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Meet the Keynotes, MC, and Presenters

MEET OUR KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

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Tom Eastwick

 

President & Founder

Eastwick College

 

 

With 45 years of experience in education, Thomas M. Eastwick has a proven record of providing highly focused paths of study through Eastwick College and the HoHoKus School, with four successful campuses in northern NJ.

 

President Eastwick is the Governor of the Private College and School Association and a founding board member of the Bergen Workforce Investment Board. He has also been the recipient of numerous philanthropic awards, including The Legacy Award by the Meadowlands Chamber and Project Literacy’s “Educator of the Year.” Last year, he was recognized with the Bergen Foundation’s “Philanthropy Award.”

As the President and CEO of Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America Mike Marusic is responsible for the strategic direction and performance of Sharp’s B2B division in the Americas.

Marusic has over 35 years of experience in both the document and computer peripheral businesses. Prior to his current position, he served as the Chief Operating Officer for Sharp Electronics Corporation and the EVP, Marketing, Operations and Technical Services for all B2B products. In these roles he was responsible for bringing new products to market, identifying customer needs, and improving operational processes to maximize Sharp’s business opportunities. Prior to joining Sharp in 2002, Marusic headed up the marketing group for Panasonic's copier and computer peripheral division.

He received an MBA from Fordham University and a BA from Siena College.

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Mike Marusic

 

President & CEO

Sharp Imaging &

Information Co

of America

 

 

MEET OUR NETWORKING MODERATOR

Bill Taylor
Bill Taylor

 

Founder

Corporate Ladders

 

 

Bill Taylor’s coaching and consulting work is fueled by his success as an executive and entrepreneur with expertise in sales, marketing, and finance.

From his start pulling cable and installing phones, Bill became the youngest General Manager in IBM’s history. As a Division Manager, he led over 1,600 employees with a $700 million P&L.

To share his insight, Bill launched Corporate Ladders with a mission to work with businesses and help them profitably grow. His motto is clear and simple: “Helping Your Business Get to the Top.”

wbtaylor@corporateladders.com

 

MEET OUR PRESENTERS

Laura B HS 4_5
Laura Berman
Fortgang

 

Executive Coach

Author & Professional

Speaker

 

 

Laura Berman Fortgang is recognized as a pioneer in the coaching field.  She  was one of the first in the world to receive the Master Coach Credential  from the International  Coach Federation.

Laura has worked extensively in the corporate arena as an Executive Coach in pharma, the food industry, entertainment,  banking and in government agencies such NASA and the Army Corps of Engineers. She has also worked with artists and entrepreneurs through the TED fellow program, the Sundance Film Festival and multiple startups.

As a professional speaker, Laura has traveled to many parts of the world to inspire excellence for individual and companies. Such companies include: McDonald’s, Prudential, Tricon, American Express, and The Blanchard Companies.  Women’s groups such as the Healthcare Women’s Business Association, the Women’s Food Service Forum and Women’s Leadership initiatives for Mc Donald’s Corporation, Eli Lilly and Novartis have had her back year after year as a featured speaker. Her Tedx talk has garnered over 2 million views.

The best-selling author of five self-help books, Laura has been a frequent contributor to mainstream media like REDBOOK magazine, The Huffington Post, The Oprah Winfrey Show, The CBS Early Show, NBC's Today and various nationally syndicated print and cable outlets.

lbf@laurabermanfortgang.com

laurabermanfortgang.com

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Nikki Gangemi

 

Master Neuro-Linguistic

Programming [NLP]

Practitioner,

Life & Success Coach,

Hypnotherapist, Speaker,

Trainer and Author

 

 

Nikki Gangemi has made three significant pivots in her life, from actress to teacher to entrepreneur, which has equipped her with tools to help others navigate their own life transformations.

Today as a Board-Certified Master Neuro-Linguistic Programming [NLP] Practitioner, Life & Success Coach, Hypnotherapist, Speaker, Trainer and Author, Nikki helps high achieving professionals and business owners overcome self-doubt and overthinking so they can make more money, have better relationships, and create a life that actually feels as good as it looks.

nikki@mindfulmattersliving.com

FB: @mindfulmattersliving

IG: @mindfulmattersllc

youtube: @NikkiGangemi

LinkedIn: @nikkigangemi

nikkigangemi.com

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Remi Leibovich,
MCM

 

Founder

RCL Media

 

 

As Founder of RCL Media, possessing over nine years of professional social media management skills, Remi gives her clients authentic content strategies that are hyper-individualized to meet their business's goals and needs.

After years of managing and creating content for various clients and organizations she decided to go out and obtain her own clients because she believes that small brands and businesses deserve the same care and professionalism that major brands and businesses do. She specializes in providing social media services to those in the restaurant, construction, and lifestyle industries. Her client's profiles are filled with imagery that accurately represents their services, products, and overall brand.

Remi is a Masters of Communications Graduate Student focusing on Digital Media.

contact@rclmedia.net

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Natalie Maniscalco

Publicist

 

CEO, bluPRint

Communications

Co-Founder,

WONDER GIRLS

Empowerment Program

 

Natalie Maniscalco is the co-founder of Wonder Girls, a non-profit | girls empowerment program, and the CEO | Founder of bluePRint Communications, a multifaceted public relations, marketing, design, and events agency. Natalie started her career as a media specialist at one of the nation's top PR firms in Manhattan and has over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is the national publicist for Goya Foods, handling the company's humanitarian initiatives, media relations, sponsorships, and social media. Over the years she has worked on PR campaigns for a wide range of clients, projects, and special events, including the Tribeca Film Festival, TIME 100 Most Influential People in NYC, Broadway Under the Stars in Bryant Park, Sundance Film Festival in Salt Lake City, the Winter Olympics in Torino, Puma's NBA All-Star Games Party in Houston, as well as celebrity and charity events in LA, NYC and the Hamptons.

Since a young girl, Natalie has always been passionate about education, sports, and inspiring others to be their best. As a former teacher and girls soccer coach, she never lost her passion for empowering young girls to see their potential and to find their path to success and happiness, which led her to create WONDER GIRLS with Irene.

Having lived in some of the world's most extraordinary cities, including Barcelona, Rome, and New York, Natalie is an adventurous traveler with a passion for people, culture, languages, and writing. She holds a degree in Mass Communications/Media Studies and Business Administration from Fordham University. 

natalie@blueprintmediausa.com

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Jacquelyn Romano

 

Executive Creative

Director

 

 

Helping small businesses thrive through smart design, Jackie Romano is an accomplished creative problem-solver, UX/UI designer, and brand champion who believes every small business deserves a website that actually works, not just one that sits there looking pretty. With a career that spans Fortune 100 and 500 companies, she’s taken big-brand thinking and made it accessible for small business owners.

She holds degrees in Business Management and Graphic Design and is a certified UX Professional, blending strategy, design, and real-world practicality to help businesses show up online with confidence.

Now working as an Executive Creative Director, Jackie brings world-class digital and brand expertise to small businesses, helping them elevate their online presence, strengthen their visual identity, and create user experiences that drive real results. She specializes in designing intuitive websites, refreshing brands, and empowering business owners with the tools they need to confidently grow.

jackie@realignanddesign.com

FB: @Realign Design

IG: @Realign Design

LinkedIn: @Jacquelyn Romano

realignanddesign.com

charles hs 4_5
Charles
Rosenberg,
CRA, CRC, AIF

 

Vice Presdient

FUTUREPLAN

intac

 

Charles directs the sales and marketing of Intac FuturePlan’s services, overseeing a staff of over 70 professional pension consultants and marketing personnel, and leading his team’s collective drive toward excellence. He actively consults with clients and advisors on all types of Defined Contribution and Defined Benefit Plans. His guidance and expertise have resulted in solidifying successful relationships among industry partners and plan sponsors. Charles also lends guidance to Intac FuturePlan’s consultants during the plan design process. Under his forward-thinking leadership, the company continues to experience substantial growth in both client retention and the number of new plans implemented.

Charles is a Certified Retirement Counselor and Administrator (CRC, CRA), and has attained the designation of an Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF). He actively serves as a committee member with various industry groups, such as NIPA, and sits on the TPA Advisory Boards for Nationwide and VOYA Financial. He is also an avid supporter of many local community and charitable organizations. Charles has been honored with the Outstanding Volunteer Award by NIPA for his contributions to the organization.

An expert in retirement plan design, Charles is frequently called upon to lecture and lead industry forums on various Qualified Retirement Plan topics to accountants and financial advisors. He has been quoted as an authority in retirement plans on PlanSponsor.com, in The Bergen Record, NJBiz, and the Star Ledger.

Phone: 201-301-1030

Crosenberg@intacinc.com

charles.rosenberg@futureplan.com

intacinc.com

Sarah HS2 4_5
Sarah
Wahiba Senan

 

Life & Leadership Coach

 

Sarah Wahiba Senan is a Life and Leadership Coach who helps business owners, leaders, and teams navigate stress with more clarity, confidence, and control. Drawing from years of corporate leadership experience and advanced training in evidence-based coaching tools, she teaches clients how to shift out of autopilot stress reactions and into more intentional, productive patterns.

Sarah works with organizations across industries on leadership development, communication, and team effectiveness, and supports private clients navigating career transitions, burnout, and growth. Her approach is grounded, practical, and centered on one core principle: when you understand the energy you’re bringing into each moment, you can change how you lead, how you work, and how you feel.

She is based in New Jersey and partners with companies, nonprofits, and small business owners across the region. When she's not coaching, she’s exploring new coffee spots, walking her dog, or happily diving into conversations about Broadway, books, or anything that sparks a good discussion - the same mix of heart and honesty she brings everywhere she goes.

IG :@sarahwahibasenan/

LinkedIn : @sarahwahibasenan

sarahwahibasenan.com

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Laura Tappan

 

AICI Certified Image

Consultant

Chic Fab &

Authentically You

Image Consulting

 

My journey to image consulting might surprise you!

As a competitive triathlete, both nationally & internationally for over 30 years, I thrived in the world of health and fitness. Even though I championed a healthy lifestyle, there was always time to indulge in delicious, home-baked treats. Eventually, I followed my passion for pastry and baking, apprenticed at top NYC restaurants, and launched "Laura's Luscious Delights."

A few years later, motherhood brought a beautiful twist – TWINS! Among the many lessons
that come with raising children, motherhood solidified the importance of confidence, and in 2020, I was introduced to the world of image consulting. It resonated deeply with my desire to help people feel confident and amazing.

My unique background in education, nutrition, athletics, and fashion allows me to see the
connection between feeling good physically and projecting confidence through style. It’s with that understanding and passion that I'm here to help you create a chic, fabulous and authentic look that empowers you to take on the world!

chicfabandauthenticallyyou@gmail.com

IG: @chicfabandauthenticallyyou

FB: @ChicFabandAuthenticallyYou

LinkedIn: @LauraTappan

chicfabandauthentic.com

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Joseph Varghese

 

Fractional Chief

AI Officer

Breakthrough Engineer

AI Better Labs

Success Circles

 

Joseph Varghese is a Fractional Chief AI Officer, entrepreneur, and best-selling author who helps business owners and C-suite leaders execute better and faster by using AI strategically. He is the founder of Success Circles, an advisory and accountability community that has supported entrepreneurs and leaders for over 20 years in turning intention into consistent action.

Known for making complex ideas simple, Joseph teaches how to use AI as a practical advisor, digital twin, and execution partner to improve decision-making, reclaim time, and drive real business growth. He regularly trains organizations and communities on leveraging tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, Grok, and other emerging technologies to work smarter without adding complexity.

Most recently, Joseph launched BreakthroughEngineer.com and AI Better Labs (AIBL) to help small businesses and leadership teams thrive by applying AI in clear, actionable, and ethical ways. His work focuses on simplifying work, increasing focus, and helping leaders create meaningful progress week after week.

joseph@successcircles.com
Podcast: @Rules4Success.com
IG: @joseph_varghese
LinkedIn: @josephjv

successcircles.com
AI: breakthroughengineer.com

RECOGNITION AND APPRECIATION TO OUR

AMAZING EVENT SPONSORS

EVENT SPONSOR

PLATINUM SPONSOR

GOLD SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS

WINE & CHEESE HOUR SPONSOR

By participating in this event I expressly agree to allow mrcc to use my photograph(s), audio or video, in connection with any advertisement and promotion of this event or any legitimate purpose in all media without limitation including electronic publishing, or any future events of the mrcc without payment of any compensation or remuneration.

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