BE BOLD... EMBRACE CHANGE... MAKE IT HAPPEN
SUNEERA MADHANI MORNING
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
SUNEERA MADHANI is a trailblazing Unicorn Founder and CEO of Stax Payments, one of America’s top 10 fastest-growing fintech companies, which she successfully exited north of $1 billion. Suneera has recently launched her newest fintech startup, Worth AI, in collaboration with her brother Sal. Suneera’s passion for creating greater access to capital for all SMB’s has been the driving force of the patent-pending AI technology that powers Worth AI, which brings in more than 1,000 pieces of financial and organizational SMB market data, turning it into actionable insight, mitigating risk and diminishing biases. Suneera is the first female CEO to lead a unicorn out of Florida and the first person in her family to attend college; a mother of two young girls; and an advocate for women’s rights. Suneera has been recognized for her achievements by Fortune’s 40 Under 40, EY’s Entrepreneur of the Year, Entrepreneur Magazine’s 100 Most Influential Women, and Inc.’s 100 Female Founders just to name a few Suneera is the host of the top 25 podcast CEO School with more than 1.5 million downloads, and the founder of CEO School, a community and company dedicated to empowering women to scale their businesses. As a self-proclaimed and highly caffeinated time hacker, Suneera is a sought-after speaker, role model for balancing work and family life, serves as an advisor on a dozen boards, is an active angel investor in more than 40 companies, and advocates for destroying the gender wage gap while changing the narrative for women in business
ALLISON WALSH LUNCHEON KEYNOTE ADDRESS
ALLISON WALSH, JD, is an expert business consultant, founder, bestselling author, international speaker, influential leader, and certified positive psychology coach. By age 30, Allison became the Vice President of a company destined for unicorn status which she helped build from the ground up. In addition to scaling multiple businesses over the last 20 years, she contributes her time and talents to mission-driven companies, including Charlie Health, the nation’s fastest-growing start-up. Allison has not only been recognized for her business accomplishments, highlighted in publications like Forbes and Fortune, but she’s also won multiple awards for her philanthropy, raising more than $2 million for eating disorders prevention and awareness, and serves on numerous nonprofit boards. In 2020, Allison launched the She Believed She Could brand encompassing a top 1% global podcast, a best-selling book, a nonprofit foundation, and multiple personal and professional development offerings to help women achieve abundant success. As a business development, marketing, and personal branding expert, as well as a former Miss Florida, Allison is on a mission to help influential, high-stakes women of all ages build their confidence, lean into their passions, and accomplish their goals.
K.E.Y.S TO WOMEN’S HEALTH
Join Dr. Rizwana Fareeduddin, executive medical director at AdventHealth for Women, and Deboran Brown, certified nurse-midwife, for an honest conversation about women’s health. This panel conversation will address hot topics ranging from pregnancy to menopause.
DR. RIZWANA FAREEDUDDIN (“Dr. Fareed”), MD, MBA, FACOG joined AdventHealth in August 2022 as Executive Medical Director for Women Services. Dr. Fareed, Board Certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Maternal Fetal Medicine, has over 10 years of medical staff and service line leadership and development experience. She completed her medical degree at the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine followed by Obstetrics and Gynecology residency at Providence Hospital in Michigan and Maternal Fetal Medicine fellowship at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. She is is a driven leader focused on health equity, and whose strengths include strategy, growth and relationship building, engaging stakeholders collaboratively to improve healthcare delivery, and promoting access to high-quality patient care.
DEBORAH BROWN, APRN, CNM, received her Master of Science in Nursing degree with a concentration in nurse midwifery from East Carolina University. With more than 30 years of experience caring for women with both routine and high-risk pregnancies, Deborah has had the honor of delivering more than 2,000 babies. As a certified nurse-midwife, she has served as both a clinical director for labor and delivery and as a childbirth educator. Deborah collaborates with AdventHealth’s physicians to provide comprehensive, compassionate care to women and their families.
SPECIAL LUNCHEON PRESENTATION
Talks: 10 Vital Voices Leading With Passion
SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
THE STYLED WOMAN
Styled by Tammara Kohler
Discover the blend of style and daily living. The luncheon fashion show highlights pieces that effortlessly fit into your everyday routine. Tammara Kohler represents the Personal Stylist Millenia team, unveiling a captivating collection of trends and presenting fashion that effortlessly aligns with your lifestyle.
THE P.S. STYLE LAB
The P.S. Style Lounge offers a space for engaging style conversations and one-on-one interactions with the Millenia stylists. Discover the latest trends and showcase your personal style on the Orange Carpet, then enjoy a special conversation with the P.S. Stylists and receive an exclusive gift.
Dr. Shainna Ali Sara Brady Colette Jane Fehr Dr. Keita Joy Rebecca Leininger
Cherlette McCullough
Jenise Osani Judith Smelser
Melissa Stires
Paula Wyatt
MORNING BREAKOUT SESSIONS
EMBRACE CHANGE: READY FOR WHAT’S NEXT?
Pugh Theater
Learn how to navigate today’s high-speed, multi-lane superhighway of tech and media to reach your audience.
PANEL MODERATOR: DELAINA BAKER PANELISTS: PATTI BROWNSORD, YELIZA CENTEIO, CAROLINA FLORES, ANA CAROLINA SALAZAR
Choose Your Topic!
9:40 - 10:25
BE BOLD: GO BIG! Steinmetz
Hall
From starting a successful business to climbing the corporate ladder to following your passion, learn from women who have done it.
PANEL MODERATOR: KARLA RAY PANELISTS: COLETTE JANE FEHR
BETSY GARDNER, DR. RUTH HILL YEILDING, LANDRA WORMACK
MAKE IT HAPPEN: MISSION TO MISSION ACCOMPLISHED
Judson’s
How community collaboration brought the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials to Orlando --- behind-the-scenes details from the women on the incredible team.
PANEL MODERATOR: SHARON LINE CLARY PANELISTS: BETSY HUGHES, JENNIFER LASTIK, APRIL MICHAEL
MORNING BREAKOUT SESSIONS
EMBRACE CHANGE: PASS THE BATON!
Pugh Theater
How can we educate, encourage and empower the next generation of women leaders? What do we need to pass on?
PANEL MODERATOR: KAREN KEENE PANELISTS: TANISHA NUNN GARY, GRACIELA NORIEGA JACOBY, BRIDGET KEEFE, ASTRID WASHINGTON
Choose Your Topic!
10:45 - 11:30
BE BOLD: SPEAK WITH IMPACT
Steinmetz
Hall
Inspire with confidence, master your message with DROP THE MIC Coaching founders.
JO NEWELL AND ADRIANNA SEKULA
MAKE IT HAPPEN: DREAM IT! DO IT!
Judson’s
Out-of-the-box ideas can lead to innovative programs with impactful results. Learn more about what’s happening in our community from nonprofit leaders.
PANEL MODERATOR: HEATHER MOUNT
PANELISTS: CATHERINE STECK MCMANUS, JAMIE MERRILL, NANCY MOLELLO, KATHY TURNER
EXHIBITORS
4 Girvins Farm
100 Women Strong, An Initiative of Central Florida Foundation
A Pair to Remember Orlando
AdventHealth for Women
Apenberry’s Gardens
ATHENA Orlando Women’s Leadership
BeSlim Florida
Breakthrough T1D
Chic Boutique
City Year Orlando
CookinGenie
DryBar Shops FAIRWINDS
FitLiving Eats by Carly Paige
Golden Plum Personal Chef
Services - Chef Susan Ytterberg
Heart of Florida United Way
Hi Hello Labs
House Concierge MD
Igniting Success
Kendra Scott
Lauren Sigman Collection
Nemours Children’s Health
Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra
Pearson’s Catering
Poris Plastic Surgery
Price Financial Services
Season 2 Consign Orlando
She Believed She Could The Bar Method
The Mall at Millenia
The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Orlando
Tuesday
You Must Be Dreaming, Jewelry & Accessories
SPEAKER BIOS
DR. SHAINNA ALI is a mental health counselor, educator, and advocate who is passionate about empowering individuals to foster mental wellness. Dr. Shainna has created a variety of resources to support mental well-being across the lifespan including the newest release, Designing Healthy Boundaries and a best-seller, The Self-Love Workbook. Additional resources include The SelfLove Workbook for Teens, Luna Finds Love Everywhere: A SelfLove Book for Kids, and The Self-Love Planner. She serves on the Dean’s Council for the UCF College of Community Innovation and Education, has served on the Board of Directors of The Mental Health Association of Central Florida, is a past president of the Florida Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development. DrShainna.com
DELAINA BAKER is a writer turned social media expert with over a decade of experience in social media marketing for companies, nonprofits, and personal branding. She’s the creator of the business course Social Media Study Hall and is frequently asked to teach audiences of business professionals about realistic and applicable social media strategies. She has been a social media manager and agency owner for the past 10 years and is launching SocialCon this month — a one-of-a-kind social media conference here in Orlando.
SARA BRADY is the founder of New Chapters, an initiative inspired by the passing of her husband Barry Brady and created to serve as a destination for comfort, camaraderie, connection, soul-lifting and hope. As owner of a public relations firm specializing in crisis management, Sara has earned a reputation for effectively leading communications strategies in high-profile matters including the Pulse Nightclub and Marjorie Stoneman Douglas shootings, the assassination of singer Christina Grimmie and the tragic death of a child attacked by an alligator at Walt Disney World. She has taught crisis communications at Harvard University. Sara has spent the last year building the New Chapters website, which celebrates resiliency of the human spirit and big, good love. new-chapters.com
PATTI BROWNSORD is a dynamic business leader with a passion for innovation and intuitive leadership. Known for her fearless approach to change, Patti excels in environments where experimentation and creativity drive success. She’s led her teams through complex challenges by fostering a culture of continuous improvement and creative problem-solving. Her leadership style is deeply rooted in intuition, turning
insights into actionable strategies that empower others to embrace transformation. With a background that includes developing a nationally recognized pricing optimization model and a knack for optimizing processes, Patti brings both vision and practicality to the table. Whether leading initiatives or volunteering, Patti is passionate about inspiring growth and transformation in every space she enters.
YELIZA CENTEIO, born in Puerto Rico and raised in Massachusetts, is the owner of Integral Marketing & Advertising in Central Florida. With her extensive experience across digital and traditional media, Yeliza has become a trailblazer in the industry,
focusing on inclusivity and diverse audience engagement. Her agency is known for crafting advertising campaigns that blend creative vision with strategic execution, making a significant impact in the multicultural market space. Yeliza worked at several large agencies and then went brand-side when J. Jill recruited her to lead its internal agency transition, and then went off to co-launch Raw Seafoods’ eCommerce division, City Pier Seafood. integral-mktgadv.com
COLETTE JANE FEHR is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, nationally certified counselor, relationship coach, writer and speaker. She has dedicated her career toward helping people improve communication and create more securely attached, connected relationships with their partners. Her new book on relationship communication, specifically for women, is under contract with Penguin Random House and will be out next year. She recently launched a podcast with fellow licensed therapist Laura Bowman called Insights from the Couch — Mental Health at Midlife. colettecounseling.com
CAROLINA FLORES is co-founder and CEO of Hi Hello Labs, a content creation studio specializing in podcast and digital course production based in Orlando, FL, serving clients nationwide. After over a decade of experience in marketing, large-scale event production, and hospitality in both the profit and non-profit sectors, Carolina pursued her calling as a third-generation entrepreneur and is on a mission to amplify experts’ voices and their influence. Carolina is also the co-host of the CoCalled podcast alongside her husband and co-founder Carlos. As a proud Dominican, wife, and mother to three, Carolina brings a diverse perspective into her work and is passionate about shaping the media production industry. hihellolabs.com
BETSY GARDNER is a dynamic and visionary CEO with an exceptional track record spanning startup ventures, growthstage enterprises, and turnaround scenarios. Betsy’s career includes pivotal roles in London-based startups and a Fortune 100 pharmaceutical company. As President and CEO of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, she has steered the organization toward unprecedented heights. The Chamber achieved the prestigious Chamber Innovation Grand Prize award for North America within the first two years of her tenure, and a Top 3 National Chamber of the Year in 2023, during the Chamber’s Centennial year. Betsy graduated from the University of Florida, where she was named the 1991 Outstanding Female Leader and has been inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame. winterpark.org
BETSY HUGHES was just 17 when as a part timer at a new store in town, Track Shack, she sold her first pair of running shoes. Since 1983, Betsy and her husband Jon, have co-owned both Track Shack and Event Marketing and Management Int’l. (Track Shack Events). Her passion for running began at age 14 and she continued to race throughout high school at Winter Park High school and competed in local events during her college years at UF and as a young adult. Her experience allows her to share the importance of a healthy and active lifestyle with the community through clinics, classes and guest speaking engagements. She served on the course measurement team of three Olympic Women’s Team Trials-Marathons.
DR. KEITA JOY is a success researcher, motivational teacher, joy scientist, executive coach and CEO of Success Uncensored®
Coaching, offering a safe space for leaders, athletes and influencers to maximize their greatest potential, perform at their optimal level, and unlock success now. She is a transformational speaker, wife and mother, who channels her infectious energy and drive for life into inspiring others to be intentional about cultivating strategic goals and increasing your emotional intelligence, cultural competency skills and mental health awareness. A TED TALK speaker known for her highly engaging diversity and inclusion, leadership and team building workshops. Dr. Joy is a board member for The Greater Orlando Sports Commission and is the author of three books. successuncensored.com
BRIDGET KEEFE is the Deputy Chief of External Affairs for the University of Central Florida (UCF), where she plays a pivotal role in shaping the university’s external relations and community engagement strategies. In her current role, Bridget leads efforts to strengthen UCF’s partnerships with key stakeholders and community organizations to drive economic development and advance university priorities. Previously, Bridget served as the Senior Director of Community Relations for Orlando Health, where she led community outreach and partnership development across the state. Bridget’s career also includes a tenure as the Executive Director of the Downtown Orlando Partnership, where she was pivotal in the organization’s growth and strategic evolution. She has been recognized with several awards for her leadership and community impact.
KAREN KEENE is the Founder and Chief Strategic Advisor of ATHENA NextGen Orlando. Now in its 10th year, NextGen is the only leadership program of its kind empowering professional women to level up through a masterclass series facilitated by a faculty of top female executives. To date, 450 alumnae are advancing in their careers, starting their own businesses, and leading community boards. Additionally, Karen and her fellow board members established the ATHENA endowed scholarship through the UCF Foundation. Karen’s professional experience spans over 28 years as the senior marketing executive and public policy expert for international and regional law firms. She has led multi-faceted teams in business development, strategic planning, branding, external affairs, and media relations. She has also served on numerous community boards.
JENNIFER LASTIK, Executive Vice President, Greater Orlando Sports Commission, began working for GO Sports in 2007 and hails from Pittsburgh, PA. After graduating from Slippery Rock University with a B.S. in Sport Management, she went on to West Virginia University where she earned an M.S. in Sport Management. Jennifer currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Downtown Orlando Partnership and the Greater Orlando chapter of WISE (Women in Sports & Events). She was a 2023 Orlando Business Journal COO Honoree and 2023 Women in Sports Leadership Award Honoree. In 2021, she was named to the Orlando Business Journal’s Forty Under 40 twice. She was inducted into the Inaugural Class of the Slippery Rock University Sport Management Hall of Fame and is a graduate of the WISE Executive Leadership Institute.
REBECCA LEININGER has a deep commitment to working toward effective, long-term solutions for populations in need, and is an eager and open-minded advocate for children and families. Rebecca’s knowledge of the unique needs of our families is vast; she joined Embrace Families as part of the Pathways to Home team
in 2012 and was a key contributor to many of the agency’s most innovative youth and family-strengthening programs in the years that followed. In late 2023, Rebecca was named Executive Director, transitioning EFS, now known as RISE Community Solutions, to an independent organization. Rebecca found her calling in social services when she joined the team at Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida, helping to develop the region’s first rapid re-housing program for homeless families.
SHARON LINE CLARY is a pioneering and award-winning marketer whose three-decade career has spanned healthcare, sports and hospitality who was recently named Senior Vice President, Community Impact & Partnership Engagement at AdventHealth, where she previously served as Vice President of Strategic Marketing and Communications. Sharon is a graduate of Florida State University with a bachelor’s degree in Sports Information, Management, and Marketing and a master’s degree in Marketing and Communication Technologies. She also serves as board chair of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission, president of Florida Citrus Sports Executive Committee, and co-chair of The Circle at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, among many other volunteer positions.
CHERLETTE MCCULLOUGH is an experienced licensed mental health (trauma) therapist, and CEO of a private practice who is known for her keen insight on unraveling the human experience as it relates to mental health for individuals, couples and organizations. A fresh voice in the world of women’s empowerment, trauma recovery and self-care, she is masterful at engaging audiences with her transparency and captivating personal story of life, love, loss and trauma recovery. She brings everything she’s learned as a therapist, wife and everyday woman to the stage. Cherlette has appeared on multiple news outlets as she brings relatable insight on mental health topics. She is also the mental health contributor for Afrotainment network.
JAMIE MERRILL is the President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida, steering one of the largest Boys & Girls Clubs organizations in the nation. Under her leadership, more than 12,000 youth are served annually across 41 Clubs in six counties. The organization provides a safe and nurturing environment for children from underserved neighborhoods during non-school hours throughout the year. By providing extracurricular enrichment, academic support, and positive adult role models, the organization aims to close the “opportunity gap” for those that need support the most. A strategic and transformational leader, Jamie brings with her more than 18 years of executive experience serving in both nonprofit and for-profit organizations. Jamie is an active contributor to her community, serving on several local and national boards.
APRIL MICHAEL, City of Orlando Director of Communications and Neighborhood Relations, has served as a marketing and communications professional for more than 21 years; 16 of those years in municipal government with the City of Orlando. In her roll she develops, directs and implements the strategy for Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and the city’s internal and external communications. She oversees a team of professionals who are responsible for the city’s communications, outreach, graphic design, digital platforms including web and social media, events, marketing, and multimedia. April manages the city’s brand and is responsible for ensuring the Mayor’s key priorities and city’s overall image and
mission is consistent. Prior to joining the City of Orlando, April worked for CBS Radio as Promotions Director for WOCL-FM.
NANCY MOLELLO, MSB, is the inaugural Executive Director of the Ginsburg Institute for Health Equity at Nemours Children’s Health. She brings more than 20 years of progressive experience in developing community and global partnerships, building research health equity programs, and creating pipeline programs for students interested in pursuing medicine and public health careers. At the Ginsburg Institute, Nancy brings her depth of experience as a leader to develop initiatives aimed at enhancing the health and well-being of children in Central Florida. The goal of the Ginsburg Institute is to foster an environment where all children can flourish and reach their maximum potential to lead a healthy life. Previously, Nancy was the Program Director for the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Equity and the Johns Hopkins Urban Health Institute.
HEATHER MOUNT, CFP ®, CRPS ®, Vice President - Wealth Management, Retirement Plan Consultant, has been in the wealth management industry and with UBS for over 15 years. As a Certified Financial Planner, Heather provides holistic client advice in financial planning, insurance, investments, and retirement planning. She finds joy in helping others plan for their future. She lends her expertise by creating a structured approach for individual and nonprofit clients to help them work toward their financial goals. In collaboration with her team, she creates custom portfolios, asset allocation, and portfolio performance reporting for institutional clients. Heather is the chair of 100 Women Strong, a strategic giving circle dedicated to improving the lives of women and children.
JO NEWELL is a trained public speaker and business executive. She is a dynamic and charismatic communicator, captivating audiences with a unique blend of passion, expertise, and storytelling. With a natural gift for public speaking, Jo has spoken at numerous conferences, seminars, and events. A champion for the business community, she is the Founder & CEO of Monday Strategies, a firm specializing in strategic planning and business growth. In January 2021, she made history as the first Black woman to lead the Orlando Regional Chamber in its 100+ year history. She recently co-founded DROP THE MIC Coaching, an executive training program for businesses and professionals providing tools, resources, and coaching to help professionals become effective communicators and public speakers. dropthemiccoaching.com
GRACIELA NORIEGA JACOBY is Chief Operating Officer for Heart of Florida United Way (HFUW), which focuses on prevention and finding long-term solutions for pressing problems facing our community, specifically for the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population. In her role as COO, Graciela is responsible for oversight of the organization’s program administration, communications, public relations, partnerships, volunteer and advocacy efforts. Before joining HFUW, she served as Chief of Staff to Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs from 2011 to 2018. She serves on several community boards, including the Community Advisory Board for the Ginsburg Institute for Health Equity, National Charity League Citrus Blossom Chapter Executive Board, and East Orlando Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
TANISHA NUNN GARY is the President and CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida – a leading advocate for business development and economic empowerment.
She is responsible for cultivating strong relationships with key community leaders and corporate entities in an effort to enhance opportunities for members and engage partners on initiatives. Tanisha oversees all outreach efforts for the Chamber, which encompasses six counties, and she executes strategic planning to ensure the Chamber’s voice is included in economic, education and community conversations that impact the region. Prior to being named President and CEO of AACCCF, she was principal of a private law firm focused on all aspects of litigation for wrongful death cases and medical negligence.
JENISE OSANI serves as Vice President of Marketing & New Products at OUC—The Reliable One. She is responsible for all internal and external corporate relations, including communications, media relations, customer education, advertising, marketing and community relations, as well as the development of products. In the latter role, she oversees OUC’s move into new revenue streams, including vehicle electrification and electric vehicle charging stations, dark fiber and other strategic business partnerships. Jenise joined OUC in 2009 as the Marketing & Customer Education Manager. She earned a Master of Business Administration from the Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College and a fine arts degree in graphic design from the University of Florida.
KARLA RAY is an award-winning journalist who most recently worked as an anchor and investigative reporter on WFTV Channel 9. Her reporting has been recognized with 10 Emmy nominations, an Edward R. Murrow Award, and an Associated Press Award. Beyond journalism, she advocates for young adults who have aged out of foster care as a board member at The Faine House, women who have been trafficked as a board member at Samaritan Village, children battling critical illnesses, and animal welfare. In 2023, Karla co-authored a textbook to educate aspiring abolitionists about eradicating human trafficking and launched a podcast and blog, Beyond The A Block. Her debut children’s book will be released this fall.
ANA CAROLINA SALAZAR, Owner + Founder, BOLD Digital Marketing Studio, is the team’s fearless leader. Her passion, dedication, and drive for her work make her a leader par excellence: brave, creative, empathetic, organized, and inspiring. Ana Carolina primarily focuses on business development, creating new digital marketing strategies, community engagement, and overseeing operations. As a native of Venezuela, she founded BOLD after realizing there was a huge need for her services and for connecting others with the Hispanic market. She gained much of her experience within the Hispanic market through her work with Entravision, a diversified global media, marketing, and technology company that reaches and engages Latino consumers in the U.S., and Prospera, an economic development nonprofit organization. boldhispanic.marketing/en/
ADRIANNA SEKULA is an award-winning Toastmaster® and seasoned orator with a remarkable ability to captivate large audiences and command boardrooms. She has publicly represented and spoken on behalf of national homebuilders, regional associations, statewide nonprofits, publicly-traded companies, and Fortune 500 organizations. A public affairs professional with success in municipal and state government and vast experience in transportation, development, tourism, juvenile justice, sustainability, and nonprofit, Adrianna is the Founder and President of Solidarity Partners, a government relations and business strategy consulting
firm in Central Florida. Beyond the stage, Adrianna is a dedicated community leader serving on several philanthropic boards and has received numerous awards for her work including a champion for young women by the PACE Center for Girls. dropthemiccoaching.com
JUDITH SMELSER assumed her role as President & General Manager of Central Florida Public Media (previously WMFE) after a long career in public media and journalism. She began her journalism career in Washington, DC and moved to Central Florida in 2004 for a position in WMFE’s newsroom, where she worked for nearly eight years -- first as an award-winning reporter and later as news director. She led the station’s enterprise coverage of multiple hurricanes, elections, and the final Space Shuttle missions, among other important regional stories. After working for Colorado Public Radio, she moved back to Orlando to launch Smelser Editing & Consulting, serving more than 30 public media organizations across the country. In addition to leading Central Florida Public Media, Judith serves on the Executive Commitee of the Board for Florida Public Media.
CATHERINE STECK MCMANUS is a distinguished executive renowned for her leadership at Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County. With more than 25 years of nonprofit experience in Central Florida, she champions the mission to unite communities in building homes, fostering neighborhoods, and instilling hope. She is a fervent advocate for fair-housing policies, embodying the belief that safe, affordable housing is a fundamental right for all. Catherine’s dedication to affordable housing is evident in her various roles and recognitions. She has been appointed to the Housing for All Workgroup and the Orange County Affordable Housing Advisory Board, highlighting her expertise in the field. She spearheaded the expansion of Habitat Greater Orlando to include Osceola County.
MELISSA STIRES is recognized as an Amazon Best-Selling Author, a preeminent voice in public speaking and relationship building, a Certified Advanced International Protocol Officer, a leadership and success coach, and an esteemed Davos and Cannes Lions speaker. Her strategic approach encompasses business development, orchestrating billion-dollar fundraising campaigns, marketing, and executive leadership within the corporate, technological, and governmental arenas. Her proficiency in crosscultural communication and cultural sensitivity has facilitated her collaboration with, counsel to, and training a diverse array of individuals, including members of royal families, politicians, nonprofits, and business influencers across more than 35 countries. Melissa’s career includes initiatives such as pioneering the first-ever educational partnership with Fortune Magazine’s Global Forum.
KATHY TURNER, a veteran fundraising professional focused on building key relationships and securing major gifts to achieve philanthropic goals, serves as Director of Philanthropy for 4Roots. She is responsible for all fundraising initiatives to support 4Roots programming and the capital campaign for the innovative and unique assets of the farm campus located in the packing district. Prior to joining 4Roots, Turner served as Vice President of Marketing and Development for the Holocaust Center and before that as Senior Development Officer at AdventHealth Foundation for 13 years with primary fundraising responsibility for Celebration Health, AdventHealth Winter Park, the Transplant Institute,
Neuroscience Institute, and employee giving programs. Her accomplishments include opening the Bartch Transplant House on AdventHealth’s Orlando campus.
ASTRID C. WASHINGTON is the Manager of Process Improvement and Large Commercial Accounts at Orlando Utilities Commission, where she has worked for over 25 years. Throughout her career, she has managed Customer Service, Credit and Collections, and Large Commercial Accounts. A significant highlight includes her role in overseeing the subject matter experts for the Customer Information System Implementation. Astrid is actively involved in the community, particularly through OUC’s Empowerment Zone, where she manages the little libraries initiative in partnership with the Adult Literacy League. This project successfully placed over 2,000 books in the 32805 community in 2023. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration from Columbia College in Columbia, Missouri.
LANDRA WORMACK is a proud native Orlando resident who has served and worked in the Central Florida community for over 30 years. She credits her career of over 10 years as a flight attendant for mastering her interpersonal and communication skills. She spent 14 years in the private sector in various management roles where she excelled in sales positions that included call center management, banking, staffing and recruitment. Landra served as a legislative aide in the Florida House of Representative and the Florida Senate for Senator Geraldine Thompson for three years. She currently works for the Orange County Tax Collector, Scott Randolph, as a Community Relations Specialist, where she has built countless relationships within the business and civic community.
PAULA WYATT is Chief Excitement Officer at Anything is Posh Able. Embodying her role as communications consultant and event strategist, she works alongside some of Central Florida’s most admired organizations. She has been building excitement about brands, missions, and events since Valentine’s Day 2008. Paula is the founder of Posh Abilities, the giving arm of her brand that provides free communication and event strategy services to nonprofit organizations in Central Florida. She is the creator and curator of the annual Empowering Night of Laughter, led by three Empresses of Empowerment (community influencers), where 9 Fearlessly Funny women perform comedic routines, reminding us that the best part of life happens outside of our comfort zones. @PoshAblePaula
DR. RUTH HILL YEILDING is a double board-certified Facial Plastic Surgeon recognized by the American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery and the American Board of Ophthalmology. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.S. in biology from Washington and Lee University and a Doctorate in Medicine from the University of Alabama. After a surgical internship at the University of Texas and a residency at Vanderbilt University, she completed a fellowship in Oculoplastic and Facial Cosmetic Surgery with Dr. John P. Fezza. Dr. Yeilding specializes in laser surgery, conducts advanced research, and is a member of various esteemed medical societies. She emphasizes anti-aging and preventive healthcare, combining internal well-being with external beauty, and offers comprehensive aesthetic services at her practice in Winter Park, YMD Facial Plastic Surgery. yeildingmd.com
FROM THE FOUNDERS
THANK YOU!
We want to extend our sincere appreciation for everyone who has made this 14th annual event a success — and a great day for women in our community.
Our generous sponsors allow us to provide attendees with an inpsiring program in a world-class venue.
Our speakers turn our ideas into relevant conversations with invaluable takeaways.
Our exhibitors create an interesting and informative marketplace filled with products, services and more.
Our table sponsors ensure the hall is full of women who want to learn and lead.
Our volunteers perform countless tasks so the day moves along seamlessly.
And you, our attendees, make the day absolutely magical and worth every minute we spend planning and executing the event.
We look forward to seeing you all next September at the 15th Annual Orlando Women’s Conference!
Christi & Kate
