EmpowerHER Showcase Panel

“Growth in Motion: The Power of Scaling Strategically”

Moderated By PGCEDC Interim President & CEO, Ebony Stocks, CEcD

Panelists:

Vikki Kalitsi, Franchise Owner, Visiting Angels

Likia Hawkins, President & CEO, Steel Point Solutions

Tracye Turner, Co-Owner and EVP of Optimal Solutions Group, LLC

Deborah Harrington, Founder & CEO of Energy Audits and Green Solutions, LLC

Description: Every scaling journey is unique, but certain principles hold true across industries. Our diverse panel of business owners shares the crucial lessons learned from their growth experiences:

Marketing & Branding

"Power Marketing: Maximizing Your Mix for Real Results"

Moderated By PGCEDC Marketing & Communications Manager Rhett Butler

Panelists:

• Sandy Dubay, CEcD, CEO and Founder of PPR Strategies

• Dawn P. Jackson, CEO & Chief Strategist, Nudawn Marketing Group, Inc.

• Veronica Jeon, CEO of V. Companies

• Sharrarne Morton, CEO, Morton Media

Description: Our power panel of experts dives deep into what's actually working in today's diverse marketing landscape. Learn how to build and optimize your marketing mix for maximum impact while getting real results. Our industry leaders will show you how to:

Leadership & Professional Dev

"Leading Through Transitions: Building Resilient Organizations"

Moderated By PGCEDC Business Development Manager for Government Sector, Kim Andrews

Panelists:

• Diane Brown, President & CEO, Prince George's Community Federal Credit Union

• Tammi Thomas, Chief Marketing Officer, TEDCO

• Dr. Stephanie Parson, President & CEO, Crowned Grace International

Description: Whether you're expanding, pivoting, or planning succession, successful transitions require strategic and resilient leadership. Our expert panel shares their experience in guiding organizations through significant changes and challenging times. Learn practical approaches for:

• Adapting leadership styles for different growth phases

• Making data-driven decisions during transitions

• Maintaining team engagement during evolution

• Building organizational resilience

• Turning challenges into growth opportunities

Entrepreneurship & Startup

“Building Solutions That Matter: Creating Strong Foundations for Success"

Moderated By PGCEDC Director of Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Alicia Moran

Panelists:

• Robyn Peake, Franchise Owner, First Light Home Care

• LaKisha Greenwade, CEO of Wearable Tech Ventures

• Dr. Isfahan Chambers-Harris, Founder of Alodia Hair Care

Description: What does it really take to build a successful business that fills a crucial market gap? Our panel of diverse entrepreneurs shares how they've identified opportunities and built strong businesses while creating meaningful impact in their communities. Learn vital strategies for:

• Spotting and validating untapped market opportunities

• Developing innovative solutions to real problems

• Creating effective operational systems from day one

• Building deep customer trust and loyalty

• Managing early-stage growth while maintaining quality

Government Contracting

"Get Certified, Get Started: Your Guide to Government Certifications"

Moderated By PGCEDC Business Development Manager for Government Sector, Kim Andrews

Speaker:

Sonya Hopson, CEO, Sage Services Group

Description: In this session, participants will understand how to successfully apply for business certifications. You will also understand why certain documents are required and how to ensure your application and documents are accepted the FIRST time. We will demonstrate how to walk through portions of the County, State and SBA Certification application, so bring your laptop to get in-person assistance on your application.

This session will accommodate a limited number of participants.

For this session, participants will need to bring:

• Laptop (pre-charged)

• Laptop charger

• Access to company documents

Early arrival is recommended.

International Business Expansion

"Going Global: Your Path to International Business Success"

Moderated By PGCEDC Director of International Business, Martin Ezemma

Panelists:

• Paula Brown, Founder & Artistic Director, Paula Brown Performing Arts Center

• Dr. Marcia B. Levi, Clinic Director, Optimal Care Chiropractic

• Jessica Reynolds, Senior Director, Office of International Investment and Trade at Maryland Department of Commerce

Description: Ready to expand your business beyond borders? Learn from entrepreneurs who have successfully taken their services international and the resources available to support your global journey. Our expert panel shares practical insights on:

• Identifying viable foreign markets

• Understanding export readiness

• Accessing government support and resources

• Participating in trade missions effectively

• Building international business relationships.

Financial Management & Investment

“Strategic Growth Financing: Building Your Multi-Source Funding Strategy”

Moderated By PGCEDC Financial Service Program Manager, Andre Plummer

Panelists:

• Janet Lopez, Vice President Business Banking, M&T Bank

• Dawn Medley, President, FSC First

• Delterese George, Sr. Business Development Representative, Maryland Dept. of Commerce

• Maria Randall, CEO, LLADNAR Services

Description: Successful businesses often require multiple funding sources to achieve their growth. Whether you're planning expansion, adding equipment, or entering new markets, understanding how to combine and time different funding sources is crucial. Our expert panel will discuss:

• Creating a comprehensive funding strategy for different growth phases

• Structuring complementary funding sources

• Managing multiple financial relationships

• Assessing growth-focused incentive programs

Gain insights into how to strategically combine different funding sources and programs. Learn how to build relationships with various financial partners while maintaining compliance with different program requirements.

Wellness & Mindfulness

"The Resilient Leader's Roadmap: Building Strength Through Business Challenges"

Moderated By PGCEDC Director of Business Development Health & Life Sciences, Alexis Allen-Shorter

Panelists:

• Maaden Jones, Founder + Owner, Love, Maaden + Love Goods Co.

• Tiffany Jones, Owner & Therapist, Psychache Solutions LLC

• Sherri Roberts Lumpkin, Executive Director, Ragbaby Exchange

  Description: This comprehensive workshop empowers women entrepreneurs with strategies for both building resilience and preventing burnout during challenging business cycles. Through interactive exercises and expert guidance, participants will learn to recognize early warning signs of burnout while developing their personal resilience toolkit. This session combines practical stress management techniques with sustainable business practices for long-term success.

• Understanding the intersection of personal resilience and business sustainability

• Identifying personal burnout triggers and creating early intervention strategies

• Developing a customized resilience action plan for high-pressure periods

• Learning energy management techniques for maintaining stamina during challenges

• Building recovery practices into daily business operations

Funding & Capital Access

“Investment Ready: Positioning Your Startup for Growth Capital”

Moderated By PGCEDC Director of Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Alicia Moran

Panelists:

• Katherine Hill Ritchie, Senior Director, Venture Funds

• Syreeta Smith, Assistant Vice President, M&T Bank

• Jasmine Jones, Founder and CEO of Myya

Description: What makes startups attractive to early-stage investors and growth capital firms? Our panel breaks down the key elements that investors look for and how to position your company for success. Learn about:

• Building a compelling investment case

• Creating effective pitch decks & more!

Leadership & Professional Development

"Legal and Tax Leadership: Building a Protected and Profitable Business"

Moderated By PGCEDC Small Business Development Manager, Cesar Cucufate

Speaker:

Mona Reza, Founder, Stellar 5 Consulting

Description: Master the essential legal and tax foundations that every successful business leader must know. In this comprehensive workshop, tax attorney Mona Reza guides early-stage entrepreneurs through crucial decisions that protect and optimize their business operations.

Learn how to choose the right business structure, implement sound governance practices, and develop strategic tax planning that supports growth.