The Schedule
Event Theme
Tech, Talk and Transformation – Defining Autonomy for the 21st Century
Saturday
March 22, 2025
Doors Open / Registration - Asante Gallery - 10:30 - 10:55
10:55 - 11:07
Kickoff, Welcome, Reading of Agenda, Introduction of Session MCs – Deb Colitas, Laila Ali, Amresse Farrow
Acknowledgements of Event Photographers and Videographers– Maya Rucker, Michael Laws
Acknowledgement of Event Champions and Volunteers - Chioma Okwum, Fidelia Akabogu, Abayomi Salako, Sobey Salako, Joanne Gere, Jane Wells – Schooley.
1 minute silence to remember Selina Newell Winchester – A friend to Rising Together @ LV
11:07 - 11:10
History of Rising Together @ Lehigh Valley – Ngozi Bell
11:10 - 11:56
Session A –TECH - Deb Colitas, MC
11:10 - 11:22
Founder’s Speech - Tech, Talk and Transformation – Defining Autonomy for the 21st Century
Ngozi Bell
11:22 - 11:34
Speaker 1: The Convergence of 6G and Artificial Intelligence: The best in Connectivity and Intelligent Systems– Sreedevi Joshi
11:34 - 11:46
Speaker 2: Embracing Technology: Policy, Investment, and Global Leadership - The Youth and Emerging Leaders effect –
Elena Koprowski
11:46 - 11:56
Vedanta Dance –Vedanta Bollywood group
Devanshi Bhagat
11:56 - 12:10
Stretch Break + Refreshments + Transition to Session B
12:10 - 1:45
Session B - TALKS - Laila Ali, MC
12:10 - 12:22
Speaker 1: AI and social Justice
Suzanne Edwards, PhD
12:22 - 12:34
Speaker 2: Masterpiece: Using the Arts to Frame Influence
Al Jacobsen
12:34 - 12:46
Speaker 3: Wellbeing – The Future of Therapy and Support in the Digital age
Andrene Brown Nowell
12:46 - 1:35
The Panel: Insightful dialogue of Interdisciplinary and Intergenerational people: Leveraging Experience, Resilience, Mentorship, Sponsorship and Innovation, the panel will host a robust, cheerful and thoughtful session:
- Pivots
- Passion
- Purpose
Stories of our journeys
Panelists: Shelby Lawson, Hailey Migut, Michelle Zattoni, Deb Colitas, Christine Martey-Ochola PhD, Liz Kuzer, Rosemary Steup PhD
Timekeeper: Christine Martey-Ochola PhD
1:35 - 1:45
Entertainment 2 – Musical Presentation
- Liz Kuser
1:45 - 2:32
Session C - TALKS - Amresse Farrow, MC
1:45 - 1:57
Speaker 1: Unleashing the Power Within: Personal Transformation in a Rapidly Evolving World
– Karen Morris Priestley M.D.
1:57 - 2:09
Speaker 2: Transforming Communities: Building Bridges for Collective Change
– Susan Wild
2:09 - 2:22
Speaker 3: Leadership in the New Era: Redefining Systems Through Transformative Change
– Erin McClelland
2:22 - 2:32
Entertainment 3 – Spoken Word: A word for a Season
– Zaneta Bell
Presentation of Awards and Fashion Show
Featuring - Ginese-Couture by Georgina Boamah
2:32 - 2:55
Fashion + Awards - Sophie Hami, MC
2:32 - 2:40
First Batch of Models Walk the runway and then return to escort awardee(s) to podium to receive the award
Award Presenter – Susan Wild
Gatherer Award Recipients - Nikita Hansford, Jacinth Headlam
Awardee(s) Photo Session and response speech – few minutes total
2:40 - 2:48
Second Batch of Models Walk the runway and then return to escort awardee(s) to podium to receive the award
Award Presenter - Grace Grampsie-Smith
Unity in Diversity Community Award Recipients - Grace Mugala, Danielle Joseph
Awardee(s) Photo Session and response speech – few minutes total
2:48 - 2:56
Third Batch of Models Walk the runway and then return to escort awardee(s) to podium to receive the award
Award Presenter - Jane Wells - Schooley
Living Positive Change Award Recipients - Dalizelle (Ello) Soto, Alexis Valentin
Awardee(s) Photo Session and response speech – few minutes total
2:56 - 3:00
Announcing Rising Together @ Lehigh Valley 2026 – Saturday March 21, 2026, Save The Date
Event Closing Remarks, Vote of Thanks and Announcements
- Ngozi Bell
- NIAPA, RT@LV Sponsor
3:05 - Onwards
Shop Asante Art Gallery on Special Same Day Discount - RT@LV Special
Announcement of Rising Together @LV 2026 - March 21, 2026
Rising Together @LV Award Categories
Gatherer Award:
The "Gatherer Award" is given to a woman who successfully gathers people, ideas, opportunities etc. to manifest the power of purpose, partnership, friendship, love and unity, through self-leadership, discipline, passion, and expertise!
Unity in Diversity Community Award:
The "Unity in Diversity Community Award" is given to a woman, young adult or girl in the community who uniquely strives to create a platform that supports and springboards the success of others. A woman who is apt in working on the issues that enhance the wellbeing of others regardless of gender, race or origin.
Living Positive Change Award:
The "Living Positive Change Award" is given to a woman, young adult or girl who successfully shines light in dark places, raises bars that are lopsided or low, moves barriers that impede, opens doors that are closed and fills in chasms that divide; by using her gifts, talents, capabilities, and capacity to bring about the unending beauty of empowering other women.
About Rising Together @LV (RT@LV)
Rising Together @ LV was founded in 2017 by Ngozi Bell to elevate the voices of women and girls delivered via an unforgettable unique experience. Rising Together @ Lehigh Valley (RT@LV) annual summit highlights the diversity of excellence, in the significant contributions of women and girls (including many that go unnoticed) before an audience of their authentic community which includes men and boys. The inaugural event was held March 16, 2018, at City Hall Allentown and hosted by the mayor. The launch team included: Tonya Trotter, Loren Robinson, Kari Holmes and Eugenia Watson. Each year we celebrate Women's History by focusing on the present contributions and the future horizons. The event is characterized as the intersection of Amazing Talks, Deserving Awards, and Exhilarating Entertainment.