NYWICI Mentorship Office Hours

With Patrice Tanaka 

NYWICI’s refreshed Mentorship Program creates ongoing, accessible opportunities for members to connect directly with NYWICI Board and Past President leadership through monthly “Office Hours.” These virtual or in-person sessions offer one-on-one or small-group conversations focused on career guidance, leadership development, industry trends, and real-time challenges. Designed to be flexible and inclusive, the program provides a safe, supportive space for meaningful dialogue—strengthening professional growth while deepening connections across the NYWICI community.

Date: March 4, 2026, | 5:00 - 6:00 pm ET SOLD OUT

Location: Virtual Event on Zoom (Link to Event Will Be Received Post Registration)

Format:  Small Group Conversation

Meet Our Office Hours Mentor

Patrice Tanaka is a serial entrepreneur, author, and purpose-driven leader whose career spans decades of award-winning work in public relations, marketing, and business strategy. A co-founder of three successful agencies and the Chief Joy Officer of Joyful Planet, Patrice helps individuals and organizations clarify purpose, navigate change, and unlock greater fulfillment and success. She is the co-author of the bestselling book Beat the Curve and author of Becoming Ginger Rogers, blending powerful leadership insights with deeply human experiences. A PRWeek Hall of Fame inductee and NYWICI Matrix Award honoree, Patrice brings a unique perspective on resilience, creative problem-solving, and leading with joy—making her an inspiring and invaluable mentor for professionals seeking clarity, confidence, and meaningful growth.

NYWICI Mentorship Office Hours

With Julia Chappell

NYWICI’s refreshed Mentorship Program creates ongoing, accessible opportunities for members to connect directly with NYWICI Board and Past President leadership through monthly “Office Hours.” These virtual or in-person sessions offer one-on-one or small-group conversations focused on career guidance, leadership development, industry trends, and real-time challenges. Designed to be flexible and inclusive, the program provides a safe, supportive space for meaningful dialogue—strengthening professional growth while deepening connections across the NYWICI community.

Date: March 9, 2026, | 12:00 - 1:00 pm ET  SOLD OUT

This session consists of 6 one on one sessions. When registering, you will choose your 10-minute window.

Location: Virtual Event on Zoom (Link to Event Will Be Received Post Registration)

Meet Our Office Hours Mentor

Julia Chappell is the current NYWICI VP of Public Relations and is Executive Vice President at strategic communications firm Hirsch Leatherwood, where she focuses on strategic media relations and campaign planning. She has over 10 years of diverse communications experience across industries and a keen understanding of what it takes to tell stories that resonate.

NYWICI Mentorship Office Hours

With Julia Chappell

NYWICI’s refreshed Mentorship Program creates ongoing, accessible opportunities for members to connect directly with NYWICI Board and Past President leadership through monthly “Office Hours.” These virtual or in-person sessions offer one-on-one or small-group conversations focused on career guidance, leadership development, industry trends, and real-time challenges. Designed to be flexible and inclusive, the program provides a safe, supportive space for meaningful dialogue—strengthening professional growth while deepening connections across the NYWICI community.

Date: March 17, 2026, | 5:00 - 6:00 pm ET  SOLD OUT

This is a small group in-person session.

Location: 110 E 42nd St. Suite 810

Meet Our Office Hours Mentor

Julia Chappell is the current NYWICI VP of Public Relations and is Executive Vice President at strategic communications firm Hirsch Leatherwood, where she focuses on strategic media relations and campaign planning. She has over 10 years of diverse communications experience across industries and a keen understanding of what it takes to tell stories that resonate.

The Connector’s Circle with NYWICI President Beth Feldman

Join NYWICI President, Beth Feldman, in a monthly mentorship session! Each month, she will be joined by a special guest for engaging conversations. 

Date: March 18, 2026 | 10:00 - 11:00 am ET

Location: Virtual Event on Zoom (Link to Event Will Be Received Post Registration)

Format:  Small Group Conversation

Meet This Session's Special Guest:

Joanna Ruiz is an innovative leader in pharmaceutical and healthcare marketing whose extensive background in advertising spans a variety of top healthcare agencies. Recognized as an MM+M 2025 Pinnacle Award Honoree, she has consistently set the standard for excellence in healthcare communications. Over the course of her career, Joanna has built a reputation for driving breakthrough creativity and relentless innovation—skills honed through pivotal roles at several premier advertising agencies, including Havas, BBDO, Ogilvy and Grey.

Joanna is the President of Havas Lynx NY redefining the narrative for life sciences and healthcare marketing. Before returning to Havas, she pioneered the development of a unique Consulting + Creativity offering at Deloitte Digital that not only delivered organic growth but also secured the first ever Agency work for a diverse portfolio of biopharma, MedTech, and healthcare clients. Under her leadership, her team has racked up over 50 industry awards spanning categories such as brand, advertising, social media, and data—underscoring her ability to convert creative vision into substantial revenue opportunities.

Joanna’s career is marked by her strategic ability to build and operationalize world-class creative teams. From her early days at leading healthcare agencies to her current role at Havas Lynx NY, she has consistently created culturally relevant, emotionally engaging campaigns that transform brands into market leaders. Her work has not only driven sales and increased brand equity but also set a benchmark for innovation in an ever-evolving industry.

A passionate advocate for diversity, inclusion, and women’s health, Joanna uses her platform to influence change both within her organization and across the industry. She has actively participated in high-profile panels addressing equality and the future of women in healthcare. As a mentor and a champion of inclusive workplace culture, she builds teams that leverage diverse perspectives to drive innovation and foster lasting impact.

With her rich experience in top healthcare agencies and a proven track record of industry-leading accomplishments, Joanna Ruiz continues to shape the future of healthcare marketing through visionary leadership, creative excellence, and an unwavering commitment to inclusivity.

The New York Experience: Inside Sports, Hospitality & Communications

Shopping, Networking, and Panels

March 26, 2026

2:00 pm – 6:00 pm 

Step inside the fast-paced world of New York’s most influential experience-makers at NY Experience: Inside Sports, Hospitality & Communications. Featuring female leaders from sports, culinary and hospitality communications teams, this dynamic event explores how high-performance organizations craft storytelling, build unforgettable audience experiences, and navigate real-time media demands. Join us for an inspiring conversation on strategy, leadership, and the future of fan and guest engagement—followed by networking with some of the city’s most innovative communicators. The event will also offer a shopping experience for attendees with must have accessories created by female business owners.

• Audience: Communications professionals, students, early-career talent, and industry leaders

  Format: Panel discussion + interactive Q&A + networking + headshots + shopping

Being held at 195 Broadway, New York, NY 10007

Member Price: $35 to attend - $10 each ticket to go to scholarship fund and entered into door prizes

Nonmember Price: $60 to attend - $10 each ticket to go to scholarship fund 

Agenda:

2:00 – 2:15 pm Networking

2:15 – 2:30 pm Welcome Remarks

2:30 – 3:15 pm Fireside Chat

Featuring: Marissa Shorenstein, Chief Communications Officer, Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment

Moderator: Laura Ingle, Anchor of NewsNation Live

3:15 – 3:30 pm Break

3:30 – 4:25 pm New York Unlocked: Sports, Travel & Experiences You Can’t Get Anywhere Else

Go behind the scenes of New York’s most iconic and immersive experiences. This panel brings together leaders from sports, travel, and experiential brands to explore how exclusive access, local storytelling, and real-time engagement turn moments into must-see experiences—and why New York continues to set the global standard.

Amanda Cohen, Chef & Owner, Dirt Candy

Youmie Jean Francis, CEO, Flex & Fly

Sara Porritt, Chief Inclusion and Impact Officer, Omnicom Media

Tiffany Townsend, EVP, Global Communications, NYC Tourism + Conventions

Moderator:  Jess Feldman, Associate Director, Special Projects, Travel+Leisure

4:30 – 5:25 pm Master Storytellers: The Comms & Marketing Leaders to Know

Meet the communications and marketing leaders shaping some of the world’s leading experiences. From branding to crisis response and digital innovation, this panel dives into the strategies, narratives, and insights driving connection, loyalty, and trust in an ever-evolving communication landscape.

Rachel Carr, Executive Director, Dan Klores Communications

Lauren Kaufman, Managing Director, MMGY

Paula Ngon, Communications & Public Affairs, NFL Major Events, Music & Entertainment, NFL

Moderator:  Emily Graham, Chief Inclusion and Impact Officer, Omnicom

5:25 – 6:00 pm Networking, Headshots, & Local Shop

The Booth for Photo, Founder, Laura Londin

Headshots will be available throughout the duration of the event on a pre-registration basis

Flex & Fly

Youmie Jean Francis, CEO, Flex & Fly

Luxury anti-theft minimalist travel bags and “The Flex Mats”

Rachel Reinhardt Designs

Rachel Reinhardt, Founder, Rachel Reinhardt Designs

Assortment of beautiful jewelry

NYWICI Mentorship Office Hours

With Megan Hess

NYWICI’s refreshed Mentorship Program creates ongoing, accessible opportunities for members to connect directly with NYWICI Board and Past President leadership through monthly “Office Hours.” These virtual or in-person sessions offer one-on-one or small-group conversations focused on career guidance, leadership development, industry trends, and real-time challenges. Designed to be flexible and inclusive, the program provides a safe, supportive space for meaningful dialogue—strengthening professional growth while deepening connections across the NYWICI community.

Date: March 27, 2026, | 2:00 - 3:00 pm ET SOLD OUT

This session consists of 6 one on one sessions. When registering, you will choose your 10-minute window.

Location: Virtual Event on Zoom (Link to Event Will Be Received Post Registration)

Meet Our Office Hours Mentor

Megan Hess is the current NYWICI VP of academic engagement and the senior subscriptions editor at Bloomberg, where she is focused on both acquisition (growing the consumer subscriptions business) and retention (creative ways of engaging current subscribers). She has more than 15 years of experience in digital and content strategy, and recently spent five years living and working in Hong Kong. Though she’s back in NYC now, her love for dim sum is as strong as ever.

Megan recently completed the yearlong Executive Program in News Innovation and Leadership at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY. Prior to joining Bloomberg, Megan was an editor at Mashable and the Scholastic Corporation. Her passion project, the website No Joe Schmo, features individuals with off-the-beaten-path jobs.

She is a graduate of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University, where she was a NYWICI scholarship recipient.

NYWICI Mentorship Office Hours

With Angelique Morelli

NYWICI’s refreshed Mentorship Program creates ongoing, accessible opportunities for members to connect directly with NYWICI Board and Past President leadership through monthly “Office Hours.” These virtual or in-person sessions offer one-on-one or small-group conversations focused on career guidance, leadership development, industry trends, and real-time challenges. Designed to be flexible and inclusive, the program provides a safe, supportive space for meaningful dialogue—strengthening professional growth while deepening connections across the NYWICI community.

Date: April 13, 2026, | 12:00 - 1:00 pm ET SOLD OUT

This session consists of 6 one on one sessions. When registering, you will choose your 10-minute window.

Location: Virtual Event on Zoom (Link to Event Will Be Received Post Registration)

Meet Our Office Hours Mentor

Angelique Morelli is the current NYWICI Vice President for Executive Programming. On any given day, Angelique wears many hats simultaneously: Writer, publicist, content creator, event planner, community builder, mom and spouse, plus newly minted author, with her first children’s book coming soon.

Over her 15+ years in communications and public affairs, she’s held many leadership roles and was named one of the Business Council of Westchester’s 40 Under 40 Rising Stars; she now serves on the Rising Stars Leadership Council.

The Connector’s Circle with NYWICI President Beth Feldman

Join NYWICI President, Beth Feldman, in a monthly mentorship session! Each month, she will be joined by a special guest for engaging conversations. 

Date: April 15, 2026 | 10:00 - 11:00 am ET

Location: Virtual Event on Zoom (Link to Event Will Be Received Post Registration)

Format:  Small Group Conversation

Special guest TBA.

NYWICI Mentorship Office Hours

With Angelique Morelli

NYWICI’s refreshed Mentorship Program creates ongoing, accessible opportunities for members to connect directly with NYWICI Board and Past President leadership through monthly “Office Hours.” These virtual or in-person sessions offer one-on-one or small-group conversations focused on career guidance, leadership development, industry trends, and real-time challenges. Designed to be flexible and inclusive, the program provides a safe, supportive space for meaningful dialogue—strengthening professional growth while deepening connections across the NYWICI community.

Date: April 20, 2026, | 12:00 - 1:00 pm ET 

This session consists of 6 one on one sessions. When registering, you will choose your 10-minute window.

Location: Virtual Event on Zoom (Link to Event Will Be Received Post Registration)

Meet Our Office Hours Mentor

Angelique Morelli is the current NYWICI Vice President for Executive Programming. On any given day, Angelique wears many hats simultaneously: Writer, publicist, content creator, event planner, community builder, mom and spouse, plus newly minted author, with her first children’s book coming soon.

Over her 15+ years in communications and public affairs, she’s held many leadership roles and was named one of the Business Council of Westchester’s 40 Under 40 Rising Stars; she now serves on the Rising Stars Leadership Council.

NYWICI Mentorship Office Hours

With Angelique Morelli

NYWICI’s refreshed Mentorship Program creates ongoing, accessible opportunities for members to connect directly with NYWICI Board and Past President leadership through monthly “Office Hours.” These virtual or in-person sessions offer one-on-one or small-group conversations focused on career guidance, leadership development, industry trends, and real-time challenges. Designed to be flexible and inclusive, the program provides a safe, supportive space for meaningful dialogue—strengthening professional growth while deepening connections across the NYWICI community.

Date: April 27, 2026, | 12:00 - 1:00 pm ET 

This session consists of 6 one on one sessions. When registering, you will choose your 10-minute window.

Location: Virtual Event on Zoom (Link to Event Will Be Received Post Registration)

Meet Our Office Hours Mentor

Angelique Morelli is the current NYWICI Vice President for Executive Programming. On any given day, Angelique wears many hats simultaneously: Writer, publicist, content creator, event planner, community builder, mom and spouse, plus newly minted author, with her first children’s book coming soon.

Over her 15+ years in communications and public affairs, she’s held many leadership roles and was named one of the Business Council of Westchester’s 40 Under 40 Rising Stars; she now serves on the Rising Stars Leadership Council.

NYWICI Mentorship Office Hours

With Linda Descano

NYWICI’s refreshed Mentorship Program creates ongoing, accessible opportunities for members to connect directly with NYWICI Board and Past President leadership through monthly “Office Hours.” These virtual or in-person sessions offer one-on-one or small-group conversations focused on career guidance, leadership development, industry trends, and real-time challenges. Designed to be flexible and inclusive, the program provides a safe, supportive space for meaningful dialogue—strengthening professional growth while deepening connections across the NYWICI community.

Date: April 29, 2026, | 12:00 - 2:00 pm ET 

This session consists of 12 one on one sessions. When registering, you will choose your 10-minute window.

Location: Virtual Event on Zoom (Link to Event Will Be Received Post Registration)

Meet Our Office Hours Mentor

Linda Descano is a past president of New York Women in Communications and currently serves as the organization’s Treasurer. Linda’s day job is as Executive Vice President at Red Havas.

An executive leader and a communications strategist, Linda describes herself a conversation architect, designing and delivering award-winning integrated campaigns underpinned by social media and content marketing. And, as a CFA® charterholder, Linda brings to the strategy table financial and analytical savvy that helps her deliver data-driven results for clients and the boards on which she serves.

NYWICI Mentorship Office Hours

With Julie Hochheiser Ilkovich 

NYWICI’s refreshed Mentorship Program creates ongoing, accessible opportunities for members to connect directly with NYWICI Board and Past President leadership through monthly “Office Hours.” These virtual or in-person sessions offer one-on-one or small-group conversations focused on career guidance, leadership development, industry trends, and real-time challenges. Designed to be flexible and inclusive, the program provides a safe, supportive space for meaningful dialogue—strengthening professional growth while deepening connections across the NYWICI community.

Date: May 7, 2026, | 2:00 - 3:00 pm ET 

Location: Virtual Event on Zoom (Link to Event Will Be Received Post Registration)

Format:  Small Group Conversation

Meet Our Office Hours Mentor

Julie Hochheiser Ilkovich is a career empowerment expert—as well as a digital content, marketing, and social media specialist. She is also the co-host of the NYWICI podcast, WomenHeard. Julie honed her career expertise by navigating the corporate ladder at Warner Bros. (editorial director of Alloy Entertainment, creators of Gossip Girl, Pretty Little Liars, and The Vampire Diaries), Hearst (site director for the Hearst Teen Network, which included seventeen.com), and AOL (editor and on-air personality at AOL RED, AOL’s teen channel) and is currently the managing partner and president of editorial operations at Masthead Media Company (which she also co-founded). Julie’s career advice has been featured in outlets including USA Today, Cosmopolitan, Woman’s Day, Crain’s New York, TheStreet.com, Good Day New York, Great Day Washington, and SiriusXM’s Wake Up! with Taylor. She is a graduate of the Boston University College of Communication and a proud recipient of a New York Women in Communications WiCi Award, which celebrates the career achievements of rising stars in communications.

NYWICI Mentorship Office Hours

With Chelsea Orcutt

NYWICI’s refreshed Mentorship Program creates ongoing, accessible opportunities for members to connect directly with NYWICI Board and Past President leadership through monthly “Office Hours.” These virtual or in-person sessions offer one-on-one or small-group conversations focused on career guidance, leadership development, industry trends, and real-time challenges. Designed to be flexible and inclusive, the program provides a safe, supportive space for meaningful dialogue—strengthening professional growth while deepening connections across the NYWICI community.

Date: May 8, 2026, | 8:30 - 10:30 am ET 

This session consists of 12 one on one sessions. When registering, you will choose your 10-minute window.

Location: Virtual Event on Zoom (Link to Event Will Be Received Post Registration)

Meet Our Office Hours Mentor

Chelsea Orcutt is the Chief Student Affairs Officer for New York Women in Communications and Chief of Staff at Bastion, the financial institution for stablecoin services. Previously, Chelsea was Director, Strategy & Operations at Thirty Madison, a digital health company.

Prior to joining Thirty Madison, Chelsea worked on the B2B Operations team at Betterment and held marketing and product roles at Thunderclap and DE-DE, the technology incubator at Droga5.

Chelsea is a two-time NYWICI scholarship recipient. She is a Buffalo, NY native and a graduate of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University.

NYWICI Mentorship Office Hours

With Linda Descano

NYWICI’s refreshed Mentorship Program creates ongoing, accessible opportunities for members to connect directly with NYWICI Board and Past President leadership through monthly “Office Hours.” These virtual or in-person sessions offer one-on-one or small-group conversations focused on career guidance, leadership development, industry trends, and real-time challenges. Designed to be flexible and inclusive, the program provides a safe, supportive space for meaningful dialogue—strengthening professional growth while deepening connections across the NYWICI community.

Date: May 13, 2026, | 12:00 - 2:00 pm ET 

This session consists of 12 one on one sessions. When registering, you will choose your 10-minute window.

Location: Virtual Event on Zoom (Link to Event Will Be Received Post Registration)

Meet Our Office Hours Mentor

Linda Descano is a past president of New York Women in Communications and currently serves as the organization’s Treasurer. Linda’s day job is as Executive Vice President at Red Havas.

An executive leader and a communications strategist, Linda describes herself a conversation architect, designing and delivering award-winning integrated campaigns underpinned by social media and content marketing. And, as a CFA® charterholder, Linda brings to the strategy table financial and analytical savvy that helps her deliver data-driven results for clients and the boards on which she serves.

The butterfly EFFECT:

women who transform the world and inspire the future

Date: May 19, 2026, | 5:30 - 10:00 pm ET 

Location: Ziegfeld Ballroom, 141 W 54th St, New York, NY 10019-5302

The 2026 Matrix Awards will honor women who have defined the true meaning of metamorphosis. At every age and stage, they’ve embraced challenges, reinvented themselves, and evolved into leaders whose success has created a Butterfly Effect—rippling across our industry and inspiring generations to come.

The 2026 NYWICI Matrix Honorees include:

• Tamsen Fadal, Emmy award-winning Journalist, New York Times best-selling author, podcast host and Menopause Advocate

• Diana Haussling, CEO of Hello Products

• Abbey Klaassen, Global Brand President and U.S. CEO, Dentsu Creative

• Ashley Miles, Founder and CEO, Franklyn West

• Debra OConnell, President, ABC News Group and Disney Entertainment Networks, The Walt Disney Company

• Carla Serrano, Chief Strategy Officer, Publicis Groupe

• Khartoon Weiss, Vice President & General Manager, Global Business Solutions,  TikTok

Ticket Prices:

Interested in purchasing a table or becoming a sponsor to this year’s Matrix Awards?

Take a look at the 2026 prospectus to see all of the opportunities. For all other questions

please contact Donna-Jean Plante, CAE, Executive Director, NYWICI.

NYWICI Mentorship Office Hours

With Julie Hochheiser Ilkovich 

NYWICI’s refreshed Mentorship Program creates ongoing, accessible opportunities for members to connect directly with NYWICI Board and Past President leadership through monthly “Office Hours.” These virtual or in-person sessions offer one-on-one or small-group conversations focused on career guidance, leadership development, industry trends, and real-time challenges. Designed to be flexible and inclusive, the program provides a safe, supportive space for meaningful dialogue—strengthening professional growth while deepening connections across the NYWICI community.

Date: May 28, 2026, | 2:00 - 3:00 pm ET 

Location: Virtual Event on Zoom (Link to Event Will Be Received Post Registration)

Format:  Small Group Conversation

Meet Our Office Hours Mentor

Julie Hochheiser Ilkovich is a career empowerment expert—as well as a digital content, marketing, and social media specialist. She is also the co-host of the NYWICI podcast, WomenHeard. Julie honed her career expertise by navigating the corporate ladder at Warner Bros. (editorial director of Alloy Entertainment, creators of Gossip Girl, Pretty Little Liars, and The Vampire Diaries), Hearst (site director for the Hearst Teen Network, which included seventeen.com), and AOL (editor and on-air personality at AOL RED, AOL’s teen channel) and is currently the managing partner and president of editorial operations at Masthead Media Company (which she also co-founded). Julie’s career advice has been featured in outlets including USA Today, Cosmopolitan, Woman’s Day, Crain’s New York, TheStreet.com, Good Day New York, Great Day Washington, and SiriusXM’s Wake Up! with Taylor. She is a graduate of the Boston University College of Communication and a proud recipient of a New York Women in Communications WiCi Award, which celebrates the career achievements of rising stars in communications.

NYWICI Mentorship Office Hours

With Mary Lou Quinlan

NYWICI’s refreshed Mentorship Program creates ongoing, accessible opportunities for members to connect directly with NYWICI Board and Past President leadership through monthly “Office Hours.” These virtual or in-person sessions offer one-on-one or small-group conversations focused on career guidance, leadership development, industry trends, and real-time challenges. Designed to be flexible and inclusive, the program provides a safe, supportive space for meaningful dialogue—strengthening professional growth while deepening connections across the NYWICI community.

Date: June 3, 2026, | 5:00 - 6:00 pm ET 

Location: Virtual Event on Zoom (Link to Event Will Be Received Post Registration)

Format:  Small Group Conversation

Meet Our Office Hours Mentor

Past NYWICI President and Matrix honoree, Mary Lou Quinlan, has built a highly-awarded career dedicated to women. From her start at Avon Products, through her years as ad agency CEO for major global corporations, and her decade plus advising leading brands through her firm, Just Ask a Woman, Mary Lou knows women like nobody else. Leading brands including WellsFargo, SaksFifth Avenue, KAO, Westin and Kraft have turned to her for insights and answers that fuel success with women.

NYWICI Mentorship Office Hours

With Chelsea Orcutt

NYWICI’s refreshed Mentorship Program creates ongoing, accessible opportunities for members to connect directly with NYWICI Board and Past President leadership through monthly “Office Hours.” These virtual or in-person sessions offer one-on-one or small-group conversations focused on career guidance, leadership development, industry trends, and real-time challenges. Designed to be flexible and inclusive, the program provides a safe, supportive space for meaningful dialogue—strengthening professional growth while deepening connections across the NYWICI community.

Date: June 5, 2026, | 8:30 - 10:30 am ET 

This session consists of 12 one on one sessions. When registering, you will choose your 10-minute window.

Location: Virtual Event on Zoom (Link to Event Will Be Received Post Registration)

Meet Our Office Hours Mentor

Chelsea Orcutt is the Chief Student Affairs Officer for New York Women in Communications and Chief of Staff at Bastion, the financial institution for stablecoin services. Previously, Chelsea was Director, Strategy & Operations at Thirty Madison, a digital health company.

Prior to joining Thirty Madison, Chelsea worked on the B2B Operations team at Betterment and held marketing and product roles at Thunderclap and DE-DE, the technology incubator at Droga5.

Chelsea is a two-time NYWICI scholarship recipient. She is a Buffalo, NY native and a graduate of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University.

NYWICI Mentorship Office Hours

With Mary Lou Quinlan

NYWICI’s refreshed Mentorship Program creates ongoing, accessible opportunities for members to connect directly with NYWICI Board and Past President leadership through monthly “Office Hours.” These virtual or in-person sessions offer one-on-one or small-group conversations focused on career guidance, leadership development, industry trends, and real-time challenges. Designed to be flexible and inclusive, the program provides a safe, supportive space for meaningful dialogue—strengthening professional growth while deepening connections across the NYWICI community.

Date: June 12, 2026, | 12:00 - 1:00 pm ET 

Location: Virtual Event on Zoom (Link to Event Will Be Received Post Registration)

Format:  Small Group Conversation

Meet Our Office Hours Mentor

Past NYWICI President and Matrix honoree, Mary Lou Quinlan, has built a highly-awarded career dedicated to women. From her start at Avon Products, through her years as ad agency CEO for major global corporations, and her decade plus advising leading brands through her firm, Just Ask a Woman, Mary Lou knows women like nobody else. Leading brands including WellsFargo, SaksFifth Avenue, KAO, Westin and Kraft have turned to her for insights and answers that fuel success with women.

The Connector’s Circle with NYWICI President Beth Feldman

Join NYWICI President, Beth Feldman, in a monthly mentorship session! Each month, she will be joined by a special guest for engaging conversations. 

Date: June 17, 2026 | 10:00 - 11:00 am ET

Location: Virtual Event on Zoom (Link to Event Will Be Received Post Registration)

Format:  Small Group Conversation

Special guest TBA.

The Connector’s Circle with NYWICI President Beth Feldman

Join NYWICI President, Beth Feldman, in a monthly mentorship session! Each month, she will be joined by a special guest for engaging conversations. 

Date: July 15, 2026 | 10:00 - 11:00 am ET

Location: Virtual Event on Zoom (Link to Event Will Be Received Post Registration)

Format:  Small Group Conversation

Special guest TBA.

NYWICI Mentorship Office Hours

With Linda Gharib

NYWICI’s refreshed Mentorship Program creates ongoing, accessible opportunities for members to connect directly with NYWICI Board and Past President leadership through monthly “Office Hours.” These virtual or in-person sessions offer one-on-one or small-group conversations focused on career guidance, leadership development, industry trends, and real-time challenges. Designed to be flexible and inclusive, the program provides a safe, supportive space for meaningful dialogue—strengthening professional growth while deepening connections across the NYWICI community.

Date: July 15, 2026, | 2:00 - 3:00 pm ET 

Location: Virtual Event on Zoom (Link to Event Will Be Received Post Registration)

Format:  Small Group Conversation

Meet Our Office Hours Mentor

Linda Gharib is the current NYWICI Chief Experience Officer. She is an award-winning seasoned leader, strategist, and certified communications and transformation coach with more than two decades of experience in digital marketing and corporate communications. She is currently the Vice President of Brand & Communications at Wolters Kluwer, a global expert solutions technology company, where she oversees public relations, executive and employee communications, social media strategy, thought leadership programs, crisis communications, and reputation management for five lines of business. Ms. Gharib also serves as the communications advisor for the company’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Steering Committee and Sustainability Governance Board.