Cheryl D. Lynch, President, Lifeskills Institute – Opening Breakfast

Friday, August 7, 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Topic: “Repacking Your Bags!” Purge those things, situations and people that keep you from realizing all you were created to be and do. Choose to operate your life with Power, Passion, Purpose, Potential and Preparation. This presentation is for women or anyone who is preparing for the “velocity of change.” Get ready to explore more of you. “Oh, the places you’ll go!”

Mike Barajas, Anchor, KRIV-TV Fox 26 and Carla Lane, CEO, Lane Staffing, Inc. – Luncheon Panel Co-moderators

Friday, August 7, 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Topic: “Black & Brown Symposium.” African American and Hispanic Shared Experiences with the “Big 3 Es: Education ▪ Employment ▪ Entrepreneurship.” Sponsored by Lane Staffing, Inc., a panel of community leaders explore current state inhibitors to “Big 3” success in Houston (or any metropolitan city) and create real solutions to begin building bridges between the African American and Hispanic communities. Participants will gain cultural insights and perhaps be inspired to be a part of the solution.

Jamal Simmons, CNN Analyst and Deborah Duncan, KHOU-TV “Great Day Houston” Host – Evening Mixer Co-moderators

Friday, August 7, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Topic: “He’s Just Not That Into You!” A light-hearted panel discussion regarding the hazards of entrepreneurial relationships and relationships in general. Is he not that into you because you intimidate him? Or, is he just not that into you period? Participants will learn the warning signs as well as how to have healthy relationships of all kinds.

Jamal Simmons is a well-known political analyst and frequent television commentator. He was seen regularly supporting Barack Obama for the Democratic nomination on CNN and MSNBC during the 2008 presidential primaries and caucuses. With an extensive background in Democratic politics and international affairs his views and opinions have been featured in major publications such as GQ Magazine, the New York Times, International Herald Tribune and USA Today.

Joan Rivers, Comedian and Businesswoman – *Soaring Heights Saturday Awards Brunch

Saturday, August 8, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Topic: “Beyond Resilience.” The ultimate woman of reinvention will inspire and share how to reinvent yourself and your business to survive through the ages. Rivers is best-selling author, Tony-nominated actress, playwright, screenwriter, motion picture director, columnist, lecturer, syndicated radio host, Emmy Award-winning television talk-show host, jewelry designer, red-carpet fashion laureate, businesswoman and, most importantly to her, mother and grandmother. In a brilliant teaming with QVC in 1990, she launched her sensational fashion jewelry line, the Joan Rivers Classics Collection, winning an ACE award from the Accessories Council in 1997 and achieving unprecedented and continuing success with record-breaking sales of more than $300 million. Rivers says the secret to her success is being, “insanely persistent.” Additionally, Rivers recently won Donald Trump’s “Celebrity Apprentice” reality television program.

*Soaring Heights Awards recognize supplier diversity officers with exceptional women’s enterprise programs.