Mark Valli, CEO of Norwescap, will be among the speakers at an international virtual conference scheduled for March 24.

Looking to make a change in your life, take steps toward your goals, change direction in your career, launch a business, start a nonprofit, improve work-life balance, or reinvent yourself? Get inspired to move forward on your journey with notable changemakers around the world at an online forum, “Challenge Yourself…Disrupt the Status Quo.”

Presented by Today is the Day LLC, the international forum will take place Thursday, March 24, 10:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. via the Zoom platform. The inaugural program will feature more than 30 professionals from all corners of the globe, who will share compelling stories about changing their mindset to overcome challenges and achieve ambitious personal and professional goals.

Among the speakers will be Mark Valli of Norwescap, based in Phillipsburg, but with programs throughout Hunterdon, Warren, Morris and Sussex Counties. 

“Very excited to be part of this event,” said Valli. “Many people are at the crossroads of their life and looking for a change. This forum gives them a chance to hear from others who’ve been in the same position at some time of their lives and have pivoted in different directions.”   

The keynote speaker will be Henry F. De Sio, Jr., known as the global ambassador for changemakers and author of CHANGEMAKER PLAYBOOK: The New Physics of Leadership in a World of Explosive Change. A leadership advisor and campaign and organizational strategist, he has served as an executive for startups as well as large, complex organizations. In 2008, he served as chief operating officer of Barack Obama’s presidential campaign and as deputy assistant to the president in the Obama White House.

Additional speakers will include a diverse group of TEDx speakers, CNN Heroes, CEOs, founders, authors, entrepreneurs, creators, and motivators who have all been guests on the Today is the Day Changemakers podcast, founded and hosted by New Jersey entrepreneur Jodi Hope Grinwald. She is CEO and co-founder of the Zzak G. Applaud Our Kids Foundation, which provides financial support to help children in need explore the arts.

“If you’re dreaming about making changes to positively impact your life and the lives of others but aren’t sure how to get started or need guidance from someone who’s walked the path, this is a chance to change your mindset, get inspired, and discover ways to achieve your goals from a dynamic group of changemakers,” Grinwald said.

Forum participants will also have the opportunity to interact with panelists and other attendees in two breakout sessions designed to inspire and inform.

Topics include:

· Create Change – Disrupt the Status Quo

· If Not You, Then Who? If Not Now, Then When?

· How Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Challenges You as a Changemaker & Disrupts the Status Quo

· Building Your Story & Creating Your Own Personal Brand

· How to Create Authentically Meaningful Relationships & Connections That Matter

· The Balance Between Making a Living & Making a Life

Tanuja Dehne, CEO of the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, will open the forum with a global mission moment and Grinwald will share welcome remarks. An international networking session will be led by Fred Wasiak, CEO, the Food Bank of South Jersey. The Catalyst for Change Award will be presented to Dennis Budinich, chief culture officer, Investors Bank, based in Short Hills, NJ.

A portion of forum proceeds will support the Zzak G. Applaud Our Kids Foundation and fund two grants that will be awarded to two nonprofits at the 2023 Changemakers Forum.

Tickets for the Changemakers Forum are $50 if purchased before Feb. 24 ($65 after) and sponsorships at various levels are available to individuals and businesses. Go to https://bit.ly/todaychangemaker to purchase tickets and sponsorships, view the list of participating changemakers, and learn more.