The Board of the Remarkable Women's Conference is thrilled to have
Patti Smith join us as our keynote speaker for 2008.

Patti's bio is available here.
Information about her topic will be available at a later date.

I am Cara Adkinson, a motivated professional, enthusiastic about learning, fitness and empowering women to be their very best.  One of my favorite quotes (which I find myself saying often during the last 5 minutes of my workout) is “Do what you think you cannot do.” ~ Oprah

I spent eight years as a middle school teacher and trainer before moving to Educational Sales for Dell Inc.  I represent the Young Women’s Alliance (YWA) where I am an active member and have been involved with Board of Directors and AustinUnder40 event for three years.

I am excited and honored to have the opportunity to be involved with the 2008 RWC and be a part of real and meaningful connections with amazing women in Austin.

www.youngwomensalliance.org

Suzanne Armistead

For over 25 years, Suzanne Armistead has been a master workshop creator and facilitator, coach, teacher and mentor. Drawing on her roots in the expressive arts, classical dance training, Chinese qigong, creative and liturgical dance and life coaching, Suzanne’s unique approach allows students to realize their potential through an innovative blend of improvisational movement and performance, qigong, meditation, writing from the heart, and listening with the whole being. She is gifted with a joy-filled ability to help each person unblock creative self-expression and discover their own dance within, access hidden wisdom, and open up to new possibilities for living a fulfilled life.

www.suzannearmistead.com

Jade Beaty

Combine Janis Joplin with Marilyn Monroe, gently aged, toss in a dash of Mae West, and you have Jade Beaty, intimacy consultant and sexual healer. Jade works with spiritually attuned clients who are ready for their next step and are seeking deeper levels of intimacy in their relationships. As founder of www.tantricpuja.com, Jade’s mission is unique – to bring the precious teachings of various traditions of sacred sexuality to the world and help her wide range of clients heal whatever keeps them from loving deeply and experiencing the healing presence of divinely empowered orgasmic energy. With loving humor and deep respect, Jade moves her clients gently and quickly through limitations and into expanded states of body and soul awareness, deepening compassion for Self and others, and true bliss.

Monica Benoit-Beatty is the Austin Managing Director for eWomenNetwork.com.  Prior to joining eWomenNetwork, she acquired over 20 years of corporate experience in the financial services and customer service industries, including National Billing and Operations Manager for Farmers Insurance.   

Ms. Benoit-Beatty serves on the board of the Better Business Bureau, as well as the board of the International Hospitality Council of Austin, regularly meeting with international business visitors.   

Ms. Benoit-Beatty holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Texas at Austin.  In 2000, she earned the Austin Business Journal’s “Profiles in Power” Award for her extensive community service in Central Texas. 

 She believes one person can make a difference by meeting as strangers...leaving as friends...and making connections that change lives!

http://www.ewomennetwork.com

Kimberly Smith Cavins began practicing occupational therapy in 1982 specializing is psychiatry and holistic treatment. She became certified by the International Network for Children and Families in 1995 to teach their 15 hour Redirecting Children's Behavior (RCB) course; she refers to her practice as "Parenting from the Heart".  In addition to teaching RCB to parents and professionals,  Kim teaches/mentors clients in Nonviolent (Compassionate) Communication ,  Transforming the "Difficult" Child: The Nurtured Heart Approach,  The Explosive Child, the Bio Acoustical Utilization Device (BAUD) and the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT).  Kim also provides family and individual coaching and healing for adults, teens and children.  Her practice is intended to help and support people who want to create more harmony, peace, cooperation, and love in their families.

http://www.incaf.com

Deanna Cochran, CEO of Quality of Life Care (QLC), LLC in Austin, Texas, is an RN with board certification in Hospice and Palliative care. She has specialized in end-of-life care since 2000, the last 2 years of which has been in private practice as an advocate and consultant for people facing life-limiting illness. She also is midwife to people and their loved ones as they share in their final journey through death.

Deanna’s book regarding the new movement of palliative care, which is demanding earlier access to quality palliative care as a person faces life-limiting illness long before hospice is a consideration, will be available soon. Her website is a resource center for families as well as to their trusted circle of friends and advisors.

http://www.QualityofLifeCare.com

Ami Desai is an attorney who encourages business growth and protects business owners from liability and financial loss.  She is the founder and owner of Desai Law Firm, PLLC.  Her practice is focused in the areas of estate planning, business and contract law.  She earned her law degree from the University of Texas School of Law and her triple undergraduate degree in English, Philosophy and Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin. In fact, she has been an active member and resident of the Austin community for over 25 years. Ami is a member of the Leadership Austin class of 2008 and the Austin Bar Association.  She serves as a Director on the Boards of the Dispute Resolution Center, the Austin Asian American Chamber of Commerce, and the Austin Asian American Bar Association. 

Ami can be reached at ami@desailawfirm.com.

www.desailawfirm.com or www.austinaacc.org

Julie Demaree Dill is a career, business and lifestyle coach, who starts with the belief that you are born a GEM – your genius, enterprise and mission are inherent in you. A gemstone doesn’t try to form, it just forms. Its “enterprise” and “purpose” come from others interacting with its unique attributes. In the same way, your physical make up, what you are naturally curious about and attracted to, your preferences, your natural gifts and abilities, and how others respond to and interact with you, all define your unique brilliance and service. The only reason we find ourselves “trying so hard” is because we’ve had our genius covered up by educational, parental and cultural conformity and standards. By honoring your curiosity and your true nature, you breathe new vitality and attraction into your life, relationships, business and/or career, and reveal the facets and beauty of the GEM you truly are.

Her tool box combines years of experience in business, coaching, parenting, dance, and personal development trainings. She is co-owner of The Natural Life Provisions Company, founder of True To Your Nature and The Advisory Board for Women in Business, serves as Executive Director for the Blanco Chamber of Commerce, carries the title of Mrs. Blanco County 2008, and is on the advisory board for Hill Country Alliance.

Julie can be reached in Blanco, Texas at 830-833-1931 or at info@truetoyournature.com.

www.TrueToYourNature.com

Jenny Emmons has worked in alternative education for the last fourteen years as a social worker and educator at American YouthWorks, a non-profit organization in Austin, Texas.  Ms. Emmons has a Bachelor’s of Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin.  She has been instrumental in developing and implementing all educational program aspects of American YouthWorks Charter School, one of the first generation of Charter School in the State of Texas.  Ms. Emmons has the philosophy that each and every student must have the opportunity to complete high school, regardless of their educational ability or life situation.  Currently, Ms. Emmons serves as the Senior Director of District Services at American YouthWorks overseeing the enrollment, counseling and career programs of the school.

http://www.americanyouthworks.org

Dr. Chiquita Watt Eugene is currently the President and CEO of the Capital City African American Chamber of Commerce in Austin, Texas

Dr. Eugene received her B.S. and Ph.D. degrees from University of Southern California, (USC).  She is married to a Longhorn, Darrick Eugene, Esquire and they have a beautiful infant son, Felix.

Dr. Eugene’s lifeline has been and continues to be “If I can help someone, then my life has not been in vain” and “ To whom much is given, much is required”!

She is active in many organizations, including:

Joan has over ten years of experience providing insurance and financial services for the community. More than just a job, Joan’s mission is to educate her clients while providing comprehensive assessments and service. She enjoys working with business owners and individuals to help them crystallize their financial goals and grow and protect their assets.  She provides Lunch and Learn seminars for government, professional, business and women’s groups across the country including:  U.S. Fish and Wildlife, The Austin Museum of Art, Office of the Inspector General, American Society of Women Accountants, Women in the Public Sector, Executive Women in Texas Government, The Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting, Accenture, Milestone Mortgage company, St. Jude’s Medical, The Professional Women of SBC and First Lenders Data.

www.joangrable.nylagents.com

Amy Hardin is an award-winning sales and management trainer and consultant.  She provides dozens of specific, practical and effective success strategies from her experience with hundreds of salespeople, business entrepreneurs and CEOs who are on the "front lines" every day.

Amy’s passion is helping companies and individuals grow and reach their true potential.  To this end, Amy uses proven sales force/management strategies, corporate training and consulting, as well as executive coaching.  Amy is certified in Sandler sales and management, Extended DISC and Devine Group assessments and interpretation.

Amy and her husband make their home in Austin, Texas with their “Brady Bunch” of a family, three daughters and three sons.  In addition to family and work, Amy volunteers in leadership roles in her church and community. 

www.C2HRecruiters.com

Teri Hill, M.Ed. has been coaching and training top executives and business owners for over 20 years. Her background with a BA in Psych. And Master in Adult Ed and Leadership has been a strong platform in her success coaching 100’s of executives from Fortune 100 companies to sole proprietors. Teri is a student of success principles and studies the lives and attributes of successful leaders. As a former executive of corporate development, manager at Dell, President of American Society of Training and Development and several other leadership opportunities, Teri has learned in the trenches as well. She is a master facilitator, certified in executive education, performance improvement, and a variety of assessment tools that assist her in customizing her training and coaching to the needs of her audiences. A few of Teri’s past clients for coaching an/or training include: Dell , Farmers Insurance, State of Texas, Federal EPA, University Federal Credit Union, Advanced Micro Devices, CACTX, Executive Women in Texas Government, and Direct Impact, and Texas Judicial System.

www.terihill.com

Tonya Hofmann is the founder and CEO of Your Local City eChamber.  Tonya and husband Michael, who serves as YLC's Chief Technology Officer, were retail owners and often felt isolated in small business.  They soon recognized a need for change in the way small business owners promoted their businesses, as well as the way they interacted with one another.  In February, 2005, the Hofmanns launched Your Local City to give small businesses a unique opportunity to advertise and promote their business through networking and on-line presence, and to connect with new clients and the community at large.  YLC's mission is to provide such services at an affordable price.  Tonya is personally devoted to helping small businesses grow and find greater success.

http://www.yourlocalcity.com

Mary Howerton is Director of Instructional Technology at St. Edward’s University. Her background is varied, weaving technology, education and alternative health throughout. As a Health Coach, Mary works together with individuals who want to make optimal health a priority in their lives.

Ms. Howerton holds a Master’s degree from Penn State University in Child Development and Family Relations.  An active civic leader, Mary was awarded the 1998 Woman of the Year Award from Executive Women in Texas Government and is an alum of Leadership Texas and Leadership Austin.

Catherine Jewell  is on a personal  quest to set careers on fire! She is a Career Coach  and author  of The Career Passion Test™, a system for discovering life purpose. Jewell has written  extensively  on  career strategy and find-your-passion  tactics. She is author of “31 Days to a Better Boss,” a daybook  to help professionals forge a partnership with the boss, and “STAR Performance,” a book  about  excelling in business.

She works with government  and business entities, helping  organizations increase the effectiveness  of their marketing and the productivity  of  their employees.  The services  of her company, The Jewell Performance Group, include presentation  and sales training, marketing retreats, keynotes, teleseminars and coaching for sales teams.

http://www.CatherineJewell.com

Ms. Johnson host the acclaimed “Second Saturday-What Women Need to Know About Divorce” workshop which has helped hundreds of women (and some men) deal with the legal, financial and psychological issues of divorce.

www.AthenaWealthManagement.com
www.Divorce-Financial-Solutions.com

Tori Jorgensen is a licensed realtor in Austin, Texas at a time when most of her contemporaries are still in College.  Having had the benefit of many modes of education, including parochial, public and home school, she has followed her own path in the college and career world as well.  Homeschooling especially allowed her to develop her self-started work ethic, leaving plenty of time for the travel, sports and volunteerism that have always had a place close to Tori’s heart.  She is active in various San Marcos and Austin area charities while maintaining the busy work schedule necessary to succeed in the Austin real estate market.

Karen wrote the bestselling 60-Day Diet Diary (Dell, 1982), and her work has been published by national magazines, newspapers and online services. As a web developer (NetIngenuity.com), she helps others communicate clearly. She clarifies, organizes and presents their ideas eloquently and finds ways to use the Web that compel others to work with them.

Janelle is the Founder and Director of FemmeTastics!, the “Fun Club” for women –  created as a way for women to meet other women with similar interests, try new things, and just have fun!

Janelle's inspiration came after her move to Texas five years ago. Working out of her home while traveling for business, she found it difficult to create opportunities beyond business networking to make personal connections and friends.  After a year on the Board of Directors for Austin Women and Wine, and being involved in Women Gone Wine, she ventured out and started FemmeTastics!

She, and her partner, Kyle, and their two dogs, live in SW Austin, where they are actively involved in Divine Canines, a therapy dog organization, making visits to nursing homes, the State Hospital, and schools.

Susan Lincoln is a beloved and inspiring singer, teacher, and visionary from Austin, Texas. She has led groups throughout the U.S. and Europe in voice and creative spiritualexpression for over 25 years. Susan is well known in Austin as the founder of Hilde Girls, song-circles for women that use the spiritual wisdom and transcendent music of 12th century mystic Hildegard of Bingen to nurture and strengthen their connection to the Divine. Susan’s eclectic life journey through opera, sound and energy healing, creative movement, and mystical chant provides a rich soil for spiritual exploration. Her exuberant spirit, passionate curiosity, deep wisdom, beautiful voice, and open heart make experiences with her irresistible and life-enhancing.

www.hildegirls.com

Kevin Madison graduated from UT-Austin with honors with a BA in Psychology. After college, he graduated as the number one cadet in academics and physical fitness from the UT Police Academy. He earned his law degree from University of Houston in 1981 and served as Assistant District Attorney for Travis County and Chief of Police in Smithville.

Kevin has been representing victims of violent crimes and sexual assault for over 25 years. His law firm is known throughout Texas for representing victims of sexual assault, physical assault, and sexual abuse of patients by doctors and therapists. In 1997, he made national news when he sued a rapist in Travis County and obtained a judgment against the attacker for 1.5 million dollars.

http://www.kevinmadison.com

Gayle Michaels began her thirty-year journey into the study of sex and sexuality when she became a bride at sixteen.  Her exploration included experiences as an exotic dancer, prostitute and madam.  Her exploration took a turn when the police discovered her business.  Inspired to take ancient dynamics to universal levels, Miss Michaels began to obtained a formal education, and that is when she discovered her true curriculum. Among her credentials are a BA in Anthropology, and certifications as a Naturopath, Kundalini Yoga Teacher and Sexologist.  Gayle Michaels is a relationship coach and adult sex educator.  

http://www.intimatewisdom.com

Talitha Muniz- Wallick is owner and director of Helping Hands Montessori Services, an Austin-based service designed to help parents, teachers and schools with prepared environments, positive parenting skills, consultations, trainings and workshops. Ms. Muinz-Wallick was a Montessori child from ages 3-9 and has been a Montessori guide for the past 12 years in both primary (3-6) and elementary (6-12) classrooms. She holds diplomas from the Association of Montessori International (AMI) in both primary and elementary education as well as a Bachelor in Education from Goddard College and a M.Ed. from Loyola College in Maryland. She and her husband are proud parents of a budding Montessori child.

www.hhmontessori.com

Nancy Philpott R.N, Certified Hypnotist, and Health Coach believes the power to dispel fear, eliminate self-defeating habits, seize opportunity, and transform our destiny is waiting within each of us. Nancy, a contributing author to the #1 Best Selling book series Wake Up…Live the Life You Love, has more than 30 years as a health coach helping individuals transform their health and their lives.

Nancy is convinced both your life and health can positively transform instantly, dramatically, and irrevocably if you have the courage to recognize and respond to a “Wake Up” when it arrives.

As President and CEO of the HeartSync¡™ Wellness Center, Nancy is committed to help others learn to “answer the call” and achieve rapid transformational change with hypnosis. She employs hypnosis not only to provide suggestions for change, but to help you discover your true reasons for resisting change, and then enable you to release those causes.

Nancy is a Certified 5-Path® Hypnotist and 7th Path Self-Hypnosis® Teacher.

You can reach Nancy by calling the HeartSync™ Wellness Center at 512-921-9429 or visiting www.heartsyncwellnesscenter.com

Prince Rahman, MSOLE is a catalyst and connector for profoundly positive transformation in people's lives and organizations. He passionately incorporates his musical, visual, and wordsmith talents into his approach to doing Public Speaking, Workshops, and Coaching in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors. Prior to establishing MagnumVox Leadership, he worked in mental healthcare, computer manufacturing, customer service, event planning/facilities operations, and workforce development. Having studied psychology and sociology, Prince went on to earn both a BA in Organizational Communication, and a MS in Organizational Leadership & Ethics (MSOLE), at St. Edward's University. Prince is the author of two forthcoming books: "The Winds of Grace: Leading Where You Are In an Ever Emergent World" "LOVE is a Skill Set: Becoming the Change You Wish to See"

http://www.magnumvox.com
http://www.intentional-leadership.info

Sandra Ries, Success Coach, works with community leaders and non-profit professionals to reclaim their lives so they can have an even greater impact in their communities. Her skill in drawing out the best in her clients is supported by her strengths in creative problem solving and communication. For her contributions to her clients and her community, she was designated International Coach of the Year, 2005.

Sandra's philosophy is that leadership is a lifelong journey to understand yourself, communicate clearly and act effectively.

Prior to beginning her coaching practice in 2001, Sandra spent eight years in a multinational corporation, earned both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Computer Science. She has earned the designation of Associate Certified Coach (ACC) from the International Coach Federation (ICF).

http://www.SandraRies.com
http://www.intentional-leadership.info

Lynn Shank is a Certified Senior Advisor, a Coordinating Advisor, licensed insurance professional, and Vice President of Texas Assurance Care, Inc.   Lynn and her husband Harry have been assisting seniors and their families for over a decade and in 2005 Lynn won national recognition for her problem-solving expertise in the form of the Samaritan Award for exemplary service to seniors from the Society of Certified Senior Advisors.

Lynn has been active in the “senior” community in Austin and surrounding area through her work with various senior events and organizations including the RSVP Advisory Council,  Seniors & Law Enforcement (SALT) Council in Cedar Park/Leander, Texas Silver-Haired Legislature Foundation Board and Foster Grandparents Advisory Board.

Lynn was a contributing writer for Senior Lifestyles Newspaper and provides articles for a variety of senior oriented publications.   Lynn’s programs are requested by organizations across the state and she was invited to speak at the annual conference of the American Society on Aging in 2006.  The majority of the programs Lynn has developed are approved for continuing education credit for a variety of healthcare professionals.

Robin Heart Shepperd, D.C., a holistic chiropractor specializing in nutrition and energy work, has studied women’s issues and sexuality for thirty years. In her experience, one must feel good in order to enjoy sex most fully, and to that end, she works nutritionally with women on hormonal issues as well as issues that deplete energy. In addition, she addresses sexual healing through energy clearing sessions.

In 1980, she began teaching a series of classes for women titled Stimulate Your Sex Life! More recently, she taught a variety of classes for women on sexuality including Sex Magic, Creating Sensual Sanctuary, and Unleashing the Passionate Goddess. For the past two years, she has provided a monthly bulletin to newsletter subscribers called Sex Tips.

http://www.passionatewoman.net

Gayle Skiera is the founder and CEO of The Money Academy.   Gayle founded The Money Academy after noticing that  children are often not equipped to manage their money powerfully–now or when they are on their own. Using her experience as a business coach, public speaker, author, and mother, she designed an experiential program that provides this missing piece of education. Her programs include: Financial Freedom Coaching, kids’ afterschool and summer camp programs, and workshops for parents. These opportunities have dramatically changed the lives of hundreds of kids and families.

Gayle’s ability to assist people create a more powerful financial perspective for themselves has earned her the title of “The Profit Prophet” by her students.  Her commitment is to create a future of financial freedom for everyone.  

http://www.themoneyacademy.net

Through OnPoint Communications & Training (www.get-onpoint.com), Alicia Terry lives out one of her life’s passions by helping aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners develop, launch and grow their businesses. Her more than 15 years of diverse communications experience encompasses public relations, media relations, community outreach, communications marketing, alliance building, strategic planning, curriculum development and training. She is the creator of both the Build a Marketable BusinessTM and Promote Your Marketable BusinessTM workshop series. Alicia holds a Bachelor of Journalism degree in Public Relations from The University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Science degree in Organizational Leadership and Ethics from St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas.

www.get-onpoint.com

Television producer, former motivational speaker and marketing specialist.  LB heads up LBTJ group’s creative department; producing commercials, creating promotions and pr for their clients.  She also gets to sneak away now and then to interview celebrities for the entertainment channels.  A quick warning though, she is liable to say anything at anytime.  To call her irrespressible would be an understatement.

Some of LBTJ Group’s clients include:  Amy’s Ice Creams, Capitol Chevrolet, Chinatown, Chuck Nash Auto Group, Drexel Heritage, Hewlett VW, Hewlett Hummer, Waterloo Ice House, Iguana Grill, Doc’s, Precision Camera and Video and Richard Karr Motors in Waco.

Well into her career as a mathematics and chemistry instructor, Delia Trujillo had an awakening that ultimately led her to open the first yoga studio in Laredo, Texas and also become the author of a weekly newspaper column on wellness for her hometown newspaper. A student of Eastern and Western spirituality and mysticism for almost thirty years, she is also a seasoned meditator and teacher with extensive experience in the quest for integrity of body mind and spirit.

Her most recent work is a soon-to-be released book, The Transformation of (Y)our World—Finding Optimism & Inner Peace During These Difficult Times.  This comprehensive guidebook shows how to clear out old patterns and perspectives that are blocking fulfillment and success in many facets of our life and at the same time be in more profound alignment with the global awakening and shift to higher consciousness that is currently taking place on our earth.

www.deliatrujillo.com

With more than seventeen year's experience in career technology, Patricia specializes in helping people discover the best career fit according to work preference, learning and leadership styles and individualized predisposition. She is a catalyst who inspires people to pursue their uniquely satisfying path through career assessment and individual coaching. Her expertise in effective communications and human relations assists individuals in developing the confidence to design their lives. Patricia coaches groups and individuals in aligning their values and purpose to create a mission and vision individually and as a company.  Patricia received her Bachelor of Science from Sam Houston State University, and is certified in Life Design and Professional Coaching, Quantum Breakthrough Experience, the Birkman and Insights assessments, Covey's Seven Habits and the Life Training Program.

http://www.champions-edge.com

Stan Tyler and his wife, Patricia, are professional coaches who love working with business owners who are hip deep in the challenges of building a business and great lives.  Typical coaching situations include:

• Sifting through conflicting goals and focusing on the actions that make the rest happen faster and easier.
• Serving as an accountability partner to stay focused amid life’s distractions

Their coaching programs include:

• 21 day Productivity Programs - produce huge results in a short amount of time for very little cost
• Individual Coaching Programs - Coaching designed specifically around the client’s goals and personal style.

Romantic Renewal Retreats - A day long experience that reawakens the spontaneity and fun so easy to lose in the everydayness of life.

http://www.champions-edge.com

Brenda Uptain is an 18-year member of the Treaty Oak Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association.  She has held all offices multiple times, chaired most committees, and was recognized as Chapter Woman of the Year twice. 

Brenda is manager of the Data Analysis Section of the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, which finds waste, fraud, and abuse in hundreds of data files and locates data for prosecution purposes.  She has worked for the government for 30 years.  She has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Auburn University Montgomery.

Brenda has been married 29 years and has a 22-year-old son.  She has lived in Nebraska, Wyoming, and Alabama, but has resided in Austin the longest.  

http://www.AustinABWA.com

Nicole Verwey specializes in training and teaching individuals to breakthrough life’s painful patterns.  Through her adept skills in Guided Imagery, Conflict Resolution, Cognitive/Behavioral techniques, Family-Of-Origin Work and Coaching, Nicole offers the pathway to personal satisfaction and fulfillment.  In addition, Nicole Verwey teaches “The Mind, Body & Food Connection” Model to help people break the cycle of emotional eating for good.

http://www.Whatyousaycounts.com