HIA-LI is excited to present its 14th Annual Women’s Leadership Conference, themed Ignite Your Inner Fire: Leading with Passion and Purpose, scheduled for Friday, November 15, from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM at the Hilton Long Island in Melville. This year’s event offers an exceptional opportunity for women across various sectors — including private industry, non-profits, government roles, and emerging business leaders in school or recent graduates — to connect, learn, and be inspired.
“This conference began with a discussion at a women’s business leaders forum hosted by U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, recognizing the unique issues women encounter in the business world. She encouraged us to continue the dialogue,” said Terri Alessi-Miceli, President and CEO, HIA-LI. “Today, HIA-LI continues that mission, inspiring a new generation of leaders.”
The conference features a keynote address from Linda Armyn, CEO of Bethpage Federal Credit Union, who will share insights on the power of purposeful leadership. “Leading with passion and purpose is about authenticity and inspiring those around you. As leaders, our commitment to these principles is a driving force for both personal and organizational success,” said Armyn.
Following Armyn’s keynote, a panel discussion moderated by Domenique Camacho-Moran, Partner at Farrell Fritz, will feature prominent regional leaders: Tracey Edwards, Senior VP, Sands New York; Christine Flaherty, Senior Vice President for Real Estate Development and Facilities, Catholic Health; Carolyn Mazzenga, Office Managing Partner, Marcum LLP; Gwen O’Shea, CEO, Community Development Long Island; and Lauren Nichols, President, 3G Warehouse.
Camacho-Moran emphasized the value of leading with clarity and determination, stating, “Navigating leadership means embracing challenges with confidence and vision. At this conference, we aim to share practical strategies that empower women to lead with purpose.”
The panel will address topics including strategies for work-life balance — a recurring theme that resonates deeply with attendees who feel this balance is a unique challenge for women — as well as confidence-building, brand development, and collaborative leadership. Closing the event is a Fireside Chat moderated by Kristen Reynolds, CEO of Discover Long Island, featuring Erin Colton, Anchor at News 12 Long Island.
“This event provides an essential forum for emerging young women in the workforce,” said Carol A. Allen, President and CEO of Peoples Alliance Federal Credit Union and HIA-LI Chair, emphasizing the importance of this gathering. “It’s an opportunity to build connections and gain insights that will empower them to break barriers and achieve success in their careers.”
The conference also addresses a crucial DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) consideration — acknowledging that “women” remain an integral, sometimes overlooked part of the equation. Despite progress, women still face challenges in achieving equal pay and representation in executive roles.
Register today at www.bit.ly/11-15-24 or by phone at 631-543-5355. For sponsorship information, please contact Anthony Forgione at aforgione@hia-li.org.