Marilyn is a co-founder of Meditation4Leadership. She served as a board member (2018-2025) and Chief Operating Officer (2018-2023) of the organization after a successful 35+ year career as an executive and business development professional in the technology and healthcare industries and leadership roles with several non-profit/charitable organizations. She is a scientist by academic training (BS-University of Pennsylvania and MS- Jefferson University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences) and led the international research program at a rare disease advocacy group. It is there she directly witnessed the power of the mind to help heal the body. She was new to meditation when she started with Meditation4Leadership and can’t believe she waited this long to change her life. As a strong advocate for the power of meditation and mindfulness, Marilyn’s goal is to reduce the barriers for others so they may embrace the practice as a path for personal enlightenment and professional success. “If I can do it, anyone can.”

Tom Drury is a seasoned CEO with broad experience in early stage information technology company settings and has been a partner in a regional venture capital firm. He currently serves in a CEO / Founder mentoring and coaching role with multiple early stage information technology businesses. In 2006, after several years of study, Tom became a practicing Buddhist, completing his refuge vows under the direction of Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche. Over the past twelve years he has become deeply immersed in Buddhist teachings on life and spirituality and has proactively sought out ways to communicate compassion and loving kindness to those in need of spiritual support, particularly within a health care setting. Tom actively participated as a hospice volunteer and completed two years of formal education as an Associate Clinical Chaplain. He also teaches introductory courses on Buddhist spirituality and meditation.

“My Christian meditation practice has provided the silence and inspiration I have needed for many life decisions, large and small. These have included trusting in our ability to both start SJF and to raise successive funds with a stewardship and sustainability mission.”

SJF Ventures is a positive impact growth equity fund with $260 million under management.  The fund has invested in more than 65 companies in the clean energy, sustainable food, recycling and reuse, health and education sectors.

Dave practices centering or contemplative prayer and takes annual retreats at Mepkin Abbey, a Trappist monastery. He has been inspired by writings such as the ‘Cloud of Unknowing’ and books by Thomas Merton, Thomas Keating, and Teresa of Avila.’

“Meditation can be a cornerstone for developing good brain health and brain function. Our studies over the past 30 years document a number of beneficial brain changes when people engage in meditation, whether for a few minutes or a lifetime.“

Dr. Newberg is currently a Professor in the Department of Integrative Medicine and Nutritional Sciences at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. He has actively pursued a number of neuroimaging research projects which have included the study of aging and dementia, epilepsy, and other neurological and psychiatric disorders.  Dr. Newberg has been particularly

involved in the study of mystical and religious experiences, a field referred to as “neurotheology”. He has also studied the more general mind/body relationship in both the clinical and research aspects of his career including understanding the physiological correlates of meditation and other types of alternative therapies.  He has published over 200 peer reviewed articles and chapters on brain function, brain imaging, and the study of religious and mystical experiences.  He is the best selling author of  Why God Won’t Go Away and  How God Changes Your Brain, and has published 10 books which have been translated into 16 different languages. He was listed as one of the 30 Most Influential Neuroscientists Alive Today by the Online Psychology Degree Guide.

“In years prior to meditation, I did not pause as much as I do now. I like the pause – the reset. The consistency of having meditation be a part of my daily life for a long time has been like having a strong rock to lean on. It also leads me to meet other likeminded and kind souls, new books, and new methods of practice.”

Leslie Wolfson’s energy and expertise in building relationships assist in her position as the Executive Director of the Association of Corporate Counsel’s New Jersey Chapter, part of a global bar association that promotes the common professional and business interests of in-house corporate counsel. The Chapter is a conduit of all resources ACC Global where the mission includes advocacy, education, charity, networking, and pro bono work. Leslie holds a Masters Degree in Economics and Finance and has authored and edited several economics textbooks as well as written a book combining her passion for photography and economic principles, where she shows and explains how economics dovetails life. Leslie taught Advanced Placement Economics and created and taught Financial Literacy curriculums for 18 years after starting her career in banking prior to joining the Association. Leslie believes sharing kindness and caring in this world is of great purpose, and she hopes her work with Meditation4leadership adds to her ability to continue her sharing at a greater level.

Reece Leonetti has been a supporter of Meditation4Leadership since Fall 2022. A dedicated meditator and mindfulness teacher for several years, she holds a master’s degree in Oriental Medicine. Reece has owned a wellness business and taught Reiki, meditation, and qi gong for several years, as well as organized destination wellness retreats. Following the onset of COVID-19, she transitioned from managing her wellness business in Denver, CO, to working as a Sales Manager and Business Development Director in the SaaS technology industry for 5 years. These combined experiences have enabled her to develop a highly skilled and unique approach to business and sales development and consulting for organizations. Reece resides in Colorado with her husband, 9-year-old son, three dogs, and a leopard gecko, where they enjoy spending time in nature, hiking, working out, camping, and spending time on the lake.