Recharge & Rise: A Self-Care Power Panel of Women Leaders

We’re wrapping up Self-Care September with a bang at Recharge & Rise: A Self-Care Power Panel of Women Leaders. This event brings together remarkable women who have mastered the art of self-care while leading in their fields, and they’re ready to share their wisdom with you.

Self-care is all about creating space for yourself and nurturing your mind, body, and soul—whether through mindfulness, physical activity, setting boundaries, or simply taking time to rest.

At Recharge & Rise, you’ll gain actionable practices that you can start using as soon as you leave the event to elevate your well-being and transform your life.

Are you ready to prioritize your wellness and take charge of your self-care journey? Join us for this powerful panel discussion and step into a more balanced, empowered you!

Why attend?

Inspiration: Hear from dynamic women leaders who will share their personal self-care journeys and strategies for maintaining balance and success.

Connection: Engage with like-minded professionals who are also focused on growth and wellness.

Actionable Insights: Walk away with practical tips and resources to help you recharge and rise in your own life.

Panelists

Brea Schmidt, Keynote Speaker, Writer, Social Media Professional, The Thinking Branch

Brea Schmidt (pronounced “Bree”) is a sought-after corporate speaker, Iris-Award nominated writer and social media professional who creates space for raw conversation about our approach to self-care and mental health while we navigate the various roles we play in our personal, parenting and professional lives. In 2016, following a sales career in professional sports and during the growth of her professional photography business, Brea launched The Thinking Branch social media platform. Her goal? To find and create connection on the raw, unfiltered things we endure in life and parenthood. Today, she’s become known for the vulnerable storytelling about life’s less-than-perfect moments that have created an online community of 175,000 followers and moved audiences across the country. Brea (she/her) and her husband raise their children (ages 12, 10 and 8) in Pittsburgh.

Jennifer “Jenny D” DiLucia, Podcast Creator & Media Producer, Spill With Me Jenny D

Jenny D brings a wealth of experience and passion to her speaking engagements. She’s been featured on KDKA’s Talk Pittsburgh with Heather Abraham and won over a sold-out audience as a guest speaker for the Women in Leadership Series. Her talk, “Eyes Are Wide Open,” has left a profound ripple effect, inspiring women of all ages to confide in her and share their personal struggles and triumphs. This talk has become a catalyst for women to openly discuss the challenges they’ve overcome to become who they are today, emphasizing that self-care is a lifelong journey. Whether they’re just beginning to navigate life’s hurdles or reflecting on years of growth, Jenny D creates a space where every woman, at any stage, can share their story and find strength in their experiences. Her podcast, “Spill With Me,” celebrated its 100th episode in February 2024, and has achieved a remarkable social media reach of over 15,000 followers, with over 20,000 downloads since its launch in January 2022. Her dedication to community service is evident through her role on the Advisory Board for Face2Face Healing and her volunteer work with organizations like 412 Foster Project, Asservo Project, City Mission, Watchful Shepherd, Washington Health System, All For Her, Glimmer of Hope, and Dress for Success.

Liz Mims, Director of Community Engagement, Dress for Success

Liz unofficially began her journey into non-profit work growing up in the South Bronx as a child; she always wanted to make sure people she met felt loved and liked and seen. In 2002 upon graduating IUP, she moved to the Hill and officially began her work in the community as a youth program director, eventually transitioning into mental health direct support before connecting with Dress for Success Pittsburgh. As Director of Community Engagement with Dress for Success Pittsburgh, Liz is active in all five service counties fostering connections, new relationships, community and corporate engagement as well as speaking with various groups of women and girls on topics like confidence, self-love and professional presence. Before serving as Director of Community Engagement, Liz oversaw boutique and mobile client services delivery and development for the organization as our Director of Client Services and prior to that she managed three of four Dress for Success Pittsburgh branches as Branch Manager. Liz was instrumental in creating and further developing our Mobile Services model and during the global pandemic, Liz led a team of interns in the creation of the organization’s virtual Connection Resource Center. Twenty-two years in this work has been the most essential teacher in prioritizing Self Love and Self Care. For Liz, there is never work/ Life balance because Life must always outweigh work. Liz prioritizes her mental health, works with her long- time therapist, maintains an active and fun social life with friends, performs on stage and – most importantly – rests when she knows it is needed.

Tayler Clemm, Ancestral Wellness Teaching Artist, DAWA

Tayler is a wellness enthusiast and the visionary behind DAWA, a joyful lifestyle brand that provides ancestral wellness education and services. As a student of nature and a mother of three children born at home, Tayler’s life is deeply rooted in ancestral wisdom. She has studied under multiple herbalists, urban farmers, and birth workers, accumulating a wealth of knowledge throughout her 10 + years working in the community. Through a holistic self-care approach, Tayler has trained over 90 Food Wellness Leaders across the Pittsburgh region with the dynamic DAWA Maternal Nutrition Training, which emphasizes the many pillars of wellness, including physical, nutritional, and emotional well-being. Her approach to ancestral wellness has been shared with organizations such as Healthy Start Pittsburgh, Brown Mamas, the Allegheny Health Department, Magee Hospital, and more. Tayler’s work centers around inspiring habits for families to thrive, with a micro focus on joyful birth, nutrition, and nature. She is on a mission to reignite the DAWA MAMA (medicine mama) in every woman across the nation. Outside of her professional endeavors, Tayler is a world-schooling mom who enjoys any activity under the sun, including gardening and exploring local parks with her family.

Moderator

Kelli A. Komondor, CEO & Visibility Strategist, K2 Creative Strategies

Kelli is a visibility strategist, consultant, speaker, and author with a passion in helping women-owned businesses and female entrepreneurs, coaches, and speakers amplify their voices and build powerful brands. Through her agency, K2 Creative Strategies, she drives success by offering comprehensive services in Visibility, Influence, and Brand Elevation (VIBE). Her clients have gained significant visibility by speaking in front of thousands and by being featured on platforms like Dr. Phil, ABC’s Jet 24, Ya Jagoff! Media, and Talk Pittsburgh. As a founding and board member of the Brave Women Project (BWP), Kelli empowers women to embrace bravery in their everyday lives. Her commitment to women’s success has earned her recognition, including a 2023 Cribs for Kids Women of Achievement Award. She continues to give back by mentoring with PA Women Work Three Cups of Coffee program and was a 2023 mentor at the Pittsburgh Business Times’ Mentoring Monday. Kelli’s commitment is helping women in business rise, and she uses her strategic expertise to ensure that their stories are seen, heard, and celebrated.