2023 SPEAKERS

n 2008, Dr. Leslie Glenn Evans opened her holistic practice with the express purpose of helping people feel better—physically and emotionally—by embracing a gentle, natural approach to self-care. After a 16-year-career educating at-risk adolescents with learning disabilities, ADHD, and depression, Dr. Leslie blended her degrees in Education and Professional Counseling with her love of natural health care to enlighten others about the benefits of a holistic lifestyle. Dr. Leslie earned her PhD in Natural Health Sciences with extensive study and dissertation on the gut/brain connection. She is a certified Enneagram Coach, Life Strategies Coach, a Holistic Wellness Coach, and is trained in Hemispheric Integration, a form of Neuro-Linguistic Programming. She has additional training in EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) and is a HeartMath Practitioner. Dr. Leslie is DSHEA (Dietary Supplement Health and Education) certified and is also certified as a nutritional consultant and yoga instructor. Her most recent training in Mind Body Spirit Release ™ allows her to help clients identify specific blocks and limiting beliefs that may be preventing them from achieving their life goals whether personal, health or business related.Dr. Leslie’s vast, comprehensive expertise in education, nutrition, and coaching provides a unique approach to guiding others toward total body wellness. She is passionate about assisting those struggling with unwanted, unexplained, and debilitating anxiety and health challenges. Her primary focus is with those struggling with Anxiety. She also offers natural solutions for intestinal health, brain function, allergies, stress management, and adrenal fatigue. Dr. Leslie’s own personal journey gives her a unique perspective and understanding of her clients’ challenges and frustrations. She is excited to help her clients become the best version of themselves—to live well and be well.Dr. Leslie is partnered with Down to Earth Counseling & Wellness of Tuscaloosa, AL and sees clients on an individual basis while offering Telehealth consultations for those living out of the area. She serves her community by offering local wellness and yoga classes, and she is available for corporate training, conferences, retreats and other speaking events.

With over 25 years of experience in learning, leadership, and organizational development, I am a certified executive coach and consultant who helps individuals, teams, and organizations achieve extraordinary results. I have a proven track record of designing and delivering impactful talent management, performance improvement, and cultural transformation programs for diverse and global clients, including Caterpillar and Hunt Refining Company.

My passion is to ignite the spark within people and organizations to discover and fulfill their purpose, maximize their potential, and continuously improve their performance. I leverage my expertise in Extended DISC, Marshall Goldsmith Executive & Team Stakeholder Centered Coaching, John Maxwell Leadership, and FranklinCovey Leadership to provide customized coaching, training, and speaking services on topics such as leadership, women's empowerment, and organizational development. I hold a master's degree and 60/60 hours of PhD coursework in education from Auburn University, and I am a Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society member and a 2022-2023 Graduate of Leadership Tuscaloosa.

Jaela Walker is currently Regional Director of Field Sales for Extended Stay America and is based in Jacksonville, FL. Jaela has been in the sales/marketing field for over a decade now and continues to enjoy every day of the challenge. She is a member of the Junior League of Jacksonville serving as a New Member Advisor as well as Co- Chair of the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee, she is also a member of The National Coalition of 100 Black Women-Greater Jacksonville Chapter and serves as Chair of the Communications Committee.

Jaela is very passionate about her work with women, children and the well-being of her community. This passion has led to her creating a Women's empowerment movement known as Girl, Get Up whose goal is to encourage, empower and equip women to continue to heal despite what they have been through. Jaela's heart is with Girl, Get Up and she knows this is her ministry and mission turning her pain into purpose. Not only does Girl, Get Up have a social media presence Jaela takes Girl, Get Up on the road speaking and engaging with women all over the United States. She is quoted as saying "This is a movement of healing together".

Jaela enjoys reading, spending time with friends and family, wine tasting, shopping and beach days.

Cherie Moman is a clinical instructor at The University of Alabama who uses her 30 years of marketing communications experience to engage with and inspire the next generation of business leaders. Outside of the classroom, she is the faculty advisor for the Bama Branders NIL marketing organization, alumnae advisory committee chair for Pi Beta Phi, co-chair for the Culverhouse Office of DEI Women in Business conference, and director of Minerva - Culverhouse's summer program for young women interested in business. She is a three-time graduate of Alabama with a B.S. in consumer affairs, an M.S. in interactive technology, and an M.S. in marketing with a specialization in digital and social media and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in communication. In her "spare" time, Cherie enjoys visiting national parks with her husband and three sons.

Heather is a healthcare professional turned corporate consultant turned mompreneur. She is an inspirational community leader, motivational speaker, podcast guest, and guest blogger. She shares her passion and dreams for all moms to "have more money, confidence, time, and freedom."

Heather has fifteen years of experience in sales and marketing in multiple industries including retail, healthcare, fashion, food, nonprofit and more. She left the healthcare and corporate space to put her son first. She then started her business journey by “inspiring moms to go for their dreams” and teaching them how to work smarter, not harder using business, goal-setting, and time-management strategies. She wants all moms to have the opportunity to be successful in business, no matter if they are simply starting with a dream, managing their business alongside their 9-5, or growing a multi-million-dollar empire. Her consulting business is focused on creating a wide range of resources and services for mompreneurs who are serious about growing their business and making an impact. Heather has been a part of Empowering Women Locally since the beginning and was awarded with a SHARP award in 2022 because of her volunteerism and passion for her community. She has a heart for nonprofits and has recently joined the board of directors of Easterseals West Alabama.

Naamah VanDyne is a different breed of the new generation of community advocates. Most of her endeavors are influenced by her motherhood journey and devout husband. She is deeply rooted in her humble upbringing and reflects her family values on different platforms. She currently owns NA Management, a multi-service business for special events, fundraisers, and community outreach programs. The mission of her company is to provide resources for businesses and organizations catered to help local families and schools.

One group influenced by her multicultural background is Las Flores del Sur, which is a folkloric dance group that provides interactive-cultural education in local events and schools. Their message is to promote all cultures are more alike than they are different. In addition to her professional roles, she volunteers for the Junior Achievement Program at Brookwood High, she is a board member for Backpack Connections, and is currently launching the Second and Seven Reading Program at Brookwood Elementary.

As much as Naamah enjoys her work and family, she also finds fulfillment in her hobbies as a paramedic, mechanic, and aviation pilot student. Naamahfirmly believes all women already possess every resource needed to achieve their dreams no matter their circumstances.

When it comes to singing and performing, Nimiwari is no stranger to the stage.
From her humble beginnings leading worship in church as a 3-year-old to
travelling to perform internationally as an adult, she has inspired many audiences
with her captivating vocals. Her music has a soulful feel infused with the energy of
her African origins and the passion of her gospel roots.
 
Nimiwari has won several singing competitions locally (Kip Tyner’s Tuscaloosa
Talent Search and Tuscaloosa’s Got Talent) and won the ITM International
Singing Competition in 2020, which gave her the opportunity to perform her own
concert in London, England. In 2022, she also completed a successful tour of select
cities across Europe.
 
Nimiwari is currently working on a major project called "Dreamblazer" scheduled
for December this year at the Bama Theatre in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. It will feature
music from her debut album to highlight her emergence as an artist and promises
to be an unforgettable experience.

As the Director of Special Programs and Workforce Development at Manufacture Alabama, Robin oversees the policy and advocacy arm of the association. Serving in a liaison role for a number of Manufacture Alabama’s committees means driving the programming and communicating the committee’s feedback to inform Manufacture Alabama’s position on various topics. Additionally, Robin leads a number of Manufacture Alabama’s strategic initiatives including Workforce Development Solutions, Diversify and GLAM.

Girls Learning About Manufacturing or GLAM is a non-profit organization with the mission of creating interest in careers in manufacturing among the next generation of women entering the workforce. Leveraging the strategic relationships of Manufacture Alabama, GLAM brings industry partners, education providers, and young women together for career exploration, and mentorship opportunities. As Executive Director, Robin guides the newly developed organization’s operations.

Prior to joining the team at Manufacture Alabama, Robin worked in Human Resources and Program Development roles in the Manufacturing and Information Technology Sectors. She is passionate about connecting people and organizations with opportunities and resources .

Robin has had the opportunity to give back to her state and community through various volunteer organizations including:

•Women in ManufacturingAlabama ChapterBoard -Sponsorship Lead

•3-timeChairman of Central AlabamaWorks! Career Discovery Expo

•Selected by Governor Ivey to serve on the Alabama Apprenticeship Council

•SHRM Montgomery Board Member –Workforce Readiness

•ALSHRM Council -District Director for Region 5 Robin studied elementary education at Troy University and the University of West Florida. She lives in Montgomery with her husband, Judson, and daughters, Evelynand Alice.

Dr. Kay M. Palan is the ninth dean of the Culverhouse College of Business at The University of Alabama. Now nearing the end of her seventh year at UA, Dr. Palan leads the flagship business school in Alabama. Dr. Palan has more than 25 years of experience in academics including six years as dean and professor of marketing at Western Michigan University’s Haworth College of Business. and a six-year stint as associate dean for undergraduate programs at Iowa State University.

Dr. Palan earned her doctorate in business in 1994 at Texas Tech University; an MBA from Minnesota State University Moorhead; and a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Winona State University. She has industry experience as executive director of Health Enterprises, Inc., and Traill County Nursing Services in North Dakota.

She is a board member of the Southern Business Administration Association and past chair of the Mid-American Business Deans’ Association and of the AACSB affinity group, Women Administrators in Management Education. She currently serves on the review board of the Case Research Journal and is an outside director on several corporate boards.

Jasmine Dedrick is a Birmingham-native, and 2017 graduate of Auburn University’s College of Liberal Arts, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in public relations and marketing. She currently resides in Tuscaloosa with her husband and their one-year-old daughter. During the day, she works full-time as the Client Onboarding Specialist at Randall Reilly, helping trucking companies recruit their ideal driver candidates. When she’s not assisting trucking companies in achieving their driver recruiting goals, she’s using her love for beauty to help women create and elevate their ideal beauty routines.

Jasmine is entering into her third year as a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant. She thoroughly enjoys combining her desire to empower and enrich the lives of other women, while building genuine relationships that go beyond assisting with their makeup and skincare needs.

Jasmine is a big believer in the saying, “When you look good, you feel good!” Her primary mission is to help women access the confidence that results from discovering a unique way of outwardly expressing one’s inner beauty. Whether it’s helping someone find a new favorite lipstick shade that makes them feel unstoppable or offering up her best skincare tips, so you feel your best with or without makeup, doing so brings her great joy!

In her spare time, you can usually catch Jasmine reading a book, snacking on something sweet or spending quality time with her family.

Kenyatta Browne is a highly accomplished professional and mom with a diverse background and a passion for excellence. With years of experience in the banking industry, Kenyatta has developed a deep understanding of the financial sector and the needs of clients. She currently serves as the bank manager with Regions Bank at Indian Hills, where she is responsible for overseeing a team of financial experts and ensuring that the bank's operations run smoothly. 

In addition to her professional pursuits, Kenyatta is also a dedicated community leader. She is a board member with Theatre Tuscaloosa, an Executive Leadership team member for March of Dimes’ March for Babies Tuscaloosa, treasurer for the Tuscaloosa Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc and Financial Secretary for the Beta Eta Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. She recently founded a 501c3 nonprofit organization called The Unity Center, which is dedicated to providing community mediation services to Tuscaloosa and the state of Alabama. The Unity Center aims to promote understanding and cooperation among different groups, and to resolve conflicts through peaceful, constructive means. 

Kenyatta holds an MBA from Western Governors University, which has provided her with a solid foundation in business and finance. She has a keen understanding of business and finances and is able to make informed decisions that benefit her clients and her organization. 

In her free time, Kenyatta indulges her passion for acting. She has appeared in several stage productions, and has also been featured in commercials and print ads. Her acting skills allows her to be empathetic towards others’ journeys, which she believes is the key to connect with people. This is a skill she has been able to bring into her professional life as well. Kenyatta is a dedicated professional who is committed to delivering exceptional service to her clients, promoting community unity and is always looking for ways to improve their financial well-being. She is a leader who inspires and motivates those around her to achieve their best. 

In 2015, after more than 25 years of experience as an award-winning journalist, Michelle founded Navigate Content with two specific goals in mind — to continue to develop intriguing content for the industry she loves while also being the captain of her own ship.

Michelle has created and branded editorial content for the processing industries for the past decade. No other reporter in the processing industries has seen manufacturing as up-close-and-personal as Michelle Segrest. She has toured manufacturing facilities in more than 75 cities, in 12 countries, and on three continents. She has covered more than 150 industry events worldwide, and has been the keynote speaker at three national conferences. She is the author of three books on Modern Manufacturing and one book on Creative Technical Product Marketing.

Michelle firmly believes in living life by a compass and not a clock. She travels wherever there is an interesting story to be told, which could be anywhere on the planet. Her previous adventures include a year-long journey sailing the world on a 43-foot sailboat with her two beloved beagles.

Morgan began her career as a Virtual Health & Fitness Coach by accident in 2019. She realized it was time to make her health a priority so she began her health and wellness journey by utilizing the services of a Coach. Once she realized how life changing that was, she decided to become a Coach herself. She helps women start and continue their health journey by teaching them that your mindset and self-belief play a big role in your overall health. She provides clients with private accountability groups, at-home workout plans, nutrition training, and mindset coaching to help them achieve their goals. Morgan has a passion for helping others find their self-confidence while working to improve their health. She teaches clients how to build healthy habits by taking a single step at a time. She focuses on helping women get healthy from the inside out. Morgan was recognized as an Emerald Coach in 2019 and a Diamond Coach in 2020 for helping others in their health and wellness journey.

In addition to being a Health and Fitness Coach, Morgan works full time at The University of Alabama as a Productivity Engineer with the Alabama Productivity Center. In this role, she provides professional services and training to companies throughout Alabama. She also provides student interns to companies in Alabama as well. Morgan holds a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from The University of Alabama. In her spare time she enjoys beach trips with her her husband, son, and daughter.