IGNITE: Mind, Body & Soul - A Women’s Conference Designed to Inspire, Empower & Connect
Join the Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce for Ignite: Mind, Body & Soul, our inaugural Women's Conference designed to inspire, empower and connect women at every stage of their personal and professional journey.
A Day of Inspiration, Connection, and Growth
Under the theme “Ignite: Mind, Body & Soul,” attendees will have the opportunity to explore topics that support personal well-being, professional development, leadership, and resilience.
The event will feature an engaging lineup of keynote speakers, breakout sessions allowing participants to select discussions aligned with their interests and goals. One featured session, “Ignite Your Resilience: Turning Challenges into Strength & Possibility,” will explore how women can navigate challenges, embrace change, and discover new opportunities for growth, and networking opportunities designed to celebrate women’s achievements, encourage leadership, and foster meaningful connections across the South Bay business community.
The event is designed to provide a welcoming environment where women can exchange ideas, build relationships, learn from accomplished leaders, and celebrate the strength and potential of women in business and the community.
A Day of Inspiration, Connection, and Growth
Under the theme “Ignite: Mind, Body & Soul,” attendees will have the opportunity to explore topics that support personal well-being, professional development, leadership, and resilience.
The event will feature an engaging lineup of keynote speakers, breakout sessions allowing participants to select discussions aligned with their interests and goals. One featured session, “Ignite Your Resilience: Turning Challenges into Strength & Possibility,” will explore how women can navigate challenges, embrace change, and discover new opportunities for growth, and networking opportunities designed to celebrate women’s achievements, encourage leadership, and foster meaningful connections across the South Bay business community.
The event is designed to provide a welcoming environment where women can exchange ideas, build relationships, learn from accomplished leaders, and celebrate the strength and potential of women in business and the community.
Meet the Inspiring Women Leading Our Conference
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Marla Diann: Transformational Mentor, Speaker, & Business Strategist - Reverie + Velvet founder
Marla Diann is a Transformational Mentor, Speaker, and Business Strategist of 18 years and founder of Reverie & Velvet. She is a native of L.A. and resident of the South Bay since 2008.
She is known for her Elegant Way Forward methodology, which guides accomplished women to evolve and embody the identity that is creating what’s next for them personally and professionally.
Her work integrates body intelligence, intuition, beliefs, spirituality, and financial expansion with the masculine structures of strategy and action. Her success paradigm advocates a unique approach for women’s transformation, leadership, and achieving the desires and goals of the life they want now.
Contact info: [email protected]
cell: 805-407-2290
Marla Diann is a Transformational Mentor, Speaker, and Business Strategist of 18 years and founder of Reverie & Velvet. She is a native of L.A. and resident of the South Bay since 2008.
She is known for her Elegant Way Forward methodology, which guides accomplished women to evolve and embody the identity that is creating what’s next for them personally and professionally.
Her work integrates body intelligence, intuition, beliefs, spirituality, and financial expansion with the masculine structures of strategy and action. Her success paradigm advocates a unique approach for women’s transformation, leadership, and achieving the desires and goals of the life they want now.
Contact info: [email protected]
cell: 805-407-2290
Melanie Stricklan – Head of Special Programs at Vast, Former CEO of Slingshot
Melanie Stricklan is a nationally recognized leader in commercial space, defense, and intelligence. She serves as Senior Vice President of Special Programs at Vast, leading its National Security organization and advancing commercial space capabilities for U.S. defense and intelligence communities.
A co-founder and former CEO of Slingshot Aerospace, Stricklan helped build the company into a global leader in orbital intelligence and space technology.
Prior to her entrepreneurial career, she served over 21 years in the U.S. Air Force, leading space missions, acquisition programs, and national security operations, with more than 1,500 flight hours.
Stricklan holds master's and bachelor's degrees in space systems engineering, operations management, and aeronautics.
Melanie Stricklan is a nationally recognized leader in commercial space, defense, and intelligence. She serves as Senior Vice President of Special Programs at Vast, leading its National Security organization and advancing commercial space capabilities for U.S. defense and intelligence communities.
A co-founder and former CEO of Slingshot Aerospace, Stricklan helped build the company into a global leader in orbital intelligence and space technology.
Prior to her entrepreneurial career, she served over 21 years in the U.S. Air Force, leading space missions, acquisition programs, and national security operations, with more than 1,500 flight hours.
Stricklan holds master's and bachelor's degrees in space systems engineering, operations management, and aeronautics.
SPEAKERS & PANELISTS
Janie Honeycutt - Founder Honeycutt Consulting
Janie Honeycutt is a speaker, leadership coach, and facilitator with over 20 years of experience helping individuals, teams, and organizations navigate change with confidence. With expertise in organizational change, leadership development, and communication, she equips leaders with practical tools to build trust, strengthen self-awareness, and lead with purpose. Janie holds a master’s degree in Communication Management from USC and is a certified Change Management Practitioner, DiSC practitioner, and Executive and Leadership Coach credentialed through ICF.
Janie Honeycutt is a speaker, leadership coach, and facilitator with over 20 years of experience helping individuals, teams, and organizations navigate change with confidence. With expertise in organizational change, leadership development, and communication, she equips leaders with practical tools to build trust, strengthen self-awareness, and lead with purpose. Janie holds a master’s degree in Communication Management from USC and is a certified Change Management Practitioner, DiSC practitioner, and Executive and Leadership Coach credentialed through ICF.
Kathy Hoss CHC, MBA - Women's Health & Longevity Specialist, Precision Wellness & Functional Lab Testing, Founder, Eat Play Balance ™
Kathy Hoss, MBA, CHC is a women's health optimization and longevity expert and founder of Eat Play Balance™. Through her private precision wellness practice, she uses advanced tools and lab testing along with personalized protocols to uncover the root causes behind fatigue, weight loss resistance, and hormonal imbalance — guiding women through the often-overlooked shifts of perimenopause and menopause with a personalized, testing-driven path to optimizing their health, metabolism, energy, and support youthful aging at every stage of life. Her approach translates complex data into actionable insights tailored to each woman's unique physiology.
A regular speaker on women's health and longevity, Kathy has spoken at events including the UCLA Women's Wellness Experience, the Healthspan Summit(s), EmpowHer Miami, The Whole Her, and many others. She serves on the UCLA Anderson Women's Board and the Anderson Board of Directors, and is a passionate advocate for advancing women's health conversations nationally.
Kathy Hoss, MBA, CHC is a women's health optimization and longevity expert and founder of Eat Play Balance™. Through her private precision wellness practice, she uses advanced tools and lab testing along with personalized protocols to uncover the root causes behind fatigue, weight loss resistance, and hormonal imbalance — guiding women through the often-overlooked shifts of perimenopause and menopause with a personalized, testing-driven path to optimizing their health, metabolism, energy, and support youthful aging at every stage of life. Her approach translates complex data into actionable insights tailored to each woman's unique physiology.
A regular speaker on women's health and longevity, Kathy has spoken at events including the UCLA Women's Wellness Experience, the Healthspan Summit(s), EmpowHer Miami, The Whole Her, and many others. She serves on the UCLA Anderson Women's Board and the Anderson Board of Directors, and is a passionate advocate for advancing women's health conversations nationally.
Tamala Lewis - Senior Director, Community Affairs& Foundation Dignity Health Sports Park
Tamala Lewis is the Senior Director of Community Affairs for AEG’s Dignity Health Sports Park, where she oversees community initiatives, charitable events, and the Women in Entertainment Luncheon, which celebrates women across film, television, music, sports, and fashion.
With over 20 years at AEG, Tamala has received numerous awards recognizing her leadership and community impact. She serves on several community and nonprofit boards, including the Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce.
A former recording artist and professional dancer, Tamala is also a Recording Academy member, a wife, and a mother of two daughters.
Tamala Lewis is the Senior Director of Community Affairs for AEG’s Dignity Health Sports Park, where she oversees community initiatives, charitable events, and the Women in Entertainment Luncheon, which celebrates women across film, television, music, sports, and fashion.
With over 20 years at AEG, Tamala has received numerous awards recognizing her leadership and community impact. She serves on several community and nonprofit boards, including the Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce.
A former recording artist and professional dancer, Tamala is also a Recording Academy member, a wife, and a mother of two daughters.
Kathleen Terry - Training, Coaching, Program Design
Kathleen Terry, founder of Participative Management Systems, is a specialist in team building, leadership development, facilitation, and workplace diversity. She has presented nationally and internationally on team building, customer relations, and effective management in diverse work environments.
With a master’s degree in Psychology from Antioch University and extensive experience facilitating leadership programs, Kathleen helps organizations build successful teams, empower employees, and improve workplace communication.
A dedicated community volunteer, she serves in leadership roles with local organizations, including Manhattan Beach Rotary and the South Bay Volunteer Center.
Kathleen Terry, founder of Participative Management Systems, is a specialist in team building, leadership development, facilitation, and workplace diversity. She has presented nationally and internationally on team building, customer relations, and effective management in diverse work environments.
With a master’s degree in Psychology from Antioch University and extensive experience facilitating leadership programs, Kathleen helps organizations build successful teams, empower employees, and improve workplace communication.
A dedicated community volunteer, she serves in leadership roles with local organizations, including Manhattan Beach Rotary and the South Bay Volunteer Center.
Joan Irvine - Radio Host | Spokesperson, Women’s Health Advocate| Government Relations| Community Leader
As host of “Your Best Life” on HealthyLife.net Radio, Joan uses media and communication to connect with audiences and promote meaningful conversations.
She is also the founder of Keep the Esplanade Beautiful (KEB), a nonprofit established in 2012 that promotes civic pride and sustainability through community cleanups and environmental initiatives. KEB was honored as the 2024 Redondo Beach Chamber Nonprofit of the Year.
A graduate of the BizFed Advocacy Academy, she combines advocacy, media, and community partnerships to help organizations connect authentically with the 50+ community.
As host of “Your Best Life” on HealthyLife.net Radio, Joan uses media and communication to connect with audiences and promote meaningful conversations.
She is also the founder of Keep the Esplanade Beautiful (KEB), a nonprofit established in 2012 that promotes civic pride and sustainability through community cleanups and environmental initiatives. KEB was honored as the 2024 Redondo Beach Chamber Nonprofit of the Year.
A graduate of the BizFed Advocacy Academy, she combines advocacy, media, and community partnerships to help organizations connect authentically with the 50+ community.
Tonya McKenzie - PR + Sports Media Strategist | Founder, Sand & Shores Media | Chief CTRLer | Leaders & Learners Podcast Host | NABJLA | BPRSLA, LA County Human Relations Commissioner
Tonya is a communications and public relations strategist with over 20 years of experience in media, government, sports, and brand strategy. As founder of Sand & Shores, she helps leaders, athletes, and organizations strengthen their visibility, manage reputations, and navigate crisis communications.
She is also a Los Angeles County Commissioner, host of the Leaders & Learners Podcast, and creator of the CTRL Framework, which focuses on media readiness, executive presence, public speaking, and strategic storytelling.
Tonya is a communications and public relations strategist with over 20 years of experience in media, government, sports, and brand strategy. As founder of Sand & Shores, she helps leaders, athletes, and organizations strengthen their visibility, manage reputations, and navigate crisis communications.
She is also a Los Angeles County Commissioner, host of the Leaders & Learners Podcast, and creator of the CTRL Framework, which focuses on media readiness, executive presence, public speaking, and strategic storytelling.
Megan Vixie - Chief Engagement Officer Beach Cities Health District
Megan Vixie, MPA, CVA, PHR, SHRM-CP, CEC, is an executive leader and people strategist who builds the systems, people, and culture that drive organizational success. She serves as Chief Engagement Officer at Beach Cities Health District (BCHD), one of the nation’s largest preventive health agencies. Megan brings deep expertise in employee engagement, organizational development and organizational effectiveness. As a Certified Executive Coach, she helps leaders grow their careers, strengthen their leadership, and find work-life synchronization to create success both professionally and personally—without sacrificing one for the other.
Megan Vixie, MPA, CVA, PHR, SHRM-CP, CEC, is an executive leader and people strategist who builds the systems, people, and culture that drive organizational success. She serves as Chief Engagement Officer at Beach Cities Health District (BCHD), one of the nation’s largest preventive health agencies. Megan brings deep expertise in employee engagement, organizational development and organizational effectiveness. As a Certified Executive Coach, she helps leaders grow their careers, strengthen their leadership, and find work-life synchronization to create success both professionally and personally—without sacrificing one for the other.
Cyndi Wicks - Advisor with Creative Memories
Cyndi Wicks has been a Creative Memories Advisor since 1999 and a Forever Ambassador since 2020. She is passionate about helping people preserve memories, spark creativity, and find joy in everyday moments.
As a mom, grandma, and creative educator, Cyndi brings people together through scrapbooking, photo organization, and journaling classes, workshops, and retreats.
At the RB Chamber of Commerce Women’s Conference, Cyndi will lead an interactive presentation exploring how scrapbooking and scrap journaling can bring joy, creativity, and meaningful connection into your life—one memory at a time.
Cyndi Wicks has been a Creative Memories Advisor since 1999 and a Forever Ambassador since 2020. She is passionate about helping people preserve memories, spark creativity, and find joy in everyday moments.
As a mom, grandma, and creative educator, Cyndi brings people together through scrapbooking, photo organization, and journaling classes, workshops, and retreats.
At the RB Chamber of Commerce Women’s Conference, Cyndi will lead an interactive presentation exploring how scrapbooking and scrap journaling can bring joy, creativity, and meaningful connection into your life—one memory at a time.
Laura Stotland - Owner Local Anchor
Laura Stotland is a seasoned Marketing, Digital, and Social Media Strategist with a rich background in media, digital, and entertainment marketing. Over the years, Laura has honed her skills in increasing revenue, crafting strategic marketing plans, and adeptly managing talent and teams. Her journey has taken her through esteemed organizations like The Walt Disney Company, Clear Channel Radio (now iHeart Media), and The Alliance for Women in Media, where she has contributed to impactful campaigns and initiatives.
In addition to her corporate experience, Laura has delved into social causes, notably advancing public awareness through the Pancreatic Cancer Network and many local non-profit organizations. She is passionate about leveraging her expertise to drive meaningful change and create lasting impact in the community.
Laura Stotland is a seasoned Marketing, Digital, and Social Media Strategist with a rich background in media, digital, and entertainment marketing. Over the years, Laura has honed her skills in increasing revenue, crafting strategic marketing plans, and adeptly managing talent and teams. Her journey has taken her through esteemed organizations like The Walt Disney Company, Clear Channel Radio (now iHeart Media), and The Alliance for Women in Media, where she has contributed to impactful campaigns and initiatives.
In addition to her corporate experience, Laura has delved into social causes, notably advancing public awareness through the Pancreatic Cancer Network and many local non-profit organizations. She is passionate about leveraging her expertise to drive meaningful change and create lasting impact in the community.
Sheilah Pacete - Social Media Consulting + AI Automation | Founder Six15 Media Group and 2K Evolution AI Agency
A multi-passionate entrepreneur, social media consultant, and AI strategist, brining over a decade of experience in digital marketing, storytelling, and content production. With a background in reality TV production and social media strategy for celebrities and leading brands, she helps businesses build authentic connections and drive results. Today, she specializes in AI innovation and automation, helping home service businesses streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and grow through smart technology.
A multi-passionate entrepreneur, social media consultant, and AI strategist, brining over a decade of experience in digital marketing, storytelling, and content production. With a background in reality TV production and social media strategy for celebrities and leading brands, she helps businesses build authentic connections and drive results. Today, she specializes in AI innovation and automation, helping home service businesses streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and grow through smart technology.
Celina Serna, LCSW #122519 - Program Director Teen and Adult Outpatient Mental Health Programs
Celina is a mental health clinician and clinical leader with experience in psychotherapy, clinical supervision, group facilitation, program leadership, and social work. As a Clinical Supervisor and Program Director, Celina supports clinicians and mental health programs while remaining grounded in direct clinical practice. Their work focuses on mental health, professional well-being, healthy boundaries, burnout prevention, and creating sustainable careers in the helping professions. Celina is passionate about helping professionals recognize the importance of caring for themselves while continuing to provide compassionate, effective care to others.
Celina is a mental health clinician and clinical leader with experience in psychotherapy, clinical supervision, group facilitation, program leadership, and social work. As a Clinical Supervisor and Program Director, Celina supports clinicians and mental health programs while remaining grounded in direct clinical practice. Their work focuses on mental health, professional well-being, healthy boundaries, burnout prevention, and creating sustainable careers in the helping professions. Celina is passionate about helping professionals recognize the importance of caring for themselves while continuing to provide compassionate, effective care to others.
Dr. Carrie Mackensen is a clinical psychologist turned parent coach and the founder of Successful Parent. For over 25 years, she has worked with individuals and families across Los Angeles' in a variety of clinical settings, including Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, residential treatment programs for addiction and eating disorders, and private practice in Beverly Hills and Manhattan Beach.
She holds a PhD in Individual, Family, and Child Psychology, with advanced training in attachment theory and interpersonal neurobiology, the science of how our closest relationships shape the brain.
But Dr. Carrie doesn't come to this conversation from the outside. She's a mom who knows firsthand what it's like to raise kids in a world where screens are always present. After years in clinical practice, she shifted to parent coaching and became a certified mindfulness meditation teacher. Today she helps families strengthen connection, set boundaries, and raise emotionally resilient kids in a digital world.
Her new book, Digitally Dysregulated: How Screens Hijack Kids' Brains and What Parents Can Do About It, is available for pre-order now. Please welcome Dr. Carrie Mackensen.
She holds a PhD in Individual, Family, and Child Psychology, with advanced training in attachment theory and interpersonal neurobiology, the science of how our closest relationships shape the brain.
But Dr. Carrie doesn't come to this conversation from the outside. She's a mom who knows firsthand what it's like to raise kids in a world where screens are always present. After years in clinical practice, she shifted to parent coaching and became a certified mindfulness meditation teacher. Today she helps families strengthen connection, set boundaries, and raise emotionally resilient kids in a digital world.
Her new book, Digitally Dysregulated: How Screens Hijack Kids' Brains and What Parents Can Do About It, is available for pre-order now. Please welcome Dr. Carrie Mackensen.