Every year, NH Business Review gathers some of the most influential businesswomen in the state for a morning of storytelling and networking. The seventh annual Powered by Women conference November 7 at Manchester Country Club in Bedford features leaders in law, hospitality, engineering, medicine and finance.
During the 8 to 11:30 a.m. forum, each participant will present a 10-minute talk about their personal and professional growth, followed by a 45-minute panel discussion moderated by NH Business Review managing editor Amanda Andrews.
Tickets, which include breakfast, cost $55 per person or $49 for groups of six or more, and can be purchased at www.nhbr.com/events-awards/powered-by-women.
This year’s conference includes Nicole Bluefort, managing partner, Law Offices of Nicole Bluefort; Jennifer Desrosiers, founder and CEO, Altitude Brands; Cyndee Gruden, dean of the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of New Hampshire; Dr. Jennifer MacDonald, chief operating officer, Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute; and Josephine Moran, president and CEO, Ledyard Financial Group Inc.
“We’re especially proud of this year’s power panel, which is packed with trailblazers who are leaders in their respective fields,” said Mike Cote, editor, NH Business Review. “What’s special about this event is not just the panelists and their individual journeys, but how they build on each other’s stories as the morning unfolds.”
2024 Powered by Women Panelists
Nicole Blufort
Jennifer Desrosiers
Jennifer Macdonald
Cyndee Gruden
Josephine Moran
Nicole Bluefort – managing partner, Law Offices of Nicole Bluefort
Bluefort is an experienced trial attorney who leads a Massachusetts-based law firm with offices in Boston, Lynn, Mass., and Manchester, which opened in July 2024. Bluefort focuses on family law, criminal defense, probate and general litigation. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and Hispanic studies from Boston College, a master’s in public health from Tufts University School of Medicine and a juris doctor from Northeastern University School of Law.
Jennifer Desrosiers – founder and CEO, Altitude Brands
Desrosiers is passionate about teaching other women entrepreneurs to unapologetically go after what they want in their lives and businesses through events and coaching. She is best known for creating progressive team cultures, profitable operations and her unwavering commitment to giving back to the community. As a business coach and speaker, Jennifer’s mission is to create a positive impact by encouraging people to live vibrant, more purposeful, adventure-filled lives.
Cyndee Gruden – dean, College of Engineering and Physical Science, University of New Hampshire
Gruden has been serving as the dean of the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences at the University of New Hampshire, her alma mater, since January 2021. Since Gruden’s return to UNH — where she became the first woman to serve as dean of the engineering school — she has led a college-wide strategic planning process, prioritized community-building, incorporated stakeholder voice in college-level decisions and spearheaded initiatives to promote student success and well-being. Gruden, a licensed civil engineer in New Hampshire, previously worked at the University of Toledo.
Jennifer MacDonald, MD – chief operating officer, Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute (ARMI)
MacDonald, a medical doctor and Army veteran, has been chief operating officer of ARMI in Manchester since January 2023. She previously worked for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington, D.C., where she served for six years, most recently as senior advisor to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. She received a bachelor of arts in biology and biological sciences from the College of Saint Benedict and a doctor of medicine degree from the University of Minnesota Medical School. She completed a residency in family medicine at UCLA.
Josephine Moran – president and CEO, Ledyard Financial Group Inc.
With more than 25 years of extensive experience in the financial services industry, Moran has substantial expertise in community banking, investment services, residential and consumer lending, business banking, small business, customer experience, change leadership, digitization, modernization, marketing, strategy, leadership and coaching. Her local involvement includes the New Hampshire Banker’s Legislative Committee and Community Bankers Association, the Upper Valley Corporate Council, Vice Chair of the Granite United Way Board of Directors, the Kendal Trust Committee, ABA’s Government Relations Council and Women’s CEO Peer Group.
The 2024 Powered by Women conference is sponsored by United Healthcare (presenting sponsor), Service Credit Union, Connection, Lovering Auto Group and the Business & Industry Association of New Hampshire (event sponsors).
For more information about the Powered by Women conference, please visit www.nhbr.com/events-awards/powered-by-women.
