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We Serve LGBTQ+ Youth

Join us on Wednesday, April 17 at Tapestry at Hudson Yards, from 2-5 pm for our yearly gathering that honors the diversity of women and those who identify as female. We’re thrilled to highlight leaders and mentors from the cis, trans, and non-binary communities once more.

Tickets & Sponsorships

What’s Working & What’s Next – The results are in! Having women and gender expansive individuals who occupy several different intersections of identity in leadership positions is driving businesses in meaningful ways. Each panelist has been a part of large-scale, comprehensive campaigns to put these leaders at the forefront of the industry. These executives have crucial and tactical takeaways from the belly of the beast to help us understand what is working for our community and where we can improve. This session will zero in on how organizations and companies can generate a significant and positive impact in their community, harnessing partnerships for good, and building ongoing programs that will support future generations successfully.

PANELISTS
Kija Barnes, Iris Coker & Ben Keith

MODERATOR
Evelyn Ocas Salazar

KIJA BARNES
She/Her
UNITED AIRLINES
Culture Chair of EQUAL (United’s LGBTQ+ Business Resource Group)

IRIS COKER
She/HerKATE SPADE NEW YORK
Director, Global Influencer Relations + Social Media Strategy

BEN KEITH
They/Them
WALMART CONNECT
Business Development, Manager: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

EVELYN OCAS SALAZAR
She/HerMOODY’S INVESTORS SERVICE
Assistant Vice President – Analyst, Financial Institutions Group

Click on Speaker’s Headshot for Bio

Over 42% of new businesses are owned by women, yet recent reports have found that female founders receive only about 2-3% of venture capital funding, and less than a half percent going to queer and trans women of color. Join us for a thought-provoking panel featuring founders from diverse industries as they explore the unique barriers women and gender expansive individuals face. From securing funding to balancing work-life demands, this discussion will highlight the innovative solutions and best practices that are empowering diverse entrepreneurs to succeed in today’s competitive landscape. The time is now to support and amplify these voices in entrepreneurship.

PANELISTS
Aisha Diori, Kelly Moffat, and Stacy Pisone

MODERATOR
Kisha Keeney

AISHA DIORI
(GLITTERATIE)
She/HerAFRICA EVERYTHING
Founder

KELLY MOFFAT
She/HerKIRRIN FINCH
Co-Founder & COO

STACY PISONE
She/HerCAFETERIA RESTAURANT
& EMPIRE DINER
Founder & COO

KISHA KEENEY
She/HerNORTHWESTERN MUTUAL
Senior Director, Diversity and Inclusion

Click on Speaker’s Headshot for Bio

An HMI youth mentee will engage in meaningful dialogue with their selected mentor, exploring the significance of goal setting and mentorship within the LGBTQIA+ community. This exchange is preceded by dedicated time spent together, fostering rapport and setting the stage for an impactful discussion.

PANELISTS
Diavana Maraboli (Mentee) & Lazara Paz-Gonzalez (Mentor)

MODERATOR
Bridget Hughes

DIAVANA MARABOLI
She/HerNYC DEPT OF HOMELESS SERVICES
Mental Health Case Manager

LAZARA PAZ-GONZALEZ
She/Her/EllaHETRICK-MARTIN INSTITUTE
Senior Director, Youth Services

BRIDGET HUGHES
She/HerHETRICK-MARTIN INSTITUTE
Chief Program Officer

Click on Speaker’s Headshot for Bio

OPENING REMARKS

AMY HARCLERODE (She/Her)
HETRICK-MARTIN INSTITUTE
Chief Executive Officer


IRIS COKER (She/Her)
KATE SPADE NEW YORK
Director, Global Influencer Relations
+ Social Media Strategy

CAN’T ATTEND?

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Kelly Moffat (she/her) is the Co-Founder and COO at Kirrin Finch, a Brooklyn-based company that makes menswear-inspired apparel for women, trans and non-binary folks. 

In 2015, after working for many years in education, Kelly and her wife Laura decided to solve an issue they encountered every day: trying to get dressed! At the time, neither of them knew anything about fashion, but what they did know was that dressing authentically was important to them, and they wanted to give others that same feeling. Today, Kirrin Finch makes everything from suits to shirts.

When she isn’t involved with the daily workings of Kirrin Finch, Kelly is wrangling her six-year-old twins on an adventure, serving on the National Board of the Human Rights Campaign, or hanging out with her dog Bea Arthur.

She graduated from Binghamton University with a BS in Education and Human Development. After graduation, Kelly moved to NYC to join the Teaching Fellows and worked in the NYC Public School System for eight years. She has two Masters degrees, one in Elementary Education and one in Information and Library Science from Brooklyn College and St. John’s University. All are obviously very relevant to owning a clothing company!


Ben Keith (they/them) at Walmart Connect is working in the Culture, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion space to elevate and uplift historically excluded communities to reflect the world around us. They are licensed and certified in DE&I in the Workplace, Unconscious Bias, Cultivating Culture Competence, Skills for Inclusive Conversation and HR Foundations. With a 17-year career in retail from stores to ecommerce, they have seen through their own experience that better business starts with the betterment of people. Joining the workforce, Ben has worked their way up from associate to leader in each company along their journey. When making the move from stores to ecommerce in 2019, they brought their people first perspective to their role and were quickly identified as champion for culture and inclusion. By leveraging their business acumen to track and report on the data and findings as it related to DEI initiatives, Ben successfully transitioned from a volunteer in the DEI space to a paid practitioner as Walmart Connect’s Business Development, Manager for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. CDEI is a big passion for Ben, and it is something they take in and out of the workplace.


Iris Coker (she/her), Director, Global Influencer Relations + Social Media Strategy at Kate Spade New York, is an experienced influencer strategy leader, currently overseeing global influencer and social media campaigns at Kate Spade New York for over three years and is a co-lead for the Prouder Together LGBTQIA EBRG at Tapestry. Before joining Kate Spade New York, she developed strategies for companies such as iHeartMedia, Victoria’s Secret, and IBMiX. Iris specializes in enhancing brand visibility and engagement through innovative social content and influencer partnerships. Her work focuses on driving impactful brand narratives by partnering with diverse influencer and creators.


Hailing from Ghana and Nigeria, Aisha Diori (she/her), aka Glitteratie, shatters the mold of your average Event Director. A self-proclaimed Pan-Africanist, she’s a powerhouse who wears many hats – all with the same mission: empowerment.

Boasting over 20 years of experience, Aisha isn’t just an event curator and host; she’s an award-winning marketing and advertising whiz with an innovative spirit and a knack for captivating audiences through advertising and communication. Now, she channels those skills into special event directing, maximizing community engagement with every project she touches.

But Aisha’s passion transcends event planning. She’s a bridge builder, fostering connections and forging collaborations between diverse communities and networks. This passion fueled the creation of Africa Everything, a social-conscious collective dedicated to empowering young adults in West Africa and fostering engagement within the African Diaspora.

Aisha’s impact extends far and wide. An award-winning trailblazer in the LGBTQIA+ sphere, she’s the creator and collaborator behind many influential HIV prevention projects specifically targeting LGBTQIA+ youth. She’s also the visionary founder of the Kiki Ballroom scene, a safe space that empowers a historically marginalized community.

Her expertise is a coveted resource. Aisha has lent her knowledge to various community boards and core House Ballroom organizations. She’s even served as an advisor to critically acclaimed documentaries, books, and movies that delve into the underground Kiki and House Ballroom scenes.

Aisha Diori “Glitteratie” is more than just a name. She’s a force of nature, a community champion, and a tireless advocate for empowerment, leaving an indelible mark on everything she touches.


Kisha Keeny (She/Her), Senior Director, Diversity and Inclusion at Northwestern Mutual, develops and implements strategy that advances the organization’s diversity and inclusion (D&I) goals. This includes consultation with functional areas across the company; identification, creation, and expansion of community partnerships; alignment of enterprise communications/marketing efforts; creation and facilitation of education within the organization. She also oversees the organization’s Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), focusing on growth, collaboration and alignment to corporate diversity and inclusion strategy as well as organizational business strategy. In 2021, seven of the organization’s 8 ERGs earned recognition as a “Top 25” ERG in the nation Last year Kisha was selected and completed the McKinsey Black Leadership Academy, as part of Northwestern Mutual’s cohort. Previously she was involved in Northwestern Mutual’s inaugural Multicultural Leadership Development Program which allowed her to acquire a new mentor, reverse mentor a senior leader, and consult/present to the Corporate Diversity & Inclusion Council.

In prior roles with Northwestern Mutual, Kisha concepted and delivered marketing programs and sponsorships that connected clients and candidates with Northwestern Mutual’s field team. She also managed sponsorships such as those with College Football Playoffs and the Rose Bowl, and coordinated national partnerships and events including the Essence Path to Power, the Hispanic Wealth Project, the Out & Equal and National Black MBA Conferences.

Before joining Northwestern Mutual, Kisha was a consultant at The Kaleidoscope Group, a full-service diversity and inclusion consulting firm. At the Kaleidoscope Group, she provided strategic and creative oversight for inclusion initiatives including events, conferences, and webinars. She also developed and executed assessment tools to evaluate organizational strengths and opportunities in diversity and inclusion.

Outside of work, Kisha serves the community as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., loves to improve her culinary skills, travel the world, and advance her small women and black owned experiential business with her partners.

Kisha earned a Bachelor of Arts in broadcast journalism from Ball State University.


Amy Harclerode (She/Her) was officially appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) by Hetrick-Martin Institute’s Board of Directors on November 17, 2023. Having previously taken on the role of Interim CEO in April 2023, Amy, under her capable leadership, guided HMI through a period of expansion and innovation in response to the mental health crisis affecting queer and trans youth of color. Serving as HMI’s inaugural Chief Development Officer since 2017, Amy played a pivotal role in the organization’s remarkable revenue growth, providing essential support for youth programming, advocacy and capacity building initiatives.

In December 2023, Amy was named a Nonprofit Power Player by PoliticsNY and amNY Metro. Earlier, in June 2023, she was acknowledged as a 2023 LGBTQ+ Power Player by PoliticsNY and secured a coveted spot on the 2023 Power of Diversity: Pride 100 list by City & State NY. Amy’s notable achievements not only underscore her dedication to LGBTQIA+ youth advocacy but also cast a spotlight on our organization, providing substantial visibility.

Amy came to HMI from the Wildlife Conservation Society, where she led institutional giving for global conservation programming.

Currently, Amy is the Development Chair of the Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education Center. She was President and Chair of the Voss Water Foundation and has served on the Boards of Pelham Picture House, Greater Tucson Leadership, Tucson Young Professionals, and the Tucson Federal Credit Union.

Originally from Tucson, Arizona, Amy has a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education with a focus in Biology from the University of Tennessee at Martin where she was a scholarship athlete for the Division I UT Women’s Softball Team. She has a Masters in Strategic Marketing and Communications from Fordham University and lives in Mount Vernon, NY with her wife and dog, Piper.


Lazara Paz-Gonzalez, DrPH(s) (She/Her) is a Queer Latina/x, born and raised in New Jersey. She is the Senior Director of Youth Services at Hetrick-Martin Institute and is passionate about working on social, health, and community justice issues that impact marginalized communities. Lazara is an experienced program planner, strategic thinker, educator, and trainer with over 20 years of national practice in public health programs and community engagement. A key focus of Lazara’s work has focused on- evaluating the effectiveness of interventions for LGBTQIA+ youth, as well as developing empowerment models focused on young woman of color.

Lazara graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Community Health from William Paterson University in 2002, and a Master of Public Health from the University of Nevada Las Vegas. She is currently finishing her doctoral degree in Public Health, focusing on Leadership, Advocacy, and Equity from Tulane University.


As a first-generation college graduate, Diavana Maraboli (She/Her) has persevered despite hardship. She presently works in the social services industry as a Mental Health Case Manager for the NYC Department of Homeless Services, offering assistance and direction to people who are homeless and struggling with mental health issues by developing sustainable, long-term client-centered goals. Diavana possesses a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and an Associate degree of Applied Sciences in Business Management and Marketing, and is working to complete her Master of Social Work degree from Southern University of New Orleans.


A native of Long Island, Stacy Pisone, Founder & COO of Cafeteria Restaurant and Empire Diner, grew up in the vibrant embrace of a large Italian family where the art of entertaining, with food at its heart, was ingrained in her from the very beginning.

Armed with a Bachelor of Science in International Marketing, Stacy made her mark in the bustling streets of New York City. She ventured into the world of nightlife, starting her journey in some of the city’s most renowned and iconic nightclubs. Her tenure at The Roxy during its early days, a beacon of diversity within the LGBTQ+ community, fostered enduring relationships that shaped her path.

From managing VIP entrances to orchestrating events and promotions at The Roxy and later at the Palladium, Stacy immersed herself in the pulse of nightlife for many years. However, her entrepreneurial spirit beckoned her to new horizons, leading her to open her first restaurant, Circa, in the eclectic landscape of the East Village.

Circa was more than just a dining establishment; it was a melting pot where bikers, clubbers, and LGBTQ+ communities converged to savor delicious food and revel in captivating music. In 1998, Stacy embarked on a new culinary adventure by co-founding Cafeteria, a 24-hour haven that seamlessly blended the vibrancy of nightlife with the comfort of a neighborhood eatery. With its signature mac and cheese and inviting ambiance, Cafeteria quickly became a cherished spot where everyone, from LGBTQ+ individuals to celebrities and locals alike, felt embraced and at home.

Continuously evolving with the spirit of inclusivity, Stacy’s dedication to creating a safe and welcoming space for all remains the cornerstone of Cafeteria’s enduring legacy. In 2016, Stacy embarked on her boldest endeavor yet, acquiring the historic Empire Diner. With a reverence for New York’s storied past, she meticulously restored the diner to its former glory, infusing it with old world elegance and charm.

Today, Stacy Pisone culinary legacy endures—a testament to her unwavering commitment to creating spaces where everyone feels at home, embraced, and celebrated. From the vibrant nights of the Roxy to the timeless allure of Empire Diner, her journey is a testament to the power of passion, inclusivity, and good food to unite us all.


As Chief Program Officer at Hetrick Martin Institute, Bridget Hughes oversees the implementation of HMI’s programs for LGBTQ young people and their families, as well as outreach and education programs. She also manages the replication of HMI’s youth service model to other sites in NYC and New Jersey.

Since joining HMI in 2012, Bridget has successfully overseen the expansion of HMI services to 6 days per week; spearheaded new program partnerships with CUNY’s office of K-16 programs and with the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health; and supervised the implementation of the program evaluation of HMI’s comprehensive service model. In 2019, Bridget was named Outstanding Community Advocate by the New York City Administration for Children’s Services’ Office of LGBTQ Equity Strategies.

Prior to HMI, Bridget worked 18 years at the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center in Manhattan, where she developed and directed the Youth Enrichment Services (Y.E.S.) Program, a leadership development and HIV prevention program for LGBT youth. Under Bridget’s direction, the Y.E.S. program received The Mental Hygiene Award from the City of New York in 2000 and was cited as a model substance abuse prevention program by the Division of Consumer Health Education of the University of Medicine & Dentistry; Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

In 2007, Bridget received a PASEsetter Award for outstanding contributions to the field of after school education. From 2009-2012, she was the sole consultant responsible for the implementation of the annual Bias Audit for the NYC Department of Education, tracking evidence of hate-related bias in incidents of student-on-student harassment and violence, a project that was eventually mandated to all school districts by the passage of the New York State Dignity for All Students Act.

Bridget is co-author of the “Working It Out” intervention curriculum, a cognitive-behavioral HIV prevention intervention targeting lesbian, gay and bisexual youth, developed under the auspices of the HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies at Columbia University. She has been called upon for her expertise in LGBTQ young people, being quoted by numerous publications including U.S. News & World Report and asked to present at a number of professional conferences including delivering the keynote address for the 2nd Annual CUNY LGBTQ Colloquium at the NYC College of Technology. She has also provided professional development training for a variety of organizations including NYC Dept of Education, Partnership for After School Education (PASE) and Covenant House Training Institute, to name a few.

Bridget attended Mount Saint Mary’s University and Oxford University as an undergraduate, and holds a Master’s Degree in English from Rutgers University. In 2007, she was awarded the Charles H. Revson Fellowship and completed a year of study at Columbia University in the Revson Program, a program sponsored by the Institute for Social and Economic Research and Policy, designed for the development of mid-career urban leaders who have made a substantial contribution to New York City.


Evelyn Ocas Salazar is an Assistant Vice President in the Insurance team of Moody’s Investors Service Financial Institutions Group, with lead responsibilities for P&C and Brokers across the United States. Evelyn started her career at Moody’s as an Associate in the Banking team in 2017 and transitioned to an Associate Analyst role in the UK Insurance team in 2018.

In 2019, Evelyn moved to the US as an Associate Analyst where she supported the Life insurance team, contributing to numerous research pieces on investments, earnings commentaries and Moody’s industry outlooks. In 2022, Evelyn became the manager for the junior associate analysts in the US insurance, and funds & asset management team, and was later promoted to Lead Analyst in August.

Evelyn is a member of Moody’s NYC Pride BRG serving as secretary of the steering committee and actively participates in recruiting and mentoring events. She has a Masters’ degree in Finance from University Carlos III of Madrid and passed CFA Level II in 2022.


Kija Barnes, Culture Chair of EQUAL (United Airlines’ LGBTQ+ business resource group) started her career with United Airlines in 2006 as a Business Office Coordinator and has held various roles throughout her time with the company. She is currently an Inflight Services Supervisor based out of Newark International Airport. As Culture Chair, Kija has served as an internal liaison to employees in order to provide events and programming that develop and maximize member engagement.