WFS Female Founders Forum 2026. Powered by GOOGLE

Women for Success is creating generational impact in our community!Vision:Creating generational impact to have self-identifying women succeed in life and business.Mission:Women for Success provides self-identifying women with a supportive community where they can receive free workshops, tools, resources, mentorship, and small business grants to ensure every woman has a chance to define success on her own terms.Our 4 Pillars:Collaboration Over Competition, Community Support and Mentorship, Small Business Grants and Scholarships, and Free Workshops, Tools, and Resources.Join us, Queens!

Women for Success Inc.

Join our annual conference in Miami, where you'll find essential resources, gain invaluable support, and forge meaningful connections!

Newman Alumni Center

🚀 Calling all female founders, bold entrepreneurs, and trailblazing Queens! <h3>The Female Founders Forum is BACK ✨</h3> Join us for our biggest annual event of the year. One full day in Miami packed with empowerment, real connections, and insights from the women who've built it. About Women for Success WFS isn't just a nonprofit. We're a community lifting women up through free workshops, mentorship, small business grants, and our signature Business Showers. Here, every woman gets to define success on her own terms. 💖 What to Expect A full day of keynote speakers, expert panels, and workshops on the topics that move the needle: funding, finance, investing, and scaling your business. Every ticket also helps fund our Business Shower Grant + Incubator Program for women-led startups. Your support literally changes lives. This Event Is For You If… ✨ You're launching your startup ✨ You're scaling your business ✨ You want actionable strategies, not fluff ✨ You're ready to connect with ambitious women who get it Event Details 📅 Saturday, October 17, 2026 🕘 9:30 AM | Registration + Breakfast 🕙 10:00 AM | Programming Begins 📍 Neuman Alumni Center, University of Miami 🍽️ Food included throughout the day Why You Can't Miss This Entrepreneurship can feel lonely. But it doesn't have to be. Surround yourself with the women who'll cheer you on, challenge you, and celebrate every win with you. Because you're just one connection away from changing your entire life. Grab your Biz Bestie. We'll see you there. 👑🚀 Sponsorship Opportunities + Table Discounts Contact Lauren@GiveForSuccess.orgRefund Policy As this is a nonprofit event, no refunds will be issued. Tickets may be transferred to another person up to 7 days before the event.

<h3>MEET OUR SPEAKERS!</h3>

<h3>Laura Antuna Capestany</h3>Owner and Real Estate Developer, La Victoria Miami CollectionLaura Antuna Capestany is a real estate developer, entrepreneur, author, and community advocate whose work brings together service, history, and purpose. Raised in Miami, Laura spent 36 years in Seattle, where she raised four children and built a real estate development business, before returning to the city she has always called home.Laura is also the author of the forthcoming novel, The Last Prince of Cuba: A Daughter's Journey. Following September 11, she founded Together We Build, a multifaith Habitat for Humanity initiative recognized with the Walter Cronkite Faith and Freedom Award. She also received the 2005 Bank of America Local Hero Award for her community leadership.Today, Laura serves on the Community Advisory Board of Florida International University's Institute for Cuban and Cuban-American Studies. She is also a Coral Gables Chamber Trustee and an active member of several business and community organizations.As a Crown Partner and featured speaker, Laura brings an inspiring perspective on purpose-driven entrepreneurship, cultural preservation, community service, and building a meaningful legacy.

<h3>La Victoria Miami Collection</h3>2026 WFS Female Founders Forum Crown PartnerLa Victoria Miami Collection is a modern Art Deco-inspired collection of five luxury short-term rental residences celebrating Cuba's history and the Cuban-American journey.Each residence honors an influential figure in Cuban history and features original artwork and design elements created by seven Cuban artists from around the world. Through its architecture, contemporary interiors, historical references, and public artwork, La Victoria shares a powerful story of heritage, immigration, resilience, reinvention, and gratitude.Located near Coconut Grove in Miami's Silver Bluff neighborhood, the collection can welcome up to 43 guests across three four-bedroom and two three-bedroom residences. It offers families, wedding parties, and groups the opportunity to travel together while enjoying the comfort and privacy of their own spaces.With monumental mural walls facing US-1 and The Underline, La Victoria aims to preserve meaningful stories, celebrate Cuban and Cuban-American culture, and carry that heritage forward for future generations.Rooted in Cuba. Rising in America. Strength in Gratitude.

<h3>Ericka Arias-Bertani, Founder &amp; CRM Expert at GIRA Business Development</h3>Ericka Arias-Bertani is the founder of GIRA Business Development, a Miami-based marketing operations firm. With 20 years of experience in CRM, email marketing, and marketing operations, Ericka and her team build and manage the systems businesses rely on to generate revenue.GIRA works across platforms including Salesforce, HubSpot, and GoHighLevel, helping companies improve their CRM systems, email deliverability, automation, workflows, and data management. The women- and minority-owned firm has grown entirely through referrals.Ericka holds an MBA from Florida International University, hosts the podcast Guts, Grit, and Google, and serves on the board of Women for Success. Her operating philosophy is simple: We build it, you close it.Discover the Power of the Reset in Ericka's Keynote, "Slowing Down to Speed Up."We are often told that momentum requires constant motion and that slowing down means falling behind. In this thoughtful keynote, Ericka challenges that belief and explores how an intentional pause can create greater clarity, resilience, and long-term momentum.Discover why the founders who last are not necessarily the ones who never slow down. They are the ones who recognize when it is time to pause, reset, and move forward with purpose.Ericka will also lead a breakout workshop. Additional details will be announced soon.

<h3>Elizabeth Gonzalez, Founder &amp; CEO of Specialty HR Consulting</h3>Elizabeth Gonzalez is a certified HR expert with more than 15 years of experience helping organizations strengthen their teams and support sustainable growth. Through her relationship-first approach, she partners with businesses to create tailored HR strategies that improve operations, empower employees, and build thriving workplaces.As the Founder and CEO of Specialty HR Consulting, Elizabeth helps business leaders address HR strategy, labor law compliance, talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation, leadership development, and other workforce needs.

<h3>Vanessa Garcia, Director of Operations at Specialty HR Consulting</h3>Vanessa Garcia brings more than eight years of human resources experience and a strong commitment to operational excellence. As Director of Operations at Specialty HR Consulting, she focuses on supporting the team, strengthening the client experience, and developing systems that help businesses grow.Together, Elizabeth and Vanessa help organizations align their people, policies, and operations with their broader business goals.Lead Without Burning Out in Elizabeth and Vanessa's Dual Keynote, "Leading From a Full Cup."How can you continue pouring into your team, clients, and business when your own cup is empty?

Join Elizabeth and Vanessa for an interactive keynote exploring the direct connection between founder well-being and operational success. They will share data-backed strategies, real-world resilience practices, and practical approaches to movement, community, healthy boundaries, and sustainable leadership.Expect an honest and timely conversation about protecting your energy, strengthening your business, and leading without burning out.Specialty HR Consulting will also present a breakout workshop. Additional details will be announced soon.

<h3>Christina Specos, founder of Specos Enterprises, LLC and The Lifestyle Standard</h3>Christina Specos is the founder of Specos Enterprises, LLC and The Lifestyle Standard, a concierge health, performance, and lifestyle management company for busy, high-performing professionals. An elite strength and conditioning coach, nutrition and supplementation strategist, bodywork and fascia specialist, and IFBB Professional Bodybuilder, she brings 27 years of experience to her work.Before moving to Miami in 2018, Christina spent eight years as Director of Strength and Conditioning at The Lawrenceville School and seven years as Associate Director of Sports Performance at Purdue University. Her clients have ranged from championship-level collegiate and professional athletes to executives, entrepreneurs, and individuals navigating pain, injury, or complex orthopedic needs.Today, Christina serves as a dedicated advisor and central point of contact for clients who want expert support without having to manage every detail themselves. She designs their strategy, identifies and coordinates the right professionals and services, and oversees how training, nutrition, recovery, and bodywork fit into their lives. This highly personal approach saves clients time and decision fatigue while helping them build stronger bodies, make informed choices about their health, and show up with the energy and confidence their lives demand.

Raise Your Personal Standard in Christina's Breakout Workshop, "Become the Standard: Fitness for Busy, Badass Businesswomen."Success should not come at the expense of your health.In this bold and practical session, Christina will challenge attendees to stop putting themselves last and raise the standard for how they train, fuel, recover, and show up. She will explore how physical strength, energy, appearance, and self-confidence influence the way women lead and how others experience their presence.Attendees will leave with actionable strategies for building sustainable habits, increasing their energy, strengthening their confidence, and becoming just as powerful personally as they are professionally.

<h3>Dr. Karine Melissa Purchas, President of the Women's Chamber of Commerce of Miami-Dade County</h3>Dr. Karine Melissa Purchas is a social entrepreneur, educator, marketing strategist, and President of the Women's Chamber of Commerce of Miami-Dade County.With more than 20 years of experience, Dr. Karine's work spans entrepreneurship, higher education, nonprofit leadership, marketing, and the creative economy. She holds degrees in Communication and Organizational Leadership and Management, and she teaches at several colleges and universities.Dr. Karine also develops international business curriculum for the creative arts community, helping creatives turn their talents into sustainable businesses. At the heart of her work is a commitment to creating the knowledge, connections, and opportunities that move people and communities forward.Turn Brand Outreach Into Lasting Opportunity in "Brand Deals to Real Relationships."Learn how to transform brand outreach into meaningful, long-term partnerships. Dr. Karine will guide attendees through identifying the right brands to approach, clearly communicating their partnership value, developing offers that support a brand's goals, and following up in a way that builds relationships beyond the first agreement.Attendees will leave with a clearer strategy for who to pitch, what to offer, and how to turn the first "yes" into the beginning of a lasting partnership.Dr. Karine will also participate in a Forum panel. Additional panel details will be announced soon.

<h3>Nicole Piedra, CFO &amp; Owner of Cardtide</h3>Nicole Piedra is a mom of two, serial entrepreneur, and payment consultant who has built and exited a seven-figure business. Her firsthand experience showed her how payment friction and inefficient systems can quietly cost businesses valuable time and profit.Today, as CFO &amp; Owner of Cardtide, Nicole helps business owners simplify their payment systems, protect their margins, and scale with confidence. Cardtide provides payment services, financing, and consulting solutions that integrate with more than 350 software systems. Through transparent, no-contract partnerships, Cardtide helps businesses reduce costs, streamline operations, and strengthen their bottom line.Ready to Outgrow What No Longer Fits? Don't Miss Nicole's Keynote, "The Business That Made You Isn't the Business That Keeps You."You are allowed to outgrow a business, a business model, a system, or even your definition of success. In this powerful keynote, Nicole explores why changing direction isn't failure and how recognizing what no longer serves you can create space for your next level of growth.Walk away encouraged to question outdated systems, embrace necessary change, and build a business that supports the future you are working toward. Outgrowing is part of growing!

<h3>Lillian Cedeno</h3>Travel Designer and Founder, LC Signature JourneysLillian Cedeno is a travel advisor and the founder of LC Signature Journeys. She specializes in food and wine experiences, river cruises, and small-ship journeys throughout Europe and South America.Lillian creates personalized itineraries for couples, food lovers, and busy professionals who want to explore the world without feeling overwhelmed by the many decisions involved in planning a trip. Her hands-on approach covers hotels, transportation, tours, excursions, and the important details in between, allowing her clients to travel with confidence and fully enjoy the experience.

<h3>LC Signature Journeys</h3>Your Journey, Beautifully DesignedLC Signature Journeys is a boutique travel agency specializing in personalized travel throughout Europe and South America, with a focus on food and wine experiences, river cruises, and small-ship journeys.The agency creates thoughtfully designed itineraries for couples, food lovers, and busy professionals, managing everything from hotels and transportation to tours and excursions so clients can travel with confidence, ease, and peace of mind.

<h3>Luz Nazario</h3>Founder, NEDA’s Coquito and BoriYoga BodyLuz Nazario is a veteran educator and founder of NEDA’s Coquito and BoriYoga Body. She brings culture, wellness, and community together by transforming connection into health and movement into healing.With a passion for inclusive wellness, Luz helps people cultivate strength, ease, and confidence while encouraging them to move at their own pace and honor their bodies. Through her businesses, she inspires others to reclaim their vitality and step into their power, guided by the belief that power lives in presence and peace lives in choice.BREAKOUT SESSION<h3>Strength in Community: Shared Spaces, Faster Paces</h3>Building a business in isolation can slow even the strongest founder. True momentum happens when women build together.Drawing from her experience growing NEDA’s Coquito and BoriYoga Body, Luz will explore how trusted peer groups, women-focused funding, and supportive local spaces can help founders escape the “isolation trap,” grow faster, and move forward with less stress.

<h3>Nazras Enterprises</h3>Nazras Enterprises is a purpose-driven business bringing together cultural tradition and holistic well-being. Through NEDA’s Coquito, a conscious dairy-free take on a beloved holiday drink, and BoriYoga Body, an inclusive approach to strength, mobility, and grounding, the company creates meaningful connections between culture, community, and accessible wellness.

<h3>Carolina Leyva</h3>Co-Founder, Marsicano + Leyva, PLLCCarolina Leyva has practiced family law since 2013 and leads the family law practice at Marsicano + Leyva, PLLC. She guides individuals and families through some of life’s most difficult transitions, including premarital planning, divorce, parenting disputes, and post-judgment modifications.Carolina pursues practical resolutions through negotiation and mediation whenever possible while advocating forcefully in court when needed. A Miami native and graduate of the University of Miami School of Law, she represents clients in both English and Spanish.BREAKOUT SESSION<h3>Love, Money &amp; Your LLC</h3>What Female Founders Should Know About Relationships, Money &amp; the Businesses They BuildExplore the important connections between personal relationships, finances, and business ownership. This session will help female founders better understand how the decisions they make in their personal lives can affect the businesses and assets they are working hard to build.

<h3>Marsicano + Leyva, PLLC</h3>Marsicano + Leyva, PLLC is a bilingual South Florida law firm co-founded by Lauren Marsicano and Carolina Leyva. Its family law practice handles divorce, paternity, domestic violence matters, prenuptial agreements, high-conflict timesharing and relocation disputes, and complex asset division.The firm’s business practice assists companies of all sizes with commercial litigation, employment matters, and general business counsel. The team provides personal attention and practical, strategic guidance tailored to each client’s goals.

Irama Valdes, Esq. Founder, Get Ahead LegalIrama Valdes is a probate, guardianship, and estate-planning attorney who helps individuals and families prepare for the future with greater clarity and confidence. Through Get Ahead Legal, she guides clients through important legal decisions involving wills, trusts, powers of attorney, living wills, probate administration, and guardianship matters.A longtime supporter of Women for Success, Irama believes in the power of bringing women together to learn, connect, and prepare for what comes next. Her compassionate, relationship-focused approach makes complex legal topics easier to understand and encourages people to take action before a crisis occurs.BREAKOUT SESSIONGet Ahead Before You’re Dead®Protect Your Wishes, Your Loved Ones, and Your LegacyPlanning ahead is one of the most meaningful steps you can take for yourself, your family, and your business. In this practical breakout session, Irama Valdes will help attendees better understand the essential legal documents they should have in place, how estate planning can protect their wishes and assets, and why waiting until an emergency can create unnecessary stress and complications.Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of the steps they can take now to protect what matters most and confidently get ahead before it is too late.

Get Ahead LegalGet Ahead Legal provides compassionate and practical guidance in estate planning, probate, guardianship administration, and related legal matters. Led by attorney Irama Valdes, the firm helps individuals and families create personalized plans that protect their wishes, loved ones, assets, and legacies.Serving clients throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, and Monroe counties, Get Ahead Legal makes complex legal planning easier to understand, helping clients prepare today so they and their families are better protected tomorrow.

<h2>Rosanna Molinari Weber, Esq.</h2>Partner, Pita Weber Del PradoRosanna Molinari Weber is a partner at Pita Weber Del Prado, where she represents individuals and families affected by negligence. Her practice includes automobile crashes, premises liability, wrongful death, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, and negligent security.Admitted to practice in Florida in 1996, Rosanna brings extensive litigation experience and a personal approach to her work. She is known for her attention to detail, thoughtful case strategies, and commitment to treating clients with the care she would extend to her own family.Originally from Ecuador and fluent in Spanish, Rosanna also serves Hispanic clients. She lives in Coral Gables and serves on the Board of Directors of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce.

<h3>Pita Weber Del Prado</h3>2026 WFS Female Founders Forum Gold PartnerPita Weber Del Prado is a Miami personal injury law firm representing people injured through negligence. Its attorneys combine extensive litigation experience with individualized attention to help clients navigate personal injury and medical malpractice claims.Providing services in English and Spanish, the firm helps clients pursue financial recovery while they focus on healing.

<h2>Dorota Lopez</h2>CEO, GFD Design GroupDorota Lopez is the CEO of GFD Design Group and the creator of Marketecture™, a design philosophy connecting architecture, interior design, branding, and business strategy.With nearly two decades of industry experience, Dorota leads a multidisciplinary practice serving developers, businesses, organizations, and private clients. Her work explores how thoughtful spaces can strengthen brands, encourage connection, and support the people who use them.A passionate advocate for innovation and women's leadership, Dorota also serves on the Board of Directors of CREW Miami.BREAKOUT SESSIONDesigning Spaces That Support You: How Your Environment Shapes the Way You Live, Work &amp; ThriveThe spaces around us influence how we think, feel, connect, and perform. Are yours supporting the life and business you are building?Dorota will explore the relationship between intentional design, personal well-being, and professional success. From homes that encourage relaxation to workplaces that support productivity and collaboration, attendees will discover practical ways to make their surroundings work better for them.Leave with ideas for creating more functional, inspiring spaces without major renovations or significant investments.

<h3>GFD Design Group</h3>2026 WFS Female Founders Forum Gold PartnerGFD Design Group is a multidisciplinary architecture and interior design firm creating spaces that elevate how people live, work, and connect.Through its Marketecture™ philosophy, the firm combines creative vision, technical expertise, and business strategy to develop environments that strengthen brands, support their users, and create lasting value.

<h2>Elie Miles, LCSW</h2>President/Owner and Director of Operations, FirstLight Home Care MiamiElie Miles is a licensed clinical social worker and healthcare leader with more than 20 years of experience across behavioral health, clinical program development, managed care, and healthcare operations.As President/Owner and Director of Operations at FirstLight Home Care Miami, she oversees agency operations, client services, staffing, and quality assurance. Her work centers on helping older adults maintain their dignity and independence while supporting the families who care for them.Elie also maintains a clinical social work practice serving individuals, couples, and families. Her leadership brings together clinical insight, operational experience, and a compassionate understanding of the people behind every care decision.BREAKOUT SESSIONWho Takes Care of the Caregiver? Making Yourself a Priority Without the GuiltWhen everyone depends on you, your own needs can quietly move to the bottom of the list.This interactive session explores the emotional weight of caring for others, the pressure to do it all, and the guilt that can come with putting yourself first.Through reflection and practical strategies, attendees will learn to recognize emotional exhaustion, establish healthier boundaries, release unrealistic expectations, and approach self-care as a necessity.

<h3>FirstLight Home Care Miami</h3>2026 WFS Female Founders Forum Gold PartnerFirstLight Home Care Miami provides personalized, non-medical in-home care for seniors and adults who need assistance with daily living.Services include personal care, companionship, dementia and Alzheimer's care, meal preparation, transportation, respite care, and support following hospitalization, rehabilitation, or surgery.Through thoughtful caregiver matching, personalized care plans, and ongoing family communication, FirstLight helps clients preserve their independence while easing the responsibilities carried by family caregivers.

<h2>Alexandra Almanza</h2>Founder &amp; CEO, Socially MavsAlexandra Almanza is the founder and CEO of Socially Mavs, a Miami-based media company built around creativity, connection, and community.As an entrepreneur, mother of two, and student, Alexandra understands the commitment required to build a business while balancing life's many responsibilities. She helps business owners share their stories through social media, content creation, and memorable brand experiences.Through community sponsorships, networking, and collaboration, Alexandra supports businesses in growing their visibility while building relationships that extend beyond a single project.

<h3>Socially Mavs</h3>2026 WFS Female Founders Forum In-Kind PartnerSocially Mavs helps brands turn their stories into meaningful connections through social media management, content creation, photography, videography, and photo booth experiences.Serving Miami-Dade, Broward, and Orlando, the company combines creative strategy with personal attention to help business owners feel supported throughout the process.From everyday content to milestone events, Socially Mavs brings a community-focused approach to helping brands show up and connect with their audiences.

<h2>FASTSIGNS of Pembroke Pines</h2>2026 WFS Female Founders Forum In-Kind PartnerFASTSIGNS of Pembroke Pines helps businesses communicate their message through custom signs, banners, graphics, vehicle wraps, and trade show displays.The locally owned and operated center also offers graphic design, project management, and installation services, helping businesses create visual materials that reflect their brands and reach their audiences.We appreciate FASTSIGNS of Pembroke Pines for supporting the Women for Success Female Founders Forum.

<h2>Aileen Martinez, MBA</h2>Founder, Rise Up Bookkeeping®Aileen Martinez is a multipreneur, speaker, and mother of three boys who understands the many responsibilities business owners balance.She founded Rise Up Bookkeeping®, a boutique firm serving online service-based businesses nationwide. She also supports bookkeepers building their own firms through Rise Up Bookkeeping® Academy and co-founded Sori Martinez Online Notary &amp; Apostille Services with her mother.With an MBA in data analytics, Aileen helps business owners understand their numbers and make decisions with greater clarity.BREAKOUT SESSIONThe Four Box Fix™Are you making money in your business, or simply bringing in revenue?Using her framework, The Four Box Fix™, Aileen will guide attendees through one month of their own business numbers to better understand profitability.Leave with one clear decision you can use to take your business to its next level of profitability.

<h3>Rise Up Bookkeeping®</h3>2026 WFS Female Founders Forum Silver PartnerRise Up Bookkeeping® provides cleanup and monthly bookkeeping for service-based online business owners, including coaches, consultants, creatives, and practitioners.Founded in 2021 by Aileen Martinez, MBA, the firm helps owners understand where their money comes from and where it goes. Through books done The Rise Up Way™, clients gain clearer numbers, more time, and a stronger foundation for informed business decisions.

WFS Female Founders Forum 2026. Powered by GOOGLE

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