Jewel Plummer Cobb Sisters Conference 2024

Jewel Plummer Cobb Sisters Conference

Schedule of the Day

9:30 am

Registration opens

9:45 am

Continental Breakfast

10:00 am

Welcome & Introductions

10:20 am

Morning Panel
Health Equity: Achieving My Best Health - A Personal Strategy

12:00 pm

Lunch

12:40 pm

Keynote Speech

1:20 pm

Afternoon Panel

Generational Wealth: Creating Your Own Ladder

3:00 pm

Conference Concludes

(schedule is subject to change)

AADC Black Alumnae Network (BAN)

Jewel Plummer Cobb Sisters Conference

Theme: Advocating for Yourself: Our Voices Matter!

Keynote Speaker
Assemblywoman Tennille R. McCoy

N.J. Assemblywoman Tennille R. McCoy, a steadfast advocate for progressive change and community, will deliver our dynamic keynote. She will address the conference theme, which encompasses the importance of advocating for yourself and others in healthcare spaces and securing generational wealth both before and after retirement. We will explore health equity, personal strategies to achieve your best health, business equity barriers and wealth building.

Panels

Health Equity: Achieving My Best Health - A Personal Strategy

Dr. Pamela Brug '84, Dorothy J. Reed, Dr. Ndeye-Aicha Gueye, Brittany Gibson and Jeannine LaRue as Moderator

As Black women with careers, families, and a vested interest in our communities, we recognize the absolute need for advocating in the health care space. This discussion will explore issues of black maternal health, the question of freezing eggs to pursue a career, finding access to healthcare (OBGYN, Primary, Mental Health) as we travel through life changing experiences, speaking up and having proactive conversations with your doctor, preventative care, the future of DEI and LGBTQIA+, the whole person, and mental health. How can we educate ourselves within this space and avoid misinformation?

Generational Wealth: Creating Your Own Ladder

Judith Lee, Simone Lee, Margaret A. Gillis ‘75, Vonetta Hawkins and
Ayana Okoya Iman as Moderator

The panelists will review Black prosperity and wealth building, and will consider ways to create multiple income streams. This is a practical discussion of real-life applications, before and after retirement, to enjoy financial security for generations. We will explore opportunities in consulting, becoming an influencer, financial and real estate investment, the gig economy, the path to entrepreneurship, and the roadblocks to business equity, and how to plow through it.

About Our Keynote

NJ Assemblywoman Tennille R. McCoy is a groundbreaking figure in New Jersey politics, having shattered barriers as the first person of color to be elected to the State Legislature representing the 14th District. She stands as a beacon of hope and progress, evident through her roles on the Assembly Appropriations, State and Local Government, and Telecommunications and Utilities Committees. She is a steadfast advocate for progressive change and community well-being, embodying the essence of a true community champion. Her unwavering dedication, extensive leadership background, and deep-seated passion guarantee a promising and brighter future for all. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from Virginia State University, a Master of Science in Human Resources/Labor and Employment Relations from Rutgers University, and a Global Executive MBA from prestigious institutions including NYU Stern, London School of Economics, and HEC Paris Business School. In her capacity as a Human Resources executive, Assemblywoman McCoy has excelled in building high-performance teams that prioritize diversity and mentorship, ensuring organizations are well-equipped for the challenges of tomorrow. Her career highlights include serving as the Director of Human Resources at UBS Financial, the Assistant Commissioner of Human Capital Strategies and Project Management Lead at the New Jersey Department of Labor (NJDOL) and Workforce Development, and Chief Human Resources Officer at Covenant House International. Additionally, she has worked as a Realtor for Berkshire Fox & Roach, showcasing her versatility across various sectors. She has been recognized with many accolades and awards. 

About Our Health Panelists

Jeannine LaRue, Panel Moderator, is founder and CEO of Jeannine LaRue & Associates and brings nearly 50 years of lobbying, public affairs, and policy to her position to the world of branding and public relations. Her latest creation, LaRuelist Café, is a highly popular media platform for business leaders, politicians, thought leaders, and social activists. Her life-long professional experiences and career span the gamut of non-profit, corporate, political, senior level governmental, and elected governance. Jeannine has been recognized by more than 70 national and statewide organizations. She appears on almost every single influencer list ranging from African American women, LGBTQIA, and cannabis experts. Serving on several charitable, nonprofit boards, Jeannine chairs both the Garden State Equality Fund Board and Greater Mt. Zion AME Community Development Board of Trustees. In 2022, Jeannine was appointed to the statewide Capital City Redevelopment Corporation Board of Directors. She remains an active member of the Trenton Health Team Board of Trustees, Women’s Political Caucus Board of Directors, and founding member of Rowan University of Black Alumni Network (RUBAN). She is former board trustee of Essex County Community College and Camden County Community College Board of Trustees and Cooper Hospital and Medical Center Board of Trustees.

Pamela Brug ‘84 MD, MS, a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist based in New Jersey, is a distinguished professional with over 25 years of experience. A graduate of Douglass College with a BA in Biology and Sociology, she earned her medical degree from Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Currently serving as a Medical Director at Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey and a faculty member at Rutgers University Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Dr. Brug is recognized for her commitment to mentoring, teaching, and community service. Passionate about addressing disparities in healthcare, she plays a pivotal role in advocating for these issues as a faculty member at Rutgers University Women’s Health Institute division of Advocacy and Community Outreach, and as the founder and president of the New Jersey Black Women Physicians Association, a nonprofit dedicated to education, advocacy, and mentoring to combat health disparities and inequities. 
 

Brittany Gibson is a New Jersey native.  She holds a B.A in Early childhood Education from Kean University and an M. A. in Curriculum and Instruction from Grand Canyon University. Brittany has been an educator for over 15 years, spending those years in preschool, elementary, and middle school.  Brittany is a lifelong learner and has gone on to receive many accolades and additional certifications. She is a lover of all animals as a vegan for over 6 years. Before starting a family, Brittany spent many afternoons walking dogs at the local animal shelter. She is also the creator of 3theGibsonWay, a blog focused on motherhood, fitness, postpartum, and life with multiples. As a first-time mom to triplets, she is passionate about sharing her unique experiences with motherhood; especially to moms of twins, triplets, quads, and beyond. Brittany wants to bring moms of multiples out of the shadows because our light shines bright too. 

Ndeya- Aicha Gueye, MD, is board-certified in Obstetrics/Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and lead physician at Reproductive Medicine Associates of Pennsylvania. She earned her Doctor of Medicine and completed her residency at Rutgers University’s Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in Piscataway, NJ.  During her residency she received numerous research and teaching awards, such as the Gold Foundation Humanism and Excellence in Teaching Award in Recognition for Excellence and Compassion in Patient Care and Commitment to Teaching.  She was also recognized for her surgical skills and received the award for minimally invasive surgery from the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopy (AAGL).  She stayed on staff after her completion of residency and was presented with the Excellence in Teaching Award from the Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics (APGO). Dr. Gueye is also a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society. Dr. Gueye completed her fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio.  In addition, she has authored and contributed to a number of peer-reviewed publications, videos, and book chapters involving fibroids, abnormal uterine bleeding and endometriosis, and received a fellow research award from the Cleveland Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Dorothy J. Reed is the Co-Founder and President of Sister2Sister, Inc (S2S). She became a breast cancer survivor in 1998, and in the absence of local support or culturally sensitive resources for Minority women diagnosed with the disease, Ms. Reed formed Sister2Sister in 2000 with three other breast cancer survivors. S2S has provided years of breast health advocacy and education to the community and financial support to underserved women battling the disease of breast cancer. Annual fundraisers include a Run/Walk 4Life and Grace Memorial Golf Tournament. In 2022, S2S increased their efforts to include Clinical Trials and opened a Sister2Sister Plainfield Satellite office. She is a member of  the Community Cancer Action Board at Rutgers Cancer Institute and the NJ Alliance for Clinical and Translational Science Advisory Committee at Rutgers. On a national level, in July 2015 Ms. Reed was selected as a White House Honoree of Precision Medicine “Champions of Change”, an appearance in a 2005 National Television Commercial Campaign by Astra Zeneca, “If You Were My Sister” and was selected as one of Lifetime Heroes by Lifetime Television in 2006. Ms. Reed holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree, Cum Laude, from Pillar College.

About Our Wealth Panelists

Ayana Okoya Iman, Panel Moderator, is a native of Trenton, NJ and proud New Jersey resident. In 2016, she launched her career as a writer, columnist, public speaker and Certified Professional Life Coach (CPLC), focusing on personal development, storytelling, and transformation, which allowed her to directly impact client's lives as an accountability partner. Ayana received her Bachelor of Arts in Communications/Journalism at Kean University and her Masters in Strategic Organizational Communication at Rutgers University. Ayana is the host of #AuthenticConvos, an inclusive experience that fervently promotes face-to-face thought-provoking dialogue within diverse communities across the country and seeks to have a profound global impact on the way we engage with one another. She understands the importance of interpersonal communication, and the need for healthy dialogue that extends beyond the digital realm. This platform has allowed her to facilitate community engagement, offer a platform to other speakers and vendors, and give attendees the opportunity to gain professional insight from thought leaders. 

Margaret A. “Marty” Gillis ‘75 is a successful business owner, community leader and advocate. She earned a master's degree in business administration from Rutgers University and today Marty is the owner of 22 McDonald's restaurants and has impacted countless lives and communities through her work and philanthropy. At McDonald's, she was the first woman to serve as Chair of the African American Consumer Market Committee which directs all national marketing activities targeting African Americans. As chair for a decade, she successfully advocated for, re-energized and advanced McDonald's African American marketing programs. Marty is active with the AADC Black Alumnae Network, was inducted into the AADC Society Excellence, and established the Gillis Prize through the AADC that benefits Douglass Residential College students. She serves as a member of the Rutgers Board of Trustees. Marty has received numerous accolades throughout her career, including being inducted into the AADC Society of Excellence, the Rutgers African American Alumni Alliance, Inc. Hall of Fame, and receiving the New Jersey Women of Achievement Award. She supports numerous programs and events in her community. We are grateful to Marty for being here today to share her experiences on her Journey to Success!

Vonetta Hawkins is the President and CEO of Home Sweet Home Realty Group, which was born with one goal in mind: Create a platform that would transform lives through real estate. The day-to-day operations center around “All Things Real Estate,” inclusive of development, investing, contractor management & education. The CEO began her journey in real estate investing back in 2003 and she still has that new love and passion for the industry. In addition to being the CEO of Home Sweet Home Realty Group, Vonetta has over 30 years in the Banking and Finance Industry, working for Fortune 50 companies managing markets with over $20 billion in lending capital and $500  million in assets. She is an influential business execution leader and a change agent in the banking industry. Vonetta has spearheaded stakeholder engagement & led large-scale business execution initiatives all while driving outcome-based strategies. Vonetta is also the proud co-creator of the New York Black MBA Association Real Estate Investment Series. This eight-part series gives new investors the tools they need to begin or continue their journey of building wealth through real estate investing. It begins by teaching them how to create the purchase agreement with session one titled “The Offer.” Then it ends with “The Tour” which is a hands-on property tour teaching them how to walk through an investment property. Through that successful series, several attendees have purchased properties and are now building wealth with real estate assets. 

Judith Lee CFP®, CRPC™, SE-AWMA™ is a Senior Vice President and Wealth Management Advisor for Merrill and has served as a financial advisor for over two decades.  In 2019, she was named Chair of the Merrill Women’s Exchange, a firm initiative committed to the success of women in the organization.  She was named to Forbes “Best-State Wealth Advisors” list in February 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 (published annually Jan - April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of the prior year.)  She began her career in financial services in 1997 as a branch manager with Summit Bank, after transitioning from a successful career in retail merchandising.   While she leads a practice focused on comprehensive wealth management, her team has a special interest in women in transition:  retirement, divorce, care-giving, widowhood and inheritance all present unique lifestyle challenges faced by women, and as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional Judith is committed to empowering women to strive for financial success.  Whether utilizing strategies to pursue a retirement income stream, coordinating cash flow needs or creating investment portfolios to assist in the growth and protection of wealth, she is your resource to help you build a plan to enhance your financial well-being. Judith obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Hofstra University with a concentration in marketing and continued her education to receive the certification. She holds the series 7 and 66 FINRA registrations as well as life and health insurance licenses. Judith was a panelist at the 2008 New Jersey Governor’s Conference for Women presenting at the “Making It All Add Up” session, educating women on the fundamentals and benefits of saving in an employer retirement plan to build a nest egg.  She is passionate about educating, inspiring and empowering others to take charge of their financial health.  She promotes financial literacy speaking at local community forums. She resides in NJ and enjoys traveling, especially to her favorite happy place - Jamaica.

Simone Lee, CFP®, CRPC™ focuses on helping clients understand the importance of maximizing savings during prime earning years. She builds lasting relationships with individuals and multigenerational families and advises them on decisions that are consistent with their goals and values. With her team, she focuses on personal service and disciplined investment strategies that give families the opportunity to actively pursue their financial goals. The Lee Group guides individuals and families in making informed decisions by leveraging one of the world’s largest full-service investment firms to deliver premier wealth management strategies and estate planning services. Premier wealth management requires long-term perspective and daily due diligence to achieve personal financial goals. She holds the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™, CRPC™ designation as well as the Series 7 and Series 66 FINRA registration. She graduated from the University of Maryland majoring in Mathematics and chose a career in financial services because of her desire to help others succeed. As a witness to challenges faced by important people in her life, she recognizes the need for a professional and caring team to do what’s right for clients.