THE FUTURE OF AI: Artificial Intelligence
What you should know about AI and how you can embrace it to be more efficient and productive in your personal life and professional life --- and how to use it in team and relationship building.
We recently chatted with Melissa about AI and her role in its evolution --- especially as it pertains to women. We know AI is here and it’s going to be a big part of the future, but how do we embrace it?
How did you get into the world of AI?
First of all, I am non-technical. I’m a people person. I love Central Florida. Having grown up in Ocala, I’ve been back in the area for about three years. When I got here, I really set out to build relationships, not to find work as I had my own consulting business. Through relationship building, I met the founder [Janna Salokangas] of Mia AI, which stands for Mission Impact Academy. I have a background in international relations so a global company was very interesting to me.
I had never worked at a startup before so that was interesting as well. But the biggest thing that compelled me was the mission to empower 1 million non-technical women with the skills of AI by 2030. It was hitting all my sweet spots – working with women, going global, and getting to learn and grow. I came on board in October 2023 in a business development role. And it’s skyrocketed from there. In January, I became a founding partner and a co-owner.
As a non-techie how have you started utilizing AI?
Many of us are using ChatGPT and it has become my best friend. I’m using it in my email processes now. It gives me tools to see what needs action, what I need to respond to, and what’s just FYI. It often starts drafting responses and it tells me when I should do social media. One of the things I use for social media is Aitubo, and it’s basically a teleprompter that helps with your eye tracking. I like Perplixity AI to dive in and do research.
At Mia AI, we’re not just following technical trends — we’re helping define them. We make it our mission to both understand and integrate cutting-edge developments into our clients’ operations. Right now, we’re in what I’d call the ‘AI Agent era,’ a term that was new to me recently, but
now central to our work. AI Agents are autonomous systems that perceive, decide and act toward goals with little or no human input.
Should creatives be afraid of AI?
I have a creative background with music. In high school I was very into poetry, but I stopped when I got older. Now, ChatGPT has gotten me back into writing poetry. They are my words, my sentiment – and it really helped me be more creative.
What we tell people, especially in creative industries, is humans are needed in AI. AI is not going to have your empathy. It’s not going to have leadership skills. It’s not going to understand the tone and the feel of what you are trying to convey. It won’t understand the contextual difference between Orange County and the City of Orlando. We need humans to do those things.
I was on a panel at the UN last year and everyone was really fearful of AI, and I understood the fear. But something that makes me not as fearful is as AI is being developed so are the guardrails of rules and regulations unlike with what we saw during the rise of Facebook and Instagram. Actors and screenwriters are being protected. That gives me hope that as long as we pay attention, we are going to see it become sustainable.
And what about other workplace positions?
I got to discuss this with Anna Marks, Chair of the Deloitte Global Board of Directors. I follow her LinkedIn, and they just came out with a study that said the younger generation – like Millennials and Gen Z – is very, very worried about AI taking their jobs away. So, she encouraged other leaders at the company to make sure that it’s human-centered work within the organization. I am excited that companies like Deloitte are paying attention, so people are not going to be marginalized and pushed out.
And how are you utilizing AI?
I am at a startup and we are frugal, but last year we wanted to honor our team on a budget. We found some really cute avatars that had come out, so we made avatars for the entire team and then used AI to create a quote about each of them. It was very special, and a fun way give something to them – and they loved it.
I use AI for notetaking. I can’t even be in a meeting now without my Fireflies.ai app. I want my Google Gemini on. Because when you think about team building and relationships, it will spit out a to-do list with each person’s name attached. It’s all very black and white. The other thing is that it keeps everyone on the same page. And it’s very easy to go back to and refer to. It brings clarity to conversations.
It sounds like efficiency is a big reason to use AI. So why aren’t we embracing it more?
The more that we can free time up for people, especially women, the more productive they can be. Statistics are showing that women are using AI less than men are in the business world. But women are the ones who would benefit more. AI is not the technical beast we perceive it to be. We are programmed to feel that way.
But it’s more about talking and communicating. In the workplace where it could be so beneficial, women are holding back. In reality, we have already been using it and have been exposed to it without realizing it.
How is Mia AI expanding the AI reach, particularly to women?
At Mia, our commitment to impact is bold: AI for all. We empower people and businesses to unlock their full potential with AI. And we give back through our free, hands-on learning platform, Mia AI Circle, that launched at Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. It’s a core part of our global mission to democratize access to AI and empower 1 million women with AI skills. We believe in the power of partnerships and are proud to have Cyberhuman.ai, co-founded by Dr. Deepak Chopra, SustainableIT, UCF Global, among other influential organizations, as Mia AI partners.
With our AI training courses, we want to particularly reach out to underserved areas. One of our clients, UCF Global, does English as a second language for the county. They brought us in because they are doing a digital literacy program and we were able to write the entire AI curriculum for beginner, intermediate and advanced.
We basically want to lock arms with anyone who shares our goal in making sure women are not left behind.
For more information visit themia.world.
MORNING BREAKOUT SESSIONS
THE FUTURE: PHILANTHROPY
10:45 - 11:30
FOR SPEAKER BIOS: ORLANDOWOMENSCONFERENCE.COM
THE FUTURE: ECONOMY
Orlando’s next decades will depend on many factors, so how will national trends and forecasts affect the region. Hear more about Orlando Economic Partnership’s Orlando 2045 Vision and Visit Orlando’s Destination Orlando 2035 plan.
What does support for nonprofits and foundations look like down the road? Where will the donors come from and what will they be looking for when making decisions? How can nonprofits plan and prepare for what’s coming and take advantage of the opportunities?
LOCATION: JUDSON’S
PANEL MODERATOR: KATE MARTIN
PANELISTS: JENNIFER EVINS, TEKOA POUERIE, BETSY CHAPIN TAYLOR, CHERYL COLLINS
LOCATION: STEINMETZ HALL
PANEL MODERATOR: DANIELLE PERMENTER
PANELISTS: KELLY COHEN, CASANDRA MATEJ, KENYATTA LEE
THE FUTURE: LEADERSHIP
From owning c-suites and claiming corporate board seats to expanding their empires and running the world, women are poised to lead in the coming decade. How can we prepare to take charge, move ahead and be an inspiration to others?
LOCATION: TIER 3
PANEL MODERATOR:MARITZA MARTINEZ-GUERRERO
PANELISTS: ARLENE BLAKE, ELISHA GONZALEZ DORAGNES BRADSHAW, DR. HEATHER FAGAN
EXHIBITORS
(as of 8/25)
100 Women Strong
Abby Liga Photography
AdventHealth for Women
ATHENA Orlando Women’s Leadership
Boutiq Medical Clinic
Breakthrough T1D
Cookies for Kids’ Cancer
CookinGenie
Dora Mae Jewelry
DryBar Shops
Duke Energy
FAIRWINDS
Franchesca Jewels
GenCare Kids PPEC + Learning Center
GenCare Resources Home Healthcare
Hala Khalaf & Fragrance Collectors
LaBella Intimates
Lauren Sigman Collection
Nemours Children’s Health
One Purse
Orange Appeal
Orange County Regional History Center
Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra
Poris Plastic Surgery
Price Financial Services
RISE Community Solutions
That Honey High
The Bar Method
The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Orlando United Arts of Central Florida
THANK YOU TO THE 2025 SPONSORS SPEAKERS EXHIBITORS VOLUNTEERS SAVE THE DATE!
where looking good and feeling good align PRESENTED BY TUESDAY, APRIL 28
WINTER PARK EVENTS CENTER
INTERACTIVE SESSIONS
HANDS-ON RESOURCES VENDORS
CAROLINA ANTHONY is a digital marketing leader with a sharp eye for innovation and a passion for transforming healthcare through technology. With more than a decade of experience spanning brand strategy, content innovation, and digital transformation, she currently serves as the Executive Director of Digital Brand & Content Strategy at AdventHealth, where she leads data-driven storytelling, audience engagement, and strategic growth across digital channels. Carolina is especially passionate about demystifying artificial intelligence and making it practical for marketers. From building digital listening centers to exploring how AI can elevate patient experiences and marketing impact, she brings both big-picture thinking and boots-on-the-ground experience.
DR. SHANTÁ BARTON-STUBBS is a respected mental health therapist, mentor, philanthropist, and entrepreneur highly regarded for her unwavering commitment to supporting at-risk children and adults in her communities. In 2004 she established the New Image Youth Center which provides a safe and nurturing environment for countless youth to grow and thrive. Dr. BartonStubbs is also the founder and owner of Under Construction Empowerment Services LLC, an organization that further underscores her dedication to empowerment and personal development. She previously developed The Cool Tools Kit, a collection of activities and tools designed to help children manage a variety of emotions. Her entrepreneurial spirit is also seen in her role as a publisher and accomplished author.
ARLENE BLAKE, a dynamic entrepreneur and sales leader, is the founder of Women on the Rise International, Inc. She has dedicated over nine years to transforming the organization into a career advancement hub for women, promoting personal and professional empowerment. Her achievements have earned her recognition, including being featured in the Legacy of Excellence Exhibit at the Girl Scouts of Citrus Council as a Phenomenal Black Woman in Central Florida, receiving the Rising Star Award from the Citrus Club, and the Noble Knight Award from the University of Central Florida College of Community and Innovation. As a sought-after speaker, Arlene has led impactful workshops on communication, resilience, and career building.
DORAGNES RIVERA BRADSHAW, DBA, SHRM-SCP, Assistant Dean, Rollins College, has over 25 years of organizational communication and leadership experience with an extensive background in operational leadership including strategic business planning, communications and marketing, training and development, contact center operations, human resources, and project management. She is a triple alumna of Rollins College, most recently earning her Doctorate in Business Administration. She is an active community member currently serving as the chair of the Senior Resource Alliance advisory council; sponsorship chair for the Public Relations Society of America Orlando Chapter; staff advisor for the Rollins College SHRM student chapter; and diversity, equity, and inclusion committee member of UPCEA.
KIM CASABURI is the co-founder of Serotonin Centers, a fast-growing national franchise of anti-aging med spa centers born from her personal journey through perimenopause and the challenges of navigating hormonal health. Alongside her husband she helped build Serotonin into a brand with 15 locations open nationwide and nearly 100 more in development. A licensed aesthetician, Kim pursued formal training to deepen her knowledge of the field and grow the Serotonin brand with authenticity and insight. She is also the cofounder of Retro Fitness, a successful fitness franchise, and was involved in the creation of Let’s Yo, a frozen yogurt concept. Her mission is to empower women through education, access, and care in the evolving wellness space.
HEATHER CASE foundd One Purse in 2011 to restore hope to generations, one story at a time, by mobilizing communities to use an everyday accessory as a tool for freedom. She previously worked in the finance industry for 15 years. She left her role as Vice President of Servicing with Consumer Portfolio Services in 2009, to become a stay-at-home mom turned social entrepreneur. She felt a burden for vulnerable women and children so strong that she was compelled to take action. At that time Heather had no idea how widespread the issue of sex trafficking was here in the United States, or how deep the wounds of trauma went in the lives of its victims.
BETSY CHAPIN TAYLOR, FAHP, is an award-winning speaker, author and consultant drawing on 30 years’ experience in health care, philanthropy, and board governance. Betsy is the Interim President of the AdventHealth Central Florida Foundation and serves as CEO of the health care consulting firm, Accordant, which focuses on advancing board governance and philanthropy. Betsy is the author or editor of multiple books and has also been featured in
numerous trade publications. Betsy is a faculty member for American College of Healthcare Executives and a faculty member for The Governance Institute. She received a master’s in journalism from Columbia University in New York and an MBA from University of Georgia.
KELLY COHEN is a lobbyist, strategist, and fundraiser whose work building partnerships between government and industry in Florida has made her a perennial figure on the region’s “Most Powerful” lists. Since opening The Southern Group’s first regional office in Orlando in 2005, she has leveraged her expertise at building partnerships to drive public policy and growth throughout Central Florida. Prior to joining The Southern Group, Kelly practiced law in South Florida. Kelly’s passion for public policy and her commitment to seeing her community thrive led her to become a strategist and fundraiser in some of Florida’s most visible campaigns. Kelly is on the board of directors for Orlando Economic Partnership, Starter Studio, Orlando Children’s Trust, Creative City Project, among others.
CHERYL COLLINS, known throughout Central Florida as a leading development and executive leader, is the Executive Director of Orlando Shakes in partnership with UCF, Board President. She previously served as Director of Development and Executive Director of Orlando Ballet, leading Orlando Ballet through the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as a capital project fundraising for Harriett’s Orlando Ballet Centre and the 2023 debut of the Company’s all new production of The Nutcracker. She also spearheaded significant fundraising efforts with Orlando Health Foundation – including serving as its Foundation Vice President – for 15 years. Cheryl received her bachelor of arts in communications from the University of Central Florida. She is a graduate of Leadership Orlando (Class 65), and is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE).
ANGELA CUSACK is the CEO of Igniting Success and brings more than 25 years of corporate experience to her role as a trusted advisor to executives, emerging leaders, and organizations navigating complexity and change. Her ability to unlock human potential is unparalleled. Angela is the author of Discover the Matrix, Integrity: The True Mark of Leadership, a powerful exploration of how integrity shapes authentic leadership and organizational success. Her toptier certifications include Master Certified Coach (MCC), Advanced Certification in Team Coaching (ACTC), Accredited Coach Supervisor (ESIA), and Senior Practitioner (EIA) Whether guiding Fortune 500 executives or pioneering leadership development programs, Angela ensures that leaders don’t just succeed, they ignite legacies of excellence.
REPRESENTATIVE LAVON BRACY DAVIS currently represents Florida’s 40th House District in West Orange County. Before her legislative career, she made significant contributions as an arts executive in Central Florida. She played a key role in diversifying community programming and engaging with the arts community, collaborating with over 200 local arts groups, nonprofits, and community-based organizations. Her efforts infused millions of dollars into the economic development of Orlando and its surrounding areas. Also, as a licensed attorney, she previously served as a Senior Attorney for the Department of Children and Families. She is currently a partner at Bracy Davis, Gantt and Rayner Law. Throughout her legislative career, Rep. Bracy Davis has been a staunch advocate for minority and marginalized communities.
EKTA DESAI is a Partner and Design Lead at Schenkel Shultz, where she has played a key role in transforming the firm’s portfolio and creative direction since 2018. Her innovative, inclusive design approach has led to impactful initiatives, including a rebrand, the development of a creative communications strategy and a cultural shift that promotes design thinking across the studio. With prior experience at TEN Arquitectos in New York and Mexico City, Ekta brings a global perspective to urban and educational design. She has led awardwinning projects in the area including The Edyth in Winter Park and Booker Visual and Performing Arts Center in Sarasota. Her current work includes major developments like the Orlando International Airport Executive Terminal Hangar Facilities.
JENNIFER EVINS is the president and CEO of United Arts of Central Florida, a nonprofit founded in 1989, with a mission to enrich the community through investing in arts, science, and history. United Arts is the local arts agency that serves Lake, Orange, Osceola, and Seminole Counties. Evins leads a staff of 21 full-time employees and oversees an annual budget of $15 million while serving more than 125 nonprofits and professional artists in Central Florida. Evins serves on several Orlando area boards and works each day to build community through her collaborative spirit and creative and innovative solutions to opportunities and challenges facing the arts community and beyond.
HEATHER A. FAGAN, MD, MS, FAAP is the Designated Institutional Official (DIO) for Graduate Medical Education at Nemours Children’s Hospital Florida (NCHFL). Dr. Fagan is a Professor at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine and serves as the Academic Assistant Dean for the University as she leads all medical student programs for the College of Medicine at NCHFL. She developed the graduate medical education infrastructure at NCH which was later awarded institutional accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). Dr. Fagan earned a medical degree and a Master of Science in Pathology at The Chicago Medical School in North Chicago. She is board-certified in pediatrics and pediatric critical care medicine by the American Board of Pediatrics.
BETSY GARDNER is a visionary CEO and President of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, where she leads 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 and has been honored among Orlando’s most influential leaders. Learn more at betsygardner. com and subscribe to the B Student podcast.
ELISHA GONZALEZ is the Vice President of Community Relations and Government Affairs and Executive Director of the FAIRWINDS Foundation. She leads the company’s community affairs initiatives, programmatic activities, strategic philanthropy, team member engagement, market reputation risk, planning and budgeting. Elisha has been instrumental in the new, unified vision for the FAIRWINDS Foundation, where she leads the philanthropic effort to bolster organizations that advocate financial literacy, education and volunteerism by working with FAIRWINDS crew members in the community. She works closely with business executives and market leaders to influence positive outcomes and solutions that impact local communities, managing relationships with key community stakeholders and issues impacting the financial services industry.
SHERRY GUTCH began her career with the city of Orlando in 1994 starting as an intern and ultimately serving as the Mayors Business Assistance Team Director. Sherry briefly left the city of Orlando to serve as the CRA Director for the city of Winter Park but then returned in 2017. In 2022 she was appointed as the Placemaking Director and is responsible for the Downtown Orlando Community Redevelopment Agency and citywide Business Development. Sherry’s team is responsible for the recruitment, retention, and growth of business in the city of Orlando, the creation of job opportunities for our residents and the strengthening of our neighborhood commercial districts through the Orlando Main Street Program.
JACKIE OSSIN HIRSCH, a licensed business broker with over 25 years’ experience, is the founder/owner of Crowne Atlantic Business Brokers. Due to the deep commitment and dedication to her clients’ success, Jackie has won numerous business brokerage industry awards and is a frequent speaker at national business conferences. In addition to her current business, Jackie bootstrapped, grew, and then sold a home health company as well as founded a successful superfoods brand with customers including the Four Season’s Hotel and Disney Cruise Lines. Jackie has also invested as a limited partner directly with numerous small businesses and as part of private equity and venture capital funds.
BELINDA ORTIZ KIRKEGARD is the President of the National Entrepreneur Center (NEC), based in Orlando. This center is the most comprehensive economic support organization in the country and works with 19 non-profits in a collaborative manner to provide free or very low-cost business technical support to the small business community. Over the last 2 years, there were 50,000 entrepreneurs trained or coached within the NEC eco-system. She previously served as an advocate for hospitality, during her time with the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association (CFHLA). During her tenure Belinda handled the associations Governmental Affairs, Political Action Committee, Public Relations, and gained longstanding relationships with some premier corporate and community leaders.
KENYATTA LEE is the Chief, External Affairs for the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority and is a results-driven leader in the transportation industry. In this role, she oversees Public Affairs, Government Affairs, and Board Services. Before joining GOAA, she worked as the Chief of Modal Development for the Florida Department of Transportation. In this role, she oversaw the nearly $1B budget for Florida’s comprehensive multimodal network, which included the
Offices of Aviation, Rail and Transit, Seaports, Spaceports, and Supply Chain. She has held several leadership positions in the transportation field. Lee holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Bethune-Cookman University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.
MARITZA MARTINEZ-GUERRERO, vice president of External Affairs & Philanthropy for the Orlando Magic, is a strategic and trusted public affairs executive, with more than 20 years of experience strengthening internal and external stakeholder relations. She provides leadership to the Orlando Magic’s social responsibility, philanthropy and government affairs efforts, and oversees the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation. Previously, Maritza served in progressive leadership roles at the University of Central Florida for more than 20 years as associate vice president for Government and Community Relations serving as a senior level advisor to the administration. Maritza serves on the board of directors of the Heart of Florida United Way, Winter Park Health Foundation, Seminole County Chamber, among others.
KATHERINE A. MARTIN (“Kate”) is Dr. Phillips Charities’ Chief Grants Officer. A former estate planning and business law attorney, Kate spent seven years prior to joining Dr. Phillips Charities consulting and working in-house with nonprofits across Central Florida including as a senior director of development for UCP of Central Florida and as an instructor and consultant at the Edyth Bush Institute of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership. Kate brings her experience in strategic planning, board governance, nonprofit management, and relationship building and advocacy, to further serve Dr. Phillips Charities to touch the lives of thousands in our community. Active in local community organizations, Kate currently serves as the Board Chair for Orlando Family Stage (formerly Orlando Repertory Theatre).
CASSANDRA MATEJ is the president and CEO of Visit Orlando, the official marketing organization for America’s most visited destination and Theme Park Capital of the World. She leads the branding, marketing, and selling of the destination on a global scale, representing over 1,300 member companies across Orlando’s tourism landscape. Since joining Visit Orlando in 2021, her efforts have focused on spurring recovery of Orlando’s tourism industry. Under her leadership, the organization launched a first-of-its-kind new global brand, “Unbelievably Real” in collaboration with the Orlando Economic Partnership to tell one comprehensive brand story for Orlando. Cassandra is the first female CEO in the nonprofit organization’s 37-year history.
CHERLETTE MCCULLOUGH, LMFT, is an influential author, therapist, and media expert dedicated to mental health, wellness, and community healing. Known for her work in women’s empowerment, trauma recovery, and self-care, she captivates audiences with her personal journey of life, love, loss, and healing. She inspires and empowers others to embrace their own path to healing and transformation. As the CEO of a private practice, she brings everything she has learned as a therapist, wife and everyday woman to the stage. Cherlette has appeared on multiple news outlets as she brings relatable insight on mental health topics. She is also the mental health contributor for Afrotainment network.
KARLA MUNIZ is Chief People Officer at IMA Medical Group. As a senior HR executive with over 20 years’ experience in the field, she is responsible for planning and executing Human Capital strategies, organizational effectiveness & design and talent management strategies. Her experience includes both healthcare and banking. Karla holds a Bachelor’s in Sociology from the University of Central Florida and a Master’s in Human Resources with honors from Rollins College. She is a Human Resources subject matter expert who has shared her expertise at national conferences and has been quoted by CNN and the Wall Street Journal. She is passionate about her involvement in the community and serves on several boards and councils.
LINDSE MURPHY is the Executive Director of The Women’s Edge, Florida, where she leads statewide initiatives that develop, celebrate, and elevate women leaders while producing research that helps companies build more inclusive and equitable workplaces. With nearly two decades of experience in behavioral health, Lindse is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Certified Chief Well-Being Officer who has served as a national healthcare executive. A sought-after speaker and trainer, Lindse brings dynamic energy and relatable storytelling to topics like emotional wellness, innovation, crisis response, and women’s empowerment. She serves on multiple boards and was an inaugural board member for Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship, Orlando.
DANIELLE PERMENTER serves as the Chief Development Officer for the Orlando Economic Partnership. The Orlando Economic Partnership works to provide the region with quality jobs, economic growth, and a sustainable quality of life. Danielle drives the strategy for the Partnership’s corporate engagement and community development portfolio – including overseeing strategic investor engagement, the Foundation for Orlando’s Future, annual events, and programs – including Leadership Orlando and The Black Boardroom Leadership Institute. Danielle is a member of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) Education & Workforce Development Fellowship and a member of the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s Talent Pipeline Management National Learning Network. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for United Arts of Central Florida.
DR. STEPHENIE PORIS, Orlando’s only female owned and operated plastic surgery practice, is a double-board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in elevated, highly compassionate care, where communication and a positive experience are core values. She spent five years in general surgery residency at Advent Health before completing her plastic surgery fellowship at Summa Health in Akron, Ohio.
TEKOA POUERIE is President & CEO of The Sharing Center—Seminole County’s largest and most comprehensive resource hub for families facing hunger, homelessness, and crisis. With nearly two decades of executive experience, she has built a career scaling programs, securing multimillion-dollar funding streams, and transforming organizations to better serve vulnerable communities. She is a trusted subject matter expert in trauma informed care and cultural responsiveness, having trained over 10,000 public servants, law enforcement professionals, and corporate leaders across the country. Before joining The Sharing Center, Tekoa served as Vice President at Pace Center for Girls, overseeing statewide fundraising efforts for 21 locations.
AZELA SANTANA is Executive Director of the Orange County Regional History Center and the Historical Society of Central Florida, where she leads efforts to preserve and amplify Central Florida’s rich history. Previously, she served as director of advancement at UCF’s College of Arts and Humanities, earning UCF Advancement’s inaugural Excellence and Partnership Award for her strategic work. She currently serves as Vice Chair of the City of Orlando Nominating Board, a member of the Board of Directors of the Florida Historical Society, and a committee member for the 2025 Southern Curators Summit. She is passionate about connecting communities through storytelling, arts, and place-based history.
ADRIANNA SEKULA is the Founder and President of Solidarity Partners, a public affairs and business consulting firm in Central Florida. A public policy professional with legislative and municipal experience in transportation, development, tourism, nonprofit, juvenile justice and sustainability, Adrianna formerly served as the chief of staff and director of public affairs at PureCycle technologies, managed local government relations at Walt Disney Park & Resorts, served as the Government Affairs Director at the Greater Orlando Builders Association, and advocated for the Pace Center for Girls Inc. as Associate Director of Government Affairs. Adrianna is a two-term Chair of Hope Partnership, a board member of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission and an executive member of the Florida Executive Women.
THERESA SMITH-LEVIN is the founder and Executive Director of Central Florida Vocal Arts and a lifelong Winter Park resident, widely known and respected for her visionary leadership and passionate advocacy. She is a member of Florida Executive Women, the Women’s Executive Council, the Winter Park Arts Alliance and an alumni of Athena Next Gen and Leadership Winter Park. She also serves on the Board of Directors as the Finance Chair for the Park Avenue District. She is currently leading CFVA through an inaugural capital campaign as they raise funds for a first of its kind, collaborative arts Conservatory in the heart of Winter Park at the former Library.
MELISSA STIRES is the Founding Partner and Chief Global Growth Officer for Mia AI, known as “Mia,” where she continues to pioneer new frontiers. Her dedication to empowering women in AI and technology positions her as a trailblazer, seamlessly integrating traditional protocols with contemporary technological innovations to spearhead global strategies and expansion efforts. Her strategic approach encompasses business development, orchestrating billion-dollar fundraising campaigns, marketing, and executive leadership within corporate, technological, and governmental arenas. Her proficiency in cross-
cultural communication and cultural sensitivity has facilitated her collaboration with, counsel to, and training of a diverse array of individuals, including members of royal families, politicians, non-profits, and business influencers across more than 35 countries.
KRISTEN TOTH, MS, brings over two decades of leadership in women’s health to her role at AdventHealth for Women. She is responsible for driving strategic growth, enhancing patient care, and expanding service offerings across the full spectrum of women’s health in Central Florida. Outside of work, Kristen is deeply involved in community service. Currently, she is the 2026 Chair Elect and 2027 Chair of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women event. She also proudly serves on the Make-A-Wish Board for Central Florida. Kristen lives in Lake Mary, Florida, with her husband and two children, where she balances her professional commitment with a strong devotion to family and community.
CHARLOTTE USTLER is Vice President of Ustler Development, a real estate development firm focused on transformative urban infill projects in Downtown Orlando. Ustler Development leads the master development team for Creative Village, a $700 million+ public-private partnership that is home to the UCF and Valencia College Downtown Campus, Electronic Arts Orlando Studio and commercial buildings. Prior to joining Ustler Development, she served as Senior Director of Real Estate at Kimco Realty. A seasoned real estate professional with over 20 years of experience, Charlotte is deeply engaged in community-building, placemaking and civic leadership, with active roles on the Downtown Orlando Partnership Board, the International Council of Shopping Centers and other industry and charitable organizations.
JILL VAUGHAN, President and CEO, Downtown Orlando Partnership, combines her love of downtown Orlando and her extensive background in marketing, sales and fundraising to expand and strengthen DOP’s diverse membership, which includes more than 225 of Orlando’s leading corporate, nonprofit and civic organizations. With goals of shaping the vibrant, dynamic future of the downtown Orlando business community, Jill is committed to mobilizing DOP’s vision for powering partnerships, uniting common interests and extending influence. She believes in the future of downtown Orlando as a premier destination for business, community and culture. Prior to joining the organization in December 2020, she served in a number of senior development and leadership roles with AdventHealth Foundation.
ALLISON WALSH, JD, is an expert business consultant, founder, bestselling author, international speaker, influential leader, certified positive psychology coach, and Miss Florida 2006. With over 15 years’ experience in organizational leadership success coaching, brand building, and business development, Allison’s platform strengthens the professional development of today and tomorrow’s most successful leaders. As a certified positive psychology coach, her passion and expertise lie in helping women build their most authentic and successful life. Allison also served as Vice President of business development and branding for Advanced Recovery Systems (ARS), a national provider and industry leader in behavioral healthcare.
JAYNE WILLIAMS is a certified nutritionist, wellness expert, television host, speaker, wellness business strategist, podcast host and soon to be author. Jayne received her bachelor’s degree from Marist College and completed post graduate work from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, Maryland University of Integrative Health, with additional post graduate certifications in gut health.
DR. VONDA WRIGHT, MD is a pioneering orthopedic sports surgeon, researcher, an expert in human performance, longevity, and an authority in women’s health. Widely recognized for her innovative thought leadership, she is committed to redefining aging globally. Dr Wright is a frequent media and conference expert, and her science-based approach is changing the lives of millions in mid-life. Dr Wright’s compelling messages and no-nonsense delivery not only informs but inspires action, encouraging athletes and active people of all ages and skill levels to reclaim their health and thrive at every stage of life. Dr Wright practices orthopaedic surgery. in Lake Nona Florida and is the founder and CEO of Precision Longevity. Her latest book, UNBREAKABLE: A Woman’s Guide to Aging with Power, was released in August of 2025.
THANK YOU TO ALL OF THIS YEAR’S SPEAKERS
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