Our 2024 Speakers
Discover the Visionaries Shaping Your Next Breakthrough
Jessica Brown
Emmy-winning journalist Jessica Brown co-anchors WCVB Channel 5’s NewsCenter 5 at Noon and 4PM. She also serves as the medical reporter and is an active member of the National Association of Black Journalists. Jessica is dedicated to community service, particularly mentoring young girls, and feels it connects her to her faith.
Jennifer desrosiers
Jennifer is the visionary behind LANEY & LU, GINGER FOX, and PALETTE. She teaches women entrepreneurs to pursue their goals through events and coaching. Known for creating progressive team cultures, profitable operations, and community commitment, Jennifer’s mission is to encourage vibrant, purposeful, adventure-filled lives.
Kaitlin Muller-cusack
Kaitlin, founder of Taking Root, offers Nature and Mindfulness Wellness Sessions. With an M.Ed, Environmental Science degree, and yoga certifications, she guides students through meditation, yoga, and nature walks. Kaitlin believes nature learning reduces stress. She lives in NH with her family and loves saltwater, ferns, herons, yoga, and hiking.
Lisa Keslar
With 30+ years in marketing, Lisa Keslar co-owns Keslar Insurance in NH. For 15 years, she’s built networks and connections, creating value for her community and business. She also teaches entrepreneurship at UNH’s Peter T. Paul College.
Victoria Carrington Chavez
Victoria Carrington Chávez, founder of La Mezcla Creative Co., is a renowned storyteller and visual arts expert. She speaks on multiculturalism and leadership, earning acclaim for her TEDx talk. A Colorado native, Victoria supports BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities, aiming to illuminate the world with vibrancy.
Theresa Pinto
Theresa is a 30+ year Chamber of Commerce professional, now working for the U.S. Small Business Administration as a Business Development Specialist. She previously served as a Business Resource Specialist with the State of New Hampshire Division of Economic Development.
Tricia Santamaria Utley
Tricia Santamaria Utley, with 20+ years in the beauty industry, is Program Manager at CWE Women’s Business Center, NH. Founder of American Apothecary, she led the inclusive skin wellness business for 7 years. A graduate of the Equity Leaders and Hoffman Haas Fellowships, Tricia advocates for women’s empowerment and is dedicated to community leadership and enhancing client experiences.
Gail Zona
Gail Zona, former tech executive and current owner of gJoolz Gifts, founded Learn AI for Biz to demystify AI for small business owners. With an MBA, her AI courses have top ratings and record attendance. Gail aims to empower small businesses with technology and innovation.
Amy Sterndale
Amy Sterndale is business advisor with the Small Business Development Center. Amy is also a speaker coach and former producer of TEDx Portsmouth. One of her past entrepreneurship gigs was developing and marketing a home improvement network for NH contractors.She received her MBA from UNH and is a past board member of the NH Women’s Foundation, the HUB Family Resource Center, and the Portsmouth Historical Society. She lives in Durham with her family.
Erica Sarcione
Hello! My name is Erica Sarcione and I founded The Iron Cactus in Kingston, NH, a wellness center driven by a passion for holistic health and personal well-being. Prior to this endeavor, I enjoyed a successful career in fashion merchandising and corporate leadership, where I served as Vice President of Leadership Development, shaping the growth and potential of future leaders. My educational background includes a Master’s degree in Business Administration, which equipped me with the strategic and managerial skills necessary for both corporate and entrepreneurial pursuits. Today, I combine my business acumen with a deep commitment to wellness, guiding individuals toward healthier lifestyles and personal growth through my center’s programs and services.
Kendall Spewock
Kendall Spewock founded Admiral Property Management and Sales at the age of 21, becoming the youngest real estate broker in the country. In just three years, she has grown her company to a team of three employees, managing over 700 units and achieving six-figure revenue. Admiral Property Management and Sales is known for its commitment to transparency and effective communication with clients. At 23, Kendall was recognized as one of NH Union Leader’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2024 for her entrepreneurial achievements.
Latonya Wallace
Latonya Wallace is the Director of Economic Inclusion at the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund coming from almost 20 years in banking. Founder of Purseverance and The LeadHERship Network. Co-Founder and Chair of the Business Alliance for People of Color. She’s a powerhouse of positive outlook, mentorship, and grace behind a smile. Named NH Business Review (NHBR) Outstanding Woman in Business and NH 200 Most Influential Leaders, BLM Seacoast Community Impact Leader of the year among others. Currently a board member for GoodWork Seacoast and NH Small Business Development Center.
Lisa Carter
Lisa Carter is a serial entrepreneur passionate about building brands. As the owner and chief engagement officer of Drinkwater Marketing and Productions, she helps businesses of all sizes develop brand, digital, and event marketing strategies to drive revenue. With over 20 years of experience in the corporate sector, she has built product and brand strategies for Fortune 500 companies like The Limited, Timberland Footwear, and Staples Inc.
Lisa now offers brand-building sessions for solopreneurs, partnerships, nonprofits, and large corporations. She teaches business owners how to navigate the digital landscape and grow their online presence through workshops and coaching on Meta Business Suite, LinkedIn, and Google Business.
Rebecca Owen
Rebecca Owen, DO opened Winding Brook Direct Primary Care, PLLC in June of 2023. As a primary care physician, she envisioned a career where the patient-physician relationship was at the center of the treatment plan, where patients felt that their concerns were addressed and their needs were met. After navigating an increasingly fragented, rushed, and impersonal health care system, Dr. Owen opened Winding Brook using the direct primary care model. Using her deeply held vision of her early career as her guide, she has created a practice where questions are encouraged, phone calls are answered, and visits are unhurried and thorough. Dr. Owen believes that Winding Brook Direct Primary Care, PLLC is exactly how primary care needs to be!
Janie Wang
Janie Wang is a Central region business advisor with the NH Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Janie spent over a decade building and growing a thriving e-commerce business prior to joining the SBDC. As a small business owner she is very familiar with wearing multiple hats and the many ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Janie received her Masters in Education Policy and Management from Harvard University and her undergraduate degree in Finance and International Business from New York University’s Stern School of Business. She was also the recipient of the SBA Small Business Person of the Year award for Maine 2019.
Janie currently lives in Stratham with her family and is an avid yogi, cribbage player, and a very casual hiker.
Elizabeth Salas
Liz is responsible for counseling current and prospective REDC clients. Her advising includes business planning, financial planning, and underwriting.
Theresa Pinto
Theresa is a 30+ year chamber of commerce professional, working primarily in communities throughout the East Coast. Most recently, Theresa transitioned into federal government service working for the U.S. Small Business Administration as a Business Development Specialist, after work for the State of New Hampshire Division of Economic Development as a Business Resource Specialist with Business & Economic Affairs.
