As an Executive Coach within The Black In HR community, Willena is dedicated to driving positive change in the HR industry. Her passion for diversity and inclusion has positioned her as a key influencer, igniting crucial conversations and spearheading actions that promote equity within organizations.

With a track record of collaboration alongside influential leaders, including CEOs and senior executives from Fortune 500 companies, Willena's expertise is a testament to her ability to navigate complex corporate environments. Her dynamic approach to leadership growth, career advancement, and personal fulfillment has inspired countless individuals to unleash their potential and embrace growth.

In her pursuit of excellence, Willena is not only a coach but a catalyst for transformation. Her presence leaves an indelible mark, and her dedication to empowering individuals to become the best versions of themselves sets her apart as a true advocate for positive change and empowerment.

 

Frank King, Suicide Prevention speaker and Trainer was a writer for The Tonight Show for 20 years.

He’s fought a lifetime battle with Major Depressive Disorder and Chronic Suicidality, turning that long dark journey of the soul into 6 TEDx Talks and sharing his lifesaving insights on Mental Health Awareness with associations, corporations, and colleges.

Depression and suicide run in his family. He’s thought about killing himself more times than he can count.

A Motivational Public Speaker who uses his life lessons to start the conversation giving people permission to give voice to their feelings and experiences surrounding depression and suicide.

And doing it by coming out, as it were, and standing in his truth, and doing it with humor.

He believes that where there is humor there is hope, where there is laughter there is life, nobody dies laughing. The right person, at the right time, with the right information, can save a life.

Darlene Ladd, Assistant Director at Madison County Employment and Training has 8 years of experience in workforce development, assisting job seekers and businesses meeting the changing demands of the labor market. Prior to working with Madison County, she worked for over 16 years with a non-profit agency assisting individuals with disabilities in obtaining and maintaining employment.  Providing recruitment, job placement, coaching, retention services, and case management services through partnerships with Vocational Rehabilitation and Ability One Programs.  Darlene is currently on the board of directors for a small non-profit organization that provides educational and employment training opportunities to adults with disabilities.  

Payton Drury is the Human Resources Director with the City of Collinsville and has been with the City for over 6 years. Payton oversees all areas of human resources, including employee retention, employee engagement, employee recognition, employment policies, recruitment, training, and benefits. She holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a focus in HR and Marketing and a Master’s in Business Administration from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

Angela L. Talton, MBA, is City of Hope’s system senior vice president and chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer. In this role, Talton leads the development of City of Hope’s vision and strategy for advancing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), improving health equity and community benefit, and ensuring measurable DEI progress across administrative, clinical and research functions. 

Under her leadership, City of Hope has improved its ranking on DiversityInc’s list of Top Hospitals and Health Systems from #8 to #2. City of Hope has also earned the Healthcare Equality Leader designation from the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) for four years.