. With the new facility, Wina streamlined business operations by improving logistics and warehousing efficiency. She was able to structure and modernize the business using various campaigns that resulted in FDA compliance and registration of all products, a hologram design on packaging to prevent counterfeits, as well as revenue of $10.9 million in 2010.
Solstice Medicine Company is now the largest importer and distributor of traditional Chinese medicines in the United States. With headquarters centered in Downtown Los Angeles, the company represents over 400 products from 8 different countries including China, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, France, and others. Wina has been able to modernized Solstice Medicine Company onto a new and innovative platform that has revitalized traditional Chinese medicine.
The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) has recognized Wina as the 2011 Rising-Star Award recipient. She has led the way in the business community to build a legacy for the next generation of female entrepreneurs. Having been involved in numerous organizations for many years, Wina dedicates her time to establishing an outlet for economic, social, and political power for female entrepreneurs.
Annie Vonheim, Senior International Manager, Metagenics, Inc.
Annie Niou Vonheim is the Senior International
Manager at Metagenics, Inc., an internationally recognized life science company
dedicated to combating chronic disease with natural therapeutic applications. Metagenics is headquartered in California and currently employs almost 1,000 people in
offices around the world, including the US,
Canada, Belgium and Australia. As the leader in the professional-grade
nutraceutical industry and functional medicine education, thousands of healthcare
practitioners worldwide have been able to naturally restore health to their
patients suffering from chronic illnesses.
At Metagenics, Annie heads the International business unit, overseeing business development, sales, marketing and operations in over 25 countries. She is currently leading a significant hospital project in China, creating a series of preventative medicine centers that treat patients with natural solutions. These hospitals will serve as teaching hospitals in conjunction with top-ranked medical schools to train both Chinese and Taiwanese doctors how to utilize advanced nutritional therapies in the treatment of chronic disease conditions.
Annie is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate in Economics from the University of California Irvine with a specialty in International Business from the National University of Singapore. She started her career in international business at the US Department of Commerce and the federally-appointed District Export Council. As a result, she still partners with Commerce regularly as a speaker to promote world trade for the export community. Annie also serves as an Adjunct Professor in the International Business Department at Santa Ana College, one of the top 10 associates degree producers for the Hispanic community. She is also an Ambassador Speaker for the Second Harvest Food Bank, as well as a co-founder for the Kids Cafe Nutrition education program which feeds and educates underprivileged children about the lifelong importance of making the right food choices from an early age. Her most recent project for the Food Bank was to lead an initiative to significantly improve the nutritional content of meals served to the homeless population of Orange County.
At Metagenics, Annie heads the International business unit, overseeing business development, sales, marketing and operations in over 25 countries. She is currently leading a significant hospital project in China, creating a series of preventative medicine centers that treat patients with natural solutions. These hospitals will serve as teaching hospitals in conjunction with top-ranked medical schools to train both Chinese and Taiwanese doctors how to utilize advanced nutritional therapies in the treatment of chronic disease conditions.
Annie is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate in Economics from the University of California Irvine with a specialty in International Business from the National University of Singapore. She started her career in international business at the US Department of Commerce and the federally-appointed District Export Council. As a result, she still partners with Commerce regularly as a speaker to promote world trade for the export community. Annie also serves as an Adjunct Professor in the International Business Department at Santa Ana College, one of the top 10 associates degree producers for the Hispanic community. She is also an Ambassador Speaker for the Second Harvest Food Bank, as well as a co-founder for the Kids Cafe Nutrition education program which feeds and educates underprivileged children about the lifelong importance of making the right food choices from an early age. Her most recent project for the Food Bank was to lead an initiative to significantly improve the nutritional content of meals served to the homeless population of Orange County.
CB
Whyte, Real Estate Broker,
SVP & Associate Broker, Stribling,
New York, U.S.A.
CB Whyte is a preeminent New York
real estate broker exclusively specializing in Manhattan. As senior vice president and
associate broker at Stribling--- CB has been recognized by her peers for her
outstanding ability to achieve insurmountable success in resolving the most
complex real estate matters.
CB is an expert in all property segments from co-ops, condominiums, townhouses and new developments. She offers superior service; an amazing sales record and encyclopedic knowledge of past and current market inventory. She is held in esteem by her colleagues and attracts the very highest caliber of clientele. Her client portfolio boasts top corporate executives; celebrities, high powered investors and the owners and developers of real estate. CB is a savvy business woman; consummate deal maker and diligent representative whose professional priority is keeping her clients confident and informed throughout every transaction.
She has been recognized by the Real Estate Board of New York with the REBNY deal of the year award in 1995, 2005 and gained cover story in the Mann Report in 2011.
A woman leader in her own right, CB is a New York native who found herself widowed at a young age with the responsibility of raising and providing for her 3 young children. CB met this challenge with her heart and mind and powerfully flourished into a brilliant professional and family woman who gives back to the community. CB is a lover of contemporary art who enjoys skiing and golfing.
CB is an expert in all property segments from co-ops, condominiums, townhouses and new developments. She offers superior service; an amazing sales record and encyclopedic knowledge of past and current market inventory. She is held in esteem by her colleagues and attracts the very highest caliber of clientele. Her client portfolio boasts top corporate executives; celebrities, high powered investors and the owners and developers of real estate. CB is a savvy business woman; consummate deal maker and diligent representative whose professional priority is keeping her clients confident and informed throughout every transaction.
She has been recognized by the Real Estate Board of New York with the REBNY deal of the year award in 1995, 2005 and gained cover story in the Mann Report in 2011.
A woman leader in her own right, CB is a New York native who found herself widowed at a young age with the responsibility of raising and providing for her 3 young children. CB met this challenge with her heart and mind and powerfully flourished into a brilliant professional and family woman who gives back to the community. CB is a lover of contemporary art who enjoys skiing and golfing.
Photo used under Creative Commons from gfpeck
