Join us for our third Speaker Series event, where Sophia Nelson - a much sought after speaker, media/political commentator, national columnist and author – will be the keynote speaker. Sophia will be joined by two distinguished executives who will share practical insights on the topic of “Turning Fear into Power”.

Are you ready to turn your fears into power?

What does fear and power mean to you? Everyone experiences fear (YOU are not alone!), but what sets successful people apart from everyone else is their ability to act in the face of fear. Turning your fear into power might seem unachievable at first, but there are simple approaches to pursue your personal passions and visions, despite your fear. Our speakers will share their personal & professional stories on how they turned fear into power and how you can apply similar approaches to turn YOUR fear info power!

This is also a great opportunity to ask questions and network

with other professionals!

Sophia Nelson’s opening remarks will be followed by an Invigorating discussion with:

Cathy Avigiris

Executive Vice President and General Manager

Communications and Data Services

Comcast Cable

Cathy leads Comcast’s Xfinity Internet, Xfinity Voice and consumer wireless businesses. Under Cathy’s leadership, Comcast has become the largest broadband Internet service provider in the U.S., as well as the largest competitive voice provider to the phone companies.

Amy Stipandic

Senior Vice President of Strategic Process & Design

Comcast Cable

Amy’s team focuses on the process and operational design needed to support and improve the customer experience. Under Amy’s leadership, the Process Design team is also at the forefront of new programs to spearhead operational requirements on behalf of National Customer Operations.

Single tickets $35 Members/$40 Non Members

Space is limited!

Sophia A. Nelson is an accomplished woman on the move. She is a much sought after speaker, media/political commentator, national columnist and first time author who is “redefining” the rules for 21st Century living and success.

As one of only a handful of African American female national opinion writers and political/cultural pundits, Sophia contributes to The Washington Post, CNN Opinion, TheGrio.com, TheRoot.com, NPR, and is featured regularly on all of the major networks (ABC, CBS, NBC) as well as Cable outlets such as CNN, MSNBC, FOX, and BET.

Sophia speaks on topics ranging from workplace retention and advancement strategies for women of color, to relationships, health & wellness, spirituality, and career transformation. She is a former United States House of Representatives Committee Counsel, and a Defense Industry Lobbyist with the “top 25″ nationally ranked law firm of Holland & Knight LLP. She is admitted to practice as an Attorney in New Jersey & Washington, D.C. and before the United States Supreme Court. She began her legal career in 1994 as a State Regulatory Counsel & Business Advisor to New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman (R-NJ).

Prior to establishing SAN Enterprises LLC (a Communications & Lobbying firm), Sophia served in several senior and executive positions within the government and corporate sector. Among her industry accomplishments, Sophia served as a Director of Congressional & Public Affairs at the United States Chamber of Commerce, as an Associate at the law firm of Horn Goldberg Gorny Daniels Plackter & Weiss, and as President & CEO of ALN Consulting, Inc. which she merged into a new practice group at Holland & Knight LLP focused on developing MBEs, WBEs and Emerging Market IT & Defense companies.

Finally, Sophia is the founder and current Chairman of the Board of iask, Inc. (formerly I Am My Sister’s Keeper, Inc.) an organization dedicated to the relational, emotional, spiritual, career, and health of professional black women. Sophia is considered an “up and coming person to watch” in media and is a featured speaker with Leading Authorities Speaking Bureau and Society of Industry Leaders. Sophia earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science (Minor in Africana Studies) from San Diego State University (the largest campus of the California State University system) in 1990. She earned her Juris Doctorate Degree from American University-Washington College of Law (after transferring from Washington & Lee University-Law School in 1992) in 1994.

Sophia is single & resides in Loudoun County Virginia. Her first book Black Woman Redefined examines the inner lives of accomplished black women and will be published in 2011. She is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (Xi Omega Graduate Chapter).