10th Annual Women in Global Leadership PHX

10th Annual Women in Global Leadership PHX

Thursday, August 6th at 3:00pm PT/AZ. In-person only.

At Latham Industries, 2265 W Desert Cove Ave Suite 3, Phoenix, AZ. Free parking.

10th Annual WiGL, in-person only.

Welcome to the 10th Annual Global Chamber PHX "Women in Global Leadership" (WiGL). It's a Global Chamber® signature event covering challenges, opportunities, progress and next steps.

We ALWAYS walk away from WiGL more connected, inspired, global and UNSTOPPABLE!

For the program we'll speak with extraordinary leaders - several women and one man - to gain their perspectives on success and leadership in today's dynamic and evolving world, including how men and women can work together to create more inclusivity, impact and success.

Thank you Tracey Latham, President and CEO at Latham Industries for hosting this year's event. Starting 3pm on Thursday, August 6th, wrapping-up 5:45pm or 6pm.

Thanks to Mayor Kate Gallego who has been a speaker twice and strong supporter HERE.

See all the past speakers below...50+ women and 8 men.

Agenda (3-5:30pm)

• Networking/Connecting (3-3:45pm, 5:15pm-5:45pm)
• Keynote Speakers and Panel Discussion
• Remarks on Empowerment by Francis Tesmer
• Women and Men Working Together by Dr. Pauline Crawford
• Panel Discussion on Women in Global Leadership
• Young Global Leaders by Thunderbird, ASU & Global Chamber

Opening Remarks

• Francis Tesmer - CEO at ROLFS Global and founder of Lead | Rolfs Global Institute Powered by L'Oréal

Keynote Panel Speakers

• Carolynn Hunter - Chief Executive Officer at St. Clair Technologies
• Vanessa Garcia - Founder & CEO at Performant Scout
• Dr. Lily McElwee - President & CEO at Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations
• Don Guerra - James Beard Award winning baker and founder of Barrio Bread

Moderators

• Mary Rabago - President and CEO at Mary Rabago Productions
• Dr. Martha Medina - Vice President at 21st Century Healthcare

Additional Speakers

• Dr. Pauline Crawford - Chief Vision Officer at Corporate Heart International
• Ghazal Khorshidi - Senior Director at Thunderbird School of Global Management
• Ban Faris - Associate Director at Arizona State University

Biographies 

Francis Tesmer is Chief Executive Officer of ROLFS Global and founder of Lead | Rolfs Global Institute Powered by L'Oréal as well being an economic senator of the German Senate of Economy. She's a global entrepreneur and a philanthropist with over 25 years of leadership in international business, education, and social impact. Her career began in her family’s oil, shipping, and logistics companies, where she was often the only woman in leadership—fueling her lifelong commitment to women’s empowerment. As President of the United Nations World Trade Point Federation (WTPF) in Hamburg, Francis has helped companies expand globally through strategic partnerships.

Driven by her passion for education and economic equity, Francis has launched the first-ever Associate and Bachelor of Applied Science degrees focused on beauty, wellness, and innovation. Her leadership is transformational, and her work has already opened opportunities to the 8 million-strong beauty industry workforce, 90% of whom are women. In collaboration with L’Oréal and leading universities, her programs are creating global pathways for women’s leadership, economic mobility, and self-empowerment. Francis believes the beauty industry must go beyond aesthetics to uplift inner confidence and create lasting social impact.

Lead | ROLFS Global Institute Powered by L'Oréal has announced its new documentary "Does Beauty Matter", that is reconceptualizing the way we view the beauty industry and the professionals who power it. Leading with the question "Who do you see more, your physician or your beauty professional," this documentary spurs the start of a larger conversation: Why does the beauty industry continue to struggle for recognition as a legitimate and respected profession? The film explores the essential role of beauty in society, while spotlighting the educational revolution that is preparing beauty professionals to thrive through higher education. 

Featuring authentic testimonials from real Lead graduates, relatable street interviews capturing how everyday people view the impact of beauty, and exclusive commentary from Francis, this documentary sheds light on a movement that is elevating beauty from simply a service based industry to a globally respected profession. Determined to revolutionize the beauty industry, she is leading the charge in changing the beauty conversation. "Beauty is not just about how we look; it's about how we feel, how we connect, and how we lead. This documentary tells the real stories of individuals whose lives and futures are being transformed through education, innovation, and empowerment."

Introduced by... TBA

Carolynn Hunter is Chief Executive Officer at St. Clair Technologies. She attained a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from the L’Universite D’Ottawa, and a MA from UWO. She started her career in Customs Brokerage at the Bluewater Port, Sarnia, Ontario. Her career has included stints with Roadway Express in Sales and Training, at Partner Dedicated in Sales and Operations Management.

In 2002 she joined St. Clair Technologies as Manager of Logistics and Compliance. In 2004 she and her family relocated to Tucson, Arizona and she took responsibility for the Tucson Distribution Center along with Corporate Compliance and Fulfillment. In 2011 she accepted the promotion to Director of Supply Chain and relocated to the St. Clair Technologies US offices in Chandler. In 2016 she accepted the role of VP of Supply Chain, and in 2020 she was promoted to President.

Carolynne has always been very involved in international compliance issues, including contributing to committees and action groups with the Border Trade Alliance, the Arizona Sonora Commission, the BIA, Women in International Business, CITT and ACHB programs. As a proud member of the Arizona District Export Council, she mentors companies on trade related to USMCA import/export policy. She has worked with multiple C-Suite organizations to further the business opportunities in current and new markets for electrical innovation. Carolynne is a regular speaker at industry events. Originally from Ontario, Canada, Carolynne now lives in Queen Creek, Arizona with her husband. She has two adult sons who are pursuing their dreams in California and Arizona. 

Introduced by... TBA

Vanessa Garcia is the Founder and CEO of Performant Scout, a full-cycle recruiting firm known for its high-touch, relationship-driven approach to connecting organizations with exceptional talent. With over 15 years of experience building and scaling teams across multiple industries, Vanessa brings deep expertise in talent strategy, leadership development, and organizational growth, grounded in integrity, communication, and results.

A first-generation Dominican American, Vanessa was born in Washington Heights, New York City, and raised in the Adirondacks before making Phoenix her home. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Psychology from Pennsylvania State University and studied abroad in Sydney, Australia, an experience that sparked her passion for cultural connection and global perspective.

Vanessa is widely recognized for both her professional success and her commitment to uplifting others. She has been featured in multiple publications and was named an Outstanding Woman in Business honoree by the Phoenix Business Journal in 2024.

At the heart of Vanessa’s work is a deep commitment to empowering women in business. Inspired by her own journey into entrepreneurship, she is passionate about creating more access, opportunity, and support for women at every stage of their careers. She actively mentors aspiring and emerging female leaders, advocates for equitable workplaces, and speaks on topics including confidence-building, leadership, and navigating career growth as a woman.

Vanessa serves on the Board of the Goodwill Excel Center and Global Ties Arizona, and is actively involved with organizations across Arizona that advance healthcare, entrepreneurship, and community impact, including the Arizona Diamondbacks Los Dbacks Hispanic Council, Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGEN), Social Venture Partners Arizona, and the Arizona Community Foundation through its Latinas in Philanthropy initiative to name a few. Through these roles, she contributes her time, expertise, and leadership to initiatives that create meaningful and lasting change.

Through both her professional work and community leadership, Vanessa is dedicated to helping others unlock their potential and step boldly into leadership. As a proud mother of an 11-year-old daughter and an 8-year-old son, she is deeply motivated to help create a more inclusive, equitable, and opportunity-filled future, for her children and for generations to come.

Introduced by... TBA

Dr. Lily McElwee serves as President & CEO at Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations (PCFR). With historic family ties to Arizona, she is passionate about subnational diplomacy and elevating the state’s role on the global stage.

Lily was previously deputy director and fellow in the Freeman Chair in China Studies at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, DC, and is a recognized expert in China’s foreign policy and relations with the U.S., European Union, and the Global South.

She concurrently serves as a non-resident fellow at CSIS, and is the author of Raising the Drawbridge: U.S. Investment Screening Amid the Rise of China (forthcoming with Palgrave MacMillan) supported by the Smith Richardson Foundation. She has previously completed fellowships with the American Council on Germany, the CSIS-USC U.S.-Korea NextGen scholar program, and the QUAD Task Force on China’s Strategic Futures organized by ORF America and the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.

Lily has spent significant time living in the United Kingdom, China, and Germany. She holds a DPhil in China studies and an MSc from the University of Oxford, and a BA with honors in political science from Stanford University.

Introduced by... Susan Shultz, who chaired the Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations for 16 years.

Don Guerra is the James Beard Award winning baker and founder of Barrio Bread. He's also Baker-in-Residence at Arizona State University. Overall he's an educator and community builder. Don started his community supported bakery in his garage in Tucson in 2009 and sold his naturally fermented artisan loaves from the back of his car at a local elementary school and farmer’s market, and via word of mouth. As the popularity of his breads outgrew his home bakery, he opened his first store. By sharing his community supported approach, Don demonstrates a model that other bakers can carry forward. To Don, Barrio Bread isn’t just a business, it’s the bakery of the future. He learned the art of baking from his grandmother and mother, and his daughter is in the business. So Don acts positively in support of succeeding together.

Introduced by... TBA

Tracey Latham - Founder/CEO at Latham Industries 

Tracey Latham is founder and CEO of Latham Industries, a perfect example of how innovative thinking can create incredible products. Tracey brought over 25 years of industry experience before forming her own business in 2016. Latham Industries is a woman-owned and operated electronics contract manufacturer based in Phoenix specializing in printed circuit board assembly. Her business supports aerospace, commercial, medical, military... startups to large businesses.

Tracey launched the company from scratch with state-of-the-art equipment recognizing that some area electronic contract manufacturers were losing business because they were running with technology that was more than a decade old. To ensure Latham Industries stays current, Tracey is a member of Global Chamber, Arizona Technology Council and additional leading organizations, and has secured several industry certifications including ISO 9001 and 13485.

In 2022, Tracey participated in ASU’s SMB Lab program which is a first-of-its-kind initiative connecting Arizona’s small and medium sized businesses with ASU’s faculty and students, business leaders and development professionals. She continues working with ASU providing her guidance and expertise as the owner of a successful small business.

Tracey was recognized as the Arizona Small Business Person of the Year in 2022 by the Small Business Administration and is a two-time recipient of the Arizona Womens Education and Employment Faces of Success award.  In her spare time, Tracey gives back to the community in several ways as an active volunteer in a variety of charitable organizations including serving on the boards for Homeless Engagement Lift Partnership (HELP) and the U & Improved Leadership Foundation.

Mary Rábago - President and CEO of Mary Rabago Productions

For over a decade, Mary Rábago has has been President and CEO at Mary Rabago Productions, a Marketing Agency that has garnered national attention for their creative, cross-cultural solutions.    

Mary is a well-known and respected public figure and a multi-award winning journalist. She has a career spanning over 30 years in various media companies nationally and internationally,

Born in Sonora, Mexico, Mary was the main news anchor of Univision Arizona as well as Univision California. Serving as correspondent for national shows such as “Noticiero Univision” and “Primer Impacto”. She is one of the “Top 10” Hispanic women with more media presence on both sides of the United States and Mexico border.

With a long list of regional and national awards for her career, she has displayed great versatility embracing every role from journalist, news anchor, reporter, producer and writer. She has been recognized by Latina Style Magazine as Entrepreneur of the year, Cox Communication as entrepreneur of the year and Outstanding Women in Business by the Phoenix Business Journal in her career as an entrepreneur.

Martha Medina, PhD - Vice President, 21st Century HealthCare, Inc.

Martha Medina, PhD, is the Vice President of International Sales for 21st Century HealthCare, Inc. which manufactures vitamins, dietary supplements, and pet supplements that ship to over 40 countries. Martha is also a member the Arizona District Export Council (AZDEC). Trilingual in English, Spanish and French, Martha holds a PhD in Biochemistry and an MS in Chemistry from Arizona State University, a BA in Chemistry from the University of San Diego, and an MBA from Tecnológico de Monterrey.

Ghazal Khorshidi - Sr Director of Executive Operations and Community Outreach at Thunderbird School of Global Management  

Ghazal Khorshidi is a well know and respected leader in metro Phoenix with all groups that have a global component... as she has been pulling us together for many years as an outstanding beacon of global hope. She's a T-bird alum of 2018 and focuses on partnerships and strategic initiatives, including overseeing the Dean’s Office Operations. 

Ban Faris - Associate Director of the Global Career Initiative at ASU

Ban Faris is the Associate Director of the Global Career Initiative at Arizona State University. She began her role at ASU as a liaison for the Fulton Schools of Engineering and other departments, ensuring that faculty and staff understood the policies and procedures necessary to meet university standards and best support international students.

Ban works closely with employers across the region to educate them on the process of hiring international student talent and to highlight the tremendous value these students bring to the workforce. With a Master’s in Professional Leadership and more than 15 years of experience in F-1 immigration and U.S. work authorization, she has dedicated her career to helping international students navigate complex regulations while unlocking meaningful career opportunities.

She also served as the NAFSA Region IV Regulatory Ombudsperson/Ambassador, providing guidance and advocacy on immigration issues at the regional level. An experienced facilitator of workshops on immigration, internships, work authorization, and professional networking, Ban has built strong collaborations with employers to expand hiring pipelines for international students. Fluent in Arabic and English, and with travel experience across the Middle East, Australia, and Europe, she brings a deep appreciation for cultural diversity that informs her work. Passionate, motivated, and student-centered, she remains committed to advancing opportunities for international students while helping employers tap into this exceptional pool of global talent.

Doug Bruhnke is founder/CEO at Global Chamber®, with a corporate career that included two expat assignments for DuPont, in Tokyo and Singapore. He is a German-Polish American who has traveled to 65 countries and 49 U.S. states. Doug has 5 U.S. patents, a BS in Chemical Engineering from the University of Utah, and an EMBA from Michigan State University. His affiliations include 14 years on the AZ District Export Council.

Born in Mount Kisco, New York, Doug's Mother Louise and Grandmother Emma taught him to invite everyone to the table. That resulted in a few principled scuffles in school and a passion for fairness that carried over to his career, supporting his daughter, advocating for members and defining Global Chamber® values.

WiGL Past Speakers, Women and Year (1 thru 10)

• Susan Shultz (1)
• Anita Verma (1)
• Jaime Daddona (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
• Lisa Kocks (1)
• Kellie Kreiser (1)
• Salli Marinov (1)
• Dawn Nagle (1)
• Racquel Moses (1)
• Carol May (2) 1945 - 2021
• Nadine Armstrong (2)
• Emily Chism (2)
• Deedra Abboud (2)
• Lisa Ordóñez (2)
• Nia Febriyanti (2)
• Janice Washington (3)
• Keri Pick (3)
• Debi Lane (3)
• Shannon Clancy (3)
• Melissa Sanderson (4)
• Lindsay Moellenberndt (4)
• Heather Bjella (4)
• Haley Metcalf (4)
• Mayor Kate Gallego (5, 8, 9)
• Elizabeth Fretheim (5)
• Laura Franco French (5)
• Mayor Regina Romero (TUS)
• Allison Moore (TUS)
• Karen Bottesch (6)
• Dr. Velma Trayham (6)
• Christine MacKay (6)
• Evelyn Shahla (6)
• Diana White (6, 7)
• Rangina Hamidi (7)
• Dr. Martha Medina (7, 10)
• Tracey Latham (7, 9, 10)
• Alexandria (Lexie) Van Haren (7)
• Connie Kadansky (7)
• Francis Tesmer (8, 9, 10)
• Charla Griffey-Brown
• Mary Rabago (8, 9, 10)
• Dr. Sarita Jackson (8)
• Suzy Zeng (8)
• Sarah Cornett (8)
• Sharon Harper (9)
• Carol Colombo (9)
• Ghazal Korshidi (9, 10)
• Maria Elena Gallego (9)
• Carolin Gey (9)
• Ban Faris (9, 10)
• Carolynn Hunter (10)
• Vanessa Garcia (10)
• Dr. Lily McElwee (10)

WiGL Past Speakers, Men and Year (1 thru 10)

• Hank Marshall (3)
• Norm Butler (4)
• Sanjeev Khagram (5)
• Tony Banegas (6)
• Shams Hadi (7)
• Matt Salmon (8)
• Hugh Hallman (9)
• Don Guerra (10)

About Global Chamber

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Be global and UNSTOPPABLE!

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More about Global Chamber® Phoenix and our regional board here.