Liesha Barnett
Liesha Barnett is a food activist, HAES nutrition educator, grower and a chef with over 25 years of experience. Her diverse background and extensive knowledge in the culinary field have equipped her with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized communities when it comes to accessing nutritious and affordable food. Liesha has a commitment to empowering underserved communities through food education and advocacy. Her approach goes beyond simply providing meals; she actively engages families and individuals, encouraging them to take charge of their own well-being and fostering a sense of ownership over their food choices. She has been able to create sustainable solutions that promote food justice and security in a holistic manner.
Paul Hylenski
Paul Hylenski, a distinguished aerospace business leader from Maryland with over two decades of experience, is revolutionizing leadership through technology. His leadership journey began in the United States Marine Corps, where he developed foundational skills that have fueled his career. Renowned for reshaping conventional leadership, Paul combines psychology and social skills to foster environments where individuals excel.
Paul Hylenski, a distinguished aerospace business leader from Maryland with over two decades of experience, is revolutionizing leadership through technology. His leadership journey began in the United States Marine Corps, where he developed foundational skills that have fueled his career. Renowned for reshaping conventional leadership, Paul combines psychology and social skills to foster environments where individuals excel.
A key innovator in his field, Paul founded SmartLeader.AI, a generative AI platform tailored for leaders and businesses. This platform exemplifies his dedication to reducing the administrative burdens of leadership by harnessing the power of AI. It offers tools and resources that enable leaders to streamline operations and enhance decision-making.
Beyond his role as a leader, Paul is a mentor and educator, particularly in the realm of AI in leadership. He extends his expertise through his YouTube channel, The AI Leader, where he teaches the application of AI in leadership, making advanced concepts accessible to a broad audience.
Paul is also a prolific thought leader and author, contributing regularly to LinkedIn and penning influential books like "Culture Change through Environment Change," "Coaching for Growth," "Error-Proofing Humans," and "The Evolution of Leadership." These works provide invaluable insights for leaders across various industries.
His commitment to leadership excellence and team collaboration continues to impact the aerospace sector significantly. Paul's innovative approach and focus on AI integration in leadership are not only transforming the aerospace industry but also setting a precedent for modern leadership practices.
Jazmarie LaTour
Jazmarie LaTour is the Poet Laureate of Stockton and a University of the Pacific alumna. As a queer BIPOC woman from Stockton, Jazmarie has been writing and performing poetry since 2008. Since then, Jazmarie has performed, coached and shared stages with many artists including opening for Grammy Award-winning recording artist Common and esteemed civil rights activist Angela Davis. Jazmarie’s passion for the arts prompted her to create a local Open Mic for her local community, a monthly platform that has been serving the community since 2017. She has been published in three anthologies and self-published her own body of work entitled “The Nature of Her.” Jazmarie’s love for spoken word poetry has given her the courage to speak, heal and connect with herself and others.
Mia Love
Combining over two and a half decades as a professional in higher education, Mia Love is a talented entrepreneur and founder of Real Freedom With Love, a coaching firm that provides clients personalized, holistic coaching services. Known for her expertise in Neuro-spicy (Neuro divergent) thinking, AuDHD and her passion for helping women overcome imposter syndrome, Mia's approach to coaching incorporates her knowledge of wellness and holistic practices, such as Reiki and energetic healing.
Combining over two and a half decades as a professional in higher education, Mia Love is a talented entrepreneur and founder of Real Freedom With Love, a coaching firm that provides clients personalized, holistic coaching services. Known for her expertise in Neuro-spicy (Neuro divergent) thinking, AuDHD and her passion for helping women overcome imposter syndrome, Mia's approach to coaching incorporates her knowledge of wellness and holistic practices, such as Reiki and energetic healing.
Mia recognizes the crucial role of overall wellness in attaining a fulfilling life. She offers practical tools and solutions to improve her clients' mental, physical and emotional health, ultimately leading to a thriving and balanced life.
Mia's perspective related to energetic healing stems from her extensive experience as a certified holistic health practitioner. As a Reiki master, she has attained the highest level of training in traditional Japanese energy healing. Additionally, Mia has incorporated Healing Touch, an energy medicine technique that utilizes gentle touch to promote physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well-being.
Her dedication to wellness and energy healing has taken Mia worldwide, where she studied under shamans and other holistic practitioners. This diverse background has empowered her to integrate a range of holistic practices into her coaching approach, providing her clients with a unique and effective experience.
Through Reiki, Healing Touch and energetic healing, Mia helps her clients eliminate negative blocks, restore their energy and achieve a higher level of balance and harmony. The transformative effects of her coaching leave her clients feeling more confident and at peace.
Mia's specialization in Neuro-spicy (Neuro divergent) thinking, AuDHD, her commitment to wellness, Reiki and energetic healing have positioned her as a highly sought-after coach and mentor. Her unwavering dedication to empowering women professionals to reach their financial and personal goals, while embracing their Neuro-spicy (Neuro divergent) abilities, has made a significant impact in the lives of many.
Olga Mack
Olga V. Mack is an accomplished entrepreneur, executive and attorney dedicated to harnessing transformative technologies for positive change. Serving as a Lecturer at Berkeley Law, Fellow at CodeX, The Stanford Center for Legal Informatics and a Generative AI Editor at law.MIT Computational Law Report, Olga is a strong advocate for the integration of innovative technologies that enhance functionality and accessibility across various domains. With a proven track record as an award-winning general counsel, operations specialist and tech startup advisor, Olga encourages the adoption of cutting-edge technologies to drive progress and efficiency.
Olga V. Mack is an accomplished entrepreneur, executive and attorney dedicated to harnessing transformative technologies for positive change. Serving as a Lecturer at Berkeley Law, Fellow at CodeX, The Stanford Center for Legal Informatics and a Generative AI Editor at law.MIT Computational Law Report, Olga is a strong advocate for the integration of innovative technologies that enhance functionality and accessibility across various domains. With a proven track record as an award-winning general counsel, operations specialist and tech startup advisor, Olga encourages the adoption of cutting-edge technologies to drive progress and efficiency.
As a seasoned TEDx presenter, Olga leverages her unique blend of expertise in technology and business to inspire and educate audiences. Recognized as a top speaker and thought leader, she shares her insights through various platforms, including Forbes, Bloomberg Law, law.MIT Computational Law Report, Newsweek, Venture Beat, Above the Law, ACC Docket and many other popular and industry publications.
Olga's work revolves around exploring the transformative potential of emerging technologies across industries. Her accomplishments include being honored with prestigious awards such as Silicon Valley Women of Influence, ABA Women in Legal Tech, Make Your Mark, Corporate Counsel of the Year and Women Leaders in Technology Law.
Join Olga in her mission to embrace technology for positive change and explore its impact on society, business and innovation.
Andrea Navedo
Andrea Navedo is a Bronx-born-and-raised American actress best known for her role as Xiomara, a complex and genuine Latina on the hit series "Jane the Virgin," for which she received critical acclaim. She is dedicated to various charities including A Place Called Home in South Central Los Angeles and the Fresh Air Fund in New York City. Navedo has a passion for self-improvement, growth and healing and, through her experiences, seeks to help those who see themselves on the outside looking in.
Gregory Nicholas
Inspired to improve patient outcomes while accelerating business goals, Gregory Nicholas has led IT organizations in the healthcare industry for over two decades. As CIO for Fortune 100, PE-backed, private and consulting firms, he conceived and launched award-winning IT products; designed IT strategies resulting in exponential revenue growth and patient satisfaction; led multiple M&A integrations and turnarounds; and implemented technology solutions to stabilize, secure and optimize operations.
Natalie A. Perkins, PP-OTD, M.Ed., OTR/L, FIIE
Dr. Natalie A. Perkins (she/her) is a proud occupational therapist, educator and consultant with a focus on emotional intelligence, intentional teaching and the transformative power of connection. She currently serves as the OT Department Chair and OTD Program Director at University of the Pacific, School of Health Sciences. She is also the founder of TheraPERKS, which is dedicated to empowering leaders through personalized emotional intelligence and therapeutic rapport training.
Dr. Natalie A. Perkins (she/her) is a proud occupational therapist, educator and consultant with a focus on emotional intelligence, intentional teaching and the transformative power of connection. She currently serves as the OT Department Chair and OTD Program Director at University of the Pacific, School of Health Sciences. She is also the founder of TheraPERKS, which is dedicated to empowering leaders through personalized emotional intelligence and therapeutic rapport training.
Natalie is not only a speaker, but she is also a catalyst for change. By disrupting conventional norms and championing the values of intention, connection and the transformative power of emotional intelligence, she seeks to create change within the realms of education and healthcare. Holding a Post Professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Boston University, a Master's in Education and having graduated from the Yale School of Management Women’s Leadership Program, her academic journey provides the foundation for profound insights.
Natalie, a distinguished Fellow of the Institute for Inclusive Excellence, is unwavering in her commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and advocates for these principles within academic and professional settings. Beyond her professional pursuits, Natalie finds inspiration in nature and quiet reflection, enriching her holistic approach to teaching and connection. As an international speaker, educator and clinician, Natalie has extensively researched self-awareness and the transformative impact of therapeutic rapport. Her experiences have illuminated the profound outcomes that result from genuine human connection.
Jovan Pulido
Raised in Merced, California, Jovan Pulido embodies resilience and dedication. A graduate of Merced High School, and currently majoring in Organizational Leadership at Benerd College at the University of the Pacific, he has faced his lifelong battle with Chronic Kidney Disease head-on, enduring 19 years on dialysis, three kidney transplants, the latest on November 29, 2022, and over 100 surgeries. Yet, Jovan's story is not just one of personal challenges but of remarkable achievements and contributions to his community.
Raised in Merced, California, Jovan Pulido embodies resilience and dedication. A graduate of Merced High School, and currently majoring in Organizational Leadership at Benerd College at the University of the Pacific, he has faced his lifelong battle with Chronic Kidney Disease head-on, enduring 19 years on dialysis, three kidney transplants, the latest on November 29, 2022, and over 100 surgeries. Yet, Jovan's story is not just one of personal challenges but of remarkable achievements and contributions to his community.
As President of Merced United, a youth non-profit focused on sports equity, particularly soccer, Jovan has made significant strides in not only developing athletes' skills on the field but also their personal and professional growth. A key initiative under his leadership is the Merced United Leadership Academy (MULA), which prepares young athletes for life beyond sports by teaching them essential life and employment skills, and by exposing them to community leaders and professional development opportunities.
In addition to his role at Merced United, Jovan works at Able Works, where he teaches financial education to students at Ceres and Argus High Schools in Ceres, California. His work focuses on empowering young minds with the financial knowledge and skills necessary for future success, laying a strong foundation for financial independence.
Jovan Pulido's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, leadership, and a deep commitment to serving others. Through his efforts at Merced United and Able Works, he is not just overcoming his own challenges but is also inspiring and equipping others to achieve their full potential. His life shines as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that determination and a commitment to community can drive significant positive change.
Jasmine Uchi
Dr. Jasmine Uchi is the Director of Medical Affairs and Operations at VeganMed, Inc., and is informally known as the "alpha-gal pharmacist." She has touched the lives of thousands of patients with a potentially fatal allergy known as Alpha-gal Syndrome. She is an adjunct faculty member at University of the Pacific, Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy and has published several research papers which have been featured on multiple media platforms. She is passionate about patient safety and health equity. In addition to being a dog mom for a six-year-old Frenchie, she enjoys journaling and traveling.
Sara Vogel
Dr. Sara Vogel is a playful, dynamic, trauma-informed sex educator who is creating a world where conversations around sex and pleasure are normalized. For over fifteen years, she served as a leader in higher education, most recently working as a Title IX Coordinator supporting survivors of sexual and relationship violence. In 2022, Dr. Vogel launched her podcast, Ladybits and Leadership, to host authentic conversations on the intersections of gender, culture, power, sex and pleasure. The podcast became a sensation and launched her educational company to new heights.
Dr. Vogel now speaks at colleges and universities to continue the fight to close the orgasm gap, liberate sex and promote pleasure. She recently was selected as a 2024 Fulbright Research Chair exploring how to decolonize and re-indigenize sexual wellness and empowerment education—focusing specifically on Hawaiian and Pasifika narratives.
