Leap and SHINE Conference 2021
About The Conference
Join us for an amazing two days of powerful insights, empowerment and virtual networking with a line-up of global thought-leaders.
What We Are About...
A unique 2-day event of thought-provoking talks, enlightenment, new knowledge, inspiration, and networking, which will empower you to step into your SHINE ZONE. A rewarding weekend, personally and professionally, that will boost your wellbeing, wealth, relationships, and help you achieve higher success in your career or business.
The Leap and Shine Conference is an initiative founded by Clara Rufai, The Shine Strategist which provides a global learning platform offering Creative, Interactive, Transformational opportunities by bringing together global Thought-leaders and Influencers for paradigm-shifting, life-defining discussions with the aim to inspire, equip and empower individuals to break free from their prisons of limitation and take a ‘LEAP’ into their ‘SHINE ZONE’.
This Year's Theme: SHINE: Your Mission, Message & Mandate
This years theme is targeted at individuals seeking to grow momentum without limits and build a network of fruitful collaborations. The Conference will provide knowledge, information, tips, tools, and strategies to guide individuals into considering the options and alternatives for their lives so they can make more empowering and enabling choices.
Conversations, Empowerment, and Powerful Networking
Reserve your Virtual Seat & Join Us Online.
The Speakers
Meet the Global Thought Leaders Speaking at the 2021 Leap and Shine Conference
SharRon Jamison
Georgia, USA
SharRon Jamison is a life strategist, author, minister, entrepreneur, and corporate leader who is committed to helping you BE who you were born to be, and not settle for what society has taught and told you to be.
Through her coaching programs, innovative workshops, wisdom-filled books, empowering sister circles, and speaking events, she passionately challenges people to shed societal “shoulds” and outdated beliefs so they can live purpose-centered lives.
SharRon earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hampton University, Hampton, Virginia. She earned a Masters of Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida and is the Founder & President of The Jamison Group.
Yuri Cataldo
Boston, USA
Yuri Cataldo is a Techo-optimist working at the intersection of technology and art. He is an award-winning entrepreneur, keynote speaker, best-selling author, podcaster and emerging tech strategist who combines the mindset of an artist and a technologist.
Named one of the 40 under 40 business leaders in Indiana, Yuri brings years of experience in the arts, design, entrepreneurship, marketing, innovation, and publicity, in addition to advising founders, artists and startups.
He is the co-founder/GP of Athenian VC and leads the fund investment strategy within construction, robotics, AI, manufacturing, and blockchain. He is also the Founder of ArtTech Media Group where he focuses on Innovation Development and Innovation Management
Ilona Parunakova
California, USA
Ilona Parunakova is a 10x Best-Selling Author, Diversity and Inclusion Expert/Speaker. President and CEO of IP Resilience Global, Publisher of IP Resilience Global Magazine. She is a TEDx speaker and featured in Fox, NBC, CBC, Influencive, Powerhouse and Forbes Magazines.
Ilona is a direct descendant of Armenian Genocide survivors of WW1 and survived the wartime in the Republic of Georgia right after the collapse of the USSR. Over the years Ilona has succeeded in overcoming her disparities from war, losses and struggles, to turn every “No” in her life, into her superpower.
Ilona rose above all odds to obtain Doctorate Degree in Family Christian Counselling and a PhD in Christian Philosophy. As a Master Coach, she empowers people to find their voice even in the darkest times and imparts courage so that they, too, can experience liberty and live their best lives
Dr. Corey Hicks
Florida, USA
Dr. Corey Hicks is a Speaker, Certified Extreme Execution Trainer, Author, and a 20+ year Pharmaceutical Professional. As a former All-American Decathlon athlete turned biotech Medical Director with over 23 years as a successful Healthcare Advocate and Motivational Speaker, Dr. Hicks has inspired thousands, nationally and internationally. Dr. Hicks provides a range of training services, from Health and Wellness, Leadership, Stress Management, Emotional Intelligence, and Self-Empowerment.
Dr. Corey Hicks is a former three-time NCAA All American Decathlete in Track and Field, A former 1996 Olympic Hopeful, A 2009 KSU Hall of Fame Inductee, A two-time Author, 2019 BRAG Magazine Influencer of The Season, and 2020 Global Motivation Award Recipient. With a BA in Early Childhood Education, a Masters Degree in Health Science and a Ph.D. in Health and Human Performance, Coach Corey’s life is based on the concept that "All things are possible".
Ike Nnabue
Lagos, Nigeria
Ike Nnabue is a celebrated Film Director, Screenwriter and Producer, regarded as one of the champions of emerging new African cinema. He is the Founder and CEO of Love Portion Creativehubs. He is also the founder of Passion8 Communications Ltd, a premium media content production company based in Lagos Nigeria.
Ike's recent film, Sink or Swim won Best Narrative Feature at the 2017 Newark International Film Festival and has received several nominations and official selections at notable international film festivals around the globe. Sink or Swim is an epic; thought-provoking movie about illegal migration and human trafficking. The film has an Inter-Continental cast from Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Zambia & Cote D'Ivoire.
Ike is the founder of Treasurewells Academy and the Host of Breaking into Nollywood with Ike Nnaebue Workshop which he has successfully hosted in Lagos, New York, Atlanta and Dallas. Ike is also very passionate about sharing with young African the know-how of Smartphone Filmmaking
Maura Sweeney
Florida, USA
Maura Sweeney is an Author, Podcaster, and International Speaker, Maura Sweeney has transformed her own mantra of “Living Happy – Inside Out” to become a global influencer. A former corporate manager and HuffPost columnist who has travelled to 60 countries.
Maura was first called the Ambassador of Happiness by the UNESCO Center for Peace when invited to speak at the inaugural Nelson Mandela Day celebration. Since then, she’s trademarked her title and become a popular media guest featured on hundreds of media outlets in the U.S., Europe, Africa, and Australia.
Maura has lectured on Influence and Leadership at universities, leadership conferences, women’s organizations, Model UN’s and several American Embassy outposts. In 2018, she was named Women of the Decade at the Women Economic Forum (WEF) held in The Hague. Maura Sweeney's genuine and first-hand approach empowers others of every background to become their finest version of self and helps us see what’s best in us all.
Vivian Mokome
Johannesburg, South Africa
Vivian Mokome is a ‘network-based entrepreneur’, investor and philanthropist who graduated from Wits University with a Master’s Degree in Information Systems & Business Applications.
She previously built a successful banking career while working as a Business/Systems Analyst and IT Project Manager at First National Bank (FNB), South Africa’s oldest bank. Having resigned her banking career in 2018, today, Vivian is one of the top leaders in the Multi-Level Marketing industry, creating job opportunities in Africa.
A serial philanthropist, Vivian lends her voice to socially relevant programs across the southern hemisphere. She co-founded the Mokome Foundation, an initiative that has ‘adopted’ hundreds of schools across South Africa.
Dr Ava Brown
United Kingdom
Dr Ava Eagle Brown is a renowned author, master coach, multi-award-winning international keynote speaker and author and has helped thousands master their mindset and live their best life.
Dr Ava Eagle Brown coaches people to overcome the obstacles holding them back and step into their purpose. Ava’s Integrative Coaching style empowers clients to make lasting behaviour changes that become the cornerstones of lifelong well-being.
Dr Ava Eagle Brown’s talent for coaching and inspiring change in thousands of people comes from a real desire to play her part in healing and empowering the broken. She’s often referred to as the UK’s answer to Lisa Nichols.
Jane Oma
Madrid, Spain
Jane Oma Okoro is a Nigerian-born social entrepreneur and executive coach based in Madrid.
Shortly after her parents passed away, she moved to Spain. While in Spain looking to grow professionally, she encountered first-hand many of the obstacles based on stereotypes created around African migrants. This led Jane to create Upside Africa - to inspire, empower, and promote African professionals and entrepreneurs, in Africa and diaspora.
Jane also founded Mother Eagle Mentoring Academy (MEMA), through which she helps women and youth develop skills, competencies, and mindsets to help them to succeed in business and life.
Jane is a member of the Impulse Team of Hello Europe’s Changemakers for Migration project in Spain. Jane is also a lecturer at Geneva Business School and a member of SIETER Europe (Society of Intercultural Education Training and Research).
Cresta Durojaiye
Lagos, Nigeria
Cresta Durojaiye CPO® is a Certified Professional Organizer, and one of Africa's leading Productivity Experts. She’s an Author, Podcaster and Life Strategist who empowers people with practical tools and strategies to live fully and perform optimally. Her ‘Life Lessons’ podcast and other teachings have influenced people globally.
She is the Founding Chairperson of the Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals in Nigeria (APON). She is the author of the MadHouse Professional Organizing book and also President of PineTree Group of companies (currently comprising PineTree Organizers; Inspire! By PineTree; and PineTree Container Store).
An internationally recognised public speaker, Cresta is a Recipient of the Women Economic Forum (WEF) ‘Iconic Woman’ Award as well as a recipient of the WEF ‘Exceptional Woman of Excellence Award. She is also the proud recipient of the London 2020 Shine Legacy Award in Productivity.
Maxwell Ivey Jr
Texas, USA
Maxwell Ivey Jr known as the Blind Blogger is an award-winning Blogger, Motivational Speaker, Podcaster, Publicist, Entrepreneur and critically acclaimed serial Author. Despite losing his sight at the age of twelve, Max has not only risen above his limitation, but he is also thriving in spite of it. Not only that, as a prolific self-help writer, Max helps other people rise above their limitations, to achieve their dreams and goals.
He started doing podcast interviews in 2013 to promote the midway marketplace and help carnival owners sell used equipment. He was inspired to start his own podcast called what’s your excuse? in 2017.
Recently he started the WYE Podcast Network to help people with disabilities launch their own podcasts
Elizabeth Lucas
London, United Kingdom
Dr. Amb. Elizabeth Lucas-Afolalu known as Queen of Inspiration and Global African Queen is an inspirational Speaker and Radio Presenter. She is the award-winning Author recognised by Greatness University as an ‘Author of Greatness’. She is also an Advisor, Advocate and Mentor to YWC and many International NGOs/Organisations.
She is the CEO of Yes You Can International, Elizabeth Kreations, Tokmez Limited and YYCI Magazine. She has been featured on many media platforms. She holds a Bachelor Degree in Business and Management (University of Northampton UK). She is an honorary Professor and Counsellor at International Internship University, India. She holds an honorary Doctor of Philosophy in Counselling from the Global Light Institute Bible University, Nigeria and UK Councillor of Eagle University USA.
Here's Why YOU Should Attend Our Conference
World-Class Speakers
We are lucky enough to have Global Experts speaking on our stage at this year's conference.
Join us and hear from our inspiring leaders about their diverse success stories that will motivate and empower you to change your perception and spur your journey.
Learn & Develop
Gain strategic insights on how to take your dreams, goals, and aspirations to the next level – specifically, 'How To (S)tart (H)arness (I)dentify (N)etwork and (E)xpress your Brilliance.
Grow your knowledge with an opportunity to ask speakers your questions, mix with like-minded individuals and leave your comfort zone.
Network in Style
You'll have the opportunity to connect with other incredible individuals/attendees from all over the world.
Network with successful business owners, entrepreneurs and those interested in personal development to make powerful connections and push your boundaries and human potential to the next level.
Meet The Founder
Clara Rufai known as THE SHINE STRATEGIST is a Globally Awarded Iconic Woman, Corporate Lawyer, Compliance Manager, Author, Speaker, Podcaster, Mentor and much more. Clara uses her work and various platforms to empower people to (S)tart (H)arness (I)dentify (N)etwork and (E)xpress their Brilliance.
Clara Rufai created the ‘SHINE Philosophy’, based on the belief that as people designed with intention and purpose, every individual carries a light of greatness inside them. Spurred on by her own ‘shine story’ of overcoming depression after the tragic loss of two younger sisters in one day, Clara is passionate about empowering individuals to turn on their inner light, so they can operate at the highest level of their brilliance.
Clara partners with global Thought leaders and Influencers, leveraging the extensive relationships she has built, in order to deliver valuable content that serves individuals, whether through the LSC, through The Shine Mentoring Hub or through her global community The Shine Zone.
SHINE Legacy Awards on 26 November 2021
LEAP AND SHINE CONFERENCE will host its second annual award which will honour 20 Shine-Stars in selected categories.
TIME: 4pm - 9pm
Meet The Host
Partner With Us
We've got top-notch opportunities for YOU and your business!
Become an Ambassador
Earn Your Rewards
Do you have a tribe, community or group? Do you connect with our mission to help others SHINE? Would you like a special commission for referring our conference to other amazing Shine-Stars? You’ll get PERKS as an Ambassador + 1 free ticket & MORE.
Become an Exhibitor
Showcase Your Brand
Create on-site awareness for your brand. Take advantage of our vendor opportunity to showcase your business, service, or products at your own branded exhibitor booth. Enjoy face-to-face meetings with prospects, customers, and potential collaborators.
Become a VIP Sponsor
Support our Global Event
Show your organisation's support for self-development and empowerment by aligning your brand with a global conference that offers resources for high achievers to step into their shine zone. We offer several sponsorship opportunities.
DAY ONE - SATURDAY, 27 November
Day 1 will offer presentations, lectures and roundtable conversations with 6 speakers, SharRon Jamison, Yuri Cataldo, Ilona Parunakova, Dr Corey Hicks, Vivian Mokome and Maura Sweeney.
DAY TWO - SUNDAY, 28 November
Day 2 will offer presentations, lectures and roundtable conversations with 6 speakers, Dr Ava Brown, Ike Nnabue, Jane Oma, Maxwell Ivey Jr, Dr Elizabeth Lucas and Cresta Durojaiye.
Our Super-SHINE Ambassadors
Meet the Celebrities being Awarded at the Shine Legacy Awards
John Njamah
Actor, Director & Filmmaker
Lami Phillips
Singer, Songwriter & Advocate
HarrySong
Singer, Songwriter & Instrumentalist
Victoria Nkong
Humanitarian, Author & Artist Manager
Our Sponsors & Media Partners
Vivo Nutrients specialises in deploying cutting edge bio-communication technology to identify root issues and imbalances within the body, then employing natures finest organic ingredients to target, restore order and create an environment conducive to speed up healing from within. The Non-invasive Body MOT Health Scan provides a detailed insight into the state of all organs and body systems, with an instant report containing recommendations for accelerated healing.
Our Sponsors & Media Partners
The BRAG Media Company is a brand consulting, media content developing and creative agency providing creative services and digital solutions to clients worldwide - helping independent creators to produce content, authors to self-publish their works while designing strategic solutions for business owners to develop authentic & expressive platforms - that deliver on both the Art & Science of meaningful and powerful communication. We help our clients to AMPLIFY their Influence and create bigger impact with their brands, platforms, message, mission, products or services.
Our Sponsors & Media Partners
PineTree Organizers are productivity and organizing consultants, dedicated to organizing workspaces, living spaces and lifestyles. We deploy customized organizing solutions, processes, systems and services to busy and time-challenged individuals to effectively reduce stress, maximize productivity and consequently improve the quality of life.
Our ultimate goal is to improve the quality of lives of our clients, giving them the freedom to truly enjoy life. Our passion at PineTree Organizers is to help our clients perform at peak capacity.
Our Sponsor & Media Partner
UJR Entertainment Network, is the UK's only Alternative Music & Talk, Online radio Network, which broadcasts across the Globe 24 Hours-a-Day. The basis of UJR is to provide high-quality entertainment, in the form of alternative Music and Talk to a diverse cosmopolitan audience. UJR Talk radio is part of the UJR Entertainment Group which was first formed as Urban Jazz Radio in 2003 to be an outlet for alternative Black Music and expression. Since then we have undergone various metamorphic changes throughout the years diversifying our brand into various sub-brands.
Our Sponsors & Media Partners
Esther Austin Global is a PR, Publishing and Media platform, supporting clients to get their brand in front of the right audience. We provide a range of services which build International brand awareness. We specialize in building artist portfolios from within the Entertainment and Music industry. We are also the publishers of an online digital quarterly luxury lifestyle magazine called Turning Point: Your Lifestyle, Your Well-Being.
Meet Our SHINE Ambassadors
We are partnering with some amazing SHINE-Stars.
Ifeoluwa Iyaniwura
Glitter Amabassador
Nadine Silas-Richards
Glitter Ambassador
Godswill Ezeonyeka
Glitter Ambassador
Rachel Olowoporoku
Glitter Ambassador
Cordelia Gaffer
Glitter Ambassador
Imani Dokubo
Glitter Ambassador
Juliet Ukpabio Archibong
Glitter Ambassador
Elizabeth Lucas-Afolalu
Sparkle Ambassador
Doris Tochi
Glitter Ambassador
Gideon Mariochukwu
Glitter Ambassador
Nimi Adetiran
Glitter Ambassador
Makiba Semple
Glitter Ambassador
Chinyere Umeh
Glitter Ambassador
Efe Anaughe
Glitter Ambassador
Joy Kika
Glitter Ambassador
Alfred Joseph
Glitter Ambassador
Jacqueline Francis
Glitter Ambassador
Jennifer Nnamena
Glitter Ambassador
Become a Glitter, Sparkle or Dazzle Ambassador....
You’ll get PERKS as an Ambassador!
Reserve Your Virtual Seats
Reserve Your Seats Today!
Join Us Online and Learn From Our Panel of Thought Leaders.
Got Questions? We Have Answers...
Here are Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Where & When is this Conference Happening?
The Leap and SHINE Conference is happening LIVE at our online venue on the 27th and 28th of November 2021.
Q: How Much Does This Event Cost?
This years conference is FREE for all attendees.
Q: Who Is Organising This Conference?
The Leap and Shine Conference is brought to you by THE SHINE ZONE and its founder, Clara Rufai.
Want to Chat with Us? Get In Touch.
We Are More than Happy To Hear From YOU.
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