Embrace Change, a certified M/WBE in both New York State and New York City, announces its inaugural flagship networking event, “Rise & Recognize: Connecting and Celebrating BIWOC Leaders,” set for Thursday, January 30, 2025. This innovative virtual gathering has already attracted over 150 Black, Indigenous and Women of Color (BIWOC) leaders from across industries and continents, with registration numbers expected to grow significantly in the coming weeks.
The event showcases an expert panel discussion on “The 2.0 of Networking: Leveraging the Power of Community in 2025,” featuring distinguished leaders including Mari Eva Mendes, Senior Director at Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC); Lisa Campagñe, Sales Director at LinkedIn; Brandilyn Dumas, Esq., Real Estate Shareholder at Greenberg Traurig, LLP; Dr. Kathryn Hall, Senior Vice President at The New York Academy of Medicine; and Sage Ke’alohilani Quiamno, Global DEI Leader at Amazon Prime Video & Studios.
“This event creates a unique space for authentic connection and celebration among BIWOC leaders who truly understand each other’s journeys,” says Cynthia Pong, JD, founder of Embrace Change, whose Leadership Accelerator program won a 2023 Anthem Award for Best Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Community Space and Community Engagement. “In today’s professional landscape, it’s crucial that we not only build strong networks but also recognize and elevate the achievements of our community.”
Since 2015, Embrace Change has coached over 440 leaders, primarily BIWOC professionals, reached nearly 30,000 audience members through 188 speaking events, and built an online community of 200,000 across platforms. The organization’s Leadership Accelerator graduates have secured prestigious fellowships at the White House, Harvard and Stanford, along with significant promotions and admission to top graduate programs.
The virtual event will utilize the innovative AirMeet platform to facilitate meaningful connections through themed networking sessions, interactive panel discussions, and awards ceremonies recognizing outstanding achievements in Impact & Leadership, Service, and Community. The awards will be judged by a panel of BIWOC leaders, including Ashley Watkins Thomas, Job Search & Interview Coach and Founder of Write Step Resumes, LLC, Carissa Begonia, Business Coach and Founder of CONSCIOUSXCHANGE, Mary Lizardi, Campaign Consultant and Founder of Lizardi Works, Rhapsodi Pierre-Jacques, Founder and CEO of Introsense, Janna Zinzi, Strategic Communications Consultant and CEO of WanderWomxn Travels, and Desree Cabrall-Njenga, Educational Consultant. The event will feature live DJ sets by the renowned DJ Karlita, creating an engaging atmosphere for professional networking and celebration.
About Embrace Change
Embrace Change is an award-winning career coaching and training firm specializing in working with women of color and people of color. Founded in 2015, the company’s singular mission is to get all women of color––and people of color––the money, power and respect they deserve in the workplace. Through innovative programming and community building, Embrace Change has established itself as a leading force in professional development for leaders of all backgrounds.
For more information, please visit embracechange.nyc or call 347-620-6328.
About Cynthia Pong, JD, Founder Embrace Change
Cynthia Pong, JD, is an award-winning executive coach and sought-after speaker who empowers women of color leaders to advance their careers and claim positions of power. A Forbes Contributor for Leadership Strategy and a LinkedIn Top Voice for Job Search and Career, she is frequently called upon for her career advancement, negotiation, and thought leadership expertise.
As founder and CEO of Embrace Change, Cynthia leads a team of elite BIPOC career coaches who provide specialized coaching and training programs for women of color, from high-performing individual contributors to C-suite executives.
Her flagship leadership program, the Leadership Accelerator, won an Anthem Award in 2023 for its unparalleled success in accelerating the careers of women of color leaders. Graduates have gone on to secure prestigious fellowships (White House, Harvard, Stanford), promotions, raises, speaking opportunities, and admission to top graduate programs (NYU, Berkeley).
Her business coaching programs for women of color are a one-of-a-kind space for mission-driven WOC entrepreneurs to cultivate their leadership skills as CEOs, access valuable resources and tailored strategic support, and build thriving businesses that align with their values.
Cynthia’s book, Don’t Stay in Your Lane: The Career Change Guide for Women of Color, has resonated deeply with countless women of color across industries looking to make bold career shifts, cementing her role as a foremost voice on the career advancement of women of color seeking positions of influence.
Cynthia also founded the Embrace Change Speakers Bureau, the first and only speakers bureau dedicated to amplifying the voices and perspectives of women of color speakers and experts.
With over a decade of experience negotiating––first as a public defender, now as a CEO – Cynthia has coached her clients to negotiate salary increases as high as 67%. She has empowered her clients to bring in over $750K in raises. Her unique coaching methodology is calibrated to empower women of color leaders with precisely what they need to break down barriers, claim their worth, and lead with authenticity.
For any inquiries or to schedule an interview, send an email to happier@embracechange.nyc
Media Contact
Company Name: Embrace Change
Contact Person: Cynthia Pong, JD
Email: Send Email
Phone: 347-620-6328
City: New York
State: NY
Country: United States
Website: www.embracechange.nyc