WOMEN EMPOWERED ENTREPRENEURS CT SUMMIT
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2025
THE CHRYSALIS CENTER
255 HOMESTEAD AVENUE
HARTFORD, CT
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
JOANN H. PRICE
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Co-Founder and Managing Partner of
FAIRVIEW CAPITAL PARTNERS
‘My life is guided by an insatiable curiosity more powerful than any fear of failure. I’m ready to explore constantly—whether that means travel, meeting new people, or taking on challenging conversations. It was a dare to found Fairview on a belief system: that every person has something significant to contribute. Although diversity can lead to competition, working together is a more direct path to success and power. It takes faith in each other and the humility to understand that listening without ego can expand your universe to unlock our true strengths.’
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Ms. Price is Co-Founder of Fairview Capital Partners, Inc. She is a member of Fairview’s investment committee and manager of all Fairview-sponsored funds. Prior to co-founding Fairview, Ms. Price served as president of the National Association of Investment Companies headquartered in Washington, D.C. Ms. Price serves on a number of national advisory committees and private equity advisory boards.
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Ms. Price also currently serves on the Howard University School of Business Board of Visitors, on the YMCA of Greater Hartford Board of Trustees, on the Wilson-Gray YMCA Board of Advisors, and on the Amistad Center for Art & Culture Board of Trustees. Additionally, Ms. Price serves on the boards of the Apollo Theater Foundation in New York City, Trinity Health of New England, 4-CT, and just recently has completed her term as Chairperson of the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, in Hartford, Connecticut. Ms. Price is a graduate of Howard University.
MODERATORS
Keynote Speaker Moderator
Broker - Owner - Realtor
Staging Expert
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Shanyelle L. Young is the Broker/Owner of S Young Realty & Associates, LLC, a boutique real estate firm she founded in 2016 after following her dream of entrepreneurship. With over 20 years of experience as a REALTOR®, Shanyelle leads a diverse and dynamic team of eight successful agents, each bringing unique strengths and perspectives to the business.
Panel Moderator
Empowerment Strategist:
Angela Griffin is currently the Director of Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging for Naugatuck Public Schools and the town of Naugatuck. As a long time certified public-school educator and public-school administrator in the state of Connecticut, Angela believes that everyone should feel welcome in their community, have access to excellent education, and the opportunity to succeed and to become informed, contributing members of society.​​​
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Panel Moderator / Host
Cynthia R. Jennings is a civil rights and environmental attorney in Connecticut, with a legal office in Windsor. A former Hartford City Councilwoman, she is also a frequent and vocal advocate for environmental justice and social welfare causes in the state.
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Panel Moderator
Retired Board Certified Chaplain:
​Phyllis has spent more than 17 years in Hospital Chaplaincy, in the mental / behavioral health arena as well as medical-surgical world. She has been Board Certified by the Association of Professional Chaplains (APC) since 2012 and is transitioning to live in South Carolina where the paternal side of her family resides. She is currently a Minister at Reedy River MBC under the leadership of Rev. Aaron T. Brown, Sr. She believes the power of forgiveness is as potent and important as the demonstration of God’s power through signs, wonders and miracles.​​
INNOVATORS
ADANMA AKOMA
AI has become a valuable supplement in both my startup and research workflow. At affirmHER LLC, I first turned to AI to sharpen digital marketing and campaigning, which helped me overcome roadblocks and reach key milestones faster. In my academic research, I use it to organize experiments and quickly surface cited studies that spark new directions, while keeping my own expertise at the center. I recommend tools like Perplexity AI for R&D since it provides reputable sources that make fact-checking seamless and accelerate progress.
Dr. Batchelor's commitment to leadership extends to her role as a founding member of BLAC (Black Leaders and Administrators Consortium), where she
currently serves as Co-Vice President. She is also the Principal Consultant for Batchelor Leadership Consulting, a firm dedicated to guiding individuals as they transition into new leadership roles, helping them thrive once there, and providing crucial support during periods of organizational change.
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Shaylyn works as a BCBA with the Capitol Region Education Council, providing behavioral assessments, plans, and support across Connecticut schools, particularly technical high schools. In 2025, she launched her private practice, Grace Every Morning, inspired by Lamentations 3:22–23: “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning.”
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Rebalanced by Jas - Travel Nail Tech​
Jasmine is the founder and owner of Rebalanced by Jas, a premier mobile wellness brand providing high-quality, in-home services throughout Connecticut.​
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With over a decade of experience as a home health aide, Jasmine recognized the need for luxurious, personalized wellness experiences delivered right to client's doorsteps.
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JASMYNE PINKNEY
What began as a hobby has evolved into a true passion for cultivating and celebrating natural beauty. Jasmyne holds her cosmetology certification from the International Institute of Cosmetology and brings over a decade of experience in the natural hair care industry. As the proud owner of BASWA Hair Cultivating Studio, she is dedicated to providing exceptional service in a serene atmosphere that uplifts the mind, body, and spirit of both clients and staff.
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As a leader in business and finance Sandra conducts personal finance and budgeting seminars for local church organizations where she presents “Strategies for Successful Operations: “Building a Church Endowment.” Her primary focus today is serving youth and young adults in low to moderate income communities. To that end she has worked tirelessly to help form and structure Developing Young Professionals.
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Sabrina Tucker-Barrett is the co-founder and President of Girls For Technology, Inc., a Connecticut-based nonprofit she launched in 2015 to dismantle systemic barriers and expand access to education, innovation, and economic opportunity. She champions a bold, equity-centered vision that uplifts historically excluded communities, particularly youth and women of color, through transformative programs in technology, entrepreneurship, and workforce development.
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Tamara is an entrepreneur with seven years of experience in the health and wellness industry. Partnering with a successful brand that specializes in all-natural cleansing teas, designed to promote healthy gut function, and overall digestive health. In addition, as a licensed cosmetologist, she owns a small business, providing high-quality Raw Hair extensions at wholesale prices, supporting fellow, entrepreneurs and launching and scaling their own quality here extension beauty brands. ~ Your health is truly your wealth!
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Qiana Coachman-Strickland, aka DJ Q-BOOGIE, is the Founder Female DJ Association. Qiana brings a unique blend of passion and expertise to the music industry. Her dedication to the art of DJing and her entrepreneurial spirit have propelled her to build an award-winning business through virtual and in-person brand events.
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Leslie is an award winning photographer, best selling author, speaker and multifaceted force in the realms of photography, brand strategy, and women's empowerment. As a creative entrepreneur, Leslie's mission is as vibrant as her captivating photography: to ignite the brilliance within professional and business women, guiding them to step into their full potential and shine brightly in their respective fields.
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With nearly three decades of professional experience, Cassandra leverages her background to guide clients through life transitions and evolving financial needs. She is deeply committed to client education, believing that informed decisions lead to better outcomes. Cassandra works closely with families, professionals, and business owners, designing tailored strategies for retirement, legacy planning, and risk management.
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