Testimonials

Responses from Sponsors

“Thank you for giving us the opportunity to be a sponsor this year for this extraordinary event. I was so inspired by the Latinas Symposium Event and it’s panelist that I decided to say ‘YES’ to an invitation that I received from Debanked TV & Magazine. I declined the invitation a few times this year, I was scared. But after seeing these powerful, honest & brave ladies talking about topics & conversations they have the knowledge, I decided I know my Industry better than anything else. Why put a wall in my life that will allow me to do better, that will allow me to open doors to others, that will allow me to break the ceiling on this Industry that is well known by MEN only. Is going to be a challenge, but I already been receiving the messages of support of females not only Latinas in this Industry. Muchas gracias por abrir nuevas experiencias de mi vida.” Sonia Alvelo| CEO LATIN FINANCIAL

“You and your team did an outstanding job at planning, organizing and executing the Latinas in Power Symposium! However, what stood out and left a memorable impression on me was your passion, honesty and conviction in living out your legacy. It was a long ride out to Hartford, but it was well worth the investment of my time and I’d do it all over again. I’m glad to have made the connection with Powerful Latinas who are making a difference in Hartford and touching the four corners of the world while doing so….don’t hesitate to reach out anytime throughout the year. I may just see you all in Boston in May!” Michelle K. Medina, IBM, Global Business Partners, Partner Development Executive

“It was a very successful event and State Farm was extremely honored to be a title sponsor. The program was high quality and all of the speakers and panelists did a great job. Your energy and leadership is a great inspiration. We enjoyed working with you on this event and hope to continue our relationship in the future.” Diana Rael, CPCU State Farm Insurance Director-Multicultural Markets

“I would like to thank you on behalf of the organization for allowing Girls Inc. to participate in your symposium. Melanie and I were pleased with the turn out at the Young Latinas Forum and with the feedback we received. Hope to hear from you soon.” Damary Bonilla, Girls Inc.

“My most sincere congratulations for being a passionate leader and a true entrepreneur, this Latinas and Power Symposium fits you perfectly! Good luck…I’m so proud of you!!!” Ana Alfaro, Northeast Utilities

“I would just like to say what a great event this was….I really enjoyed it very much and the workshops were great, in fact very well informative…..thank you! Thank you!” Nancy Guzman, Implementation Consultant, Aetna

“It was a great event. It was an exciting experience working and networking with so many successful Latina women altogether…Thank you!!” Katiria Arzuaga – The Hartford Financial

The panel on credit was really well done! I even learned about things I didn’t know. We had a packed room with lots of questions, especially from several of the students. Thank you for taking the time in advance to prepare your presentations and provide the handouts. I appreciate the time you took to prepare given your responsibilities with work and family. Overall the symposium was one of the best I’ve attended, and believe me, I attend a lot. The speakers and the program was high caliber and I walked away inspired. Several of my colleagues from State Farm absolutely loved it, and I know they were inspired as well. Diana Rael, Director Multicultural Markets, State Farm

It was wonderful to meet you – your positive energy and enthusiasm certainly is contagious. I also have to say that your experience in high school almost exactly mirrored mine so every time you were up there talking about what you went through I kept saying “me too, me too!” — it was very inspirational! The symposium was a great success, and I’m sure you know that. I know how much work goes into pulling together these conferences, and you did an amazing job! I’m so glad that we had a chance to participate in the Entrepreneurship workshop which also went very well. – Doris B. Gonzalez, Senior Program Manager Corporate Citizenship & Corporate Affairs IBM Corporation

“I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the Latinas & Power Symposium this year. It was an honor to participate in the Young Latina Forum this year and to be part of this wonderful event. Kudos!” Ruthie Torres, STAG & Alliance Programs, The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.

Congratulations on a great event – I hope you’re recovering…” Diana Baez American Airlines Hispanic Sales and Marketing

Responses from Exhibitors

“What a marvelous event! I’m sure you’re still on Cloud 9 from the Latinas and Power Symposium…you should be because it was a wonderful event! We met more wonderful women at your seminar than at two full days at the Women’s Expo. They were warm, they loved our jewelry and many were interested in the business opportunity as well. Muchas gracias!” Ellen Ornato, President, Solutions PR & Event Marketing, LLC

“What you are creating and generating in the Latina community is phenomenal! Your conference was a pure pleasure to attend. What you are up to in supporting people learning the skills to be successful in their lives is in complete alignment with the mission of the Road to Riches: Wealth and prosperity in the lives of all willing people.” Denise Hambrick, Road to Riches

“You’re terrific and the success of the Latinas & Power Symposium the past two days is a total extension of who you are, BRAVO!” Jim Huertas, Research Pays

You are the inspiration to make us better Latinas!!!!!! Leslie Ishoo, Wells Fargo

Responses from Presenters

“Congratulations on the accomplishment of doing a great job producing, talking and being part of the Symposium. You truly are an inspiration.” Karla Tovar, Anderson Productions

“I truly had a wonderful time…You are doing a great job getting women empowered. Keep up the good work.” Rebecca Flores

“Marilyn, Thank you so much for allowing me to be part of such a wonderful event. It was such a success. I truly enjoyed myself and made a lot of friends as well. Turns out I am now “madrina” to about 4 girls! If you get pictures send them my way. I’d love to see them. I know we will keep in touch! Muchisimas Gracias” Yvonne Nava, Morning Achor, NBC30

“Congratulations on the success of your Latina Conference series. I know the sponsor, exhibitors and most importantly the participants loved the event. It was very efficient, organized and flowed quite well.” Deborah Deras, M.S., C.R.C. Keynote Speaking, Training & Life Coaching

“It was a real pleasure and a lot of fun to take part in the Symposium last week. I had been to the one in White Plains last year, and was happy I had done so, because it helped me to become familiar with the program’s overall format. I think we all left the event feeling even more proud to be Latina, in business and in positions to do so many wonderful things in our communities. Gracias” Hilda M. Porrata-Doria, State Farm Agent

Responses from Participants

What did you think about the panel discussions?

The panelists were amazing and when you decided to have the youth join those amazing Latinas the conference went full circle. No words can describe the experience. Powerful.

The overall vibe in the room was amazing. The panelists were vulnerable and that added to the powerful messages.

Excellent in their capacity to connect and motivate me and the audience. Real life experiences to learn and continue to grow.

Speakers provided great information and insights. Great advice on career goals and development.

Testimonials

“Wow!! This is powerful…most importantly the energy and electricity that all these ladies have brought to this event as I have seen it for three years. It is inspiring and I love it.” Nereida Perez, City of Harford

I truly enjoyed the experience and the event. I was inspired…mission accomplished! You were amazzzzziiiiiinnnnggg. It was all good. Keep on doing what you’re doing. Nancy Atterberry Library Media Specialist

“I just wanted to say WOW!!! This year’s conference was “tremendo.” It motivated me to work towards my career and passion but to also encourage and motivate Latinos and Latinas to accomplish what they want and to find themselves… what we heard today in the conference, it really persuaded me to persuade other Latinos to go into a higher education and that there is nothing impossible. Thank You!!!” Jessica Nieves – College Student

“I had a great time at Latinas and Power this year. I love the communication among all the volunteers. Congratulations!!!” Marisol Monseratte, Spanish American Merchants Associations

“I would like to congratulate you and share with you that I enjoy working with you tremendously…My students had a wonderful time.” Ivette Rivera-Dreyer, Director of Financial Aid, Manchester Community College

“I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for inviting me to attend the Latinas and Power Symposium. I must say I had a wonderful time there. I really enjoyed listening to you speak along with all the other speakers that were there and the workshops that I attended were very informative.” Lynette Espinosa, Assistant Branch Manager, Sovereign Bank

This was my first year at the Latina Symposium and it was excellent! Getting to meet Latina women in leadership roles was very exciting. The workshops on developing an executive presence and the value of contributing to my community were very inspiring!! I do encourage Latinas to join forces of women in leadership roles. Madeline Perez, Program Assistant, Connecticut Health Foundation

“Thank you, Marilyn for inviting us to participate in the panel. Congratulations on a wonderful symposium.” Estela Lopez, Executive Director – Latino Policy Institute

“I wanted to take the time to thank you for your enormous contribution to the Latina community. I thank GOD for individuals that he blesses with a vision. As I had mentioned to you yesterday, I am a doctoral student at the University of Connecticut School of Social Work and will begin writing my dissertation on Puerto Rican Women in Power this Fall. It would be an honor to interview you. Thank you so much for being a visionary, role model, entrepreneur, madrina, etc. Gracias” Gail Reyes-Walton, MSW