Event Keynote Speaker

Founder of the Health Business Growth Collective/Author

JJ Virgin is a triple-board certified nutrition expert, Fitness Hall of Famer, 4-time New York Times bestselling author, Chair of A4M’s Profitable Practice Blueprint, Chief Metabolic Health Officer for Lindora Metabolic Health and Wellness. and the Nutrition & Fitness Speaker for Tony Robbins, as well as the Founder of the Health Business Growth Collective. A visionary in health and business, she’s behind revolutionary concepts, like Muscle Changes Everything and Aging Powerfully, and has helped launch more NYT bestsellers and 7-figure health brands than any other leader in the industry. She’s appeared on Dr. Phil, The TODAY Show, PBS, TLC, and more, and her podcast Well Beyond 40 has surpassed 22 million downloads.

Keynote Speaker/Financial Fireside Chat Panelist

Chief Investment Strategist, Hightower Advisors

Stephanie Link is Chief Investment Strategist, Head of Investment Solutions, and Equity Portfolio Manager at Hightower, where she leads multiple equity strategies and works closely with advisory teams and clients to navigate markets and the economy. With more than 30 years of investment experience, she previously held senior leadership roles at Nuveen, TheStreet, and Prudential Equity Group, overseeing and managing billions in assets. Stephanie is a CNBC contributor and frequent on-air commentator, widely recognized for her market insights. She holds a finance degree from Boston College and has received numerous industry honors for her leadership and impact.

Financial Fireside Chat Panelist

Chief Investment Officer, Wealth Managing Director - Neuberger Berman

Shannon Saccocia, CFA, is Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer – Wealth at Neuberger Berman, where she helps guide market views, asset allocation, and portfolio strategy for Wealth clients. With decades of experience serving individuals, families, and advisors, she previously served as Chief Investment Officer at SVB Private and Boston Private Wealth, overseeing portfolio construction, asset allocation, and investment management. Shannon began her career in senior roles at Banyan Partners and Silver Bridge Advisors. A Brandeis graduate with CFA and Certified Investment Management Analyst® designations, she is a regular CNBC contributor and lives in Boston with her husband and two children.

Founder/Co-Host /Speaker

CEO: Hightower/Blanke Schein Wealth Management , Founder

Robert L. Schein, AIF® is Managing Director, Partner, and Chief Investment Officer of Hightower / Blanke Schein Wealth Management, bringing more than 25 years of experience in serving high-net-worth individuals, families, and philanthropic organizations. A nationally recognized wealth advisor and frequent media contributor, Robert has been featured on CNBC, Bloomberg, Fox Business, and in publications including Forbes, Barron’s, and The Wall Street Journal. He is the Founder of The Society of the Financially Empowered Women, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing women’s financial confidence through education, wellness, and community, and the creator of The Confidence Summit: Women, Wealth & Wellness.

Founder/Co-Host/Speaker

Founder | Mentor | Speaker

Bronwyn empowers women to reclaim their confidence, strengthen their health, and live with clarity and purpose, both personally and professionally. With over 20 years of experience in health, wellness, and personal development, she brings a distinctive perspective shaped by her background in media, marketing, and communications. A former TV host, news reporter, and sought-after speaker, Bronwyn blends powerful storytelling with strategic brand and business insight to help leaders clarify their message, elevate their visibility, and create meaningful growth. As CEO and co-host, she leads a growing movement guiding women to step boldly into confidence, leadership, and financial empowerment.

Panelist/Moderator - Women in Government Opening Panel

General Manager - Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage

Sheila is a dynamic hospitality leader with more than two decades of luxury experience and a deep passion for service excellence, proudly bringing her expertise to the crown jewel of Rancho Mirage, The Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage! Sheila is passionate about fostering a culture of excellence that consistently exceed guest expectations while driving sustainable business results. She believes in leading with compassion and accountability, an approach that empowers the Ladies & Gentlemen who are at the heart of the success.

Women in Government Opening Panel

Mayor of The City of Rancho Mirage

Mayor Lynn Mallotto is a longtime Coachella Valley resident who has called Rancho Mirage home for over 30 years. Her career spans healthcare, public service, and real estate, with 18 years of service to the City of Cathedral City in roles ranging from crime prevention and code enforcement to redevelopment and Deputy City Clerk. Lynn holds a Bachelor of Science in Workforce Education & Development and is a Certified Municipal Clerk. She later served as CEO of the Cathedral City Chamber of Commerce and is now a Realtor with Keller Williams. Her extensive volunteer and board service reflect her deep commitment to community growth and impact.

Women in Government Opening Panel

City of Rancho Mirage Councilmember

Eve Fromberg Edelstein joined the Rancho Mirage City Council in November 2024 and has been a resident of the city since 1999. A Palm Springs native, Eve holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of San Diego and a law degree from California Western Law School. She is a seasoned attorney with decades of experience in corporate, nonprofit, and business law and previously served as CEO of Smile Factory, a local nonprofit serving children’s dental health. Deeply committed to community service, Eve has held numerous leadership roles on regional nonprofit boards and currently serves as Board Chair for DAP Health.

Women in Government Opening Panel

Director of Development Services for The City of Rancho Mirage

Majna Dukic began her career in public service in 2016 with the City of Rancho Mirage as an Assistant Planner and has since advanced through roles including Associate Planner, Senior Planner, Planning Manager, and Director of Development Services, a position she has held since April 2022. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning from the University of California, San Diego, and a master’s degree in Public Policy from the University of California, Los Angeles. In her current role she oversees the Planning, Building, Housing and Code departments and works on permitting, entitlements and development throughout the City. Majna brings a deep understanding of community development, thoughtful planning, and public policy to her leadership, guiding initiatives that support smart growth and the long-term vision of the City of Rancho Mirage.

Special “Off the Record” Podcast Presentation

Partner of the SBEMP Estate, Trust & Probate and Special Needs & Elder Law Departments

Valerie A. Powers Smith, Partner at Slovak Baron Empey Murphy & Pinkney LLP, has 28+ years of expertise in trusts, estates, special needs, and elder law. She specializes in estate planning, litigation, special needs trusts, and advocacy. At the Confidence Summit, she aims to empower women with actionable insights on how strategic planning fosters confidence and smooth generational transitions.

Special “Off the Record” Podcast Presentation

Attorney, Partner, Chair of the SBEMP Family Law Department

Carolyn H. Martino, a seasoned family law attorney in Greater Palm Springs, has 24 years of experience guiding high-net-worth clients— including doctors, business owners, and celebrities—through complex divorce, custody, and financial matters. Known for her strategic yet compassionate approach, she simplifies legal and emotional challenges. At The Confidence Summit, Carolyn will share insights on navigating life’s transitions with clarity, empowering attendees to make informed decisions and build resilience.

General Session Speaker

Hartford Funds Applied Insights Team

Bill is a seasoned financial professional with extensive experience guiding advisors and clients through retirement and longevity planning. Since joining the organization in 2003, he has helped financial professionals optimize their practices with actionable strategies and client-focused solutions. A sought-after speaker and consultant, Bill is known for making complex financial concepts clear and practical. He holds the CIMA® designation, completed executive programs at Wharton and UVA’s Darden School, and is FINRA Series 7 and 63 registered. Widely quoted in publications like The Wall Street Journal and Barron’s, Bill lives in Austin, Texas.

Wellness Session Panelist

MS, RDN, Founder of Wholistic Ritual

Melanie Murphy Richter, MS, RDN, is the founder of Wholistic Ritual and a celebrated Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, named 2023’s “Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year” by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. As Director of Communications at L-Nutra, a leader in medical nutrition and longevity science, she drives both company growth and public education on evidence-based health practices. Melanie is passionate about making longevity and wellness accessible, empowering individuals to take control of their health. Through her work, she bridges nutrition, science, and well-being, fostering a culture of learning and informed decision-making in health and wellness.

Wellness Session Panelist

Founder of Mendit Wellness

Debbie Bennett is the founder of Mendit Wellness, dedicated to helping high performers and individuals in recovery heal beyond prescriptions. A Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Certified Addiction Registered Nurse, Debbie brings over 20 years of experience in psychiatry and addiction treatment. Frustrated by traditional care that often treats symptoms instead of root causes, she blends neuroscience, functional medicine, and compassionate guidance to create personalized recovery plans. Recognized for her expertise on A&E’s Intervention and KESQ News, Debbie has guided thousands—including Fortune 500 leaders and public figures—toward lasting, transformative healing.

Wellness Session Panelist

Leading physician - Naturopathic Endocrinology

Nicole Ziomek, ND, FABNE, is one of the few naturopathic endocrinologists in North America, bringing 15 years of expertise to women who are ready to feel confident, energized, and at home in their bodies. As founder of True You Medical, she leads a healing-centered practice specializing in hormone balancing, lifestyle transformation, and natural solutions for chronic concerns—empowering women who feel stuck to thrive once again.

Dr. Ziomek’s passion is guiding women through every life transition—by honoring the body’s wisdom and restoring true balance, so they can show up fully in their lives, relationships, and careers with clarity, strength, and self-trust.

Wellness Session Moderator

Founder/Publisher of Desert Health® and Co-founder of Good Vibes Sound Bath

Lauren Del Sarto, founder of Desert Health News® and Good Vibes Sound Bath, has a dynamic career spanning Wall Street, event production, marketing, and entrepreneurship. A James Madison University graduate, she has led major marketing initiatives, founded an ad agency, and managed equestrian construction projects. She serves on advisory boards for Coachella Valley Volunteers in Medicine and Women Leaders Forum and has received prestigious honors, including recognition from the Presidential Library.

Shining Sponsor

VP, Marketing & Business Services Acrisure Arena/Coachella Valley Firebirds/OVG

Gina Rotolo is an accomplished marketing executive with over 17 years of experience driving revenue and brand growth across the entertainment, sports, and live events industries. She has led major product launches, venue openings, and professional sports team initiatives, building high-performing teams and impactful marketing strategies along the way. Currently, she serves as Vice President of Marketing & Business Services for Acrisure Arena and the Coachella Valley Firebirds, overseeing marketing, operations, revenue development, and community impact initiatives. Known for her collaborative, people-first leadership style, Gina brings strategic vision, creativity, and operational excellence to every organization she supports.

Sponsor

Entrepreneur / Sommelier, Owner of Desert Wine Shop

Katie Finn quite literally drinks wine for a living. A Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers and a Certified Specialist of Wine, she has built her career around wine education and sharing her passion with others. After eight years in Napa working alongside renowned estates and winemakers, Katie returned to the desert with her husband and two children. She is the owner of Desert Wine Shop in La Quinta, a wine columnist for CV Independent, and a sought-after educator for restaurants, hotels, and private tastings. Named one of Palm Springs Life Magazine’s 40 Under 40, Katie loves connecting with her community and sharing her latest wine discoveries.