Panel Session II:  The Influencers: Women in Business & Politics

Semiratou Ayemou, CEO of Blessings Foods, a New York based corporation

Born and raised in Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa, Semiratou studied in Morocco and got her Bachelors in Electronics and telecommunications. She went on to get her Masters' degree in Computer Engineering. Along with that, she’s fluent in English, French, and West African languages: Yoruba, Mandingo, and has knowledge in German. She is the CEO of a New York-based corporation, "Blessings Foods" since its creation in 2008. The company specializes in the import and distribution of African foods and accessories. She’s a mother of three, and an evangelist who ministers the word of God especially in Africa, and works with orphanages and non-profit organizations.

Catherine P. Croft, Democratic Election Commissioner, Putnam County Board of Elections & Advocate

Since 2014, Cathy has served as the Democratic Commissioner of the Putnam County Board of Elections, the first female to serve in this role. The Board is a bipartisan office responsible for the electoral process and enforcement of the many rules associated with it. She is an active community member serving on the Town of Southeast Historic Sites Com- mission, a member of Concerned Residents of Southeast, and is a Master Gardener through Putnam County Cornell Cooperative’s Extension. She is also a board member of the Chuckie Goodnight Foundation for the Environment, a non-profit that teaches children to care about and value the environment. Earlier in her career, Cathy owned and operated an upscale flower store and later co-owned and operated a remodeling business. For more information, visit putnamboe.com

Gineann Creany, Owner and Sylist, Lashes by Gineann

Gineann is the owner of "Lashes by Gineann", which is a training and e-commerce brand for the lash industry, running the organization along with her mother! When Gineann turned 13, she discovered a love for the beauty industry. Eventually, she found her own way while attending the Putnam-Northern Westchester BOCES cosmetology program. Afterwards, she found there were no real pioneers in the industry due to how new it was. Through trial and error, she made the boutique service her own with the little resources she had. Gineann began working at a salon in Manhattan where her varied clientele (including socialites and celebrities) rapidly grew! Her goals moving forward are to help young girls and boys who see themselves in her past and present struggles, to feel that they are seen and help them develop confidence in who they are because this is what will pave the path to their future. For more information visit bodybeautifulofnewyork.com

MaryAnne Gallipani, Small Business Owner, Online Hair Design & More!

MaryAnne is a wife, mother of three and grandmother of six! She and her husband Frank live in Brewster with their eleven-month-old Bernedoodle, Wally. Brewster has been their home for over 30 years, and it is where they chose to raise their family. She is a graduate of the High School of Art & Design and Brooklyn College, and has her Cosmetology license and other licenses for passionate hobbies. MaryAnne is the owner of “On Line Hair Designs” and also runs a craft and candle business. She is a former employee of the BCSD, the Town of Southeast Recreation Department and even worked at one time for a local State Senator. Over the years, her jobs have allowed her the opportunity to provide choices for families to experience new classes and activities. Today, MaryAnn’s days are filled with running a small local business, crafting, babysitting, dog sitting and spending time with family and friends – sometimes all in the same day! For more information, visit www.onlinehairdesigns-brewster.com

Fran Hauser, Author, Speaker & Investor

Fran Hauser is an author, keynote speaker, and investor in companies that specialize in Women’s Empowerment. She is the bestselling author of books such as The Myth of the Nice Girl: Achieving a Career You Love Without Becoming a Person You Hate, which was named “Best Business Book of the Year, 2018” and Embrace the Work, Love Your Career. Fran has invested in over 30 female-founded companies across CPG, media & publishing, and wellness. She also serves as an LP in the Female Founders Fund. Her writing, speaking and investing is informed by 15 years spent in media, from startups where she played an integral role in the $525M sale of Moviefone to AOL, to ultimately rising through the ranks at Time Inc. to President of Digital where she led innovation, acquisitions and digital expansion for powerhouse media brands People, InStyle, Entertainment Weekly, Essence, and People en Espanol. For more information, visit franhauser.com

Stefania Mignone, Commissioner of Public Works for the City of White Plains

Stefania received her Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Union College, setting her on the path of the engineering field. She launched her career as a Project Engineer at Lawless and Mangione, where she administered a wide variety of construction projects of all sizes. Stefania moved on to work at the Westchester County Department of Health on water projects including drinking water, wastewater and public swimming pools. After two years at the County, she took a job at the City of White Plains as Junior Engineer for Public Works. She was promoted and appointed Deputy Commissioner of Public Works in 2015 and by 2022, she was appointed the first female Commissioner of Public Works for the City of White Plains. One of her favorite projects to date is the White Plains Library Plaza project, where she and her team transformed a vacant area into a reading nook, grassy gathering place, and interactive sensory garden - a welcoming public space for the entire community and the pride of Public Works. For more information, visit cityofwhiteplains.com 

Amy Sayegh, Deputy Chair, Putnam County Legislature & Founder of Community Cares

Amy is the current Deputy Chair of the Putnam County Legislature, the elected body responsible for setting the county’s policies, reviewing the administration of government and funding, among other duties. She holds a Bachelor of Business from Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, and is the president and founder of Community Cares, Inc., a non-profit that assists families and households of school-aged children who have a parent dealing with cancer or other major medical illnesses. A Mahopac resident, Amy has also been active over the years as past Vice- Chairwoman of the Greater Mahopac Carmel Chamber of Commerce, a Girl Scout Leader, PTO, soccer mom, Sunday School Teacher, and served as Women’s Group Leader and Church Council at Grace Lutheran Church. She has received numerous awards recognizing her contributions to the community. She’s been married over 20 years to her husband, John, and they have 3 children, Susannah, Sophia and Alex. For more information visit: communitycares.org

Angela Briante, Historian Moderator & Owner of Briante Realty

Angela opened her own Brokerage in 2010. She attributes her success to the 16 hard-working and committed agents that surround her at Briante Realty Group, LLC. Angela holds an MBA from Long Island University and a BA from Pace University. Angela is very involved in the community supporting various Civic events such as the Holiday on the Lake Parade, Veteran's organizations and events, the past Executive Vice President of the Putnam County EDC, as well as various other organizations she finds near and dear to her heart. Angela Briante was the Town of Carmel Histo- rian under the Robert Pozzi Administration. For more information visit brianterealtygroup.com