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Career & Care Summit Speakers

We recognize that professional burnout is driving a wedge between professional woman and the life that they deserve. We want to help fill the gap

Meet our fantastic line up of speakers.

Leah C. Murphy

CEO  

Career Gems for the Journey

Leah C. Murphy is a certified professional career coach, sought after speaker, podcast host and bestselling author. Leah is the CEO of Career Gems for the Journey, a boutique consultancy focused on supporting professionals to build thriving careers through professional development programs, team building workshops and coaching programs. 

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    Tara Jaye Frank

    Author, Speaker, & Educator

    Tara Jaye Frank is a leadership strategist, equity advocate, and founder and CEO of The Waymakers Change Group, where she advises Fortune 500 companies and senior leaders on human-centered leadership, equity, and belonging. A former executive and Hallmark greeting card writer, she has held senior roles across creative, multicultural strategy, and business innovation, and spent a decade as creative partner to Dr. Maya Angelou. Tara is the award-winning author of The Waymakers, a 2025 LinkedIn Top Voice, and brings soulful clarity to leaders ready to create lasting change without losing themselves.

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    Dr. Sophia Lubin

    Host, ObGyn- 

    Dr. Sophia, ObGyn Podcast

    Dr. Sophia Lubin is a board-certified ObGyn for over 15 years in her native New York City area. She
    currently practices at Symphony Medical providing a wide range of services, including routine obstetrical and gynecologic care, as well as surgical interventions. Being a women’s health and well-being enthusiast, she spreads her knowledge and care through the “Dr. Sophia, ObGyn Podcast” – voted as one of the top 10 menopause podcasts in 2025 by Midi Health – to help women learn about their bodies and embrace themselves.

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    Touseef Mirza

    Co-Host- 

    Dr. Sophia, ObGyn Podcast

     

    Touseef is an Adjunct Professor at New York University teaching personal purpose and personal branding, and is the Co-CEO of Purpose Hive, a brand purpose strategy consultancy. She has a science
    background with an MSc in Occupational Environmental Health, and has over 15 years’ experience in health communications and marketing in the public and private sector. Touseef if the co-host of the “Dr.
    Sophia, ObGyn Podcast.”

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    Tonya Ladipo

    CEO & Founder -

    The Ladipo Group

    Tonya Ladipo is the Founder and CEO of The Ladipo Group, a leadership development and organizational consulting firm that helps leaders navigate hard conversations and change with courage, kindness, and clarity. With more than 25 years of experience, she is a nationally sought-after speaker specializing in emotional intelligence, psychological safety, and workplace wellness, known for making complex topics practical and actionable. Her work has been featured in major national outlets, trusted by organizations like Google and the University of Pennsylvania, and recognized with honors including being a two-time Titan 100 awardee.

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    Paul Markowich, CFP®

    Executive Vice President, Partner - First Trust Bank​

    Paul is a Retirement Planning Specialist based on his receipt of a Certificate in Retirement Planning from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. CFP® and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ are certification marks owned by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. These marks are awarded to individuals who successfully complete the CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

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    Melva Holt 

    CEO & Founder ​

    Paise Leadership

    Melva Holt is the CEO and Founder of PAISE Leadership, an Executive Coach and Culture & Talent Strategist. Melva is on a powerful mission to Heal Corporate Hurt™ and transform the future of work by developing accountable, connected, trust-filled teams. With an impressive career spanning 20+ years across diverse industries, Melva's expertise lies in culture transformation, talent strategy, leadership development, and team effectiveness. Melva is a Certified Master Coach (CMC) and holds the Associate Coaching Certification (ACC) designation from the International Coach Federation (ICF).

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    Loni Booker White

    Co-Founder & Executive Creative Director

    Loni Booker White is the Co-Founder and Executive Creative Director of Sauce Creative House, a creative studio bridging brand advertising, television, film, and culture. With over 15 years shaping brand campaigns, visual identities,
    and original storytelling for Fortune 100 and purpose-driven brands, she builds immersive worlds defined by
    emotional intelligence, cultural truth, and lasting connection.

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    Tammi Kukainis, CFP®

    President, Senior Partner- First Trust Bank​

    Tamara S. Kukainis is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and president of Schwartz Financial Associates, a third-generation firm founded by her family in 1958. In September 2023, Schwartz Financial Associates joined forces with Firstrust Financial Resources in alliance with Equitable Advisors, strengthening the firm’s reach and resources. She began her career in financial planning in 1987 and has expanded the practice to deliver comprehensive, holistic financial planning, investment management, and customized insurance solutions. Tamara is deeply committed to financial education and brings particular expertise supporting women in transition, executives, and business owners.

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    Dr. Jazmine Toole

    Physical Therapist & Educator

    Dr. Jazmine Tooles is a physical therapist, educator, and advocate with over a decade of clinical experience. She is an Assistant Professor at Temple University, a per diem therapist at Jefferson Moss-Magee, and mentors students at Temple’s pro bono clinic. As the founder of Explore the Magic of Motion® LLC and President of APTA Pennsylvania, Dr. Tooles is dedicated to advancing equitable healthcare practices and mentoring future healthcare leaders.

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    Erica Castro

    CEO & Founder - 

    STEM Roots Collective

    Erica Castro is a computer scientist, AI strategist, and organizational leader who holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in computer science with a concentration in cybersecurity. She specializes in organizational management, STEM curriculum development, and workforce readiness, helping organizations design scalable systems and learning experiences. Erica is passionate about translating complex technical concepts into accessible, impact-driven programs that expand opportunity and build sustainable leadership.

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    Ama Gordon

    CEO & Co-Founder of Global Fertility Connections

    Ama Gordon is the CEO and Co-Founder of Global Fertility Connections, with extensive experience in brand management, strategic planning, and business development. With a background in industries such as wine & spirits, consumer goods, and women's health, Ama is known for driving business growth and developing impactful marketing strategies. Her expertise also includes multicultural marketing and luxury personal care products and services.

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    Dr. Nicole L Dugan, PT, DPT, WCS

     Physical Therapist & Pelvic Floor Program Leader

    Dr. Nicole L Dugan is a physical therapist, pelvic floor and lymphedema specialist and an APTA board certified Women’s Clinical Specialist.  She has almost three decades of rehabilitation experience that includes patient care, research, teaching and program leadership.  The pelvic floor is critical to many body functions and pelvic health is essential to overall wellness. Nicole advocates for pelvic floor rehab to be accessible, evidence-based, and inclusive of all genders and life stages. 

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    Lola Bakare

    Inclusive Marketing Strategist & Author

    Lola Bakare is an Inclusive Marketing Strategist, author, and founder of be/co, where she leads the global #responsiblemarketing movement—helping brands build authentic, inclusive strategies through consulting, training, and workshops. Her award-winning Maximize The Movement™ initiative earned Gold at the inaugural Anthem Awards, and her career includes leadership roles and brand work with companies like PepsiCo, Diageo, Dell, Gatorade, and Smirnoff. A trusted advisor and speaker, Lola has partnered with organizations including IBM, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Merck, and the Tory Burch Foundation, and her insights have appeared in Harvard Business Review, Adweek, and Marketing Brew. Named an Adweek 2023 Creative 100 honoree and LinkedIn Top Voice, she is the author of Responsible Marketing: How To Create An Authentic & Inclusive Marketing Strategy (Kogan Page).

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    Kathryn Ott Lovell

    President and CEO Philadelphia Visitor Center

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    Kathryn Ott Lovell is President and CEO of the Philadelphia Visitor Center, where she has expanded retail and cultural offerings, introduced global and local brands, and convened more than 30 historic institutions to strengthen visitation to America’s most historic square mile. Previously, she served as Commissioner of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, leading the department’s first strategic plan and launching city-wide initiatives such as Parks on Tap, Swim Philly, and The Oval+, while advancing major projects like FDR Park and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. A longtime civic leader, Lovell also held senior leadership roles at Fairmount Park Conservancy and Mural Arts Philadelphia, driving strategic growth, high-profile projects, and expanded funding support across Philadelphia’s cultural landscape.

    Career Gems For The Journey

    is a boutique consultancy. We are dedicated to serving individuals, organizations and institutions as they seek growth by leveraging our expertise. Our mission is to equip our clients with resources enabling confidence to build thriving careers and businesses.

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