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Lesher Foundation's Newsmakers: Lesher Speaker Series 24/25 Season
Newsmakers: Lesher Speaker Series seeks to nurture a community of enthusiastic conversationalists, inspired to discuss important issues with family, friends, and neighbors.
East Bay Women's Conference 2024
Presented by Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau in Association with Kaiser Permanente
- Date: 03/05/2024 (all day)
- Location: Lesher Center for the Arts
1601 Civic Drive
Walnut Creek, California 94596 - Introduction: Engage. Inspire. Motivate.
HerStory in The Making
Presented by the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau, the EBWC remains the only conference of its kind in San Francisco’s East Bay that provides women opportunities to come together and participate in programs of personal and professional enrichment and development.
This distinctive conference blends premier keynote speakers and interactive seminars on timely topics presented by industry experts, exhibitor booths, a fully stocked bookstore, speaker meet and greets, author signings, and networking opportunities. Conference highlights include continental breakfast, lunch, and afternoon reception with wine, hors d’oeuvres, entertainment, and more.
2024 Keynote Speakers
Felecia Hatcher: CEO of Pharrell William's Black Ambition Opportunity Fund, author of Genius Jam
Felecia is the CEO of Pharrell William’s Black Ambition Opportunity Fund, author of Genius Jam. Felecia is an innovative powerhouse, personal transformation speaker, entrepreneur, and author, whose work shapes the way individuals show up, are valued, and financially benefit from playing full out in the innovation economy. Companies like, Google, Spotify, Disney, Chanel, Door Dash, Target, Samsung, and Etsy call on Felecia to help them empower their teams and shape their inclusive innovation strategies, but moreover empower their teams to step into their Zone of Genius to unlock massive opportunities for their lives and careers. Felecia has been featured on Bloomberg, Good Morning America, NBC Today Show, MSNBC, The Cooking Channel, Wall Street Journal, and White House Champion of Change Honoree.
Allison Massari: Renowned Inspirational Speaker, Entrepreneur, Celebrated Artist
While most speakers have a story to tell, there are a select few with one so impactful and poignant that the audience is forever changed. That is what happens when Allison Massari speaks. Her potent message has reached audiences in more than 75 countries and is a testament to hope, indestructible perseverance, and radical compassion. She has been named one of the Top Ten Best Motivational Speakers in North America by Meetings and Conventions Magazine and has forged her path to success with creativity, tenacity, and deep gratitude. Having survived two devastating and near fatal car accidents, Allison discovered an unshakeable strength and courage and carefully learned the intricacies of what it takes to overcome adversity and live with heart. Her breathtaking keynote blends powerful life lessons with insightful and awe-inspiring stories, supporting people to boldly access grace and resilience to transform and energize their lives. As an international keynote speaker, executive coach, and award-winning visual artist, Allison Massari ignites vitality, inspires confidence, and offers essential tools for self-mastery to audiences worldwide.
Kelly Swanson: Award-Winning Storyteller, Hall of Fame Speaker, Hair Piece Addict
Kelly Swanson is an award-winning storyteller, comedian, motivational speaker, Huffington Post Contributor, and cast member of The Fashion Hero television show airing on Amazon Prime. She is also the author of Who Hijacked My Fairy Tale, The Land of If Only, The Story Formula, and The Affirmation Journal for Positive Thinking. In July of 2022 she was inducted into the National Speakers Association Speaker Hall of Fame.
Kelly’s wacky wit and powerful stories have charmed hearts and tickled funny bones for over 18 years. In addition to her role as a funny motivational speaker, Kelly teaches people how she does it by sharing what she has learned about connecting and engaging to have more influence in business through the use of one tool – strategic storytelling. Sharing her own powerful journey through story and the formula she discovered, you come to that magical place where the art of story meets the business of persuasion.
- Attendee Registration Check-in & Badge Printing: 7:00 AM to 8:30 AM
- Conference: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Cancellations and Substitutions
Tickets are non-refundable; however, registered guests have the option to notify the Ticket Office of an alternate guest to attend in their place.
In the event an advertised speaker is unable to fulfill their commitment, Walnut Creek Chamber reserves the right to make a substitution.
Presented By
About Lesher Foundation
Enhancing the quality of life for all residents in Contra Costa County, California, through the support of children and families, education, and arts and culture.
The Dean & Margaret Lesher Foundation has a clear and simple mission—to enhance the quality of life for all residents of Contra Costa County, California. First established in 1989 by the late Dean Lesher and his wife Margaret, the Lesher Foundation has strong roots in Northern California. Dean Lesher was the founder and publisher of Lesher Communications in Walnut Creek, and subsequently built a chain of local newspapers throughout California. He wanted to give back to the local communities he loved so dearly by funding nonprofits in Contra Costa County. Today, the Foundation continues to uphold this value, giving more than $85 million in grants to date.
The Lesher Foundation is now principally managed by Dean and Margaret’s children and grandchildren. In honor of the philanthropic legacy established by the original donors, the Foundation is deeply committed to funding programs benefitting children and families, particularly those in underserved and low-income areas. Education grants are also a strong focus of giving, targeted toward children and young adults from vulnerable families. Additionally, funding for both the visual and performing arts is a key focus area, as the family believes that a vibrant community includes access to the arts for all its members.
The Foundation advances its mission by believing in the safety, security, and potential of every child, significantly investing in educational opportunities for those underserved, and offering the community the enrichments of the arts. We invite you to read more about our goals and strategies, and welcome your interest in the Foundation.
About Newsmakers: Lesher Speaker Series
Yesterday
One of the dreams of the late Dean Lesher was to showcase powerful ideals and public discourse on important matters of the day. In 2004, that dream became a reality when the Dean & Margaret Lesher Foundation donated $1 million to underwrite the very first speaker series at the Lesher Center for the Arts.
Today
The Lesher Foundation continues to enthusiastically produce Newsmakers: Lesher Speaker Series with the support of sponsors that include Diablo Regional Arts Association, KTVU Fox 2, and Diablo Magazine. Each year, the foundation, along with our sponsors and other partners, help select speakers in politics, international affairs, journalism, sports and entertainment to present an array of diverse and engaging topics.
Tomorrow
Our goal is to inspire and inform our audience who we see as warm, engaging and intellectually curious. We thank you for your continued support and look forward to having you attend our 2024/25 series and join in on the conversation.