Academy Forum: Empowered Voices—Women Leaders Shaping the Bay Area

Join us for an inspiring panel discussion featuring trailblazing women leaders who are shaping the future of the Bay Area. From innovative startups to established institutions, these leaders are driving change and making an impact in their respective fields. Gain insights into their experiences, challenges, and strategies for success as they share their stories. 

Panelists include:

• Trystanne Cunningham, Founder / CEO of TrooRa Magazine
• Serena Poon, Senior Vice President – Climate Tech & Sustainability, Silicon Valley Bank
• Suzanne Ford, Executive Director, San Francisco Pride
• Abbie Strabala, moderator

6:30pm — Doors Open

7:00pm — Program Begins

TO ATTEND

Academy Forum events are open to all. Please reserve your general admission spot for this limited-capacity indoor event.

TICKETS

• Academy members may reserve up to (6) tickets FREE
• $20 – Non-Member

MEMBERSHIP

The Academy is currently accepting new membership applications. If you are interested in becoming a Member and enjoying all of the associated perks and benefits, please click here to learn more.

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and food items are available for purchase. Our menus can be found here. Academy Social Club Members receive certain beverages complimentary. Ask your bartender or host for details.

CLUB INFORMATION (FOR MEMBERS)

The Club will also be open during regular hours for Members and their guests not attending this event.

SAFE SPACE

The Academy is a safe space for all—in particular members of our LGBTQ+ community. We encourage you to learn more about our safe space principles & policies by clicking here.

ACCESSIBILITY

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. The event venue has an accessible entrance and restroom facilities. Please contact us if you have questions or specific requests regarding access.

SUZANNE FORD

Suzanne Ford, pronouns she/her, is originally from Kentucky. She graduated with honors with a BA in History from Murray State University. She then attended Howard Law School. A proud and out trans woman, she is a fierce activist working toward equal rights for the Trans community. She was employed as a Regional Sales Manager at Revere Packaging for over 11 years, being named by Plastic News as one of Women Breaking the Mold in the Packaging Industry in 2017. Suzanne served as President of the board of the Spahr Center in Marin County and as a board member, Vice President, and Treasurer of SF Pride. She also works on the board at Trans Heartline. Suzanne was hired in February as the first trans woman to be the new Interim Executive Director of SF Pride. Suzanne lives in the SF Bay area with her wife Beverly and son, Daniel. She is available to speak to groups or employers about trans issues and her experience facing the world as a trans woman!

SERENA POON

Serena is a Senior Vice President with the Climate Tech & Sustainability team at Silicon Valley Bank. Over the past 10 years at SVB, Serena has served as the founding co-chair for the bank’s LGBTQ+ Pride ERG and supported early stage founders in the innovation ecosystem. In addition to SVB, Serena is also the co-founder of Prism, a next-generation queer founder network that works to provide safe spaces for queer founders to thrive. Serena also serves on the board of a non-profit serving the Asian American community. Serena lives in San Jose with her wife, 2 kiddos, and their 12-year-old chimo (chihuahua + American Eskimo dog) who looks like a corgi and sheds on everything and everyone.

TRYSTANNE CUNNINGHAM

Trystanne Cunningham, a Haitian-born creative, began her journey in the arts early in life. After moving to California at 13, she navigated the transition from French to English, honing her communication and resilience.

Starting her modeling career at 10, Trystanne spent a decade in the fashion industry, showcasing her talent across the Caribbean and the US. Transitioning to acting, she demonstrated versatility with notable roles, including a feature in "Bicentennial Man."

Her journey culminated in founding TrooRa Magazine, where she serves as Founder, CEO, Creative Director, and Executive Editor-in-Chief. With a mission dedicated to challenging the status quo, TrooRa spotlights often overlooked individuals, particularly those in underserved communities.

Through TrooRa's Founders Club, Trystanne curates an exclusive community of entrepreneurs and creatives, empowering them with access to resources and events to foster collaboration and innovation.

TrooRa is committed to conscious and sustainable business practices, including eco-friendly efforts like utilizing recycled paper and planting a tree for every print copy sold. Additionally, they support charities focused on promoting universal access to clean water and healthy foods, furthering their commitment to a more equitable and sustainable future.