Monica Pierre is a three-time Emmy Award-winning reporter, producer, educator, and speaker based in New Orleans. She serves as an Assistant Professor of Practice in the Mass Communication department at Xavier University of Louisiana, where she prepares students for careers in multimedia storytelling and communication. Monica has produced and hosted numerous radio and television talk shows and reported on major news events, including the historic coverage of Hurricane Katrina.

LaShon Ormond is the Chief Impact Officer at Amplify Education,where she is responsible for creating an enterprise-wide impact strategy. Previously, she was SVP & General Manager of K-12 Humanities and VP of Strategic Initiatives. Her career demonstrates a commitment to educational excellence and providing equitable learning experiences for all students..She holds degrees in English and Education. In her personal time, LaShon enjoys spending time with family, reading and writing, or hanging out with her community at the bookstore she owns.

Dr. Jawan Brown Alexander, daughter of New Orleans, community leader and strategist, who currently serves as the CEO of Maroon, Inc., an organization that focuses on promoting impactful leadership across communities. With her background in education, advocacy, small business, and government affairs, Jawan works to empower underrepresented groups by creating professional learning opportunities for leaders. Dr. Alexander has served as a keynote speaker and panelist at conferences nationally while also contributing to podcasts and publications. Jawan holds advanced degrees in leadership and has studied at Harvard's Leadership Institute, is a member of the Louisiana Superintendent’s Academy, is a Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Small Business Alum. Jawan’s work has been recognized by City Business, Young Leadership Council, and a number of television and newspaper outlets.

Ebony Allen, LCSW-BACS, is the Founder and Director of Brook Haven Counseling and Consulting Services, where she provides therapy, education, and consulting to reduce the stigma of mental healthcare in marginalized communities. She is clinically trained in trauma-informed crisis response and holds multiple certifications, including Qualified School Social Worker. Ebony is also an adjunct professor, conference speaker, and adjunct committee member of the Louisiana State Board of Social Work Examiners. She enjoys being a wife and mother of two, and finds peace in crafting, cooking, and music.

Dorothy Doolittle is a nationally recognized education leader and presenter, specializing in helping state and district leaders design and implement sustainable systems that improve educator effectiveness and student achievement. Raised in rural Arkansas, she overcame obstacles to become a role model, proving education drives opportunity and systemic change. Honored as Teacher of the Year and Math and Science Coach of the Year, she has led large-scale teams, spearheaded multi-million-dollar initiatives, and guided leaders in creating coherent instructional and leadership frameworks. A consultant and certified Organizational Development Coach, Dorothy remains dedicated to shaping innovative solutions that transform learning experiences for future generations.

Dr. Chanise Reese-Queen brings over twenty years of expertise in professional development, education, accreditation, strategic initiatives, and training within academic, nonprofit, and healthcare settings. She holds a doctorate in educational leadership, a master’s degree in public health, and a bachelor’s degree in human relations. She is passionate about empowering others, especially women, through her “Own Your Awesomeness” workshop. Dr. Reese-Queen is an avid reader and Zumba instructor, she enjoys staying active and spending time with her husband, family, and friends.

Aaron Harrison is an educator and philanthropist. She has nearly thirteen years of experience in K-12 education. Aaron has dedicated her life to serving and giving back to the youth of New Orleans via teaching, mentoring, and leading by example. Aaron is a proud co-founder of the Legacy Foundation for Girls, a nonprofit organization aimed at empowering young women and fostering future leaders. Beyond the classroom, Aaron enjoys spending time with her family and embracing her vibrant local culture. Ms. Harrison's dedication to education, community engagement, and personal growth continues to leave a lasting impact on the lives of her students and her community.

Dr. Sue Borrego is a courageous and authentic leader and educator who is passionate about community and individual transformation. Her journey from being an emancipated minor to becoming a university president has provided her with rich experiences that have shaped her deep commitment to “healing the world.” She has successfully served as both a university president and chancellor on two occasions. Throughout her career, Sue has dedicated herself to supporting the success of others and creating more vibrant and inclusive organizations. She believes it is our collective responsibility to create the better world we all aspire to live in. Through her speaking engagements and leadership development activities, Sue challenges and inspires others to embrace their power to make a difference!

Dominique Luster is an archivist, entrepreneur, and advocate dedicated to the rich narratives of the Black diaspora. With over a decade of experience in cultural heritage and memory, she founded The Luster Company, an archival consulting firm that helps organizations uplift, honor, and tell stories that represent the lived experiences of marginalized communities. In 2018, her TEDx Talk on the transformative power of archives captivated a global audience, leading to features on popular podcasts such as Archives in Context and Brave Women at Work. Dominique is a sought-after speaker, consultant, and proud bourbon connoisseur.

Michelle O’Brien is a professional in the pharmaceutical industry with over eighteen years of experience in Quality Assurance. She holds a Bachelors of Science from the University of Illinois at Chicago, a Master of Science in Biotechnology from Roosevelt University, and a Master of Pharmacy in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from the University of Florida. Raising her son as a solo parent, Michelle confronted the harsh realities of single motherhood head-on. She navigated treacherous waters of societal judgment and self-doubt. Yet, with every setback, Michelle found a way to be stronger.

Dr. LaRhonda Dingle Magras is a dynamic leader in social change with nearly thirty years of experience as a nonprofit executive. A passionate advocate for human rights, Magras has led a continuum of transformative services that address the root causes of poverty, support the educational attainment of children and adults, promote safety, housing stability, and economic mobility. Born on the South Side of Chicago, Magras has consistently worked to improve lives and make a meaningful impact in under-resourced communities. She has been publicly recognized for her leadership through multiple honors, including distinctions in nonprofit work. Magras holds a Doctor of Education in Leadership and has mentored hundreds of leaders, empowering them to create lasting change nationwide.

Dr. Shawnté Elbert, EdD, MCHES, CWHC, is a nationally recognized leader in health equity, wellness, and leadership development. With over 18 years of experience driving transformative health initiatives in public health and higher education, she is the CEO of Elbert Innovative Solutions and co-CEO of Sister W.E.L.L.S. She empowers individuals and organizations to achieve holistic wellness, inclusive leadership, and personal growth through innovative, evidence-based approaches aligned with the 9 Dimensions of Wellness.

Jacqueline Cetera, also known as Jackie or Jax to many, is a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment and a seasoned professional with nearly 20 years of experience in higher education and event planning. She is the Founder and CEO of JNC Innovations, a business dedicated to curating unique experiences through consulting, event planning, and specialty gift services. Jackie combines her entrepreneurial spirit with her talent for creating moments of joy and connection. Her journey of embracing freedom and letting go was transformative, leading her to launch her business. This journey also deepened her understanding of the unique challenges women face across professions. Drawing from these insights and her passion for uplifting others, in 2022, she created LeadHERship, a program designed to inspire and empower women on their personal and professional journeys. Jackie’s commitment to helping others shines through her work, as she continues to curate meaningful experiences and encourage women to lead bold and courageous lives.

my Quesenberry is a Motivational Speaker, creator of the Start with Compassion™ framework, CEO of Quesenberry Consulting and the director of Training and Organizational Development at RICK Engineering. Amy has her masters in Organizational Leadership and is an Organizational Development Coach. After 20 years in Human Capital, she created a framework that helps to transform how we show up through compassionate actions, inspiring and fostering better connections, creativity, and innovative thinking. Amy empowers audiences to transform their lives and their environments through compassion. Amy lives in San Diego, California with her husband and two dogs.

Shelia Higgs Burkhalter, affectionately known as “Shiggs”, is a bestselling author, an accomplished speaker, facilitator, and a certified Executive & Leadership Transitions Coach with 30 years of experience in the higher education sector.

Shelia specializes in guiding aspiring executives and leaders through successful transitions, placing a strong emphasis on people, values, and leading with heart. As the founder and owner of ShiggsB Coaching, LLC, she integrates her extensive knowledge of leadership, communication, and energy to create a transformative experience for her clients.

Shelia holds a Managerial MBA from the University of Arkansas - Fayetteville, an MSEd in Student Affairs Administration from Indiana University - Bloomington, and a BS in Mass Communication/Political Science from Southeast Missouri State University

Dr. Ronicka Harrison-Briscoe is a dynamic leader and interdisciplinary scholar, revered for her unwavering commitment to education and community transformation. With a career that spans nearly two decades, Dr. Briscoe's tireless dedication, expertise, and genuine passion have earned her a well-deserved reputation as a change-maker. Beyond her remarkable career in education, Dr. Briscoe is equally passionate about community transformation. Her commitment to change is exemplified through her extensive involvement in non-profit board service. Among many honors, Ronicka was recognized as a 2023 Xavier University of Louisiana 40 Under 40, 2022 City Business Woman of the Year, 2023 Teach for America Community Leader of the Year, and University of Holy Cross Community Service Award Recipient (2022).

Cyndy Wulfsberg was born in Texas and has lived in six states, one territory, and two foreign countries. Early travels with her Air Force family inspired lifelong interest in languages and cultures. Physical challenges lead to a love of dance and commitment to whole body wellness. She holds a B.A from Luther College in Political Science, and an M.A in Sociology from the University of Virginia. Her career spans university teaching, elected public office, consulting, lobbying, and national and international marketing and sales. She is devoted to her family and friends and lives in Michigan with her husband and cats.

Mary Beth Ritchey, BSN, MSPH, PhD, FISPE has spent her career dedicated to better understanding medical product safety and effectiveness within the “real world” where patients are managing new and chronic health conditions in an increasingly complex health care system. She enjoys leading multi-stakeholder international clinical research, strategic planning and coordination of scientific programming, development of actionable policies, and enabling rigorously accurate plain-language information to aid patients, clinicians, and other decision-makers to make informed choices about medical products. Dr. Ritchey is grateful for advice from mentors and hopes to help others to work toward whatever success looks like in their own lives.

Dr. Echell Eady is a first-generation college graduate with a strong affinity for those seeking to improve their circumstances through learning and work. Owner of Eady Consulting Group, she specializes in employment attainment and retention. A nationally certified Career and Education Advisor, Dr. Eady develops strategies to reduce employment barriers, advance economic empowerment, and promote family education. She is a Board member for Read to Succeed and serves on the Tennessee Rehabilitation Center’s advisory council. Dr. Eady and her husband Sean are the proud parents of three sons: Tony, Ryan, and Ross and doting grandparents to Dani Ariyah Eady.

Natalie Robinson is a highly accomplished senior leader with over 19 years of experience in the Pharmaceutical-Biotech industry. As a visionary leader, she brings an enterprise approach to her role, focusing on strategy development and execution. Natalie's passion for leading people and impacting the business is evident in her inspiring and impactful leadership style. She is best known for her exceptional leadership skills, which have earned her multiple nominations as leader of the year, ultimately winning the prestigious award in 2020. With expertise in people development, sales, marketing, market access, analytical, and matrix management, Natalie is a well-rounded professional with a track record of success. Her ability to navigate complex business challenges and drive organizational growth furthers her reputation as an esteemed leader in the industry.

Jenn believes career success doesn't have to be at the expense of living a radiantly happy + healthy lifestyle. As a sought-after career and HR consultant with professional roots grounded deep within corporate America, Jenn brings over 15 years of progressive, global HR leadership experience across multiple industries and Fortune 200 companies. Now, as the founder of Flourish Careers and host of The Flourish Careers podcast, Jenn is on a mission to support heart-based, career-minded professionals in navigating the changing world of work and taking the right next steps toward a happier + healthier career. When she’s not working, you can find her exploring all Western NY offers!

Emigrating from Manila to LA as a child, Mylene Barizo never imagined a corporate career. Challenging cultural and family expectations, she rose to VP of HR at Enterprise Holdings and served as the Sr. Executive Director of HR to the CIO at The Boeing Company. Mylene led teams, innovations in HR, and built people strategies with executives. Find her blog, services, and projects focused on diversity and elevating women/BIPOC talent at www.leadership-ladder.com.

A proud UCLA Bruin, Mylene now calls Seattle home when she isn’t exploring beautiful places on the planet and savoring fabulous food!

Karen is a poet, author, and knowledge seeker. She is the founder of Bridge Arrow, a Chicago-based management consulting firm focused on making businesses more profitable by maximizing return on equity for investors, shareholders, and employees. Karen's understanding of humanity has taken her to live in and travel to over seventy countries on six continents. She allows each culture to leave an imprint on her, which informs the way she moves through the world.

Churni Bhattacharya is a digital transformation leader with extensive experience in technology transformation, focusing on vision, strategy, roadmap, and implementation to enable best-of-class customer experience and measurable success. She has a proven track record of transforming the legacy landscape into next-generation SaaS platforms, transformational change, leadership building, high-performing teams, and delivering outstanding results.

She has also worked at First Republic Bank, Intuit, Accenture, JMN Consulting, and Ernst & Young. She led technology strategy initiatives for several different Fortune 500 financial services companies and delivered numerous large technical implementations. Churni started her career as a software engineer with an MS in Computer Science from Pune University and a BS in Physics from Jadavpur University.

Natalie Benamou, MBA, accelerated her career to leadership positions in both the trade show industry and non-profits. She has a serve first approach to life and leadership. She has held executive board director positions, advisor and mentor to women leaders and served as President on nonprofit boards.

Turning her passion to action, Natalie is the Founder and CEO of HerCsuite® Leadership Programs and Network. She is the President and Founder of the non-profit HER HEALTHX which brings together patients, caregivers, women leaders, payers, providers, and industry to create health equity for women. She speaks routinely, serves as an emcee for large events, and is a serial podcast host with over two-hundred interviews hosted.

Dr. Justin Grimes, born and raised in Little Rock, AR, is the author, consultant, and motivational speaker. Dr. Grimes has a BSBA in Computer Information Systems, a Master's in Workforce Development Education from the University of Arkansas, and a Ph.D. in Counseling and Student Personnel Services from the University of Georgia. Dr. Grimes owns Stick With It LLC, an education and consulting business that connects individuals and organizations to information and resources to build momentum toward success. Additionally, he specializes in making graduate education more equitable and accessible.

Dr. M.L. “Cissy” Petty is an experienced executive leader in higher education. She also serves as a conscientious leadership coach and consultant, with expertise, authenticity, and confidence. Cissy has a keen understanding regarding strategic planning, including organizational and leadership development. She has a Ph.D. in Higher Education, Florida State University; selected for the postdoctoral fellowship, Upsilon Nu Chi Distinguished Scholar in Counseling, University of North Carolina-Greensboro; Harvard University Senior Institute for Higher Education Management; Nationally Certified Counselor; Board Certified Coach; Executive Leadership Coaching Certification, Georgetown University.

Stevie Montgomery is a scientist with over twenty years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry. They hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Indiana University. While they are proud of their career helping to provide life-saving and quality of life-improving drugs to patients who need them, they are equally as proud of their advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ community. They have volunteered for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and have led corporate global efforts to improve diversity and inclusion, specifically seeking to make the workplace more affirming for LGBTQIA+ team members. In addition, they are an author, a parent of both humans and dogs, a distance runner, and a hiker.

Dr. Belinda Higgs Hyppolite has dedicated her career to advancing the voice of the voiceless and decrease barriers to student, faculty, and staff success. Her career in Higher Education spans over twenty-seven years at five large research institutions. She has served in various leadership roles and helped to build pathways for success.

Dr. Higgs Hyppolite’s commitment to advancing social justice allows her to lead with clarity and focus on increasing access, promoting equity, and building spaces of inclusion. As a social justice advocate and educator, Dr. Higgs Hyppolite believes that access to education is a right, not a privilege. She supports and advocates for many.

Stephanie has built a career in the Life Sciences industry contributing over a decade as an engineer and shifting to a business focus. Committed to promoting women in STEM, she volunteers at the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) mentor network where she provides situational coaching for college students, those early in career, and women seeking changes. She believes in paying the lifechanging mentorship she has received forward. She holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Bucknell University, an M.Eng. in Biochemical Engineering from Lehigh University and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University. Stephanie enjoys distance running, local hikes, backpacking, camping, and international travel with her husband, Aaron.

Marilyn Vetter has thirty years leading and developing teams in the biopharmaceutical industry. While building expertise in government relations and providing access to therapeutics is her expertise, what makes her soul sing is mentoring women to become confident and empowered leaders. Marilyn’s passion to serve includes a lifetime of volunteering with organizations that speak to her passions which include life sciences, professional development, hunting dogs, wildlife and habitat conservation. Her professional and personal worlds collide in her newest role as the President and CEO of Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever, the nation’s leading organization committed to conserving upland birds and wildlife through habitat improvement. Marilyn leads the passionate 450-person team and expands awareness of their critical work. In her free time Marilyn enjoys traveling, writing, hiking, and hunting with her husband Clyde and their German shorthaired pointers

Dr. Zenobia Tantra is a Doctor of Physical Therapy with a specialty in male and female pelvic floor healing from conception to menopause and beyond. She was trained and educated at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Rosalind Franklin University, and the University of Chicago, Copley in Aurora. Dr. Zen deploys Western and Eastern modalities, including traditional pelvic floor therapy, energy medicine, and complementary alternative medicine, at her clinical practice ZenXuality. Dr. Zen exudes passion, energy, and joy. She aspires to empower her clients and enable them to embrace their health, positivity, happiness, and well-being.

Praba Koomson is a highly motivated and talented doctoral-prepared healthcare leader and academic educator with experience across the care continuum. Praba has proven expertise in the implementation of strategic, operational, and innovative approaches to care delivery in diverse backgrounds including Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States, specializing in population health, practice research, and interprofessional collaborative practice, with a focus on delivering care that seamlessly matches the needs of individuals and communities. She speaks nationally and internationally on a range of health and social care issues and is passionate about how care delivery aligns with the choices, values, and preferences of individuals and communities. She has been grant-funded for her work with different organizations. She loves to travel with her family to learn about other cultures.

Cindy holds a Doctor of Public Health in Biostatistics with emphasis on epidemiology from UNC, is a Fellow of the International Society of Pharmacoepidemiology, and founder of a consulting firm working with pharmaceutical companies to make evidence generation more efficient and meaningful. She has published extensively in scientific literature and is currently writing a book on her son’s struggles with addiction and his journey beyond death. She is keenly interested in research on more effective treatments for addiction. She enjoys travel, especially safari and exotic birds, and spending time with friends and family.

Amanda is a recruitment and enrollment management professional, faculty member and holds a doctorate in business administration. Amanda’s passion for helping others achieve their goals and build lives they are proud of fuels her daily work. Amanda leads by example and is dedicated to building a happy and supportive work environment to ensure the success of her team and the best experience for the customers. Amanda lives in South Carolina with her husband, two beautiful and lively children, and sweet basset hound. In the moments of spare time she has, Amanda enjoys traveling, reading, hosting events for her coworkers, and watching British baking shows.

Dawn Kutza holds a PhD in Educational Psychology and currently teaches undergraduate professional skills courses in the Kelley School of Business and courses on the topics of Individual and Societal Well-being for Indiana University. She has spent 20 years applying the principles of psychology and education to develop skills and optimize performance in professionals and students. Her specialties include: Applied Positive Psychology Practitioner; Human Performance Technology, Communication and Professional Skills Training, Thriving Relationships, and Organizational Development. She has an 18-year old son and two huge cats.

Yalonda J. Brown is committed to empowering others through her mission of embracing her divine purpose by improving the lives of others, especially women and girls. Yalonda currently serves as the President of Diversity Initiatives for Engage Mentoring in Indianapolis, IN. She holds a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership, and a host of certifications including being a Certified Child and Youth Care Practitioner. Whether it is via public speaking or her published works, Mrs. Brown uses her various platforms to inspire and motivate others to live according to their purpose. She is a seasoned professional with a host of accomplishments in both private and public sectors.

Jen has an MBA from Lake Forest Graduate School of Management, a BA from Indiana University and is coaching certified from the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching . Jen has developed the Brave Women at Work brand, hosts the Brave Women at Work podcast, and offers coaching services to women who are looking to get to the next level in their careers. You can listen to the Brave Women at Work podcast on Apple, Google, Stitcher, and Spotify. Connect with Jen at www.bravewomenatwork.com or via LinkedIn.

Betsy holds an MS in Health Systems Management, is a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives, received her coaching certification from Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC) and team coaching certification from Gateway Team Coaching Institute. Additionally, she is a Transformational NLP Master Practitioner. She has published research articles related to her work with advanced illness management. She is a national speaker and faculty to several healthcare professional organizations.

Trisha received her master’s degree in Management from New Jersey Institute of Technology, Bachelor’s Degree in Communication and Human Resources Management Certificate from Rutgers University. She is a member of the Society of Human Resource Management and the International Coaching Federation. Trisha is currently pursuing a Professional Coach designation from the Institute for Professional Excellence is Coaching (iPEC). Trisha lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and their two playful dogs. She enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, shopping, preparing meals, and sharing laughter.

Georgie is a professional certified coach, a mediator and senior HR professional, a Master NLP Practitioner, and a long-term user of the Silva Method which helps her guide this journey on earth more effectively. She is passionate about helping others in their holistic development. She believes that there is a success story inside of everyone. That story is waiting to be unleashed upon the world. Today, as mediator, a life and career transition coach, and a holistic leadership coach, Georgie helps others to create their own success stories in life, careers, and in their relationships.

Kim has gone from being a University of Georgia graduate to becoming a career woman in the Hospitality and Meetings Industry, to full-time-parent, statewide community advocate as a Board Member for Georgia Parent Teacher Association (PTA), business owner and then single mom, and back to school again. Kim is certified in Cultural Mastery and has completed a Cornell University Certificate in Diversity & Inclusion. You can read her Building Bridges newsletter on Linked In or reach out to subscribe. Contact Kim for networking, executive coaching, and to learn more about building effective team communication. You can connect with Kim on LinkedIn or www.kimellet.com.