Thursday, July 23, 2026 • 9:00AM-3:30PM • The Piermont, Babylon

2026 Event Speakers

Meet Our Groundbreaker Speaker

Melissa Dohme Hill

Speaker, Advocate, Sur-Thrivor

Melissa Dohme Hill’s life story is nothing short of miraculous. In January 2012, she
survived a brutal and nearly fatal attack by her high school ex-boyfriend stemming from
domestic violence. She endured catastrophic injuries, lost nearly all her blood, flat-lined four
times and suffered a stroke in the emergency room. Against all odds, Melissa made an
extraordinary recovery.

Transformed by her experience, Melissa found a renewed purpose: not only to advocate for
victims and survivors of domestic violence, but to speak openly about healing, resilience and
life after trauma. Today, she serves as the Executive Director of Julie Weintraub’s Hands Across
the Bay, a nonprofit serving families in crisis across the Tampa Bay area. In this role, she is
devoted to creating space for restoration and hope.

Her powerful journey has inspired thousands across the world. Melissa has spoken at national
and international conferences, schools and leadership gatherings, and her story has been
featured in major media outlets including People Magazine, 48 HOURS: Live to Tell, 20/20: In An
Instant and Investigation Discovery.

In a beautiful twist of fate, Melissa fell in love with Cameron Hill, a Firefighter/EMT who was
one of the first responders involved in saving her life. They married in 2017.

Today, the Hills live in San Antonio, Florida on The Remedy Farm, where they raise alpacas,
chickens and hope. Melissa’s journey is a powerful reminder that even in our darkest moments,
healing is possible. When we choose courage, we can rebuild lives filled with purpose and joy.
Her story is not about what nearly ended her life, but about what she chose to build with it.

Meet Our Pinnacle Speaker

Caleb Campbell

America’s Athlete, West Point Graduate, Former Army Officer & NFL Linebacker

Once known as “America’s Athlete,” Caleb Campbell is a West Point graduate, former Army officer, and NFL linebacker. Selected in the NFL draft under a groundbreaking Department of Defense policy allowing him to serve and play simultaneously, his dream was abruptly halted when the policy was rescinded hours before signing his first contract. This life-altering moment launched Caleb into an internal battle that ultimately became a catalyst for his greatest transformation.

Today, as an inspirational speaker on burnout, mental health, and leadership, Caleb connects with audiences facing relentless demands in a world that refuses to slow down. Through his powerful story and actionable framework, he helps others unlock the courage needed to turn life’s pressure into a pathway for something greater- individually and collectively.

When not speaking, Caleb lives in Nashville, TN, with his wife, Kara, and their two children, Sophie and Rune. He’s still campaigning for a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy.

2026 Chatter Talks

Facilitator of Chatter Talks

Michele Rebetti

President
Crestcom KEY Alliance

Michele Rebetti, M.A., is the President of Crestcom KEY Alliance with over 25 years of experience in the learning and development field. She holds a Master’s degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology from Hofstra University and specializes in creating effective management and employee development programs. Michele’s expertise includes Leadership Presence, Customer Service, Emotional Intelligence, Strategic Thinking, and Time Management. For the past decade, she has successfully owned her own company, working with Long Island businesses to improve productivity and profitability through leadership development. Additionally, Michele is an Adjunct Professor at Farmingdale State College and a professional speaker.

Beth Ryan-Murphy

Resilience Advocate
Former Sr. Deputy Suffolk County Department of Labor

Beth Murphy is a resilience advocate, former Senior Deputy Commissioner of the Suffolk County Department of Labor, and a 9/11 widow whose life reflects the power of perseverance in the face of unimaginable loss.

On September 11, 2001, Beth lost her husband, Kevin James Murphy, who worked on the 100th floor of the North Tower of the World Trade Center. At the time, she was battling melanoma after the removal of 26 lymph nodes, raising two young children, and working as a guidance counselor in the Northport School District. Faced with profound grief and illness, Beth chose not only to survive, but to serve.

Guided by a Master’s degree in Counseling and a belief that hope is a form of medicine, Beth devoted her career to helping others through crisis. She led suicide prevention and employment initiatives supporting veterans, service members, and their families, earning a reputation for meeting people at their lowest and helping them find a reason to keep going.

In 2021, days before the 20th anniversary of 9/11, Beth suffered a massive stroke and was told she would never walk or move her hand again. Through determination, innovation, and belief, she defied every prognosis and continues her recovery today.

Having survived multiple cancers and a catastrophic stroke, Beth speaks from lived experience. Her message is simple and profound: hope is a muscle, and it can be strengthened.

Darlene Williams

Bestselling Author
President of the Black Authors Festival

Darlene Williams is an award-winning entrepreneur, bestselling author, educator, and nationally respected literacy and cultural advocate whose work bridges education, wellness, civic leadership, and free expression. She is the Founder and President of the Black Authors Festival (BAF), a nationally recognized cultural institution ranked by USA Today as one of the Top 9 Best New Festivals in the Nation. Under her leadership, BAF has become a premier platform honoring Black authors, scholars, journalists, and thought leaders while advancing literacy, intellectual freedom, and anti-censorship advocacy.

Darlene is a five-time author and founder of The Higher Level Method™, a personal and professional development firm focused on leadership, purpose-driven entrepreneurship, and legacy building. A certified personal and professional development coach, she creates books, curricula, and programs that empower individuals and organizations to lead with clarity and impact.

Her commitment to holistic empowerment extends into wellness as the founder of Mama Lean’s Herbal Remedies, where she educates and supports clients through natural, plant-based healing practices.

A lifelong community servant, Darlene has led initiatives in historic preservation, juvenile justice reform, literacy equity, and public health. She holds a Master of Professional Studies from Stony Brook University, is a Harvard-certified rhetorician, and is actively engaged in policy efforts to protect First Amendment rights nationwide.

In 2026, Darlene expands the Black Authors Festival to Atlanta, further cementing its national reach and mission to defend the right to write.

Ben Cooper

Business Development Executive, Citrin Cooperman
President of the Long Island Elite

Benjamin Z. Cooper is a seasoned business development and relationship-driven sales professional with more than 20 years of experience across financial services, consulting, and event strategy. Known for his ability to build meaningful connections and drive results, Ben has spent much of his career leading sales initiatives, advising organizations on event participation strategy, and maximizing return on relationship-based marketing.

Ben currently serves as Director of Business Development at Citrin Cooperman, a full-service CPA, accounting, and advisory firm. In this role, he focuses on opening doors, cultivating relationships, and uncovering opportunities for middle-market companies and high-net-worth family offices. Previously, Ben spent over 18 years in commercial banking as a Business Development Officer and Relationship Manager, where he consistently drove revenue growth through strategic networking and client engagement.

A strong believer in the power of “social networking equity,” Ben is also passionate about mentoring emerging professionals and leading by example. Deeply involved in his community, he serves as President of Long Island Elite, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to fundraising for local charities, and actively supports multiple nonprofit initiatives across Long Island.

Ben holds a BBA in Business Management from Hofstra University and lives in Northport, NY with his wife and three children.

Jesse Cruz

CEO, Merge Worldwide
Bestselling Author

Jesse Cruz is a bestselling author, award-winning international speaker, and public speaking coach for leaders and the founder and CEO of Merge Worldwide. A military veteran and Nazareth College graduate, Jesse works at the intersection of leadership, communication, and impact helping the world’s most driven people tell stories that move others to act. His clients and partners include the Ronald McDonald House, Boeing, and Youth Advocate Programs. He brings to every stage what philanthropists in this room know well: that generosity without a compelling story rarely reaches its full potential. Jesse is here to change that.

2026 Event MC

Mike Mannix

Co-Author of Best Seller “The 5Ls–The Gift of a Balanced Life”

Mike is fulfilling his lifelong desire to change people’s lives for the better by giving them real tools to deal with stress, anxiety and burnout to find true work-life balance. He brings a passion and energy to his keynote speaking engagements, seminars, and trainings that is unique and impactful. This distinction, supported by a deep expertise in leadership, has made him a sought-after headliner for events on a national and global basis only equaled by the demand for his hands-on, in-person instruction. Mike is the co-founder of Unparalleled Performance, their trademarked wellness program and the co-author of the Bestselling book, “The 5Ls–The Gift of a Balanced Life”, which reached #1 on multiple lists in the first week of its release.

2026 Conference Director

Donna Drake

CEO & On-Air Host

Donna Drake Shor & Drake Media Studios

Donna Drake is an international award-winning creative artist, writer, producer, actor, influencer, production company and studio owner. She is the creator and host of The Donna Drake Show a weekly, 60-minute TV and digital talk series. Drake also is the co-creator and EP of Toys of Our Lives. Shows air across the US and in 25 countries, on CBS, BingeNetworks, with the audio version on top tier podcast platforms. The Donna Drake Show, produced by Drake Media Network, Inc (DMN Inc.) is a two-time Telly Award winner, with her focus on hope, motivation and resilience through empowering conversations.