Who's on stage
Speakers
Lineup, times, and rooms are subject to change before the day.
35 speakers
Amy Attaway
Kentucky Shakespeare
Bio
Amy is the Associate Artistic Director of Kentucky Shakespeare and the facilitator/director of Shakespeare with Veterans. She has directed numerous productions for Kentucky Shakespeare, including Antony and Cleopatra, Hamlet, Macbeth, Richard III, The Taming of the Shrew, and Henry V in Central Park, as well as several indoor productions and touring performances. She was co-founder and Co-Artistic Director of Theatre [502], where she directed several regional premieres and world premiere productions. She also spent five seasons as Associate Director of the Professional Training Company at Actors Theatre of Louisville, directing several commissioned works in the Humana Festival of New American Plays.
Connor Barclay
PNC
Bio
Connor Barclay is a Business Analytics Consultant at PNC with experience supporting risk management, governance, reporting, and process improvement initiatives. He specializes in translating complex business needs into clear, actionable requirements and insights while partnering across business and technical teams to drive effective solutions.
Tara Metts Brown
CASA of the River Region
Bio
Tara Metts Brown has spent more than 20 years supporting children and families through child advocacy, court services, family-centered programming, and community leadership. Since February 2026, she has served as Executive Director of CASA of the River Region, leading efforts to recruit and support volunteers who advocate for children involved in the court system. Tara previously served on the CASA of the River Region board of directors and Executive Committee. She brings extensive experience from the Kentucky Administrative Office of the Courts, where she coordinated foster-care case reviews, provided Guardian ad Litem training, and supported statewide initiatives related to children’s issues.
Joel Buno
Asia Institute-Crane House
Bio
Joel Buno AICH is a community resource that promotes Asian cultures and heritage through education outreach and the arts.
Jenn Callahan
Amplify Startups
Bio
Jenn Callahan is CEO of Amplify, Louisville’s innovation hub, where their team helps entrepreneurs turn ideas into companies and companies into impact. As an early employee of a high-growth company that went on to exit, Jenn brings firsthand experience in building teams and navigating growth. Today, she’s focused on what’s next for Louisville’s startup community: getting more people involved, building stronger connections, and making it easier for founders to find the support they need to build here.
Bree Carter
Founder, Between Us Collective
Bio
Bree Carter is the founder of Between Us Collective, a Louisville-based community focused on mindfulness, movement, and meaningful connection. A yoga instructor, writer, and community builder, Bree creates welcoming spaces that encourage people to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and build a stronger sense of belonging. Through yoga, wellness experiences, and community programming, she is passionate about making mindfulness more accessible and fostering connection through shared experiences.
Barry Dunn
Kosair Charities
Bio
Barry Dunn is an attorney and the President and CEO of Kosair Charities, where he leads the organization’s efforts to enhance the health and well-being of children across Kentucky and Southern Indiana. Prior to joining Kosair Charities, Barry served as Kentucky’s Deputy Attorney General, overseeing a team of nearly 200 and supporting initiatives to combat child abuse and protect vulnerable children. He previously practiced law at Stoll Keenon Ogden, founded his own law firm, and held several leadership positions in state government.
Aaron Duvall
@DateListLou
Bio
The business-y side of @DateListLou! Originally from Elizabethtown, KY, Aaron came to Louisville for college with no intention of staying, until he fell in love with the city and its community. Now, he can’t imagine calling anywhere else home. He holds a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, and a graduate certificate from the University of Louisville. After nine years working with healthcare organizations at an international public accounting and consulting firm, Aaron now works as the VP of Marketing at One Louisville, helping support growth and opportunity across the city.
Cathe Dykstra
Family Scholar House
Bio
As Chief Possibility Officer, President and CEO of Family Scholar House and parent company, Family, Inc., Cathe leads the organizations’ mission to end the cycle of poverty and transform our community by empowering families and youth to succeed in education and achieve life-long self-sufficiency. This includes managing an $11M annual program budget, overseeing five campuses of affordable housing and community services facilities, and development of new campuses, while guiding FSH’s expansion across the nation.
Todd Earwood
Betra Works
Bio
Todd Earwood is CEO of Betra Works, an AI advisory company, and Managing Director of HalfCourt Capital, an investment firm with more than 100 AI companies in its portfolio. Todd is a proud graduate of Murray State University. A serial entrepreneur, he has built 18 companies and is the author of the AI adoption book, Adapt & Adopt.
Rebecca Fleischaker
Louisville Downtown Partnership
Bio
As Executive Director, Rebecca facilitates economic growth and vitality for all stakeholders through strategies that enhance Downtown Louisville, support employment and job creation, and improve the overall experience of Downtown as well as oversees the operations of the Business Improvement District (BID) creating a safe and clean downtown. Rebecca serves on the boards of Downtown Development Review Overlay (DDRO), NuLu Business Association (NBA), Commission on Public Art (COPA), Parking Authority of River City (PARC), and Louisville Independent Business Alliance (LIBA).
Gary Friedman
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana
Bio
Gary Friedman has led Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana for the past 5 years. During that time, the organization has earned three straight national awards for excellence from Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. Friedman serves nationally on the Big Vision committee, which consists of over 20 CEO’s from BBBS all over the nation looking at best practices and visionary concepts to help our youth, and locally on several committees as well, including the Louisville Metro Government’s Community Safety Commission. Prior to working at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana, Friedman spent 26 years working as a college athletics administrator including ten years at University of Louisville.
Matt Gibson
Kentucky Derby Festival
Bio
“I have the best job on the planet!” is something Matt Gibson says often and genuinely means. As President & CEO of the Kentucky Derby Festival, Gibson leads one of Louisville’s most cherished traditions, a celebration he grew up attending and has spent nearly three decades helping shape. A Louisville native, Gibson joined the Festival in 1997 as an Event Manager and advanced through roles including Director of Operations, Vice President of Events and Senior Vice President of Events before being named President & CEO in 2019.
Dr. Robert Gunn, Jr.
Metro United Way
Bio
Robert Earl Gunn Jr. was born in South Bend, Indiana and has served the community for the past twenty-four years. Robert began as a teacher in St. Louis, Missouri. He served in K-12 education as a teacher, coach, assistant-principal, and principal. Gunn was the founding principal of the W.E.B. DuBois Academy, where the mission is to engage, eliminate barriers, and empower young men to achieve excellence and has become a national model, beacon for hope, and example of how to support success for young men.
Gary Hampton
GLS Custom Clothiers
Bio
Gary W. Hampton is the founder and CEO of GLS Custom Clothiers, a Louisville-based custom clothing company established in 2018. With over 25 years working in the men’s clothing industry, Gary helps men and women create intentional wardrobes that reflect their careers, lifestyles, and the way they want to be perceived. Working with professionals, entrepreneurs, and wedding parties, Gary’s approach extends beyond selecting attractive clothing. He focuses on fit; versatility, confidence, and helping clients make strategic wardrobe investments that strengthen their personal and professional presence.
Maggie Harlow
Leadership strategist, author & speaker
Bio
Maggie Harlow is an internationally celebrated leadership strategist, an author, award-winning keynote speaker, and one of the founding content designers behind Signarama Masters Academy—recognized for transforming sales teams and executive leaders across multiple continents. Renowned for her dynamic blend of business mastery and creative flair, Maggie has equipped high-performing organizations in Spain, France, Australia, South Africa, and the United States with the tools to accelerate growth and drive breakthrough results. As co-host of the acclaimed Renegade Ventures podcast, she champions bold women entrepreneurs, and her insights have appeared in Business First Journals, on National Public Radio, and in dozens of major business outlets.
Emma Hiatt
UofL Health
Bio
Emma Hiatt, MPH, is a public health professional serving as a Community Engagement Specialist at UofL Health. She holds a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Louisville and has experience in community health assessment, research, and public health initiatives. Her work focuses on understanding community health needs, addressing health disparities, and strengthening connections between healthcare organizations and the communities they serve. She is the president of UofL Health's LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group.
Vincent James
Dare to Care Food Bank
Bio
Vincent James occupies the distinguished role of President and CEO at Dare to Care Food Bank, where his unwavering commitment and strategic leadership are pivotal in expanding the organization's reach and impact in combating food insecurity. In this vital capacity, Vincent spearheads efforts to meticulously address the multifaceted roots of food scarcity, simultaneously championing the transformative power of equitable food and nutrition initiatives. His visionary advocacy underscores the importance of these programs in cultivating healthier, more resilient, and economically prosperous communities, demonstrating his profound dedication to fostering societal well-being and equity.
Sarah Kelley
President, YPAL
Harrison Kirby
Executive Director, Center for Data and Community Impact, Community Foundation of Louisville
Bio
Harrison Kirby joined the Community Foundation as Director of Strategic Initiatives in April 2023. Harrison enjoys solving problems with all of the tools in his toolbox, including data analysis, storytelling, graphic design, community organizing, and relationship-building. Harrison previously worked as the staff lead at the Greater Louisville Project, a civic initiative that created data and research to catalyze a collaborative civic agenda. Harrison researched education, jobs, health, and quality of place as the organization’s data scientist.
Mallory Kramer
Louisville Orchestra
Bio
Mallory Kramer is the Director of Marketing at the Louisville Orchestra, where she helps lead the organization’s marketing and communications efforts and promote its impact across the community. She is passionate about connecting audiences with the arts and finding creative ways to engage the community through music and cultural experiences. Through her work, Mallory helps elevate the Louisville Orchestra’s presence and strengthen its connection with audiences throughout the region.
Dr. Maya Lynum-Walker
Director of Diversity & Inclusion, YPAL
Bio
Dr. Maya Lynum-Walker is a higher education professional and leadership advocate with a Ph.D. in Leadership. Her work focuses on student success, diversity and inclusion, mentorship, and leadership development. She is passionate about creating inclusive environments, empowering individuals, and helping others reach their full potential.
Lyndon Pryor
Louisville Urban League
Bio
Lyndon Pryor is currently the President and CEO at the Louisville Urban League, overseeing all communications areas for the organization; strategically integrating programs and services through technology; assisting in policy outreach and organizing; and serving as a community liaison for multiple partners, groups, and stakeholders. Mr. Pryor initiated the community health worker program at the League and helped to establish and grow the local network of CHWs in the city. He also works with youth development staff, volunteers, and engages staff, partners, and government officials to find innovative approaches to serve the community’s needs through programmatic and policy efforts.
Tamara Reif
Volunteers of America Mid-States
Bio
Tamara Reif is the Associate Vice President of Operations at Volunteers of America Mid-States, where she helps oversee organizational operations and support the organization’s mission of serving individuals and families in need. With a background in nonprofit leadership and community services, Tamara brings experience in strengthening organizational effectiveness and advancing programs that make a meaningful difference throughout the region. She is passionate about supporting the people, programs, and partnerships that help build stronger communities.
Peyton Rhea
Executive Director, YPAL
Peggy Schnell
VP of Engagement, YPAL
Rena Sharpe
Goodwill Industries of Kentucky
Bio
Rena Sharpe and her husband, Craig, have proudly called Mount Washington home for more than 36 years. Craig, recently retired from Bullitt East High School, continues to share his passion for baseball through coaching. Together, they are dedicated local business owners and recently led the restoration of one of the town’s oldest historic landmarks, The Wigginton Center—preserving an important piece of the community’s heritage. Rena brings nearly three decades of experience in automotive manufacturing, having built her career at Westport Axle Corporation, where she rose to Vice President of Operations. Throughout her tenure, she became a strong leader in workforce development, contributing at both local and state levels.
Brett Shepherd
Fund for the Arts
Bio
Brett Shepherd is the President and CEO of Fund for the Arts, where he leads efforts to support and strengthen Greater Louisville’s arts and cultural community. A Louisville native, Brett has a longstanding commitment to philanthropy and community development. He joined Fund for the Arts as Chief Development Officer in 2022, bringing decades of fundraising experience from organizations including the Frazier History Museum, Waterfront Botanical Gardens, and Kentucky Performing Arts, where he led fundraising efforts for the development of Old Forester’s Paristown Hall. A Bellarmine University graduate, Brett is also a member of Leadership Louisville’s Class of 2025.
Seema Sheth
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Bio
Seema Sheth is senior vice president and regional executive of the Louisville Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Sheth became head of the Louisville Branch, which serves southern Indiana and western Kentucky, in December 2021. Prior to joining the St. Louis Fed, Sheth was vice president and relationship strategist at PNC Private Bank in Louisville, where she specialized in financial planning and stewardship for high-net-worth clients. Driven by a commitment to financial literacy, she founded the Adulting Academy to teach young adults the basics of finance and frequently speaks on the importance of financial education.
Tiffany Skaggs
LG&E and KU
Bio
Tiffany Skaggs is a former banker turned utility professional with LG&E and KU, where she has built her career around customer service and relationship building. After serving as a Business Account Manager, Tiffany is transitioning into her new role as a Key Account Manager, where she will continue building trusted partnerships while serving some of Kentucky’s largest businesses and supporting their unique energy needs. Committed to lifelong learning and professional growth, Tiffany is continuing her graduate-level education at Western Kentucky University, with a focus on leadership and organizational effectiveness.
Autumn Sorrells
Luminary Collective
Bio
Autumn Sorrells is from Paducah, Kentucky but happily calls herself a Louisvillian after 8 years in the city and has even claimed a 502 phone number. She and her husband Mark have 2 Dalmatians, Basil & Turkey, and reside in the St. Matthews neighborhood. After 10 years in various marketing and PR roles, Autumn started her own business to focus on helping local businesses in Louisville. Luminary Collective's main services are authentic content creation and social media management, primarily in the hospitality industry.
Cielo Stein
Founder & CEO, CLOO
Bio
Cielo M. Stein is the founder and CEO of CLOO, a Louisville-based human performance company that helps leaders and teams perform under pressure by training the nervous system. Her philosophy, State Before Strategy, is simple: no plan, skill, or strategy works if the person carrying it out is running on stress. Before founding CLOO, Cielo spent more than a decade in corporate pharmaceutical and B2B sales, earning President's Club recognition. She holds an MBA from Bellarmine University and brings that business lens to every session, focusing on measurable results rather than traditional wellness.
Catherine Thompson
VP of Development, YPAL
Bio
Catherine Thompson is a Louisville-based professional with a background in higher education, student-athlete development, and organizational leadership. Outside of her work in the community, she also owns a DJ business and serves on multiple community boards, including YPAL. Passionate about mentorship, professional development, and community engagement, Catherine is dedicated to helping others grow and creating meaningful connections.
Bryan Warren
Educational Justice
Bio
Bryan is an artist and educator who believes that the creativity and learning play an integral role in building great communities. As Executive Director he works with the EJ Board, staff, activists, and scholars to achieve EJ’s mission. Prior to Educational Justice, Bryan served as Vice President of Education and Community Arts at Kentucky Performing Arts. Other past roles include Director of the Office for Globalization at Louisville Metro Government, Executive Director of Asia Institute-Crane House, and Curator of Family Programs at The Speed Art Museum. As a practicing artist, he shows his work regionally and curates art exhibitions.
Dr. Thomas Williams
Thrive by 5
Bio
Dr. Thomas Williams Jr. is the Senior Director of Programs at Thrive By 5 Louisville, bringing more than 20 years of experience across the early childhood continuum. In this role, he oversees the organization’s programmatic strategies to expand access and quality across the early childhood system and leads and advances initiatives focused on quality improvement, provider support, family navigation, and the organization’s research and data to inform decision making. He also serves as a senior advisor to the Executive Director, helping to guide the organization’s programmatic direction and partnerships. Before joining Thrive By 5 Louisville, Dr.
