In-person Pass

Deidre Gestrin has made it her mission to help hundreds of professionals conquer burnout, reignite their passion, and renew their purpose. Her master’s degree in counseling psychology, plus 14 years specializing in stress and trauma treatment, has given her the knowledge and expertise to help others alleviate chronic stress and recover from burnout.

Throughout her career, she has been privileged to hold executive leadership positions, which yielded opportunities emphasizing the importance of work-life balance. She gained expertise and knowledge in supporting and effectively moving companies forward in their vision and mission while supporting employee needs and wellness.

Louis Chesney is the Program Manager of Neurodiversity for RethinkCare, overseeing the day-to-day operations and expansion of RethinkCare’s neurodiversity course content and consultation approach. Before joining RethinkCare, Louis championed and led a hiring program for autistic adults at a global technology company. He continually aims to make a positive impact on those who are underserved. As an individual who experienced selective mutism first-hand, Louis inspires and actively contributes to the current work. He co-authored “ECHO: A Vocal Language Program for Easing Anxiety in Conversation,” a Plural Publishing book designed to help older children and teens needing social communication support.

"Raised in Las Vegas' Historic Westside with roots in African, Creole, and Indigenous heritage, Dr. Kevin Wright is a Senior Racial Equity Facilitator and Consultant. Kevin is responsible for raising consciousness, building skills and developing strategies to socialize and operationalize equity efforts throughout organizations. Wright's commitment to racial justice, equity, and inclusion is rooted in his approach with shifting cultures and processes one system at a time to advocate for individuals with historically marginalized identities. A TRIO alum and award-winning educator, Dr. Wright has impacted over 100,000 learners globally."

Sertrice Shipley is the Founder of Plan to Action, a DEI consulting firm and the co-author of Inclusalytics. Prior to Plan To Action, she made significant contributions as Co-Owner & Chief Consulting Officer of Mattingly Solutions. Her dynamic consulting has benefited clients like NAWBO, Koppers, and American Humane, delivering DEI solutions ranging from assessment to strategic planning. Sertrice has been invited to speak at prominent events like SHRM, the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology, and various city Chamber events. She is also deeply committed to community service and holds various board positions. Sertrice is located in Raleigh, NC with her husband Abraham and dog Winston.

Cristina Jimenez is a senior partner and global head of RHR Culture of Belonging, playing a key role in the firm’s cultural transformation. She advises C-suite leaders on scaling organizations, building high-performing teams, and fostering innovative cultures. Cristina is skilled at guiding leaders through complex political and business challenges, focusing on purpose and belonging as drivers of success. With a background in talent management, she partnered with executives to create purpose-driven cultures and minimize workplace toxicity. Cristina holds a bachelor's in psychology from Northeastern University and dual master's degrees in sociology and business research from Stanford University and Business School.

Rahil Siddiqui is a global Manufacturing HR leader with more than 12 years’ experience in HR Business Partnering, Factory Ops, HRIS, and M&A roles. After receiving his Masters in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University, Rahil continued his career at Fortune 500 companies such as TE Connectivity and GE. Wilya’s origin story began after reading a CNN article about the great resignation; Rahil founded Wilya on the premise that manufacturing companies can provide more flexibility to their frontline factory workers with the right (software) tools while increasing retention, reducing costs, and attracting new talent pools into the industry.

Liz Petersen, SHRM-SCP, is the Quality Manager for the HR Knowledge Center at SHRM.  Prior to this role, she worked as a SHRM HR Knowledge Advisor.  Liz has a bachelor’s degree from John Carroll University in Industrial/Organizational Psychology with a Business minor.  She has a master’s degree from University of Maryland University College in Human Resource Management. 

Liz has over 25 years of HR experience and the SHRM Senior Professional Certification.  Prior to SHRM, Liz worked as an Outsourced HR Manager for several small and medium sized organizations in multiple industries including technology, engineering, hospitality, retail, service, construction, healthcare, manufacturing, etc. She also worked as in-house HR Manager and Director in the manufacturing industry.

Liz is lives in Oceanside, CA with her husband.  In her free time, Liz is discovering a love for painting, hacking away on golf courses, doing anything water or beach related, watching Seahawk and Steeler football, and trying to earn a green thumb.