Who We Are

Cate Luzio is the Founder and CEO of Luminary, a global professional education and networking platform created to uplift, upskill, and propel women and allies through all phases of their professional journey - - from entrepreneurs to those navigating their career path, the Power Middle to the C-suite, those in transition, and everyone in between.

In March 2018, Cate left her two-decade banking career and self-funded the launch of Luminary, with the mission to build an ecosystem of high-touch engagement for both individual and enterprise members to address and impact the systemic challenges faced by women and underrepresented communities across all industries and sectors. Today, she continues to build a dynamic, gender-inclusive community focused on creating connection, collaboration, and change through global expert-led programming and services, activations, content, and culture.

Cate has grown Luminary into a multimillion-dollar global B2C and B2B business with more than 15,000 members and over 100 enterprise members. She made her second acquisition late in 2023, buying The Cru to add to Luminary’s robust product offering. Luminary hosts more than 250 programs, events, and activations annually with more than 70% Member-led.

Before starting Luminary, Cate spent twenty years in financial services leading global multibillion-dollar businesses. Previously, she was Global Head of Multinational Corporate Banking for HSBC and prior to that, she served as Head of Multinational Corporate Banking at J.P. Morgan EMEA based in London. She spent her early years in Latin America with Bank of America across both consumer and wholesale banking. She started her career working in tech focused on China.

Cate is a graduate of the University of Maryland, where she was named its Entrepreneur of the Year in 2021 and joined its Board of Governors that same year. She holds a master’s degree in International Relations from Georgetown University. She sits on the Boards of Girls Inc. New York City and Pomp and Whimsy.

To book individual time with Cate for professional or business consulting, please book a meeting here.

Maggie Rhodes Davis is Vice President of Enterprise and Strategic Partnerships at Luminary, where she leads growth across corporate partnerships, brand collaborations, and strategic programming that supports and advances women and their allies at every stage of their careers.

With nearly two decades of experience spanning media, operations, and client leadership, Maggie brings a unique blend of strategic thinking, relationship-building, and executional excellence. She has built and led high-performing teams, developed global partnerships, and driven impactful programming rooted in community, connection, and measurable outcomes. Prior to Luminary, Maggie spent 18 years in television and digital media, holding leadership roles at National Geographic, Tastemade, and Discovery, where she oversaw international programming, global content strategy, and multi-platform growth initiatives. Her career pivot into women’s professional development was driven by a deep commitment to creating more equitable access to opportunity and community in the workplace.

Maggie joined Luminary in 2023 to focus on enterprise partnerships, working with Fortune 500 companies and high-growth brands to design meaningful, scalable solutions that drive engagement, development, and brand impact.

A global citizen at heart, Maggie spent much of her childhood living abroad in Haiti, Morocco, Nepal, Guatemala, and South Africa, and has since lived and worked in France, Spain, Australia, and the United Kingdom. She is fluent in Spanish and French and brings a deeply multi-cultural perspective to her work. Outside of Luminary, Maggie enjoys life in Maryland with her husband and their son, Finnegan. When she’s not traveling or exploring new places, you can find her immersed in interior design projects, practicing yoga, on the water, or enjoying film, theater, and time with family.

Gabi Carachilo is a results-driven executive with over 12 years of experience in business operations, marketing, talent acquisition, employer branding, and corporate communications. She has joined Luminary as Vice President of Growth Operations, where she will lead initiatives to expand market reach, enhance user experiences, and unlock new revenue opportunities.

Previously, Gabi served as Vice President of Business Operations for The Muse, Fairygodboss, and Purpose Jobs. In this role, she was instrumental in streamlining operations, launching over 10 high-margin products, and organizing large-scale events, including the 4,000-attendee Inspiration Summit. Additionally, she launched Muse Productions, an employer brand content studio that diversified product offerings and attracted clients from beyond traditional HR and talent acquisition functions.

With extensive expertise in scaling teams, optimizing processes, and leveraging data analytics, Gabi identifies growth opportunities and refines product lines to maximize impact for all stakeholders. Gabi, an MBA graduate and certified Professional in Human Resources (PHR®), is passionate about building high-performing teams and fostering inclusive workplace communities.

CeCe Everett is a seasoned events and programming strategist who knows how to turn an idea into an experience people actually remember. She started her career in fashion accessories. Building her career at notable NYC showrooms, managing accounts like INC, Aeropostale, Bar III, and NY&Co, she sharpened her instincts for brand storytelling and audience engagement. Since then, she’s made the pivot to event production. Producing everything from galas and fundraisers to large-scale conferences and fireside chats, leading the execution of 75+ events a year. Whether it’s a 60-person breakfast or a 200+ person summit, CeCe brings a sharp eye for detail, a strong strategic lens, and a deep understanding of how to create moments that resonate. 

At her core, she’s driven by connection, designing spaces where conversations feel honest, communities feel seen, and ideas can actually move forward. She’s also a mother of two teens (whew) and a proud dog mom to her pup, Poppy. Finding constant inspiration and grounding through motherhood, she fuels her commitment to building not just meaningful experiences but a lasting legacy.

Originally from the Bay Area, Romana moved to NYC almost a decade ago. She has spent the majority of her career working in nonprofits focused on empowering and preparing young people to pursue their own dreams. Along the way, Romana been extremely fortunate to have empowering supporters pour into both her professional and personal development. She would not be where she is without these champions so she looks forward to joining an even more expansive community of dedicated professionals. Romana believes that finding the best solutions involves elevating as many voices as possible so with her background in program development, she hopes to create opportunities that do just that.

Originally from New York, Shai completed undergraduate education at SUNY Oneonta graduation with a Dual Degree in Childhood Education & Psychology. After that, her education took her to University of Denver in Colorado where she graduated with a Master's degree in political social work. Shai headed back to the east coast after that, returning to NYC in 2019.

Her dedication to making a positive impact goes beyond her work. At Luminary, Shai brings a strengths-based perspective to everyday challenges and strives to improve the lives of her team and community.

Beyond her career, Shai is an avid reader, particularly enjoying the works of Stephen King. She loves to cook and has a lifelong dream of opening a bakery.

Shai's unwavering passion and commitment make her an invaluable member of the Luminary team, inspiring positive change and fostering meaningful connections both professionally and personally.

Lis comes to Luminary through Squared Away, an assistance agency with a team of remote Chief Executive Assistants. Her husband is currently serving in the Marines and is stationed in sunny San Diego. She is originally from Cleveland, and possesses an Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor's in Business Administration and Management from Western Governors University.

She spent most of her professional career in restaurant management, and also currently works as a Guest Service Manager for Airbnb and a Business Operations Specialist for a small property management company based out of Portland. In her spare time, she enjoys volunteering at Feeding San Diego, spending time with her goldendoodle, Marshall, or exploring the outdoors. She will have visited all 50 states by the end of 2022 and all U.S. National Parks by the end of 2024. She's ecstatic to serve Luminary on our mission and help make magic happen.

Bree Porter has immersed herself in the world of fashion and entrepreneurship for the past 7 years. She holds both a bachelor's and a master's degree in Fashion Merchandising and Management, demonstrating her commitment to continuous learning.

During her schooling she managed to run a vintage clothing boutique in Florence, Italy. Bree's commitment to sustainability in the fashion industry led her to volunteer at the Global Fashion Summit in Copenhagen, Denmark. Here, she immersed herself in the world of sustainable fashion, contributing to positive change. As an entrepreneur, Bree has successfully opened and managed three vintage stores in New York.

Beyond her fashion ventures, Bree is also a writer. She has accomplished publishing her first poetry book. Looking ahead, Bree Porter is driven by a new aspiration: to establish her very own vintage bar boutique. Her enthusiasm for fashion and business make her a promising prospect in the world of entrepreneurship.

Throughout her entire journey the one constant was people. People are her passion and being a helping hand is what she strives for daily.

She joined The Cru team for this very reason back in August of 2021 and is thrilled to become a part of the Luminary family. You can catch her reading thriller/mystery novels, lifting, writing, styling and gardening.

Manuela was born and raised in Colombia and has a background in psychology, which deeply shapes her people-centered approach to community building. As an immigrant, she understands firsthand the importance of having a strong, supportive community, and brings that perspective into her work every day. At Luminary, she has been focused on fostering meaningful connections among members, supporting their growth, and helping create an inclusive and empowering environment where women can thrive both personally and professionally.

Outside of work, she enjoys being outdoors, especially anywhere with mountains, fresh air, and beautiful sunsets. She also appreciates a good coffee and enjoys staying active and connected through sports.

Cristina Marin is a marketing professional, content strategist, and community builder with a passion for connecting people, brands, and ideas. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Modern Languages with a minor in Business and is currently completing a Master’s degree in Marketing Management.

Raised in Venezuela, Cristina brings a global perspective to her work, leveraging her multilingual communication skills and deep appreciation for diverse cultures to create meaningful marketing experiences. As Partnerships Marketing Manager at Luminary, she develops and executes integrated marketing campaigns, strategic partnerships, event promotions, and content initiatives that support founders, entrepreneurs, and professionals at every stage of their careers.

Throughout her career, Cristina has worked across content marketing, social media strategy, event marketing, video production, and community engagement. She is known for her ability to blend creativity with execution, transforming ideas into impactful campaigns that drive awareness, engagement, and meaningful connections.

A lifelong learner with an entrepreneurial mindset, Cristina enjoys collaborating with mission-driven organizations and helping bring ambitious projects to life. Outside of work, she practices aerial silks, creates content, and embraces new experiences through travel and continuous learning. As a proud dog mom, she brings curiosity, energy, and a sense of humor to both her professional and personal endeavors.

Mindi is a South Florida native who always dreamed of calling New York home. After graduating from Indiana University, she made that dream a reality and began her career in the fashion industry before pivoting to pursue her true passion—movement, wellness, and empowering women to feel strong and confident in their bodies.

Since 2018, Mindi has been a fitness instructor at DanceBody, where she not only led high-energy classes but also helped build and shape the brand’s marketing presence. From social media and influencer strategy to retail, events, and partnerships, she played a key role in fostering community both online and IRL.

Mindi is dedicated to connecting ambitious, like-minded individuals and fostering experiences that empower and inspire growth. She is thrilled to join the Luminary team, where she can continue championing women by helping them grow, lead, and thrive throughout their professional journeys.

When she’s not working, you can find Mindi chasing after her toddler, Cameron, spending time with family and friends, leading workout classes, taste-testing NYC’s best croissants, or traveling.

Mya Jones is a Bronx-born creative and strategic thinker with a passion for building community, amplifying underrepresented voices, and creating spaces that foster connection and impact. With a background spanning marketing, community engagement, and event production, she brings a thoughtful, mission-driven approach to everything she does.

Before joining Luminary, Mya contributed to campaigns focused on education, wellness, and nonprofit storytelling. She’s especially drawn to work that sits at the intersection of equity, creativity, and meaningful connection.

Outside of work, Mya is a pop culture enthusiast and blogger who loves spending time with her cat Najah, binge watching reality TV, and hunting down the best new reads.

Jacqui is a seasoned professional with a rich and diverse career spanning over 15 years. Her expertise lies in the realms of creative marketing, merchandising, and client/account management. For much of her career, Jacqui immersed herself in the vibrant world of fashion, collaborating with a wide array of international and national brands. Notable names include Anthropologie, Gap Inc, Macy's, Nordstrom, Target, and many more.

In 2020, Jacqui embarked on a purpose-driven journey, reshaping her career in a more impactful direction. This shift led her to become a catalyst for change by training major corporations like Unilever and Starbucks on sustainable product development. Currently, Jacqui has found her niche at Luminary, where she collaborates with corporate clients who share her commitment to diversity, inclusion, and empowering women. Jacqui originally found Luminary through her membership at our partner, Hey Mama, and has been to our physical space.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Jacqui treasures her family time. She can often be found crafting with her daughter, Genevieve, or helping her husband with his Orangeburg, NY-based fencing club. Jacqui is a globetrotter at heart, finding inspiration in travel, design, and literature.

Lauren McArthur is a Community Associate at Luminary. She is passionate about female empowerment and cultivating diverse and inclusive spaces. She is especially interested in expanding employment opportunities for neurodiverse women. Her strengths include a keen eye for detail, innovative ways of problem-solving, and seeing the best in people.

Born and raised in New Jersey, she has a passion for film, dogs, and helping people. She used those passions when working at Uplift Studios, International Charter School of NY, Bow Tie Cinemas, and volunteering with PAWS NY. She is very excited to be part of Luminary and contribute to the success behind the scenes.

Charlene Blencowe is a hospitality and customer service professional with a passion for working with people. A proud graduate with honors from her school's Academy of Hospitality and Tourism, she brings enthusiasm and expertise to every interaction. Originally from Miami, Charlene moved to New York in 2024, where she co-runs a successful photo booth business with her partner. In addition to her business ventures, she is a dedicated performer who thrives in live event settings. When she's not working or performing, she enjoys spending time with her two beloved cats and reading books.

Graciela Sosa is an integrated creative content producer and multimedia specialist based in New York City. With a background in public relations and communication design, she curates photography, videography, graphic design, and social media content to develop innovative brand and content strategies that align brand voice with audience engagement.

Born and raised in New York City, Sheniqua Jeffrey is deeply passionate about education and dedicated to addressing inequities within the educational system. With nearly 10 years of experience in applied quantitative and qualitative research and community-based program evaluation, she recently completed a doctorate in Applied Developmental Psychology from Fordham University. She values building community through meaningful connections, where empathy and understanding shape her approach to working with individuals. Sheniqua also enjoys organizing community events that foster engagement and collective growth. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, cruising, reading, and trying new restaurants. Sheniqua takes an international trip every year and is always happy to share recommendations or hear about new ones!

Sarai Alleyne is a student at Fordham University finishing the last year of her Bachelor’s degree in psychology and peace and justice studies. Sarai was born and raised in New York, and she is passionate about mental health, fostering community, and activism. She is proud of her Caribbean upbringing and wants to pursue research at the intersection of psychology and underrepresented communities. Outside of academics and work, Sarai enjoys traveling to new countries, reading, going to the movie theatre, writing, listening to music, and spending time with family!

Laura Clarke earned her Business degree at SUNY New Paltz, where she  also discovered an interest in Sociology. She is currently working on launching a small business with one of her sisters, with an emphasis on local ingredients. She is very excited to see how being part of Luminary might shape and inspire this next chapter.

Laura grew up in the Hudson River Valley on a farm with four siblings, where she learned to appreciate the outdoors. In her free time, you’ll usually find her outdoors — swimming, walking, backpacking, or camping — or learning something new, like sewing. She also loves exploring restaurants and discovering the stories behind local food.

Madison Moore is a global health researcher and creative strategist based in New York City. She holds an MPH from Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, building on a foundation in international studies and public health from American University. Her work spans research, program implementation, and communication across the U.S., Southern Africa, and East Africa.Passionate about bridging storytelling and social impact, Madison founded a sex education brand focused on transforming health communication through creative tools, digital content, and community-centered dialogue. Her projects use accessible and inclusive design to make complex topics, from HIV prevention to pleasure and consent, relatable to diverse audiences.

Monica Aggarwal is Team Head of Retail and Consumer in Fitch’s U.S. Corporate Ratings group. She is responsible for the sector team covering retail, consumer products, packaged foods, restaurants, and beverages. Prior to joining Fitch in September 2007, Monica spent almost ten years in equity research at Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch and Chapdelaine Institutional Equities covering various retail segments. Monica earned a BA in economics from Delhi University and an MBA with majors in finance and international business from Fordham University. She is a CFA® charter holder and a member of the CFA Institute and CFA Society New York. Monica serves as President of the Board for the Fixed Income Analysts Society, Inc. and is on the board of Streetwise Partners, a NY based non-profit organization focused on workforce development.

After losing her mother in 2007, she realized the pain of losing a parent. She began her journey of helping orphans on her first trip to the Philippines in 2008. She later started visiting institutions in Ukraine, and Maya’s Hope has come to evolve into what it is today. She is committed to helping children in great need despite their circumstances and believes every child has value. She also is of Filipino and Ukrainian heritage. Previously, she worked as an Executive Assistant to the Managing Directors for Metalmark Capital. She considers herself an international problem solver and enjoys making people smile. Maya has a degree in Piano Performance and French literature from Rutgers University.

Allison Davis is a sales consultant and trainer for founders who want to hit their goals and keep on growing.

Drawing from her 20 years of sales experience at companies like National Geographic and Time Out North America, Allison helps her clients turn random acts of sales into consistent revenue-generating systems — so they can vie for bigger opportunities, show up with more confidence, and have greater impact in the world.

Tiffany Dufu is founder of The Cru, a peer-coaching tech company acquired by Luminary in 2023. She’s the author of the bestselling book Drop the Ball: Achieving More by Doing Less. According to foreword contributor Gloria Steinem, Drop the Ball is “important, path-breaking, intimate and brave.” Her writing has appeared in The Oprah Magazine, ESSENCE and the New York Times.

Named to Entrepreneur's 100 Powerful Women and Fast Company’s League of Extraordinary Women, Tiffany has raised over $25 million toward the cause of women and girls. She was a launch team member to Lean In and was Chief Leadership Officer to Levo, the fastest growing millennial women's professional network. Prior to that, Tiffany served as President of The White House Project, which trained thousands of women across the nation to run for political office.

Tiffany is a Trustee of Simmons University, a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority, Inc. and a Lifetime Girl Scout. She lives in New York City with her husband and two kids but was made in Seattle (Go Huskies).

Surabhi Lal is in the business of creating a better future of work grounded in authenticity, belonging, and community. A boundary spanning leader, she has worked across sectors to create strong workplace communities and has coached thousands of job seekers, managers, small business owners, and teams. She is gifted with what she lovingly calls "the curse of the curious" and brings that curiosity to her work as a coach, professor, and researcher. Her summers in India contrasted with my life in suburban DC and exposed her to issues of inequity, which instilled in her a strong sense of service. Living in the in-between, the tension between being an only and that of belonging is where she finds her agency, empathy, and commitment to creating inclusive communities and workplaces.

She began her career as a community builder helping students with their transition from high school to college, and for over fifteen years she sat at the intersection of higher education, workforce development, and social impact. As the former Chief Impact Officer at Luminary, I built an innovative programming curriculum grounded in learning and community that has been critical in the organization’s success. She is a program architect, facilitator, and coach and helps to cultivate everyday leadership to develop strong teams, managers, and organizations. She teaches courses on leadership at NYU Wagner.

She is in the final stages of finishing her PhD, which focuses on how people experience workplace belonging. Surabhi savors her craft, she also feeds her creativity (literally) through exploring food markets, cooking, travel, and dining.

Maribel is SVP, Head of Consulting at The Sasha Group a VaynerX company providing digital education, consulting and marketing services for early and growth stage businesses. She's been in the digital marketing space for 14 years after 8 years of work in higher education. Maribel is passionate about supporting women and immigrant communities and serves as an advisor to Luminary as well as a trustee to Central Queens Academy, a tuition free charter school in Queens, NY.

Mel Liu is a Vice President at Blackstone, where she focuses on product strategy and innovation for the firm's Private Wealth business. She partners across business, technology, and data teams to help build platforms and experiences that expand access to private markets and alternative investments.

With nearly 15 years of experience spanning product management, wealth management, marketing, and media, Mel has built her career at the intersection of customer experience, business strategy, and technology. Prior to joining Blackstone, she spent over a decade at JPMorgan Chase, where she held leadership roles across Wealth Management, Consumer Banking, and Brand Marketing. Throughout her career, she has led the development of digital products, personalized financial experiences, and strategic marketing initiatives that helped individuals make more informed financial decisions.

Mel began her career in journalism, working for the Associated Press in Beijing and Hearst in New York City. Originally from Beijing, she earned her bachelor's degree with honors in Broadcast Journalism from the Communication University of China, a master's degree from New York University, and an MBA from Baruch College.

A passionate advocate for women's leadership and career advancement, Mel serves on Luminary's Advisory Board, where she supports the organization's mission to elevate and empower women through community, mentorship, and professional development.

Cate Luzio is the Founder and CEO of Luminary, a global professional education and networking platform created to uplift, upskill, and propel women and allies through all phases of their professional journey - - from entrepreneurs to those navigating their career path, the Power Middle to the C-suite, those in transition, and everyone in between.

In March 2018, Cate left her two-decade banking career and self-funded the launch of Luminary, with the mission to build an ecosystem of high-touch engagement for both individual and enterprise members to address and impact the systemic challenges faced by women and underrepresented communities across all industries and sectors. Today, she continues to build a dynamic, gender-inclusive community focused on creating connection, collaboration, and change through global expert-led programming and services, activations, content, and culture.

Cate has grown Luminary into a multimillion-dollar global B2C and B2B business with more than 15,000 members and over 100 enterprise members. She made her second acquisition late in 2023, buying The Cru to add to Luminary’s robust product offering. Luminary hosts more than 250 programs, events, and activations annually with more than 70% Member-led.

Before starting Luminary, Cate spent twenty years in financial services leading global multibillion-dollar businesses. Previously, she was Global Head of Multinational Corporate Banking for HSBC and prior to that, she served as Head of Multinational Corporate Banking at J.P. Morgan EMEA based in London. She spent her early years in Latin America with Bank of America across both consumer and wholesale banking. She started her career working in tech focused on China.

Cate is a graduate of the University of Maryland, where she was named its Entrepreneur of the Year in 2021 and joined its Board of Governors that same year. She holds a master’s degree in International Relations from Georgetown University. She sits on the Boards of Girls Inc. New York City and Pomp and Whimsy.

To book individual time with Cate for professional or business consulting, please book a meeting here.

Kyra Peralte is the Founder of The Traveling Diary, a global storytelling community where women and gender-expansive individuals share slices of their lives through physical notebooks traveling person to person across 33 countries — and digitally in hard-to-reach corners of the world.

Over two decades, Kyra has built spaces where people feel seen, heard, and genuinely connected. The Traveling Diary is her most ambitious: a living archive of human experience, where each notebook arrives as an invitation to be honest, creative, and part of something larger than yourself.

Kyra is also an indie mobile game designer, creator of Mermaid Quest and Space Troop, and a certified blockchain technologist with UN-accredited credentials in blockchain for trade facilitation.

Chelsea is the Founder and CEO of Reimagine Talent, a national talent development firm helping organizations strengthen leadership, team effectiveness, and workplace culture. With partners across the U.S. and Mexico, her work supports organizations navigating change and building leaders at every level.

A former Wall Street human resources leader, Chelsea brings more than a decade of experience across learning and development, talent strategy, and organizational culture. She is a certified facilitator and sought-after speaker on leadership development and the multigenerational workforce.

Chelsea’s honors include being named a Forbes Next 1000 Entrepreneur of the Year and a Tory Burch Foundation Fellow. She earned her BA in Economics from Spelman College.

Erika Hanafin is a devoted mom, sophisticated business leader and startup advisor, and a compassionate advocate for women in business.

She is the CEO and co-founder of Hello Mamas, a community dedicated to supporting every mom’s success by empowering every mom with the tools, connections, and joyful experiences needed to thrive in all aspects of life.

Growing up in a family of successful CEOs, Erika was enriched with the intricate details of running successful businesses through observation, higher education, and extensive experience. Over the past 15 years, she has played a pivotal role in growing small businesses across various industries, with a focus on business development, research and data, operations, revenue management, and an expertise in diverse fundraising models. Erika's success is underscored by her involvement in four significant startup acquisitions, three of which she was instrumental in leading.

Through her experiences, Erika has learned that a company's culture is fundamental to its success. She is committed to fostering supportive and healthy corporate cultures across the world by empowering women through leadership, collaboration, philanthropy, mentorship, and fundraising. This passion led her to the helm of HeyMama in 2021, a membership community of over 75,000 moms in business with events and programs impacting over 400 million moms.

In just three years as CEO, Erika revitalized the struggling company, steering it toward a successful sale—her fifth acquisition to date.

Recognized for Excellence in Business by the National Association of Professional Women VIP Awards, Erika has also earned President’s Club and Knights of the Roundtable awards, sits on the Advisory Board of Luminary, AiVAcua and EllevateWagon. Beyond her professional achievements, Erika is a Certified Holistic Health Coach from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition and is dedicated to supporting divorced and co-parenting businesswomen like herself to navigate the delicate balance between high-pressure careers and crucial roles at home.