KEYNOTE: “MeWe - The Brand of Us”

BIO: Clinton Faupel is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of RemedyLIVE, a technology based non-profit that produces interactive events and includes a 24-hour staffed chat center that provides hope and live chat interaction for people that are struggling with mental health issues in their life. RemedyLIVE has had over 13.5 million interactions in its chat center and impacted over 300,000 adults and children with its corporate centered/ public school events since 2015.

Clinton is an interactive communicator who uses proprietary technology, he helped create, to engage his audience. He speaks to tens of thousands of people per year about how secret struggles do not need to have the final say on their future.

Raised in Western Canada, Clinton is married to his wife Tonya, and have been serving people together since 2003. Clinton and Tonya have three beautiful teenage girls and a son and live in Northeast Indiana.

KEYNOTE: “How Does Your Mission and Vision Connect to Your Brand” (featuring Todd Roberts)

BIO: Employed by FWCS for 35 years, Matt Schiebel has been a teacher, assistant principal, middle school principal at Northwood, Shawnee, and Kekionga, Director for Secondary Education, and proud board member for 4WARD and Pave The Path.

BIO: Bring It-Push It-Own It strives to build self love/value within the next generation of women along with teaching them how to use their voice and that they can do hard things. They provide a 10-12 week program rotation yearly in the spring. They also offer monthly workshops available throughout the year, as well as coed youth community sessions and adult team sessions for the human services sector of businesses for group sizes 10-35 people. And wherever in the community you see them, they always BRING IT!

KEYNOTE: “Who Will Be Your Hero?”

BIO: Kimberly Grannan is a higher education professional and community champion who has served in a variety of roles, all with increasing responsibility. She has worked at Purdue University Fort Wayne since 2004 (excluding 9 months in 2016) where she is a trusted member of the Chancellor's Cabinet and an Administrative Officer of the university.

Aside from her professional career, Kimberly is a tireless advocate for the city of Fort Wayne and Allen County and spends time volunteering and advancing her community through service to various organizations. Kimberly's areas of expertise and interest include administration, civil service, community relations, economic development, legislative affairs, and public policy.

KEYNOTE: “How to become an ‘IT’ leader”

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: "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: “Finding Your Y: Your Identity, Brand, and Superpower!”

BIO: Britney Breidenstein is the founding principal of BeMarie Group where she works with businesses on branding development, equity practices, and strategic implementation. Britney Breidenstein is also the Principal Growth strategist for upLinked LLC where she provides strategic direction and education on how to maximize your brand using LinkedIn to businesses and individuals. Britney is currently working across the state of Ohio as the regional director for the Governor’s initiative on permanency and family outcomes.

With over 15 years in leadership, program design, and workforce inclusion experience; she believes that with the right strategy, toolbox and commitment-businesses and people can cultivate spaces of belonging where people thrive. Britney has had the opportunity to showcase her passion for personal branding, equity, and women in leadership as a public speaker throughout the region to include corporate workshops and trainings on personal branding strategy and the power of authenticity, and creating highly successful teams. Britney is also a strategic partner with the Problem-Solving Institute consulting leaders on how to create equitable cultures of belonging.

Britney’s community service includes board and committee servitude across non-profits, mentorship and advocacy for women owned enterprises and leadership.

In her spare time, Britney enjoys being a wife, sports mom, traveling with her family, serving the community, and getting to know new people over coffee.

WORKSHOP: “Piecing Together Our Strengths”

BIO: Amy Neal is a catalyst for innovation that seeks to connect people with their purpose. After serving for more than 20 years as an educator and instructional coach, Amy expanded her impact by joining Fortify LEADS and cultivating leadership across Northeast Indiana. An avid reader and podcast listener, Amy is always learning about a diverse area of topics and finding unlikely connections across a broad spectrum of sectors. Strengths Development has been transformative in Amy’s career and life, and she is empowered to spark this progress in the life of others!

WORKSHOP: “Mental Health Tools & Your Brand”

BIO: Coming soon…

WORKSHOP: “Purpose of Your Vision”

BIO: Kristin Giant has worn a lot of hats and struggles being caged in by a bio, but for the sake of the exercise: she recently wrapped up her first year as a part-time public high school teacher, proudly teaching business at Amp Lab at Electric Works. When she's not at Electric Works or championing the stories of her 350+ students in the community, she runs her strategic consulting firm Hyper Local Impact. Through Hyper Local she works with various paid and pro bono clients including the McMillen Foundation, Utopian Coffee, Children's Health Collaborative, and Wildcat Baseball. Kristin proudly co-founded and serves as the administrator for the Family & Friends Fund for Southeast Fort Wayne which (she's proud to say) recently transitioned to being hosted at Urban Beginnings Choice Federal Credit Union -- a Black-run and community serving CDFI. FFF has deployed over $500,000 in capital and resources to businesses led by Black and BIPOC owners and leaders on the southeast side of Fort Wayne. Kristin is a "recovering attorney" graduating from University of St. Thomas School of Law in Minneapolis, MN. She was awarded the Alumni of the Year Award from UST in 2021 for her work on the Family and Friends Fund. Before attending law school, Kristin was a nonprofit administrator and a singer and bassist in a rock band. She received her bachelor of arts in music composition from the College of Charleston. She is the very proudest mom of two little boys and loves living in Fort Wayne, IN with her husband Joe.

WORKSHOP: “Watch Your Mouth: Using the Power of Words to Shape Your Future”

BIO: Sharon Tubbs is an inspirational speaker, a nonprofit leader, and the author of five books, including her latest They Got Daddy: One Family’s Reckoning with Racism and Faith. The book deals with issues of racism and cultural trauma across generations. Sharon has conducted countless workshops and speaking engagements about finding purpose in life, reaching your full potential, and faith. By day, she is the director of HealthVisions Midwest of Fort Wayne where she leads a team of Community Health Workers passionate about serving people who are often forgotten in society. The nonprofit agency has a vision to empower people to live healthier lives. Sharon, herself, is a certified Community Health Worker and has a master’s degree in human services counseling. Her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Indiana University served her well in her previous career as a newspaper reporter and editor. She is a Fort Wayne native but spent the bulk of her adult life in Florida, before moving back to Indiana several years ago. She enjoys traveling, detective mysteries, and all things chocolate.

WORKSHOP: "Self-sabotage — how to Identify them and tips for retraining your brain"

BIO: Leslee Hill, Director with NIIC, provides business coaching, upskilling workshops, and community to individuals across 16 counties in Northeast Indiana. She believes that transparency leads to stronger connections and a thriving business.

WORKSHOP: “Social Butterfly: Network Your Way to Success”

BIO: Aaron 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 my story as well as the lessons he’s learned to help entrepreneurs from all backgrounds develop the skills to launch and grow their business.

WORKSHOP: "Leadership: Your Values and Your Why"

BIO: Brian Bereman is Borough Director of Restorative Practices with the New York City Department of Education.

Brian advises and supports school leaders to effectively implement whole-school Restorative Justice practices and Social Emotional Learning programs.

He is trained in Restorative Practices and Motivational Interviewing 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 is also the founder of Look Forward Consulting which offers coaching and training to district and school leadership, Brian roots his work in research that shows when students feel connected to their school community, they are more likely to be successful, and less likely to get in trouble.

Brian holds a Bachelor 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. He is currently pursuing his Doctorate of Education at Vanderbilt University. Most importantly, he is a proud graduate of South Side High School.

WORKSHOP: "Leadership is as easy as PB&J"

BIO: Lanitra Berry is the Retail Operations and Diversity and Inclusion Manager at Vera Bradley Designs in Fort Wayne, IN. In this dual capacity she created, launched and currently executes the company’s inaugural Diversity and Inclusion program while simultaneously supporting the operational needs of Vera Bradley stores nationally.

Lanitra is originally from Lawton, Oklahoma and is a 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 21 years where she managed locations in Oklahoma and Texas markets.

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 21 years. Additionally, she works with the Fort Wayne League of Women Voters and is a board member of Believe in a Dream and Pave the Path, both locally based youth development organizations. She was also a member of the 2021 Leadership Fort Wayne cohort and the 2022 Leadership Challenge cohort at Vera Bradley.

WORKSHOP: “Be Yourself. Everyone Else Is Taken...”

BIO: After perfecting his production and DJ skills in hip-hop, including traveling the States as a tour DJ for major artists, DJ E-Clyps followed his passion and stepped into the world of dance music. In a short amount of time, he has impacted the underground House Music world with a meteor shower of banging beats and a hip-hop influenced swagger all his own.The list continues to grow of those who list DJ E-Clyps as ‘one to watch’, as he has proves time and time again that he can deliver the goods in the studio and on the decks. DJ E-Clyps is positioning himself to be the next rising star out of the United States in House Music, and is showing no signs of letting up. His discography is loaded with releases that showcase he versatility and sonic signature that continues to permeate playlists across the globe.

DJ E-Clyps has arguably been one of the busiest DJs in 2023 and hitting the ground running. His deeply powerful images have been featured in some of the most important publications in America, including Time Magazine and New York Magazine, and more.

WORKSHOP: “Get Out of Your Comfort Zone”

BIO: Rosalina is currently working as a Bilingual Program Manager at the Northeast Indiana Innovation Center with the WEOC Women’s Business Center. She has worked with several government agencies such as the Fort Wayne Metropolitan Human Relations Commission, Allen County Department of Health and other private sectors. Rosalina’s work experience also includes assisting a Chicago based attorney open his Immigration law firm in Fort Wayne in January 2016 and helped him grow his firm up to 20 employees between his office in Chicago and Fort Wayne. In her current role, she is collaborating with several organizations to support entrepreneurs/ small businesses to become successful in the Northeast Indiana region. She is also working with other Latino leaders in the Fort Wayne community to establish a Latino professional development group called LatinFuse. She continues to provide support in completing immigration forms for clients in Fort Wayne area and advocating for immigrants. Rosalina’s holds an associate degree in Paralegal Studies and is currently finishing her bachelor’s degree in Economics.

WORKSHOP: "Jenga! Building blocks for personal growth"

BIO: Ashley Hill has worked in the human services field for over 15 years, primarily working with folks with disabilities. She has helped clients navigate complicated local resources, overcome obstacles, reach their goals, process hardships, and celebrate victories. Ashley recently became the School Transition Program Director at Goodwill Industries of Northeast Indiana, Inc. She will be overseeing pre employment curriculum and programming for students with disabilities in over 10 area high schools. While she has never been drawn to this work for recognition, in 2022 she was a Wane TV Remarkable Woman finalist. Ashley lives in the ‘05 with her husband, her amazing 6 year old son (who has a fascination for all things electronic and once had a Roomba birthday cake) and her dog. She is a board member for Bring It-Push It-Own It and enjoys being involved with Pave the Path. She was very inspired by our Summit last year and is excited to be back again. Ashley finds it rewarding to see fellow humans succeeding and is rooting for you too! She promises chocolate and lots of fun in her workshop.

WORKSHOP: "The "Brand" Thing That Nobody Tells You About”

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: “Leader in Me”

BIO: Dr. Ron S. Lewis is a forward-thinking leader and educator dedicated to helping organizations and students maximize their potential. His educational background includes a Bachelor's and master's from Barry University, a doctoral program from Indiana Tech, and an MBA from the University of Saint Francis. He has also put this education into practice by teaching undergraduate & graduate courses after four years within the non-profit sector transitioning into higher education positions. Drawing on abundant expertise from both researches during his doctoral education and personal stories, he utilizes accessible principles that encourage growth in each unique individual who crosses his path.

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

BIO: Alijah Slate is a rising junior at the HBCU Norfolk State University in Virginia. She was a student at New Tech and has been a member of Pave The Path since its founding. This is her second year back speaking at the annual Pave The Path Summit, and she’s excited to see you all!

WORKSHOP: “Re-imagining Imposter Syndrome”

BIO: Dr. Timothy A. Raines is a first-generation college graduate who earned his Ph.D. in Microbiology for the University of Virginia. He currently works as the Director of the Multicultural Engineering Program where he is developing this inaugural program to broaden the participation of students historically underrepresented in engineering and computer science who excel academically, succeed professionally, and thrive globally. Additionally, his role has also grown to include becoming the Director of Youth Programs where he is designing collaborative, robust, and forward-looking youth programs for students through hands-on, experiential learning opportunities that nurture youths' academic and creative strengths in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. Also, Dr. Tim collaborates and consults with academic institutions, professional associations, and student organizations on a wide array of diversity, equity, and inclusion principles with the objective of curating organizational-specific tools and strategies to build a culture of belonging. Most importantly, Dr. Tim is a mentor and coach for those on their educational journey toward pursuing graduate and professional degrees.

WORKSHOP: “Reaching for the Stars: Unlocking Your Potential through Goal-Setting”

BIO: Jen Atienzo-Fisher is the Founder and Chief People Builder at Evolution to Revolution Consulting. Jen's work focuses on leadership development and culture building for organizations and goal-attainment, life purpose coaching and career path development for individuals. Jen is devoted to helping others grow and evolve into their best selves and believes everyone can create change in their lives with positive support. She strives to empower her clients with the tools they need to make that change happen. In her spare time, Jen loves spending time with her son (an energetic six-year-old), playing music (she is in two local bands), and writing a book about life and career lessons she learned from her dog Eli.

WORKSHOP: “Value of Self”

BIO: Raven Morton was born and raised on the south side of Fort Wayne, IN. She graduated from the Indiana University with her bachelor’s degree in human development and Family Study. She then went on to get her master’s degree in organizational leadership at Indiana Tech. With her passion for healing and serving the community in which she was raised, she has recently completed her second Master’s in Mental Health Counseling with Purdue University-Fort Wayne. A 2022 Exemplar Student, Top 50 Student and Forty Under 40 recipient. Raven is driven by serving those around her. She currently serves as the Assistant Director for Scholar Success at Questa Education Foundation.

WORKSHOP: “Good & Angry - Channeling Anger Into Movement”

BIO: Réna Bradley a Neighborhood Planner at the City of Fort Wayne and one of the city’s foremost experts in placemaking, asset-based development, and neighborhood revitalization. She believes that beauty is a call to justice, and, that a community’s residents are its greatest asset. Réna currently lives and works in Fort Wayne, where she has held various positions in the Community Development Sector and helped to raise over $7,000,000 to help improve city neighborhoods by supporting the renovation over 20 houses, activation and maintenance of over 20 vacant lots, and reduction of crime by over 60% in one SE neighborhood. and, mobilized hundreds of volunteers. Réna is an Indiana Arts Commissioner, Fort Wayne Public Art Commissioner, and board member of the Fort Wayne Allen County Airport Authority. She is a proud alumna of Howard University's College of Engineering, Architecture, and Computer Science; the Detroit Revitalization Fellows; and Virginia Society AIA’s Emerging Leaders in Architecture.

WORKSHOP: “The Three Investments: Moving From Adversity to Strength Through Relationships, Work, and Self-Worth”

BIO: Anthony Juliano is Vice President/General Manager at Asher Agency and the Founder of Point Six Four Consulting and Training. He is an experienced speaker, trainer, writer, and marketing and communication strategist, and he focuses on a variety of topics, including communication, marketing, branding, productivity, and social media (with a specific focus on LinkedIn). Anthony has taught at four colleges, served as a keynote speaker, presented at international conferences, delivered a TEDx presentation, completed five marathons, and jumped out of a perfectly good airplane. He lives in northern Indiana.

WORKSHOP: “Shift your Mindset; Change the Culture!”

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: “Setting Yourself Up for Financial Success”

BIO: James Cashman is passionate about education. He started at 3Rivers in 2016, and has found enjoyment helping students into greater financial wellness. In his role as Youth and College Manager, he supports families as they plan for higher education and transition into the workforce.

Prior to coming aboard 3Rivers, James studied Spanish and Intercultural Studies, worked as a social worker in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and taught English in Barcelona, Spain.

Outside the office, he serves on the board of directors at the East Wayne Street Center and at the Questa Foundation, and enjoys bicycles, photography, languages, and reading.