Virtual Pass

Elizabeth Sandler is a global financial service executive with two decades of experience as a divisional COO at Deutsche Bank and Blackstone. She is a board director at KKR Private Credit and the national non-profit Scholars of Finance. Elizabeth is the Executive Director of the HumanTech Institute, a thought-leadership ecosystem focused on bridging humanity and technology. As a workplace futurist and corporate speaker, Elizabeth guides forward-thinking organizations on next-generation leadership. Elizabeth is a SHRM-SCP and holds a degree in sociology and human development from Duke University and an MBA from The Wharton School.

Serilda Summers-McGee is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Workplace Change, a people and culture firm created to guide, advise, and encourage the business world through internal as well as external growth and transition, while incorporating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion into HR systems. Serilda has been an HR/DEI innovator for over 17 years, honing her ability to identify challenges and opportunities while teaching the masses how to be better leaders. She has inspired thousands to create, embrace, and mobilize lasting organizational change.

Dr. Michael Baran is the CEO of Iris Inclusion, a global diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) firm. Dr. Baran draws on his own social science research to inform his DEI speaking engagements, writings, consulting, leadership development, and eLearning. After teaching at Harvard University, he has been supporting DEI in organizations for 20 years. His work has been covered in the New York Times, BBC, Forbes, CNN, NPR, and more.

His recent book, Subtle Acts of Exclusion, was named by Forbes as one of “The 11 Books To Read To Be A More Inclusive Leader” and has won several awards.

Dr. Loubna is a globally celebrated speaker, Master Certified Coach and Forbes thought leader. Her passion for leadership development has positioned her training programs at the global Top Ten Leadership Training list by Training Magazine. 

As a civil war survivor, Loubna realizes that change is inevitable. And that we are so much more than our survival skills. Prior to her seven years of sleepless nights, overdosing on Turkish and Cuban coffee, and doing research on change and leadership behavior, Dr. Loubna led the corporate university function for over 20 years. 

Dr. Loubna is committed to inspiring the hearts and minds of people so everyone can experience dignity in their lives. Loubna is the cofounder and CEO of Mind Market, a resource and coaching centre for organizations who want to create a steady stream of ready-now leaders who can tackle any challenge 

Tiana Sanchez is CEO and founder of TSI LLC, a talent and development company in SoCal. Tiana is a 4X published author, #1 bestselling author, executive coach, corporate trainer, keynote speaker, and host of Like a REAL Boss podcast. Sanchez got her career start at age 16 with a 90 percent female-led national franchise organization, became a manager at 17, was promoted to regional manager, and welcomed the company as her first consulting client. Sanchez’s public and private-sector corporate training and development client list includes Fortune 100 companies. Her latest book, The New C-Suite is releasing on September 3rd, 2024!

Kate has been a member of the TAA Educational Advisory Board since 2019. As an adult with TS, and the mother of two TAA Youth Ambassadors (who also have TS), Kate is an active part of the community. She regularly supports families and schools with education and presentations surrounding TS and other associated conditions. Kate recently completed her Certified Diversity Professional (CDP®) designation in order to provide evidence of her commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, Accessibility, and Belonging – especially regarding equitable treatment and accessibility for people who are neurodiverse. In her full-time role, Kate serves as the Executive Director of Powercat Financial at Kansas State University.

Shayna is a multifaceted professional with a wealth of experience in guiding individuals towards achieving their career goals. As a career coach, she provides insights and strategies to help her clients navigate the complexities of the job market and make impactful career decisions. In her role as an HR business partner, Shayna leverages her expertise to foster inclusive working environments and facilitate seamless collaboration between employees and management. Additionally, as an author, Shayna shares her knowledge and expertise with a broader audience, empowering readers to unlock their full potential and thrive in their careers. Shayna's diverse skill set and passion for helping others make her a valuable resource for anyone looking to succeed in their professional endeavors.

Shalynne Jackson is the CEO and Principal Strategist of Sonder Strategies, a DEI consulting firm. She brings extensive experience in implementing DEI strategies across industries, including Fortune 500 companies and public safety agencies. Shalynne serves as Membership Chair for SHRM’s Oklahoma Human Resources State Council (OKHR) and on various boards and committees. She has been recognized as a Notable DEI Leader and is a 2024 40 Under 40 award recipient. Shalynne holds a Master of Human Relations degree from The University of Oklahoma, where she is an adjunct professor. She is also a qualified administrator for the Intercultural Development Inventory.

As the CEO and Founder of D. Howze Solutions, LLC, a D&I consultancy, Delphia drives innovative strategies to cultivate inclusive workplaces. Mrs. Howze currently serves as Chief Inclusion Officer for a large-scale national organization, spearheading initiatives to promote diversity and foster belonging. With over two decades of distinguished leadership, Delphia possesses extensive expertise in optimizing human capital and D&I frameworks across diverse sectors including retail, banking, energy, logistics, government, and higher education. Her visionary outlook and dynamic leadership continue to shape inclusive environments that empower individuals and propel organizational success.  She has recently emerged as a new author with her new book, "Including You! Leading Inclusion From Where You Are."

Kara Richardson Whitely is the CEO of The Gorgeous Agency, as well as a plus-size adventurer and advisor. Her book, Gorge: My Journey Up Kilimanjaro at 300 Pounds, is being made into a movie produced by and starring ‘This Is Us’ actress, Chrissy Metz.

Kara has partnered with brands such as Peloton, Jolt Film, L.L. Bean, Keen and Discover Puerto Rico to showcase diversity and inclusion, and build positive brand sentiment in the plus-sized community. Her mission to encourage people of all sizes and abilities to get active outside made her a great fit for Come Alive Outside’s Board of Directors, and she has inspired teams and individuals to overcome obstacles and bet on their own success at companies such as J.M. Smucker, Pfizer, Google and Uber. Here is a link recapping her Body Appreciation Panel with Peloton. 

She has also been featured in countless media outlets such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, Good Morning America, The Today Show, She Explores, and more.