2026 We Rally & We Rise Women's Conference

2026 We Rally & We Rise Women's Conference

CLICK HERE to register. When you register, be prepared to select your three breakout session topics (descriptions below).

Interested in being a sponsor? CLICK HERE for a sponsorship package.

The 2026 We Rally & We Rise Women's Conference will be held on Friday, March 27, at Crossroads Event Center in Lancaster. Through this event, women from the community, nonprofits, and business sectors will be able to connect with one another, enhancing support and collaboration across Southeast and Central Ohio.

The same committee of leaders who brought you the Rally last year are working to bring you a similar event full of energy and unity. The Rally will be another full day of informative and inspiring sessions throughout the day and opportunities to network, grow, and learn. There will be a continental breakfast, lunch, and snack breaks included in the registration fee. Plus, you'll get an awesome conference bag, notebook, and a sassy BABs nametag (if you were at the 2025 Rally, you'll know what this is)!

AGENDA

7:30-8:15 a.m. - REGISTRATION / VENDOR BOOTHS / CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST

8:15-9:20 a.m. - WELCOME & KEYNOTE SPEAKER 
[Ballroom]

Monica Brooks
Powerfully You

This keynote is an honest, energizing look at what it means for women to lead with authenticity. Monica Brooks helps attendees quiet imposter syndrome, own their stories, and use their experiences as a source of strength. Through relatable insight and real-world perspective, she connects the progress of the past to the impact women can make today. Attendees leave with renewed confidence, clarity, and the courage to lead without apology.

Takeaways:

• Redefine Power on Your Own Terms
• Honor the Path that Brought You Here
• Break Old Patterns and Stop Playing Small

 

Monica Brooks 
The Empowered Edge, LLC

Monica Brooks is a nationally recognized keynote speaker and Leadership and Team Development Trainer who proudly calls Pickerington home. She speaks across the country, helping women’s groups and organizations navigate change, manage uncertainty, and stay connected to their purpose. Monica is known for her relatable style, practical insights, and the energy she brings to every room. When she’s not traveling for events, she’s active in the Pickerington community and committed to empowering others to lead with clarity and confidence.

9:30-10:25 a.m. - BREAKOUT SESSIONS

Not Another Spa Day: The Real Recipe to Overcoming Burnout & Leading from Alignment
Dr. Alaina Puff

In this refreshing and deeply honest session, Dr. Alaina Puff cuts through the quick-fix wellness trends and gets to the heart of what women leaders truly need to sustain their energy, purpose, and impact. With a PhD in psychology, Dr. Puff draws from her background as a former mental health clinician and now intuitive coach as she reveals the real drivers of burnout—and why bubble baths and weekends off aren’t enough to create meaningful change.

Participants will learn the core components of aligned leadership, including nervous system regulation, conscious decision-making, and reconnecting with intuition as a powerful internal guide. This presentation offers a blend of science, strategy, and soul, giving women leaders a clear roadmap to lead with clarity, confidence, and authentic alignment.

Takeaways:

• Why burnout isn’t a time-management problem and what’s really driving exhaustion for high-achieving women leaders.
• How to recognize the early signs of misalignment before they escalate into burnout, resentment, or decreased performance.
• The role of the nervous system in sustainable leadership, including practical regulation tools to stay grounded and effective under pressure.

 

Dr. Alaina Puff
Flow State Coaching & Consulting

Dr. Alaina Puff is an intuitive coach and conscious entrepreneur who helps individuals and families create meaningful, lasting transformation. With a PhD in psychology and years of lived experience navigating her own evolution from classroom teacher to school psychologist to conscious business owner, Dr. Puff bridges the science of human behavior with the power of intuition to support deep, sustainable change.

Her work is grounded in a trauma-informed lens and rooted in nervous system regulation, emotional capacity-building, and the belief that intuition is one of our most underused tools for healing and clarity. She works with children, adults, and families to reconnect to their internal rhythms, find safety in their bodies, and move through life with greater resilience and self-trust. Dr. Puff also supports purpose-driven entrepreneurs who are ready to build aligned, sustainable businesses without recreating the hustle culture they’re trying to escape.

Through individualized, relationally-driven coaching, she meets every client exactly where they are, whether they’re navigating parenting challenges, identity shifts, sensitive children, emotional overwhelm, or misalignment in their work. Dr. Puff’s mission is to walk alongside her clients as they uncover their truth, strengthen their intuition, and step into the next aligned version of themselves.

 

Grow Without the Grind: Smarter Ways to Scale
Faith Rivera

This interactive presentation equips women leaders and entrepreneurs with the tools to grow their impact without losing themselves in the process. Faith Rivera draws from her experience helping dozens of women and mission-driven organizations scale sustainably to unpack the three pillars of “Aligned Growth”:

1. Sustainability over speed — identifying patterns that lead to burnout.
2. Systems that support you — creating internal structures that free up time and mental space.
3. Success that feels aligned — leading from values, not just goals.

Takeaways:

• Identify the signs of unsustainable growth and overwhelm.
• Map out key systems and supports needed to scale effectively.
• Apply a simple framework to align business or leadership goals with personal wellbeing.
• Commit to 1–2 strategic changes to protect energy and expand capacity.

 

Faith Rivera
Alo Civitas Consulting

Faith Rivera is a sought-after speaker, strategist, and founder of Alo Civitas Consulting, where she helps mission-driven women entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders grow with clarity, confidence, and sustainability. With over a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership, program development, and strategic planning, Faith has supported organizations in securing over $8 million in funding while building the systems and structures necessary for long-term success.

As the creator of the CIVITAS Method™, Faith specializes in helping women simplify complexity—transforming overwhelm into aligned action and bold ideas into measurable results. Her work is grounded in a powerful blend of strategic foresight, operational know-how, and a deep understanding of what leaders need to thrive without burning out.

Faith is known for her energetic, relatable speaking style that resonates with women navigating growth, leadership, and the realities of balancing purpose with performance. Whether she’s teaching sustainable scaling, strategic clarity, or burnout prevention, her sessions leave audiences empowered with practical tools, renewed confidence, and a clear path forward.

A natural capacity builder and community nurturer, Faith is passionate about equipping women to lead with intention, build organizations that make an impact, and create success that feels both aligned and sustainable

 

How to Make Better Decisions
M.J. Clark

Every day, we make hundreds of decisions—some small and routine, others with lasting impact on our careers, relationships, and wellbeing. In this interactive session, M.J. Clark helps participants explore how to make wiser, more confident choices by combining self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and practical reasoning. Drawing from twelve proven strategies for sound decision-making, the session highlights how to avoid overthinking, manage emotions, and use both logic and intuition effectively. Participants will learn how to step back from difficult situations, evaluate short- and long-term consequences, and make choices aligned with their values and goals. M.J. also explores how self-care, feedback, and learning from past mistakes can strengthen our decision-making confidence. By applying these principles, attendees will walk away with tools to make decisions that not only improve their performance at work but also enhance their personal sense of balance and purpose.

Takeaways:

• Identify common barriers to effective decision-making, including overthinking and emotional bias.
• Apply practical strategies to improve clarity, confidence, and consistency in their decisions.
• Evaluate both short- and long-term consequences to make more balanced and thoughtful choices.
• Strengthen decision-making confidence by aligning choices with personal values and professional goals.
• Incorporate feedback, reflection, and data to make informed and credible decisions.

 

M.J. Clark, M.A., APR, Fellow PRSA
Vice President, Integrated Leadership Systems

As vice president of Integrated Leadership Systems, where she’s worked since 2006, M.J. Clark helps company leaders plan for ownership and management succession and foster more authentic communication in the workplace. She helps executives better manage stress, become more assertive, develop emotional intelligence and fine-tune leadership and management skills.  ILS is based in Columbus, Ohio, and has provided services for hundreds of nationally recognized companies all over North America. M.J. has also spoken locally at Ohio University’s Celebrate Women Conference, the Conway Family Business Center, Women for Economic and Leadership Development, The Superior Group’s Women Empowered Group, and the National Association of Women in Construction.

M.J. has a master's degree in organizational communication from The Ohio State University and a bachelor’s degree in public relations from Ohio University.  She is the author of three leadership books.

 

The Death of Executive Presence and the Rise of Authentic Leadership
Helen Speiser

Executive presence is out. It became a performance that replaced real leadership. Women spent decades being told to tone it down, smile more, and look the part. But the leaders making real impact today are not the most polished. They are the most real. In a digital world racing forward with AI, your greatest advantage is your humanity. People want leaders who connect and who can show up raw, not curated. Helen explores the shift toward vulnerable, honest, human-first leadership and why authenticity is becoming the most powerful force in modern leadership.

Takeaways:

• What executive presence actually is and why it no longer resonates. We break down the traditional definition of executive presence, where it came from, and why it was built on outdated expectations that shrink women instead of elevating them.
• How to practice authenticity as a leader. Attendees learn practical tools for showing up as their true selves, building self-awareness, sharing with intention, and creating real connection without oversharing or performing.
• Why vulnerability creates trust faster than polish ever could. We explore how honest, human leadership drives deeper influence, stronger teams, and more psychological safety.
• The modern leadership styles that replace the old model. From human-first leadership to relational leadership to values-driven decision making, attendees walk away with a clear picture of the styles that resonate now and how to step into them with confidence.

 

Helen Speiser
Founder/CEO, Third Street Digital

Helen Speiser, Founder and CEO of Third Street Digital, brings nearly two decades of experience in digital marketing and strategic communications, helping businesses connect with their audiences and grow through smart, results-driven strategies. As the founder of one of Central Ohio’s rising marketing agencies, Helen leads a team that partners with a wide range of local and regional clients—from restaurants and retail brands to professional services, nonprofits, and government organizations.

Now, four years after opening her own business, Helen knows firsthand the challenges that come with growing a company, building a brand, and doing more with limited time and resources. She and her team at Third Street specialize in working alongside a wide variety of business industries and sizes to develop customized, digital-first marketing strategies that are creative, effective and manageable. Whether it’s launching a new brand, increasing awareness or driving sales through targeted campaigns – Helen and her team help their clients focus on what matters and how to meaningfully move the needle for real results.

Helen has seen firsthand the power of staying on the cutting edge of digital technology and marketing trends to help clients with early adoption and the simplification of concepts that help businesses thrive in today’s competitive landscape.

 

Resilience: Rising Strong in Every Chapter of Your Journey
Yolanda Adams

In every season of our personal and professional lives, we are called to rise—sometimes quietly, sometimes fiercely—but always with courage. Resilience is not just about enduring challenges; it is the power to learn, to evolve, and to reclaim our strength in new ways.

This uplifting and transformational presentation is designed for women who carry many roles, expectations, and unspoken pressures. Every woman should leave this session reminded that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about rising higher with purpose and grace.

Takeaways:

• Your Resilience Quotient- RQ- using the 5 pillars of resilience
• The mindset shifts that transform setbacks into steppingstones
• Practical tools to strengthen confidence, emotional wellness, and purpose
• How to renew your confidence and move forward
   

Yolanda Adams
Founder/CEO, Best Days Senior Living

A visionary entrepreneur and compassionate leader, Yolanda is the Founder and CEO of Best Days Senior Living, a residential care home dedicated to providing exceptional, family-style care for older adults. She also serves as COO of Best Days Supportive Living, a home supporting men living with mental health conditions, and as Administrator for Jewels of Purpose Supported Living, an agency that empowers individuals with developmental disabilities to live with dignity and independence.

For over four decades, Yolanda has given back through volunteer work with a local nonprofit, and for 28 years she has inspired audiences across the region as a motivational speaker, blending wisdom, faith, and encouragement to help others overcome life’s challenges.

Yolanda Adams was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, and is a proud graduate of Mifflin Senior High School. In 1995, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree from The Ohio State University, majoring in Allied Medicine with a specialty in Occupational Therapy.

 

SNACK BREAK - Lobby

 
10:45-11:40 a.m. - BREAKOUT SESSIONS

 

Transforming Adversity into Purpose: A Story of Resilience, Purpose, and Social Impact
Merry Korn

Be captivated by a story that spans generations—from the darkest chapters of human history to the triumph of the human spirit and innovative business leadership. Merry's story begins before she was born, with her mother's extraordinary act of courage—jumping from a train bound for a death camp during humanity's darkest hour. This profound legacy of survival against impossible odds is woven into the very fabric of Merry's journey.

Merry's presentation delivers powerful insights into both personal and professional growth.

Takeaways:

• Understand how to transform setbacks into springboards for success
• Refine a business model that balances profit with profound social impact
• Create an organization that honors the past while building a better future

 

Merry Korn
MPK Enterprise

Merry Korn, a transformational leader, has redefined what it means to build a successful, purpose-driven enterprise. As the visionary founder of Pearl Interactive Network, Inc., Merry created one of the largest woman-owned for-profit social enterprises in the nation, proving that exceptional business results and meaningful social impact are not just compatible—they're inseparable.

What sets Merry apart is her revolutionary people-first leadership approach. She didn’t just build a national contact center, she created a movement that proved how caring environments, strong employee engagement, and clear career pathways drive both individual transformation and superior business results.

Her unwavering belief that every employee matters not only changed lives but also delivered exceptional outcomes that earned acclaim in both commercial and federal markets.

 

From Stuck to Steady: Harnessing Fear to Move Forward
Dr. Carri Brown

“Fear isn’t the enemy—it’s the invitation to rise.”

We all know that moment when fear shows up—the racing heart, the second-guessing, the quiet voice asking, “Who do you think you are?” But what if fear isn’t a stop sign? What if it’s a guide? In this empowering talk, we’ll explore how to transform fear from a source of hesitation into a catalyst for clarity, confidence, and momentum. Through relatable stories and practical strategies, you’ll learn how to quiet self-doubt, make courageous decisions, and move forward—even when it feels uncomfortable. Because true steadiness doesn’t come from eliminating fear, it comes from learning to walk with it.

Takeaways:

By blending emotional intelligence with rational analysis, we’ll unpack how to transform fear from a paralyzing force into a strategic tool for clarity, resilience, and momentum. Through practical tips and shared experiences, this session aims to normalize the emotional complexities of leadership and life, offering actionable insights to help you recalibrate your internal compass and move forward with greater confidence.
 

Dr. Carri L. Brown, PhD, MBA, CGF 
Fairfield County Auditor

Dr. Carri Brown has built a distinguished career of more than 35 years in leadership roles across human services, financial management, and county administration. Appointed County Auditor in 2021 and elected the following year, she has emphasized the honor of serving in the very office where she began her public service career, drafting the county’s first annual comprehensive financial report. A Certified Government Financial Manager, she has received multiple financial reporting achievement awards from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada.

Her academic background includes a BBA and MBA from Ohio University, where she was named Outstanding Alumna of the Year in 2022, as well as a Ph.D. in Organizational Management, with research focused on organizational citizenship behavior and job satisfaction. She also holds a certificate in Business Sustainability Strategy from Harvard University and is recognized internationally as a thought leader in government finance, organizational management, and public service.

Throughout her career, Brown has been a trailblazer, becoming the first woman to serve as both Child Support Director and County Administrator in Fairfield County. Her leadership has garnered more than 60 state and national awards, including the ATHENA Leadership Award and multiple honors from state, national, and professional organizations. Most recently, in 2025, she was recognized with the Government Finance Officers Association Excellence in Government Achievement Award and the Ohio University Outstanding Community Partner Award, cementing her legacy as an innovative, service-driven leader.

 

 

Redefining the Climb: Building a Career Through Change, Courage, and Balance
Rachel Elsea

In today’s evolving workplace, success rarely follows a straight line. For women at the beginning of their careers—especially those who have already navigated several transitions—the journey can be both rewarding and complex. In this session, Rachel shares her experience of making bold career moves early on, embracing uncertainty, and finding growth through each pivot. This presentation offers encouragement and actionable takeaways for women who are still finding their path but are already shaping their professional and personal future with intention.

Takeaways:

• Recognize when it’s time to make a change and how to do it with confidence.
• Balance personal, family, and career priorities without losing sight of your long-term goals.
• Reframe transitions as opportunities to build resilience and self-awareness.
• Define success on your own terms—no matter where you are in your journey.

 

Rachel Elsea
Public Relations and Human Resources Officer, Fairfield County Auditor’s Office

Rachel Elsea, SHRM-CP, Public Relations and Human Resources Officer, has been serving in the Auditor’s Office since January 2022. Prior to joining the Fairfield County Auditor’s Office, Rachel served as Clerk to the Fairfield County Board of Commissioners. She began her career in public service as the Constituent Services Director and Service Academies Coordinator for former Congressmen David L. Hobson and Steve Austria. Rachel is a graduate of Fairfield Christian Academy and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Concordia University Chicago.

 

Generations in the Workplace
Dorinda Byers

Today’s workforce spans five generations, with Generation Alpha on the horizon. From seasoned Traditionalists to digital-native Gen Z, today’s employees bring a wide range of perspectives, skills, and expectations that shape how organizations operate.

This presentation explores how generational diversity is reshaping the workplace and highlights strategies leaders can use to strengthen communication, boost retention, and create inclusive cultures that are ready for the future of work.

Attendees will gain:

• Insights into the workforce of today: The characteristics, values, and expectations of today’s workforce
• How to achieve a multigenerational workforce: Strategies for recruiting, managing, and retaining a workforce that spans generations
• How to keep all age groups happy: Best practices for enhancing communication, supporting wellbeing, and leveraging technology across age groups.

 

Dorinda Byers
Business Development Consultant, Ohio Auditor of State Office

With more than 20 years of experience, Dorinda possesses a proven track record of increasing organizational effectiveness, shaping cultures, strengthening teams, and positioning clients for sustainability and growth. Dorinda’s diverse employment background includes workforce, outreach, sales, and economic development in community colleges, manufacturing, and universities. Dorinda holds a Master's degree from Muskingum University and a Bachelor's from Ohio State and is a Business Development Consultant at the Ohio Auditor of State where she helps improve efficiency, effectiveness, and economy of government programs and organizations. 

 

Mindful Marketing: Align Your Energy and Strategy for Sustainable Growth
Eryn Gilson

Marketing doesn’t have to feel like a grind. In this interactive workshop, Eryn Gilson—marketing strategist, creative entrepreneur, and certified meditation teacher—helps you find the sweet spot between strategy and intuition. With a calm, grounded approach to the often noisy world of entrepreneurship, she guides participants through exercises to reconnect with their energy, simplify their strategy, and identify what truly supports their goals. Attendees leave with clarity on where to focus their time, how to release the pressure to “do it all,” and a simple framework to help their business grow in a way that feels sustainable—their way.

Takeaways: 

• Redefine success by learning how to align marketing strategies with personal energy, values, and capacity.
• Gain clarity on which marketing channels genuinely support their goals—and which ones drain their energy.
• Experience a mindful reset through reflection exercises designed to bring awareness, balance, and focus back into their business.
• Learn practical tools for simplifying marketing without sacrificing momentum or authenticity.
• Leave with a sustainable framework for approaching marketing with more intention, creativity, and calm.

 

Eryn Gilson
Founder, Wildbloom Creative

Eryn Gilson is a marketing strategist, creative entrepreneur, and mom of four who believes business should feel as good as it looks. As the founder of Wildbloom Creative, she helps small business owners build intentional, sustainable brands through her signature blend of mindful strategy and creative storytelling. She also leads 614Mom and the Wild Soul Collective, communities rooted in connection, creativity, and growth.

11:50 a.m.-1:10 p.m. - FEATURED LUNCH SPEAKER & AWARDS
[Ballroom]

Barbara Allen
Soaring to New Heights: Unlocking Growth, Connection, and Confidence as Leaders

Rise above challenges and embrace leadership in The Fusion of Improv and Leadership: Be. Here. Now. This session is a unique opportunity to practice real-world skills in a supportive, collaborative space where every voice matters.

This session is designed to equip you with practical tools you can apply immediately whether in building stronger partnerships, communicating with clarity, or leading with confidence. By embracing the safety of shared play and co-creation, you’ll discover how a “we over me” mindset unlocks new opportunities for growth and transformation.

Together, we’ll create a foundation for soaring to new heights as leaders: grounded in trust, elevated by support, and emboldened by a sense of purpose. Walk away ready to take what you have learned and use it to inspire connection, drive results, and expand your own leadership potential. Let’s rise, lead, and grow together!

You’ll gain actionable strategies to:

• Build authentic connections and foster trust with your team
• Strengthen your ability to adapt, take smart risks, and navigate uncertainty
• Use collective knowledge to fuel creativity and problem-solving
• Create inclusive environments where shared support and empowerment thrive

 

Barbara Allen
Columbus Unscripted

Barbara Allen is an improviser, educator, and lightning-fast cartoonist. As a founding member of Columbus Unscripted and Sassy Do Improv, she’s spent more than a decade teaching improv, building ensembles, and helping organizations tap into creative leadership.

Her work has connected her with groups like The Columbus Blue Jackets, The United Way of Central Ohio and The Ohio State University, and more. She’s a TEDxColumbusWomen speaker, a featured teller at The Wild Goose Creative’s Big Easy, and the 2023 Columbus School for Girls Community Unicorn—an award celebrating leaders who uplift and inspire young women to lead boldly.

Barbara’s superpower? Turning everyday moments into improv, art, and joyful discovery.

1:20-2:15 p.m. - BREAKOUT SESSIONS

 

Breaking the Motherhood Penalty: Reimagining Childcare, Career, and Community
Emma Lockyer

Emma explores a journey navigating the motherhood penalty, the career impact women face when balancing family and work, and the inspiration behind starting her business supporting families through childcare. While nannying for a family where the mother was in medical school, she discovered a deep sense of purpose in creating solutions that support both children and parents.

Millions of women leave the workforce because of childcare challenges, yet childcare is central to solving this systemic issue. Emma will explore why innovative and creative solutions that do not fit traditional systems are essential. Addressing these challenges requires collaboration across families, employers, communities, and government.

Through a community-focused approach to raising the next generation, we can create solutions that benefit children, families, and society. She will share actionable insights on how practical childcare solutions can retain women in the workforce, strengthen families, and foster thriving communities.

Takeaways:

• Understanding the Motherhood Penalty: How balancing career and family impacts women and what purpose-driven approaches look like.
• Childcare as a Workforce Solution: Statistics on women leaving work and why childcare is central to retaining talent.
• Innovative Approaches: Why creative, nontraditional childcare solutions are essential and how they can work.
• Collaboration Across Systems: How families, employers, and communities must work together to solve childcare challenges.
• Real-World Impact: Practical examples from my business and advocacy work showing how supporting families benefits everyone

 

Emma Lockyer
Founder, HiveHouse Family Solutions

Emma Lockyer is the founder of HiveHouse Family Solutions, a Columbus-based nanny agency providing high-quality childcare and family support. She has cared for children since she was ten, and this lifelong passion inspired her to create HiveHouse. After graduate school, Emma experienced firsthand the pressures women face balancing career and family while nannying for a mother in medical school. She now partners with families and businesses to provide childcare solutions, advocating for systemic change while helping women thrive in the workforce.

 

Difficult Conversations Made Easier: No More Avoiding the Tough/Uncomfortable Talks
Diana Westhoff

Whether it is addressing a challenging employee or client, negotiating with a boss or client, or confronting a partner, difficult conversations are a part of every woman’s journey. We will discuss tips, techniques, mindset, and language to engage in honest, clear, and respectful conversations anytime, anywhere, and with anyone.

Takeaways:

• Identify what's really getting in the way of saying what needs to be said
• Manage emotional triggers—yours and theirs
• Communicate with confidence without being confrontational
• Create safe space for accountability and clarity

 

Diana Westhoff

CEO, People Leader & Professional Speaker, SPEAK 4 YOU, LLC

Diana Westhoff is a professional leader achieving service excellence and financial results through collaboration, communications, consultation, inclusion, and leadership development. Thriving in a fast-paced environment and consistently delivers in challenging situations, she is a highly networked individual and public speaker on diversity & inclusion and leadership development topics to large corporations, in both consulting and volunteer roles, for some of central Ohio’s largest organizations.

People are her project and her product. She instinctively develops people and tends to do it by bringing methods and process and accountability to what she does. She is a natural trainer and works to build a learning organization, a place intentionally designed to expand each person's experience, understanding, and performance. Diana’s professional career spanned 40 years in the financial services industry. During her tenure at these organizations, she is certified in DDI and Crucial Conversations coursework, created Onboarding programs, managed internal business communications to approximately 1,000 Commercial colleagues, partnered with Risk and Compliance colleagues managing regulatory projects.

Diana’s passion for community involvement and women development is demonstrated by establishing two women’s business resource groups for two companies and, consistently recruited to consult with other organizations around the process to establish company’s employee resource groups. At the end of the day, her passion is helping women and reaching back to bring women forward.

She is most proud of her work with WELD (Women for Economic and Leadership Development) as she is a founding member, a 2015 Women You Should Know Honoree, a Past Board Member, and has managed for eight years the National Program, “Tell It Like It Is Thursday,” and serves on the National Advisory Council.

 

Ambitiously Generous: How to Network, Connect & Advocate for Yourself
Bridget Murphy
Catherine Lang-Cline

This session is a call to every woman who’s ever been told to tone it down, play it safe, or do it all alone. It’s also a permission slip to stop apologizing and own what you’re best at. In this high-energy session, Bridget Murphy, Founder of Envision Promotions, reminds audiences that ambition isn’t something to hide; it’s something to harness.

You already have the ambition. Now it’s time to use it differently—through partnerships, purpose, and possibility.

Joining Bridget is author Catherine Lang-Cline who will share actionable strategies to build those partnerships and connections that will help you boost your visibility, confidence, and influence. Learn how to network more effectively, become your own biggest advocate, and communicate your worth.

Through powerful stories and real examples, Bridget and Catherine challenge women to redefine success, expand their impact through collaboration, and recognize that their next level won’t come from going it alone.

This session will leave you inspired, grounded, and ready to lead with purpose, because you are one decision away from leading differently.

 

Bridget Murphy
Founder of Envision Promotions

Bridget Murphy is a powerhouse in partnership marketing, known for helping brands unlock growth through authentic collaboration. With over 20 years of experience—beginning at industry giants like Disney and Fox—Bridget is now the founder of Envision Promotions, a strategic matchmaker for brands across retail, entertainment, and CPG. Her client roster spans from emerging startups to household names like Coca-Cola, Nickelodeon, and Frito-Lay.

Driven by a passion for positive impact, Bridget has made it her mission to help small businesses and mission-driven organizations scale through the transformative power of partnerships. She’s an advocate for entrepreneurs—especially women—sharing insights that blend strategy, storytelling, and smart execution. www.envisionp.com

 

Catherine Lang-Cline
Catherine Lang-Cline, LLC

Catherine Lang-Cline was the co-founder and longtime CEO of Portfolio Creative, where she was recognized for her leadership as Columbus CEO’s Most Admired CEO for five consecutive years, as well as Most Influential Entrepreneur, Smart Woman - Progressive Entrepreneur Award, Smart 50 Award, Business First Influential Women to Know, six years honored as an Inc. 500-5000 Fastest Growing Companies, WELD "Women You Should Know", Columbus Chamber Entrepreneur of the Year, and six years awarded the Business First Fast 50.

A respected thought leader, Catherine sold her business and is now sharing her insights through Catherine Lang-Cline, LLC, on navigating business as a female business owner through her speaking engagements, articles, and her book, The Rules of the Game for Women in Business. https://catherinelangcline.com/

 

The Confident Voice Formula: Find Clarity, Beat Self-Doubt, and Stay True to Yourself & Your Mission
Kristen Peairs

Do you ever find yourself torn between what you think you should do and what truly feels right? The Confident Voice Formula is an interactive workshop that teaches leaders how to find clarity, dissolve self-sabotage, and move forward with grounded confidence so they can stay true to themselves while navigating big changes and bold visions.

Takeaways:

• Learn one engaging process for finding your next step when you don’t know the whole plan.
• Apply two gentle tools to disarm common self-sabotage patterns so you can proceed at full strength.
• Use one simple practice to hear your true inner voice more clearly, so your choices feel aligned and easier to make.

 

Kristen Peairs
Founder, Leap Ah-ha Coaching

Kristen Peairs, MS, is a coach who empowers professionals to move from uncertainty to confident clarity. Whether the struggle is a challenging relationship or a stalled project, Kristen helps illuminate an aligned path forward. Through storytelling and compassionate humor, she demonstrates how complex problems can be unraveled one thread at a time.

She is the author of Standing in the Question, a problem-resolving process that helps professionals identify their unique path to a solution. With a background as a Transformational Coach, Registered Dietitian, and Mindfulness Facilitator, Kristen has spent 20 years helping countless people break through frustration, achieve greater satisfaction, and create meaningful success in both their personal and professional lives.

She has a bachelor's degree in hospitality management from Drexel University and a master's degree in nutrition science from Bastyr University. She has completed thousands of hours of additional education in subjects ranging from non-violent communication, emotional intelligence, conscious leadership, massage therapy, craniosacral therapy, and spirituality.

 

Supercharge Your Public Speaking with AI
Hope Yin

The #1 fear of most people is public speaking. Do you know the quickest way to improve your value by 50% is to improve your communication?

In this session, we will move beyond the hype of AI to provide practical demonstrations for leveraging AI as a powerful co-pilot. The audience will leave with actionable strategies and a toolkit of AI applications to enhance their leadership presence, reduce preparation time, and deliver more engaging speeches and presentations.

Takeaways:

• We will map the principles of public speaking to the capabilities of various AI tools.
• We will also connect the art of public speaking to the practical application of AI.
• We'll showcase a range of AI-powered platforms to help draft, rehearse, and improve the delivery.

 

Hope Yin
​Founder & Owner of Blueprint Coaching

Hope Yin is an award-winning Tech Executive who has become an entrepreneur. She is a Coach and Speaker for women professionals. She partners with global companies and executives to elevate their leadership presence, foster team cultures, and drive business growth. As a sought-after speaker, Hope has inspired over 10,000 individuals, including at the world's largest conference for Women in Computing as well as Women Engineers. Her mission is to support women leaders to elevate their power, expand their potential, and amplify their legacy.

As an ICF PCC-certified Executive Coach, Hope works with tech leaders to overcome challenges, build powerful personal brands, and achieve strategic career success. With a proven track record at two Fortune 200 companies, Hope's journey from an immigrant to an influencer, and from an engineer to an established tech executive has given her unique insights and strategies for supporting others. Hope holds three M.S. degrees in Engineering.

 

SNACK BREAK - Lobby

2:30-3:30 p.m. - FEATURED SPEAKER - CLOSING SESSION ALL TOGETHER
[Ballroom]

Is It You? Or Is It Hormones?: Understanding the Shifts That Shape Women’s Energy, Mood, and Confidence
Paige Gutheil, D.O. & Robin Newburn, D.O.

Have you ever wondered why you feel just “off”— irritable, foggy, sluggish or unmotivated—even when life looks fine on paper? Hormones are powerful messengers that influence far more than periods, pregnancy, or hot flashes. They guide our mood, motivation, focus, and resilience.

In this engaging and myth-busting session, Drs. Paige Gutheil and Robin Newburn, osteopathic family physicians and hormone experts at GOZA Wellness, break down how hormonal changes shape your mental and physical well-being and how you can reclaim your energy, joy and confidence when hormones feel scattered. Whether it’s cycle confusion, perimenopausal brain fog or menopause misconceptions on your mind, this presentation will help you understand what’s happening in your body and what to do about it.

Through humor, relatable examples, and real science, you will walk away feeling empowered and proud of your body—not at odds with it. 

Takeaways:

• Recognize how hormonal shifts in perimenopause and menopause affect mood, energy, focus, sleep, and motivation—and why feeling “off” is often biology, not personal failure.
• Understand the changing roles of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone in your Whole Health, and how their fluctuation or decline influences brain chemistry, stress tolerance, metabolism, and emotional resilience.
• Apply practical “Whole Health Hacks” to stabilize mood and energy, using a realistic toolbox of lifestyle strategies and evidence-informed medical options.
• Feel confident naming what’s happening in your body and advocating for yourself, whether with a healthcare provider, partner, workplace, or while supporting girls and women navigating their own hormonal transitions.

 

Dr. Paige Gutheil & Dr. Robin Newburn
GOZA Wellness

Dr. Paige Gutheil and Dr. Robin Newburn are board-certified osteopathic family physicians and hormone specialists at GOZA Wellness, LLC, with decades of combined experience caring for women across the lifespan. Both serve as faculty at the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine and share a deep commitment to whole-person, evidence-informed care, particularly for women navigating the hormonal transitions of perimenopause and menopause.

Dr. Gutheil is the founder of GOZA Wellness, a thriving membership-based healthcare community offering both in-person and virtual medical care for women in midlife. Dr. Newburn, a dedicated medical student mentor, co-leads the Heritage College’s Rural and Urban Scholars Program, and has special interests in the arts, writing, and the integration of spirituality into modern medical practice.

Together, they teach and practice a Whole Health approach that blends modern hormone care with lifestyle medicine, nervous system regulation, relational health, and purpose-driven living. Known for their warmth, humor, and clarity, Drs. Gutheil and Newburn empower women to understand their bodies, trust their biology, and move through midlife with confidence, energy, and joy.