Successful tech companies with a $7 million Series A Round typically start in Silicon Valley, not Harlem. But why is this the overriding norm? In her talk Power, Redefined: Changing the Game By Being Unapologetically You, Jessica—inventor, venture capitalist and co-founder of Uncharted Power—discusses why it’s important to question the status quo, go against the grain and create something that works for you...no matter your location, background or circumstances. She also shares how she’s changed the entrepreneurial game by applying leadership skills in unconventional ways, and how you can, too, as you work to power your dream as a woman business owner. Her motto “succeed not despite of who you are, but because of who you are unapologetically” will inspire you to embrace yourself and everything that makes you unique, as well as to recognize that personal struggle and challenges can give birth to incredible solutions, if you let them.

By the time she was 23, Aneesa was ready to take the lessons she learned from her parents’ shop and become co-owner and CEO of Pioneer Service, Inc. Nearly three decades of leading in an industry traditionally reserved for men has taught Aneesa the necessity of effective outreach and advocacy. Aneesa contributes regularly to Modern Machine Shop on a variety of topics and serves on the boards of National Association of Manufacturing and Precision Machined Products Association. She’s won numerous awards, including the Manufacturing Institute’s Award and 2019 NAWBO Woman Business Owner of The Year.

Twenty-five million people worldwide rooted for Diana as she approached the Florida shore, at long last achieving her 35-year-old dream of becoming the first person to swim from Cuba to Florida on September 2, 2013. It was 110.86 miles and took her 52 hours, 54 minutes, 18 seconds on her fifth attempt. Diana has since motivated the world at large to live fearlessly—to chase one’s dreams with unwavering commitment. A prominent sports journalist, filing for National Public Radio, ABC’s Wide World of Sports, The New York Times and others, Diana has carved her place as a compelling storyteller and sought-after public speaker. In 2019, her stage show “The Swimmer” played to sold-out audiences in New York City. Her memoir, Find a Way, has earned worldwide praise. Diana and her Cuba Swim Head Handler Bonnie Stoll have also launched an initiative called EverWalk to turn us into a nation of millions of walkers. And Diana is yet again dreaming big!

Cleo is a poet, activist and the author of the best-selling books, Heart Talk: Poetic Wisdom for a Better Life and Where to Begin: A Small Book About Your Power to Create Big Change. She has been called the poet of her generation by Time Magazine and one of the 100 most creative people in business by Fast Company. Cleo works to foster connections between self-love, self-care and our moral and spiritual responsibility to build beloved communities. She sits on the board of The Lower East Side Girls Club, the National Black Theatre in Harlem, the Women’s Prison Association, Gucci’s Gender Equality Fund Chime For Change and E Pluribus Unum, an organization based in her hometown New Orleans, focused on ending racial inequities in the American South.

Eva is a professional emcee, moderator and presenter. She is best known for having worked as a TV personality on the Emmy Award-winning entertainment show, 190 North, on Chicago’s ABC7. Her natural, warm and commanding presence, both on and off-camera, has also made her the host of choice for a variety of live-event clients, including Cardinal Health, IDEXX, Caterpillar and Philips Healthcare. Eva is also an active volunteer for Selah Freedom and WITS Chicago, working to advance literacy and improve the welfare of disadvantaged women and children. She also supports and fundraises for causes that include international women’s rights and social justice advocacy.