Victoria Dabrowski Schmidt ’42 Career Symposium and Luncheon

9:30 am

Registration

10:00 am

Welcome

10:15 – 10:45 am

Keynote Address
Tynisha Coleman ’08, ACC
Executive Coach and DEI Specialist

Unleash the Power of Your Voice

10:45 am - 10:50 am

Break

10:50 am - 11:45 am

Morning Workshops (Select 1 of 3 Options)
Running Positivity Campaigns for Marginalized Communities in the Workplace
You Can Do It! Follow Your Calling without Fear
Is Imposter Syndrome Burning You Out?

11:45 - 11:50 am

Break

11:50 – 1:00 pm

Luncheon and Society of Excellence Induction Ceremony

1:00 – 1:10 pm

Break

1:10 – 2:10 pm

Symposium Panel

Beyond Limits: Building Resilience Amidst Life’s Obstacles

2:10 – 2:15 pm

Break

2:15 – 3:10 pm

Afternoon Workshops Session Two (Select 1 of 3 Options)
From Handshakes to Heartbeats: Maximizing Potential Through Networking and Volunteering
Redefining Retirement with Estate Planning Tools
Empowering Educators: Nurturing New Teachers and Aspiring Educators

3:10 – 3:15 pm

Break

3:15 – 4:00 pm

Networking Session
AADC Douglass Alumnae Mentoring and Young Alumnae Network Chairs will be available for questions
Symposium concludes at 4:00 pm

Symposium Keynote

Unleash the Power of Your Voice

Featuring Tynisha Coleman ’08, ACC

Executive Coach and DEI Specialist
As the Founder and CEO of Exalt Consulting, Tynisha is a catalyst for transformation, specializing in leadership development, conflict resolution, and performance excellence. Tynisha is on a mission to unleash the full potential of leaders through her coaching and development expertise. At Rutgers University, Tynisha is the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Inclusion, and Development, serving as a strategic thought leader. Her responsibilities include designing and implementing unit-wide programs that fuel diverse workforce recruitment, retention, and advancement. Tynisha will share her expertise with us as the dynamic keynote speaker for the Symposium.

Symposium Panel

Beyond Limits: Building Resilience Amidst Life’s Obstacles

Presented by Melody Gratic, Alison Maloney, Benita Talati ’03, Esq., Lisa Taubenblat '95, LCSW; Moderated by Jennie Vila '07
Join us for an empowering panel on how to navigate in your career when faced with illness, disability, caregiving concerns, aging, anxiety and depression. We'll tackle workplace burnout, mental health post-pandemic, the transformative power of self-care and we will explore living beyond the boundaries of your comfort zones. Learn actionable techniques for mindfulness, boundary-setting, and prioritizing well-being in modern work environments. This panel session equips you with tools to thrive personally and professionally through life's challenges.

Symposium Workshops

You Can Do It!:  Follow Your Calling without Fear

Presented by Kaila Boulware Sykes ’15

This workshop will motivate participants to confidently and courageously start the business of their dreams; while providing tangible strategies and resources to get them started before they leave the symposium. Participants will hear my story of overcoming extreme obstacles as a woman, mother and businesswoman, learn exactly how I spread the message of my businesses across the country, and be able to apply business and personal development concepts and principles to their own dreams and goals enabling them to become businesswomen before they walk out of the door. Participants will have the resources to get started, but more importantly, the confidence to know they can do it, and be successful.

Running Positivity Campaigns for Marginalized Communities in the Workplace

Presented by Sangeetha Subramanian ’08

People either run positivity or negativity campaigns for or against your likability, lovability, or competency in the workplace. Historically speaking, negativity campaigns have been run against marginalized communities. This workshop is a diversity communications workshop to learn how to run positivity campaigns for marginalized communities and how to combat microaggressions in real time.

Is Imposter Syndrome Burning You Out?

Presented by Nichole Inya-Agha ’08 and Sharmaine Lewis

While over 70% of people will experience feelings of being an imposter at some point in their career, many people struggle with talking about it or knowing what to do to battle it. This workshop will focus on recognizing the ways imposter syndrome may have an impact on your career and contribute to burnout. Participants will gain a working definition of imposter syndrome in order to self-assess during various career stages. We will explore some of the causes of the imposter phenomenon and the resulting mindsets. These mindsets often leave successful people with the inability to internalize their professional success. We will examine the connection between imposter syndrome and burnout and the obstacles to using techniques to reduce work-related stress. This workshop will also look at how issues with workplace diversity can contribute to imposter syndrome and how its response and impact may vary. Participants will be introduced to evidence-based strategies to keep imposter syndrome at bay and to distance themselves from the critical, perfectionistic thoughts which often lead to overwork. Participants will leave the workshop with a burnout prevention plan and techniques that they can start practicing immediately in response to imposter thoughts.

Redefining Retirement with Estate Planning Tools

Presented by Tina M. James ’06, Esq.

Women have unique career challenges and obstacles, such as career interruptions, caretaking responsibilities, lesser salaries, and longer lifespans. This presentation will discuss how we need to redefine retirement to empower women to take control of their finances, plan for their own health and wellness, maintain community connections and lifelong learning, and create a legacy that reflects their life and values. This presentation will discuss how women can use estate planning tools to put them in control during this stage of their life.

Empowering Educators: Nurturing New Teachers and Aspiring Educators

Presented by Tina Dorio Perri ’90 & Lauren Stone

During the workshop, Tina and Lauren will discuss what a new teacher can expect after they are hired by a school district. Some of the topics discussed will include fostering relationships with colleagues and administration alike, best educational practices, communication with parents and community, getting to know your contract, how to contribute to your school community and culture, how to grow and develop professionally, as well as how to act in service to your students.

From Handshakes to Heartbeats: Maximizing Potential Through Networking and Volunteering

Presented by Catherine Sackey, MPAP ’22

In this dynamic workshop, participants will embark on a transformative journey to unlock their full potential through the strategic fusion of networking and volunteering. By delving into the art of cultivating meaningful connections and purpose-driven engagement, attendees will discover how to amplify their impact in both professional and personal spheres. Through interactive exercises, group discussions, and real-world case studies, participants will gain practical insights and actionable strategies to harness the power of networking events, online platforms, and community involvement. From mastering the art of the introduction to cultivating lasting relationships, this workshop will equip individuals with the tools and confidence to navigate their career trajectories and contribute meaningfully to their communities. By embracing the ethos of "From Handshakes to Heartbeats," participants will learn to infuse passion, purpose, and authenticity into every interaction, unlocking unparalleled opportunities for growth and fulfillment.

About Our Keynote

Tynisha Coleman ’08, ACC, Executive Coach and DEI Specialist is a dynamic force in both academia and community service, has an impressive legacy as a former AADC Board of Directors Member. As the current leader steering the AADC Sisterhood Book Club, Tynisha doesn't just facilitate discussions—she orchestrates meaningful connections and intellectual exploration. She previously served as the chair of the AADC Lectures Committee. During the AADC 100th Anniversary, she led the Community Service Committee's successful “AADC – Helping Women, PERIOD” service project to provide menstrual products to people in need. Tynisha's impact extends far beyond her AADC contributions. As the Founder and CEO of Exalt Consulting, she is a catalyst for transformation, specializing in leadership development, conflict resolution, and performance excellence. Tynisha is on a mission to unleash the full potential of leaders through her coaching and development expertise. At Rutgers University, Tynisha is the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Inclusion, and Development, serving as a strategic thought leader. Her responsibilities include designing and implementing unit-wide programs that fuel diverse workforce recruitment, retention, and advancement. Recognized for her exceptional commitment, she received the prestigious 2023 Torchbearer Award from the Rutgers Committee to Advance Our Common Purposes. Tynisha holds an Associate Certified Coach designation from the International Coach Federation (ICF), augmented by her status as an Accelerating Coaching Excellence Enhanced Practitioner. Her expertise is fortified by certifications in Leadership Coaching for Organizational Performance from Rutgers University and Inclusive and Ethical Leadership from the University of South Florida Muma College of Business. Tynisha's academic journey includes a master's degree in city and regional planning, a bachelor's degree in urban studies—both earned at Rutgers University—and a certificate from the Leadership Academy at Rutgers. Her commitment to excellence has garnered accolades, including the AADC Alumnae Recognition Award in 2022 and the RBHS Chancellor Community Service Award in 2021. 

About Our Panelists

Benita Talati ’03, Esq. is an attorney who has had to overcome multiple challenges and personal trauma. Once predicted to not do well in school or go to college due to amblyopia, she earned a J.D., paralegal certificate and a B.A. in political science and even graduated in the top 5% of her high school class despite not being able to see what was written on chalkboards due to contrast sensitivity. She is currently a Senior Law Clerk lead supporting a federal government agency processing FOIA requests and utilizing e-discovery skills. Prior to this role, she spent years in the E-discovery field, where she developed an expertise in managing the drafting of privilege logs and utilized her leadership skills to serve as a team lead on multiple project teams. Her leadership skills earned her a promotion to Project Attorney at her most recent firm where she managed contract attorneys on high profile cases as a member of the Defensive Discovery team. In addition to working long hours, she is also a patient advocate. Drawing on her mass tort and personal injury experience including her own experiences with various medications, she has spent years lobbying and advocating for bills to benefit the rare disease community. She used her voice at FDA chronic pain patient meetings and was the only patient at the Inter Agency Task Force on Pain to advocate for broader coverage and support for alternative and complementary treatments and maintenance physical therapy. She has given "know your rights" presentations to job seekers on topics covering ADEA, ADA and FMLA and was a speaker at the 2018 Ehlers Danlos Society Global Learning Conference for patients living with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome where she provided an overview of medical records, HIPAA authorizations, advanced medical directives and medical alerts drawing on her years of experience reviewing and requesting medical records. A tireless volunteer, she has been a volunteer for the Metro DC EDS & HSD Support Group, where she planned social events prior to the pandemic, provided legal advice to patients in D.C. and was a senior volunteer at the D.C. Bar's pro bono immigration clinic, where she provided general advice and assistance on immigration issues. She serves on the Communications Committee with the Washington Council of Lawyers and on the Women in the Profession Committee and Well-being Committee for the New Jersey Bar Association and is a member of the New Jersey Women Lawyers Association. She is a member in good standing with the New Jersey and D.C. Bar. After finding EDS Facebook groups to be filled with depressing content, she created Inspirations for Pain found on https://www.facebook.com/inspi 

Alison Maloney is an Advanced Certified Life Coach and ACEs Interface Presenter for the New Jersey Office of Resilience. With a strong educational foundation from Rutgers University and experience as an Administrative Professional, Alison brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her practice. As a dedicated working professional, Alison understands the complexities and challenges of balancing personal and professional responsibilities. Her first-hand experience fuels her passion to assist others in transforming their lives and unlocking their fullest potential. Beyond her professional endeavors, Alison finds solace in exploring new destinations, indulging in quality time with her family and friends, expressing her creativity through writing, and serving as the Middlesex Area Associate Affiliate for I Support the Girls Central/South New Jersey. Alison believes that everyone deserves to lead a fulfilling life, and through this workshop, she aims to inspire and guide participants in their personal and professional journeys through sharing her expertise, compassion, and unwavering dedication to empowering others to create positive change and purpose in their lives. 

Melody C. Gratic is a distinguished John Maxwell Coach, Teacher, Trainer, and Speaker, as well as a Certified Behavioral Analysis Trainer and Consultant. Known for her exceptional strategic thinking, she is a dynamic motivational speaker and dedicated servant leader. Her expertise in engaging with a diverse, multigenerational, and global workforce is widely recognized. She is the CEO and Founder of XcelMil, LLC, an Executive Management Consulting Firm focusing on Leadership Development, Change Management, Team Building, Executive Coaching, Staff Augmentation, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). Melody's visionary leadership has guided XcelMil, LLC to support various sectors, including federal, commercial, private, and nonprofit organizations. The foundation of XcelMil is built on the principle of "empowering teams to excel," ensuring the delivery of outstanding service to clients and partners alike. Melody's illustrious career includes 24 years of active service in the U.S. Army, culminating in her roles at the prestigious White House Transportation Agency under Presidents George Bush, Jr. and Barack Obama. She also supported the North Atlantic Treaty Organization at US Army Garrison Brussels. Beyond her professional endeavors, Melody contributes her expertise to a recidivism program in Richmond, VA. She is an engaged member of several notable organizations, including Federally Employed Women, Society for Diversity, The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, National Women’s Collaborative, and the International Coaching Federation’s Metro DC Chapter DEI Committee. Educationally, Melody achieved a Master of Educational Leadership in Administration from Trident International University and is a certified Diversity Practitioner through the Society for Diversity. Further demonstrating her commitment to lifelong learning. Melody's contributions extend to the literary world, where she has provided valuable reviews, edits, and insights for numerous authors. Her personal life is enriched by her roles as a wife, godmother, and aunt residing in Northern Virginia. In her personal time, Melody enjoys unwinding with her husband, indulging in reading, listening to music, and traveling to exotic locations around the globe. 

Lisa Taubenblat ’95, LCSW, is a psychotherapist in private practice in New York City. She focuses on supporting couples and adult family members in resolving conflict and strengthening connection through individual, couples and family therapy. She offers therapy for challenges such as depression, anxiety, trauma, disordered eating, grief, relationship and work difficulties, aging or caregiving concerns and multigenerational conflicts. She has worked for over 20 years in community mental health clinics serving low-income populations including seniors, immigrants and LGBTQ+ individuals. She uses a family dynamic lens to inform her additional role as a divorce and family mediator. She has a background in non-profit and foundation settings in the areas of education and public health. She is an active member of Women’s Mental Health Consortium, NYS Society for Clinical Social Work and the Academy of Professional Family Mediators. She serves on the board of The Center for Understanding in Conflict. Lisa has an MSW from NYU Silver School of Social Work and training from Ackerman Institute for the Family.

Jennie Vila ‘07 is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 15 years of professional experience working in the mental health field. She has worked in a variety of settings, including a psychiatric hospital for more than five years, in-home/in-community therapy, administration of a non-profit and conventional individual therapy. She is the Assistant Executive Director of the New Jersey Counseling Association, a therapist at an outpatient community mental health office and the owner of her own life and wellness coaching business, named Growth Mindset. Jennie believes in and teaches others about the importance of having a growth mindset and looking at the opportunity to grow and learn from life experiences. Jennie has participated in advocacy work at the local and national level on topics related to mental health awareness, access to mental health services and resources, and LGBTQ rights and wellness. An active alumna, she has served on various AADC Committees, is Co-Chair of the AADC Alumnae Mentoring Program, and is a Member of the AADC Board of Directors.

About Our Workshop Presenters

Kaila Boulware Sykes ‘15 is an educator, author, multimedia professional, speaker, philanthropist, and co-founder Hidden Gems Literary Emporium, a non-profit, community bookstore. She is also a Rutgers and Douglass alumna and a current graduate student of Global Public Health at Rutgers University. After working at collegiate institutions for several years, Kaila became a full-time entrepreneur and philanthropist, focusing on using her skills to empower communities to become their best selves by increasing their access to education and essential resources. Her work has been celebrated by major news networks such as CNN, FOX Business, The Today Show, and more. She has presented to thousands of students, parents, educators, and corporate professionals across the country about the importance of literacy and the ways education affects health. Kaila is the co-founder of a weekly food distribution program that has served over 4 million pounds of food to New Brunswick residents and seniors. Her photography has been published on global media platforms like Seventeen, People, Glamour, and much more. She is also a mother of 2 young children. 

Catherine Sackey ’22, MPAP is a dynamic higher education professional with a Master of Public Affairs and Politics specializing in Education Policy. With a strong background in strategic planning, program management, and stakeholder engagement, Catherine currently serves as the Academic & Student Support Programs Associate at the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education. Additionally, she is the Owner of Policy Over Politics LLC, a consulting company focusing on grant applications and capacity building. Catherine's commitment to community advocacy is evident through her volunteer roles, including membership on various committees within Somerset County. With her diverse skill set and passion for creating positive change, Catherine is poised to make significant contributions in any professional setting. 

Tina Dorio Perri ’90 and Lauren Stone have both been public school educators for the past 31 years, teaching a myriad of grades and classes in a PreK - 8 building. Along with acting as mentors to new teachers, both have also served in various roles in their local school union. Transitioning from teaching to mentoring new teachers seems like a natural progression as they are passionate about fostering positive relationships and supporting others in their educational journey. By sharing their expertise and experiences, they can continue to make a significant impact on education. 

Nichole Inya-Agha ’08 is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a proud alumna of Douglass College where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. Nichole earned her Master of Social Work degree from Rutgers School of Social Work. She started her social work career as a School Social Worker and later transitioned to providing intensive therapeutic services to children in their homes. Currently, Nichole provides direct services to clients of all ages in the private practice setting. Nichole believes that life's struggles and challenges with mental health should never get in the way of one's goals. She endeavors to support clients in uncovering tools to assist them with wherever they are on their wellness journeys and to get them on the path they want to be on.

Sharmaine Lewis is a passionate advocate for Black women’s empowerment, education, and self-belief. As a dedicated high school principal at KIPP Newark Collegiate Academy, she has spent almost two decades shaping the minds and experiences of young scholars and educators. Sharmaine’s commitment to education reflects her belief in the transformative power of Black women supporting Black women. She recognizes the pervasive issue of imposter syndrome within the Black community and, drawing from her own experiences, founded Designed For This, LLC. This initiative focuses on empowering Black women to overcome self-doubt and reclaim their confidence by investing in Black women-owned businesses, fostering meaningful connections, and creating personalized items that inspire women to reach their dreams. She was admitted into Rutgers University’s Honors Program. Despite initial challenges, she earned her bachelor’s degree in statistics and mathematics, followed by two master’s degrees in mathematics education and educational leadership from Montclair State University. Sharmaine’s struggle with college preparedness fueled her dedication to closing the opportunity/achievement gap, leading her to join Teach For America and earn a master’s degree in secondary math education. Over her career, Sharmaine has taken on multiple roles, including teacher, department chair, cheerleading coach, assistant principal, and school leader fellow. She is currently serving in her 6th role as principal, impacting students, teachers, and leaders nationally as a National Math Standards & Equity Consultant with UnboundEd, SchoolKit, and other programs. Sharmaine also served as an Adjunct Professor at Relay GSE, teaching first-year math content for secondary schools. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Sharmaine balances roles as a wife, mother, sister and trusted friend.

Tina M. James ‘06, Esq., is an experienced advocate, planner, and litigator. Her legal work focuses on estate planning and administration, guardianship, and special needs planning. She works with individuals to plan for themself and their families. She previously worked as a litigator with a national law firm and served as a judicial law clerk in the New Jersey Superior Court, Appellate Division. She has successfully argued before the Florida Supreme Court and other state and federal courts. Tina was selected for inclusion in the Super Lawyers Rising Stars in 2015 and 2016. Tina received her juris doctorate from Rutgers University School of Law (2010), and her undergraduate degree from Rutgers University, Douglass College (2006). Personally, and professionally, Tina is committed to promoting all aspects of diversity and inclusion. She volunteers with a variety of non-profit organizations serving children and is a past member of the Board of Directors for the Florida Diversity Council. During the pandemic she decided to open her own law firm. Her office is in South Amboy, where she lives with her daughter and husband.

Sangeetha Subramanian ’08 brings a passion for talent development, coaching, and inclusion in her career. She previously worked in human resources and relationship-building roles at Nonprofit HR, Amazon, Big Brothers Big Sisters, New Jersey Network Public Television and Radio, and Junior Achievement. Sangeetha’s brainchild, The Women’s Future Leadership Forum, is in its 16th year of production with Junior Achievement of New Jersey and has been adopted by other Junior Achievement chapters across the country. She also directed her passion for inclusion to design pop-up diversity activities for 2,000 employees at Amazon, focusing on underserved employee populations. Sangeetha is a graduate from Douglass College at Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. She has also obtained an AIRS Diversity Recruiter Certification and is currently pursuing her Masters in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at University of Maryland, Baltimore.