The Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome all women interested in a day of wellness and learning to attend its 7th Annual Women’s Forum on Thursday, May 10 at Silver Spring Country Club in Ridgefield. “We have four fantastic authors/speakers once again this year for a day devoted to learning, networking and self-discovery,” said Event Co-Chair Allyson Catanzaro. Keynote Speaker Melanie Bloom never envisioned herself taking center stage on an important public health issue, but after her husband, NBC News reporter and anchor David Bloom, died from complications of deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) while covering the war in Iraq, she felt compelled to speak out. Melanie has spent the past seven years serving as National Spokesperson for the Coalition to Prevent DVT, while balancing the challenges of abruptly being widowed and raising three young daughters.
Since becoming a champion of DVT prevention, Melanie has crisscrossed the country promoting the Coalition’s national awareness campaigns, appearing on countless local and regional television and radio programs. Melanie is a returning guest on CNN, MSNBC, FOX, ABC and NBC network news programs, plus a variety of topical shows including Larry King Live, The Today Show, The View, Fox & Friends, Morning Joe, Access Hollywood, Imus in the Morning, NPR, and others. Melanie has shared her story in People, O Magazine, USA Today, Ladies Home Journal, and many more local and national publications. Melanie’s interview with Larry King earned the 2006 Gracie Award for “Outstanding Female Interview” presented by the Foundation of American Women in Radio and Television. Melanie has delivered hundreds of presentations at hospitals and medical conferences throughout the country, and has worked with the Coalition to produce national print, radio and television Public Service Announcements. To date, over one billion educational messages have been disseminated through Melanie’s efforts with the Coalition. Among other honors, Melanie was the recipient of the Vascular Disease Foundation (VDF) 2008 “President’s Award for Inspiration” and the American Society of Hematology (ASH) 2009 “Outstanding Service Award.”
Along with her health advocacy work, Melanie also speaks at business consortiums and women’s conferences about loss, grief, transformation and healing. Melanie shares her personal story of being young and widowed, struggling to raise and protect her three little girls as a single mother, while at the same time reentering the work force. She shares lessons of her recovery from devastating loss and the ultimate triumph of love and hope including how Melanie rediscovered love and created a new family life for herself and her children. Melanie currently resides in Connecticut with her husband, Daniel McNulty, and their combined five children. Her first book is due for publication in 2012.
Nancy DiDia, “Diversity Matters,” brings more than 25 years of experience in management and diversity practices in corporate America to her role as Executive Director & Chief Diversity Officer at Boehringer Ingelheim. She has national responsibility for Diversity, Inclusion & Engagement reaching more than 10,000 employees. Under her leadership the company has been placed on the top 25 list from the Association of Diversity Councils as well as achieving a perfect score on the Corporate Equality Index from the Human Rights Campaign for the best places to work for LGBT for three consecutive years. In 2009, she also received a prestigious recognition of Diversity Champion from the Southern Connecticut chapter of the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM). Ms. DiDia is an active board member of the Connecticut State Society for Human Resources Diversity & Inclusion Committee.
In 2010, Ms. DiDia began studying for a certified ICF (International Coaching Federation) Training Program focusing on the neuroscience of leadership. She anticipates receiving her Professional Coaching Certification in 2012. Ms. DiDia is an active member of the Hidden Brain Drain Task Force- a think tank and research group of leading global companies which focuses on developing best practice models for organizations seeking to recruit, retain and re-connect talented women. Ms. DiDia also actively sits on the board of the National Multicultural Institute as well as the Global Diversity & Inclusion Foundation Board. In addition, she mentors and coaches executives on leadership focus and dealing with multicultural challenges.
Ms. DiDia is recognized as an effective coach and mentor whose collaborative style and expertise in leading diverse teams and managing conflict enables her to uncover dysfunctional behaviors and make a positive impact in organizations undergoing change. She is a highly sought after facilitator for her ability to quickly make people feel comfortable and included. She is also regarded as a diplomatic leader who balances diverse interests, forges global partnerships and builds best practices that further organizational goals. She is highly skilled in performance consulting, workplace coaching, focus group facilitation and organizational engagement. Ms. DiDia is a graduate of the Ross School of Business-University of Michigan Senior Leadership Development Program.
In addition to fundraising for the American Cancer Society and its important mission, Robin works on other initiatives including CEOs Against Cancer and Choose You. Both are designed to raise awareness, reduce cancer risk, and promote prevention and early detection.
Robin brings a strong communications background to her work at the American Cancer Society from work in television and a passion for the Society’s mission, sharpened by time spent as a caregiver to her mother during her battle with colon cancer.
Kathy Jones, “Bonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” will be sharing valuable insight on Finance. She works with Charles Schwab as Vice President, Fixed Income Strategist and is responsible for credit market and interest rate analysis, as well as fixed income education for investors at Schwab. Kathy has over 25 formidable years of experience in the global credit markets as a strategist; working with both institutional and retail clients. Kathy has authored many papers on the financial markets, including sections of textbooks and reference materials. Her paper on the launch of the Euro was published by Fordham University in New York and included in legal seminars. She is a frequent guest on CNBC and Bloomberg News and is widely quoted in the press.
According to Chamber of Commerce, Executive Director, Marion Roth, “This year’s forum is appropriately themed “Making A Difference One Woman at a Time.” As a Chamber devoted to commerce, culture and community, we are especially proud to present speakers who will educate, inspire and motivate women in all stages of their lives and careers to reach their goals and be the best they can be.”
“A big thank you to our speakers including Kathy Jones on “Bonds are a Girl’s Best Friend”; Robin Flay on “You First”; and Nancy DiDia from Boehringer Ingelheim talking about “Diversity Matters”. According to Event Co-Chair, Barbara McMahon, “Women should treat their minds to education, networking and finding meaningful work and relationships. This is a great opportunity to do just that.” According to Patty Dyer, Committee Member from Union Savings Bank, “There will be something for everyone both personally and professionally at the 7th Annual Women’s Forum. All women are welcome.”
The Women’s Forum headline sponsors include Hersam Acorn Newspapers, Addessi Jewelers, Vicki Mueller of Charles Schwab, Boehringer Ingelheim, and All Destinations Travel Planners. Annual Chamber Sponsors and exclusive sponsors include Fairfield County Bank & Union Savings Bank. We thank 14 additional sponsors who helped make this Forum possible including Lyn Evans Potpourri Designs, Broder and Orland, LLC, Laurel Ridge Health Care Center, nancy O, Reynolds and Rowella, Tabares Chiropractic, The Next Step College & Career Solutions, Webster Bank, Adam Broderick Salon & Spa, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Positive Reflections, Westport Writers’ Workshop, Minuteman Press, Western Connecticut Health Network & Tutoring Club.
The morning begins at 8:15 a.m. at Silver Spring Country Club with a networking continental breakfast, followed by a morning of talks, capped off by the keynote address over gourmet lunch. Door Prizes, Silent Auction and Raffle too! A unique feature of this event is a scheduled networking opportunity and the ability to visit the sponsor tables and learn about businesses that can help and inspire you. The event will end before 3pm.
To encourage women in all stages of transition, the cost to attend is $99 per person and tables of 10 can be reserved for groups. Sponsors of the event will also be on hand with information and products to share. To register with a credit card visit, www.ridgefieldchamber.org or call (203) 438-5992. All women are welcome to attend and pre-registration encouraged as seating is limited.
* photo courtesy of Dorothy Shi