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PHILIP BERRY
President, Philip Berry Associates, LLC

Philip is the President of Philip Berry Associates, LLC. He inspired the founding of PBA after working in over 60 countries and lecturing extensively on innovation, talent development, diversity and leadership.

The focus of Philip Berry Associates LLC is on a broad range of human capital improvement programs including their unique 360 degree Executive Transformational Coaching program; comprehensive global talent development initiatives; truly global diversity strategic platform; change management; along with targeted leadership and innovation training programs.

Prior to this he was Vice President, Global Workplace Initiatives and Corporate Officer for Colgate-Palmolive, a global consumer products company. Mr. Berry led the company’s efforts to attract, develop and retain a diverse workforce and was responsible for developing, implementing and evaluating diversity and inclusion strategies on a global basis, along with EEO government compliance.

Philip joined Colgate in 1990 as Associate Director of Human Resources in the U.S. Company. He subsequently held senior Human Resources positions serving the Central Europe/Russia, Africa/Middle East, Latin America and European Divisions. In each of these areas Philip made meaningful contributions in focusing the Human Resources function on key business issues, particularly goal alignment, training, plant site rationalization, and acquisition integration.

In 2001, Philip became Vice President, Global Employee Relations - Best Place to Work, and was elected a Corporate Officer in 2003. In this position he had responsibility for developing and managing employee relations policy; responsibility for emergency preparedness, ie the SARS crises, 9/11 and other global initiatives.

Prior to joining Colgate, Philip acquired broad Human Resources expertise at Procter & Gamble, where he worked for eight years in labor relations, organizational development and compensation. He also worked at Digital Equipment as Personnel Manager and the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority as Vice President, Human Resources.

Philip was appointed to the Business Leadership Council of CUNY (City College of New York) and is on the Panel for Education Policy appointed by the Mayor of New York. Further, he is the Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees for City University, which has responsibility for the 23 colleges within the New York City area. He is also on the Advisory Board of the New York City Center, an arts and cultural institution. In addition, he is Co-Chair of the Corporate Diversity Council for the Asia Society. Philip has received numerous awards, most recently the Crossing Borders awards from Feminist Press; and other awards from National Hispanic Corporate Achievers, Community Service Award from Alianza Dominica, the National Association of Asian American Professionals; the Quality of Work Life award from Work Life Matters magazine; the 100 Most Powerful Blacks in New York award from Crain Magazine, the Communicator of the Year award from Global HR News and the Governor’s award for Distinction in Community Service.

Mr. Berry received a B.A. in Sociology from Queens College and an Associate’s Degree in Marketing from Borough of Manhattan Community College. He holds an MBA from Xavier University, and an M.S.W from Columbia University. He speaks French, Spanish and knows Swahili and several other languages.

Philip has authored several articles. Among the most recent are Mastering Cultural Dexterity: Diversity Best Practices Journal 2009; How to Re-Light the Fire in Yourself & Others in a Down Economy: Global HR News 3/09 ;How Global Megatrends are Shaping Global Talent Management Strategies : Global H R News 12/08 and How Transformational Leadership Inspires Change: Global H R News 11/08.

 

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BEN CORPUS, Ph.D
Vice President
Baruch College

Dr. Ben M. Corpus was appointed as the Vice President for Student Development and Enrollment Management and Dean of Students and started on August 8th, 2005.  Prior to arriving at Baruch, Dr. Corpus served as Vice President for Student Development and Enrollment Management at Hostos Community College since 2001.  While at Hostos Dr. Corpus increased enrollment by 35% in 3 years, re-organized the Division, designed and implemented a Strategic Retention Plan, and implemented intercollegiate athletic teams for the first time in the college’s history.  After only three years, the college earned several conference championships and the National Championship in Men’s Basketball, only the second college in NYC history to have ever done so since 1950. 

Prior to Hostos, Dr. Corpus was the Senior Executive to the President at Plattsburgh State University – SUNY.  Between 1999 and 2001, Dr. Corpus also served as the acting Chief Student Affairs Officer supervising 92 staff members in 22 departments and overseeing a budget of $5.4 million.
 
Dr. Corpus worked and taught at NYU between 1993 and 1998.  He began as an academic advisor and assistant director of freshmen programs and orientation in the College of Arts and Science.  A year later he was hired to run a doctoral and professional development program in Higher Education Administration to prepare future community college presidents.  Prior to joining NYU, Dr. Corpus was the Assistant Chair in two academic departments at the University at Albany’s School of Public Health. 

Dr. Corpus was a Kellogg Fellow with the Hispanic Association for Colleges and Universities.  Dr. Corpus, a tenured associate professor at Baruch in Student Development and Counseling, received his bachelor's degree in Philosophy and Psychology and minored in English Literature at Oswego State University - SUNY, earned an M.S. from the University at Albany in Higher Education Administration & Policy and his Ph.D. from New York University in Higher Education Policy and Governance.  He has also completed the Program on Negotiation for Senior Executives at Harvard Law, and IEM at the Graduate School of Education at Harvard University.

 

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Neddy Perez
Vice President
Diversity National Grid

Nereida (Neddy) Perez has more than 17+ years of experience in the areas of Human Resources, Diversity and External Relationship Management. She joined National Grid as Vice President of Inclusion and Diversity in late November 2008. 

Prior to her current role, Neddy served as KPMG LLP's Chief Diversity Officer. She has also worked for Sodexo, Royal Dutch/Shell (Shell Oil) and United Parcel Service in a diversity and HR management capacity.  Her work has resulted in collaborating on various projects globally in the UK, the Netherlands, Nigeria and major parts of Latin America.

Neddy is a nationally recognized leader in the diversity field. She has been an invited speaker at various conferences like Diversity Best Practices, Linkages' Diversity Conference, The Conference Board and the World Diversity Leadership Summit. In 2008, she was invited to serve on the committee of diversity experts by the Society of Human Resources Management.  The committee is currently charged with developing industry standards for Diversity practitioners and consultants. 

Aside from her contributions in advancing the Diversity profession, she is a community minded leader who has served on the advisory boards including the Center for Accounting Excellence at Howard University, the National Hispana Leadership Institute, the Houston Technology Center, Gifts InKind International, Inc., the Asia Society, and the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities and many others. She is a strong believer in giving back to the community and views community involvement as an avenue for leadership development.

She holds a Bachelors Degree in Public Relations from the University of Florida and a Masters Degree in HR Management and International Business from Nova Southeastern University.

 

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Felipe Botero
Vice President, Strategic Program Management
MetLife

Felipe has been with MetLife for 25 years, starting out as a computer programmer and working on many different assignments throughout the company. In 2003 Felipe was made officer in charge of the MetLife Mexico IT operations. During 2005 he led the IT Global Program Management Office in the integration of the Travelers Life and Annuity acquisition from Citigroup. In 2006, he joined the Retirement Strategies Group, focused on implementing business strategies to capitalize on the emerging retirement market opportunity. Most recently Felipe has been involved in the management of the Operational Excellence program, which will take MetLife to a new level of performance and position it to extend its industry leadership. Through the years, Felipe has been involved with Diversity at MetLife in variety of capacities and is currently the co-chair of the Tech & Ops Diversity Committee.

Felipe attained a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science from Queens College and a Masters of Science degree in Systems Engineering from New York Polytechnic University. In 2000, he returned to school and received an MBA in Finance from New York University. Felipe has been married to Marcela for more than 25 years; together they have four adult children and recently adopted two infants. As an industry professional Felipe volunteers his time with the International Labor Organization helping further the development of the Microinsurance industry, which aims to provide affordable financial products and services to the poor in countries around the globe.

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Ellie Jurado-Nieves
CEO
Leadership Strategies for Women, LLC

Ellie Nieves is a Speaker, Writer, Leadership Consultant. Through one-on-one and group coaching Ellie Nieves provides women in leadership and emerging leaders with unique insights to help them develop business leadership skills, set strategic goals, bolster effectiveness, and create a personal brand.

Before launching her consulting business, Ellie, who is an attorney by profession, gained extensive business and leadership experience working in politics, government and for a Fortune 500 company. Some of her previous roles include serving as Assistant Vice-President and Chief-of-Staff to the President of MetLife International and as New York State Political Director for Vice-President Al Gore during his presidential campaign in 2000.

Ellie has served as a mentor, coach, and advisor to various elected officials, executives, attorneys, community leaders and students. Now draws from her personal and professional background to help women in leadership and emerging leaders become effective business leaders and achieve extraordinary results in their lives and careers.

 

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ALI T. CURI
President
HPNG

Ali Curi is founder and president of the Hispanic Professionals Networking Group (HPNG), a premier organization dedicated to the education and advancement of Latino business leaders and professionals in New York and Miami.

Mr. Curi brings a diverse range of experience and management skills to his role at HPNG. With an extensive background as a conference and event producer, Mr. Curi’s leadership produced the much-acclaimed HPNH Latino Leadership Conference this year at the Yale Club of New York. Prior to founding the organization, he shaped all event and fundraising efforts for the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. Previously, as a producer at the Strategic Research Institute (SRI), Mr. Curi was responsible for producing conferences that identified growing and maturing markets, both domestically and abroad.

His career also includes working with event and strategic marketing efforts for Philip Morris USA. Among those efforts were Marlboro Bar Nights, Marlboro Ranch, Marlboro Unlimited Magazine and the new product development and launch of Marlboro Milds.

Upon first arriving in New York, H.I.T.N. television gave Mr. Curi the opportunity to produce and host a live, interactive Spanish-language television program, Mundo Digital.

Mr. Curi attended San Antonio College and received his B.A. in Marketing from St. Edward’s University in Austin. A native of Texas, Mr. Curi currently resides in New York City.

 

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DR. WILLIAM RODRIGUEZ Ed. D.
Founder and Principal
Celia Cruz Bronx High School of Music

Dr. William Rodriguez has a Doctorate Degree of Music Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, New York City, and has a Bachelor Degree of Arts and Master Degrees in Education and Music Education from City University of New York.  He is the Founder and Principal of Celia Cruz Bronx High School of Music and has performed as Director, Assistant Director and Music Teacher at other public schools.

Professional Associations in which Dr. William Rodriguez has contributed as a member are: 

-          American Federation of Supervisors and Administrators

-          Council of Supervisors and Administrators

-          Music Educators National Conference

-          New York State School Music Association

-          American Federation of Musicians Local 802 NYC

Dr. Rodriguez has received honors and has being involved in many activities. Some of them are:

-          USA, European, Caribbean, South and Central American Music tours with the Johnny Pacheco Orchestra, Conjunto Libre, Pete “El Conde” Rodriguez and others

-          Pianist on several tours with Celia Cruz since 1976

-          Pianist on Grammy winning album Celia Cruz “La Negra Tiene Tumbao” on SONY 2002 Recorded in New York City

-          Pianist on Grammy winning album MACHITO and his Salsa Big Band on Timeless Label 1982 Recorded in Utrecht, Holland.

 

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DR. ROBERT RODRIGUEZ
Assistant Dean & Director
Center for Corporate Learning
Kaplan University

Robert Rodriguez, Ph.D., Assistant Dean and Director for the Center at Corporate Learning at Kaplan University, is responsible for providing academic support to Kaplan’s numerous corporate alliance partners including development of customized educational programs, delivery of leadership development sessions, and joint research on learning trends.

In addition to cultivating relationships with Kaplan’s corporate partners, Dr. Rodriguez also serves as a consultant for several major corporations, helping them develop proactive strategies in leadership development, change management and diversity initiatives. Some of his clients include Abbott, PepsiCo, Microsoft, Wal-Mart, Goldman Sachs, Toyota, Boeing, GE, ExxonMobil, Intel, UPS and Verizon Wireless. Prior to joining Kaplan University, Dr. Rodriguez taught leadership and human resource courses in the MBA program at the Kellstadt School of Business at DePaul University in Chicago. He has also held several leadership roles in human resources and organization development at Fortune 500 firms, including Target Corporation, 3M Company, Amoco and RR Donnelley & Sons.

Dr. Rodriguez is a columnist for Diversity Executive Magazine and from 2004 to 2006 he was a writer for Human Resource Magazine. He has published more than 25 articles on various workforce trends and diversity issues. He also currently writes for Talent Management Magazine and DiversityEdge Magazine. He’s written for, or been quoted in, the Chicago Tribune, Chief Learning Officer Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Hispanic Business and Latino Leaders Magazine. He is the author of Latino Talent: Effective Strategies to Recruit, Retain and Develop Hispanic Professionals (www.latinotalentbook.com). Dr. Rodriguez serves on the board of directors for the National Forum of Latino Healthcare Executives (www.nflhe.org) and is formerly board chairman for The Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement (www.hace-usa.org).

He is a frequent presenter at conferences on the topic of future workforce trends, Latino diversity and diversity recruiting & retention best practices. He has spoken at The Conference Board, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), Diversity Leaders Power Conferences, National Council of La Raza, the National Hispanic Corporate Council and National Society of Hispanic MBA’s. In 2006, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce named him one of the leading Latinos under 40 in the United States. Dr. Rodriguez research interests include future workplace trends, talent management, corporate culture and diversity. He received his undergraduate degree in business management and his doctorate in Organization Development. He is also a graduate of the UCLA Latino Leadership Institute. Dr. Rodriguez resides in Chicago. He can be reached at Kaplan University at RRodriguez2@kaplan.edu.

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KENNETH A. ROLDAN
Author "Minority Rules"
CEO
Wesley, Brown & Bartle Co.

With a BS from Cornell University and a law degree, Ken was appointed to the Civil Rights Bureau of New York State Attorney General's Office where he was instrumental in shaping and enforcing EEO legislation. After several years working for the government, he joined Wesley, Brown & Bartle (WB&B), a leading global executive retained executive search firm with a niche in diversity and inclusion, as General Counsel and Managing Partner.

Mr. Roldan became the first Hispanic CEO of a national search firm.  Moreover, he partners with top corporations such as Google, Nucor, Microsoft, Tyco, BP, Target, Raytheon,  Nationwide, Wachovia, HP, Bloomberg, Merck, The McGraw-Hill Companies, OfficeMax, Computer Associates, AstraZeneca, and Cox Communications in creating formal strategies to court and recruit talented minority professionals into the company. With a passion in diversity management recruitment for over a decade, Ken’s unique strategies in diversity staffing, succession planning and retention have made a difference to the ethnic, gender and cultural diversity in America's corporate structure.

Considered an expert in minority hiring, Mr. Roldan has been interviewed by CBS News Sunday Morning, CNN, Fortune, ABC News, BusinessWeek, The Wall Street Journal, Crain's New York Business, Tavis Smiley, Black Enterprise and Hispanic Magazine. Mr. Roldan has expanded his audience by writing a book, Minority Rules: Turn Your Ethnicity Into a Competitive Edge, published by Harper Collins in fall 2006. Minority Rules helps minority professionals plan their careers, create strategic roadmaps for success, master mentoring and networking, handle corporate politics and strengthen their performance. Moreover, the book shows HR departments how to level the playing field and provide diverse professionals an equal opportunity to rise in the corporation.

Ken is currently working on assembling an advisory council of notable Hispanic corporate executives with an underlying mission of increasing the representation of Hispanics on corporate Boards. In addition, he serves on the Board Development Committee for the Girl Scouts of Greater New York.

Ken resides in Long Island with his wife and their two children.

 

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Ron began his financial services career in 1988. Since 1997, he has been associated with Strategies for Wealth and  Faughnan Financial Network in New York City. In his role as Investment Specialist, he has worked with individuals, families and small businesses to design risk management and investment strategies to help meet financial goals. He also previously held the position of Agency Compliance Officer.

Ron received his B.A. from New York University in 1981 and the CFP designation from the College for Financial Planning, Denver, CO in 1991. He is a member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors.

Born and raised in Washington Heights, New York City he currently lives in Haworth, New Jersey where he enjoyed many years coaching youth sports. Ron and his wife, Paulette, have been married 29 years and are the proud parents of two daughters, Alanna, a literary agent and Olivia, a junior at The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

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Elizabeth Perelstein
President of School Choice

Elizabeth Perelstein, President of School Choice International, founded School Choice in London twelve years ago.  School Choice now has 90 consultants in 50 global locations providing specialized educational assistance to families moving anywhere in the world as well as Global Education Explorer, the first web based tool education around the world.

In 2006, Liz co-founded the first British curriculum school in New York.  She writes and speaks frequently on topics related to education, relocation, and women owned businesses.

Previously Liz worked at all educational levels from nursery school through university, as a teacher, an educational administrator and on a school board. 

Liz is a former board member of FIGT and was a semi-finalist in the 2009 International Women of Influence Awards by Global Executive Women Magazine.

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Pol Vandenbroucke -
VP Development,
Emerging Markets Pfizer Inc.

Prior appointments include Vice President, Medical and Regulatory Affairs,
Canada/Latin America/Africa-Middle East, Senior Medical Director Pfizer Japan, based in Tokyo, Director of Medical Operations, Asia and Australia/NZ for Pfizer, based in Hong Kong, and Medical Director, Lipitor based in New York, responsible for the international clinical development program of Lipitor.

Before joining Pfizer, Dr. Vandenbroucke was Medical Director, Sterling-Winthrop International, Cardiovascular Disease Manager at Novartis Mexico and Assistant Professor at the Instituto TecnolÛgico AutÛnomo de MÈxico (ITAM).

His background includes experience in Pharmaceutical Marketing, Medical Affairs, Clinical Development and Regulatory Affairs in the U.S., Europe, Latin America and Asia.

He is fluent in Dutch, Spanish, English, French and German.

He holds a Medical Degree from the Catholic University of Louvain (Belgium) and an MBA degree from the Instituto TecnolÛgico AutÛnomo de MÈxico (ITAM), and is a Member of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine of the Royal Colleges of Medicine of the UK.

He is married to Adriana Siller Ojeda and has two lovely daughters

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Karsten Mensah

 

Karsten Mensah was born in France. His mother Marcelline Adjovi came from a wealthy and Royal Family in a small West Sub-Saharan Country of Africa named Benin former Dahomey in the  City of Cotonou. His father Pierre Yekpe came from another sub-Saharan Country of Africa named Cote-d’Ivoire.  Mensah’s parents were intellectuals striving for their kids to get the best education.
From the age of two to eight, Mensah’s parents went to occupy an international position in Kenya where he was enrolled at the Lycee Denis Diderot of Nairobi, a French diplomatic school. It is there that in addition to his own cultural background, he came in contact with three different cultures and languages, namely French, English and Swahili.  This diversity of cultures enabled him to understand and interact comfortably with people of different horizons and backgrounds.  It is during his stay that Karsten Mensah found a particular interest in sports notably in track racing, karate, judo, jet wu do (Goshindo), and soccer. These disciplines gave the youngster a very early spirit of competition, determination and fair play which is noticeable today in his work.
As the parents relocated to West Africa and settled in Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) where they were inclined to travel for professional reasons, the young teenager and his sister rapidly matured and learnt to be independent.  Very early Mensah gained a sense of responsibility, accountability and affinity for numbers and management.  The young student was appreciated by his friends and teachers. Unfortunately, by the age of fourteen, a war broke in Cote d’Ivoire, forcing the family to move back to France, their home country.
By then Karsten was a young man capable of choosing his future career.  He then decided to major in Economics. After his Baccalaureate (French High School Diploma), his parents decided to send him to New York to pursue his studies.
In March 2008, Karsten Mensah enrolled at Laguardia Community College, recognized for giving international students like Karsten the chance of gaining an American Education and an open door for a reputable career in the financial market.   Inspired by the vivacity and audacity of the American education, Karsten rapidly stood up by being member of the Honor Society of Laguardia after getting two Deans’list certificates in 2008 and 2009.
While doing his internship at ALLSTATE Insurance as a requirement from Laguardia Community College, Karsten met Carla Abonia, the Owner of Astoria ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY.  A devoted self-made woman, who gave Karsten an opportunity to increase and test his management skills. She reinforced Karsten’s confidence and the choice of his career.  Today, Karsten is more than ever determined to succeed in the field of his choice. For Karsten, sky is the limit.

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Billy R. Williams, Ph.D.
President of Inspire a Nation Business Mentoring Services

Utilizing a comprehensive video and document library, hands on step by step instruction to its member agents, and one on one web mentoring meetings, Inspire a Nation helps agents reach their maximum potential
He is also President of the Williams Family Agency Investment Group. The group currently has 14 member agencies and produces $300 Million in production annually.
Billy is an expert at helping insurance agents and agencies double or triple their current production.
A former Allstate AMBC, and former Allstate exclusive agent, now as an independent agent he directly Mentors many of the top captive and independent insurance agents in the country.
Billy has authored 3 business manuals that are considered by many industry experts to be a Must Read for all insurance industry professionals:

• Don't let your I.C.E.C.R.E.A.M Get Messy – 8 Keys to Business Success
• The Insurance Agency Success Mentoring and Process Manual
• How to Build a $10 Million Dollar Insurance Agency in 5 Years Workbook and Process Manual.

 His clients represent many fortune 500 companies including Microsoft, Allstate Insurance, National City Bank, American Family Insurance, Bank of America,  Yahoo, Nike and many more.  He has over 25 years of Inspirational speaking, sales, marketing, and customer service experience. In addition he has a proven track record of entrepreneurial success. He has owned multiple successful businesses including:
Several fitness centers
An Allstate Insurance Agency
The National Fitness and Nutritional Education Institute
Inspire a Nation Business Mentoring Services
He served in the U. S Army from 1982 – 2002 and completed his career as Station Commander of Army College Recruiting.  
His presentations are fun, but filled with information presented in a way that sticks in your mind, and has a life changing impact.
His academic background includes a B.S. in Biology, an M.S. and Ph.D. in Physical Education - Sports Management, and additional Doctoral work in Finance at the University of Chicago.
Dr. Williams has achieved many distinctions, honors, awards, and accolades throughout his business and military career, including:
Creator of “DecisionFlow Sales and Customer Management System”

• Published Author and highly sought after speaker and trainer
• One of America’s most networked people managing in excess of 50K contacts annually
• Grew a property and casualty captive  insurance agency to more than 1.2 million dollars in earned premium  in under 36 months while never spending more than $300.00 per month on advertising and marketing
• Century Club Winner, Allstate Insurance Co. 
• Star Performer Award, Allstate Insurance Co. 
• Associate Market Business Consultant with Allstate Corp. – Consulted on agency development and growth .
• Licensing:  Series 6, 63, 26, 51, Property and Casualty, Life and Health
• Director of Committees, Black Chamber of Commerce of Lake County, IL
• Vice President – Police Pension Board, Mundelein, IL
• Meritorious Service Medal, U.S. Army 2001, 2002
• Recruiter of the Year, U.S. Army Reserve 2000 and 2001
• Soldier of the Year Awards, U.S. Army, multiple years
• Nominee for Alabama Small Business of the Year, 1995 

 

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Jorge Fis
Latin America Account Director, Global Information Technology
Colgate Palmolive Company

Jorge Fis is the Account Director of Global Information Technology (GIT) for Colgate-Palmolive Company in Latin America. He provides leadership on all aspects of Information Technology, driving strategy and enabling Information Technology solutions while serving business requirements in the Latin America region. In Twenty years with Colgate Palmolive, he has seen international assignments in Latin and North America with increasing responsibility, across IT Applications to Infrastructure implementation and service support, leading numerous projects and cross-functional teams to deliver cost savings, efficiencies and improvements. Most recently, Jorge led the creation, strategic development and direction of the Global IT Service Centers which became a key part for driving standardization and enhancing IT service levels on the ground.  

He also led all the lifecycle aspects of multiple large-scale IT Infrastructure projects and multi-country teams as an integral part of the SAP implementation in Latin America. Jorge holds an undergraduate degree in Systems Engineering from Santo Domingo Institute of Technology (INTEC) and an MBA on International Business from Fairleigh Dickinson University.