SheisMe Conference 2025: stronger together

Janelle Anderson is celebrated as the Virtual Events Visionary, empowering coaches and experts to design and deliver high-converting virtual events while becoming impactful speakers. Her proven strategies help clients attract their ideal audiences with ease, building thriving businesses that reach six figures or more. 

Her passion for helping others find their voice, share their story, and step into their highest potential as leaders and experts is deeply rooted in her own journey. Overcoming early-life trauma that silenced her voice and eroded her confidence, Janelle draws strength and inspiration from her faith, which got her through her darkest moments to emerge stronger, happier, and more confident than ever.

Janelle launched her business, Emerging Life Coaching, after becoming a Certified Professional Coach. Since then, she has become an 8-time bestselling author and a renowned speaker. Janelle has created transformative workshops, courses, and mastermind experiences to equip her clients to thrive.

After numerous transitions, Hazel has found her calling professionally as an author and speaker for her own company Enthusiastically You. Hazel published her first book in January 2024 entitled Enthusiastically Me, chronicling her journey into sobriety and gender transition, earning her a nomination for Kansas City's Best Local Author by The Pitch.  Her story about breaking free from society’s inherent expectations for gender presentation, career aspirations, and dreams, sparks her passion of inspiring everyone to live enthusiastically. 

As part of her journey, Hazel has developed her own brand, both in person and social media, allowing her to stand out, beyond simply being noticed as a pink-haired trans woman. Combined with her education in communication, she launched a social media and branding consulting arm of her business, designed for those who want to maintain control of marketing, while needing that extra bit of help to reach their goals.

Desange Kuenihira is a Congolese-American humanitarian, author, and entrepreneur who founded unDEfeated, a nonprofit organization empowering women and girls in Uganda through education and entrepreneurship. Born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, she fled to Uganda as a toddler amid civil war and spent her childhood in a refugee camp before resettling in the U.S.  

Excelling academically, she earned dual bachelor’s degrees in criminology and health, society & policy (with a minor in entrepreneurship) from the University of Utah, after graduating high school and completing an associate degree simultaneously. 

Desange is also the author of the memoir Undefeated Woman, chronicling her journey from being labeled “meaningless” to becoming a leader for change. Her work has been recognized through honors like Miss DR Congo in Miss Africa Utah 2019 and the Emerging Youth Leader nomination.

Tammy Gibson is a transformational speaker, writer, and founder of Tough Like Tammy—a movement that helps women rise with boldness, faith, and presence after life throws them off course. After surviving a life-altering illness that nearly took her life and led to the amputation of her leg, Tammy rebuilt more than her body—she reclaimed her voice, her purpose, and her mission. Her journey of resilience has been featured in magazines, conferences, and platforms where she empowers women to embrace their scars as symbols of strength, not shame. With over two decades of experience in fashion and business, Tammy brings a unique blend of style, grit, and soul to the stage. Today, she teaches professional women and leaders how to turn adversity into influence, confidence, and impact—reminding them that survival is not the finish line; it’s the wake-up call to step fully into their power.  

DeAnne Aussem grew up in a small, conservative Midwest town with big dreams, and a curiosity about what was possible beyond the horizon. That curiosity propelled her to be the first in her family to pursue a college degree. It also carried her through a successful career spanning three global, Big 4 professional services firms where she helped shape high-performance cultures and talent strategies for more than 60,000 leaders and teams      across the globe.

Today, as Founder of ThriveWell Partners, LLC, she helps women lead with impact, embrace authenticity, and honor all the identities we juggle, mom, wife, sister, neighbor, leader, without losing ourselves along the way. A student of positive psychology, mindfulness and mental health instructor, and lifestyle medicine coach, DeAnne has delivered thousands of hours of executive and leadership coaching, and facilitated deeply introspective, experiential learning programs that foster resilience, optimism, and community. She is known for creating brave spaces where women can embrace who they are (not who they think they should be), share their stories, and flourish together.

Yvonne is a movie producer, litigator, and story strategist coach with a passion for empowering women to find their voices. For 10 years, she served as a Federal Public Defender, representing the indigent — many of them women navigating abusive situations.

Her path to Hollywood began when one of her cases was so dramatic that the story caught the attention of major networks. At her client’s insistence, she pitched the case to NBC immediately after the trial. That project became NBC’s biggest miniseries in eight years and launched her overnight as a Hollywood producer.

Since then, she has used her platform in television and film to bring real stories of injustice and female abuse to the screen. With 14 movies produced and millions of views, her work continues to raise awareness, amplify women’s voices, and shed light on stories that matter.

 Samina Bari is a powerhouse in the biopharmaceutical industry, a trailblazing executive, and the author of the best-selling I Can, I Will & I Did: Lessons on Life, Love, and Leadership (2025). With more than 30 years of experience and leadership in deals valued at over $40 billion, Samina has transformed companies and broken down barriers for women—especially those navigating cultural and generational expectations. She shares her lived experience with striking candor, offering insight, inspiration, and hard-won wisdom. From overcoming inherited limitations to navigating life after profound loss, Samina now speaks to audiences who are ready to live and lead with clarity, conviction, and courage. Coming October 2025: her highly anticipated second book, Don’t Call Me Widow, and companion podcast After Life—a bold, practical guide to showing up for someone grieving the loss of a spouse or partner. It’s not about grief—it’s about how to help through this profound loss. 

Asongafac Juliana Njuzy, born in 1993 in Fontem, South West Cameroon, is the middle child in a family of seven. She is married and a proud mother of two. She holds an HND in Banking and Finance and a CEHv12 certification in Cybersecurity.

With over 10 years of experience in retail, Juliana’s career has grown steadily from promoter to training supervisor, retail supervisor, and ultimately retail manager with Tecno. Her journey has been shaped by resilience — from early challenges with education and motherhood to working across Cameroon, Nigeria, and Lebanon.

These experiences have fueled her commitment to mentoring and inspiring young women, particularly in retail and life skills. Today, she continues to empower girls and advocate for education, self-reliance, and greater opportunities for women to thrive in business and leadership.

 Tatiana Dorofieieva is a women’s coach, speaker and creator of the "Female Nature Healing" method - a unique approach combining science, ancient wisdom, Ayurveda, and energy work. For over 15 years, she has helped women around the world reconnect with their feminine essence, heal trauma, and live in harmony with their cyclical nature. Her work guides women to thrive emotionally, hormonally, and spiritually by aligning with the natural phases of their body. Having personally overcome a life-altering gynecological diagnosis, chronic fatigue, and fibromyalgia, she brings both deep empathy and embodied insight to her teachings. Tatiana’s mission is to restore sacred respect for the feminine and help modern women build fulfilled, vibrant lives - in love, career, and health - without burning out or betraying themselves. 

 Maile Alau has spent her life building connections with people - as a non-profit executive, as an organizational development practitioner, as a mother, as a friend, as a human. She is a Native Hawaiian woman who is navigating a new separation from her partner of 12 years, unexpected unemployment, and the natural changes that come with being a 54 year old woman with grown children. Any one of these transitions can cause chaos, depression, and a retreat into self. Reaching towards her Hawaiian roots, Maile invested in the pilina (pee-LEE-nah), the Hawaiian word for connection, in her life and built a community that would ultimately cultivate her resilience, multiply her joy, and help her navigate some of the greatest challenges in life. She hopes to inspire and support a world where pilina and aloha bring us together in a world that often seeks to separate us. 

Dr. Kathryn Tapper, affectionately known as Dr. KTap, is a Mayo Clinic trained physician, wellness leadership and lifestyle coach, speaker, and author devoted to helping high-achieving women lead with authenticity, clarity, and purpose from the inside out.

As a bold and inspiring voice in the wellness space, she offers a refreshing, holistic approach that goes beyond surface solutions. Dr. KTap helps women eliminate the guesswork out of managing stress, self-doubt, and burnout, guiding them to rise above the chaos and step into leadership with greater ease, confidence, and resilience.

With a rare ability to sense what’s out of alignment, she empowers women to reconnect the "fragmented" parts of their lives and create space for true fulfillment, inner freedom, and unstoppable flow.

Amanda Anderson doesn’t just talk about resilience - she lives it, breathes it, and hands it to anyone willing to grab it. She makes transformation feel possible, immediate, and even a little fun. Amanda calls out the patterns that hold us back, cracks open the truths we hide from ourselves, and proves that strength isn’t surviving pain; it’s turning it into fuel.

She shows you how to stop asking, stop waiting, and start claiming the life they told you was off-limits. Impossibly human, Amanda reminds every woman in the room that their story is their superpower. She shows up fully, messy, fierce, and human - because that’s exactly how she believes transformation happens. She’s proof that laughter can sit alongside tears - and that real change can be electric, unapologetic, and yours to claim.

Patience Murray is an Award-Winning Visionary and Advocate dedicated to empowering others through the healing power of storytelling. As the CEO and Founder of Pages of Poetry, she blends music, poetry, media, and live events to inspire transformation. A survivor of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy, Patience shares her journey of resilience with honesty and hope, helping others find strength in their own stories.

A new mom to a baby boy, she is currently on her own bounce back journey, restoring her glow while inspiring other women to do the same. Her artistry includes collaborating with Grammy-Nominated Artists, with her latest release Pen Cry offering a powerful anthem for healing. Patience and her husband creatively produced and starred in an Emmy-Nominated docu-series, brought to life by the NFL Philadelphia Eagles Championship team. Together, they also own W.O.W Ice, a frozen treat company honoring Alex’s sister Akyra, who was killed in the Pulse tragedy at just 18 years old.

Known for her creativity and passion for purpose-driven work, Patience uses her platform to inspire others to lead with resilience, faith, and authenticity. She is also the author of Survive Then Live and host of the Healing Her Halo podcast.

 Jennie “AdrenaJen” Milton is an Australian-born extreme sports athlete turned keynote speaker and author. A champion in kitesurfing and snowkiting, she’s spent two decades chasing storms and summits in Alaska’s big mountains, then used that same courage to overcome major spinal and brain surgeries. Jennie translates high-risk decision-making into practical tools for life and business, showing audiences how to turn adrenaline into action and fear into focus. Her work has inspired groups from corporate teams to women’s leadership communities, and her storytelling has reached international stages, including Columbia University. As the creator of the Fear Formula and host of “Windy Wednesday LIVE,” Jennie blends science, story, and strategies you can use the same day. Her children’s books, including Gale and the Red Kite of Courage, raise funds for youth causes. Jennie’s mission: help people stand tall, take action, and live boldly—no matter the weather. 

 Megan “LiL MC” Correa is a Grammy-nominated Latina bilingual rapper, producer, educator, and battle rap champion who transforms trauma into triumph through the power of Hip Hop. A survivor of childhood abuse, domestic violence, and multiple suicide attempts, Megan uses her art to inspire resilience, creativity, and leadership in women worldwide. As Program Coordinator for Hip Hop For Change, she has taught thousands of students across the U.S. and abroad—merging music with social justice to empower the next generation of changemakers. She is also the founder of Queens of the Underground, a performance and mentorship platform for women in Hip Hop. Her music has been featured on NBA 2K21, Billboard Hip Hop, and in film, and she has shared stages with legends like Too Short and D12. With every beat and verse, Megan proves that Hip Hop is more than music—it’s a movement for healing and empowerment. 

 Kelli Ware is a mother, transformational speaker, authenticity coach, Navy veteran, and award-winning author whose work challenges people to stop performing and start living. Her mission is simple but powerful - Empower others to live, lead, and love from a place of truth. Her life has taken her through military service, motherhood, ministry, and massive personal transformation after years of enduring unspeakable trauma. Along the way, she discovered something unshakable: Your authenticity is your superpower. From executive rooms to women’s retreats, from classrooms to church pulpits, Kelli meets people where they are — and moves them toward where they’re meant to be. After hearing her speak, your life will change.  

 Jenn Greenhut is a stage IV triple-negative breast cancer survivor, speaker, author, and founder of Love, Zero Negative and The Zero Negative Foundation. After three failed rounds of IVF, she hit rock bottom—only to be diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. In one pivotal moment, she realized life wasn’t punishing her—it was saving her. By understanding the big picture, that life is always working out perfectly, she embraced her journey with love, gratitude, trust, and curiosity. Four months later, she was cancer-free, defying the odds and understanding that challenges guide us back to love. Today, Jenn’s passion is inspiring others. Through Love, Zero Negative, she designs intentional fashion accessories that spread love and joy. Through The Zero Negative Foundation, she supports cancer research and created the Chemo Love Tote program, offering comfort to patients in treatment. She also co-authored Everyone Needs a Larry, a memoir about love, marriage, and navigating cancer. 

 Krystal Casey is a motivational speaker, tech strategist, and host of Taboo Talks with Krystal. A widowed mom of five and two-time best-selling author, she rebuilt her life after profound loss using emotional regulation, aligned entrepreneurship, and a powerful (and unexpected) ally—automation.

Krystal helps women—especially mothers and survivors—simplify their businesses, reclaim their peace, and create systems that support healing, not hustle. Her work blends nervous system regulation with smart tech and soul-led strategy, making her a sought-after speaker for events focused on leadership, wellness, entrepreneurship, and generational healing. Known for her raw honesty, humor, and ability to turn pain into purpose, Krystal’s mission is to help women reclaim their voices, break harmful cycles, and design lives they don’t need to escape from. 

 Sophia is an empowering speaker, skilled facilitator, and coach passionate about helping women and teens embrace their worth, find their voice, and step boldly into their purpose. As an entrepreneur and author, she brings a blend of real-life experience and uplifting energy to every stage. Through her workshops, coaching, and writing, Sophia equips women and young people with the tools to build confidence, overcome obstacles, and lead with authenticity. Her mission is to inspire the next generation of female leaders to create impact from the inside out. 

 A disabled speaker, storyteller, and a playful soul - Tina Hoang strives to ensure people of color have the space to rediscover play and give themselves permission for it to show up in moments of their lives. For most of her life, she was discouraged to lean into her playfulness because of cultural beliefs and societal expectations to be a proper lady. It dimmed her light. After being in therapy, she has leaned into her playful side and recognizes the freedom, connection, and peace to feel at home. Tiny Tina, her inner child is screaming with so much joy. To finally say “Yes! This is me and I love being in this fun and playful state!” Tina wants every person of color to feel this when they go all in. She loves to travel, read, and be present with nature. Her favorite national park so far is Glacier National Park. 

 Kristen Corral is a serial entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, and co-founder of Tacotarian, the award winning plant-based Mexican concept. A former Las Vegas showgirl, Kristen built her first six-figure business from a love of animals, then scaled Tacotarian to seven restaurants, a retail line, and a short-term rental venture. Named the SBA Small Business Person of the Year for Nevada (2025), she is known for the Broke Brand Blueprint: practical, community-first marketing that grows real businesses without big budgets. Kristen serves as Vice President of Nevada SPCA. She coaches and advises women founders to own their story, build audiences over algorithms, and turn consistent action into sustainable growth. When she’s not in a dining room or on stage, she’s mentoring small businesses, rescuing chihuahuas, or testing new ideas. 

 Dr. Mishkat Al Moumin is a leader in education, environmental policy, and women’s empowerment with over 20 years of impact across government, nonprofit, and academic sectors. As Iraq’s first Minister of the Environment, she led recovery projects after three wars, raised over $70 million in funding, and founded the Environmental Council of Iraq. Despite assassination attempts, she advanced environmental peacebuilding and women’s leadership. In the U.S., she has directed judicial education programs, taught international law, and led rural women’s empowerment initiatives. Her consultancy, The Communication of Success, equips women leaders to reclaim their voice and communicate their value in systems that often silence them. Recipient of the Al-Moumin Award for Environmental Peacebuilding and numerous honors, she has spoken before the United Nations and U.S. Congress. Her upcoming book, Unseen, Unbroken, offers a roadmap for women to reclaim their stories and lead unapologetically. 

 Shanelle Boyd is a Feminine Embodiment Coach, Spiritual Life Coach certified through Inner Visions, and founder of Women to Woman and I AM ADISA. Her journey began with early motherhood, generational trauma, and self-silencing, which led her into deep spiritual healing and inner child work. Guided by Iyanla Vanzant, she discovered she didn’t need fixing — she needed remembering. Today, Shanelle creates sacred spaces through group coaching, workshops, retreats, and conferences where women reconnect with their divine feminine energy, reclaim their voices, and embody authentic power. Her mission: when one woman rises in healing, we all rise. 

Newly liberated after ending her toxic 25-year marriage to a controlling husband, Linda Magoon gradually regained her independence and rediscovered her love of hiking in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. She set a goal to climb all 48 of New Hampshire’s 4,000-foot and higher peaks. But less than a year later, after shocking allegations and a surprise arrest of her ex-husband, Magoon found herself in a downward spiral as she processed the guilt, shame, and sadness of being married to someone so infamous. Linda shares her journey of transition from a place of grief and shame to one of healing and resilience in her book, Live Free and Hike: Finding Grace on 48 Summits. Today, she speaks and writes about the healing power of nature, encouraging women to reclaim their lives one small step at a time. 

 Rosie Savage is a U.S. Navy Veteran, social worker, and advocate who has transformed personal survival into collective empowerment. A survivor of military sexual trauma, Rosie once carried the silence of her story as a burden—but reclaimed it as her power. She earned her MSW from Columbia University, where she co-chaired the Commission on Diversity, and is completing advanced studies in Industrial & Organizational Psychology at Harvard. Rosie founded Sacred Seeds Circle, a nonprofit serving MST survivors and their families, and she leads initiatives that bring trauma-informed healing, advocacy, and justice to marginalized communities. Her work reminds us that empowerment is not about forgetting what happened, but about owning our story, healing our lineage, and rising stronger together. At She Is Me, Rosie stands as proof that even in the aftermath of betrayal, resilience can be cultivated, justice can be pursued, and empowerment can be shared. 

 This powerful session is for the woman who has survived the storm, but now wonders who she is beyond the title, trauma, or timeline. She Ready to Bloom invites women to unpack their personal breaking points—whether it’s grief, transition, or identity loss—and begin the journey back to their true essence. Through raw storytelling, military-honed leadership, and deep spiritual insight, I  walk attendees through my own journey from being a high-functioning, heartbroken leader to becoming a purpose-driven, whole woman. This presentation will guide participants through the process of surrender, self-discovery, and soul-level healing. I don’t just motivate—I activate. Every woman will leave with practical tools, renewed hope, and the sacred permission to bloom wherever life has planted them. Because after the breaking comes the becoming—and she’s ready. 

 Jennifer Hess Williamson is the Chief Operating Officer of BMC and Co-founder of GYST Organizational Health, where she champions sustainable leadership and workplace well-being. A passionate advocate for resilience, Jennifer draws from her personal journey as a domestic violence survivor to inspire others to rise above adversity. Her story is one of courage, transformation, and unwavering determination. With her husband Ted, she is the proud mother of nine children, and understands the challenges of leading as a woman in today's workforce. Jennifer’s work focuses on empowering individuals and organizations to build healthier, purpose-driven cultures. At the heart of her message is the belief that resilience is not just about surviving, it’s about thriving, leading, and lifting others along the way. Her voice resonates deeply with women seeking strength, clarity, and hope in the face of life’s challenges. 

Katonya Trent, born and raised in Riverhead, NY, is a survivor, author, and advocate inspired by an unimaginable moment: delivering her son at home alone at just 22 weeks and 6 days. Her memoir, 22 And 6 Born on 11/26, greatly describes her experience of ab early birth that nearly cost both their lives and the months spent in the NICU. 

That journey transformed her pain into purpose. She founded Konnected Thru 22, a nonprofit offering support and resources to families of premature babies through storytelling, community, Instagram live sessions, and quarterly NICU care-package fundraisers. Driven by faith, resilience, and love, Katonya brings light to the often hidden realities of preterm birth, offering hope and affirming others’ inner strength in life altering moments.

Lauri Smith helps wild-hearted leaders and loving rebels speak from the untamed, radiant pulse of their purpose—so they can be seen, heard, and spark meaningful change.

As a speaker, host of the Soulful Speaking Podcast and author of Your Voice Matters: A Guide to Speaking Soulfully When It Counts, Lauri treats speaking as a spiritual practice where we can reclaim the primal power of voice and come home to our true selves

Known for her fierce compassion and intuitive depth, Lauri sees the soul beneath the static—helping people fight their inner demons, unleash their radiance, and rise into leadership with tremendous inner power.

She envisions a world where every voice carries the vibration of their Soul’s Purpose & together we reach global harmony. 

Anne Marie is a recovery coach and spiritual companion based in Washington, DC. She is the founder of Thirsty For Wonder, where she offers coaching, community programs, and writing that weave recovery, Celtic spirituality, and creative practice into spaces of liberation. She created The Wellspring: A Celtic Recovery Journey, which follows the Celtic calendar and honors the rhythms of the earth as guides for sobriety and healing.

Anne Marie believes sobriety is not deprivation but a revolutionary act of self-love—one that restores dignity, disrupts systems that keep women small, and invites people into joy, desire, and presence. With a background in ministry and years of walking alongside people in recovery, she holds stories with compassion and depth. Her work is rooted in the conviction that recovery is about living a life you’d be proud to die of.

Keisha L. Blair is an Electrician, Executive, Entrepreneur, and CEO Mindset Coach & Speaker who has spent more than 30 years breaking barriers in male-dominated industries while inspiring others to take control of their own lives. As the first female Senior Manager of Maintenance at a Fortune 500 company, she learned firsthand what it means to lead under pressure, balance competing demands, and rise above challenges.

Elevating into entrepreneurship, Keisha rebuilt her life by embracing her signature CEO Mindset Framework: Create, Eliminate, Organize. Today, she helps people align their energy, frequency, and vibration so they can achieve lasting success without burnout. Through her podcast Alpha Intuition and initiatives like the Pink Tool Project and Crafting Careers That Build, Keisha empowers others, especially those in the skilled trades, to step boldly into their next chapter and become the CEO of their own lives.

 Holly Hayes is a Reinvention Coach, International Speaker, and author specializing in mindset, manifestation, energy alignment, and Human Design. Originally from Melbourne, Australia, her global life—from traveling waxing trainer to digital entrepreneur—has shaped her mission: guiding women to rebuild from the inside out with clarity and confidence. After a decade as a renowned waxing educator, bulletproof resilience led her to pivot toward coaching and storytelling. Today, through The Uplevel Academy and her upcoming memoir, Holly empowers women to dismantle limiting beliefs, take aligned action, and co-create lives they’ve only dared to imagine. 

 Leadership is more than a title—it’s a calling. In this session, Angelia Malbrew delivers a powerful blueprint for leaders to embody their brand with authority, authenticity, and influence that transcends the stage or boardroom. Through her Lead Like a Brand™ framework, attendees will learn how to harness their personal story, align their visual identity, and communicate their value with clarity and conviction. Drawing from her own journey of overcoming adversity and building an internationally recognized brand, Angelia will equip participants with actionable strategies to elevate their executive presence, cultivate trust, and lead with both heart and authority. Leaders will walk away inspired, empowered, and ready to create a legacy that speaks long after they’ve left the room. 

 Silke Harvey is a speaker, musician, former financial translator, bestselling author and publisher, energy healer, and life transition mentor for corporate women who feel paralysed after suffering loss, breakup and the identity collapse that follows. Drawing from her own journey of losing everything and starting over with a Land Rover and three dogs on an old homestead in Bulgaria, she now works one-on-one with women who are ready to rise from the ashes and create a life that finally feels like their own. 

Dr. Anna Thomas is a physician, award-winning speaker, TEDx presenter, and caregiver advocate. She is the founder of LifeCare LeadHership™. Through her work, she empowers professionals and families to navigate caregiving, leadership, and life transitions with resilience and clarity.

Dr. Thomas draws from her background in palliative care, her personal experience as a caregiver, and her deep commitment to improving support for working caregivers and families affected by dementia. She is the creator of the Care Leader™ framework and host of The Age of Caregiving podcast. With compassion, science, and strategy, she equips individuals and organizations to lead with intention—even in life’s hardest seasons.

Jamie Martin empowers senior-level women in STEM to assert their authority, own their expertise, and secure the credit, influence, and pay they deserve—without burning out. Her unique approach blends pragmatism with empathy, helping clients move beyond self-doubt, command executive presence, and lead with clarity and confidence.

A former Product Manager at DoubleClick and Google and later VP of Product in MarTech, Jamie has experienced firsthand the challenges women face in male-dominated tech environments. She draws on that experience to help women navigate complex dynamics, challenge limiting beliefs, and make bold career moves.

Jamie founded a free networking space for Women in Tech and hosts a LinkedIn Live series featuring diverse leaders discussing visibility, influence, and resilience. Named a Top 15 Coach in Chicago and Top Women's Empowerment Coach, she's been featured on Forbes, GoBankingRates, Communication Intelligence, Data Bytes by Women in Data, and nominated for Speaker of the Year by Women in Tech.

Our brains are wired for survival, not success. Anxiety, self-doubt, and limiting beliefs are the default, and they’ll keep us playing small if we let them. Whether it’s speaking up, taking a risk, or pursuing bold goals, our minds are often the biggest thing holding us back.

In this powerful speech, Dr. Ashley unpacks the brain science and psychology behind these mental traps and shows audiences how to challenge their thinking, stretch beyond their comfort zones, and build real confidence through courageous action.

Drawing from her own journey navigating progressive vision loss, Dr. Ashley shares how she stopped letting fear run the show and became the CEO of her life. This science-rooted framework gives audiences a practical path to greater courage, confidence, and bold living.

Blending relatable storytelling with research-backed strategies, this speech leaves audiences inspired and equipped with tools to master their minds and unlock their true potential.

 Kjessie Essue is the Co-founder of Multicultural Family Hub, helping families and professionals build connection, resilience, and belonging from the inside out. A former Peace Corps volunteer, she brings 15 years of lived multicultural experience to her keynotes, coaching, workshops, and podcast, Kitchen Table Conversations. Her work empowers others to lead with empathy, raise integrated families, and create joyful, inclusive communities. 
Featured on the Magnolia Network under the Discovery Channel, in the Los Angeles Times, and in The New York Times, Kjessie is a bold and unfiltered storyteller and an advocate for women reclaiming their creative power. 

 Meagan Cothron is an author, advocate, and nonprofit leader passionate about recovery, healing, and breaking cycles of trauma. She is the co-founder and Executive Director of Recover Out Loud, the first Certified Recovery Community Organization in Bartholomew County, Indiana. With more than a decade of experience in anti-trafficking, peer recovery, and community outreach, Meagan has devoted her life to creating spaces where people can find freedom and connection beyond survival. Her debut book, What About You?, blends memoir and guided reflection to help women move from codependency and heartbreak into self-discovery and empowerment. Through writing, speaking, and advocacy, she shares her own story to show that pain does not have to be the ending—it can be the beginning of transformation. Meagan lives in Indiana with her husband and children, where she continues to walk alongside others in their recovery and healing journeys. 

Elaine Benfield is a storyteller, strategist, and the founder of Herstories, a podcast and platform that amplifies the voices of women rising through challenge and change. With more than 20 years of experience in marketing, communications, and executive visibility, Elaine has helped leaders and brands find clarity in their message and power in their voice. Her own journey of resilience through personal loss, reinvention, and transformation inspired her to create Herstories as a space for empowerment and collective healing. Today, she speaks and leads conversations that help women turn their most challenging moments into turning points for resilience and pathways to new journeys. 

 Anjali is a human rights and law of war attorney, speaker, athlete, and professional artist, who currently runs a nonprofit dedicated to combating gender-based violence. She is a TEDx speaker and Fulbright Scholarship grantee. Anjali has worked at the intersection of women's rights, gender-based violence, art, and law in India, the U.K., Colombia, Brazil, and Chile. Her work as a lawyer includes representing foreign governments in human rights cases before international courts, achieving asylum for asylum-seekers persecuted on the basis of their gender, and working on Constitutional rights cases to protect the rights of transgender girl athletes in the U.S. She is currently climbing the Seven Summits to amplify the voices and power of survivors, while building a coalition of organizations around the world. She's on track to be the first Indian-American woman to do so.