WORKSHOP: "Making CliftonStrengths a Part of Your Brand"

BIO: Sonya Snellenberger-Holm attended South Side High School and graduated from Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne, with a Bachelor’s degree in interpersonal communication and media & public communication. She also holds a Master’s degree in professional communication from IPFW. Sonya started with the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership in February 2014 as the Millennial 2020 Specialist leading the Emerging Leaders Alliance. She is now Director of Talent Initiatives and oversees work-based learning initiatives such as the Regional Internship Program for Employers, 21st Century Talent Regions, and the Strengths Network to name a few.

WORKSHOP: "Young Visionaries: What's Your Vision?"

BIO: Steve Franks writes, consults, and trains companies to blend innovation and entrepreneurship techniques to create breakthrough next generation products, services, and businesses. He has coached startups for over a decade, particularly working with young entrepreneurs. Steve holds an MBA from the University of Chicago and teaches Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Purdue Fort Wayne. He has been part of Believe In A Dream since 2012 and Pave the Path since its inception in 2018.

WORKSHOP: "Developing a Brand"

BIO: Emily Oberlin is the Director of New Tech Academy at Wayne High School. Previously, she taught history at South Side High School and Shawnee Middle School. She is active in the world of education, and is also involved in sports and art in the city. She is a product of New Haven High School and currently resides in Fort Wayne. When you don't see her in a high school setting, you can find Emily cycling on the trails, kayaking the rivers, or visiting local restaurants and events. Emily is a strong believer that is the role, duty, and privilege of the wise and experienced folks to take young people under their arms, support them, guide them, and help them achieve their dreams.

WORKSHOP: "Leading & Being Led - How Projects Teach Us Both"

BIO: Just by being in the same room that Mike Filson is in, you grow, you get better, you deliver at a higher level. He has made a career out of engaging the people on his team and pouring himself into them. From his time at AT&T in sales, consistently recognized for being in the top 10% of his department, to his time as a corporate trainer where he was recognized by senior leadership, he has designed and delivered customized training solutions focused on everything from sales to customer service. As a Director at Bulldog, he leads all training initiatives, including onboarding all new team members and creating and delivering ongoing courses for the entire Bulldog team. His favorite thing about his work at Bulldog is being able to be a teacher, as well as, a practitioner. In the work he delivers as a top tier Senior IT Project Manager, Filson sets a bar so high, it leaves no question why he’s the one standing at the front of the classroom.

WORKSHOP: TBA

BIO: Barry Schrock was introduced to CliftonStrengths® during a team-building exercise at work. He fell in love with what it gives to an individual: a very up-close look at who they truly are…not a label they have self-applied or been tagged with, and it focuses on what they naturally do best. While attending a Gallup Coaching class, it was then that Barry understood that this wasn’t just some passing interest…this was “his calling”. This is where he was supposed to be and what he was supposed to do. Barry believes in it so much that he stepped away from an 18-year career in economic development. Now he has the honor of helping others find their best selves, and organizations move forward more effectively through one-on-one coaching and group training. Whether working in economic development, insurance, real estate, radio news, or serving others, people have always been the reason behind Barry’s work and they remain his passion. But enough about him… he wants to talk about you.

WORKSHOP: "Sweat-Working"

BIO: Leslee Hill is the Program Director for the WEOC Women’s Business Center, which offers 1-1 and group coaching for women business owners. Her 15 years experience in corporate fashion and business, as well as her experience owning Hill Image and RIDME, help her work with clients through the ups and downs of business ownership.

WORKSHOP: "How To Rock Your Brand"

BIO: Denita Bell Washington is a lifelong resident of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and has always had a love for people and her community. Denita is the Visionary and Founder of Fort Wayne Girlz Rock, Inc. Fort Wayne Girlz Rock is a dynamic not-for-profit organization that focuses on the development, empowerment, and positive exposure for girls in grades 6-12. In 2018, Denita made history by becoming the first African American, as well as the first woman, elected to serve as the Adams Township Trustee. In 2021, Denita was assigned the role as the Programs Director with the Fort Wayne Housing Authority. Denita continues to serve her community in various capacities which is what she was created to do. She has many accomplishments; however, her greatest accomplishment is her family. Denita is the proud mother of sons, Anthony and Quinton, and granddaughters, Harmony and Naomi.

WORKSHOP: "Living On Purpose and Not By Accident"

BIO: Clinton has worked with youth and families for 30 years, is certified in ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training), as well as QPR (Question, Persuade, and Refer). He co-founded RemedyLIVE in 2007 and celebrates the over 12 million chat interactions the RemedyLIVE team has had since they created the chat software in 2014. Clinton speaks weekly in schools with Get Schooled Tour, a program he created, and has served 160,000+ Indiana teens since 2016. Clinton and his wife Tonya have three teenage daughters and a 12 year old son.

WORKSHOP: "NYC to FW: SEL & Your Brand"

BIO: Brian Bereman is Director of Restorative Justice Programs with the New York City Department of Education. Brian advises and supports district and school leaders to effectively implement whole-school Restorative Justice practices and Social Emotional Learning programs. He is trained in Restorative Practices by the International Institute of Restorative Practices, RULER for Emotional Intelligence at Yale University, and in mediation by the New York Center for Interpersonal Conflict. Brian has worked in education for over 15 years as an administrator, aide, and teacher. Brian holds a Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice, a Masters of Arts in Teaching from Relay Graduate School of Education, and a Masters of Education from Columbia University. Brian is also a proud South Side High School graduate.

WORKSHOP: "When Keeping It Real Goes Right: Finding Your Voice as an Authentic Leader"

BIO: Lanitra Berry is the Retail Operations and Diversity and Inclusion Manager at Vera Bradley Designs in Fort Wayne, IN. With this dual role position, she builds strategy and implements changes for the Diversity and Inclusion program while also supporting the retail stores with operational needs. Lanitra is originally from Lawton, Oklahoma and is a recent resident of Fort Wayne, IN. She attended the University of Oklahoma, where she obtained her bachelor’s in Psychology. She has worked in retail store management for over 15 years and in the retail sector for over 20 years where she has managed stores in both the Oklahoma City Metro Area and the Houston, Texas Metro area. Concurrently with her professional path, Lanitra has had a long-standing commitment to community engagement and has been a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc for 20 years. Additionally, she works with the League of Women Voters and is an advisory board member for Pave the Path. She was also a member of the 2021 Leadership Fort Wayne cohort and the 2022 Leadership Challenge cohort at Vera Bradley.

WORKSHOP: "It's Always a Bad Idea.. Until it Works."

BIO: After perfecting his production and DJ skills in hip-hop, including traveling the States as a touring DJ for various artists, including Gucci Mane, DJ E-Clyps followed his passion and stepped into the world of dance music. He has impacted the industry with a meteor shower of banging beats and a hip-hop influenced swagger on his own. His music has been featured on major platforms such as Beats 1/Apple Music Radio, BBC Radio 1, Sirius XM (US & Canada), as well as multiple editorial features on Billboard, Apple Music, and Spotify. In 2018, he was nominated for 'Breakthrough Producer of the Year' by DJ Mag. When not doing music, DJ E-Clyps is taking critically acclaimed documentary and editorial style photography, while also utilizing his platforms to advocate for social justice. His most notable photography work gained national recognition during the racial reckoning across America in 2020. His deeply powerful images have been featured in some of the most important and influential publications in America, including Time, New York Magazine, Billboard, Flaunt, and more.

WORKSHOP: "Price is Right - Values & Diversifying Your Skills"

BIO: Caitlin Dostal is a co-owner of Deadstock Vintage, where she buys and sells vintage clothing and sneakers. She was born in Fort Wayne, but grew up in Indianapolis and Brooklyn, New York. Caitlin is the oldest of five girls, born into a natural leadership position. She is an alumni of Wayne New Tech and Pave The Path, joining PTP its first year. Caitlin enjoys public speaking and advocating for today’s social issues, as well as for those less fortunate. In her free time, she is usually thrifting, spending time with family, or taking a well needed break.

WORKSHOP: TBA

BIO: As the Vice-President of Institutional Diversity, Equity & Belonging at Indiana Institute of Technology, Lisa is responsible for leading efforts to develop and maintain a welcoming environment that embraces, supports, and celebrates diversity. A Senior Diversity Officer who actively steers and coordinates leadership on equity issues institution-wide, Lisa advances the implementation of a strategic plan for inclusive excellence, aligned with the university strategic plan. A national Board member with NADOHE (National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education), Lisa is aligned with other Senior Diversity Officers who stimulate and advance global professional knowledge among diversity practitioners. Prior to joining the Warrior family, Lisa led the Diversity Education and Training Lab at Kent State University where she was responsible for the development, coordination and delivery of diversity related training. With almost thirty years combined experience in both Corporate America and Higher Education, Lisa is frequently described as a Cultural Navigator, an Inclusion Specialist and a Transformation Agent. She is an award-winning facilitator who presents locally, regionally and nationally. An inaugural faculty member for the Warner Music Global DEI Institute, Lisa joins with other impact leaders to shift culture through the music industry. Realizing the importance of town and gown relations, Lisa also serves on various local, regional and national Boards in addition to the city’s Mayor’s Opportunity Advisory Council.

WORKSHOP: "Chocolate and Jenga! Essential Building Blocks for Personal Growth"

BIO: Ashley Hill is an Employment Specialist for individuals with disabilities at Goodwill Industries of Northeast Indiana. She considers herself lucky because she spends her days helping clients find meaningful work in the communities they live in. Ashley has worked in the human services field for over 15 years, working with hundreds of individuals and helping them navigate complicated local resources, overcome obstacles, reach their goals, process hardships, and celebrate victories. While she has never been drawn to this work for the recognition, she was recently honored to be featured on Wane TV as a 2022 Remarkable Woman finalist. Ashley lives in the ‘05 with her husband, her amazing 5 year old son (who has a fascination for all things electronic and once had a Roomba birthday cake), and her dog. She loves to volunteer in the community, including a special passion for the annual Disability Expo (the region's premier event showcasing services and products exclusively for people with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities). She finds it inspiring to see fellow humans succeed and is rooting for you too!

WORKSHOP: "Your Identity is NOT What You Think it May Be...."

BIO: Jim Wilcox is the President and Owner of Wilcox & Associates, a Sandler Training & Consulting company with offices in Fort Wayne and South Bend, IN. As a serial entrepreneur and a clinically trained healthcare professional, Jim brings a unique perspective and passion towards business with over 20 years of experience in sales & sales leadership and successful business start-up experience. He has consulted in several start-up companies including one of his own, which he successfully grew and sold during his 10-year clinical tenure. It’s this perspective & passion that has propelled Jim and his team to success with clients and within the Sandler organization.

WORKSHOP: TBA

BIO: Aaron Robles is a curious entrepreneur looking for ways to help others tap into their potential and become the best version of themselves. As a Mexican immigrant coming to the U.S. as a baby and a current DACA recipient, his journey as both an American and an entrepreneur has been a complex one with limited opportunity. He shares his story as well as the lessons he has learned to help entrepreneurs from all backgrounds develop the skills to launch and grow their business.

WORKSHOP: "Repot Yourself; An Essential to Reaching Your Fullest Potential"

BIO: Alijah Slate is a graduate of New Tech Academy at Wayne High School. Alijah excelled in critical thinking and work ethic during her high school career. She spent three years in the Pave the Path Youth Leadership Program as a member, student mentor, and now an alumni. Many of the student initiated ideas come from Alijah and her colleagues in the program. She is currently at the end of her freshmen year at Norfolk State University, a Historic Black College in Virginia.