Communication

Since 2001, Katie Metz has worked to increase the understanding of compliance for equal access and opportunities for persons with disabilities in both government and private sectors. As Manager of Financial Empowerment and Inclusion for National Disability Institute she’s led a number of initiatives in asset development and financial education training for individuals with disabilities, military, Veterans and their families. Katie has created and organized multiple education and curriculum programs, designed to ensure educational and employment opportunities for people with disabilities. She’s also developed and implemented disability-specific technical assistance and education programs for tax and asset building coalitions, highlighting SSA benefits, increased employment opportunities for people with disabilities, tax credits and deductions and financial literacy curriculums.

As a Business Strategist and Executive Coach, LaFern Batie leads The Batie Group, LLC, a business consulting and leadership development firm serving organizations around the globe. With extensive Fortune 500 corporate leadership experience and widely recognized expertise, she works with international organizations and leaders across diverse industries to maximize their collective and individual performance. Leaders value her high business acumen, ability to quickly connect with teams, thorough and efficient approach to identifying challenges and commitment to helping them achieve results that exceed their expectations. 

Follow LaFern on Twitter @LaFernBatie.
 

Global Speaker Sonia Aranza has presented on the international stage from Spain to Singapore.  She brings 27+ years of experience in Diversity, Inclusion & Global Leadership. Her clients include Boeing, CIA, McDonald’s and more. The U.S. Department of Labor describes her work as “Outstanding” and was selected to execute programs for landmark cases. SHRM featured her as a Diversity & Inclusion Expert in HR Magazine and she is a LinkedIn Top Voice in Leadership. She serves on the Faculty of Howard University’s Executive Diversity Program; named “100 Most Influential Filipina Americans in the United States” and honored “100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the World.”

Eun Y. Kim is the founder of CEO International and has over 25 years of coaching, consulting, and training in the fields of global leadership, executive presence, cross-cultural communication, and change management. Dr. Kim has done extensive work with executives in various industries in Americas, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, and helped them develop self and others, and build strategic partnerships across cultures and functions. Having been one of the first women professionals hired by a Korean conglomerate (Hyundai) after college, she has facilitated numerous individual/group coaching sessions for female executives as well. She also worked as a change management consultant at a prestigious US multinational consulting firm.

Wayne Connell, the founder, president and CEO of the Invisible Disabilities Association, established IDA twenty years ago in 1996 out of the desire to educate friends and family about his wife's debilitating illness. Soon afterwards, people around the globe began sending emails sharing how IDA had changed their relationships with their loved ones. He is co-author of the book, “But You LOOK Good, How to Encourage and Understand People Living with Illness and Pain.” Wayne's background fueled his passion for helping people living with illness, pain and disability. His experience includes that of a professional, multitasking husband caregiver with an extensive background in management, media and technology. This man on a mission quickly launched IDA into a world-wide outreach for millions living with invisible disabilities.

Dr. Jody Janati teaches in the Communication Studies Department at the University of Minnesota. She has an Ed.D. degree in Organizational Leadership and her primary interest area pertains to interpersonal conflict resolution strategies. As an author and independent consultant, she offers a variety of public and professional workshops on conflict reduction tactics and effective interpersonal communication skills. Follow Jodi on Twitter @jjanati.

Jan is a Leadership Consultant who partners with leaders to drive business results. Previously Director of Learning at The Weather Channel, Jan has received the John O Wynne Leadership Award, The Cable and Telecommunications Best Practices Award, and has authored two books endorsed by leadership experts Stephen M R Covey and Dr. Ken Blanchard. A summa cum laude graduate of GSU and Georgia Tech Guest Lecturer, Jan is a contributing author in Center for Creative Leadership’s Developing Your Conflict Competence.