2025 Symposium

Ajay Jaganathan

Ajay Jaganathan is a global HR leader with over 20 years of experience helping organizations and leaders grow through change. He has held senior HR roles across the US and India at Fortune 50 companies like Procter & Gamble, Amazon, and Walmart, and HR Leadership roles at private companies like Gemini. Currently, he advises organizations as an interim and fractional CHRO. Ajay is passionate about supporting HR professionals at all levels to lead with courage and authenticity, creating workplaces where people and business can thrive.

Allison Brown

Allison Brown has over 15 years of experience in leadership development, talent management, and executive coaching. She currently serves as the Director of Leadership Development at a major healthcare organization, where she designs and implements enterprise-wide strategies to grow leadership capabilities. Allison brings a strengths-based approach to her work, focusing on building resilient, inclusive leaders who can navigate complexity and drive impact.

Andrea Heuston

Andrea Heuston is an award-winning entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of Artitudes Design. With more than 20 years of experience in the creative and communications industry, Andrea helps executives and organizations tell compelling stories through strategic presentations and branding. She is a sought-after speaker and host of the Lead Like a Woman podcast, where she amplifies the voices of female leaders and change-makers.

Brooklyn Dicent

Brooklyn Dicent is a workplace culture and happiness coach with a background in stand-up comedy and organizational psychology. She uses humor and storytelling to help teams improve morale, communication, and performance. Brooklyn has delivered keynotes and workshops for Fortune 500 companies and is known for her engaging, energetic approach to fostering workplace well-being.

Carol Bowser

Carol Bowser is an attorney, mediator, and workplace conflict expert. As the founder of Conflict Management Strategies, she specializes in training and consulting with organizations to address conflict proactively and build cultures of accountability and communication. Carol’s legal background and hands-on mediation experience make her a trusted advisor for resolving tough workplace challenges.

Chesca Ward

Chesca Ward is a DEI consultant and leadership coach who partners with organizations to create inclusive cultures and equitable systems. With over a decade of experience in social justice and human resources, Chesca helps leaders navigate the intersections of identity, power, and leadership. Her work is grounded in empathy, data, and systems thinking.

Deborah Read

Deborah Read is the President and CEO of Read Communications, a firm specializing in strategic communications and leadership development. With over 25 years of experience, Deborah works with senior leaders to refine their messaging, navigate change, and build executive presence. She is known for her clarity, warmth, and results-driven approach to leadership communication.

Emily Hoke

Emily Hoke is a learning and development professional with a background in instructional design and change management. She currently leads training initiatives for a global tech company, helping teams build the skills they need to thrive in fast-paced, agile environments. Emily is passionate about creating learning experiences that are engaging, accessible, and impactful.

Haley Baumberger

Haley Baumberger is a talent strategist and organizational development leader. She has worked across healthcare and nonprofit sectors to design leadership programs, facilitate strategic planning, and build inclusive talent pipelines. Haley combines analytical rigor with a people-first mindset to help organizations grow and evolve.

Ilsa Govan

Ilsa Govan is a nationally recognized consultant, facilitator, and speaker on racial equity and social justice. She is the co-founder of Cultures Connecting and co-author of “What’s Up with White Women? Unpacking Sexism and White Privilege in Pursuit of Racial Justice.” Ilsa supports individuals and institutions in developing the skills to have courageous conversations and take meaningful action toward equity.

Jacquelyn Lloyd

Jacquelyn Lloyd is an HR executive and leadership development expert with more than 20 years of experience in the public and private sectors. She currently serves as a senior leader in a regional government agency, where she focuses on workforce planning, equity, and succession strategies. Jacquelyn is committed to building inclusive workplaces where everyone can thrive.

Jamie Jacobs

Jamie Jacobs is a leadership coach, speaker, and culture strategist. As the founder of Gig Talent, she connects organizations with exceptional HR and business consultants. Jamie has held senior HR roles and brings deep expertise in organizational effectiveness, talent strategy, and employee experience. Her mission is to unlock the full potential of people and teams.

Jill Barnett

Jill Barnett is an executive coach and talent development leader with extensive experience in the healthcare industry. She specializes in helping leaders build self-awareness, navigate change, and lead with purpose. Jill is known for her empathetic, practical coaching style and her ability to translate insights into action.

Loala McCann

Loala McCann is a leadership development consultant and coach with a background in HR and DEI. She works with organizations to design inclusive leadership programs and facilitate brave conversations around identity and equity. Loala believes in creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and empowered to lead authentically.

Maha Judeh

Maha Judeh is an organizational development specialist and facilitator with expertise in team dynamics, change leadership, and employee engagement. She works with leaders to strengthen trust, collaboration, and alignment. Maha’s approach combines systems thinking, emotional intelligence, and a deep understanding of group behavior.

Reanette Etzler

Reanette Etzler is a senior HR leader and coach who helps organizations build high-performing, inclusive cultures. She brings over 20 years of experience in employee relations, talent development, and change management. Reanette is passionate about mentoring emerging leaders and creating environments where people do their best work.

Tilman Smith

Tilman Smith is an educator, equity consultant, and facilitator with decades of experience advancing racial and social justice. She works with schools, nonprofits, and businesses to examine bias, transform systems, and build capacity for equity leadership. Tilman is known for her compassionate, incisive style and her commitment to lasting change.

Warda Zaman

Warda Zaman is a leadership development specialist and DEI strategist. She partners with organizations to embed equity into talent practices, from hiring to succession planning. Warda has a background in higher education and nonprofit leadership and is dedicated to developing leaders who are self-aware, inclusive, and adaptive.