INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S CONFERENCE

An annual flagship event celebrating and empowering women across various fields, featuring influential speakers and panel discussions.

Theme for 2026 HER VOICE, HER CULTURE, HER POWER, HER LEGACY

Saturday, March 7, 2026 from 10AM -5PM.

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ABOUT THE CONFERENCE

Since 2017, Nevalliance has hosted the International Women’s Conference, creating a powerful space where women’s stories, perspectives, and leadership are honored with intention and visibility. Women represent more than half of the world’s population and have significantly shaped social, cultural, and economic progress. Yet, in many places, their contributions remain unrecognized or undervalued.

Founded to shift this narrative, the International Women’s Conference has been held annually at Hofstra University, serving as a gathering place for women from diverse backgrounds to engage in meaningful dialogue, cultural exchange, and shared learning. When women rise, their communities rise with them, families, neighborhoods, and entire societies feel the impact.

This conference amplifies women’s voices and celebrates the depth of their influence. Through thoughtful programming, inspiring conversations, and cross-cultural connection, it strengthens the collective power of women who are shaping change and preserving legacy.

In 2026, the conference will introduce its first Recognition Awards Reception, an inspiring addition to the program that will honor exceptional women whose work, leadership, and contributions embody the spirit of this year’s theme: Her Voice. Her Culture. Her Power. Her Legacy.

The theme celebrates the richness of women’s identities and the histories they carry. It reflects our commitment to cultivating a space where every woman’s narrative is heard, respected, and transformed into meaningful impact.

Our International Women’s Conference is a celebration of the achievements of women. This annual conference aim is to inspire women while celebrating our social, economic, cultural, and political achievements.

OBJECTIVES OF THE CONFERENCE

The main objective of the International Women’s Conference is to ‘Enhance awareness and create a more informed understanding of the opportunities, issues, and approaches of Women Empowerment with resultant attention and resources directed towards supporting women.

The underlying objectives of this conference will be as follows:

Promote entrepreneurship among women.
Provide new opportunities to bridge the gaps and increase opportunities for linkages.
Bring awareness to culture and differences
Highlight leadership amongst women

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

Women
Policy Makers
MSME promotional agencies/organizations,
BDS (business development service) providers
Representatives from NGOs and trade & industry associations
UN agencies
Multi-lateral and bi-lateral Organizations
Media persons

International Women's Conference Speakers

Senator Siela A. Bynoe

Senator Siela A. Bynoe made history upon taking office becoming the first Black person to represent Long Island in the New York State Senate. Senator Bynoe is a first-generation American, a housing and education advocate and a former Nassau County Legislator.

As a 49+ year resident of Long Island, Senator Bynoe has deep roots in the 6th Senate District and a first-hand understanding of the community’s needs. Raised by a single mother, she learned the lessons of leadership through hard work and how to give back to her community. Education, advocacy, and community service are constant threads throughout Senator Bynoe’s life. After graduating from Westbury High School, she earned an Associate's Degree in Liberal Arts from Nassau County Community College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Hofstra University.

Guided by the life lessons of her formative years, she embarked upon an extensive career in the public, not-for-profit, and private sectors.

Ama K. Karikari, Esq

Ama K. Karikari, Esq. was born in New York City to Ghanaian parents who taught her the power of hard work, faith, and community. Today, she channels those values into creating spaces of healing, connection, and growth — for individuals, organizations, and entire communities.

As the President of Milestales Project Staffing, Ama leads a talented team of academics, artists, and wellness professionals who design and facilitate cultural celebrations, training sessions, and consulting projects that nurture inclusion, belonging, empowerment, and organizational well-being.

Under her leadership, Milestales has partnered with a wide range of clients — from public institutions like the New York City Department of Education, CUNY, and SUNY, to private organizations including Wachtell Lipton, Shearman & Sterling, and the University of Texas at Austin. Each collaboration reflects Ama’s commitment to building bridges between people and purpose.

Dr. Neva Helena Alexander

Dr. Neva Helena Alexander is a Leadership Development
Consultant, educator, corporate trainer, author, and
speaker. With a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, she
brings a research-based, practical, and people-centered
approach to developing stronger leaders, more effective
teams, and healthier workplace cultures.
As the Founder of Nevalliance, a certified MWBE leadership development company, Dr. Neva specializes in leadership
training, consulting, coaching, and growth-driven organizational development experiences. She partners with
companies, nonprofits, and institutions to design and deliver programs that enhance communication, strengthen
leadership capacity, support employee engagement, and cultivate high-performing, inclusive environments.
A respected author and TEDx speaker, Dr. Neva is known for her ability to translate leadership theory into clear,
actionable strategies that professionals can immediately apply. Her workshops and trainings equip employees at every level with the tools to navigate change, lead with confidence, and contribute meaningfully to organizational goals.

Renee Daniel Flagler

Renee Daniel Flagler is an award-winning nonprofit leader and writer who declares that “Service is her assignment!” Devoting a significant portion of her time to empowering youth, Renee is deeply committed to uplifting the next generation of changemakers and improving literacy outcomes in under-resourced communities. Her visionary and strategic leadership has earned her numerous accolades, including recognition as one of the Top 50 Women in Business by Long Island Business News, as well as Professional Business Woman of the Year and Top Chief of Long Island by Richner Communications.

Renee’s leadership and commitment to service extend beyond her organizational roles and across national borders. She currently serves as President of the National CARES Mentoring Movement and has proudly contributed her expertise on the boards of local, national, and global organizations. She’s an active member of various community-serving organizations. Renee is also a past fellow of the National Nonprofit Executive Leadership Academy and holds a Certificate in Organizational and Community Leadership from the Center for Nonprofit Leadership at Adelphi University’s School of Social Work.

Christine Rice

Christine Rice is the Founder and Creative Director of Brandfluencia, a creative studio specialising in personal branding, business branding, and community-centred marketing. Through Brandfluencia, Christine helps professionals, creators, and companies clarify their message, elevate their visual identity, and build brands that create real connection and momentum.

She also serves as the Vice President at Mujeres in Marketing, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering and developing Latina marketers through education, community, and leadership opportunities. In this role, Christine leads student programming and drives initiatives that support rising talent in the industry.

Reverend Dr. Xenia Barnes

Reverend Dr. Xenia Barnes is a social and behavioral scientist, trauma-informed advocate, and unapologetic voice for the marginalized. As a Black woman navigating the intersections of disability, survivorship, and systemic oppression, she brings both scholarly rigor and lived experience to her work on ableism, workplace equity, and community healing.

Dr. Barnes's research and advocacy center on dismantling toxic systems that perpetuate harm while building sustainable, community-led alternatives rooted in accessibility, representation, and collective liberation. She specializes in trauma-informed practices, disability justice, and the intersectional experiences of Black, Brown, and disabled individuals in educational and workplace settings.

A survivor of intimate partner violence and a disabled individual living with chronic illness, Reverend Dr. Barnes understands intimately the weight of unworn crowns—identities thrust upon us by circumstance rather than choice. Her work refuses the narrative of "inspiration" and instead demands systemic accountability, policy transformation, and radical reimagining of what healing beyond the system can look like.

Dr. Sabine Charles

Dr. Sabine Charles, DBA, CIA, CFE, is an internationally recognized leadership strategist, internal audit expert, and professional development speaker dedicated to helping individuals and organizations maximize performance. As the CEO of Charles Financial Strategies LLC and founder of the Transformational Audit Practitioner Apprenticeship (TAPA) Institute, Dr. Sabine Charles specializes in leadership development, emotional intelligence training, internal audit innovation, and CPA exam coaching.

With over two decades of experience advising Fortune 500 organizations, higher education institutions, and global executives, Dr. Charles combines deep audit expertise with a transformational approach to leadership. Her signature programs including Leadership MEQ™, emotional intelligence workshops, and certification coaching equip professionals with the mindset, skillset, and strategies needed to lead confidently and excel in complex business environments.

Kristina Halloway

Kristina Halloway is a dynamic force in the entertainment industry, recognized for her creativity, influence, and unwavering drive. With experience spanning major platforms such as BET, VH1, and The Stellar Awards, Kristina has built a reputation for delivering authenticity, excellence, and purpose in every project she touches.

Her work across television, music, and live events has positioned her as both a respected voice behind the scenes and a compelling presence in front of the camera.

A Stellar Award–winning creative, Kristina continues to break barriers and inspire audiences through impactful storytelling, production, and faith-driven initiatives that bridge entertainment and empowerment.

Jennifer Rampersaud

Jennifer Rampersaud is a powerhouse financial strategist, minister, and author of The Credit Code. A self-made millionaire who rebuilt her life after surviving domestic abuse, financial devastation, and the loss of her home in Hurricane Sandy, Jennifer has become a trusted voice in real estate, credit, and funding access.

She specializes in helping individuals and business owners secure both traditional and nontraditional funding—even without perfect credit. From mortgages and SBA loans to hard money and private capital, Jennifer empowers her audience with practical strategies to build lasting wealth.

Laura Palker

After more than 30 years in the trade show industry, Ms. Palker has dedicated herself to improving the industry she serves.

Laura is the Founder/President of the Events Education & Workforce Development Federation, a nonprofit organization formed to connect Artisans, Masters, and Professionals with the common goal to advocate, support and develop the Events Industry Workforce.

Laura’s journey isn’t just inspirational — it’s instructional.

For students, entrepreneurs, and future leaders, her story offers powerful lessons:

Lead with heart and strategy. Passion matters, but purpose turns it into impact.

Charlene Jackson

Charlene Jackson, Esq. currently serves as a Deputy County Attorney in the Nassau County. Ms. Jackson is also an Adjunct Professor of Law at Hofstra University and a New York Department of State Qualified Instructor for the real estate industry. She has developed and delivered several continuing education training modules focusing on HUD regulatory compliance and fair housing.

In 2011, she founded Thompson Economic Development Services, LLC, an MWBE-certified, economic empowerment consulting firm, whose anchor clients included the New York State Housing Trust Fund Corporation and the Entrepreneurship Assistance Programs at Hofstra University and Suffolk Community College.

Ambassador Dr. Corrinne Graham

PhD is a 2x Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, and a recipient of an Honorary Humanitarian Doctorate. She is an internationally recognized leader in business, education, and sustainable development with nearly two decades of entrepreneurial and consulting experience spanning startups, SMEs, and large organizations.

A TEDx speaker, Women.NYC and WENYC mentor, and project manager, she specializes in commercialization, technology transfer, workforce development, and personal/professional growth. As an Honorary Research Fellow at the Institute for Sustainable Development (UWI Mona), she co-authored “The Entrepreneurial Journey in the Decade of Delivery” and advises youth through the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network.

An Adjunct Professor at LIU Post, she teaches Corporate Social Responsibility and Management Principles. Dr. Graham serves as President of Space Renaissance USA, Treasurer for SRI, and Board Member for The Lifeboat Foundation and Designs by Dr. G. Her advocacy includes leadership roles in Suffolk and Nassau County advisory boards and serves as Chair of the Town of Brookhaven Black History Commission. In the Town of Brookhaven October 6, 2024, was proclaimed as Dr. Corrinne Graham Day.

Sharon Leid

Sharon Leid is the CEO of NetStruc PR, a seasoned Publicity Strategist, Speaker, and Business Consultant with over 20 years of experience in Public, Media, Government Relations, and Community Engagement. She helps entrepreneurs and small businesses elevate their visibility, credibility, and profits through creative PR strategies and authentic community connections. Her career began at the Kings County District Attorney’s Office, where she rose to Executive Director of Community Relations before founding NetStruc PR in 2015. Sharon’s clients have been featured on outlets like ABC, CNN, Bloomberg, The New York Times and more. She is also the founder of Ladies of 3rd Thursday, a women’s business network, and serves as PR Chair for the Nassau Community College Foundation Business Leaders Council.

A proud wife and mom of three boys, Sharon continues to inspire others through her passion for storytelling, mentorship, and community-driven brand growth.

Mae Caime

Caime is a transformational speaker, integrative health expert, and champion for women in midlife and beyond. A Registered Nurse, Certified Integrative Health Coach, CEO, and former Ms. New York Senior America, Mae blends decades of professional experience with lived wisdom, humor, and heart.

Known for her high-energy presence and faith-led courage, Mae guides women to use their voice, embrace their power, and honor their femininity. Her message is simple: it’s never too late to reinvent, rise, and live vibrantly.

From global medical missions to empowering summits, soulful circles, and curated lifestyle experiences, Mae creates spaces where women feel seen, supported, and inspired to take action. She believes confidence is contagious, laughter is medicine, and a little sparkle can shift everything.

Mae is on a mission to discredit ageism and ignite a new era of bold, joyful, unapologetic living.as founder of aMaezing midlife and Beyond.

Natalie Silvera

An Innovative and Multidisciplinary Entrepreneur — Founder/CEO of JamParallel Global LLC.

JamParallel Global is a dynamic diaspora-focused document services agency, dedicated to improving the lives of others — in promoting economic growth, and cultural connections between Jamaica and its global neighbors.

Through the navigation of diplomatic channels, Natalie champions initiatives that empower communities across the Jamaican Diaspora, creating pathways for self development, personal growth and empowerment.

She operates across multiple fields, skillsets, and areas of expertise, rather than being functionally one dimensional. Her areas of focus include but are not limited to:

Documents acquisition
Community involvement
Diaspora engagement
Event planning
Business leadership
Cultural advocacy
Strategic partnerships
Personal development

She is a forward-thinking entrepreneur who uses fresh perspectives to build new, impactful solutions — that connect individuals and business leaders, bringing them together to achieve a mutual goal.

Natalie boasts of a remarkable business “reputation built on repetition.” Her entrepreneurial enthusiasm amplifies Jamaica’s global presence, while ensuring that diaspora voices remain influential and relevant.

A forward thinking, results-driven leader with a commitment to service, Natalie is known for her strategic mindset, community-centered approach, and an innate ability to mobilize.

Her leadership approach is anchored in integrity, resilience, and a deep sense of cultural pride — values that closely align with the vision of the International Women’s Conference.

Kausar Abdulai

Kausar Abdulai is a purpose-driven entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and advocate for women’s empowerment. She is the Founder and CEO of Hajiaposh Global Concept, creating sustainable job opportunities for women and youth across Africa through innovative digital commerce models.

She represents AfriRise Women and Youth Initiative and Women Connect, supporting initiatives focused on women’s leadership, youth development, and inclusive growth. Her work and thought leadership have been featured on BBC Merseyside and other local and international media platforms.

Kausar inspires audiences with messages of resilience, intentional growth, and social impact, guided by her mantra:

“Service to humanity is the highest form of leadership.”

Her Excellency Dr Justina Mutale

Dr. Justina Mutale is an award-winning global speaker, philanthropist, and influential advocate for gender equality and inclusive leadership. Named African Woman of the Year and Africa’s Best Female Philanthropist, she is the Founder of the Justina Mutale Foundation, dedicated to empowering women and girls through education, entrepreneurship, mentorship, and leadership development. With over 30 years’ experience in diplomacy, international development, and global advocacy, Dr. Mutale convenes the World Summit on Women and Girls and serves on numerous international boards advancing equity and sustainability.

She is a bestselling author of The Art of Iconic Leadership: Power Secrets of Female World Leaders, and co-author of Women on Corporate Boards: An International Perspective. Her work has been featured in FORBES Magazine and other global publications. Dr. Mutale brings her visionary insight and unwavering commitment to social impact, championing sustainable solutions and transformational leadership across Africa and the rest of the world.

Patricia Robinson

Patricia Robinson is widely respected for her transformative leadership across media, business, community development, and academia.

For more more than two decades, she has built a reputation defined by work ethic, strategic vision, and an unwavering commitment to elevating people, culture, and community.

Her career began in major market radio, where her leadership earned her executive roles at several of New York City’s most iconic stations—Hot 97, WBLS, CD 101.9, and KISS FM. During this time,she simultaneously supported Colin Kaepernick at the height of his national social justice movement, lending her expertise to advocacy efforts that helped shift conversationsaround equity, justice, and public responsibility on both local and national stages.

Dr. Cary Boodram-Wright

Dr. Cary Boodram-Wright is an author, New York State–certified Literacy Specialist, and Educational Leader for Diverse Learning Communities, and the founder of Wright Visioneer Consulting, Inc., a certified MWBE. Her work centers on culture, identity, and relationship-building as foundational elements of well-being, leadership, and sustainable success within educational and professional spaces.

She is the author of Igniting My Passion: Understanding the Impact of Untold Stories, a research-based narrative memoir that weaves personal storytelling with scholarly inquiry to examine cultural identity, educational experiences, and the power of relationships. In the book, Dr. Boodram-Wright shares her journey from intimidation to elevation, illustrating how lived experiences within culturally diverse homes and educational systems can be transformed into sources of resilience, leadership, and growth. Through her story and research, she provides meaningful resources and insights that support English Language Learners, students from immigrant and migrant families, and the educators, leaders, and organizations that serve them, with a strong emphasis on inclusion, belonging, and relationship-building.

Chanteé Lans

Chanteé Lans is a multi-Emmy and Edward R. Murrow award winning journalist. Chanteé is currently a general assignment reporter and fill in anchor at WABC-TV's Channel 7 Eyewitness News.

She was previously a contributing writer for the New York Times. Before returning to New York, Chanteé was an investigative reporter and evening anchor at the ABC affiliate in Shreveport, Louisiana. She was also a general assignment reporter at CBS Philadelphia and at CBS Boston.

Chanteé has interviewed President Joe Biden. She also covered the Boston marathon bombings, arrest and murder trial of New England Patriot Aaron Hernandez, the sexual assault trial of Bill Cosby, Philadelphia Eagles' first super bowl win, and the imprisonment and release of Rapper Meek Mill which prompted criminal justice reform in Pennsylvania and across the United States.

Born in Brooklyn and raised on Long Island, Chanteé earned her bachelor’s degree from Temple University and her master's from St. John's University.

Elizabeth M. Daitz

Elizabeth M. Daitz is the Assistant Commissioner of Police for the Suffolk County Police Department. She drives strategic planning, implementation, and innovation, positioning Suffolk County to be one of the most innovative, efficient, effective and equitable law enforcement agencies while serving over 1.5 million residents across 913 square miles. She previously served as Executive Director, Civil Litigation and Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives for the NYPD. From 2019-2020, Elizabeth served as a White House Fellow in the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President. There, she drafted and implemented the President's Executive Order "Safe Policing for Safe Communities" and worked on multiple lines of effort implementing the Executive Order "Maintaining American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence."

Elizabeth began her career at the Office of the Corporation Counsel of the City of New York, where she handled multiple high profile federal civil rights cases. Elizabeth is a graduate of the Honors College at Adelphi University, St. John’s University School of Law, and a Session XXIX of the Police Management Institute at Columbia University. Elizabeth is the Vice President of the White House Fellows Foundation and Alumni Association, co-chair of the New York City Bar Association Task Force Sub-Committee on Artificial Intelligence and Civil Liberties, and a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Suffolk County Chiefs of Police Association, Theodore Roosevelt American Inn of Court, and the Federalist Society.

Dr. Li Huang

Dr. Li Huang is an Associate Professor of Marketing at the Frank G. Zarb School of Business, Hofstra University, U.S.A., and have also served as a Visiting Scholar at Columbia Business School.

As a behavioral researcher, she examines how consumers think, feel, and act in digital environments. Her primary research interests focus on two areas: (1) the impact of social media on consumers and brands, and (2) consumer–technology interactions. Her research has appeared in leading marketing journals, including the Journal of Consumer Research, International Journal of Research in Marketing, Journal of the Association for Consumer Research, Journal of Business Research, and Journal of Interactive Marketing.

Her contributions have been recognized by the American Marketing Association through the 2017 Rising Star Award and the Mathew Joseph Emerging Scholar Award.

Sponsors and partners

Amy Amato

Amy Amato is the Executive Director of Corporate Relations & Events for RichnerLIVE, the events and experiential division of the Long Island Herald, and a senior revenue and growth leader with more than 30 years of experience in New York’s community media and events industry.

Throughout her career, Amy has held leadership roles spanning Art Director, Publisher, and Events Executive, giving her a rare, 360-degree understanding of how content, creativity, sales, and strategy come together to drive growth. She has deep expertise across B2B and B2C communications, including revenue strategy, sponsorship sales and development, corporate branding, integrated marketing, and small to large-scale event production.