2025 SPEAKERS

Director, Speaker, Community Activist and Advocate for Women's Health & Empowerment. Whitni Molden is a passionate leader dedicated to empowering women through health advocacy, leadership, and personal transformation. As a Director for the American Heart Association, Whitni champions the mission to improve cardiovascular health and raise awareness of heart disease—the leading cause of death in women.
Beyond her professional role, Whitni is a motivational speaker, business owner and community activist serving in leadership roles across multiple nonprofit organizations. With a focus on redefining success and work-life balance, she inspires women to embrace their purpose, make intentional choices, and live authentically.

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 manufactures 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, and CEO for Rhode Island Manufacturing Extension Services, Inc.

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.

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Paige Haddy is the Vice President of Marketing at Mobius Institute and MOBIUS CONNECT, leading marketing efforts across the entire Mobius Institute brand portfolio. With over a decade of industry experience, Paige oversees company-wide marketing strategy as well as the business development and operations of MOBIUS CONNECT professional community on a global scale.

Previously, Paige served as Director of MOBIUS CONNECT and Global Marketing, where she launched and nurtured the MOBIUS CONNECT professional network, growing it from its inception to a thriving community of over one million professionals worldwide. 

Before joining Mobius Institute in 2018, Paige spent several years managing events in the Maintenance and Reliability sector. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports, Entertainment, and Event Management from Johnson & Wales University.

Outside of work, Paige enjoys exploring new destinations, soaking in sunrises, keeping up with her lively toddler, and dancing whenever she gets the chance.
 

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Kelli Paskert is a dynamic leader with over two decades of experience driving strategic growth, including 15 years in the construction industry. A former C-Suite executive and now a Business Advisor at Creative Planning Business Services, Kelli is passionate about empowering women in leadership and building high-performing, inclusive cultures. She is an accomplished keynote speaker, the Immediate Past President of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Greater Des Moines chapter, and the founder of the nonprofit Engage Ankeny. In 2025, she earned the prestigious Master Builder designation from Master Builders of Iowa. Kelli’s vision, energy, and commitment continue to inspire the next generation of industry trailblazers.

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​Meaghan Ziemba is a storytelling powerhouse, brand champion, and marketing guru for industrial manufacturers. With a B.A. and M.A. in Professional and Technical Writing from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, she’s been crafting content for the manufacturing sector since 2008. As host of Mavens of Manufacturing, Meaghan spotlights women in the industry and smashes stereotypes about careers in manufacturing. A single mom of three, she’s also a master multitasker, chaos manager, and CrossFit enthusiast. Whether she’s writing, lifting, or savoring a strong coffee (or whiskey), Meaghan blends passion, grit, and badassery into everything she does.

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Daryl is an experienced Project Manager and Leader in the commercial MEP construction industry, spanning semiconductor, pharmaceutical, offices, CNG stations, and multifamily markets, both in traditional and design-build deliveries. In addition to her direct role, she is integral to strategic planning, training and development, process improvements, and mentorship. As a public speaker, mentor, and industry leader her advocacy work focuses on Women in Construction/Industry, Gender Equity and Equity in general, Mental Health, and Servant Leadership. She is also currently:
•        Chair of TD’s Women’s Employee Resource Group
•        Lead Committee Member & Mentor for the TD/Wilmer Hutchins High School mentorship program
•        Member of National Association of Women in Construction (N.A.W.I.C.)
•        Advisory Board and Member of Empowering Women in Industry
•        Member of Institute for Leadership in Capital Projects (through TD)
Daryl is recognized as 2024 Mentor of the Year through Empowering Women in Industry’s national event with previous nominations for Industry Advocacy and Leadership in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. 

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Breanna Colón is the Founder of Integrity Financial Solutions, Inc. and a seasoned Financial Strategist with over 20 years of industry experience. A passionate advocate for financial empowerment, she specializes in helping individuals and families eliminate debt, build wealth, and achieve long-term financial freedom. Breanna is also an author, speaker, and podcast host who delivers practical, faith-based financial strategies that transform lives. Her mission is clear: Change your mind, change your money, change your life

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Jennifer Watson is a healer, dynamic speaker, and Executive Performance Strategist with a gift for visionary, intuitive coaching. She integrates science and energetics to elevate mind-body wellness, leadership expansion, and performance optimization through transition, change, and growth. An expert in transformational leadership, resilience mastery, and influential communication, Jennifer empowers intuitive decision-making and emotional intelligence for next-level success. A former D1 collegiate track athlete and two-time All-American, she has been featured on the TEDx stage, NBC, FOX Radio, and top summits. With over 25 years in wellness advocacy and business leadership, she inspires leaders & influencers to unleash their full brilliance.

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Carnellia Ajasin is a global AI strategist, venture builder, and systems innovator redefining
how we build, fund, and govern technology. She is the Founder and CEO of Futuryst, Inc., a
global venture studio focused on regenerative intelligence—an approach that fuses ethical AI,
systems thinking, and life-centered design. She is also Co-Founder of Frequencyy Capital, a
private equity firm investing in circular innovation across media, AI, and emerging tech.
With over 18 years of enterprise transformation experience across four continents, Carnellia
now advises C-suite leaders, governments, and startups as a Fractional Chief Technology & AI
Strategy Officer, helping them scale responsibly with clarity and integrity.

Her work spans AI, quantum ethics, capital innovation, and systemic change—centered on a bold commitment to reimagining how intelligence itself is defined and deployed. She is a thought contributor to Female Tech Leaders (UK), an advisor to the Global ESG Leadership Organization, and an investor in women-led, humanity-first ventures.

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Tammy Stanford Simmons attended Alabama A&M University attaining a Bachelor of Science in Special Education/Speech and Language Pathology and she received a Master of Education in School Counseling from The University of West Alabama. She is a retired educator of 28 years, fifteen years as a Speech Language Pathologist and thirteen as a
professional counselor. With her continued passion for young people and their
education, she is currently an adjunct professor for Shelton State Community College
and a Tuscaloosa City School substitute teacher.
Tammy is also involved in the community. She’s a board member for Distinguished
Young Women (formally Junior Miss), Backpack Connections, and Alabama One Aspire
Foundation, in which she is the vice president. She’s also the former chaplain, Alpha
Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Eta Xi Omega Chapter. Tammy is the proud owner
of Your Moment Captured, LLC, a God-breathed business of Ministry, Inspirational
Speaking, and Christian Jewelry. She is also a newly published author of The
Chaplain’s Chapter: Prayer Book.
Above all else, Tammy is a minister of the gospel.
Tammy is happily married to one of God’s greatest creations for over thirty years,
Erskine Simmons, the proud mother of two adult children, Kristian Tierre and Erskine
Kristoff, a daughter-in-love, and a super proud gammy to a God-grand and Gambay.
Her family is her strength, next to the love of God.

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Gakuo Ndonga is a Senior Engineer with WD Bearing Group supporting numerous industry applications incorporating bearing technology. Gakuo previously excelled in his role as an Applications Engineer Expert at SKF Group where he gained expertise in rolling element bearing applications in the fluid machinery industry. As a Senior Engineer he now reviews industrial machinery designs for clients; provides recommendations and reviews for bearing designs and arrangements; travels on-site for bearing application support and training; conducts analysis for damaged or failed bearings from the field; and provides technical support for sales teams. Outside of engineering Gakuo is a passionate soccer fan, values supporting local charities, and visiting parts of the world that are foreign to his own experience.

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Robb Clawson is a mission-driven leader with more than 30 years of experience in sales,
marketing, branding, membership, and manufacturing. His career is defined by a unique blend of service and strategy—from leading soldiers in combat during Operation Desert Storm to directing marketing and communications for FTSE 350 and Fortune 500 companies across both B2B and B2C sectors.

Currently spearheading engagement efforts for a leading engineering and manufacturing not-
for-profit organization, Robb brings a deep passion for aligning market insights with compelling storytelling and operational excellence. He is known for successfully integrating market research, traditional and digital relationship-building, customer and member advocacy, and thought leadership to elevate organizational performance and brand value.

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Inge Delobelle is the Executive Vice President and CEO of Grundfos’ Industry Division. 

This division specifically focuses on sustainable industrial solutions and aims to optimise industrial utilities and processes in areas such as water treatment or reuse, system integration, energy and process optimisation, and liquid composition. 

Over a career spanning more than 30 years, Inge has worked in sectors including M&A, steel, and mobility technologies. Her brand of leadership is the result of extensive experience in finance and management roles coupled with a love for future-oriented technologies and developing strong teams. This combination has resulted in a track record of driving profitable growth, embracing tech-based transformations and building successful international organisations.  

Inge holds a Master’s degree in Applied Business Economics from the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium and the Institut d’Administration des Entreprises of Poitiers in France. She also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in European Enterprise Management from the Dorset Business School, University of Bournemouth, and the University of Applied Sciences Fulda.

Born in Belgium, Inge has lived in the UK, France, Germany, and now Denmark, and speaks five languages - English, Dutch, French, German and “un poco” Spanish. 

She is married and has three children.

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Michelle Goret is Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Cintas, where she leads
strategic communications, government affairs, and philanthropy to enhance the
company’s reputation. Since expanding her role in 2019, she has elevated Cintas’
storytelling, social media strategy, and media relations, while also serving as the
company’s primary spokesperson.
Michelle has broadened Cintas’ government affairs from federal advocacy to include state-level work in sustainability and health and safety. She also serves as vice chair of the company’s Partners PAC.
Under her leadership, the Corporate Affairs team drives Cintas’ philanthropic efforts, including partnerships with the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, and the Cintas Partner Assistance Fund, which she helped establish in 2018.
Since joining Cintas in 1996, Michelle has held multiple leadership roles in
communications and marketing. She is also a champion of diversity and inclusion, a board member of Matthew 25: Ministries, and has been recognized among Ohio’s most influential women.

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Bose Akadiri is a Motivational Speaker, Corporate Trainer and founder of Goal and Grind LLC where she partners with high achievers to turn their dreams into their reality using her 5 step Vision and Goals Method(™). Renowned for her dynamic corporate workshops where Bose empowers dreams, elevates teams and transforms organizations. In addition to Goal and Grind, she has led a distinguished career in Corporate Social Responsibility at Boeing, Salesforce, and JPMorgan Chase. 

Bose is an IMPACT Fellow with the Chicago Urban League, Ladies of Virtue Board Member, She Shines Honoree by Girls Inc. of Chicago, 40 under 40 honoree by OKC Biz Magazine, Leadership Oklahoma City alumnae and was named by ionOklahoma Magazine as a 30/30 Next Generation of Leaders.  
 

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Cheryl Merchant 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 currently have global operational facility expansions of over 243,000 sq, ft. underway. 

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Nicole brings 25 years of corporate and technology experience to her speaking engagements and workshops.

She has held roles in Software Engineering, Business Systems Analysis, Project Management and Learning & Development and within industries such as Finance, Payroll Services, Manufacturing and Automotive.

As a certified Maxwell Leadership trainer and coach, Nicole is prepared to deliver content that adds value through an inspiring, engaging, and exciting experience that you will enjoy. 
 

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Dr. Tayo is a physician, speaker, and founder of Back to Sassy Inc., known for helping high-performing women in midlife uncover the hormonal chaos behind their exhaustion, brain fog, and burnout - then fix it fast, naturally. 

Her Synergistic Hormone Balancing System™ delivers clear, science-backed results without pills or fluff. She’s been featured on ABC, CBS, NBC, and The Los Angeles Tribune for her bold approach to menopause and women’s wellness. 

With her signature blend of no-nonsense science and sass, Dr. Tayo helps driven women reclaim their energy, clarity, and confidence, so they keep leading, thriving, and loving life.
 

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Rebecca Heustess is a Certified Tile Installer (#1996) and proud project leader at Grazzini Brothers & Company. As President of NAWIC Dakota Prairies #394, she’s on a mission to elevate women in construction and prove there’s power beyond the pink. With grit, humor, and hard-earned experience in the trades, Rebecca brings a fresh, fearless perspective to leadership, craftsmanship, and breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry.

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Gina Simpson, is a proud working mom, dynamic serial entrepreneur, certified professional coach, and dedicated college educator. With over 20 years of entrepreneurial and academic experience, she empowers individuals and organizations to achieve their full potential through education, coaching, storytelling, and connection. Holding degrees in Marketing and Entrepreneurship from the University of Alabama, where she is also a Senior Instructor and Scholarly Practitioner, Gina founded Soluna Strategies, the Top UnderDog Podcast, and co-founded My She Circle. Her infectious optimism and numerous accolades, including the Rising Star Entrepreneurship Award and Soroptimist Woman of the Year, make her a sought-after speaker who inspires audiences to overcome obstacles and realize their inherent success.

Michelle Lund is a former corporate executive that has been afforded the opportunity to transition into a fulfilling coaching career for nearly a decade. She enjoys being the mother of seven and grandmother to seven, and celebrates the amazing uniqueness of each one of them.  She is passionate about helping people find their joy and engage in meaningful work and relationships.  As a dynamic speaker, Michelle has an opportunity to live out her personal mission of positively influencing the lives of others as she focuses on how to make choices in life that really matter, and how to choose those things that point to your true values and are destined to bring a sense of fulfilment.  

Katie Osburne is a distinguished legal professional with expertise in real estate law, corporate governance, business law, and regulatory compliance. As principal attorney at Osburne Law, she guides individuals and businesses through complex transactions while advocating for ethical leadership. A seasoned advisor and mentor, she is committed to supporting others by fostering meaningful connections through mentorship and engagement. She is also a co-founder of My She Circle. Holding marketing and law degrees from the University of Alabama, she combines strategic insight with legal expertise. Above all, she is a devoted mother to a beautiful daughter, who inspires her every day to lead with integrity, passion, and purpose.
 

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Jacquie is a powerhouse in every sense of the word - she is a devoted wife, loving mother, successful business owner, and passionate author. Growing up in a military family, Jacquie had the unique privilege of living all over the world, which shaped her into the dynamic, courageous, and well-rounded woman she is today.
Her mission? To empower women everywhere to live lives filled with peace, purpose, and joy—no regrets, just lessons learned. With an unwavering faith in God and a heart full of compassion, Jacquie inspires others to know that with God, all things are possible. She believes that when you hear God’s voice and see yourself as He sees you, you can overcome anything life throws your way.
Jacquie’s deep commitment to faith, family, and personal growth will move you. Her message is one of hope, strength, and the incredible power of obedience and trust. Get ready to be inspired as Jacquie shares her wisdom and insights with us today!
Please give a warm welcome to Jacquie J!"

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Courtney Bedoya is a bold, brand-driven marketing leader with a proven track record of transforming companies through strategic storytelling, digital innovation, and data-informed decision making. As the Founder of CLB Marketing, Courtney now serves as a fractional CMO, partnering with growth-stage companies, nonprofits, and challenger brands to deliver high-impact marketing solutions through brand audits, brand strategy, and marketing consulting.

With over a decade of experience leading marketing across B2B, B2C, and nonprofit sectors, including scaling an international workwear brand 3X in the U.S. market, Courtney blends creative vision with operational rigor. She is known for her ability to unify fragmented brand voices, build digital ecosystems, and create authentic campaigns that convert.

Courtney holds a STEM-designated MBA from Rice University with concentrations in AI, Marketing and Leadership, and is deeply passionate about helping founders, female-led brands, and mission-driven teams unlock their full potential.

Whether she’s reimagining go-to-market strategy, coaching teams on marketing operations, or mapping out scalable brand blueprints, Courtney brings clarity, energy, and a relentless growth mindset to every engagement.

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Delana Roe is a leadership coach, real estate consultant, and the founder of Breadwinner Coaching—a growth-focused business built to equip high-performing professionals with the mindset, systems, and strategies to win in business and in life. As a John Maxwell Certified Trainer, Delana brings proven leadership principles to life with real-world application, blending coaching, consulting, and communication training that helps teams grow revenue, improve retention, and lead with purpose.

With nearly two decades of experience in real estate, Delana has worked alongside the top three Keller Williams sales teams in Alabama—all recognized by Real Trends. She most recently served as CEO of Keller Williams Realty Tuscaloosa, where she helped lead the company to over $700 million in closed sales volume in 2024. Under her leadership, the market center maintained a dominant 33%+ market share and became known for its high-performance culture and collaborative environment. Her background spans sales, operations, and executive leadership—giving her a unique perspective on how to build sustainable, scalable success.

Today, Delana leads Breadwinner Coaching to empower real estate professionals, entrepreneurs, and leadership teams across the country. Whether she’s on stage emceeing, teaching DISC communication strategies, or coaching a team to their next breakthrough, Delana brings the same energy: clear, practical, and purpose-driven.

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Award-winning portrait photographer Sarah Pennington spent 15 years serving in HR and marketing roles in the automotive and medical device industries. It wasn’t until she stepped out of the security of a salary and a 401k, however, that she finally discovered her purpose. Nearly a decade later, she has photographed thousands of faces, finding that her deepest passion is connecting with women to showcase the best of their unique qualities. With a talent for creating an easy, comfortable atmosphere, Sarah’s goal for every session is to help her subjects own their authentic beauty and embrace the power found in being truly seen. From small-town Alabama to downtown Chicago to the mountains of Uganda, her work celebrates individuality, with images that go beyond surface beauty to depict true character.

Sarah holds a B.S. of Journalism from Bowling Green State University. An 11-year resident of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, she leads a weekly traumatic brain injury and stroke support group for survivors and caregivers and has been an active member of Business Networking International for eight years.  In her spare time, she also loves laughing with her husband, Spencer, and stepson, Hudson, and travels often to Ohio to visit family.

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As a teenager in the late 1990s, JD began his accounting career while working at his father's CPA firm. A lifelong passion for accounting along with the broader realm of business operations evolved from that financial basis. In 2005, he graduated from West Virginia University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master's Certificate in Forensic Accounting.
In 2012, he became a Controller at Shafer, Troxell & Howe (STH). In 2018, he was privileged to be appointed the Chief Financial Officer and a minority shareholder in the company. As the fractional CFO for Cougar USA, he is delighted to have contributed to the expansion of STH's back-office capabilities, especially by implementing the shared services model.
Becoming an owner at STH has been a very important step in his life. He is very proud to help create a work environment where STH’s team feels valued and supported.
Outside of work, he is an active member of his local church and enjoy coaching his kids' youth sports teams. Whether at work or in the community, he is driven by a passion for building strong foundations—financially, professionally, and personally.

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Courtney Tripp is the Director of Sustainability and Strategy for Grundfos Industry Division. She is a results-focused strategy, sustainability and communications leader with 20 years of experience igniting the growth of purpose-driven companies and nonprofits, including five years in the water solutions industry. She is also a Certified Water Efficiency Professional. Courtney is passionate about the importance of increasing sustainability to address the world’s water and climate challenges. She believes in the ability of innovations in industry and manufacturing to help lead the way to a better, more resilient future. She holds a master's and bachelor’s degree.

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Martie Edmunds Zakas is the Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors of Mueller Water Products (NYSE: MWA). She is an experienced business leader who has served in a variety of C-suite roles at public companies over her nearly 40-year career. Prior to serving as CEO, Martie served as Mueller’s Executive Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer since 2018. She joined Mueller in 2006 and
throughout her tenure has directed the company’s strategic planning, corporate
development, investor relations and corporate communications activities. Prior to
Mueller, she worked in leadership roles at Russell Corporation, an athletic apparel,
footwear and equipment company, and Equifax, a global data, analytics and technology company. Martie began her career as an investment banker at Morgan Stanley in New York.
Martie serves as a Board member of BlueLinx Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: BXC) and is a
former director of Atlantic Capital Bancshares. She also serves on the Board of
Trustees of the University of Virginia Darden School Foundation and is a Trustee
Emeritus of Randolph College. She holds her Master of Business Administration and Juris Doctor degrees from the University of Virginia and her Bachelor of Arts from Randolph-Macon Woman’s College (now known as Randolph College.)
Martie is active in her community serving on the Executive Committee of the Metro
Atlanta Chamber. She is a member of The Atlanta Rotary Club and Buckhead Coalition and on the investment committee of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Martie also serves on the Boards of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and Manufacturers Alliance. She and her husband have four adult children and three grandchildren, all of whom live in Atlanta.

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