10 Central High School Women were warmly welcomed and continuously engaged in networking conversations during this year’s Women’s Summit® presented by Bryant University on Thursday, March 16, 2023 by the more than 1,000 successful women professionals in attendance. The Summit, sponsored by several regional and national corporations including Platinum Sponsor Amica Insurance and Diamond Sponsors Bank of America and Fidelity Investments, focused on the theme of “Moving Forward Together: Me, We, Us”.

Doctor Daria Long, Harvard and Yale trained Emergency physician, national television contributor (CNN) and TEDx Speaker, networks with Central High School student Alonnie Stoval and her fellow Central High classmates following Dr Long’s Keynote address.

The 10 Central High School women were introduced to the Women’s Summit attendees by Central High School volunteer Life Skills teacher, Stephen Cronin, an account executive at Signature Printing in East Providence, Rhode Island. Mr Cronin introduced his 10 Central High School students to the entire Women’s Summit audience following the Women’s Summit’s Opening Keynote address by Sally Helgesen, one of the world’s premier experts on women’s leadership and an international best-selling author, speaker and leadership coach. After Mr Cronin asked his students to stand to be recognized at their assigned tables in the Women’s Summit auditorium, he thanked the Women’s Summit leaders for inviting the Central High women and asked the professional women in the audience to PLEASE network with these “10 remarkable Central High School women. This is why we’re here! Each student has their business cards and they’re eager to network with you. We’re hoping you’ll take time out of your busy day to share the wisdom that’s enabled you to be the success you are today”.

Stephen Cronin introduces his 10 Central High School students and presents a sample of his students’ business cards to the 1,000 women attendees at the Women’s Summit.

Central High School women respond to the applause from the Women’s Summit audience.

Women’s Summit attendees responded by approaching the 10 Central High students, in-between and after the Women’s Summit workshops and presentations, with introductions, greetings, an exchange of business cards, and rich conversations about their stories of hard earned success.

Central High School student, Carolee Salas, and Lisa Dandeneau, the President of Navigant Bank, at the 2023 Women’s Summit.

Central High School Class President, Ida Faye, exchanges business cards with Leah Wood, Director of Regulatory Affairs for the Verathon Company.

“It was wonderful meeting such impressive young women at the Women’s Summit” observed Michelle Felizzola, Senior Assistant Director of Admission for Multicultural Recruitment, Bryant University. “I’ve received so many positive messages about how engaging the Central High School students were today. So professional. Impressive.” from Mailee Kue, Ph.D, Assistant Vice President, Student Affairs & Title IX Coordinator, Bryant University. “I was able to speak with the amazing Central High students for few minutes. It only takes that long to see how impressive they are!” Allyson Antin, Corporate Sales – Marriott Hotels.

Central High School student Chevalee Graham, gets a selfie with supermodel and business woman, Beverly Johnson, the first African-American Supermodel, AND the Founder, Chairwoman, and CEO of Beverly Johnson Enterprises.   Central High School senior Mikaiya Johnson, waits to do the same with Ms Johnson.

Central High School sophomore, Rexella Bishop, networks with Ms Rita Williams-Bogar, Bryant University Trustee and President and CEO of Personal Development Solutions following Ms Willaims -Bogar’s presentation.

The Women’s Summit® presented by Bryant University provides attendees with an opportunity for professional and personal development and financial empowerment. Established by Kati Machtley in 1997, the Women’s Summit is the largest and longest-running event of its kind in Rhode Island and the region. For more info visit WSummit.Bryant.edu

Central High School Women at the 2023 Women’s Summit at Bryant University.