Join Rhonda for an in-depth session focused on the importance of maintaining strength, flexibility, and balance as we age. Throughout the presentation, she will share valuable insights and practical fitness strategies designed to help you stay active, resilient, and healthy during the aging process. Rhonda will guide you through simple yet effective daily exercises that can improve your overall physical health, prevent common age-related issues, and promote a more active lifestyle. Learn how to build strength, improve flexibility, and enhance your balance, allowing you to age gracefully and with greater confidence. This session will empower you to take control of your health and well-being, no matter your age.

RhoFit Personal Training
686 E Bullard St 102
Fresno, Ca. 93710
559-431-3600

Motherhood is beautiful—and brutally hard. Especially when big feelings, boundary battles, and screen time overload collide.

Therapist and fellow mom Annie Domingos returns to the Central California Women’s Conference with fresh insight and a layered approach to one of the biggest challenges we face: raising emotionally resilient kids while staying steady ourselves.

You’ll learn her CBR framework—Connection, Boundaries, and Repair—and her practical CALM method to help moms shift out of overwhelm and into grounded, confident parenting.

We’ll also look at the latest research on screen time and mental health, and explore why one of the greatest gifts we can give our kids is the chance to struggle a little—so they can grow a lot.

Come ready to feel seen, supported, and equipped—with real tools, science-backed insight, and just the right dose of humor and hope.
Motherhood

Yvonne R. Sanchez, C(k)P®, CFP®, CPFA®, CRPC™, CRPS™, has a Bachelor's
degree in business management from Fresno Pacific University and is a Certified
Financial Planner™, a designation awarded by the Certified Financial Planner
Board of Standards, Inc.

Explore key factors to think about when transitioning into retirement and generating the income you need to support your lifestyle. Identify reasons why you need to take time to establish detailed income goals and set life priorities that can be aligned with appropriate income sources.

The Confidence Closet: How Personal Style Empowers Every Season of Womanhood
with Brooke Merlo Valenzuela, Founder of The Wardrobe Department

Your closet should be a source of confidence, not stress. In this empowering session, personal stylist and founder of The Wardrobe Department, Brooke Merlo Valenzuela, shares how personal style can become a powerful tool for self-confidence—no matter your age, size, or stage of life.

Brooke will guide attendees through the art of honing in on a signature style, embracing color in a way that complements and elevates, and creating a wardrobe that feels both effortless and empowering. Whether you’re a busy mom, career woman, or navigating a new chapter, she’ll offer practical tips to simplify getting dressed while feeling your absolute best.

With a heart for helping women feel seen, celebrated, and stylish, Brooke’s approach is rooted in authenticity—not trends. Expect real talk, tangible takeaways, and plenty of encouragement to dress in a way that reflects who you are and how you want to feel.

If you’ve ever stood in front of your closet feeling overwhelmed or uninspired, this is the session for you.

65 million US households own pet dogs. They are family! Yet many pet guardians struggle with common behaviors such as barking at visitors, and things during walks. Many dogs won't come when called and many can be aggressive toward strangers and other dogs. Emily Scott is the Central Valley's top Certified Dog Behavior Consultant with 35 years of professional dog training expertise. This presentation will discuss the ethology of dogs and why dogs do things that pet guardians don't like. She will provide simple yet effective strategies to help you and your pet dog thrive in your home and in the human world!

Join the Sissy Elves for all things Christmas! We’ll be sharing all our secrets for a well decorated tree. From ribbon to ornaments, and setting up all the Christmas Magic!

Sophie and Nina are the Central Valley’s OG sisters taking Fresno and Clovis by storm. Not only in their every day lives, but especially at Christmas time! Their knack for decorating and styling comes from their mom, Stella, as they watched her bring Christmas to life in their own home growing up! Their memories of holidays have inspired them to help others enjoy the magic of Christmas! Both sisters are alumni from Clovis West and FSU! If you are from Fresno you know those Crazy Greek Dictos Girls-yes their dad is our very own County Assessor!

Join us for an empowering session designed especially for women who juggle multiple caregiving roles—from raising children to caring for aging parents. In "Embracing Grace," we explore practical strategies and inspiring insights on how to nurture self-compassion, balance dual roles, and give ourselves the kindness we so readily extend to others.

During this interactive session, you'll learn:

Mindfulness Techniques: Simple practices to stay centered and reduce stress amid the demands of caregiving.

Real-Life Stories: Hear relatable experiences from fellow caregivers that highlight the transformative power of self-compassion.

Practical Strategies: Discover actionable tips for managing expectations and embracing imperfection while balancing family, work, and personal well-being.

Building Community: Connect with like-minded women, share your journey, and build a supportive network that fosters resilience and self-acceptance.

Step into a space where you can pause, reflect, and learn how prioritizing your well-being not only benefits you but also enriches the care you provide. Embrace the grace you deserve—join us and start your journey toward compassionate caregiving today!

Ready to cut through the beauty noise and get real about your skin? Join Dr. Rohini Shantharam—Fresno’s trusted, board-certified dermatologist with a passion for helping women feel confident and radiant at every age—for a refreshing, no-nonsense guide to navigating today’s ever-changing skincare world.

In this informative session, Dr. Shantharam will demystify the most talked-about cosmetic treatments, from Botox to lasers, and share exactly what you need to know to make smart, confident decisions for your skin. Thinking about laser treatments? Wondering when to start (or pause) anti-aging procedures? Curious how to maintain healthy, glowing skin for the long haul—without chasing every trend you see online?

Dr. Shantharam’s evidence-based, personalized approach is all about enhancing your natural beauty—not masking it. She’ll help you understand what your unique skin needs (and what it doesn’t) while offering practical takeaways you can start using right away.

Whether you’re a skincare minimalist who loves simplicity or a beauty enthusiast eager to explore the latest trends, this session gives you the perfect opportunity to ask questions, gain deeper clarity, and walk away with a personalized roadmap for achieving radiant, age-defying skin, designed to fit your unique needs and lifestyle.

Key Topics Covered:
Understanding the Basics of Social Security:
•Learn how Social Security works and the different types of benefits available.
•Get acquainted with the fundamental principles and the importance of Social Security in retirement planning.

Filing Ages:•Discover the impact of filing ages on your benefits.
•Compare the benefits of claiming at age 62, full retirement age, and age 70.
•Analyze strategies to maximize your Social Security income based on your individual circumstances.

Common Misunderstandings About Benefits Among Women:
•Address the unique challenges and common misconceptions women face regarding Social Security.
•Understand how career breaks, part-time work, and longevity can affect benefits.
•Learn strategies to maximize benefits, especially for women who have spent years out of the workforce or earning lower wages.

Spousal Benefits:
•Gain insights into how spousal benefits work and how to qualify for them.
•Learn how to optimize benefits for couples to ensure the highest possible lifetime income.

Ex-Spousal Benefits:
•Explore the rules and eligibility criteria for claiming benefits based on an ex-spouse’s work record.
•Understand the implications of remarriage on ex-spousal benefits.

Widow Benefits:
•Learn about survivor benefits and how they can provide financial security after the loss of a spouse.
•Understand the rules for claiming widow or widower

Join Dr. Tina Sogocio, an experienced OB/GYN and menopause specialist, for an insightful and empowering discussion on the physical, emotional, and hormonal changes women experience during perimenopause and menopause. In this session, Dr. Sogocio will break down the myths and misconceptions surrounding these natural life transitions and provide clear, practical guidance on how to manage symptoms and maintain overall wellness.

Topics will include:
- Understanding the stages of perimenopause and menopause
- Common symptoms and effective management strategies
- The role of lifestyle, nutrition, and mental health in midlife wellness
- Navigating hormone therapy and other medical options
- Tips for embracing this transition with confidence and strength

Whether you’re just beginning to experience changes or are well into your journey, this session offers valuable insights and actionable advice to help you thrive. Dr. Sogocio’s approachable and compassionate style creates a welcoming space for all women to feel informed, empowered, and supported.

Don't miss this opportunity to take charge of your midlife health and embrace this stage of life with vitality and resilience!

What began as a way to navigate grief has blossomed into a deeply meaningful career for Vicki DeFrancesco, founder of DeFrancesco’s Kitchen. After the sudden loss of her husband, Mario, in 2020, Vicki found healing in the kitchen, using her love for cooking to reconnect with family traditions and find purpose in a new chapter of life.

What started as a small boutique cooking school in Firebaugh quickly outgrew its walls. Today, Vicki travels across the Central Valley — and even beyond — bringing her culinary experiences into private homes, creating intimate and memorable events for everyone from corporate groups to bridal showers.

In her breakout session, Vicki will share how food became both her refuge and her platform — a way to honor legacy, find joy again, and help others do the same. From homemade pasta and family recipes to kitchen confidence and culinary tools, she’ll offer insight into how cooking can become a source of connection, creativity, and healing.

Her story is a reminder that even in seasons of loss, new purpose can be found — and it may just start with a handful of flour and a kitchen full of heart.

Join Dr. Freeman, a Gynecologic Oncologist with Community Health Partners, for a powerful and empowering session at this year’s Women’s Conference: “Below the Belt: What Every Woman Should Know (But Rarely Talks About).

”From Pap smears and HPV to what happens if results come back abnormal—and how robotic-assisted tools like the Da Vinci system make treatment easier than ever—this session breaks down everything you should know about cervical cancer prevention and care

Alexandra “Jana” Freeman, M.D., is board-certified in gynecology oncology.

Dr. Freeman attended Yale University, graduating with academic distinction to earn her Bachelor of Arts in the History of Science and History of Medicine. During her undergraduate degree, Dr. Freeman also served as the captain of the Yale University volleyball team, helping to lead her team to the first Ivy League Championship since 1978 and the first NCAA tournament victory in Ivy League volleyball history.

After earning her bachelor’s degree, Dr. Freeman attended a post-baccalaureate pre-medical school program at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. To obtain her Doctor of Medicine, Dr. Freeman attended the George Washington University School of Medicine, where she was elected to be the class of 2013’s graduation speaker. Dr. Freeman then completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Kaiser Permanente San Francisco. With a passion for caring for women with gynecologic cancer, Dr. Freeman pursued sub specialization training in Gynecologic Oncology with a fellowship program at the University of California, San Francisco. Here she was trained in complex surgeries, including minimally invasive and robotic surgery, tumor debulking procedures, as well as chemotherapy and immunotherapy for gynecologic cancer.

Dr. Freeman is incredibly active in the academic community. She has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed articles, co-authored a book chapter, and been a peer reviewer of three different scientific publications. In addition to her academic endeavors, Dr. Freeman has conducted multiple research studies. Her research interests include access to cancer screening, hereditary cancer syndromes, and improving surgical outcomes for patients.

If you were to ask Dr. Freeman why she became a gynecologic oncologist, she would say she is grateful for the honor to care for women of all ages to help them navigate new cancer diagnoses, surgery, and cancer survivorship. When Dr. Freeman isn’t in the office providing the highest-quality care for patients, you can find her hiking and backpacking to alpine lakes, playing classical piano, and spending quality time with her husband.

Dr. Freeman is fluent in Spanish.

This talk will explore how a new class of medications, known as GLP-1 agonists, is helping people achieve weight loss and manage type 2 diabetes. These treatments are changing the way healthcare providers approach obesity and diabetes care.

Varsha Babu, MD, is an Inspire Health endocrinologist, associate professor for UCSF and Director for the Division of Endocrinology at UCSF Fresno. Dr. Babu is board certified in endocrinology and internal medicine and Medical Director of Inspire Health Endocrinology.

She completed an internal medicine residency through Yale University at Bridgeport Hospital and subsequently finished her fellowship in endocrinology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center through UCLA.

Dr. Babu’s area of expertise is endocrinology, with a special interest in thyroid cancer, pituitary, and adrenal disorders, PCOS and women’s health, and insulin pump management.

She is currently faculty at the UCSF School of Medicine and teaching trainees through UCSF Fresno. Dr. Babu was previously a clinical assistant professor of medicine at the University of North Dakota, and faculty at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, North Dakota.

Dr. Babu has earned many awards including the Perter Bartelloni Award and ER ‘Best Resident’ award at Bridgeport Hospital, and the first prize in poster competitions at 23rd Annual Science Symposium in Bridgeport Connecticut.

Her hobbies include music and Indian classical dance. She is fluent in English and Malayalam.

Let's talk about how to manage your email (instead of it managing you!) We'll go over some different ways of thinking about our inboxes as we create a system that helps you put your email in its proper place. And we'll toss in some compassion and flexibility en route to a beautiful plan.

Discover the powerful strategies to plant financial seeds today that will grow into lasting wealth for generations. In this transformative session, you'll learn practical, actionable methods to build assets that continue producing value long after you've planted them.

Whether you're starting with limited resources or looking to maximize existing assets, you'll gain valuable insights on:
* Creating multiple streams of income that continue to flow for your children and grandchildren
* Smart investment vehicles and wealth-building accounts
* Modeling financial wellness to ensure your legacy continues to grow
* Breaking the cycle of financial limitation and creating new money stories
* Practical steps to start building your family's financial dynasty today

Leave with a roadmap to transform your family's financial future and create a legacy that spans generations. This isn't just about growing money—it's about growing opportunity, security, and possibility for those who matter most to you.

Whether you’re an emerging or experienced leader, this session will empower you to silence self-doubt and own your leadership journey.

Imposter syndrome can undermine even the most capable leaders, leading to self-doubt, hesitation, and fear of being "found out." In this interactive workshop, we will explore the root causes of imposter syndrome in leadership, identify strategies to reframe limiting beliefs, and develop practical tools to lead with confidence. Through guided reflection, and actionable techniques, participants will gain the self-awareness and resilience needed to step into their leadership roles with authenticity and assurance.

LaTisha Harris-Akines, is a dedicated advocate for social justice, leadership development, and community empowerment. She embraced service early on, earning a Bachelor's in Social Work from California State University, Fresno, and a Master’s in Strategic and Organizational Leadership from Fresno Pacific University.

Her career spans nonprofit leadership, labor organizing, and environmental justice. She has fought for fair wages, led pollution reduction efforts in vulnerable communities, and supported grassroots movements. Recognizing structural barriers faced by minority-owned businesses, she founded Divinely Created Administrative Consulting to provide technical support to small businesses, nonprofits, and churches.