Liz Murray, Keynote Speaker

Homeless to Harvard

A story so powerful it was made into a movie, Liz Murray shares her fascinating, inspirational story of growing up with two drug addicted parents who she began supporting at age 10. Homeless at age 15, the death of her mother was the wake-up call that made her break free of her circumstances and pursue a different path for her life. While living on the streets of New York, she completed and graduated from high school in just two years. Overcoming horrible odds, she won a full scholarship and was accepted to Harvard University. Murray offers one of the most moving, elegant and uplifting tales you will ever hear.

Darlene Ellison, M.S.

High Touch Alliances

Darlene Ellison’s gripping personal story forms the foundation of her High Touch Alliances and Betrayal Recovery concepts that she uses to inspire and compel audiences into changing their own lives. Darlene’s personal and professional journey led her to become an expert and consultant on overcoming obstacles and building meaningful alliances.  Through her speaking, workshops, executive retreats and consulting, she helps businesses, organizations and associations transform and empower their employees and members with High Touch Alliances™.

Donna Bender, The Donna Bender Company

Donna Bender’s career in marketing and advertising began over 28 years ago in the fashion industry with licensing’s best-known pioneer, Calvin Klein. After working at Calvin Klein as Vice President for 9 years, Donna then devotes her talent and experience as a marketing consultant to other respected brands including Salvatore Ferragamo, Laura Ashley, Eddie Bauer, New Balance, and Major League Baseball.

Susan Morrow, Marketing Symphony

Susan Morrow, APR, is a principal at Marketing Symphony, a strategic integrated marketing firm.  With 25+ years of experience in public relations/communications and reputation management, Susan has planned and implemented programs for emerging and large businesses in diversified industries. She also is a crisis management specialist and helps organizations in the areas of internal planning, communications with media, community, and industry organizations, and counseling during actual crisis situations.

Roxie Banker, Help Me Roxie!