About

A number of women entrepreneurs will participate in this event, and they will provide useful mini-workshops for the participating businesswomen

Dalene Allen

Known for being a master networker, I have developed countless contacts over 30+ years of running my own very successful, referral-based business. I am passionate about connecting local business people and seeing the productive relationships that develop.

As an independent sales rep with Mary Kay Cosmetics where I built a multi-million-dollar direct sales business, Mary Kay’s belief in the Golden Rule resonated with me from the start. Building my own business provided me with the opportunity to gain experience that could be gained in no other way and the company provided excellent training. Like any entrepreneur, I am always learning and growing as an individual and searching for ways to promote myself and others.

It was through this career with its connections and sales, that I found BNI. After attending my first couple of meetings, I was immediately impressed by how organized BNI was and that members were actually giving referrals to other members. I was delighted to learn about BNI’s core values, especially “Givers Gain”, which is much like the Golden Rule. As someone that has always loved connecting people, I knew BNI was made for me. I learn so much from other members including presentation and speaking skills, business experience and advice, and a boost of self-confidence and self-esteem. While it does come with a time and money commitment, as it does take an investment to grow your network, BNI is truly the fastest and most effective way to build a huge network that works for all everyone involved. You truly get to know people and when they know, like, and trust you - referrals do happen. I’m living proof!

From being a member, to now the Executive Director of BNI Maritimes, I believe BNI’s philosophy and core values still align with my own. It is a great and proven way to live your life and build a business. Each BNI chapter becomes a real community and builds lasting relationships, and was recently recognized in Forbes magazine, ranking #1 in Forbes 14 Smart Ways for a Business Owner to Reach New Contacts. We all want to be connected to something bigger than ourselves and when we share our networks, we are doing service to our friends and business contacts.

Desiree Juzdan Ghosn

She is an ICF Certified Executive and Life Coach, member of the International Coaching Federation, UK Certified Adaptability Practitioner, an experienced professional in Innovation and Change Management, Organizational Engineering and a Certified Lead Auditor on Quality Assurance. She filled multiple high level positions in top ranking banks and multinational companies covering Lebanon, Dubai, the Mena Region and Europe elevating the business to leading positions in the market.

Being a fervent advocate for Gender-Based Equality and Women Inclusion and Empowerment, Desiree participated in series of workshops oriented for Women Empowerment and Self-Care with the Renown Executive Business School - Ecole Superieure des Affaire - in Beirut, Lebanon; she also participated in the SAWI program with the American University of Beirut on Building Inclusive Strategies for Recruitment, Retention and Promotion of Women in the Economy.

Desiree recently moved to Halifax with her family.

Currently she is helping and supporting newcomers and immigrants to overcome challenges of adaptation and integration, as well as developing strategies for Diversity, Equality and Inclusion in organizations through individual and group coaching sessions, guidance, families gathering, kids activities and Ladies Night outings.

She provides consultancy services and business coaching for start-ups, executive coaching for established businesses, coaching programs oriented for women empowerment, self-leadership and self-care, as well as tailored programs on various topics.

As part of her volunteering services, Desiree offers free workshops, mentoring and guidance for NGOs and local communities.