Unstoppable Women: A Panel of Power, Purpose, and Perseverance

Every year at the Empowering Women Conference, one of the highlights is gathering women leaders who not only excel in their fields but also leave a lasting mark on the lives of those around them. This year’s Unstoppable Women Panel on Oct 2nd in Chicago promises to do just that. These women—Delana Roe, Sarah Pennington, Tammy Simmons, and Ashley Wheeler Huffman—are more than speakers on a stage. They are mentors, visionaries, encouragers, and friends who embody the courage, faith, and resilience we all need to rise higher.

Sarah Pennington: Seeing Beyond the Lens

Sarah Pennington is an award-winning portrait photographer, but her real gift is the way she sees people—not just their outward appearance, but the depth of who they are. She’s traveled the world capturing faces and stories, from Alabama to Uganda, and everywhere she goes, she brings out authenticity in those she photographs.

I’ll never forget being in Uganda with Sarah as part of the Chance Project. She sat with me during a moment of doubt, when limiting thoughts tried to creep in, and she looked me straight in the eyes and said, “Those limiting thoughts are lies. You need to get out of your own way, because only you can share this message.” Her words have stayed with me ever since. Sarah’s passion for helping women embrace their unique qualities doesn’t just happen behind a camera lens—it happens in the everyday conversations that shift perspectives and inspire action.

Delana Roe: Coaching with Clarity and Courage

When it comes to leadership, Delana Roe has a way of cutting through the noise and helping people see their value and vision with unmistakable clarity. As the founder of Breadwinner Coaching and a seasoned real estate leader, she has built a career on equipping others to thrive. But what makes Delana unforgettable is her willingness to jump in and help leaders see what’s possible.

At the Tuscaloosa Empowering Women Conference, Delana served as emcee and guided the event with professionalism and energy. But she also coached me personally, reminding me of something I’ll never forget: don’t be afraid to ask. She encouraged me to invite the top women leaders I knew into the room, saying that true impact requires courage to extend the invitation. That boldness is exactly why she’s part of this panel today—because Delana doesn’t just talk about leadership, she demonstrates it in action, empowering others to take their own leaps of faith.

Tammy Simmons: A Light Rooted in Faith

If you’ve ever met Tammy Simmons, you know she shines with warmth, grace, and faith. An educator, counselor, and minister, Tammy has poured her life into serving others—students, her community, her family, and now, women who are seeking encouragement and inspiration.

Tammy’s gift is capturing moments of truth and faith, whether through her words, her business Your Moment Captured, LLC, or her ministry. She has always reminded me to ground myself in what matters most. For Tammy, faith is not something she keeps quiet; it’s the source of her strength and her message to others. She has been a consistent light in my own journey, reminding me that God’s hand is always at work in our stories. And, fittingly, she is also the one who helps us capture those moments in photos—because she knows the importance of remembering where we’ve been and celebrating how far we’ve come.

Ashley Wheeler Huffman: Resilience in Action

From the day I met Ashley Wheeler Huffman, I knew she was a powerhouse. Her story of resilience is one of strength, grit, and determination—not just surviving challenges but refusing to let them define her. Ashley takes a “no-victim” approach in every aspect of her life and work, and that mindset is contagious.

These four women—Sarah, Delana, Tammy, and Ashley—each bring a unique perspective, but what binds them together is their unstoppable spirit. They have lifted me up in countless ways, speaking truth, shining light, and modeling resilience. They’ve reminded me that the work of empowerment is never done alone—it’s done in community, with women who cheer for each other, challenge each other, and champion each other’s purpose.

That is exactly what the Unstoppable Women Panel represents: women who don’t just talk about empowerment, they live it. They embody courage, faith, creativity, and grit. And by sharing their stories at the Empowering Women Conference, they are creating space for all of us to step into our own unstoppable journeys.

If you missed the Oct panel, come join our next meet-up on November 5th at 4:30 p.m. at San Jacinto College in Houston, Texas, for another powerful panel. Come ready to be inspired, challenged, and encouraged by women who are not just leaders in their fields but leaders in life. Because when unstoppable women come together, there’s no limit to the impact they can make.