Rockland Business Women's Network Hosts Women of Achievement Breakfast

From GMG Public Relations:

The Rockland Business Women’s Network (RBWN) will host its second Annual Women of Achievement Breakfast on Wednesday, June 15th at 8:00am at the Crowne Plaza in Suffern. At this year’s breakfast, the RBWN will present the Women of Achievement Award to Ann Mendelsohn Byne, Founder and Principal, The Byne Group and Diane Coupe Frankel, Founder and Artist Director, Coupe Theatre Studio and Rockland Youth Dance Ensemble.

“We are thrilled to be able to honor these two Rockland women who exemplify dedication, innovation and entrepreneurship. Their stories serve as an inspiration to entrepreneurs everywhere,” stated RBWN President Cynthia Branca. The event this year is sponsored by Orange & Rockland and the Crowne Plaza. Sponsorship opportunities including congratulatory ads are available through the RBWN website atwww.rbwn.org. Tickets for the event are $45 and can be purchased at www.rbwn.org.

Ann Mendelsohn Byne is Founder and Principal of The Byne Group, a firm she began over eighteen years ago. She is regularly invited to lecture and provide her expertise on social media, branding and strategic marketing to numerous public and private organizations. She is deeply involved with the County and has sat on many boards including United Hospice of Rockland, The Art in Public Places Committee and Leadership Rockland. Currently she is on the RCC Art Department Advisory Committee and on the Workforce Investment Board. She was selected by The Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) as one of 90 women owned businesses from across the US to attend The Tuck Program from Dartmouth University for Women Executives. In 2007 she was chosen as the Rockland Business Association’s Woman’s Pinnacle Award Winner of Excellence.

Born in Lancashire, England, the daughter of a dance teacher and a musician, Diane Frankel moved to Rockland County in 1969 with her husband to raise a family. One year later she opened her dance studio and continues to operate the Coupé Theatre Studio in Nanuet, New York with a staff of 32 teachers and office staff. She has trained thousands of young dancers from around the tri-state area, many who can be found performing in ballet companies, Broadway shows and regional theatre. She has received multiple honors over the past 46 years including New York State Summer School of the Arts in Saratoga Springs award which selects educators for their extraordinary contribution to education in the arts and for raising the standard for dance training at the State level.

This year’s Keynote Speaker is Vanessa Reggiardo, Principal, The MLN Group and former Group Vice President of Global Marketing at Avon Products. The subject of her presentation will be “Relevancy – The Catalyst for Innovation.” Vanessa is President, The MLN Group – a full service branding, innovation and marketing consultancy. The MLN Group works with clients across industry verticals, distribution channels, business environments and brand life cycles -­ from start up to billion dollar brands. A 26 year expert in the global beauty space, Vanessa leverages her deep functional marketing experience and general management acumen to help scale business opportunities and deliver value creation, innovation and improved financial performance for her client partners. Vanessa, a resident of Nyack, is a graduate of the NYU Stern School of Business and holds a BS in Finance / International Business and an MBA in Marketing / International Business. Vanessa is a member of the Board of Directors with CAbi, LLC and willagirl, LLC.

Two Rockland County High School students selected by the RBWN Scholarship committee will also be recognized and receive $1,000 scholarships from RBWN. Sponsorship opportunities including congratulatory ads are available through the RBWN website at www.rbwn.org. Tickets for the event are $45 ($60 at the door) and can be purchased at www.rbwn.org.

The Rockland Business Women’s Network (RBWN), established in 1979, supports and empowers women by providing networking and educational opportunities. This non-profit organization focuses on leadership and professional development, building personal and professional relationships and community support through scholarships and training. RBWN is dedicated to women helping women–and men are always welcome at the meetings. The RBWN Scholarship Fund, established in 1997, has donated over $33,000 to support local students with college scholarships and training and professional development opportunities for members. The organization also provides scholarships to eligible members who have been accepted into the Leadership Rockland program.