2023 SPEAKERS

Caeley Looney is a total space geek, avid Netflix binger, and french fry lover. After graduating from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, she started working full-time as a Space Mission Analyst at L3Harris Technologies, where she currently supports their small satellite programs. Recently, she completed her M.S. in Space Systems Engineering at Johns Hopkins University. Once the work day is over, she comes home and works on Reinvented Magazine. As the founder and CEO of this 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Caeley works to empower young girls to pursue STEM fields through each of Reinvented’s three core programs. Outside of work and running a nonprofit, Caeley loves making and is constantly working on something crazy. Some of her favorite projects include forging a sword, designing a 3D printed light up constellation dress, and building an origami kayak.

Demi Knight Clark has over 25 years of nonconforming in the trades - primarily rising through the ranks of publicly-traded production homebuilding. From throwing a hammer to scaling companies to founding a nonprofit for women in trades (She Built This City) to now "going first" as a female founder/WBE in construction, welding & demolition - equity & "solving the deltas" of 2% women in true trades is at Demi's heart.

Daryl started in the construction industry at just 19 years old. Since that time, she has grown from an administrative assistant to an experienced Project Manager, leading projects and teams in commercial mechanical, process, and plumbing scopes. She has experience that spans semiconductor, pharmaceutical, offices, and multifamily markets in both plan & spec and design-build deliveries. In addition to her direct role, she is integral to strategic planning, training and development, and process improvements for her teams and business units. Daryl is a cross-functional team influencer and a collaborative, interpersonal servant-leader who prioritizes supporting, uplifting, and mentoring others. She values and celebrates individual differences and excels at combining people-focused goals with Project + Business + Client objectives. She currently serves as Co-Chair of the TD Women’s Partner Resource Group, 2023 I-LinCP breakout session speaker, and is a 2022 Empowering Women in Industry nominee for Industry Advocacy as well as Leadership in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Shannon Bumgarner is a change maker inspiring transformation within organizations and with women in technical careers. As a degreed engineer with 20+ years of experience, her bold leadership has strengthened supply chain, engineering, and customer experience processes for leading industrial companies. Shannon is passionate about mentoring women in largely male-dominated industries with a broader impact on gender equity in STEM and gender wealth equality. 

Jill possesses over 20 years of expertise in Enterprise Business Development, with a focus on supporting major CPGs. Transitioning her efforts, she is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion across ecosystems. Her dedication lies in expanding entrepreneurial opportunities for diverse-owned businesses and promoting sustainable prosperity for workers and communities.

Operating at the intersection of purpose and profit, Jill has demonstrated success in collaborating with closely held companies and private equity firms, facilitating transitions to employee ownership and empowering workers to build generational wealth. In her role as Curriculum Director for the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago's Breedlove Entrepreneurship Center, she crafted a groundbreaking curriculum designed to accelerate later-stage Black female entrepreneurs in the CPG and Food sectors. This curriculum provides crucial education, access to networks, and capital.

Among her current endeavors, Jill collaborates as a member of the Steering Committee for Empowering Women in Industry and the 17 Rooms Initiative. Her collaborative efforts aim to advance the economic, social, and environmental priorities inherent in the world's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Her proactive engagement extends to the working group for Room 8, focusing on UN SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.

Jill's fervor for effecting positive change is deeply rooted, driven by her desire to inspire connections that lead to meaningful transformations. Presently, she serves with distinction on the Board of Directors for the Spondylitis Association of America, striving to enhance outcomes for individuals impacted by Spondyloarthritis while also hosting Spondycast.

A seasoned speaker, Jill is well-versed in delivering engaging talks on topics including technical content, overcoming limiting beliefs, and the transformative power of connection. Her recent speaking engagements include notable events such as Empowering Women in Industry Chicago and Deeper Women Lead Atlanta, where she provided audiences with invaluable insights and inspiration. Additionally, Jill has served as a spokesperson for Novartis in Sat Media Tours and online commercials for their MPITAS, further amplifying her influence.

Amy Crosby is a degreed electrical engineer leading technical services at a small automation company, WEM Automation. She has been in the Industrial Automation field for over 20 years, starting her career as a Field Service Engineer. Amy is positive, determined and always on the lookout for actions and suggestions to move her work forward. On a personal note, she has been married to Keith for 23 years and they have 3 children: a 22 year old daughter, a 20 year old son and a 16 year old daughter. Being a working and involved mom has always been important to Amy as well as guiding other females as they navigate life changes and learn how to advocate for themselves.

Dana Peever is the creator of "The Decision Smith" app and 5-Step Decision Making System, www.yearofyouchallenge.com, 2x #1 bestselling author of The Decision to...Series, and Decision Expert at www.TheDecisionSmith.com. Dana has spent over 30 years invested in helping people make tough decisions confidently. She acknowledges that making those decisions takes courage, and her goal is to empower women to success, one brave decision at a time. She has worked with hundreds of clients who all have their own story to tell. Ultimately, she'd like to see them Brave the Chaos with a smile on their face.

Coralee has been in the construction industry for over 25 years and started her career as a building envelope consultant for a multinational engineering firm. Upon retiring from the engineering firm, she started working full time with her husband on the mechanical contracting business they started together. After 15 years of ownership and successfully selling her trades business, Coralee now shares her knowledge, experience, and expertise with business owners in construction and trades to build their business for greater profitability, flexibility and freedom. All social platforms: @coraleebeatty

Barbara Trautlein, PhD is author of Change Intelligence, principal and founder of Change Catalysts, and originator of the CQ® System. For over 30 years, Barbara has coached executives, trained leaders at all levels, certified change agents, and facilitated mission-critical transformational initiatives - achieving bottom-line business and powerful leadership results for clients. Her blend of research, real-world expertise, and actionable strategies makes her an in-demand consultant and speaker spanning a wide range of industries across the globe. Clients served include Abbott, BP, Cisco, Goodwill, Northwestern University, and University Hospitals. Barbara holds a doctorate in Organizational Psychology from the University of Michigan.

I've worked for Grazzini Brothers for 11 years. Started as a helper, worked my way up to finisher and years later journeyman Tile Setter, 1 of only 3 in our company. In 2020 I was awarded Tile Setter of the year. I've had the pleasure of working on many award winning jobs over my career. My husband and I work together to accomplish our goal of Tiling the world one piece at a time 🥰

Dianne McMaster works for Emerson as a Water and Wastewater Business Development Manager providing support and strategic direction for water and wastewater business. Dianne works with existing and potential customers within our industry to bring market knowledge, technical support, competitive differentiators, and sharing innovations in the industry. Dianne is a regional leader in Emerson’s Women’s Impact Network employee resource group which provides support and networking opportunities for female employees in 85+ chapters globally, strives to increase the number of women in leadership positions, and works to attract a new generation of women in STEM fields.  Dianne volunteers on the American Lung Association Fight for Air Stair Climb Committee, as a corral captain at the P3R Pittsburgh Marathon, with Penn State COMETS (Math, Engineering, Technology, and Science) middle school program, and has leadership positions in her local SWE chapter as well as on several professional organizations.

A globally successful and experienced sales and business development executive with highly developed sales, strategic, communication, people development and leadership skills. Able to understand company, customer, employee and market expectations and drivers and transform them into outstanding business success by utilizing charismatic leadership, superb communication and technical competence. A logical and pragmatic expert in understanding and implementing real and meaningful value creation, strategic planning, inclusive team leadership and techno-commercial management with the ability to leverage on international experience. Currently living and working in the US as VP of Sales for the Domestic Building Division within Grundfos, which is responsible for the development of our business in the single and multifamily residential space. Passionate about energy & water conservation and all things relating to sustainability, which includes building sustainable business and not just the part relating to environmental sustainability.

Leslie Taito is the Executive Vice President of Business Operations at Taco Comfort Solutions. Taco is a 100-year-old, third generation family-owned global company based in Cranston, Rhode Island that engineers and manufacturers high-efficiency indoor heating, cooling, and plumbing comfort systems. Using her 30+ years of management and manufacturing experience, she is responsible for Taco’s global strategy and implementation for business operations, supply chain, import/export compliance, quality, vendor contract management and marketing. Previously, she served as Chief of Staff at Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island, CEO of Hope Global, a manufacturer of textile products and engineering solutions, Director of Regulatory Reform for the Rhode Island Office of Management and Budget, CEO for the Rhode Island Manufacturing Extension Services, Inc., and Executive Director of the Rhode Island Manufacturers Association. 

Leslie is actively involved in her community and currently serves on the Board of Trustees at Centreville Bank, is a Rhode Island Commodore, and is a member of the Rhode Island Manufactures Association Advisory board. She has held past board positions with the National Manufacturing Extension Partnership, Polaris MEP Advisory Board, and the Northern Rhode Island and North Kingstown Chambers of Commerce

Robert (Rob) Montenegro is the son of a single mother, brother to two older sisters, husband to an amazing wife, father to two super-amazing grown daughters, teammate to remarkable women (some of whom are Empowering Women in Industry award winners)! Rob is the Vice President of Sales at Grundfos, the leading global pump manufacturer and solution provider. Rob is responsible for the sustainable and responsible pumping and treatment solutions for municipal water and wastewater authorities and has more than 30 years of senior leadership experience and expertise in the water and wastewater field. Prior to joining Grundfos, Rob was responsible for managing a pump, mixer, and blower manufacturing and distribution business as President of Pumpex and Vice President of Sales for ABS (Sulzer), as well as a leadership position with Synagro. Rob has a B.S.M.E. degree from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA.

John is Managing Director, Global Supply Chain at tms, a HAVI Company, managing the supplier network for their Category Management practice. John has been with the HAVI companies the last 14 years in a variety of management roles. He started as the lead for the HAVI Global Solutions North American promotions group, transferred to Singapore to their APMEA operations and then did a stint as COO of HAVI Logistics Asia. Upon returning to the US, John transferred to tms as head of Operations before moving into his current role. John is a graduate of the University of Michigan, graduating in 1990 with a BBA. He started as an Auditor with Grant Thornton before moving into industry in a variety of Financial and Operational roles.

Holly Montrose is the Vice President - HVACR Channel Sales, Drive Products Division at ABB,
Inc.; a leading global technology company that energizes the transformation of society and
industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future.

Holly joined ABB in April 2021 as the West Regional Sales Manager for HVAC Drives and after seven quick months, she was promoted to a newly created role of Director of Sales where she was responsible for cultivating a proactive sales approach, communicating the voice of
customer back to the factory, and continuing the sales growth strategy. She brings years of
significant expertise in technical sales across multiple industries such as HVAC, healthcare,
manufacturing, environmental, and chemical.  

Prior to joining ABB, Holly Montrose was a known talent in the industry.  She succeeded
working for a small competitor, where she didn’t have the tools or advantages of a large
organization. She approached the role with the mind of a student and taught herself about the
HVAC industry and the technology used to support it.

Holly has a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, with a focus in polymers, and a minor in
Business Administration. She believes that her studies in the sciences has been a tremendous
assets to her career. It has given her the tools to approach technical sales with a systematic
approach while constantly driving for the best solution.

While newer to the Leadership role, Holly is no stranger to being a leader. She has spent
majority of her life practicing and participating in the dance world. She has multiple national
titles, Choreography awards, and countless dancers who have become a part of her family.
She believes that every person deserves to learn in a manner that supports their growth, and she applies this belief to her leadership role at ABB.

Ashley Wheeler is responsible for organizational development at Hunt Refining Company in Tuscaloosa, AL. She is passionate about helping individuals and organizations transform their thinking and performance from commonplace to extraordinary. Her focus is maximizing potential through training, coaching and consulting around leadership, women’s leadership, process improvement and strategic planning. She is a frequently requested keynote speaker on topics related to women’s leadership and organizational development and was an international facilitator, executive coach and speaker in her past role working for Caterpillar. She is certified in several assessments and is a Marshall Goldsmith Executive and Team Stakeholder Centered Coaching graduate. She is currently working to obtain certification in coaching, training and speaking through John Maxwell’s Leadership Team. She holds an undergraduate degree in Education from Auburn University, a Master’s in Education and finished her PhD coursework from Auburn. She is “ABD.” Ashley has been a single mom to two college-age boys for 19 years now and just recently engaged. She gives back to her community through serving in volunteer work over many years. She is a current member of Leadership Tuscaloosa for 2022 – 2023

Lauren is a mindset and leadership speaker. She is the author of Go With Your Gut: Then Keep Going, the host of the podcast Go With Your Gut and a Tedx speaker. Her passion and mission is to use her own life lessons, struggles and developed practices to help others get themselves "unstuck" in life and gain forward momentum.

Jennifer Watson, MPT, I.M.T.,C., owner of Jennifer Watson Leadership, is a dynamic speaker and coach with a gift for intuitive and visionary coaching. She is an expert in wellness + leadership development, identity & mental edge enhancement, high-performance, post-trauma growth, movement & change adaptation, and soul-aligned living mastery. Incorporating her expertise along with her athletic gifts as a former collegiate athlete and All- American, she has had the honor to share here message on the TEDx stage, NBC, Fox Radio and top Summit/Podcasts. With 20+ years experience in business-leadership management + wellness advocacy, she inspires those to unleash their potential and performance in all areas of their life. Her company, Jennifer Watson Leadership (JWL), supports ambitious leaders & entrepreneurs to step out of chaos into creation to live their legacy now. JWL does this through Mind-Body-Soul Wellness Activation, Next-Level Speaking + Leadership Traits Amplification, and Sustainable High-Performance Creation Acceleration. Her gift is truly to tap into the leaders “Jedi Flow State” in Wellness + Leadership and create their EXTRAORDINARY Business + LIFE ease + joy.

Camille McKinney is an Executive/Leadership Coach, consultant, and speaker who is passionate about elevating the impact leaders have on people and organizations. She believes that leadership is an ‘inside job;’ great leadership starts within each of us. Before becoming a professional Coach, Camille worked for over 25 years as a learning and performance consulting professional in the banking and healthcare industries, where she also led a team of sales training professionals. She brings her experience in leadership, Emotional Intelligence, performance consulting and training to support leaders in revealing their personal leadership advantage, both in business and in life. Website URL: https://camillemckinney.com/ 

Meaghan Ziemba is a Technical writer, brand storyteller, and marketer for industrial manufacturers. She has a B.A. and M.A. in Professional and Technical Writing from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. She has been writing for manufacturing since 2008 and hosts a live video broadcast series called Mavens of Manufacturing. The series focuses on women in the sector. Its mission is to attract younger generations to join manufacturing or engineering career pathways to help close the skills and gender gaps. Meaghan is a proud mother of three. She enjoys cooking, CrossFit, and a great cup of coffee or a glass of whiskey.

Environmental Engineer, Global MBA and MSc Business Administration. Passionate about water challenge, with strong background in drinking water and wastewater treatment; in the field of consulting, engineering & construction, project management as well as in business development. Her purpose is not only to help solve water but also to inspire young generations taking care of water challenges across Latin America. https://www.xylem.com/en-us/making-waves/water-utilities-news/xylem-author-teaches-children-about-the-wonderful-world-of-water/?utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=us-corp-waterbook-q1-feb&utm_content=

Gina Simpson is a successful serial entrepreneur, certified professional coach, educator, author, and creator of confidence. Combining her professional experience with her passion to help others, Gina founded Soluna Strategies, a firm that specializes in developing energetic, innovative, and successful individuals and organizations. She is a highly sought-after, charismatic keynote speaker, facilitator, and author that works with students, individual clients, and organizations moving them towards actualization of their goals.

Blanka Gyorgy is based in Chicago, IL, has accumulated 17 years of global experience working with Genpact. Her expertise lies in people functions such as change management, HR, training, talent acquisition, and knowledge management. She has played a crucial role in driving the people aspect of large-scale business and technology transformation projects across diverse industries. As a strategy advisor, Blanka has collaborated with numerous Fortune 500 clients, leading global teams in implementing enterprise-wide digital transformation initiatives. Her unwavering dedication to progress and results has earned her a distinguished reputation as a change advocate and a difference maker in the field of global transformation leadership.

Allison “Ally” Jencson, sometimes called the Tradeswoman Tigress, is fiercely passionate about helping women be successful in the construction and trades industries. As the leader of her own trades business, Ally discovered that there aren’t many resources for the 2% of female construction workers who are tradeswomen. And so, being the resourceful rebel that she is, Ally created Girder Skirts™. A community for tradeswomen to support and connect with each other, just like a girder does for a physical structure. She has over 15 years of trades business experience to back up what she teaches. Ally knows it takes more than hard work and dedication to run a family and a business at the same time. It takes being a rebel and doing things differently!

Emily Wilkins is the founder and CEO of Marketing Metal, the “anti-agency” that helps small manufacturers become magnetic to the humans they need to thrive and create Real positive impact in their communities and the world. She and her team mine for the “metal” in these shops, turning that raw material into an exciting, authentic brand and marketing machine that they feel proud to show off and empowered to operate.

H.J. (Howard) Dewes, Channel Strategy Manager, HVAC Drives, has been with ABB more than thirty years with roles in operations, logistics, marketing, sales management, business development and acquisition integration. He is a strategic leader with a distinct ability to view challenges and opportunity from many perspectives who leverages diverse cross-functional teams to achieve exceptional results. H.J. is a champion for Diversity & Inclusion, Sustainability, the Circular Economy, and the Energy Efficiency Movement. He served in the United States Navy and earned degrees from Marquette University in Organization Leadership and Communication Studies.

Cheryl has 40 years of leadership and management experience in manufacturing. She has held leadership positions with industry giants like GM, Mazda, Ford, and Lear Corporation and led teams in the U.S., Mexico, Canada and throughout Europe and Asia. Cheryl spent 19 years as the President and CEO of Hope Global, a manufacturing company with over 2,000 employees and operations in the U.S., Mexico, Czech Republic, China, and Brazil. During that period, Hope Global grew five times in revenue and became a Tier II leader in the Automotive Industry. In 2019, Cheryl joined Taco as President of Taco Family of Companies, North America. In March of 2020, Cheryl was promoted to CEO of Taco Family of Companies Global operations. Since taking the helm, Taco has doubled in revenue, expanded the workforce by 350 team members, acquired a new business unit in England and have planned global operational facility expansions of over 243,000 sq, ft. in the next 3 years. 

 Cheryl has received awards over her career that include Scouts of America, Distinguished Citizen Award (2023), Providence Business News Rhode Island Business Women’s Career Achievement Award (2022) and Leadership Award (2001, 2014), Rhode Island Manufacturers Association, Al Lubrano Leadership Award (2022) New England Business Woman of the Year (2014), Mentor of the Year PBN RI (2016), Crain’s Women in Manufacturing of the Year (2018), Trailblazer in Business / Cheryl Watkins Snead Award (2018). She holds two Honorary Doctorates from New England Institute of Technology for Humane Letters and Bryant University for Business. 

Her community work includes being a member of the Board of Governors for the Rhode Island Commodores, Advisory Board Member for the University of Rhode Island, member of the Rhode Island Manufacturers Association Advisory Board, and a Board member of the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce. Cheryl has also served in the past as a Trustee (Secretary and Chair of Student Affairs) for Bryant University, Board of Governors, and a Trustee of the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council. She has also served on the boards of Rhode Island Economic Development, Governor’s Workforce Board, the Rhode Island Hospital Foundation, and the Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce.

Tiffany is a renowned figure known for her motivational and inspiring message, particularly in the realm of personal growth and development. She wears multiple hats as a Personal Brand Coach, Speaker, and Author, with one of her notable works being "Inside The Ring." Her journey into personal branding was fueled by her own experiences, particularly a highly publicized celebrity divorce, which left her feeling out of control of her own brand. It took her several years to reconstruct her personal and professional brand from scratch.

Her mission revolves around empowering women to regain their sense of self and identity, which often gets overshadowed by the demands of life, motherhood, marriage, and professional responsibilities. Tiffany firmly believes that it's time for women to reclaim their magic.

In Tiffany's perspective, the magic of a personal brand lies in the ability it offers to take control of how one is perceived in the world. It's a tool that can boost confidence and self-belief, allowing individuals to harness opportunities and make well-informed decisions about their careers and futures. With a personal brand, one can avoid career meltdowns and the confusion of being at crossroads, as it provides focus, clarity, and a strategic roadmap for future success.

Drawing on her extensive background, Tiffany brings a wealth of experience spanning over 20 years in marketing, branding, and life coaching to the table. She offers practical skills and tools to help individuals develop and manage their personal brands, both online and in person. Her expertise serves as a guiding light for those seeking to create a strong and authentic personal brand that aligns with their goals and aspirations.

Amanda grew up in SE Wisconsin and has been involved in the construction industry since childhood. She bought into the family business in 2013, shortly after receiving her BS in Structural Engineering from Milwaukee School of Engineering. She currently serves as the vice president and managing partner. Amanda’s role within the small family business includes a variety of tasks such as daily operations, project design, bidding, employee development and education, and marketing. She is eager to teach the next generation about rewarding careers in the trades. She has organized three local trade-focused events- Touch a Truck Wisconsin, Kurk Kids, and Build X Next Generation. She is involved with trade associations including ABC Wisconsin, Lakeland Builders Association, Wisconsin Builders Association, Concrete Foundations Association, American Concrete Institute, and our local Chamber of Commerce. She is mom to two boys – James (4) and Joseph (2).

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.