2025 Changemakers International Forum Agenda

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*Please note, all times are Eastern Time

**We kindly ask that your camera be on for this event in order to create more meaningful global connections.

10:00 a.m. - Welcome & Global Mission Moment  

Jodi Hope Grinwald - Founder, Today is the Day International Changemakers Forum, Host, Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast, Transformational & Connection Coach and Consultant

Fred C Wasiak - President & CEO, Food Bank of South Jersey & Founder/Owner - Humanics Consulting

Global Mission Moment

Steve M. Cohen -  Author of Leading from Within; Cofounder & Chair, Meditation4Leadership 

Inspire Change Honoree Presentation

Sylvia Morrison - Humanitarian, Author, Founder, Links Across Borders

10:30 a.m.  - Panel Discussions (Pick one day of the event)

Rising Through Uncertainty: How to Lead with Resilience in Unpredictable Times

Explore how leaders across sectors have navigated instability and sustained mission-driven momentum without losing authenticity or impact.

Panelists:

• Chrissy Buteas - CEO, HealthCare Institute of NJ
• Tisha Janigian - President & Founder, SHE IS HOPE LA, Broker & Owner - SHE IS HOPE Realty 
• Katie Lynch - Provost & VP, Academic Affairs - Brookdale Community College
• Scott Chesney - World Renowned Professional Speaker & Coach
• Fred Wasiak (Moderator) - President & CEO, Food Bank of South Jersey

Becoming Who You Haven't Met Yet

Sometimes the most powerful transformation comes not from doing more, but from getting still enough to hear what's next. We will discuss mental renewal, self-compassion, and creating a space for true reinvention. 

Panelists:

• Dee Baker - CEO - Beyond the Uniform
• Kim O'Hara - Coach, Author, Permission Expert
• Sylvia Morrison, Founder, Links Across Borders
• Charlene Gorzela - Mid-Life/Third Act Coach, Leadership Consultant, Speaker - Life Reinvention Now (Moderator)

Entrepreneurship as a Global Connector

Entrepreneurship is one of the most powerful tools for creating opportunities, breaking cycles of poverty, and sparking innovation. This conversation explores how entrepreneurs can strengthen connections, think beyond their own sphere of influence, and build in ways that expand both impact and possibility.

Panelists:

• Andrew Stadelberger - Founder, Player/Coach
• Amit Chitre - CEO/Founder, R3 Communications
• Phil De Rita (Moderator) - Chief Communications Partner, PCD Services
• Vandana Puranik -  Founder, Active Ingredients Inc., TEDx Speaker
  International Speaker, Featured at Harvard, Stanford, Cambridge, Oxford, Co-Author of Wall Street Journal & USA Today Bestseller: Success Mindsets - NEW BOOK: 💥MIGHT💥 - #1 international bestseller

 11:40 a.m. - Networking Session with JD Wilson, Founder Lead U

12:45 p.m. - Keynote Speaker Panel

• Gwendolyn Osborne - Actor, Model, CEO, Certified Meditation Teacher
• Tiffany Philips - Multi-Hyphenate Entertainer - Host - Arts Educator  
• Brian Lafontaine - Actor, Public Speaking Coach

1:30 p.m. - Meet Today is the Day. Live It! Authors

A new book is coming out January 2026. It is a global mosaic of 30+ Changemakers who share what it is like to be on the edge of comfort and find themselves in the center of incredible impact. The book is an invitation to believe in the power of one voice - your own. It all started with the Changemakers Podcast and this Forum. 

1:50 p.m. - Panel Discussions (Pick one day of the event)

The Burnout Breakthrough: Rewriting the Rules of Work & Wellness

How individuals are creating sustainable success by embracing rest, boundaries, and self-awareness as tools for change.

• Scott Chesney - World Renowned Speaker & Coach
• Charlene Gorzela - Mid-Life/Third Act Coach, Leadership Consultant, Speaker - Life Reinvention Now 
• Fred Wasiak - President & CEO, Food Bank of South Jersey & Founder/Owner, Humanics Consulting 
• Jessica Pepe (Moderator) - Development Coordinator, Ocean Partnership for Children

When Fundraising Follows Purpose: Navigating Change Together

In a rapidly shifting world nonprofits, social enterprises, and donors are being called to lead with trust and relationship over transaction. This conversation explores how organizations can stay united and effective through moments of change - whether navigating mergers, mission pivots, or times of transition. 

• Mark Valli - CEO. Norwescap
• Chrissy Buteas - CEO, HealthCare Institute of NJ
• Heather McCulloch -  Writer/Former Reuters Journalist; President, Women & Girls Education International; Board Member, Native American International Caucus; Certified Health Coach 
• Tisha Janigian - President & Founder, SHE IS HOPE LA, Broker & Owner - SHE IS HOPE Realty 

Louder Than the Scroll

With endless content flooding every feed, how do you make your business stand out without shouting. This panel will speak to how heart-led marketing, mission-aligned messaging, and genuine visibility help you rise above the noise - and actually connect with the people you're here to serve. 

• Patricia Mclouglin - General Manager, Anthem Awards
• Sylvia Morrison - Humanitarian, Author, Founder, Links Across Borders (Moderator)
• Kim O'Hara - Book Coach, Author, Permission Expert
• Andrew Stadelberger - Founder, Player/Coach
• Phil Derita - Chief Communications Partner, PCD Services