2022 Orlando Women in Leadership Symposium
March 31, 2022
8:30 AM - 11:30 AM (ET)
Theme
Paragon of Womanhood: Restoration, Reintegration & Reemergence
Sponsored By
The Women in Leadership Symposium is designed to bring together a diverse mix of successful c-suite/VP level women leaders in medium-large sized companies who, through the discussion of topics relevant to today’s issues, educate, inspire and encourage women to reflect on their own goals and status as they strive to move higher in their organizations. The goal of this event is to be the premier resource for women to be able to network, mentor and participate in professional development programs geared toward helping them rise in their careers.
Panelists
Anthony
Sofia Anthony joined the National Diversity Council’s team in 2011 as the Coordinator for the Florida Diversity Council (i.e., FLDC). The FLDC grew and developed significantly under her leadership and continues to gain momentum. In 2012, Sofia was promoted to the Senior Coordinator position and was given the Tri-State Diversity Council (i.e., TSDC) to grow and develop. In 2013, Sofia became the first Regional Manager for the National Diversity Council (i.e., NDC) and in 2015, she became the first training and development lead as the Manager of Training, Development, and Regional Operations. The state diversity councils that primarily fall within her region include Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, New Jersey, and New York. Sofia works very closely with multiple teams of Board members who oversee diversity councils throughout the NDC. As the Assistant Vice President, Sofia Anthony strives to ensure that Coordinators, Senior Coordinators, and other staff members receive the proper support they need to fulfill the NDC’s mission, vision, and goals to the best of their abilities. Not only does Sofia assist with training and development, recruitment and selection, and operational management, but she also helps with business development as well. Some of Sofia’s key contributions to the NDC include formalizing on-boarding and training documentation and processes for new employees; developing, communicating, and launching a 360 performance appraisal process; establishing metrics and developing feedback surveys to obtain valuable data for evaluation and improvement purposes; conducting the organization’s first training needs analysis to identify Coordinator¹s primary training needs; creating an online database of sample email templates for external communication purposes; and raising over $250,000 in new corporate partnership dollars since joining the Council, amongst others. Sofia Anthony graduated magna cum laude from Brown University, where she obtained a B.A. in Anthropology and Ethnic Studies. While working for the NDC, Sofia obtained an M.S. in Human Resource Management from Nova Southeastern University in 2013 and in 2014 obtained her PHR and SHRM-CP credentials. Sofia was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, yet spent the majority of her life in Tampa, Florida. She has always had a deep passion for diversity and inclusion efforts, and feels incredibly fortunate to have found a job that allows her to fulfill her passion each and every day.
Atwal
As vice president of operations for Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center (ORMC), Rachna is responsible for driving operational performance and executing strategic initiatives to position Orlando Health ORMC as a tertiary and quaternary statewide leader. Rachna joined Orlando Health Medical Group (OHMG) in 2016 and had operational responsibility for adult medicine and surgical service lines. In 2017, she was named Vice President, Orlando Health and Chief Operating Officer for OHMG. In that role, she had operational oversight of Orlando Health’s medical practices with a particular focus on patient access, patient experience and clinic workflow optimization. Prior to joining the organization, Rachna served in progressive leadership roles at Wake Forest Baptist Health System, Emory Healthcare and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. She earned an MBA from the University of North Carolina, is Six Sigma Green Belt-trained and is a certified project management professional.
Brice
Nisha Brice is a trailblazer who is passionate about social innovation and seeks to recognize emerging trends and issues to advance solutions in support of social and environmental progress. As the Director of Strategic Investment and Impact at the Orlando Economic Partnership, Nisha helps to identify and drive innovative approaches to improve community outcomes and influence inclusive economic growth in Orlando. She believes in building meaningful relationships and developing partnerships that encourage investment in holistic community strategies and stimulate economic prosperity. Nisha enjoys thinking creatively to solve problems and is skilled in translating high-level strategy into detailed plans. In her time at the Partnership, she has served in launching programs and initiatives including the regional DEI Pledge, BRACE (Business Recovery Assistance and Collaborative Engagement), UpSkill Orlando, and recently announced, Black Boardroom Leadership Institute. Nisha is a trained Foresight Practitioner and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Central Florida.
Cherjovsky
Maria Cherjovsky, MA, CDP is the President of Florida Abilities and Inclusion Network and Vice President of Operations for the Coalition for the Homeless. She is an executive with a success record of over 25 years in the fields of nonprofit, workforce development, social services and higher education, where she led initiatives in support of non-traditional student groups and diverse demographics. She was also a college professor for 10 years, a career coach, project manager and consultant for 15+ years both domestically & internationally. She’s held executive roles with local nonprofit organizations as Vice President of Mission Services and Workforce Innovation for Goodwill Industries of Central Florida, President of the Florida Diversity Council, and President of the Central Florida Disability Chamber of Commerce, which she helped transition to what is now the Florida Abilities and Inclusion Network, a nonprofit organization that leads advocacy and employment efforts for traditionally marginalized populations while assisting organizations develop their own diversity plans and strategies as part of becoming inclusive employers providing access and opportunities for all. Her work in Diversity and Inclusion has been recognized by numerous organizations. Most recently by the Orlando Business Journal which, in 2020, awarded María with the inaugural “Diversity in Business” Lifetime Achievement Award.
Guzman
Dr. Andrea Guzmán joined UCF as Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in July of 2021 where she serves as a member of the executive leadership team and is responsible for leading the development of a comprehensive strategy that champions evidence-based practices in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion in a multi-campus university. Prior to this, she served as Associate Vice President for Student Outreach and Diversity at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) since 2014. In this role, she led efforts to provide a campus climate that supports diversity and inclusion, student success, personal development, and integrated student learning experiences. In addition, Dr. Guzmán assisted the Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management in implementing continuous improvement efforts, goal setting, strategic plans, assessment, and professional development programs within the division. While at FAU, she also developed three university-wide centers including the Center for Inclusion, Diversity Education, and Advocacy. Within each center, she developed a number of student success programs for marginalized populations and several symposiums to advance and sustain diversity, equity and inclusion efforts for faculty, staff and students. Prior to joining Florida Atlantic University, Dr. Guzmán worked for Wayne County Community College District in Detroit, Michigan for 12 years, where she last served as Chief Academic Officer and Provost of Health Sciences.
Mills
Sharonda Mills Wolfe joined Travel + Leisure Co. in December 2009 and currently serves as Group Vice President of the Company’s Employment Law and Labor Relations Group. Sharonda focuses her practice on labor and employment law issues for the Company, and handles employee relations day-to-day counseling and training, responds to attorney demand letters and government agency complaints, and oversees employee- related litigation. In addition, she is actively engaged in the Company’s diversity initiatives, including serving as a member of the Company’s Global Inclusion and Diversity Council and as a board member of the Company’s Coalition of Black Associates (CoBA), an employee resource group dedicated to supporting the growth and development of African-American employees, business initiatives, and communities. Prior to joining Travel + Leisure Co., Sharonda worked as an attorney at a private labor and employment law boutique firm in Tampa, Florida. During that time, she gained experience in various forms of employment litigation, including leaves of absence, employee relations and wage and hour law, and published several employment law articles in HR Magazine and the Florida Employers Exchange. Sharonda graduated magna cum laude from the Florida A&M University School of Business and Industry with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, and she later earned her J.D. and M.B.A. from Florida State University College of Law and College of Business, respectively. Sharonda is admitted to practice in Florida state and federal courts. Sharonda is also actively involved in her community. She is a proud Life Member of the Florida A&M University National Alumni Association (FAMU NAA) and is a current member of the Greater Orlando Chapter, where she previously served on the Chapter’s Executive Board. For the last 5 years, Sharonda has also served as a member of the FAMU NAA Annual Convention Planning Committee. In addition, Sharonda is a member of the Florida Diversity Council, Orlando Chapter and the Association of Corporate Counsel, Central Florida Chapter. In her free time, Sharonda enjoys traveling, reading, attending FAMU football games and alumni events, and spending time with friends and family, especially her husband, Samario Wolfe, and 6-year old nephew, Carter.
Moderator
Stone
Kristen Stone has many years of experience in Talent Acquisition and Diversity & Inclusion. In her current role, Kristen leads a Talent Acquisition team in shaping organizational development and hiring top talent across the Southeast for a Fortune 500 company. She is also a long-standing member of the Orlando Chapter Advisory Board for the Florida Diversity Council and Vice Chair for the Board of Directors of the Mustard Seed of Central Florida. Kristen was born and raised in Central Florida. She began her career in Human Resources, with a focus on Talent Management and Organizational Development, while working in the field of Education. Kristen managed a local branch of a tutoring company for many years before she accepted a role in Human Resources leadership with Florida Virtual School. From there, she transitioned to working in the waste and recycling industry in 2015 with Republic Services, a garbage and recycling company that is known as one of Forbes Most Innovative Companies and Ethisphere World’s Most Ethical Companies. Kristen has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Central Florida, as well as a Master of Science in Psychology from the University of Florida. She also holds certification as a Black Belt in Recruitment and a Black Belt in Diversity & Inclusion through the Social Talent Network. Kristen is an amateur artist, a foodie, and an avid at-home chef who loves to entertain family and friends. She lives in Winter Park with her husband Justin, Humanities and Philosophy Professor at Valencia College, their precocious daughter Reagan, and their rambunctious pets Steve and Finnley.
Awardee
Harrison
With nearly 20 years of experience in corporate social responsibility, philanthropy, integrated communications, public relations, event planning, diversity, equity & inclusion, and business strategy, Malika Harrison leads the Orlando Magic’s community relations, multicultural affairs, volunteering, disaster relief, cause marketing, and civic engagement. She also oversees the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation, including strategic grantmaking and fundraising. Additionally, Harrison manages the Magic’s community efforts for the Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic, which has resulted in hundreds of hours of volunteering and more than $500,000 in donations to local nonprofits. As a mission-driven, solutions-oriented leader, Harrison also represents the Magic on community-wide initiatives such as: Mayor Jerry L. Demings’ appointee to the Orange County Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, Secretary of the Board of Directors for the Early Learning Coalition of Orange County, and Board Member for ELEVATE Orlando, Holocaust Memorial Resources and Education Center of Florida, and United Arts of Central Florida. Prior to relocating to Orlando, Harrison served as Director of Corporate Responsibility for S&P; Global and Vice President of S&P; Global Foundation in New York City. She led the development of a Center of Excellence to redefine the Company’s corporate responsibility strategy, enhanced internal and external communications, and managed a global multi-million grant portfolio. She also held various roles at Alcoa Foundation, including Community Engagement Manager and Communications Manager, as well as Chairman of the African American employee resource group. Committed to change and a passionate advocate for the advancement of educational opportunities, equity and inclusion, youth and women’s empowerment, Harrison’s leadership-in-service includes: AmeriCorps, Leadership Orange - Class VIII, Leadership Orlando - Class 98, member of the inaugural onePULSE Foundation Legacy Scholarship Committee, member of the Central Florida Urban League - Young Professionals, life member of National Council of Negro Women, Inc., and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. In 2017, Harrison received New York University’s Bart Lawson Award for Distinguished Public Service. In 2018, she was recognized as an Emerging Leader Honoree by the Association of Fundraising Professionals - Central Florida Chapter. For her continuing work in the community, in 2020 she received a SPORTYS Award for Best in Social Responsibility from the Greater Orlando Sports Commission, was selected to Orlando Business Journal’s 40 Under 40, and named a Deeva to Watch by Women on the Rise. In 2021, Harrison was listed as Women on the Move by ONYX Magazine, National Diversity Council as a Top 50 in Corporate Social Responsibility, and as Women of the Year by Orlando Magazine. Harrison holds a master’s degree in Public Relations and Corporate Communication from New York University and a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Florida A&M; University. She also has a certificate of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace from the University of South Florida.
Award Nomination
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