Tamra Andress
A dynamo of inspiration and a radiant force for transformation in the realms of faith, business, and personal growth, meet Tamra Andress. Affectionately known as the "entrepreneurial rabbi," she has not only mastered the art of leadership and relationship-building but also redefined what it means to intertwine divine purpose with professional ambition. From facing a quarter-life crisis to emerging as a beacon of empowerment, she has turned life’s challenges into stepping stones for profound teaching, speaking, and serving.
Tamra is a globally celebrated speaker, 7x #1 bestselling author, and podcaster ranked in the top 0.3% worldwide. Tamra’s life mission is a testament to the power of living at the vibrant intersection of faith and business. Through her books, her keynote engagements, and her groundbreaking podcasts, she delivers not just insights but transformative action steps, helping others uncover and embrace their divine callings.
As the founder of F.I.T. in Faith Media, Tamra leads a flourishing business and broadcasting enterprise, empowering mission-driven leaders to amplify their voices through podcasting, publishing, and innovative promotion strategies. Her publishing house, F.I.T. Press, has helped countless individuals transform their messages into movements, all while emphasizing the importance of spiritual and personal alignment. Her nonprofit, The Founder Collective, ordains and equips marketplace ministers to carry the message of Christ into the business world, making an indelible impact in communities around the globe.
Tamra’s podcasts—including The Messenger Movement Podcast, The Founder Collective, and Girls Gone Holy—have become staples for listeners hungry for authentic stories, actionable wisdom, and faith-driven encouragement. With over 500 episodes and 6 seasons and counting, her voice resonates with entrepreneurs, dreamers, and leaders across industries.
Her dynamic energy, paired with her joy-filled approach to life, transforms every room she enters into a space of possibility and growth. Tamra’s work is rooted in the belief that our true identity, grounded in faith, is the ultimate foundation for success—not the fleeting kind but the enduring, soul-sustaining kind that aligns with God’s purpose for our lives.
Prepare to be inspired, challenged, and equipped to break through barriers and embrace a life of lasting significance and purpose.
Rebecca Baybayan
Rebecca Baybayan has more than 30 years of corporate leadership and organizational experience, many of which come from her time in a global manufacturing company. Her areas of expertise across the Talent Management spectrum include leadership development, organizational design, development and effectiveness, corporate culture design, strategic leadership, coaching, change management, and global programmatic design. She has been fortunate to host a Fireside Chat with Frances X. Frei, Harvard Business School Professor and author of "Unleashed. The Unapologetic Leader's Guide to Empowering Everyone Around You," and James Rhee, founder of Red Helicopter, who is an acclaimed impact leader, entrepreneur, investor, and goodwill strategist and is a Senior Lecturer at MIT.
The skill that brings her the greatest joy is being a highly sought-after facilitator with savvy skills to connect with her audience, who bring a calm yet energetic spirit to the content.
Rebecca previously worked in the aviation industry for 11 years, where she held multiple leadership positions throughout her tenure. She is most proud of her role in the design and development of Customer Service, Ramp Service, and Policy and Procedure protocol for two start-up airlines, Atlantic Coast Jet, a Delta Connection subsidiary, and Independence Air, a low-cost airline originating in Dulles, Virginia.
Rebecca holds a rare title of distinction as an Emergenetics Master Trainer and became one of only ~33 people across the globe to hold this title. She is certified in 5 Dysfunctions of a Team, The Advantage, Crucial Conversations for Accountability, Crucial Influence, and holds a certificate in Organizational Design and Alignment. She is also an ACC certified coach through the International Coaching Federation (ICF). She also volunteers her design and facilitation expertise to the non-profit, Leadership Prince William.
Rebecca holds a degree in Secondary Education/Geography with a minor in Spanish from Slippery Rock University and is a Certified Health Coach through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.
Rebecca and her family live in Virginia. She enjoys outdoor activities and relishes the opportunity to travel with her family. Appropriately enough, her favorite word is ‘wanderlust’. She is a children’s book author and in December 2019, self-published “Why Not Broccoli,” a true testament that coaching works. She has her second book in the works.
Rebecca’s north star is her “Why” statement: “To spark curiosity, so we are
inspired to become the best version of ourselves.”Her values are Adventure, Curiosity, Dependability, Excellence, and Kindness.
Deshauna Barber- Echols
Deshauna Barber is a dynamic international motivational speaker, Army veteran, former Miss USA and founder of the Women Veterans For Change.
Renowned for her impactful and inspiring approach. Leveraging her unique experiences as an Army officer, STEM graduate, and advocate, Deshauna exemplifies the power of perseverance and resilience. Her journey from a decorated military career to becoming a top- rated speaker, sought after by Fortune 500 companies, underscores her remarkable ability to inspire and motivate.
In 2019, Deshauna made history as the youngest President and CEO of the Service Women’s Action Network (SWAN), a leading nonprofit dedicated to advocating for servicewomen and female veterans. During her tenure, she championed women’s rights and resources on Capitol Hill, making significant strides in support of our nation’s service members.
Deshauna holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Virginia State University, a Master of Science in Computer Information Systems and Services from the University of Maryland University College, and a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion certification from Cornell University.
Crowned Miss USA in 2016, Deshauna became the first soldier to win the title. She used her platform to advocate for increased support for soldiers with Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). With over 11 years of military service, she continues to emphasize the importance of mental health for service members and veterans.
A survivor of childhood sexual abuse, Deshauna channels her experiences into empowering others, dedicating her life to inspiring and uplifting those around her. As a motivational speaker and advocate, her global mission is to encourage, inspire, and strengthen individuals, embodying her commitment to making a positive impact in the world.
Amy Druhot
Amy Druhot is an accomplished and dynamic leader with more than 20 years of experience in the new construction industry, currently serving as Vice President of Sales at Eastwood Homes. Throughout her career, she has earned a reputation for excellence and leadership, receiving prestigious accolades such as BizSense Power Woman RVA, HBAV Woman of the Year, and Sales Manager of the Year. These recognitions reflect her exceptional skills in sales, management, and fostering strong relationships within the construction community.
Passionate about advancing diversity and leadership, Amy is the founder of Professional Women in Building RVA, an organization dedicated to empowering women in the building industry. She is also an active member of the Women’s Leadership Circle and holds a certification as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coach from Cornell University. As a committed advocate for inclusion, Amy serves on the Executive Leadership Team of The House That She Built, an initiative focused on promoting women in the construction trades. Additionally, she contributes to her local Home Building Association as a board member, helping to shape the future of the industry.
As a sought-after keynote speaker, Amy inspires audiences with her expertise in leadership, empowerment, and overcoming personal and professional challenges. Her ability to motivate others to embrace bold, fearless action has made her a respected voice in both the construction and business communities. Amy is also the author of Just Brave It: A Some-Nonsense Guide for Women Who Want to Live a Brave and Fulfilling Life, a book that encourages women to step into their power and live with courage and confidence, no matter their circumstances or past experiences. In 2024, her book was honored as a winner of the International Impact Book Award, further validating its impact and relevance.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Amy is deeply committed to her family and community. She lives in Midlothian, Virginia with her husband and their seven children, balancing her high-profile career with the joys and challenges of family life. Whether in the boardroom or at home, Amy remains dedicated to empowering women both inside and outside the construction industry, advocating for their success and well-being at every opportunity.
Carylee Carrington
Carylee Carrington is an award-winning children’s author, literacy advocate, and founder of Read With Carylee, a platform dedicated to promoting diversity in children’s literature and creating community for independent authors. Carylee’s books—Everyone, Just Like Me, Pretty Hair, Maya Sings Country, and You Name It, Gram Made It—celebrate inclusivity, cultural representation, and the joy of storytelling.
Carylee is a two-time recipient of the Northern Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce Non-Profit of the Year Award and has partnered with notable organizations such as Commanders Read, the Washington Wizards, and the Kendra Scott Foundation. She is also a regular contributor on Good Morning Washington and Living Local DMV, where she shares her expertise on literacy and the power of representation in children’s books.
As an advocate for literacy, Carylee conducts author visits regionally and nationwide, speaking to future educators, schools, and organizations about the critical importance of diverse literature for children. Her impactful engagements inspire communities and future teachers to embrace books that reflect the world’s diversity.
A dedicated community leader, Carylee volunteers with Jack and Jill of America, Inc. and serves on the boards of the Prince William County Arts Council and Northern Virginia Reading is Fundamental. She combines her passion for storytelling with strategic initiatives like the Read With Carylee Road Trip, driving forward efforts to amplify independent authors and connect them with young readers.
Carylee’s mission is clear: to make diverse stories accessible, foster meaningful connections between authors and their audiences, and empower the next generation through the power of representation in literature.
Andrea H, Evans, Esq.
Andrea Hence Evans, Esq. is a dynamic attorney, author, and speaker with over two decades of experience specializing in intellectual property law. As the Founder and CEO of The Law Firm of Andrea Hence Evans, LLC, she has successfully guided innovators, entrepreneurs, and businesses in protecting their valuable intellectual property assets. Her firm is renowned for providing legal expertise in patents, trademarks, and copyrights, ensuring her clients’ ideas and brands are safeguarded in the competitive global marketplace.
Andrea’s commitment to excellence and innovation is reflected in her professional background. Prior to founding her firm, she served as a Patent Examiner at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and as a Trademark Examining Attorney at the USPTO. This unique combination of government experience allows her to offer unparalleled insight into the intellectual property process. She also serves as an expert witness in intellectual property matters.
In addition to her thriving legal career, Andrea is a passionate advocate for education, empowerment, and diversity in STEM and entrepreneurship and she is the founder of KidGINEER, LLC. She frequently speaks at national and international conferences on topics such as intellectual property protection, branding, and navigating legal challenges in emerging technologies like AI. Her work extends to mentoring the next generation of leaders, particularly women and underrepresented groups in law and STEM fields.
Andrea is also a celebrated and best selling author, leveraging her experiences to provide practical guidance to aspiring innovators and attorneys. Her expertise has been widely recognized, earning her numerous accolades, including being named the Nations Best Advocate 40 Under 40 by the National Bar Association and an award-winning advocate for small businesses.
When not advocating for her clients, Andrea actively participates in community service, including organizing educational workshops and contributing to leadership initiatives like the National Bar Association's Martin Luther King Jr. Oratorical Competition, which inspires young people to achieve their full potential.
Andrea is a proud graduate of Spelman College, Georgia Institute of Technology, and The George Washington University Law School with degrees in Math, Civil and Environmental Engineering and Juris Doctorate, respectively. Through her work, she continues to exemplify the power of passion, purpose, and perseverance in the legal profession and beyond. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and The Links. She is a proud wife and mother of two brilliant children. She can be found @evansiplaw on social media platforms.
Natalie Jobity
Natalie Jobity is a Leadership Elevation Strategist, Personal Brand Architect, Best- Selling Author, Women’s Power Shift Summit Host and Creator, and Keynote Speaker. As the “Brilliance Unveiler,” she integrates her 25 years of marketing, image consulting, entrepreneurship, personal growth, and coaching expertise with her strategic brilliance, creative ingenuity, and her innate ability to spot brilliance to help women elevate so they are leading from their zone of genius.
Natalie left her successful 15-year career as a market researcher, leaving as a Vice President of Research in the Financial Services sector to pivot, founding Elan Image Management, her image consulting firm. As a Black woman and immigrant, she single-handedly built a nationally recognized business and brand in just a few years, working individually with hundreds of women, helping them understand how to dress
intentionally and authentically using her “Presence with a Purpose” framework. She appeared on TV as an image expert, wrote articles and columns for dozens of respectable national and local publications, and led engaging and transformative seminars and workshops for universities, organizations, churches, and corporations.
Natalie is the author of Amazon best-selling Frumpy to Fabulous: Flaunting It, and her newly published leadership empowerment book, It’s Your Time to Shine, Girl: Own Your Brilliance, Step into Your Influence, and Lead Like a Trailblazer. She wrote the latter to inspire women to bring their brand of brilliance to the fore so they can lead like the trailblazer, game-changer, and changemaker they are meant to be and to give them the tips, tools, and techniques needed to succeed and thrive as women of influence.
Natalie has dedicated the past fifteen years of her life to empowering women to shape their outside shine so that it matches their inner, innate, unique brilliance. In her
leadership development company, The Unveiled Way, she helps visionary leaders and trailblazers on the cusp of greatness break through the barriers holding them back, so they can fully step into their power, embrace their full brilliance, and make their highest contribution in their arena, while experiencing the freedom, fulfillment, and fire to lead impactfully and transform the lives, organizations or communities they are destined to serve.
As a passionate speaker and storyteller, Natalie partners with companies, organizations, non-profits, and groups to provide workshops, webinars, and presentations on leadership development and personal growth topics. She also hosts regular “Women’s Catalyst Circle” events at the Maryland Innovation Center to help amplify the leadership of local entrepreneurs and executives. She creates authentic safe spaces for her audience to engage and resonate with her content. With her dynamic interactive style, her energy radiates and energizes, leaving her audiences inspired, and ignited to take actionable steps in their professional development.
Natalie is a certified coach with the International Coaching Federation (ICF) at the ACC level. She is also a Certified Professional Life Coach (CPLC) by the esteemed Professional Christian Coaching Institute and a certified Strengths Champion Coach (Gallup CliftonStrengths). She has also been certified as Dare to Lead trained by Brene Brown’s leadership program. Her formal education includes an MBA in Marketing from Baruch College, CUNY; a MPhil in Finance from Cambridge University; and a magna cum laude B.S. in Accounting & Economics from Rutgers University.
Kim B Miller
Kim B Miller is a dynamic award-winning spoken word poet, as well as a skilled haikuist. Her poetry has been published in prestigious outlets such as African Voices Magazine, Peeking Cat Poetry Magazine, and The Washington City Paper. Kim's work has also appeared in an international haiku anthology and Prince George’s Community College Literary & Arts Magazine. Kim performed at The National Black Theater in New York, The Atlas Performing Arts Center (DC), Ashford & Simpson’s Sugar Bar (NY), University of Pikeville (in Kentucky), La Peña Cultural Center in California, and many other venues.
Kim serves as a facilitator, leading engaging and interactive workshops. She has facilitated sessions at institutions such as the University of California, Berkeley, Shenandoah University, and Rochester Institute of Technology, and she has also conducted an online workshop for Google.
Kim is a committed parent advocate and an experienced facilitator of parenting classes. She works with both teens and parents in Prince William County, VA, to foster stronger family relationships and improve communication. Her work also includes helping families manage challenges such as anger, conflict resolution, and emotional regulation, empowering parents and teens with the tools they need to build healthier, more positive dynamics at home.
Kim is an engaging host known for her ability to connect with audiences and create an inviting atmosphere. With her warm personality and quick wit, she effortlessly guides events, from poetry readings and galas to community gatherings and virtual engagements. Whether in front of a live audience or leading a virtual conversation, Kim brings energy and authenticity to every hosting opportunity.
Kim is a bold speaker known for fostering growth and inspiration. She served as the keynote speaker for the 2024 Women Impact Virginia Summit. She was also the keynote at the 2023 Rappahannock Writer’s Conference at Germanna Community College. In 2023, she spoke at the Journal of Curriculum Theorizing Annual Conference in Dayton, Ohio, and at Huami Magazine’s Community Celebration Awards Gala in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Kim is powerful with words and has made a profound impact on the arts and local communities. She has earned numerous prestigious awards and recognitions. These accolades reflect her dedication to artistic expression and commitment to empowering others through the creative arts.
Lauren C. Nelson
A business school graduate of Charleston Southern University, Lauren launched her career in Washington, DC starting in the field of international development before landing in the consulting industry, spending over a decade specializing in performance management and partnering with global governments, foundations, and nonprofits. In 2019, she transitioned from corporate to independent consulting and contracting, working with organizations like CoachDiversity Institute, Oatly, Annie E. Casey Foundation, and many more.
Despite her success, Lauren felt a growing desire to take her career to the next level by expanding her business, but she had a problem: her crippling fear of visibility and not wanting to be the face of her brand. Although she had the degrees, credentials, and experience to qualify her, self-promotion and marketing were foreign, uncomfortable concepts to her. After working with a spiritual coach, Lauren reluctantly built her personal brand and put herself out there on social media. Within a few months, she was featured in major publications and platforms. Messages poured in from other professional women who could relate to her story and resonated with her raw and authentic yet polished and professional way of showing up online. Soon, demand began to swell for her help with personal branding.
In 2022, Lauren created and launched her flagship personal branding and visibility program, The Powerhouse Era, which has since transformed the lives of hundreds of individuals, equipping them with the tools to stop hiding and minimizing themselves, articulate their value, establish their thought leadership, and elevate their careers and businesses.
Lauren’s expertise and results have garnered widespread recognition, including features in LA Weekly, The New York Times Magazine, and a spotlight on the iconic NASDAQ billboard in Times Square. She is also a recipient of the prestigious Top Corporate Consultant and Empowered Woman of the Year awards, celebrating her excellence in coaching and contributions to her field.
Her impact extends beyond individual professionals, as Lauren has partnered with organizations like the Multifamily Movement and the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). With the NWSL, she has been instrumental in mentoring athletes on building personal brands that extend their influence and opportunities beyond the field. Through workshops, speaking engagements, and one-on-one coaching, Lauren equips her clients with actionable strategies to gain visibility, build authority, and achieve their goals with confidence. Her upcoming book, The Fear of Being Seen, delves into the challenges professionals face in embracing authenticity and stepping into the spotlight, offering a roadmap for overcoming self-doubt and maximizing impact.
Today, Lauren stands as a visionary leader in the personal branding space, inspiring professionals worldwide to own their expertise and lead with authenticity. Whether through her transformative programs, high-energy workshops, or insightful keynotes, Lauren’s mission remains clear: to empower others to shine brightly, break barriers, and leave a lasting legacy.
Mariam Nusrat
A Forbes Next 1k Entrepreneur, Clinton Global Honoree, TEDx speaker, and winner of the Entrepreneur Elevator Pitch Show, Mariam Nusrat is a US-based Pakistani entrepreneur, with 11 years in the purposeful video games sector and 15 years of experience in the Edtech space, working at the World Bank across 22 different countries.
Mariam is the Founder of GRID, a gaming studio that creates low-cost mobile games for positive behavior change among the bottom billion. The team has created games for a wide range of development projects focusing on education, reproductive health, climate action and social cohesion.
She also built Breshna.io, a tech platform that empowers users to create, share, and monetize their own purposeful video games with no code and at lightning speed, think Canva for games! The platform has 180k registered game makers, 160k+ games published, and 2m+ game clicks. Mariam has raised $2.7m in seed funding from investors including Paris Hilton and Randi Zuckerberg.
Mariam is on a mission to empower the next 100m people to tell their stories through video games.
Michelle Valorae
Michelle Valorae is a TV contributor throughout the DMV speaking on topics such as domestic violence, sexual abuse, healing and empowerment. She is a media personality and radio host for DMV’s radio station WLIT106. Michelle is a women’s empowerment speaker serving on the P.A.V.E Speakers Bureau, one of the leading speaker bureaus educating the nation on sexual violence and prevention. Her full job time is a Community Educator in Baltimore, Maryland for a non-profit. She is the author of Girl Thriving: A Guide to Helping You Rise Above Your Past and Thrive In Your Future. Her most important role is being called “mom” by her beautiful daughter named Destiny.
Michelle Valorae is a recipient of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for her volunteer and advocacy work. Michelle served on the Human Trafficking Task Force for United Way as well as served with Traffick 911 identifying victims of human trafficking in prisons and detention centers: connecting them to resources and support. She has her own mentorship program called “Crowned with Destiny” where she helps survivors of trauma start their healing process and walk into their purpose.
Michelle Valorae has dedicated the last decade to advocating for survivors and educating others about the effects and aftermath that comes with experiencing sexual abuse, domestic violence and other traumas. Michelle is a survivor of both. She knows firsthand how hard it is to continue life after abuse. At one point in her life, she didn’t think she would see light at the end of the tunnel. Michelle Valorae is an advocate for mental health awareness on struggles such as depression and PTSD. Through intentional healing and re-rooting herself and her dreams, she learned how to take her power back.
“What happened to you was out of your control, but how you react to life moving forward is in your control. You decide how it affects the direction of your life.” – Girl Thriving
That statement was pivotal in Michelle Valorae’s healing journey in realizing she doesn’t have to remain a victim to her pain.
Sometimes what we had planned for ourselves doesn’t go as planned, but if you open yourself up to intentional healing, adaptability, and embracing a new path, then you can live a thriving life.
Michelle Valorae’s mission is to empower survivors to take their power back by choosing healing. She hopes to open her nonprofit “House of Destiny Restoration Home” to be a safe home for survivors throughout the DMV to heal, restore and go back out into the world thriving. You don't have to merely survive. Thriving is possible.
She hopes to continue to use her own story of surviving to thriving to help empower survivors to turn their pain into purpose.
Stacy Wood
Founder of Through the Woods Consulting, author of “Own Your Journey: Daily Lessons in Self Leadership”, host of the “Chick Chat with Stacy” Podcast, creator of the “Equine Factor”, and executive coach to top leaders, Stacy is an innovative visionary devoted to advancing the concept of Self-Leadership, with the goal of cultivating a more holistic and integrated approach to business.
Drawing on a lifetime of experience working with, caring for, and studying horses, Stacy utilizes these skills to help others find the path to enhanced leadership through guided interactions with horses in her proprietary ‘Equine Factor’ program.
She can be found speaking on a variety of stages to effectively engage an audience, on the farm facilitating immersive executive leadership retreats, or in the conference room developing the next generation of leaders.
After graduating from Virginia Tech with a degree in Animal Sciences, Stacy won numerous awards in her first career as a Medical Sales Consultant; during this phase of life, she also worked as a Learning and Development Manager for a Novartis Pharmaceuticals. As she transitioned from corporate employee to entrepreneur, she spent time as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Richmond while becoming certified as an Executive Coach through LCIA, earning her accreditation as an ACC from the ICF.
Through the Woods Consulting is a boutique consultancy offering bespoke coaching programs empowering professional women to navigate challenges and changes with sustainable leadership strategies. Stacy manages a robust book of clients which spans internationally, offering private coaching in addition to facilitation for group coaching under the framework of her leadership development programs. She has worked with clients such as West Virginia University School of Medicine, Veterinary Surgical Centers of NOVA, CHIEF, Markel, Women in Medicine Summit, Sheehy Auto, Becton Dickinson, KPMG, and many others. Stacy delights in delivering Keynotes to inspire and encourage audiences into action.
Beyond her professional persona, Stacy is fueled by her roles as mother, wife, volunteer, equestrian, and nature enthusiast. She loves walking outdoors, dark chocolate, chardonnay, and boots of all shapes/sizes.