Kerri Nelson, Ph.D., is the Director of Mission Research at SHRM. She is responsible for leading, developing, and designing strategic, public-facing research that provides organizations, business leaders, and policymakers with evidence-based insights at the intersection of people and work. She also partners with public and private organizations to produce research related to work, worker, and workplace. Kerri has led research on a variety of topics including pay equity, skills-based hiring, untapped talent pools, workplace culture, and the global workforce. Her work has been featured in top news outlets, on podcasts and webinars, and on the Hill.

Joseph Grenny is a New York Times bestselling author of eight books, including the communication classic, Crucial Conversations. His whose work has been used by nearly half of the Forbes Global 2000 and has helped millions of people achieve better relationships and results. He cofounded Crucial Learning, one of the world’s most respected learning and organization development firms, offering courses in communication, performance, and leadership.

Elizabeth is currently the Manager, Foundation Programs overseeing SHRM Foundation’s strategic priority of Building Inclusive Workplaces. In that capacity, she oversees the Foundation’s initiatives around leveraging untapped talent including Veterans At Work, Employing Abilities and Getting Talent Back to Work. She joins the Foundation with extensive experience across the corporate, nonprofit, and government sectors. She most recently served as the Deputy Executive Director for PFLAG National working to advance equality and anti-discrimination efforts. In that role, she also partnered with corporate diversity and HR professionals on partnerships to impact the workplace culture for the LGBTQ community. She lives in Alexandria with her spouse, two sons, and an oversized rescue dog.

Dr. Teresa Peterson is the Director of Learning and Development at The Noll Wilson Group, and the co-author of the Don’t Feed the Elephants workbook. With over 20 years of experience in teaching, facilitation, and leadership, Teresa specializes in designing and delivering transformative learning experiences that helps leaders show up more powerfully and teams work more effectively.

Teresa holds a Doctorate in Education from the University of Northern Iowa and certifications in Conflict Resolution (Cornell University), Immunity to Change Coaching, and Appreciative Inquiry. Her deep expertise allows her to craft thoughtful, accessible programs that help individuals and teams surface hidden dynamics, build trust, and strengthen collaboration.

Known for her grounded presence, masterful facilitation, and ability to listen deeply, Teresa brings both clarity and care to her work. Whether co-creating learning content or leading interactive sessions, she equips leaders with the tools and confidence to tackle complex challenges and create lasting change.

Elaine Robinson Beattie is an executive leadership strategist, transformational speaker, and author with a distinguished track record of driving leadership excellence and organizational success. With over 30 years of experience in Fortune 500 executive leadership, she is a recognized expert in strategic leadership, executive presence, and inclusive team development.

Elaine's corporate journey began in the hospitality industry, where she rose to General Manager of a Fortune 500 company, overseeing multimillion-dollar operations and leading high-performing teams. Her ability to navigate complex corporate structures, cultivate high-impact leaders, and drive performance excellence has made her a sought-after thought leader in executive circles.

As the CEO of Women of Vision Leadership Institute, Elaine partners with organizations to develop inclusive leadership pipelines, equip executives with the skills to thrive in dynamic business environments, and foster workplaces that attract, retain, and advance diverse talent. She is passionate about empowering leaders—regardless of gender or background—to leverage their strengths, communicate confidently, and lead with influence and impact.

Elaine is the author of *Sis, You Earned It: A Guide to Leading as a Maverick with Grace* and the co-host of the **Lead(H)er Talks** podcast, where she shares actionable insights on leadership, executive presence, and navigating power structures—especially for women in leadership. Her dynamic and results-driven speaking style, rooted in real-world executive experience, makes her a powerful voice in leadership development.

Whether addressing C-suite executives, emerging leaders, or high-performing teams, Elaine delivers practical, high-impact strategies that inspire professionals to lead boldly, build thriving workplace cultures, and drive lasting organizational success.
 **Book Elaine for Keynotes, Workshops & Executive Coaching:** www.ElaineSpeaking.com 
**Connect on LinkedIn:** @ElaineRobinsonBeattie