Conference Presenters

Keynote

 Jen Polt 

Content Creator, Coach, Authenticity Warrior, Professional Hype Woman, Speaker 

If you could design a best friend who is equal parts motivational speaker, confidence coach and comedian—then you would have Jen Polt.

In the Spring of 2020, Jen started a passion project creating image and confidence content for women over 40. She saw the need for social media messaging that celebrated midlife and embraced the joys and the freedoms that come with aging—she wanted to encourage women to love themselves just the way they are and turn the dial up instead of fading away.

Conference Emcee

 Amanda Yoa 

Bold. Unfiltered. Hilarious. Relatable.

Amanda Yoa is a Philly-born content creator, podcast host, and award-winning entertainer bringing real talk, humor, and energy to millennial life, culture, and personal growth. She’s the host of Unzipped with Amanda Yoa, a 3x award-winning podcast with over 100K downloads!

Amanda thrives on relatable storytelling, pop culture hot takes, and breaking free from self-doubt and judgment. Whether she’s talking Philly sports, mom life, social media chaos, or overcoming fear of failure, she brings a high-energy, engaging, and humorous take that keeps audiences hooked.

Q & A with The Beauty Circle Owner

 Heather Adessa Spadaro 

For the beauty rebels who want skills, to keep it simple, and skip the trial & error, The Beauty Circle offers virtual skincare and makeup lessons that keep it real and unfiltered.

Meet Heather, a New York-based celebrity makeup artist, skincare expert, and founder of both The Beauty Circle and The Makeup + Hair Co, began her career 18 years ago behind a department store makeup counter. Now, many years later, her clients and work have been seen by millions on shows like NBC’s The Today Show, Bravo-TV, E! News, and Dr. Oz.

Besides her past TV and celebrity clientele. Heather’s edgy approach and passion for the beauty industry has led her to expand her reach providing virtual services to women who want that filter-free skin! 

Workshop Presenters

 Viviane Aires - What Your Skin is Trying to Tell You 

Voted ‘2019’s The Best Esthetician in Philadelphia’ by Philadelphia Magazine,  and was voted again “ The  Best Esthetician by Philadelphia Style Magazine in 2022 and 2023.  With over 20 years of experience in the esthetic and wellness industry, Viviane excels at defining her clients’ specific skin conditions and needs, recommending customized treatments, and providing individualized consulting to support their short and long-term skincare needs in her practice. An award-winning esthetician, make-up artist, and massage therapist, Viviane received formal training at LT International Beauty School in Philadelphia and completed advanced post-graduate work at Philadelphia and New York’s renowned International Dermal Institute. 

 Jessica Battle - Where the Magic Happens 

Jessica Battle is coach, motivational speaker and lifestyle influencer on the Join Jessica XO social platforms where she is best known for inspiring women to break free from perfectionism and self-sabotaging behaviors so they become the best versions of themselves.

Jessica has lost over 100 pounds, twice, which led to being featured in People Magazine, on Oprah.com as well as in the Huffington Post.

After overcoming disordered eating and years of yo-yo dieting she has built a successful online busines mentoring women in creating the mindset shifts that help them achieve the change they desire.

 Chitra Rochlani - Magnetize Your Energy, Radiate with Confidence 

Chitra Rochlani is an intuitive coach, Medium, Healer and Best-selling Author of The Warrior Mindset: 7 Mindset Shifts To Unleash Your Inner Warrior. Chitra is passionate about giving her clients immense clarity and alignment so they can go after their true core purpose and attract (not chase) the life they deeply desire.

When she isn't flowing with passion in her work, she loves exploring different cultures with her family and serves on several non-profit boards. 

Panelists

Healthcare & Women’s Health: Vitality & Wellness Panel
A Holistic Approach to Women's Health

 Dr. Khadija Douglas 

Dr. Khadija Douglas has been a dedicated women’s health practitioner since 2015, on a mission to help women transform their health by balancing their hormones naturally. She specializes in guiding women from feeling irritable, exhausted, and "off" to feeling energized, thriving, and achieving their wellness goals.

Beyond her work with clients, Dr. D enjoys spending time with loved ones over FaceTime, experimenting with new recipes, and embracing her love for travel—especially anything that involves #beachlife. She has also recently discovered a passion for indoor cycling and is now a certified indoor cycling instructor.

With a deep commitment to women’s well-being, Khadija continues to empower women to take control of their health and live their most vibrant lives.

 Dr. Nia Imani Bailey 

Dr. Nia Imani Bailey, DPA, M.A.Ed., RT(T), is a dedicated advocate and healthcare professional from West Philadelphia with over a decade of experience as a Radiation Therapist. Driven by her passion for making a positive impact, she focuses on improving healthcare access and outcomes for vulnerable populations, particularly young women facing breast cancer.

Dr. Bailey holds a doctoral degree in Public Administration from West Chester University, where her research centered on enhancing the timely diagnosis of breast cancer. As a patient living with lupus and a cancer gene (BCL6), she brings unique insights to her advocacy, bridging her experiences as both a healthcare provider and a patient. She serves as President of the Byrd Cancer Education & Advocacy Foundation and an author.

 Sandy Kusano 

Sandy Kusano is a transformational coach who helps leaders, change agents, and organizations reframe their approach to success, confidence, and well-being. As the founder of Joyful Optimist Coaching, she empowers individuals and teams to cultivate mental fitness, shift from stress to joy, and unlock their full potential.

Sandy is also the host of two inspiring podcasts—Spilling Our Tea and The Joyful Optimist—where she shares powerful conversations on personal growth, leadership, and redefining success from the inside out.

She is an ICF-certified coach and holds certifications in Positive Intelligence, Ikigai Coaching, and is an XCHANGE Certified Guide.

Skin & Beauty - The Glow Factor Panel
Expert Insights on Skincare, Beauty, and Confidence

 Aliesh Pierce 

Aliesh D. Pierce, LE, CLT is an accomplished esthetician, educator, and published textbook author with over three decades of experience in the beauty and wellness industry. Her journey began as an on-set makeup artist, collaborating with iconic figures such as Michelle Obama, Ming-Na Wen, and India.Arie.

Aliesh established the AskAliesh Skin Care Studio. This sanctuary offers clients a fusion of ancient wisdom, clinical-strength ingredients, and cutting-edge technology.

She founded the AskAliesh Education platform to share her expertise with estheticians interested in mastering her unique approach to equitable skincare. Aliesh launched The Equitable Skincare Project, an initiative providing free and donation-based facials to her community. This project reflects her belief that everyone, regardless of ethnicity, gender identity, religious beliefs, or socioeconomic status, deserves access to professional skincare. 

 Valerie Caraballo 

Valerie is passionate about anti-aging services for her clients to look and feel their best to slay the world. She specializes in biostimulator products which naturally stimulate collagen production to rejuvenate the skin. She is committed to excellence and being results-driven. Through open communication and building trust, she helps her clients achieve their ultimate aesthetic goals and boosts their self-confidence.In addition to her work as an aesthetic NP, Valerie is passionate about teaching and imparting her knowledge to others about aesthetics and the medical profession. The MedSpa has been a clinic site for Nurse Practitioners, Prism Career Institute Academy medical assistant students, and registered nurses interested in aesthetic medicine.

Wellness & Lifestyle: Thrive & Shine Panel
Elevating Wellness and Lifestyle

 Drew Davis 

Drew Davis, founder of Gem Life + Bar, Drink Gem Blends, and Dry Vibes Festival, is a visionary leader featured in Vogue, Forbes, Good Morning America, and more. With 18+ years in beauty, wellness, branding, and marketing, she turned her journey—marked by resilience despite autoimmune challenges—into a movement. A wife and mother of four, she launched one of the first zero-proof bottle shops in 2020. Rooted in sustainability and community, her work redefines wellness through inclusive events and mindful beverages.

 Colleen Faltot 

Colleen Faltot is a dedicated coach who empowers others to break free from self-sabotaging cycles and reclaim their lives. After overcoming alcoholism, an eating disorder, codependency, and crippling anxiety, she discovered that these struggles weren’t personal failures but symptoms of a dysregulated nervous system. This realization transformed her healing journey—and now, she helps others do the same.

Through somatic healing and neuroplasticity, Colleen Faltot guides clients in uncovering the deeper roots of their patterns, releasing limiting beliefs, and rewiring their subconscious minds. Her work is designed to help people move beyond survival mode and step into lasting emotional freedom. With a compassionate and science-backed approach, she empowers clients to create the change they once thought was impossible.

 Alexandra Janelli 

Alexandra Janelli is a leader in the wellness space, known for her innovative approach to subconscious transformation. As the founder of burble, an AI-powered app designed to help users create personalized guided sessions for real change, she continues her mission of making mental wellness accessible to all.

With 14 years of experience as a top hypnotherapist in NYC, Alexandra has been featured in major press for her work in alternative wellness. She also co-owns Modrn, Philadelphia’s award-winning holistic hub, where she curates cutting-edge wellness experiences.
Beyond her businesses, Alexandra is a coach, speaker, and entrepreneur passionate about helping people break through limiting beliefs. 

Fashion & Style: Empowered Elegance Panel
Fashion, Style, and Confidence from the Inside Out

 Karen Cox 

Karen is a multifaceted expert in fashion, communication and resilience, dedicated to helping individuals embrace their authenticity and "sparkle." As a fashion and lifestyle content creator, she shares insights on style, self expression and empowerment leveraging her extensive experience in retail, advertising, event planning and social networking.

Her career spans several industries, including academia where she served as a Villanova college professor specializing in sales, marketing, strategy and communication. Recently she brought her fashion expertise to the forefront as a judge on the model competition show "Fashion Moment."

Karen is deeply committed to her community mentoring youth - particularly those facing mental health challenges - and actively serving as a boy scout leader. She also runs a sustainable designer eBay business, combining her passion for fashion with environmental responsibility. 

 Shannan Allen 

Shannan Allen is a personal stylist and founder of The Closet Consultant, based in Philadelphia. With over a decade of experience, she is passionate about helping women elevate their style to reflect who they are at their core. Through customized wardrobe solutions, Shannan empowers her clients to show up confidently, look and feel their best, and align with the highest version of themselves.  

Movement Classes

 Shay Mosley  - A Soundbath Journey to the Beauty Within 

Coach Shay is a fierce self-care/mental health advocate who educates and inspires others on best practices for living an easeful, more balanced life. After years of working in high-demand corporate roles, being deprived of rest and experiencing burnout, she found healing and restoration in practicing yoga and mindfulness. Her journey ignited a passion to help others and in addition to teaching yoga, she uses her gifts as a sound practitioner and holistic health coach as tools to help others destress and connect with their bodies and breath to find deep rest and healing. Her desire is to help all beings discover balance and vitality, and as the founder of Inner Sanctuary Wellness, she mindfully curates experiences and services that allow rest and inner reflection, and offer rejuvenation for the mind, body and soul. 

 De Bolton  - Yoga - Healing from the Inside Out Through Breathwork and Mindful Movement 

De Bolton is a faithfueled movement educator and trauma-informed Holistic Health Practitioner, dedicated to helping women heal their bodies from the inside out. As the founder of the FaithFueled Life, she empowers women to embrace wellness beyond weight loss, focusing on movement as a tool for emotional healing, confidence, and spiritual growth.

With certifications in Holistic Health Coaching, Corrective Exercise, Trauma Informed Yoga, and Pilates. De specializes in integrative fitness practices that support physical, mental, and emotional well-being. She has led transformative workshops, coaching programs, and online communities that inspire women to reconnect with their bodies, release emotional pain, and build lasting confidence through faith and movement.
Whether through her FaithFueled Life app, podcast, or live events, De is committed to guiding women on a journey to true beauty—one that shines from within.

 Noel Davis  - HIIT Ignite with Paris Fit 

Noel Davis, known as Paris Fit, is a trailblazing wellness expert, former archaeologist, and global award-winning fitness innovator. After surviving a life-altering car accident, she transformed her journey into a mission to help others reclaim their health. As the creator of Gym In A Box, the world’s first at-home and on-the-go workout pack, and the founder of The Paris Fit Wellness Foundation, she provides wellness resources to underserved communities. Named Best Trainer of the City by Philadelphia Magazine, Paris Fit is a sought-after speaker, lead trainer at Joseph’s Anthony Spa & Fitness in Center City, and guest of Wellness Works with Noel Davis on 98.5 FM Radio. Passionate about addressing Philadelphia’s health crisis, she continues to inspire change through fitness, innovation, and community impact.

 Michelle Sullivan Muentz  - Embracing Your Inner Radiance Through Dance 

Michelle Sullivan Muentz is a dynamic dancer, singer, choreographer, and passionate survivor & advocate. With a career that spans over a decade in the performing arts, Michelle has captivated audiences with her powerful performances and heartfelt storytelling. Her journey has been marked by resilience and empowerment, inspiring others to embrace their true selves. As a dedicated advocate for survivors, Michelle uses her platform to raise awareness and foster discussions around personal strength and healing. 

 Valarie Iosue  - Becoming That Girl  Through Ballet + Yoga + Kickboxing 

Valarie's journey through trauma has shaped the woman she is today. Her father passed away from drug addiction when she was twenty-five and five months pregnant with her first child. Her husband, Mark, died on April 25, 2019, from esophageal cancer, and sixteen days later, on May 11, 2019 her friend Sarah passed away from alcoholism. These losses prompted Valarie to find a way to process the grief that felt stuck in her body, leading her back to ballet after not dancing for over twenty years. In December 2019, she faced another devastating loss with the death of her grandmother from dementia. In March 2021,  Valarie was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. After undergoing treatment, she poured her experiences into creative outlets, launching her podcast "Dancing in the Rain with Valarie" and beginning her modeling career at the age of forty. Valarie also became an advocate for breast cancer action and uses the acronym GEM-genetic testing, examine your breasts, and mammograms. She is a mother to four amazing children, ballet instructor, life coach, motivational speaker, podcaster, model, certified WARRIOR Rhythm instructor, and is getting ready to publish her first memoir. 

 Antima Chakraborty  - High Energy Bollywood Dance Class 

Antima is an attorney  at a large national law firm, focusing her practice on cybersecurity litigation, products liability, and torts litigation. However, during her off time, she loves to moonlight as the owner/choreographer for Philadelphia's only award-winning noncollegiate Bollywood dance team. Her team has performed all over NJ, PA, NY and most recently even performed for the Sixers! 

 Issy Schmid - Turn Up Dance Fitness 

Issy Schmid is a Turn Up Dance Fitness Instructor bringing high-energy movement to Marlton, NJ, every Tuesday at 7 PM. By day, she thrives as a Systems Engineer, and by passion, she runs her own photography business, capturing life’s most memorable moments. A true fitness enthusiast, Issy balances her love for dance with cheering on Philly sports teams and spending time with her beloved beagles. As a Dysautonomia warrior, she is committed to resilience, wellness, and inspiring others to push past their limits—both in and out of the studio.

 Sakita James  - Soca Carnival Dance Class 

Sakita James, owner of SOCA SAKITA FITNESS LLC, has been teaching Cultural Dance and "Playing Mas" in the Caribbean Carnival Parades for over 25 years now.

Sakita has taught SOCA DANCE Workshops at Stockton University ,Eastern University, Bryn Mawr College, Haverford College ,Rutgers University and Villanova University. 

Conference Partners

We would love for you to join our FREE DivaGirl 411 Facebook Group and connect with the women in our community.

Please follow us on Instagram @DivaGirlPhilly
#DivaGirlWellness #BeautyBeyondSkinDeep
[bot_catcher]