BIOS
Dee Knopp
Dee Knopp is the Executive Director of DA4S, a non-profit 501c3 organization focused on the training, development, and advancing economic inclusion for small and/or diverse businesses in the Life Sciences. Dee partners with the board of directors and key stakeholders to execute strategies for programming and events, that are aligned with the mission and vision of the organization, as well as driving the strategic planning behind the organization.
Dee is a member of Meeting Professionals Institute and has over 30 years’ experience and dedication in successfully organizing and executing national conference events anywhere from 10 – 2,500 attendees and takes immense pride in the partnerships and long-standing relationships she has built throughout her journey. Creative cost-savings and operational financial growth is key to leading the advancement of DA4S. Her leadership, foresight and passion for the mission and vision of DA4S is what drives her in her leadership role.
Prior to joining DA4S in 2009, Dee worked for a Contract Research Organization as their Business Director, was an Executive Business and Financial Budget Manager for several high-profile individuals and worked as a Marketing Director in a large corporate dental company. She enjoys volunteering, served as the President of her Parent Teacher Association for four years and on the Board of Directors as the Assistant Regional Commissioner for her regions AYSO.
She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management, minoring in Marketing and Public Relations, and also holds her California Real Estate License.
Anna Hakobyan
Anna Hakobyan is a globally recognized leader in supplier diversity and sustainability, with deep expertise in government contracting. With over 25 years of experience – more than 15 with AstraZeneca – Anna has built and scaled AstraZeneca’s award-winning Supplier Diversity program, expanding it to 22 countries. She has been instrumental in launching the Positive Sourcing program, embedding sustainability throughout global procurement, and most recently establishing AstraZeneca’s global human rights program in supply chains. Under her leadership, AstraZeneca has received numerous awards and industry recognition for its pioneering work in sustainability and supplier diversity. Anna also serves as President of the DA4S Board of Directors, advancing inclusive procurement across the Life Sciences industry.
ADRIENNE NICOLE
Adrienne Nicole is an Emmy nominated and award-winning Producer who founded Adrienne Nicole Productions (ANP), a patient-led video production & photography firm that specializes in healthcare, pharmaceutical and multicultural content. She has been thriving with Lupus since 2009 and advocacy and awareness are at the forefront of her personal and professional goals. A delicate balance between messaging and the patient journey must be maintained in video and she’s mastered that.
The proud Brooklyn native founded ANP in 2010. The company produces commercials, patient testimonials & photography for A-list clients including Ford, H&M, the City of New York, Merck, Regeneron and more. In addition to her Emmy nomination, Adrienne received an Achievement Award from the New York Association of Black Journalists, a Communicator Award, and (4) Telly Awards. She also received The Network Journal’s 40 Under 40 Award honor, is the face of NYC’s MWBE campaign, and is featured on platforms around New York City.
Adrienne has been actively engaged in lupus advocacy after receiving her own diagnosis. She recently founded The Lupie Fam, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Additionally, she consults with life sciences companies to ensure they incorporate the patient perspective from consent to their external marketing. For 10+ years, she has volunteered with the Lupus Research Alliance and the S.L.E. Lupus Foundation. Adrienne has used her platform on BET’s The Glam Gap series, the Tom Joyner Morning Show, ABC News, and various publications to raise awareness about Lupus and highlighting the racial
disparities in treatment and diagnosis.
Adrienne Nicole is a dynamic and energetic individual who embodies the spirit of authenticity and truthfulness in everything she does. She believes in the power of representation, where the creators behind the camera reflect those in front of it. Through her multifaceted career and patient journey, Adrienne is building an inclusive platform for untold stories, including her own, leaving an indelible mark on the world of media and healthcare advocacy.
Sherry Davis
Sherry Davis, senior vice president and CPO, oversees the company’s procurement strategy and operations with a focus on delivering value to the business, savings, and small/diversity suppliers. During her 18 years at Lilly, Davis has held various international and domestic roles in the finance organization and has also been a key leader in Lilly’s efforts to advance diversity and inclusion, serving on the executive advisory board of the Black Employees at Lilly ERG and executive sponsor of the Finance and Procurement Global DEI Council. Most recently, Davis was the CFO of Lilly USA and Immunology, providing oversight of commercial operations and capability investments in the USA, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Davis also served as the CFO and Treasurer of Lilly Del Caribe Manufacturing site in Puerto Rico, helping to lead the site through the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Davis’ other roles include serving as CFO of Research, Corporate Audit Services, and an assignment in assignment in Johannesburg, South Africa. Prior to joining Lilly, Davis worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers and in the accounting department of Ford Motor Company.
Davis earned her B.S. in Accounting and Finance from the Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business in Bloomington, IN. She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and maintains an active license in Indiana.
Davis currently serves on the Eskenazi Health Foundation and Lynx Capital advisory boards.
Noël France
Noël France is the Sr. Vice President of HR Solutions, DEIB, and Supplier Empowerment (supplier diversity), at Avantor, a Fortune 500 Life Sciences company. She took on the challenge of leading Avantor’s HR Transformation in December of 2024, launching a new operating model including Shared Services Centers and a centralized platform for HR inquiries and transactions. In addition to HR Transformation leadership, current responsibilities include Global HR Solutions Partners with regional responsibility for Employee Relations and Policy; Talent Acquisition; HR Technology; HR Operations; Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging, and Supplier Empowerment (supplier diversity). Noël’s career journey into Human Resources began with building Avantor’s initial DEIB strategy in 2021 and she has led the organization through significant progress towards the commitment to a fully inclusive culture and innovation. In her time leading the Supplier Empowerment team, Noël has fostered relationships with key partners to deliver custom solutions that exceed customer expectations and ensured collaboration across internal stakeholders through education and process improvements. Noël’s career spans over 20 years of experience in leadership, marketing, and strategy with previous roles leading Global Digital Marketing teams and internal culture change. Through multiple transformations in her remit, Noël’s continued focus on inclusive leadership, data-based decision making, and collaborative problem solving have remained constant. Noël is also involved in several volunteer efforts in the community and school district she calls home in Rochester, New York. Noël attended New York University’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study for master’s work and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Pennsylvania State University. She enjoys spending time outside of work supporting her eldest daughter’s artistic endeavors, cheering her younger daughter on as a “dance mom,” and spending time with her partner and two golden doodles.
Cindy Towers
Cynthia “Cindy” Towers, Esq. is Co-Founder, President, & CEO of JURISolutions Legal (JSL), an award-winning legal services innovator specializing in the development and strategic use of flexible legal talent. JSL is one of the largest Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) certified legal services and recruitment firms, offering superior on demand legal resources, including secondments and project attorneys, contract management solutions, and legal executive search. JSL’s consulting arm, jurisADVANCE, specifically designed for the legal industry, offers services to enhance operational efficiency and implement strategies that improve the retention and utilization of highly qualified legal professionals and law firms from a wide range of backgrounds.
HAIK DECIE
Haik Decie is the founder & CEO of Cluster Labs, an AI startup pioneering next-generation Multi-Agent AI Systems. A recent graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, where he studied Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, Haik has spent the past four years at the forefront of AI innovation, designing advanced models, researching large language models (LLMs), and developing intelligent AI agents. His expertise spans cutting-edge AI technologies and their transformative applications across industries, from enterprise solutions to real-world problem solving. As a young thought leader and innovator, Haik brings a unique perspective on how AI is reshaping the future of business and technology.
KAREN OCHOA
With over 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry, she is a proven leader in advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging across hospitals, health systems, and community-based organizations. As Director of Health Equity Programs and Operations at the Communities Lifting Communities (CLC) at the Hospital Association of Southern California, Karen has spearheaded strategic initiatives to address social determinants of health and reduce disparities across six Southern California counties.
Her leadership in Supplier Diversity in healthcare has been especially impactful. Karen is pivotal in supporting hospitals and health systems to strengthen inclusive procurement practices. She testified before the California Legislature on AB962 and co-developed initiatives that expand opportunities for diverse, local, and worker-owned businesses. Through her work, she has helped align hospitals’ supply chain strategies with equity and sustainability goals, ensuring economic opportunity while advancing community health outcomes. Beyond supplier diversity, Karen has led transformative efforts in birth equity, food security, behavioral health, and sustainability. She is a trusted convener of hospital executives, policymakers, funders, and community partners, designing innovative programs, policy strategies, and leadership education series that drive systemic change.
Karen holds a master’s in urban sustainability and a bachelor’s in urban communities and Environment from Antioch University Los Angeles. She is a National Diversity Council Certified Diversity Professional (NDCCP), an active member of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), where she co-chairs the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, and an active board member of the Women in Health Administration of Southern California.
Ernie Flores
Ernie Flores leads the Supplier Development program for Kaiser Permanente. He oversees and advocates for local, small, and inclusive spend with Kaiser Permanente as an organization. He is also responsible for relationship building, compliance efforts, and creating strategic alliances for upcoming sourcing initiatives, enterprise. Prior to his current role, Ernie had over 17 years in procurement, spanning multiple categories and industries.
Andrew Kwok
Andrew Kwok is the Associate Director of Supply Chain Diversity supporting the Cedars-Sinai Health System, where he leads the supplier diversity program. In this role, he collaborates with the organization to advance strategic supplier diversity initiatives, build partnerships with external organizations, and create a positive impact within the community.
Andrew joined Cedars-Sinai in April 2023 after serving as the Assistant Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. With over 20 years of experience spanning both public and private sectors—including government, energy, and utilities—Andrew has a proven track record of executing strategic objectives and driving large-scale transformation initiatives that support long-term organizational growth.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from the University of California, Irvine, and a Master of Public Administration from California State University, Long Beach.
Chico Manning
Chico Manning MHA is the System Vice President of Enterprise Supply Chain at PIH Health—a nonprofit, regional healthcare network comprised of PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital, PIH Health Whittier Hospital and PIH Health Downey Hospital; 35 medical office buildings; more than 90 clinics; and a multi-specialty medical group. PIH Health serves more than 3.7 million residents in the Los Angeles County, Orange County and Gabriel Valley region. In his position, he is responsible for the overall strategic direction and tactical execution for all aspects of supply chain management at PIH Health.
Chico’s career spans over 30 years in supply chain sales, sales operations, manufacturing, fleet, and distribution. Chico served in the United States Navy and Marine Corps for 12 years. He has a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Naval Academy and is certified in Supply and Logistics Management by the United States Marine Corps. He also holds an Executive Master of Health/Healthcare Administration Management degree from the University of Southern California.
Chico has a history of bringing operational improvements to organizations and redefining standards of success. Since joining PIH Health in 2016, he has made invaluable contributions to the enterprise and played an integral role in the evolution of the Enterprise Supply Chain. He has helped maximize end-to-end quality and optimize organizational-wide functions by centralizing purchasing, strengthening vendor relations and engagement, and establishing logistical teams.
Chico’s guidance was especially vital during the COVID-19 pandemic. He directed the procurement of supplies for the organization from many different vendors and connections, keeping PPE supplies at a clinically appropriate level—ultimately navigating tight allocation restrictions and price hikes to maintain ample ongoing supplies. His team’s efforts made it possible for PIH Health’s frontline staff to access the PPE needed to continue to provide safe and high-quality care for patients and the community it serves.
Under his direction, significant investments were also made in durable medical equipment, and rapid deployment critical care monitoring systems were purchased to expand the ICU capacity at both PIH Health Downey Hospital and PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital campuses, improving care for the hospitals’ most critical patients. Chico served on Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti’s LoVLA PPE Advisory Task Force, which purchased PPE in bulk at reasonable prices, then sold them to local hospitals at cost. As a member of the Hospital Association of Southern California Supply Chain Task Force, he also helped to facilitate strategic networking opportunities with other member hospitals to share procurement leads and options.
As a result of these efforts, PIH Health Supply Chain continues to maintain a steady 90-day supply of PPE so the organization is equipped and prepared for any upcoming flu seasons and COVID-19 surges. The PPE stock also allows PIH Health to support the surrounding community by providing needed PPE supplies to homeless shelters and skilled nursing facilities, as requested.
Chico enjoy supporting community causes including Habitat for Humanity, Special Olympics, KABOOM!, and United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program. He also lends his guidance and shares his career experience by participating in LAUSD Career Day and maintains ties as a mentor for the East Los Angeles College Foundation. He is the Chairman of the Executive Oversight Committee for the West Coast Purchasing Coalition.
Andaye Hill-Espinoza
A transformative leader, Andaye Hill-Espinoza has devoted her career to crafting and scaling data-driven solutions that spark tangible change at the crossroads of public health and supply chain facilitating economic, environmental, and social impact. Operating at the nexus of healthcare, social equity, and sustainability, her leadership footprint spans Fortune 500 companies, governmental agencies, and grassroots organizations. Andaye is the Associate Vice President, Core Tenets- Responsible Sourcing, Spend Management at Vizient Inc., the nation’s largest healthcare performance improvement company. In her role, she spearheads strategy for Vizient’s Responsible Sourcing program which is focused on helping clients and suppliers maximize every dollar they spend by aligning economic value with social impact and sustainability shifting beyond transactional procurement, transforming it into a powerful engine for change that supports health access, community resilience, and local investment. As a healthcare impact and sustainability architect, Andaye collaborates across functions as well as industries harnessing social innovation as a vehicle for improving health outcomes while meeting business needs. Prior to joining Vizient, Andaye served as the Global Lead for Protiviti’s Center of Excellence, ESG. In this capacity, she steered building the organization’s capabilities and client-facing solutions across diverse sectors like tech, environment, and healthcare. Focused on the “S” component of ESG, her work encompassed human rights due diligence, supply chain, and sustainable operations. Additionally, she was responsible for expanding strategic partnerships and curating thought leadership on ESG topics ranging from regulatory changes that impact organizations and their initiatives to climate change, and DE&I. Before Protiviti, Andaye spent years at Kaiser Permanente, leading economic and social initiatives that supported the organization’s position as an industry leader. This includes designing and securing the $1B Impact Purchasing Commitment; leading a supplier transformation initiative representing $45.5M and, scaling Kaiser Permanente’s small business capacity building program generating $87M+ in raised capital and creating 2,025 jobs. Andaye holds dual master’s degrees in Applied Women’s Studies and Public Health, concentrated in Community and Global Health, from Claremont Graduate University. She was previously awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology, concentrated in Medical Anthropology from the City University of New York. Additionally, she has been trained in Global Reporting Initiative standards, UN SDG’s and, received Impact Measurement and Management for Sustainable Development Goals certificate from Duke University. Her foray into the health sector began with a fellowship at Glendale Adventist Medical Center (now Adventist Health Glendale), during her graduate studies. She designed programs that targeted childhood obesity, policy and, had a lasting impact on community health outcomes. After the conclusion of her fellowship, she was permanently hired by Adventist Health Glendale to pioneer the city’s first collective impact initiatives as a vehicle for boosting healthcare access for vulnerable populations. She is currently a board member of Healthcare Without Harm, Practice Green Health. Past affiliations include board membership with Women’s Business Enterprise Council-West, Partners for Better Health, and the Kim Center for Social Balance, where she contributed to broader conversations on health, gender equality and social balance as the board Vice President.
MANVAY DANGI
Manvay Dangi, Chief Technology Officer at Synkriom and its group companies, embodies a profound passion for technology coupled with keen insight into its boundless possibilities. His visionary leadership has significantly propelled Synkriom’s rapid expansion and the introduction of innovative solutions. Notably, he has worked on an AI-based Assessment System at VeriKlick that is patent-pending and has successfully deployed it in over 26 countries while achieving an average model accuracy of 90+%. Additionally, he has implemented multiple AI-enabled projects throughout his career.
Manvay’s unwavering dedication to technology and his extensive technical proficiency steer Synkriom’s growth trajectory. His adept problem-solving skills and insatiable curiosity have been pivotal in conceptualizing and enhancing the distinctive product offerings of Synkriom and Symvasy. An expert in LLM models, Manvay has trained several models across industries, further solidifying his expertise. Synkriom and its group companies employ close to 600 employees globally, under Manvay’s adept leadership
Yann Deredec
Yann Deredec is the Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of Growth & Partnerships at YAMA Group, an independent healthcare marketing agency recognized among Inc. 5000’s fastest-growing companies. With a career spanning over two decades in life sciences and marketing, Yann blends scientific rigor with creative strategy to help global pharmaceutical and med-tech brands build market-leading presence.
Fluent in multiple languages and shaped by a multicultural upbringing in Venezuela, Yann brings a truly global perspective to client partnerships. His journey began in neuropharmacology research at The Scripps Research Institute, progressed through senior commercial leadership roles at Abbott, and evolved into building YAMA Group into a leader in brand building, immersive learning, and experiential marketing.
Currently completing Stanford University’s Artificial Intelligence Program, Yann applies AI and big data insights to transform how healthcare companies educate, engage, and inspire their audiences. Under his leadership, YAMA has pioneered interactive learning platforms and high-impact experiences that accelerate understanding and adoption in complex therapeutic areas.
A strategist, entrepreneur, and connector, Yann is passionate about forging long-term partnerships that combine innovation with measurable business impact—delivering meaningful change for both healthcare brands and the patients they serve.
Jeanette Towles
Jeanette Towles, MA, RAC-Drugs, DASM is CEO and founder of Synterex, Inc., a woman-owned, disability-owned clinical and regulatory consulting firm specializing in agile-based project management methodology, automation, and AI-driven technologies. Synterex is the home of AgileWriter.ai®, an AI-enabled authoring platform that prioritizes accessibility and gets your important information to the intended audience, be it plain language or technical content. Prior to that, she held in-house consulting and FTE medical writing and clinical science positions at both small- and large-size companies, including managing a group of programmers and vendors working on automated documents, with cumulative industry experience of nearly 20 years. She lives in the Boston area with her husband, 2 children, and dog.
FRANKIE RUSSO
Frankie Russo is a visionary in authenticity, imagination and growth. An entrepreneur with a proven track record for using innovative methods to unlock rapid growth. Russo has led multiple companies to remarkable growth landing on the Inc. 500/5000 list 8 years in a row, including 60X growth in three years of his tech company 360ia, leading to an acquisition by a Fortune 500 company.
Organizations that Russo has collaborated with who have embraced his “Love Your Weird” movement were able to adapt, innovate and grow through massive uncertainty and change. In his latest work Russo shares the critical unlocks for driving unprecedented and continuous growth by leading with authenticity, imagination and generosity.
He is the author of two best-selling books and a sought-after speaker known for transforming organizational cultures and inspiring individual and corporate growth. His keynote experiences are tailored, experiential, and full of actionable insights for fostering a culture of authenticity, imagination and collaboration to unlock breakthrough results and extraordinary transformation and growth.
Since 2001, Frankie Russo has been building the Russo Capital portfolio of companies throughout multiple industries including technology, advertising, marketing, music, automotive, agriculture, publishing, and finance. The companies he has invested in have offices in the USA and India.
Russo and his team have lead 2 of his companies [Potenza Inc. & 360ia] to become some of America’s fastest growing privately owned organizations 8 years in a row. In 2020, 360ia was named the fastest growing company in Louisiana by Inc. Magazine. Russo was also named Entrepreneur of the Year, Top 20 Under 40, and a Founders to Watch in 2019. In addition, he has been featured in many media outlets, including Forbes, Entrepreneur, Time, CNBC, Bloomberg, and Inc. magazine. He has also earned many Addy and Telly awards for his work at Potenza, Inc.
The Art of WHY (2016), Russo’s first book, was on Amazon’s bestseller list in the business self-help category, and has been readapted and expanded into his second bestselling book the rules-defying Breaking WHY (2022). Frankie’s highest calling is his family, and he happily lives with his wife and six children in Louisiana.
MATTHEW EMERZIAN
For the past 15 years, Matthew Emerzian has been on a mission to create a world where everyone embraces how much and why they matter. He is the bestseJl.ing author of four books, a highly sought-after keynote speaker, having taken the stage for Zoom, Google, Outreach, HP, Jack. in the Box, Chili’s, Genentech, Amgen, and more, and his work. has been hailed by Oprah.com, The Today Show, Fast Company, and several other media outlets.
Matt is also the founder and CEO of Every Monday Matters (EMM), a non-profit organization that has impacted millions of lives. The EMM K-12 Education Program serves over 3 mi.II.ion students nationwide. The EMM Employee Engagement and Culture Program is changing the cultures of companies of all sizes. And the EMM Senior Living Program is bringing dignity and purpose to our senior population who deserves to know how much and why they matter.
After achieving great success in the music industry as the SVP of Robert Kardashian’s music marketing company and working on projects for the biggest artists in the world, including U2, Avril Lavigne, ColdplaY, and more, Matt woke up on a Monday morning with a massive panic attack that turned into chronic anxiety and depression. Realizing everything he thought mattered actually didn’t, he set out on a Journey to rediscover his life’s purpose and why he matters. Matt realized that mattering is at the heart of everything and developed The Mattering MindsetTM-a methodology that has transformed countless lives, organizations, and communities.
Tameka Little Royster
Tameka Little Royster serves as the Sr. Manager at GSK, where she has been an integral part of her team for the past two years. In her role, Tameka provides overall program leadership to ensure that all internal and external stakeholders are fully engaged and informed about the ongoing development and implementation of GSK’s supplier initiatives.
Prior to her tenure at GSK, Tameka had an illustrious 27-year career at IBM. She spent 24 years in global procurement. Her extensive experience in these areas has equipped her with the expertise and insight necessary to drive impactful supplier initiatives at GSK.
Tameka’s commitment extends beyond her primary role. She is an active member of the GSK Durham Culture Team. Additionally, she co-leads GSK’s Durham Mosaic ERG, further demonstrating her passion for fostering supportive environments.
Tameka is an alumna of North Carolina Central University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in Computer Information Systems. She resides in Durham, North Carolina, where she continues to engage in community service through her sorority and church. Tameka also serves on the board of the Cultivating Resources Opportunities Community Foundation and cherishes spending quality time with her family and friends.
Joyce Eggers
Takeda Supplier ESG Joyce Eggers is a passionate Supplier Diversity expert with over 20 years of experience in the Life Sciences industry. Joyce is responsible for providing the leadership for Takeda to grow and develop a sustainable diversity, equity, and inclusion program for suppliers.
Supported by and aligned with Takeda’s overall DE&I strategy, her expertise and passion for fostering an inclusive and innovative supply chain drives positive impact in the global communities in which our patients, employees, and customers live and work, guided by Takeda’s commitment to patients, our people, and the planet.
In her role, Joyce also serves as an advocate, mentor, and coach for small and/or diverse suppliers and is actively involved with numerous NGOs and advocacy groups focusing on supplier mentoring, development, diversity, and inclusion. She has mentored many suppliers, helping them to grow and succeed in the competitive Life Sciences market.
Looking ahead, she is focused on expanding Takeda’s supplier diversity program to new markets and continuing to drive innovation in the supply chain.
Mellissa Tong
Ms. Tong is a Speaker/Trainer, three-time #1 Best Selling Author on Amazon, and Chief StorySeller of a 25-year-old award-winning StorySelling agency and content production company, DuckPunk Productions, Inc. At DuckPunk, Ms. Tong works with organizations to enhance their emotional connection with their target audience by storyselling their products and services to inspire action across all delivery mediums. Some of DuckPunk’s clients are Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, California Department of Health, Nissan, Verizon, Wells Fargo, to name a few.
LAWRENCE JAMES
Lawrence James is the President and CEO of Connexus Technology, a Philadelphia-based firm providing Life Science, Clinical Research, and Digital Transformation solutions. After earning his Computer Information Systems degree from Drexel University and gaining early career experience with Unisys and PricewaterhouseCoopers, Lawrence founded Connexus to create data driven technology solutions. The company began by building software for healthcare providers and soon achieved success developing platforms for specialty pharmacies. That foundation led Connexus to expand into Clinical Research Consulting Services and technology-driven solutions for Life Science organizations, where it now plays a vital role in advancing healthcare innovation.
A cancer survivor, Lawrence’s journey through treatment and recovery became a defining force in his life and work. His survival instilled both urgency and purpose, fueling his commitment to accelerate progress in Life Sciences and improve health outcomes. His story is captured in I Can Still Jump, a book he co-authored with his wife Tia, which shares their miraculous journey and encourages patients, caregivers, and anyone facing life’s toughest challenges with resilience and hope.
In addition to leading Connexus, Lawrence is active in the Philadelphia business and education communities. He serves on the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, mentors through the CEO Access Network, and serves on the boards of two charter schools in Pennsylvania, where he champions opportunities for underserved youth.
His leadership has earned recognition including Young Entrepreneur of the Year from the U.S. Small Business Administration, Innovative Business of the Year from the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, as well as Healthcare Innovation Consultant of the Year from the Philadelphia Business Journal.
Lawrence lives in the Philadelphia area with his wife and three children. Beyond business, he enjoys coaching youth basketball, mentoring, and sharing his story of resilience to inspire others. His blend of business expertise, survivor’s perspective, and commitment to service uniquely position him as a leader driven by purpose and impact.
BETH KENNEDY
Beth Benatti Kennedy, MS, LMFT Beth Benatti Kennedy has more than twenty-five years of experience as a leadership coach, resiliency-training expert, and speaker. As a leadership coach, Beth guides leaders to develop resilience habits to support peak performance, maximize their professional and personal impact, positively influence the people they work with, and build their brand. Her training programs focus on giving employees the tools to stay resilient, make sense of organization changes, and manage transition while continuing to be productive and engaged. As a motivator and speaker at conferences, seminars, and symposiums, Ms. Kennedy has presented her Benatti Resiliency Model® across the globe, including at TEDxNortheasternU. In addition, because of her expertise in resilience and burnout, she has been quoted in articles, interviewed on podcasts, and contributed to scientific journals. Beth is also the author of Career ReCharge: Five Strategies to Boost Resilience and Beat Burnout and a co-author for ReThink Resilience: 99 Ways to ReCharge Your Career and Life.
JENNIFER WILLEY
Jennifer Willey launched Wet Cement in 2017 to help cultivate inclusive, empowered and equitable cultures that drive growth, innovation and loyalty. Her company works with Fortune 500 companies and global associations on the ‘Fearless Fundamentals’ of confidence, communication, connections, control and culture. She’s developed proprietary programs encompassing keynote speaking, learning and development, coaching, consulting and content (including her Fearless in 5 career-enhancing microlearning series). In the past year, she keynoted the NJ Conference for Women, was recognized as the inaugural global ‘Driver of Diversity’ from Captivate, and named the “Woman of Achievement” by the Princeton Mercer Chamber of Commerce.
Her company’s gender equality practice, Advance Women at Work, offers empowerment programs for female employees and Inclusive Leadership Training. Jenn is committed to supporting a number of non-profit organizations supporting underrepresented communities, including Working for Women, Impact100, NextUp, Executive Women of NJ and Covenant House of NJ. She’s most proud of her efforts to launch and co-lead DA4S’ SPIRAL Initiative – Supplier Partnerships for Insights, Relationships and Learning – and serving on the Membership Committee.
Prior to launching Wet Cement, she developed her unique perspective and expertise over decades leading the Health category across strategy, sales and marketing for innovative tech and media companies (like WebMD, Everyday Health, Sharecare, Yahoo and AOL), and her earlier career as a TV news anchor and reporter.
Jenn earned her undergraduate degree and Diversity and Inclusion certification from Cornell University. She is a proud mom to two teenage sons and lives in New Jersey with her husband. Learn more about Wet Cement, contact Jenn directly at jennifer@wet-cement.com or via connect on LinkedIn.
