Monday, February 12, 2018

A speed coaching and networking event powered by bizwomen.

Mentors

Rania AndersonInternational Speaker, Author, Executive Coach, Founder | The Way Women WorkPROFESSIONAL ADVANCEMENT OF WOMEN GLOBALLYDrawing on more than 25 years as an executive business coach, a former corporate leader and her global research, Rania Anderson is an international speaker and expert on the career and business advancement of women. She is the author of Undeterred: The Six Success Habits of Women in Emerging Economies and of the forthcoming book, What Women Want From Men in the Workplace.

Renny ArensbergExecutive Vice President | KVC Health SystemsRenny Arensberg is Executive Vice President of KVC Health Systems, an integrated healthcare organization that provides in-home family support, behavioral health, foster care, adoption, and children’s psychiatric hospitals. With over 15 years at KVC as part of a larger 35-year career, Renny has become known for her unique combination of energy, insight, agility and authenticity that motivates her teams to high achievement and meaningful results for tens of thousands of children and families each year.

Cathy BaierOwner | US Federal PropertiesCOMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENTCathy Baier is a principal and owner of US Federal Properties (USFP) which develops office buildings and medical clinics for the federal government throughout the United States. Baier is responsible for managing employees, contractors, designers, engineers and processes related to federal government contract procurements. She leads real estate developments and manages large construction projects once a government lease is awarded. She advises USFP on all issues related to the federal government and has helped orchestrate 26 government contract awards for USFP valued at over $750 million

Debra BoxPresident and CEO | Support Kansas CityNONPROFITS, SHARED SPACES AND SHARED SERVICES.Debra’s experience includes organizational and board development, fiscal management, information management, and fund development. During her leadership at SKC, the agency has grown from providing support to 17 agencies to supporting over 150 agen-cies annually. SKC is recognized as a leader in nonprofit shared services. She holds degrees in Business Administration and a Masters in Human Resource Management.

Erica BrunePresident | Lever1HUMAN RESOURCES, PAYROLL, EMPLOYEE BENEFITSErica Brune is President and co-founder of Lever1, a Kansas City-based professional employer organization (PEO) providing human resources, payroll and employee benefit solutions. Within five years of launching Lever1, Erica helped drive the company to become Missouri’s Fastest Growing Company of 2017—ranked No. 44 in the nation by Inc. Magazine. With Erica’s guidance, Lever1 has secured an industry-wide reputation of excellence, operational reliability and thought leadership. Erica also serves as share-holder and CAO for Gragg Holdings, Lever1’s parent company.

Davy CampbellPresident/Owner | Fulfillment PlusDavy started Fulfillment Plus, a marketing services company, after realizing that the fulfillment needs of businesses and nonprofit organizations are often not met. As such, Davy has been honored by the Kansas City Small Business Monthly as one of the top 25 companies in Kansas City with under 25 employees. In October of 2005, Davy was accepted into the Helzberg Entrepreneurial Mentoring Program. In 2006, Davy started Events Plus, an event management company as an outgrowth of Fulfillment Plus.

Mentors

LeAnn CarlsonOwner and CEO | Lauren’s Hope Medical ID JewelryLauren’s Hope, a company founded in 2001, created an entirely new market segment in the medical ID jewelry industry: stylish, functional, high quality, interchangeable medi-cal ID bracelets. Initially a kitchen-table business, Lauren’s Hope now leads the medical ID jewelry industry, employing a busy full-time staff in Riverside, MO. We continue to create lifetime customers daily with our innovative products, active social media com-munities, informative blogging, and outstanding customer service. Over the years, I’ve become well versed in a variety of business topics: ecommerce, startups, partnerships, business development, team development, financial risk assessment, company culture, product development, and process and operational management.

Kelly CarnagoHead of Fiber Business Operations, Midwest | Google FiberKelly is Head of Google Fiber Business Operations for the Midwest region where she leads local teams focused on community impact, business outreach and customer acquisition and retention. Prior to joining Google, Kelly was the Chief Carrier Operations Officer for HYLA Mobile where she was responsible for driving the company results and managing relationships with carrier partners globally.

Diana Chaloux-LaCerteCo-Founder and Co-Owner | Hitch Fit Gym & Hitch Fit Online Personal TrainingDiana is an entrepreneur, co-founder and co-owner of Hitch Fit Gym and Hitch Fit Online Personal Training, based in Kansas City, MO. She is a health and fitness expert, with a passion for helping others transform through positive healthy lifestyle changes.

Mindy CorporonCEO | Boyer & Corporon Wealth ManagementMindy handles all aspects of running the company, except portfolio management. This includes overseeing human resources and all client processes.

Kara CowieDirector of Corporate Communications | SkillPathCOMMUNICATIONS, P.R, SOCIAL MEDIA/INFLUENCER RELATIONS, CONTENT DEVELOPMENT, BRAND STRATEGYKara Cowie is a creative communications leader with 16 years’ experience. As Director of Corporate Communications for SkillPath, Cowie serves on the Executive Management Team, driving internal and external communications for the learning and development company. Cowie began her career as a reporter for The Kansas City Star, later specializing in public relations, social media and content development for local advertising agencies, nonprofits and Lockton Companies.

Vic CundiffCFO | Weed ManSTARTUP & SURVIVAL, MULTI-UNIT & FRANCHISE OPERATIONS, FAMILY BUSINESSVicky and Jon Cundiff started Turf’s Up Lawn Service in 1987 and are now part of Weed Man. They franchise in 7 states with 4 operations of their own. Community Involvement: Lee’s Summit Chamber, LSEDC, LSR7 Schools, WCC, and the City of Lee’s Summit. Hon-ors: LS’s citizen of the year, LS Rotary “Service-Above-Self”, Missouri Municipal League Outstanding Leadership, and Weed Man’s Community Service. KCBJ’s Women Who Mean Business class of 2015 and the Examiner’s Women of Distinction class of 2016.

Mentors

Ethel J. DavisCEO & Portfolio Manager | VZD Capital Management, LLCFEE-BASED, INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT SERVICES; FINANCIAL LITERACY; ESTATE PLANNING; RETIREMENT SAVINGS; STOCK MARKETEthel J. Davis is the CEO and Portfolio Manager of VZD Capital Management, LLC. She is ranked as the first African-American female to own a 100 percent of a fee-based, Registered Investment Advisory firm in the Midwest and one of few with the United States. She brings over 29 years of investment experience from respected companies – American Century, Fidelity Investments, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. and Paragon Capital Management, LLC. The firm was founded in 2012 on the firm foundational principles of fairness, integrity, value-added insight and customized solutions.

Wendy D. DoylePresident & CEO | Women’s FoundationSTRATEGIC PLANNING, PUBLIC POLICY, NONPROFIT LEADERSHIPWendy serves as the President & CEO of the Women’s Foundation where she promotes equity and opportunity for women and their families, using research, philanthropy, policy solutions to impact meaningful change. Working to get women appointed to civic boards and commissions is also a priority of the Women’s Foundation.

Linda EndecottPartner | iValution, President and COO | LED2BUSINESS PLANNING, STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENTiValution helps executives, owners and boards change their organizations’ results. We do this by reordering and redefining priorities, developing and restructuring processes and programs, and identifying and implementing strategic relationships.

Kiersten FirquainCo-Founder & Chef | Happy Food Co.SMALL BUSINESS START UPS , FARM TO TABLE CUISINEChef K works to revolutionize the way real people shop, cook, and enjoy good food at home. Through a retail distribution network, Happy Food co provides the best farm to table meal kit service in our community.

Katie Dunn FitzgeraldPartner & Senior Wealth Consultant | Mariner Wealth AdvisorsWEALTH & ESTATE PLANNINGAs a partner and the highest-ranking woman in the business development unit through-out the entire company, Katie’s primary role is to be a relationship manager, which puts her in charge of new business and servicing existing client relationships. She primarily works with executives and business owners to help them implement their financial plans.

GailOwner | Gail’s Harley-DavidsonEverybody in Kansas City knows Gail Worth. So, like Madonna, Cher, Beyoncé, and Jewel, let’s drop the formalities and just call her Gail. Gail is president and owner of Gail’s Har-ley-Davidson in Grandview, Missouri. She purchased the dealership in 2000 becoming one of a limited number of female Harley-Davidson dealership owners in the country. The business is privately owned and is recognized as a top dealership in the country and the largest Harley-Davidson dealership in the Midwest.

Sonia GarapatyCEO | FSC, Inc. ENGINEERING Sonia Garapaty, is CEO of FSC, Inc., and is responsible for operations, financials, busi-ness development, and project management for all divisions and offices, and manages FSC’s international operations. She and FSC were selected as the 2017 Kansas Wom-an-Owned Business of the Year – Professional Service firm. When Sonia is not in the of-fice, she is very active in the community. She is a member of multiple non-profit boards and leadership organizations.

Mentors

Mentors

Elizabeth GlynnCEO | TravoisFINANCE, AFFORDABLE HOUSING, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, SMALL BUSINESS, HRElizabeth is the CEO of Travois, an affordable housing & economic development firm that has generated more than $1.3 billion in Native American communities in 20 states. She has been recognized as a 2017 young leader by Affordable Housing Finance Magazine. She has an MBA from Washington University in St. Louis and a bachelor’s degree from Wake Forest University. Elizabeth lives with her husband and three young children in Kansas City, Missouri.

Katie GraySenior Vice President – Finance | Greater Kansas City Community FoundationCHARITABLE GIVING, NONPROFIT ACCOUNTING & DEVELOPMENT, FINANCE, INVESTMENTSKatie oversees the Community Foundation’s finances, accounting, technology and investments. In addition, Katie serves as Executive Director of the Foundation’s Real Estate Charitable Foundation and serves on the complex assets team. In 2015, Katie was named one of Ingram’s 40 under Forty and was honored as a CFO of the Year by the Kansas City Business Journal in 2017.

Tami GreenbergCEO | Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas CityNONPROFIT MANAGEMENT & LEADERSHIP, STRATEGIC PLANNING, CULTIVATING TEAM CULTURE, COMMUNITY SERVICEAs the CEO for Ronald McDonald House Charities of KC, Tami leads a team of 45 people and several thousand volunteers. She has a Master’s in Social Work, and worked her way up from direct social work to nonprofit leadership roles. She is a graduate of Centurions and Kansas City Tomorrow, and is engaged in a variety of civic and service work around Kansas City.

Samantha Weiner HammontreeCOO | The Gerson CompaniesSTRATEGIC PLANNING, LEADING TEAMS, OPERATIONS, NON-PROFIT LEADERSHIP, BUILDING CULTURE, ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIORI spent 18 years in the wholesale distribution industry working in 3rd generation family-owned businesses. My passion is to connect, lead and learn from others so I can make a difference in my community. When I’m not busy working in the job, my husband I and are typically watching our teenage kids play competitive sports or I’m volunteering in the community with the many Boards I serve on. I love staying busy - never a dull moment!

Adrienne B. Haynes, Esq.Managing Partner, SEED Law LLC | SEED Law LLC and SEED CollectiveBUSINESS LAW & COACHING, SMALL BUSINESSES, INCUBATOR DEVELOPMENT & MANAGEMENT, MULTICULTURAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENTAdrienne B. Haynes is an attorney and business woman who specializes in helping entrepreneurs develop sustainable infrastructure and business practices. She is the managing partner of SEED Law, a business law firm, and owner of SEED Collective, a con-sultancy. Adrienne uses her ten years of business and leadership experience to create legal and strategic planning solutions for her clients and to speak and write on topics relating to law and economic development.

Karen HoganSpecial Projects Division Manager | Turner Construction CompanyENGINEERING, SUSTAINABILITY, MANAGEMENT, COST AND FINANCE, AND CONSTRUCTIONKaren began working for Turner after receiving her BS in Engineering Management. Throughout her 15 years in the industry, she has worked on numerous jobs as Field En-gineer, Project Manager, Senior Project Manager, and in Preconstruction. In her current role as Special Projects Division Manager she leads the project team from preconstruc-tion through closeout.

Mentors

Talena HooperRegional Vice President for Middle Market Banking | Wells Fargo & CompanyCOMMERCIAL LENDINGAs regional vice president for Wells Fargo Middle Market Banking in Kansas, Hooper over-sees Wells Fargo’s commercial lending operations, providing loan, treasury management, and deposit products to privately held, middle-market companies with revenues of $20 million and higher. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from Friends University in Lenexa, KS, and studied mechanical engineering at University of Kansas.

Kathy HunterSenior Vice President | Simmons BankCOMMERCIAL/SMALL BUSINESS BANKING, SPECIALTY LENDING, ENTREPRENEURSHIPKathy is a 30+ year banking executive with expertise in commercial/small business bank-ing solutions that add value, promote economic development and support the success of our community. In 2017, she joined the KC leadership team for Simmons Bank, one of the fastest growing companies in the nation, to expand its presence in Kansas City. Kathy is an avid learner and enjoys working with young entrepreneurs who exhibit a strong sense of curiosity and imagination.

Angela HurtFounder and CEO | Veracity Consulting, Inc.BRANDING, RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, NON PROFIT BOARD GOVERNANCEHurt oversees the strategic direction and management of the Kansas City-based tech consulting group. She founded Veracity in 2006 on the idea of a clearly articulated mission: to bridge the gap between business and technology. Accolades include 2011 class of Women Who Mean Business, KC’s Influential Woman and consecutive years on the TechWeek100 list. She has led Veracity on to win Champions of Business, 25 Under 25 and the Top 10 Small Business of the Year.

Sheri JohnsonPresident | Morningstar CommunicationsMARKETING STRATEGY, LEADERSHIP, COMMUNICATIONS, CRISIS MANAGEMENT, P.R.Sheri provides executive oversight and counsel for Morningstar Communications cli-ents. She brings broad experience in the consumer and B2B arenas to the firm and acts as a client relationship officer, guiding its clients and account teams in the development and implementation of strategic marketing programs. Sheri also serves as the chief media trainer and crisis communications counselor.

Elise KirchhoferDirector Engineering Services | McCownGordon ConstructionENGINEERING, CONSTRUCTIONElise leads the engineering services department at McCownGordon Construction, specializing in mechanical, electrical, plumbing and structural services. Her expertise in project planning, design management, construction administration, cost management and occupancy integration brings a specialized insight to projects. During preconstruc-tion, Elise and her team will work closely with the estimating team to conduct prelim-inary design/constructability reviews and analyze 3D models, creating more accurate budgets, addressing potential conflicts and determining the best-value systems.

Jeri KlingManaging Partner | Bartunek GroupBartunek Group Executive Recruiting provides outstanding support to customers and can-didates to understand their requirements, identify talent that meets if not surpasses their goals, and who are retained at their new employment an average of 6 years. The company specializes in IT, Telecom and Engineering and works with recruiters nationwide who are experts in Biomedical, Electronics, Sales, Pharma, Gas & Petroleum and Health Care.

Mentors

Mentors

Kaniah Konkoly-ThegeGeneral Counsel | HoneywellLEADERSHIP, LITIGATION, GENERAL COUNSEL, COMPLIANCEGeneral Counsel and senior leader with more than seventeen years of in-house and government experience providing expert counsel and advice on a broad range of legal issues. Demonstrate influential leadership, client advocacy and relations, and con-sensus building to achieve client-focused results. Strong collaboration skills to drive best-results outcome. Industry background includes government contracting, litigation, negotiations, ethics, risk management, staff and outside counsel management, environ-mental and regulatory compliance, licensing and intellectual property.

Courtney KounkelPartner | MONARCHCOMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTIONCourtney Kounkel is a construction industry veteran with 20+ years of experience. Court-ney is a partner of MONARCH, a commercial general contractor with a broad base of proj-ect experience including corporate, healthcare, retail, non-profit, education, hospitality, and light industrial markets. MONARCH is known for delivering excellent value by forging a deep level of trust with their clients through proactive and honest communication.

Denise KruseCEO/Owner | AdamsGabbertENTREPRENEUR, TURN-AROUNDS, FAST GROWTH, BOARD DEVELOPMENT, EXECUTING ON STRATEGY, CREATING EXCEPTIONAL CULTURESDenise has built a $400M division of a publicly-traded company, led multiple turn-arounds, and now owns AdamsGabbert, a fast-growing business outcomes consulting firm committed to making an impact in our community. AG solves complex problems related to people, process and systems, by helping clients execute on their strategy. As experts in consulting, technology, staffing/recruiting, and payroll services – the commitment is to make their clients’ business better, in a culture where AG associates can thrive.

Laura Laiben“The Main Dish” | The Culinary Center of Kansas CityLaura practiced corporate, securities and public finance law for 18 years before jumping career tracks to design and open The Culinary Center of Kansas City in 1998 which has enjoyed continued success for 20 years. She believes strongly in the magic that happens around the table and in the kitchen as well as pursuing social entrepreneurship, com-mitment to community and the philosophy that “if you do good, then you’ll do good.”

Rene LarsenDirector of Finance | Ronald McDonald House Charities - Kansas CityNONPROFIT ACCOUNTING AND FINANCERene has been with Ronald McDonald House Charities - Kansas City for 13 years. Rene holds a BS in Business Administration/Accounting from the University of Central Mis-souri. She sits on a Finance Subcommittee of the RMHC Global Advisory Council, and the Finance Committee of NP Connect. She also serves as treasurer at her church and was recently honored for CFO of the Year through the KCBJ.

Trina R. Le RicheShareholder | Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C.LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT LAW (ADVICE AND LITIGATION)Trina is an accomplished employment attorney with more than 18 years of legal experience. Trina works hard to recruit, promote and support women attorneys and businesswomen. She also commits extensive time to the community, including being awarded the Spirit Award for her pro bono work for Mattie Rhodes Counseling and Arts Center. She currently serves on the Starlight Board.

Mentors

Mentors

Mary LeonidaCEO | Track ConsultingSTRATEGY, EDUCATION, LEADERSHIP AND TECHNOLOGY-SUPPORTED PROCESSES TO FACILITATE EXPONENTIAL GROWTH FOR SECOND-STAGE ENTREPRENEURS.As CEO/President of the Polaris Companies and Track Consulting, Mary Leonida manag-es closely-held corporations with direct ownership in a regional management consulting firm, commercial real estate and start-up ventures. Her consulting work specializes in strategic planning, leadership development and entrepreneurial management.

Christina LongChief Culture & People Officer | Redemption PlusHR, ENGAGEMENT, GROWTH STRATEGY, INTERNAL EMPLOYEE EXPERIENCE, PARTNERSHIP CULTURES, EMPLOYEE INCENTIVES TIED TO COMPANY PERFORMANCEChristina is responsible for developing and executing on human resource strategy to reinforce and support Redemption Plus’ overall culture, core values, behaviors and stra-tegic growth plans. As a previous business owner and business consultant, her unique and well-rounded business acumen has proved valuable, in driving performance and execution, while building a partnership culture. At the age of 30, Christina was honored as a Women Who Means Business in 2007.

Maria MaffryPrincipal, Chief Business Development Officer | BNIMAs a principal and member of BNIM’s leadership team, Maria is responsible for strategic planning as well as firm management and business oversight. Maria guides the next generation of innovative leaders at BNIM by inspiring their community and industry participation, and advocating for their thought leadership. With her mentorship, BNIM has become a leader in designing human-purposed, high-performance environments.

Ali MahaffyCo-Chief Executive Officer | Sullivan Higdon & SinkAli has worked at some great agencies. But her career has also taken her to the client side, which gives her a great perspective on the pressures and challenges our clients face and how the agency should be positioned to help. Ali plays a key role in fostering the unique professional and personal relationships we build with clients. She also ensures that the agency has all the resources it needs to be a lean, mean and highly effective machine.

Lori MalloryPresident/Founder | Mallory Advisory GroupLori is a thought leader in health care, and her executive experience in physician practice leadership and in the health insurance space, brings a unique perspective in the rapidly changing health care environment. Lori’s company allows her to work with innovative “disruptors”, platform medical groups, hospitals, Independent Physician organizations, Managed Service Organizations, Accountable Care Organizations (ACOS), Post-Acute care organizations, and start-ups on optimizing population health. This is done through strategic design of solid business practices with the people and culture at the center of every decision.

Patrice ManuelSenior Principal | P/Strada, LLCP/Strada was established in 2001 by its Owner and Executive Director, Patrice W. Manuel. Ms. Manuel is a retired military officer with over 20 years’ experience in project management and organizational development. Ms. Manuel is a certified Project Man-agement Professional with the Project Management Institute, and has an undergrad degree in Chemistry, a Master’s degree in Science Administration and is currently ABD in a Ph.D. in Organizational Management and Leadership Development.

Mentors

Laura Maver WardFounder and CEO | Kingsbridge Capital PartnersLaura is Founder and CEO of Kingsbridge Capital Partners, a middle-market investment banking firm, headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri. Kingsbridge helps business own-ers transition ownership to strategic and financial buyers throughout the United States and Canada. Kingsbridge also works closely with private equity and strategic buyers to implement successful targeted acquisition programs.

Consuella McCainCommunity and Citizenship Director | Turner Construction CompanyENGAGEMENT, PHILANTHROPY, VOLUNTEERISM, AND RECRUITMENTAs Community and Citizenship Director, Consuella is responsible for providing support for community and industry initiatives while cultivating lasting relationships. Consuella actively promotes the awareness of construction and the building trades as viable ca-reer paths, and ensures we exceed our Minority and Women Business Enterprise goals on all projects.

Nancy MellardExecutive V.P. and General Counsel | CBIZ Benefits & Insurance Services DivisionAs General Counsel for the CBIZ Benefits & Insurance Services Division, Nancy has respon-sibility for all legal matters including transactional legal matters; negotiating contracts with merger and acquisition candidates, key customers, insurance carriers and employ-ment related agreements; and managing litigation and E&O issues for this Division. Nan-cy provides comprehensive strategic-level business counseling to the Benefits & Insurance Services Division and serves as the liaison to the parent company’s General Counsel.

Marquita MillerAccountant/Business Strategist | Five Star Tax & Business SolutionsMarquita owns and operates Five Star Tax and Business Solutions which provides a diverse menu of business solutions, including tax planning and preparation, accounting and payroll, business startup planning, and revenue generation. From the business’ in-ception as a part-time hobby in 2009 to its current position as a local marketplace lead-er, Marquita has sought to focus her services on small- and medium-sized businesses. Marquita fosters entrepreneurship in others, and her business places special emphasis on services for startups.

Jill MintonFounder and owner, t.LoftMinton is responsible for everything, including operations, product development and strategy. Although she is the head coach, Minton believes the “real rock stars and ath-letes are all our team.”

Brooke MoreheadCo-owner & co-founder | Prairiebrooke ArtsFor over thirty years, Brooke has helped corporate clients express their brand and culture with custom designed graphic and original works of art from large public spaces with sculpture and banners to individual rooms with framed works of art. She started this family business in 1990 and expanded it into the Gallery location in 1997 at the present location in Downtown Overland Park. In addition, Brooke is one of the few women small business owners elected to public office and serve on the City Council of Prairie Village.

Alana MullerFounder and CEO | Coffee Lunch CoffeeNETWORKING, EXECUTIVE PRESENCE, PURPOSEAlana Muller is a Networking expert and author of the book, Coffee Lunch Coffee: A Practical Field Guide for Master Networking and a companion blog, CoffeeLunchCoffee.com. Her accessible, relevant, immediately actionable approach to professional net-working for those interested in connecting with others, getting involved in their commu-nity, seeking to advance their career or looking to build social relationships, has helped thousands of people formulate a strategic mindset around networking while creating a game plan to get out there and connect.

Mentors

Mentors

Kathy NelsonPresident/CEO | Greater Kansas City Sports Commission & FoundationLEADERSHIP, NEGOTIATING, NON-PROFIT MANAGEMENT, EVENT PLANNINGKathy Nelson works to promote Kansas City sports locally and nationally with the goal of attracting, retaining and facilitating sports events and organizations. Prior to joining the Sports Commission in 2010, Kathy held senior management roles in marketing, promotions, news production and sales in both broadcast and cable televi-sion.

Sarah OsborneSVP, Chief Actuary & Analytics Officer, CFO | GEHAACTUARIAL, ANALYTICS, FINANCE, INSURANCE, HEALTHCARESarah began her career doing traditional actuarial work for a group benefits insurer before moving on to a leading brokerage firm to develop their actuarial consulting prac-tice. In 2016, she joined GEHA to build out their actuarial function and also modernize their finance division. With over $4 billion in revenue, GEHA is the second-largest nation-al health plan serving federal employees, retirees and their families. GEHA provides benefits to more than 1.8 million covered lives worldwide.

Pam PoppPresident | Lockton Retirement ServicesBUSINESS MANAGEMENT, SALES AND MARKETING, COACHING AND MENTORING, ACHEIVING YOUR HIGHEST POTENTIALPam runs Lockton Retirement Services, which is a nationwide business headquartered in KC in which we provide advisory services to CFOs, CHROs, and their organizations about effectively operating their 401(k), pension, and executive benefit programs. In that role she also runs their Registered Investment Advisor and broker/Dealer, encom-passing over $50 billion in assets under advisement. Lockton’s advisory services encom-pass investment advice, regulatory compliance, plan design, retirement readiness, and risk management.

Kelli RameyVice President of Advertising & Social Media | H&R BlockADVERTISING, CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT, TELEVISION PRODUCTION, SOCIAL MEDIA, CAUSE MARKETINGIn her role at H&R Block, Kelli is responsible for national and local advertising and social media management. She leads a small in-house creative agency and founded H&R Block Dollars & Sense, the company’s national philanthropic initiative. When she isn’t writing or creating at work, she can usually be found at an antique market, kids’ sporting event or concert.

Mary A. RedmondChief Negotiator | FearLess negotiator LLCNEGOTIATIONS, BODY LANGUAGE, PROFESSIONAL SPEAKINGMary A. Redmond is an International speaker, author, negotiator and body language expert. She speaks, trains and inspires Corporate Audiences Professional Associations and Organizations. Most requested programs are: Be a FearLess Negotiator: Ask for More!, Listen Care-Fully to be Brilliant!, and Read Body Language to See What’s Said. As an eleven-year active member of the National Speakers Association (“NSA”), she is a Past-President of the NSA-Kansas City Chapter and Member of the Year.

Michelle RobinFounder | Your Wellness ConnectionDr. Michelle Robin is an international speaker, best-selling author, radio host, and practicing chiropractor. She is the founder of Your Wellness Connection, P.A., one of the nation’s most successful integrative healing centers. Dr. Robin also consults with busi-nesses and non-profit organizations developing wellness programs. She has spoken on improving individual well-being as well as creating a culture of wellness to a wide variety of companies, organizations, and conferences across the US and Canada.

Mentors Mentors

Sunita SanjanwalaCo-Owner | Primrose School of Overland Park and Primrose School of North OlatheMARKETING, CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPSunita Sanjanwala, is an owner of two local private preschools and is responsible for business development, operations and marketing. Sunita believes the key to business success is providing genuine customer service to her clients and creating a workplace that fosters positive relationships with clients and other employees.

Jodi SchadeDirector of Marketing | FreightquoteMARKETING, BRANDING, LICENSING, ENTERTAINMENT, REAL ESTATE, LOGISTICSJodi is an accomplished business and senior marketing executive with over 20 years of combined strategic brand management, marketing, product development, licensing, entertainment, new business development and sales experience. In addition to her full-time role at Freightquote, she is a the President & CEO of Schade Consulting Associates. Her blog is here: https://schadeconsulting.associates

Julie SchallerPERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT, HUMAN RESOURCES, EMPLOYEE RELATIONSResults focused human resources professional and business executive with demon-strated leadership skills that have proven success in developing an award-winning corporate culture and creating proactive strategic short and long term strategies. Ex-perienced in all areas of human resources as well as business operational projects that lead to significant earnings drivers for the enterprise.

Sheila SeckFounder, Managing Partner & Managing Director | Seck & Associates and Seck Advisor GroupLEGALSheila is the Founder and Managing Partner of Seck & Associates, a boutique law firm that focuses on corporate transactions. She is also the Co-Founder and Managing Direc-tor of Seck Advisor Group, a mergers & acquisitions firm. Sheila assists entrepreneurs as they launch their business and encounter change as they grow. Sheila works closely with growing companies, established businesses and investors to develop solutions to a broad range of challenges. As Managing Director of Seck Advisor Group, Sheila specializes in assisting business owners in preparing for and selling their companies or acquiring new ones.

Rachel SextonCOO | VPR CompaniesSMALL BUSINESS LEADERSHIP; MANAGING INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS; MANAGING REMOTE STAFF; VOLUNTARISM TO BENEFIT YOUR CAREER; BEING A WORKING MOTHERAs COO of VPR Companies, Rachel oversees the operations of VPR Creative Group, which specializes in healthcare marketing and product launches and VPR POP, which de-velops patient programs for pharmaceutical companies. A passionate volunteer, Rachel has served in roles from President of the Junior League of KCMO to member of KU Med’s Cambridge Steering Committee. She’s the mother to four (ages 2-12).

Linda SinnettCFO | Design Resources, Inc. BUSINESS MANAGEMENT, LEADERSHIP, FINANCE, ACCOUNTING, STRATEGIC PLANNING, BUDGETING, FORECASTINGLinda is the CFO for 4 companies in the US and Canada. She is the VP of Programs for FEI, KC. She was CFO of the year 2013, Women Who Mean Business class of 2015, and nominated for the KC Chamber Athena Award in 2017. She serves on a KSCPA advisory board to promote the accounting profession to college and high school students.

Mentors

Shannon StitesVice President of Finance | HuhtamakiFINANCE/ACCOUNTING, STRATEGY, CORPORATE GOVERNANCE, DIVERSITY & INCLUSIONShannon is Vice President of Finance/CFO for Huhtamaki, a global manufacturer of food and drink packaging with 74 manufacturing locations worldwide, including 17 in the United States. Shannon is part of the strategic leadership team with responsibility for managing the finance and IT functions and provides financial input into key company decisions, including acquisition activity.

Kristin TysonManaging Director | CrossFirst Bank PRIVATE BANKINGTyson is CrossFirst Bank’s head of Private Banking. Tyson as more than 33 years of ex-perience in the banking industry and more than 20 years of leading successfully teams. Her passion for clients and employees is what motivates her to achieve high results.

Carolyn WatleyVP Community Engagement | CBIZBUSINESS SERVICESCBIZ provides Business Services including, Financial Services; Valuation; Employee Benefits Consulting; Property & Casualty; Payroll Processing and Executive Retained Search services with over 500 associates in KC and 5,000+ nationally. Carolyn has been employed with CBIZ since 1977. She has had many roles within the organization and continues to be actively engaged in the greater KC Community.

Colleen WhitePresident | Strategic Workplace Solutions, Inc.PREVAILING WAGE, LABOR AND MBE/WBE COMPLIANCEAs President and founder of Strategic Workplace Solutions, Inc., Colleen has over 30 years’ experience in business, government and labor backgrounds. SWS helps her clients manage their prevailing wage and related labor, MBE/WBE and affirmative action compliance risks. By providing training, consulting and project monitoring services, her clients reduce or eliminate penalties from violations and avoid debarment from government work.

Kelly WilsonCEO/Co-Founder | Weave Gotcha Covered!SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND STARTING AND SCALING A BUSINESS12 years ago kelly co-founded Weave Gotcha Covered!, a social enterprise located in the urban core. The company mentors and hires women rebuilding their lives from homelessness, incarceration and addiction. To further the passion for social impact, WGC! opened a non profit last year to illuminate and sharing how for profit business can impact societal problems.

Mentors

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