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Diane Ranger
CEO and Founder
Colorescience
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A 30-year veteran in the cosmetics industry, as a specialist in cosmetic chemistry research and development, Diane Ranger single-handedly created the mineral makeup concept. At the time of origination, it was a radical break from traditional makeup, because, for the first time, women learned about the benefits of healthy makeup, derived naturally from the Earth.
With a Master's degree from the University of Houston, Diane entered the cosmetics world with her first brainchild, Bare Escentuals, which she founded in 1976. As president, she spearheaded the growth of the specialty body care business. Stores expanded nationally and turned the retail spa industry on its ear. Unexpectedly, in 1990, Diane walked away from Bare Escentuals to concentrate on her passion for mineral makeup product development. She walked away after one too many rounds of venture capitalists.
"I was once told by a very respected woman in the cosmetics industry that I should sell my idea because I only had one chance in a million to make it," explains Diane. "I smiled and thanked her because 'one in a million is all I need!' After I walked away, the only thing I had left of value were my ideas and my ability to create unusual products. So I sold these ideas to others."
Diane then evolved her original loose mineral concept into Colorescience - an array of cutting-edge mineral and crystal-based formulas that are rated up to SPF 30. Unique and innovative packaging, fun product names and exclusive marketing are trademarks of the Colorescience line. Additionally, Colorescience is the most tested and most researched mineral makeup on the market.
Diane explains that she relied on three qualities in her journey through the different phases of her business experience: vision, drive and tenacity. "I learned early on that if I could think it, I could do it."
A native Texan, Diane currently lives in Dana Point, California with her husband Chet and dog Blossom. Colorescience is available at fine day spas, resorts, dermatologist and plastic surgeon offices and makeup artists' studios.
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Marilyn Nagel
Director of Global Inclusion and Diversity
Cisco
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Marilyn Nagel is Cisco's Director of Diversity and Inclusion and brings a business-centric approach to diversity and inclusion with a track record of proven results.
Ms. Nagel has over seven years experience within Cisco in roles that require large-scale change management, talent planning, and learning. She has a track record of defining a clear vision, establishing a winning strategy, and executing in a way that leads to success.
Ms. Nagel has worked in academia, corporate training, and communications for almost thirty years. She spent the first half of her career in public administration, providing communication support, organizational consultation and learning and development programs for the City of New York as well as Universities and agencies in the private non-profit sector. During this time Marilyn also served as an adjunct faculty member of NY Institute of Technology and Nova Southeastern University teaching both undergraduate and graduate courses in leadership development, organizational development and communications.
In 1990, Marilyn became Director of L & D for American Transtech a division of AT&T and in 1993 moved to American Express, where she led a global team as Director of Instructional Design for the Card division. During her tenure, Marilyn's organization developed multiple award winning training programs, transitioned learning from instructor led to computer based and implemented a leadership development program that was considered world class.
Marilyn holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Public Administration. She completed all coursework toward a Doctorate in Public Administration, and has an additional Master's degree in Social and Systemic Studies with a focus on organizational systems. Marilyn is listed both in "Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities" as well as "Who's Who - Women in Business." She is a frequent speaker on building a culture of inclusion. Marilyn is a member of the Board of Directors for Professional Business Women of California and Children and Family Services. Marilynand her husband live in Los Gatos and have two adult children.
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Darcy Ellen Davidsmeyer
Director, Government Affairs
Global Government Affairs, Motorola
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Darcy Davidsmeyer is Director, Government Affairs, for Motorola, a global leader in wireless and broadband communications technologies. Darcy is responsible for the North American business development team which is responsible for state and local business development and public policy, federal appropriations matters for public safety customers, and business development in Canada. Darcy works out of the corporate headquarters located in Schaumburg, Illinois, and has been with Motorola for over twenty years.
Some of the major legislative issues that Darcy has professionally worked to impact are: North America Free Trade Agreement; permanent status of the Normal Trade Relations for China; and, more recently, federal homeland security funding for local and state governments' interoperable communications.
Prior to joining Motorola, Darcy was assistant director of government affairs for the Illinois Association of Realtors in Springfield, Illinois. Early in her career, Darcy worked for the Illinois Senate General Assembly Staff as a budget and revenue legislative analyst and under the federal Law Enforcement Assistance Act, Illinois Region 14, as director of a regional grant office.
A native of Jacksonville, Illinois, Darcy received a bachelor's degree from Anderson College, Anderson, Indiana. Current professional affiliations include: Illinois Private Sector Co-chair for the American Legislature Exchange Council; a member of the Executive Committee of the Chicago Sister Cities International Program; a member of the board of Illinois Issues magazine; Chairman of the Schaumburg Business Development Commission.
Darcy and her husband, Ray Morin, reside in Kildeer, Illinois
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Lorie Kates
RVP, Midwest Region
Travelers Insurance
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Ms. Kates is the Regional Vice President for Travelers Personal Insurance Midwest region. She has held this position since July 2005. Prior to joining Travelers, Ms. Kates worked on the captive agency side of Nationwide Insurance where she led the Great Lakes sales team for six years. Before that, she spent ten years with Kemper Insurance in numerous field and home office roles spanning from North Carolina to Ohio and countrywide assignments. Ms. Kates holds a bachelor's degree from Wheaton College, earned her CPCU designation in 1995 and recently attended Tuck Executive Education Leadership and Strategic Impact Program.
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| Panel Speakers |
| Katherine Wright |
President, Roundtable Media. |
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