top of page
ForwardTogether_Logo_Stacked_edited.png

What is Forward Together?

Join us for a full-day experience designed for women ready to move forward with clarity, confidence and community.

From mindful movement to financial empowerment, menopause wisdom to career transitions,

this event blends inspiration with actionable tools to help you thrive.

Meet Our Exceptional Speakers

Candice updated_edited.png

Candice Benson

  • LinkedIn

CEO, Benson Consulting, Inc.

Edna Conway Headshot.jpg

Edna Conway

  • LinkedIn

Founder & CEO, EMC Advisors

J Nunley 2025.png

Jacqueline Nunley

  • LinkedIn

Global Industry Strategist, Salesforce

deb 3 (1).jpg

Deb Jurkoic

  • LinkedIn

NH Family Network Coordinator, NAMI NH

Certified Yoga Teacher

Melissa Jurkoic HYB Headshot Updated.jpg

Melissa Jurkoic

  • LinkedIn

COO, Benson Consulting, Inc.

Noor Al-Humaidhi Head shot.jpg

Noor Al-Humaidhi

  • LinkedIn

Founder, Lifestyles by Noor

Gandt, Donna.jpeg

Donna Gandt

  • LinkedIn

Founder & Lead Coach, PSYCHE6

April 2026 Agenda

9:30am Networking Breakfast & Registration

Join us for breakfast to kick off your day and meet other attendees before this immersive experience.

10:00am Welcome & Mindful Preparation

Start the day by setting intentions and getting grounded.

10:15am What Got You Here Won't Get You There...But AI Might.

We are living through the first moment in history where women with deep expertise and something to say can build a platform, grow an audience and create real professional momentum. AI didn't just change what's possible. It changed who gets to do it.  In this session, we will explore what that looks like in practice: how Jacqueline Nunley is using AI to clarify her expertise, create content that opens doors and move toward what changes when you stop treating AI like a novelty and start treating it like the career tool it actually is. The rules changed. You just need to learn the new ones.

11:00am Menopause & HRT: Facts Over Fear

There continues to be evolving evidence surrounding hormone replacement therapy, addressing historical concerns, current safety data and individualized risk assessment. Noor Al-Humaidhi will replace misinformation with clinical clarity and support shared, evidence-based decision-making in midlife women’s health.

11:45am Mindful Movement

We all arrive carrying the weight of our day and while we can’t simply set it aside at the door, we can choose to pause, breathe and reconnect with ourselves. This mindful movement break offers a chance to release tension, move with intention and invite a bit of grace into our fast‑paced lives. Together with Deb Jurkoic as our guide, we’ll create space to feel grounded, present and supported—one breath and one mindful moment at a time.

12:15pm Networking Lunch

Enjoy a wonderful lunch at The One Hundred Club with amazing views of Portsmouth, NH and connect with your peers.

1:15pm Leading Forward: How Women Navigate Power, Influence and Change

Leadership isn’t defined by titles — it’s shaped by the decisions we make, the stories we tell ourselves and the moments that test our courage. In this Forward Together session, Edna Conway leads a powerful conversation on the realities of modern leadership: navigating influence, building trust, making hard calls and rising through uncertainty.

2:00pm Negotiating With Confidence: Know Yourself. Own Your Worth. Ask Bigger. Win More.

Women leave value on the table every day - not because we lack skill or performance, but because we have been conditioned to stay small. This interactive workshop flips that script. Learn how to leverage your strengths and values to be your authentic self while gaining the ability to claim your worth, articulate what you want, and negotiate with clarity and confidence. Through hands‑on practice and real‑world scenarios, Donna Gandt will help you build the muscle to ask boldly, push back skillfully, leverage your networks, and walk away with more.

2:45pm Mentorship That Moves Us Forward: Rewriting the Stories That Hold Women Back

A powerful, interactive workshop where we unpack the stories that hold women back from seeking or offering mentorship — and replace them with strategies that build confidence, connection and opportunity. Through real‑world scenarios and guided discussion, Candice Benson and Melissa Jurkoic will show you how to find mentors, become mentors and create inclusive relationships that help all women rise. Leave with a clear action plan and a renewed sense of what’s possible when we move Forward Together.

3:45pm Closing

Together we will recap the highlights of the day, share our favorite takeaways and most importantly, commit to a plan to take action and move forward together.

4:15pm - 5:00pm Networking & Cocktail Reception

Conclude the day with a sip on your favorite mocktail or cocktail of choice and make plans on how you will continue your commitment to connect with your fellow attendees.

Benson Consulting Logo
Women owned business certification
Small Business Association logo

2026  © Benson Consulting Inc. All rights reserved.​​​

bottom of page