Women at the Helm: Business Leadership Panel

One SouthCoast Human Resource Council and DEI Committee present a
Women at the Helm: Business Leadership Panel

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Join us for breakfast at Rachel's Lakeside featuring panelists from local women-led businesses

Anne Broholm, Ahead USA CEO
Chris Holden, Owner Duke's Bakery
Lucria Ortiz, YMCA Southcoast CEO

Panelists will discuss leading their businesses and what tactics they have applied to be so successful on the SouthCoast.

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MEET THE PANELISTS

 

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Chris Holden is a co-founder of Duke’s Bakery, located in Fall River, Massachusetts. Duke’s is recognized as the SouthCoast’s only 100% gluten-free bakery and café. Established in 2012 in a small Columbia Street location, the bakery originally offered a limited menu with just a few sandwich items and seating for six guests. Over time, both the menu and the business grew. Today, Duke’s Bakery operates at 1082 Davol Street, overlooking the Taunton River, with a full bakery and restaurant that accommodates 60 guests indoors and an additional 60 outdoors.

Duke’s Bakery successfully navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 era and emerged stronger, with a renewed commitment to expanding its brand. The business introduced a 100% gluten-free brunch menu, which quickly gained popularity and drew wider attention. This success led to a partnership with Kevin Harrington of Harrington Franchise Group—one of the original investors on Shark Tank—to launch a 100% gluten-free Duke’s chicken and waffles food truck franchise, now available nationwide. What began as a mission has grown into a movement, with Duke’s Bakery continuing to advance its vision for gluten-free dining.

 

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Lucria Ortiz is a visionary leader with a track record of organizational innovation and growth. Her 20+ year career spans non-profit, government, and legal sectors, marked by a passionate commitment to empowering individuals and communities. Lucria excels in fundraising, securing millions of dollars for vital initiatives and transformative programs focused on poverty reduction, criminal justice reform, youth and workforce development. Lucria has held key roles, including President and Chief Executive Officer of The Opportunity Network, a national college and career access organization, President & CEO of the Yonkers Family YMCA, and strategic positions across the YMCA network, leveraging her expertise for societal impact. An expert in board governance, strategic planning, and diversity, equity and inclusion, she is a respected voice in the field, spearheading change among boards. A sought-after speaker and board member, Lucria has sat on the board of the YMCA of the USA, the Alliance of New York State YMCAs, as well as other prominent nonprofit organizations. Lucria’s influence extends across the sector. Holding a JD from Northeastern University and a BA from Wesleyan University, she combines legal acumen with a profound social mission, inspiring change through her work.

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