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16th Annual Orlando Women's Conference Program

Page 1

PRESENTED BY

16th ANNUAL

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 THE HUMAN EDGE...

EMPOWERMENT SPONSOR

SUMMIT SPONSOR

HOST SPONSOR

Leadership Brand Acceleration Entrepreneurship IRL Connections Collaboration The POWER of You and More

LEADERSHIP SPONSORS

ENGAGEMENT SPONSORS

35 SPEAKERS 35 EXHIBITORS KEYNOTE LUNCHEON BREAKFAST MINGLE TABLE SPONSORS ASPIRE HEALTH PARTNERS BILLER GENIE OUC - THE RELIABLE ONE FLORIDA CENTER FOR HORMONES AND WELLNESS DUKE ENERGY PAQUIN PR EMC PUBLIC RELATIONS DIANE MEILLER & ASSOCIATES COGENT BANK VISIT ORLANDO ROLLINS School of Professional Advancement & Graduate Studies TAVISTOCK UNITED ARTS OF CENTRAL FLORIDA DAN NEWLIN INJURY ATTORNEYS

END-OF-DAY RECEPTION PERFORMANCES www.OrlandoWomensConference.com


GARIMA SHAH LUNCHEON KEYNOTE THE POWER OF ONE: How Being the

“Only” Person in a Room Can Be a Strength.

For much of her career, Garima Shah walked into boardrooms as the only woman, the only minority, and the youngest person at the table. The unspoken expectation was clear: blend in, tone it down, and earn your seat by making everyone around you comfortable. She didn’t. She wore pink and brought her full personality into every room. She built a company, raised a family, traveled relentlessly for work, and endured comments like, “I feel bad for your kids,” from men whose own ambition was never measured against their role as fathers. She refused to shrink and refused to apologize for it. In this keynote, Garima explores what it actually costs to stay whole in spaces that weren’t built for you and why that wholeness isn’t a liability — it’s the most powerful thing you can bring into a room. Drawing from her 18+ years of experience, from being the only woman in the boardroom to co-founding a company that processes more than $11 billion in invoices annually, she unpacks the difference between being seen as influential and actually owning your power and why staying authentically yourself is not an obstacle to success; it’s the strategy. GARIMA SHAH is a dynamic, results-oriented fintech executive with more than 18 years of extensive experience driving revenue growth through strategic business development, corporate acquisitions, and a motivational hands-on leadership approach. As a sought-after industry expert with a vast network and deep-rooted connections, Garima is committed to revolutionizing the payments and fintech landscape. As President and Co-Founder of Biller Genie, she is instrumental in expanding the company’s subscriber base by forging strategic partnerships and fostering a collaborative company culture

BETSY GARDNER MORNING KEYNOTE Be the HUMAN IN THE ROOM: The New Art of Presence, Judgment and Trust Betsy Gardner wrote Human in the Room to share her knowledge and wisdom about the importance of critical skills no one teaches. It’s a transformative field guide that teaches you how to be the human people want in the room when it matters most. Drawing on decades of leadership experience and real-world insights, Betsy distills the three pillars that distinguish those who get noticed and chosen from those who stay unseen: presence, judgment and trust. It isn’t theory, but a practical, actionable system with frameworks you can apply right away to elevate your influence, credibility and impact. It’s about building human competitive advantage in a world where human skills are what machines can’t replicate and making that advantage measurable and verifiable. BETSY GARDNER is a visionary CEO, speaker, podcast host, author and business consultant. She most recently served as President of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, where she led with a bold focus on innovation, growth and community impact. Her career spans startups, global enterprises and economic development. A champion for women and entrepreneurs, she also created a career reentry program for professional women .

DR. RADHIKA SMITH SPECIAL LUNCHEON SPEAKER

THE HUMAN SIDE OF HEALTHCARE With technology taking the lead, compassionate care is more critical than ever.

DR. RADHIKA SMITH is a double board-certified colorectal surgeon, healthcare leader, and advocate for compassionate, patient-centered care. Throughout her career, she has balanced the science of medicine with the art of human connection, helping patients navigate some of life’s most vulnerable moments. As healthcare rapidly changes, Dr. Smith is passionate about ensuring that innovation strengthens — not replaces — the relationships at its heart. Her work focuses on bridging the gap between advancements and the human experience of care, reminding both patients and providers that human connection remains one of medicine’s most powerful tools. An educator and national speaker, Dr. Smith regularly shares insights on leadership, communication, patient experience, and the future of healthcare. At the 2026 Women’s Conference, she will deliver a keynote on this year’s theme, The Human Edge, exploring how empathy, authenticity, and meaningful communication can help us thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world. When she’s not caring for patients, Dr. Smith enjoys life in Orlando with her husband and their three children, where she can often be found cheering from the sidelines, planning family adventures, or finding joy in the chaos of motherhood.


SPECIAL LUNCHEON PRESENTATIONS The POWER Behind Color Analysis From high school teacher to stay-athome mom to personal stylist, Erin Woods followed her passion for wardrobe styling to become a franchise owner of House of Colour, offering personalized color analysis and styling services. It helps women identify colors and styles that enhance their appearance and confidence. From developing a more efficient and effective wardrobe to enhancing your makeup shades, learn to work your personal palette.

COFFEE BARS ENJOY A CUP OF FOXTAIL COFFEE FROM 8 - 10AM TIER 2 ROTUNDA

Erin Woods

&

LOUNGE

Orlando Shakes: Come From Away

RE-ENERGIZE WITH SPECIALTY HOT OR COLD COFFEE DRINKS!

Enjoy a special presentation from the Orlando Shakes featuring songs from their current production of Come From Away, a Tony Award-winning musical about 7,000 airline passengers grounded in the wake of 9/11 and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them.

10 - NOON & 1:30 - 3:30 TIER 2

SAVE THE DATES PRESENTED BY

SPEAKERS VENDORS LUNCHEON CONVERSATIONS AND MORE!

where looking good and feeling good align

JANUARY 19 WINTER PARK EVENTS CENTER 9am-1:30pm

2027 WOMEN of the YEAR CELEBRATION MARCH 1, 2027

PRESENTED BY


SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE 8:00

REGISTRATION & EXHIBITS OPEN CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST

8:45

DOORS OPEN - STEINMETZ HALL

9:00

PROGRAM - OPENING KEYNOTE

9:30

BREAK - EXHIBITS OPEN

9:40

FIRST BREAKOUT SESSIONS

10:25

BREAK - EXHIBITS OPEN

10:45

SECOND BREAKOUT SESSIONS

11:30

BREAK - EXHIBITS OPEN

11:55

LUNCHEON: OPERA ORLANDO, KEYNOTE ADDRESSES, SPECIAL TALK, ORLANDO SHAKES

1:45

BREAK - EXHIBITS OPEN

2:20

SHETALKS

3:15

CENTRAL FLORIDA VOCAL ARTS

3:30

NETWORKING RECEPTION EXHIBITS OPEN

2:30 - 3:15 SHETalks: Vital Voices Leading With Passion THIS END-OF-DAY PROGRAM will feature some of Central Florida’s leading women who will share their inspiring messages.

Dr. Lua Hancock

Laura Loutfi

Dr. Cherlette McCullough

Michelle Taylor

Karla Ray


MORNING BREAKOUT SESSIONS

9:40 - 10:25 ENTREPRENEURIAL SUCCESS

What you need to know about starting, growing and scaling a business. Real, honest advice from women who have been at every stage, including the challenges and rewards. LOCATION: STEINMETZ HALL PANEL MODERATOR: AMANDA LIVERMORE PANELISTS: ALYCE BARTOLOMEO, REGINE BONNEAU, MEGAN PAQUIN, SARAH SOLIMAN

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

Want to be more engaged? Want to make an impact? There’s no better time to get involved. Learn how you can step up and step into a valuable new role and help make a difference. LOCATION: JUDSON’S PANEL MODERATOR: ELISHA GONZALEZ PANELISTS: JENNIFER EVINS, RK KELLEY, WENDY ROUNDTREE, SANDI VIDAL


MORNING BREAKOUTS

9:40 - 10:25

10:45-11:30

IRL CONNECTIONS MATTER In the increasing digital world, especially post-pandemic, how can we relate, build relationships and have meaningful conversations in person in real time? And why are these interactions more important than ever?

LOCATION: PUGH THEATER PANEL MODERATOR: LINDSE MURPHY PANELISTS: KARLA MUNIZ, DR. SHAINNA ALI, DR. LISA SPECTOR, JAYNE WILLIAMS

CAREER LEADERSHIP

Are you on the right path, in the right position with future opportunities? It is time to make a move or even change directions? How can you grow, move up and be more impactful? Are you being recognized and rewarded? LOCATION: JUDSON’S PANEL MODERATOR: CASANDRA MATEJ PANELISTS: JODI BAINTER, MARITZA MARTINEZ-GUERRERO, LYSA BARBANO

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orangeappeal.com


MORNING BREAKOUTS

10:45-11:30

CULTURAL COLLABORATION

As our community becomes more and more diverse, what can we learn from each other? Hear what our speakers have to say about the power of working together and embracing our differences. LOCATION: PUGH THEATER PANEL MODERATOR: NANCY ALVAREZ PANELISTS: ELIZABETH GRACE, AZELA SANTANA, AMY SANTORELLI

ACCELERATE YOUR BRAND

How can you and/or your company stand out in this saturated world and content overload. Discover how your messagec can be seen and heard from these well-respected media and marketing executives will discuss everything from podcasts and social channels to image and strategies. LOCATION: STEINMETZ HALL PRESENTERS: CAROLINA FLORES, ALLISON WALSH

SPECIAL THANKS FOR THEIR PERFORMANCES CENTRAL FLORIDA VOCAL ARTS, OPERA ORLANDO AND ORLANDO SHAKES


EXHIBITORS LOCATED ON TIER 1 & 2 TIER 1 Central Florida Vocal Arts

AdventHealth for Women Dora Mae Jewelry Chic Boutique Orlando DryBar Shops Dr. Phillips Center Fly Dance Fitness Florida Center for Hormones and Wellness Hi Hello Labs Human in the Room Hala Khalaf & Fragrance Collectors Lauren Sigman Collection JK Creative Nemours Children’s Health Legacy Life Project One Purse Lindora Windermere Orange Appeal Orlando Valkyries Orlando Shakes Paychex, Inc. Poris Plastic Surgery Samaritan Resource Center The Bar Method The Lash Lounge The Central Florida Pledge The Orange Peel Shop Truist The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Orlando Tijon Winter Park TIER 2 Touched by Type 1 ATHENA Orlando Women’s Leadership Winter Park Perfume & Cologne Artistic Talent Group WISE Greater Orlando Breakthrough T1D

2025


SPEAKER BIOS DR. SHAINNA ALI is a mental health clinician, educator, and advocate who empowers individuals to cultivate mental wellness. She founded The Mental Wellness Practice, LLC, and hosts the Mental Wellness Practice Podcast. Shainna is also an author, writing Luna Finds Love Everywhere: A Self-Love Book for Kids, The Self-Love Workbook, and Generational Healing, which will be released this year. She sits on multiple boards and community initiatives, including the Dean’s Council for UCF’s College of Community Innovation and Education and To Write Love on Her Arms, among others. Shainna has been honored with the prestigious Pete Fischer Humanitarian Award NANCY ALVAREZ is a bilingual journalist with more than 25 years on the anchor desk and in the field covering the biggest stories in the nation and in Central Florida. She started her broadcast journalism career in the Orlando market in 2000 and has reported on various hurricanes, the Pulse nightclub massacre, and launches from the Space Coast. Alvarez was the first Central Florida reporter to travel to Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria, subsequently returning to the island multiple times to cover the damage and recovery efforts. In 2021, Alvarez became an advocate for the importance of cancer screenings after her own breast cancer diagnosis. Her message about early detection inspired numerous women to get mammograms at a time many had gone unchecked because of the pandemic.

experience advancing the arts, education, economic development, and cross-sector collaboration. She currently serves as President and CEO of United Arts of Central Florida, the region’s Local Arts Agency, where she leads a team of 26 professionals, oversees a $19 million operating budget, and works with public, private, philanthropic, and nonprofit partners to strengthen Central Florida’s cultural ecosystem. Jennifer is widely recognized for her ability to bring people and institutions together around shared vision, bold ideas, and measurable community impact. She has received numerous awards and accolades for her work. CAROLINA FLORES is the co-founder of Hi Hello Labs, a premium media production company serving brands nationwide. Over the past four years, Carolina has led brand and content strategy for more than 40 podcasts, helping generate millions of downloads across the agency’s portfolio through intentional storytelling and strategic media execution. Her work spans podcasts, digital courses, and brand media for founders, industry leaders, and vision-driven organizations, with a focus on elevating and making content creation sustainable. Beyond her professional work, Carolina is a mom of three, co-host of the marriage podcast CoCalled alongside her husband and business partner, Carlos, and a passionate advocate for families raising neurodivergent children through their brand Nico + Bass.

LYSA BARBANO is the Senior Vice President of Partnerships at VyStar Credit Union with decades of experience in the financial services industry and a background spanning partner alignment, operational strategy, and large-scale project execution. She previously served as the Florida Market President, overseeing the branch network, community initiatives, and employee engagement. Lysa was also honored among the Top 100 Women-Led Businesses, ranking fifth overall, and OBJ recognized her as both a C-Suite Winner and Most Influential Leader. Between mentoring, serving on various boards, engaging in volunteer work, and influencing organizational awards, her accomplishments reflect her strategic acumen and strong leadership.

BETSY GARDNER is a visionary CEO, speaker, podcast host, author and business consultant. She wrote her new book, Human in the Room, to share her knowledge and wisdom about the importance of critical skills no one teaches. It’s a transformative field guide that teaches you how to be the human people want in the room when it matters most. She most recently served as President of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, where she led with a bold focus on innovation, growth and community impact, and played a crucial role in community engagement and business development initiatives. Her career spans startups, global enterprises and economic development. A champion for women and entrepreneurs, she also created a career reentry program for professional women and has been honored among Orlando’s most influential leaders.

ALYCE BARTOLOMEO is a serial entrepreneur, author, philanthropist, and owner of Tijon Winter Park, Central Florida’s first interactive custom fragrance experience. Throughout her career, she has built, scaled, and sold multiple successful businesses spanning real estate development, construction, beauty and wellness, retail, franchising, and now experiential hospitality. Having overcome significant challenges early in life, Alyce developed an entrepreneurial mindset rooted in resilience, creativity, and determination. She is passionate about mentoring aspiring women entrepreneurs. In addition to her business ventures, Alyce is actively involved in numerous charitable organizations focused on children and philanthropic initiatives, including the Orlando Opera and Operazzi fundraising committee.

ELISHA GONZALEZ BONNEWITZ is a nationally recognized executive leader in economic development, corporate citizenship, strategic philanthropy, and community impact. As Senior Vice President of Community Affairs for Florida at Truist, she leads statewide strategies that align business priorities with community investment, stakeholder engagement, and economic opportunity. With more than 25 years of executive leadership spanning the financial services, utility, education, nonprofit, and public sectors, Elisha is known for convening leaders across business, government, education, and the nonprofit community to align resources, strengthen partnerships, and create lasting impact. She has been recognized among Florida’s most influential business and community leaders, including Florida Trend’s Florida 500 and Women We Admire’s Top 50 Women in Finance.

REGINE BONNEAU is the Founder and CEO of RB Advisory LLC, a strategic advisory firm serving commercial, government, and regulated industry clients across cybersecurity, privacy, compliance, and enterprise risk. Known in the industry as Regine the Cyber Queen™, she has expertise across cybersecurity, helping organizations strengthen readiness, make defensible decisions, and turn cybersecurity into a business advantage. Regine also provides executive guidance on emerging technology and AI governance, assisting with innovation while maintaining trust and accountability. She has been featured in national publications like Forbes, recognized by Consulting Magazine as a Women Leader in Technology among other awards, and is deeply engaged in the community.

ELIZABETH R. GRACE, a native of Orlando, has dedicated her career to empowering our community through advocacy, collaboration and engagement. For more than a decade, Elizabeth has worked to build bridges between diverse groups and foster environments of innovation and education. Most recently, Elizabeth served as the Director of Community Engagement for the UCF Downtown/Valencia College Downtown Campus. Previously, Elizabeth served as the Executive Director of the nonprofit Association to Preserve African American Society, History and Tradition, Inc. (PAST, Inc.), where she oversaw the Wells’Built Museum of African American History & Culture which celebrates the significant contributions of African Americans to Central Florida’s community.

JENNIFER EVINS is a seasoned nonprofit executive, civic strategist, and transformational community leader with more than three decades of

DR. LUA HANCOCK is the Vice President of the Ginsburg Family Foundation where she runs the Phoenix Generation. She has 30 years of


SPEAKER BIOS experience working in youth leadership and organizational development, spending most of her professional career in higher education. Lua served as Vice President of Campus Life and Student Success at Stetson University, Director of Residential Life and Housing, and the inaugural Director of Student Success at Nova Southeastern University. She’s also on the executive board for Florida ACE Leadership Network and the Board of Florida Executive Women. Lua works with organizations and individuals to clarify values, goals, and create strategic plans. RK KELLEY serves as Vice President of the Central Florida Pledge, a nonpartisan network uniting neighbors, leaders, and organizations across all backgrounds to help build a safer, more welcoming community. She brings more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality and entertainment industries, centered on creating exceptional experiences and meaningful human connections. Her leadership at Disney and in the cruise industry has shaped her ability to bring people together, build trust, and lead with both strategy and heart. In her role, RK engages business, community, and civic leaders to promote dignity and respect for all people. Her deep commitment to the region is also reflected in board service, including Dr. Phillips Charities and the Orlando Philharmonic, and as an adjunct professor at UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality. AMANDA LIVERMORE is a leader in the fields of education and campus ministry. As Founding President and CEO of Cristo Rey Orlando High School, Amanda has spent the last three years executing one of the most ambitious educational launches in Central Florida’s history, raising $42 million, securing corporate sponsorships to employ students as part of their education, enrolling a full founding class and assembling a high-performing team to lead. She holds a Master’s in Pastoral Studies from Loyola University New Orleans and a B.A. in Psychology from Samford University. She previously served as Vice President at Bishop Moore Catholic High School. LAURA LOUTFI - Imagine being three years old, on a plane, leaving the only home you’ve ever known — too young to understand what you’re losing, too young to know what you’ll have to become. That’s where my story starts. Not in a medspa, but in the quiet courage of parents who rebuilt a life from nothing, and a little girl who learned her “firsts” would have to be brave ones. I became the first in my family to go to college in America, and the first to become a medical provider. Today, I own Loutfi Aesthetics in Winter Park, where I’ve built my life’s work around a simple belief: aging is not something to fear or fight — it’s something to move through with dignity and grace. I’m devoted to helping women walk in feeling invisible, and walk out remembering exactly who they are. MARITZA MARTINEZ-GUERRERO is vice president of External Affairs & Philanthropy for the Orlando Magic. In her role, Maritza provides leadership to the Orlando Magic’s social responsibility, philanthropy and government affairs-efforts, and oversees the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation. Prior to joining the Orlando Magic in February of 2023, for over 22 years, Maritza served in progressive leadership roles at the University of Central Florida. In her last role at UCF, Maritza served as associate vice president for Government and Community Relations where she served as a senior level advisor to the administration as it related to the university’s external standing and reputation. She currently serves on the board of directors of the Heart of Florida United Way, Winter Park Health Foundation, Seminole County Chamber, United Arts, among others. CASANDRA MATEJ is president and CEO of Visit Orlando, the official tourism association for America’s most visited destination. Since joining in 2021, she has led the organization through a period of growth and industry momentum, helping position Orlando to welcome 76.7 million

visitors in 2025. Under her leadership, Visit Orlando launched the global “Unbelievably Real” brand campaign and expanded strategic collaborations with Orlando Health, Michelin and Tripadvisor.Matej is the first female CEO in Visit Orlando’s 41-year history and serves as vice chair of the U.S. Travel Association’s Executive Board. Her honors include Florida Trend’s Florida 500 and Orlando Magazine’s 50 Most Powerful People. CHERLETTE MCCULLOUGH, LMFT, is a highly respected trauma therapist, advocate, and educator with over 18 years of clinical experience. Known for her insightful approach to unraveling the complexities of the human experience, she provides compassionate and effective therapy to individuals, couples, and families. As the owner of Center Peace Couples and Family Therapy, she specializes in relationship counseling, anxiety, depression, grief, and workplace wellness. Cherlette is committed to helping her clients rewrite their personal narratives and achieve wholeness, utilizing evidence-based techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in both Florida and Texas, further solidifying her expertise. KARLA MUNIZ is a transformational Chief People Officer and strategic business leader with 20 plus years of experience helping healthcare organizations scale, transform, and achieve sustainable growth through their people. Since she joined Herself Health, her focus is on organizational effectiveness, workforce planning, talent strategy, change leadership, employee experience, and culture transformation. Karla has successfully led enterprise-wide initiatives that strengthen engagement, retention, leadership development, and position organizations for longterm success. She is a recognized HR thought leader, national speaker, and trusted advisor whose insights have been featured by CNN and The Wall Street Journal. She also serves on boards, councils, and mentors future leaders. LINDSE MURPHY is the Founding CEO of Influential Executive Women, Inc. (IEW), Florida’s premier nonprofit organization for executive-level women. Created to advance 21st-century women leaders through connection, leadership development, recognition, and a bold focus on wellbeing, developing the next generation of women leaders. Lindse is also a board-certified Behavior Analyst and a certified Chief Well-Being Officer and a national and global speaker, strategist, and advocate for helping leaders and organizations address burnout, performance, and the hidden load carried by high-achieving women. Her career includes building community-based programs, leading mental health programming as a C-level executive, and advancing regional innovation and workforce initiatives. MEGAN PAQUIN, award-winning public relations strategist and nationally recognized entrepreneur, is the Founder and CEO of Paquin PR. Her leading strategic communications firm advises many respected brands, organizations, institutions, and high-profile individuals. She has led communication efforts in landmark legal and business matters, including United States Supreme Court cases, and is known for her expertise in crisis communications, reputation management, and litigation support. Megan holds a PH.D. in Business Psychology, is Accredited in Public Relations (APR), a Certified Public Relations Counselor (CPRC), and has been recognized by Chambers and Partners for excellence in crisis and risk communication since 2022. KARLA RAY is an award-winning media expert, speaker, and founder of Unprompted Strategies. After nearly two decades as a television news anchor and investigative reporter, she now helps leaders, entrepreneurs, and change makers communicate with confidence, clarity, and authenticity. Karla is also a 13-time Emmy-nominated journalist whose reporting helped


drive meaningful policy change. She combines storytelling chops with practical communication strategies to empower women to step into their voice, build influence, and lead with conviction. Drawing from her experience on camera and behind the scenes, Karla speaks on leadership, personal branding, resilience, and finding your voice in moments that matter. WENDY J. ROUNDTREE, APR, is the Founder and CEO of Jarel Communications, a social impact firm that specializes in strategic communications and public relations, partnering with organizations, nonprofits, and businesses. Previously, she handled speechwriting, employee communications, integrated marketing, and media relations for OCPS, and has experience in higher education, real estate, and healthcare. Wendy is also Board Chair for the Joe R. Lee Boys and Girls Club in Eatonville, Florida. Her achievements led her to be named OBJ’s 2025 Women Who Mean Business, OBJ’s 40 Under 40 Honoree, Trailblazer Professional of the Year by PRSA Sunshine District, and many other awards. AZELA MAYANG SANTANA has distinguished herself as a dedicated steward of community heritage and an advocate for arts and education. Santana serves as Executive Director of the Historical Society of Central Florida and the Orange County Regional History Center, strengthening public engagement and amplifying underrepresented voices. Previously, Santana served as associate curator at the Orlando Museum of Art. She has also advanced philanthropic initiatives at the University of Central Florida, receiving the inaugural UCF Advancement Core Values Award for Excellence and Partnership for her fundraising efforts. Santana’s service extends to civic leadership roles, including Vice Chair for the City of Orlando Nominating Board and board member of the Florida Historical Society. AMY SANTORELLI is known for supporting growth, operational excellence and team member engagement in healthcare human resources, a field which she has more than two decades of experience in. She serves as Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer for AdventHealth’s Central Florida Division, one of the largest and most complex healthcare regions in the organization. She has worked at AdventHealth since 2011, and in her current role, partners with executive and clinical leadership to advance performance and organizational effectiveness across a broad, multi-site network. GARIMA SHAH is a dynamic fintech executive with over 18 years of experience driving revenue growth, forging strategic partnerships, and reshaping the payments industry. As President and Co-Founder of Biller Genie, she has helped scale the company by expanding its subscriber base and fostering a high-performing company culture. Recognized as a trailblazer, Shah has been honored with accolades such as NYC Fintech Women’s CEO of the Year, ETA’s 40 Under 40, and Orlando Business Journal’s 40 Under 40. She was named to the Forbes Next 100 list of upstart entrepreneurs redefining the American Dream and founded Brown Girls on a Mission to empower women of color in business and tech. DR. RADHIKA SMITH is a double board-certified colorectal surgeon, healthcare leader, and advocate for compassionate, patient-centered care. Throughout her career, she has balanced the science of medicine with the art of human connection, helping patients navigate some of life’s most vulnerable moments. As healthcare rapidly changes, Dr. Smith is passionate about ensuring that innovation strengthens—not replaces—the relationships at its heart. Her work focuses on bridging the gap between advancements and the human experience of care, reminding both patients and providers that human connection remains one of medicine’s most powerful tools. Dr. Smith regularly shares insights on leadership, communication, patient experience and the future of healthcare. SARAH SOLIMAN is a talented visual storyteller who has documented the narratives of thousands of events across diverse industries which has solidified her reputation as a leader in the field. She currently serves on

the Board of Directors for Brown Girls on a Mission, a nonprofit of minority women that dedicate volunteer hours to charities, and is the Co-Chair of the MPI Women’s Advisory Board. Sarah also co-led the #MeetingsToo movement, addressing sexual harassment in live meetings and events. Her exceptional work led her to be named an honoree to OBJ’s 2021 40 Under 40 list along with several prestigious awards DR. LISA SPECTOR, MD, FAAP, is Division Chief of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida and a Professor of Pediatrics through University of Central Florida College of Medicine. After earning her medical degree from the University of Iowa College of Medicine, she completed her pediatric residency at Tulane University School of Medicine, which was followed by a fellowship in Child Abuse Pediatrics at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and a second fellowship in Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics at Children’s Mercy Hospital and Clinics. Dr. Spector is the co-director of the Central Florida Behavioral Health Hub and co-chairs the Florida State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP) - Mental Well Being and Substance Abuse Prevention (MWSAP) Priority Area Workgroup (PAW). MICHELLE TAYLOR is the founder of Women In Wealth, a movement to close the wealth gap and redefine financial success for women everywhere, the host of the Talk Wealthy To Me podcast, providing smart and actionable guidance for financial strategy, and a wealth manager and business consultant focused on female founders. With over adecade of experience in financial services, she empowers women to take control of their financial futures through transformative education, clarity, and community. Michelle is a leukemia survivor and a fierce entrepreneur, blending professional expertise with personal resilience to help women build their wealth and confidence. SANDI VIDAL is a passionate advocate and public speaker, focused on finding solutions to complex social issues. She currently serves as the Vice President of Community Strategies and Initiatives at the Central Florida Foundation, addressing challenges such as homelessness, economic instability, and access to care and opportunity. Sandi has more than 25 years of business management experience and 20 years in nonprofit leadership, serving on the Nominating Committee for the League of Women Voters of Orange County, the Board of ProNet, several community task forces, and currently leading an international cohort of foundations advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. ALLISON WALSH, JD, is a business and brand strategist, bestselling author, former Miss Florida, international speaker and certified positive psychology coach dedicated to helping women build impactful brands, businesses and lives. By age 30, Allison became Vice President of a behavioral health company that scaled to unicorn status. She has since advised high-growth organizations on how to accelerate revenue, expand market presence, strengthen strategic partnerships and build high-performing teams. As the Founder and CEO of Allison Walsh Consulting and She Believed She Could™, she has built a platform empowering women through coaching, publishing, events and media. JAYNE WILLIAMS is a Certified Holistic Nutritionist, wellness expert, and host of the podcast Elevated Wellness. With a deep focus on metabolic and cellular health, Jayne helps women restore energy, improve gut function, and create sustainable wellness through nutrition, lifestyle, and mindset practices.After overcoming her own gut and stress-related health challenges, Jayne turned her passion into purpose, guiding others to thrive through personalized, science-based strategies. She also mentors wellness professionals as a Business Coach, helping them grow impactful, heart-centered practices. Jayne has completed post-graduate in Holistic and Clinical Nutrition, while also holding advanced certifications in Gut and Hormone Health.


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