2:00 pm - 2:05 pm CT
Conference Open
2:05 pm - 2:35 pm CT
Be Bold, Be Bright, Be You
Pamela Stewart
Pamela Stewart
Be Bold, Be Bright, Be You
See Agenda2:05 pm - 2:35 pm
2:35 pm - 3:15 pm CT
Bold Women Breaking Boundaries
Jessica Fan
Jessica Fan
Jessica Fan’s love for media and entertainment was sparked while investing in the field for Goldman Sachs. By 2017, she pivoted to a career at Amazon Studios and later built Prime Video’s first original young adult program in 2019. Now, Jessica runs the Original film program at Freevee, overlooking original content like EXmas starring Leighton Meester, Puppy Love starring Lucy Hale, and Post Malone’s documentary. She also leads film licensing for the business, and led the company to secure a multi-million dollar, seven year deal for Amazon and NBCU.
Bold Women Breaking Boundaries
See Agenda2:35 pm - 3:15 pm
Carrie Sander
Carrie Sander
Kellanova Chief Customer Officer
Carrie Sander a Kellogg and now Kellanova veteran of over 20 years serves as Kellanova’ s Chief Customer Officer (CCO). As CCO she is responsible for all Kellanova customer and commercial operations in the US retail market.
Most recently, Carrie has served as General Manager of the Portable Wholesome Snacks (PWS) business, where she led the strategic direction, growth plans, and operations of some of Kellanova’s most iconic brands, such as Pop-Tarts, Rice Krispies Treats, Nutri-Grain, and RXBAR.
Carrie has held many senior commercial roles, including sales leadership and planning roles covering various routes to market and business units. She has led regional account teams, national customer teams, and served as Vice President of National Account sales from 2019 to 2021.
Throughout her career, she has led strategic business planning partnerships resulting in successful joint share gains, efficiencies, sales and profit growth across the portfolio. Her passion is developing and leading powerhouse teams.
Carrie serves as a member of the Kellanova Fund Board of Directors. The Kellanova Fund serves as a charitable arm of the company, making grants around the world in support of their Better Days Promise. She is the Executive Sponsor for Kellanova’s BERG Gen K, empowering all generations to take control of their careers and revolutionize Kellanova. Carrie also recently joined the FMI Board of Directors.
Carrie is a regular guest lecturer at Miami University Farmer School of Business as well as this year’s Keynote speaker at Cornell University’s Omnichannel Leadership Program. Carrie was awarded the distinction of being named one of Progressive Grocers Top Executive Women in recognition of her influence.
Carrie is a mother of three, she and her husband reside in Mason, OH. She earned her degree in Marketing, Management and Economics from Indiana University.
Bold Women Breaking Boundaries
See Agenda2:35 pm - 3:15 pm
Erin Frankcombe
Erin Frankcombe
Erin Frankcombe leads the Amex Offers program at American Express, the company’s digital advertising platform that matches targeted merchant offers with its millions of high-spending Amex Card Members, harnessing the power of its direct relationships — with both customers and merchants — since the platform launched in 2012. Erin has held various merchant-focused roles since she joined American Express in 2011, working across the APAC region before relocating to New York, as VP & GM for the Global Client Group, through which she led relationships and incremental growth of American Express’ largest global travel merchants. In her current role leading Amex Offers, Erin leads a team of 60+, who continue to evolve and leverage the platform to curate and serve thousands of offers and savings for American Express customers, while attracting and growing merchants’ businesses every year. Erin and her husband Tim have one child – Hamish, and live in Manhattan.
Bold Women Breaking Boundaries
See Agenda2:35 pm - 3:15 pm
Ena Williams
Ena Williams
Ena is the Chief Operating Officer for Casey’s (NASDAQ: CASY), a 2700 convenience retail chain operating in 17 states, where she leads the store operations, store support, real estate, fuel operations, supply chain and procurement teams. Most recently Ena served as Chief Executive Officer of National HME, a provider of technology-enabled medical equipment. Prior to NHME, Ena spent 10 years at 7-Eleven as Senior Vice President and Head of International where she directed global functions, including merchandising, marketing, logistics, human resources and financial analysis in addition to global operations, licensing and expansion. Before 7-Eleven, she spent 17 years at ExxonMobil and Mobil Oil Corporation in operations management, merchandising, corporate treasurers, transportation and supply, and leading the company’s West and Midwest divisions. Ena holds an MBA from the Wharton School and a BA from the University of Virginia. Ena currently serves on the board of directors for Vestis, Corp. (NYSE: VSTS), a provider of uniforms and workplace supplies in North America, as well as the board of Children International and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s Dallas Leadership Committee. She is a Founding Member of the Village Giving Circle, a startup charity focused on advancing people of color in North Texas. Ena is also on the board of advisors for the Robert B. Rowling Center for Business Law & Leadership, SMU Dedman School of Law.
Bold Women Breaking Boundaries
See Agenda2:35 pm - 3:15 pm
3:15 pm - 3:45 pm CT
Break
3:45 pm - 4:05 pm CT
Fem Power! It’s Everyone’s Business
Hesham Tohamy Abd El Hak
Hesham Tohamy Abd El Hak
Hesham Tohamy Abd El Hak is president of P&G’s Feminine Care business, serving consumers in nearly 120 countries. He is responsible for a multibillion-dollar portfolio of leading brands across menstrual care and adult incontinence including Always, Always Discreet, Tampax, Naturella and Whisper.
Hesham has had an international career that spans across 4 business units (Fabric & Home Care, Beauty, Baby and Feminine Care) with leadership positions in 5 regions: Europe, Middle East, Asia Pacific, China and North America. Recognized as a transformational leader, strategic visionary and game-changing brand builder, Hesham is passionate about winning and transforming businesses and organizations financially, strategically, operationally and culturally to deliver record results and sustained value creation.
Previously, Hesham led the North America Feminine Care business and was the global brand franchise leader for period care brands across 5 regions. He oversaw global value creation strategy, equity, innovation and global social citizenship programs such as Always’ #endperiodpoverty and #likeagirl and the Tampax #timetotampax education campaign. Under his leadership, P&G Feminine Care accelerated growth, expanded market share and disproportionately led category growth across every brand in the portfolio while acquiring and successfully expanding This is L and establishing leadership in the Naturals segment.
Hesham is an advocate for equality and inclusion. He is a driving force and champion externally and internally in pushing for bolder progress and intentional and structural interventions. Outside of work, he pursues his passions, including animal rescue, visual arts and industrial design.
Fem Power! It’s Everyone’s Business
See Agenda3:45 pm - 4:05 pm
4:05 pm - 4:45 pm CT
Rocket Fuel
Sophie Morgan
Sophie Morgan
Sophie Morgan is a broadcaster, author and disability advocate. Sophie was paralysed in a car crash when she was 18 and today is one of the only presenters in the world with a physical disability. She fronts shows including Loose Women1 Living Wild (Channel 4) Crufts and the Paralympics and has been voted as one of the Top 10 most influential people with a disability in the UK. In addition to her broadcast and commercial work she also has a brilliant travel column with Conde Nast Traveller ‘Breaking Barriers’ which showcases the latest developments in accessible travel around the world. As part of this she has been lucky enough to travel to some incredible places including an accessible safari in South Africa recently to the White House to campaign for change1 Scuba Diving in the Maldives and on many more amazing adventures. She is also a disability campaigner recently launching her #RightsOnFlights campaign1 calling for the Government to grant the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) the powers to fine airlines if they fail to look after disabled passengers and make travel accessible for all. The campaign has already made big changes in the right direction.
Rocket Fuel
See Agenda4:05 pm - 4:45 pm
Karen Jones
Karen Jones
Karen leads the Learning, Development, and Equity work at NextUp. Her team manages the design and delivery of the leadership development programs and assessment processes for Partner organizations. Karen has worked within the Organization and Leadership Development disciplines for more than 20 years. She has led at the executive level within the corporate sector for Fortune 50 companies. Her experience provides a keen ability to design and deliver optimal solutions for Members and Corporate Partners alike. Karen has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Grambling State University and a Master of Arts in Organization Leadership from Gonzaga University.
Mastermind #6: How to Navigate Conflict & Polarizing Conversations – CLOSED
See Agenda-
Rocket Fuel
See Agenda4:05 pm - 4:45 pm
4:45 pm - 5:05 pm CT
NextUp Awards
5:05 pm - 5:15 pm CT
Closing Remarks
5:15 pm - 6:30 pm CT
Welcome Reception
7:45 am - 8:45 am CT
Affinity Breakfast
9:00 am - 9:10 am CT
Opening Performance
9:10 am - 9:40 am CT
Build a Stronger Democracy
Erin Loos Cutraro
Erin Loos Cutraro
Erin Loos Cutraro is the founder and CEO of She Should Run, the trailblazing nonpartisan nonprofit on a mission to revolutionize the landscape of women in American political leadership by shattering barriers and redefining possibilities for women in elected office. Since its inception, She Should Run has become a beacon of empowerment, offering powerful first steps in civic engagement to hundreds of thousands of women from all walks of life whose formidable leadership potential would go otherwise untapped in conventional political recruitment.
Before joining She Should Run, Erin designed and implemented strategic programs for companies, campaigns, and organizations that traverse the public policy, nonprofit, and financial business arenas. As the political director of the Women’s Campaign Fund, Erin advised female candidates at the national, state, and local levels. Before that, she served at an educational nonprofit and in state government in the Office of Missouri’s Secretary of State Robin Carnahan, whom she helped elect statewide as part of Carnahan’s campaign team in 2004.
Erin began her career as a public school teacher and has a life-long dedication to improving the lives of others through learning. She earned an M.A. in Communication from St. Louis University and B.A. in Education from the University of Missouri.
Erin’s two daughters motivate her to champion the systematic and cultural change needed to see gender equality for women and girls in our lifetime.
Build a Stronger Democracy
See Agenda9:10 am - 9:40 am
Kris Torres
Kris Torres
Build a Stronger Democracy
See Agenda9:10 am - 9:40 am
9:40 am - 10:20 am CT
Unpacking Leadership Presence
Adrienne Costanzo
Adrienne Costanzo
Adrienne is the Senior Vice President of Store Operations for the Target Corporation. Adrienne and her team operationalize the enterprise’s vision and strategy, bringing it to life for more than 350,000 team members across the company’s nearly 2,000 stores.
Adrienne joined Target in 2004 and has held numerous leadership positions within the Stores organization, from an entry-level manager in a store to leadership roles in Human Resources to leading a Regional Group as a Group Vice President. Using her deep experience in stores, operations and enterprise strategy in her 20+ years, Adrienne was promoted to Vice President of Merchandising and Store Operations, and in 2023, she was named the Senior Vice President of Store Operations.
Adrienne holds a bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design from Columbia College in Illinois. She resides in Chicago, IL with her husband Jeff, stepson Kai, and their three dogs: Clyde, Dunkin and Kody.
Unpacking Leadership Presence
See Agenda9:40 am - 10:20 am
Cherice Williams
Cherice Williams
Unpacking Leadership Presence
See Agenda9:40 am - 10:20 am
Brenda Armstead
Brenda Armstead
Brenda is Vice President of Consumer Insights & Analytics (CI&A) at Keurig Dr. Pepper (KDP), responsible for setting the consumer agenda across the entire portfolio of beverages and appliances including iconic brands such as Dr Pepper, Keurig, Canada Dry, Snapple, Mott’s, Core Hydration, The Original Donut Shop, and Green Mountain Coffee Roasters. Her team works across the entire innovation funnel and communications development process. Brenda has elevated the impact of the CI&A capability by establishing a new vision, mission, strategy, and operating model to ensure that the CI&A team is in lock step with KDP’s strategic imperatives and growth agenda. Previously, Brenda was the Vice President of Brand Marketing for the Coffee category at KDP. Prior to joining KDP in February 2016, Brenda was Global Vice President, Global Strategic Insights (GSI) at Johnson & Johnson. She was responsible for leading the GSI function for the Consumer Group on a worldwide basis, with the goal of discovering deep human and health insights that drove world-class brand equities, transformative innovation platforms and compelling integrated marketing across the portfolio inclusive of Johnson’s Baby, Neutrogena, Tylenol, Band-Aid, and Listerine, to name a few. She was instrumental in developing a new Macro Trends/Foresight framework, building a new innovation process, shaping a global competencies model for the function, and establishing a portfolio approach leading to greater influence of her GSI team on strategic plans. Brenda joined J&J Consumer in 2010, after 16 years at The Gillette Company and Procter & Gamble in roles of increasing responsibility. Over her career, Brenda has won a series of awards for Organization building, Insights-driven front-end innovation, Brand building, and Global excellence in marketing. She is a TWIN honoree celebrating women in executive roles who have made significant contributions to their fields, businesses, and communities within the state of New Jersey. Brenda earned her BA in Psychology and Social Relations from Harvard University and Radcliffe College and her MBA specializing in Healthcare Management from Boston University. Brenda and her husband Reginald reside in MA and have two daughters, Lauren (a junior at Caltech) and Alexa (a freshman at Northwestern University).
Unpacking Leadership Presence
See Agenda9:40 am - 10:20 am
Kristi Allen
Kristi Allen
As Vice President of Finance and Administration, Kristi Allen is responsible for the organization’s financial functions, including accounting, regulatory compliance, budgeting and forecasting, and investments. She also oversees all human resource activities. Her career spans more than 25 years of varied experience in financial accounting and management, team building, and professional development activities.
Prior to NextUp, Kristi was a Senior Finance Manager at Microsoft on the mergers and acquisitions team within corporate accounting located in Redmond, WA. She served as deal lead and legal entity controller of various domestic and international acquisitions and supported the integration activities of LinkedIn, GitHub, and Minecraft. Kristi had the opportunity to travel and support acquisitions located in the San Francisco Bay Area as well as Oxford and London, England. Prior to Microsoft, from 2012 to 2017, she served as Senior Accounting Manager of McKesson Corporation in their shared services accounting department, building, and leading a large domestic and international team which supported over thirty pharmaceutical business units. Kristi has also held senior accounting positions in the technology, healthcare, and real estate industries.
Early in her career, Kristi had the opportunity to work as the Controller of an education- based nonprofit organization founded by 7-11. Supporting non-profit organizations has always been a passion and she continues to volunteer for various non-profit organizations. As an advocate and supporter of equitable work environments, Kristi is excited about NextUp and supporting the mission of advancing all women in the workplace.
Kristi holds a Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Professional Accountancy degree both from Texas A&M University-Commerce. She is also licensed Certified Public Accountant in Texas, and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Kristi is also a graduate of the Executive Leadership Council (ELC) Bright Futures Fellows Program, cohort of 2015, and an avid supporter and member of the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) for over 25 years.
Unpacking Leadership Presence
See Agenda9:40 am - 10:20 am
10:20 am - 10:40 am CT
NextUp Awards
10:40 am - 11:10 am CT
The Power of Possibility
Diana Marshall
Diana Marshall
Diana Marshall serves as executive vice president and chief growth officer at Sam’s Club. In this role, she aims to keep Sam’s Club ahead of the curve through member obsessed and data driven strategies. She and her team are focused on identifying, developing and growing revenue streams such as membership income, eCommerce, MAP (retail ads business) and financial services, while doubling-down on convenience as the differentiator for members.
Before joining Sam’s Club, Diana began her career at Walmart 19 years ago as a replenishment trainee in consumables. During her time in replenishment, she partnered with supply chain closely to create new inventory flow methods. She has also led various merchandising teams, which enabled her to develop a deep understanding of omni merchandising and product development across multiple areas in general merchandise and consumables.
Most recently, Diana served as the executive vice president of the Southwest Business Unit for Walmart U.S. operations. There, she oversaw five regions across 12 states, including some 750 Supercenters and 225,000 associates. In addition, she had responsibility for the Walmart+ store experience and operations oversight for the Dallas Innovation Hub for end-to-end transformation.
Diana has an extensive background in business and supply chain management, earning her bachelor’s in business administration from Oklahoma State University and her master’s in operations management from the University of Arkansas.
Diana currently sits on the national board of directors for NextUp, a nonprofit working to advance all women in business, and is an executive advisor to the NextUp Northwest Arkansas region, where she is an active member of the community. She also is a member of the Walton Arts Center board with a passion for the arts and theatre industry. Additionally, she is a current NACD member and holds a NACD Directorship Certification (premier director designation in the U.S.) since 2022.
The Power of Possibility
See Agenda10:40 am - 11:10 am
Lisa Baird
Lisa Baird
Lisa Baird is a proven leader across private and non-profit sectors where she has been instrumental in building some of the world’s most iconic brands and sports properties. Her diverse marketing, communications and sales expertise spans sports, media, technology, healthcare, consumer and automotive. She has a demonstrated track record of revenue and profit growth. Lisa currently serves on the board of Cantaloupe (NASDAQ: CTLP), a leading provider of technology for self-serve commerce. Her previous board service includes Fox Racing (acquired by Vista Outdoor), GK Elite, the International Hall of Fame of Tennis, and the Women’s Sports Foundation.
Most recently, Lisa was the Commissioner of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), the world’s leading professional women’s soccer league. During her tenure, she signed groundbreaking media and corporate sponsorships, led the industry as the first pro sports league to return to play in North America in 2020 and expanded the league into three new markets. Prior to joining the NWSL, she was the Chief Marketing Officer at New York Public Radio and served in the same capacity for the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee for over a decade. Lisa created and launched the Team USA brand, widely recognized as one of the most valuable brands in sports. Until 2008, she was SVP of marketing and consumer products for the National Football League (NFL). Prior to joining the NFL, Baird gained over twenty years of marketing experience in global organizations managing the world’s most well-known brands. She was the SVP of Worldwide Marketing Communications at IBM. She spent five years at General Motors and six years in the health care industry in positions of increasing responsibility at Johnson & Johnson, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Warner Lambert. She began her career at Procter & Gamble where she spent six years in brand management. In 2021, she was awarded the McElroy Award from the P&G Alumni Association for her achievements in consumer marketing.
Lisa is a graduate of Schreyer Honors College at Pennsylvania State University, holds an MBA from the Smeal Business School and is a recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award.
The Power of Possibility
See Agenda10:40 am - 11:10 am
11:10 am - 11:35 am CT
Transition Time
11:35 am - 12:45 pm CT
Lunch – Group A
Sponsored by
Take a Stand. Unleash Your Power. – Group B
Yasmin Elhady
Yasmin Elhady
Yasmin Elhady is an attorney, comedian, and matchmaker. She’s performed at The Kennedy Center and was featured on NBC’s True Story with Ed Helms and Randall Park. She’s also appeared on NPR, Netflix is a Joke Radio on SiriusXM, The Washington Post, WUSA9 with Reese Waters, and in Vice Media’s book “Little America: Incredible True Stories of Immigrants in America,” which was later turned into an Apple TV+ series by Kumail Nanjiani. She was named a 2022 “Yes, And…Laughter Lab” finalist for comedy and social justice. She’s set to appear in a new reality show slated for this fall on Hulu and Disney+. As an attorney, her career has been in the public sector as an Attorney Advisor, Team Leader, Chief of Staff, and most recently a Senior Legal Advisor. Yasmin was a U.S. Attorney General’s Honors Program fellow upon graduating from UCLA school of law. She also received her Masters in Public Policy from Princeton University.
Take a Stand. Unleash Your Power. – Group B
See Agenda-
Take a Stand. Unleash Your Power. – Group A
See Agenda-
12:45 pm - 1:00 pm CT
Transition Time
1:00 pm - 2:15 pm CT
Lunch – Group B
Sponsored by
Take a Stand. Unleash Your Power. – Group A
Yasmin Elhady
Yasmin Elhady
Yasmin Elhady is an attorney, comedian, and matchmaker. She’s performed at The Kennedy Center and was featured on NBC’s True Story with Ed Helms and Randall Park. She’s also appeared on NPR, Netflix is a Joke Radio on SiriusXM, The Washington Post, WUSA9 with Reese Waters, and in Vice Media’s book “Little America: Incredible True Stories of Immigrants in America,” which was later turned into an Apple TV+ series by Kumail Nanjiani. She was named a 2022 “Yes, And…Laughter Lab” finalist for comedy and social justice. She’s set to appear in a new reality show slated for this fall on Hulu and Disney+. As an attorney, her career has been in the public sector as an Attorney Advisor, Team Leader, Chief of Staff, and most recently a Senior Legal Advisor. Yasmin was a U.S. Attorney General’s Honors Program fellow upon graduating from UCLA school of law. She also received her Masters in Public Policy from Princeton University.
Take a Stand. Unleash Your Power. – Group B
See Agenda-
Take a Stand. Unleash Your Power. – Group A
See Agenda-
2:15 pm - 2:45 pm CT
Break
2:45 pm - 4:00 pm CT
Breakouts
Mastermind #1: AI for Everyone – CLOSED
Kunle Abidoye
Kunle Abidoye
Mastermind #1: AI for Everyone – CLOSED
See Agenda-
Alisa Miller
Alisa Miller
Alisa leads at the forefront of tech innovation including AI and serves as groundbreaking C-level executive and board member with experience on a global stage. As Chief AI Officer and board member of Aletheia Marketing & Media, she’s inventing the future of values-driven and Responsible AI. Formerly, she was CEO & co-founder of Pluralytics, where she led its growth and secured a patent for its groundbreaking combination of AI, behavioral and data science, and language generation. Pluralytics was acquired by Aletheia in July. Pluralytics is the leading AI values-based precision content intelligence and peformance platform. She is also currently Chair of the Lumina Foundation board, a leading foundation focused on post high school attainment and opportunity for all Americans.
Previously, as CEO and Executive Chairman of PRI – Public Radio International, she was the first woman to head a national public radio network and led PRI’s 2018 merger with PRX creating a substantial audio network and podcasting powerhouse with over 100M downloads monthly.
She is a Council on Foreign Relations lifetime member and a recipient of the University of Chicago Booth School of Business 2015 Distinguished Alumni Award. Her TEDTalks on the power of media to shape perception have been viewed 2.3MM+ times and translated into 51 languages.
She loves watching her kids play sports and sing and she’s not afraid to say she makes a mean avocado toast.
Mastermind #1: AI for Everyone – CLOSED
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Katherine Mollman
Katherine Mollman
Katherine (Kate) Mollman is an accomplished professional with a strong educational background and extensive experience in the field of Learning & Development. She holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Wyoming, which she obtained in 2013. Building upon her foundation, she recently completed an M.B.A. in Leadership and Managing Organizational Change from Pepperdine University in 2021.
With a passion for empowering individuals and organizations to thrive in the digital age, Kate currently serves as an Associate Manager in Learning & Development, specializing in digital and technological skillsets within Enterprise Learning & Development at Altria. She has a proven track record of success, having held various roles within Altria, starting as a Sales Manager in 2013 and progressing to become a Senior Specialist in Learning & Development before assuming her current position.
In her current role, Kate plays a pivotal role in equipping the workforce with the necessary skills to navigate the ever-evolving technological landscape. She has been at the forefront of integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the organization, spearheading initiatives such as Altria’s first-ever Ideathon and Hackathon in 2023. This event brought together employees from different areas of the company to generate innovative ideas on how to incorporate AI technology into their daily work.
Recognizing the importance of education and training, Kate developed a comprehensive AI learning & development course that covers the fundamentals of AI, including prompting, compliance, and guidance on how and when to use AI. This course was launched prior to the implementation of Altria’s internal Large-Language Model (LLM) platform, providing employees with the necessary knowledge and skills to interact effectively with AI.
In her commitment to continuous improvement, Kate recently collaborated with industry leader IBM to develop role-based AI curriculums. These curriculums enhance Altria employees’ capabilities and knowledge, enabling them to effectively apply their skills to any AI models they encounter. With comprehensive training, practical experience, and a focus on hands-on exercises, real-world examples, and theoretical concepts, employees gain a deep understanding of AI principles and techniques. This equips them to adapt and apply their knowledge to different AI models and scenarios.
Mastermind #1: AI for Everyone – CLOSED
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Cathy Leous
Cathy Leous
Cathy is responsible for leading the US Retail and Consumer Goods Azure solutions organization. She works with Enterprises to accelerate their digital transformation journey with cloud and AI services that enable them to: empower their people, engage customers, optimize business operations, and transform their products.
Prior to her current role, Cathy led high performing Cloud, Partner and Developer teams at Microsoft. She has also held individual contributor roles of Account Executive, Developer and Azure Specialist in her 26 year career at Microsoft.
Cathy holds Bachelor of Science in Accounting from State University of New York at Geneseo and currently resides in Buffalo NY.
Mastermind #1: AI for Everyone – CLOSED
See Agenda-
Lynne Sterrett
Lynne Sterrett
Mastermind #1: AI for Everyone – CLOSED
See Agenda-
Mastermind #2: Own The Room You’re In – CLOSED
Elaine Lou Cartas
Elaine Lou Cartas
Mastermind #2: Own The Room You’re In – CLOSED
See Agenda-
Mastermind #3: Real Talk on Cultivating Resilience in Turbulent Times
Newton Cheng
Newton Cheng
Newton Cheng is a husband and father, competitive powerlifter, and is Director of Health + Performance at Google. His goal is to offer a different model of vulnerable leadership that inspires culture change in the workplace so that we can take better care of ourselves and each other.
Drawing on his unique background at Google as well as his journey to becoming a world champion powerlifter, he has unique expert in the intersections of health & wellbeing, and performance of individuals and teams. Despite still working as an executive at Google, Newton has openly shared about his struggles with mental health and burnout in
order to model what it looks like to pierce the stigma around mental health.
He’s spent his 14-year career at Google developing, launching and scaling global programs aimed at helping Googlers to thrive. Today he oversees a global portfolio of Google’s physical and digital health & wellbeing amenities. He spends much of his time exploring how Google can leverage spaces and services, community, culture and technology to support the physical, mental, social, and spiritual health of Googlers, their families, and our neighbors.
As a powerlifter, he has set multiple world, US, and California state records, and is a world and four time US national champion.
Newton earned a BS in Electrical Engineering from University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and an MBA from University of California, Berkeley.
Mastermind #3: Real Talk on Cultivating Resilience in Turbulent Times
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Mastermind #4: Sustainable Leadership
Antoinetta Mosley
Antoinetta Mosley
Antoinetta Mosley is a courage curator, keynote speaker, and author on a mission to help individuals and organizations consistently cultivate courage to reach their highest potential. She is a culture strategist at I Follow the Leader, a strategic consulting firm she founded in 2016 that specializes in culture-building strategy, initiatives, and education. She also serves as the Chief Encouragement Officer at Courage Candy Co., a sweet new venture helping to develop more courageous change agents.
Antoinetta has collaborated on projects with organizations of all sizes, from small to global nonprofits to Fortune 500 companies. She loves speaking about cultivating courage, celebrating culture, and courage-fueled conversations. Her commitment to her field has earned her recognition as one of the Top 100 HR Influencers by Engagedly.
Antoinetta is the author of 6 Months of Courage Candy: Consistently Cultivate Courage to Reach Your Highest Potential, a book filled with daily inspirational messages designed to help readers increase their courage consciousness over six months.
Mastermind #4: Sustainable Leadership
See Agenda-
Mastermind #5: Embrace Visibility. Break Barriers.
Francesca Hahn
Francesca Hahn
Mastermind #5: Embrace Visibility. Break Barriers.
See Agenda-
Carolyn Altomare
Carolyn Altomare
Mastermind #5: Embrace Visibility. Break Barriers.
See Agenda-
Anthony Kyles
Anthony Kyles
Anthony Kyles joined the company in 2024 as Chief Customer Officer for the Meals & Beverages division.
Anthony leads U.S. retail sales for the company’s soups, sauces, and beverages business, driving growth across brands including Campbell’s, Chunky, Pacific Foods, V8, Prego, Pace, Swanson, and SpaghettiOs. He reports to the President of the Meals & Beverages division.
Previously, Anthony spent more than 16 years with PepsiCo. Most recently, as Vice President-National Accounts, Frito-Lay, he led a team responsible for warehouse sales and the convenience and gas, dollar, drug, military, and hard discounter channels. Before that, he served as Vice President-Sales Strategy and Execution of Quaker. These experiences enabled him to build cross-functional and divisional experiences in operations, marketing, sales, shopper insights and manufacturing.
Earlier in his career, Anthony worked with IBM/Lexmark International for 12 years in roles including Division Sales Director and General Manager.
Anthony earned his Bachelor of Arts in industrial marketing and finance from Western Michigan University. He is a board member of Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Collin County Business Alliance and the Future Leaders Foundation.
Mastermind #5: Embrace Visibility. Break Barriers.
See Agenda-
Mastermind #6: How to Navigate Conflict & Polarizing Conversations – CLOSED
Karen Jones
Karen Jones
Karen leads the Learning, Development, and Equity work at NextUp. Her team manages the design and delivery of the leadership development programs and assessment processes for Partner organizations. Karen has worked within the Organization and Leadership Development disciplines for more than 20 years. She has led at the executive level within the corporate sector for Fortune 50 companies. Her experience provides a keen ability to design and deliver optimal solutions for Members and Corporate Partners alike. Karen has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Grambling State University and a Master of Arts in Organization Leadership from Gonzaga University.
Mastermind #6: How to Navigate Conflict & Polarizing Conversations – CLOSED
See Agenda-
Rocket Fuel
See Agenda4:05 pm - 4:45 pm
Mastermind #7: Leadership for a New World
Kent Montgomery
Kent Montgomery
Kent Montgomery is currently Senior Vice President, Industry Relations & Multicultural Development in North America.
Kent leads a cross-functional team in the development and execution of PepsiCo’s strategic roadmap for industry relations inclusive of association and community partnerships across retail and foodservice sectors. Kent and his team partner closely with PepsiCo’s largest business units, including PepsiCo Beverages North America (PBNA), Frito-Lay North America (FLNA) and Quaker Foods North America (QFNA), as well as the PepsiCo Diversity and Inclusion, Sustainability and PEP Foundation offices to build PepsiCo’s reputation with key customers, associations and events — crucial audiences fueling PepsiCo’s overall growth.
In addition, Kent spearheads critical workstreams dedicated to helping address inequalities for historically excluded people and underserved businesses and communities through multicultural thought-leadership efforts, community impact strategy, and talent development, enabling PepsiCo to drive sustained change and scale faster across its North America businesses, with community and purpose at its core.
Kent joined PepsiCo as a campus hire in August 1990 after graduating from the University of Texas with a Bachelor of Science degree. He has held several sales, marketing and foodservice leadership positions in several North American markets for PBNA and FLNA. Prior to his current role, he most recently was the VP/GM, PepsiCo Global 7-Eleven Customer Team — the largest C&G chain globally — responsible for over $2.5B in sales across 19 countries. Among many accomplishments, Kent and the PepsiCo 7-Eleven customer team were most recently named supplier of the year in 2020 by 7-Eleven.
Kent continues to be a leader in his community. He has been involved as a board member for Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the MS Society, the Los Angeles Urban League, and is a former board member of Dallas Parkland Hospital Foundation. Currently, he serves on the board of the Boy Scouts of America Circle Ten Council. Finally, Kent is an active mentor for multiple new managers and PepsiCo junior executives. Kent and his wife Lisa are the proud parents of Austin (23) and Harrison (18) and reside in Plano, Texas.
Mastermind #7: Leadership for a New World
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Tom Foley
Tom Foley
Tom is T2D Concept’s creator in the boardroom overseeing business operations. Tom started his career practicing law, handling large civil litigation, mergers, acquisitions, and real estate matters. After 15+ years, Tom transitioned to explore social impact business opportunities and founded Indigo Group on the belief that businesses must drive social impact. This work has included founding a business resource center focused on launching and developing women and minority owned businesses, as well as facilitating Next Up’s Allyship program to advance women in the workplace. Tom facilitates workshops for corporations aiming to advance their diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. Tom is an adjunct professor in the entrepreneurial program at Paul Quinn College, serves as a Board Member for Forest Forward, and is a member of the Advisory Council for Tuskegee University. He is a Fellow for the Dallas Economic Leadership Academy through the Aspen Institute and Of Counsel at Wright Law. He earned his J.D. from the Villanova University School of Law and his B.A. from Colgate University.
Mastermind #7: Leadership for a New World
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Sally Lyons Wyatt
Sally Lyons Wyatt
Sally Lyons Wyatt is the leading global consumer packaged goods and foodservice industry advisor. She is a go-to expert and frequent keynote speaker on future-forward consumer and retail insights, industry trends, and a multitude of topics related to F&B, Nonfood, sustainability, emerging categories, and more. Lyons Wyatt also leads a global team of industry experts. She is frequently quoted about the latest trends and insights in national business media outlets such as The Today Show, The Wall Street Journal, CNBC, Financial Times, and leading CPG trade media publications.
In her prior role as EVP and practice leader for Circana’s Global CPG division, Lyons Wyatt drove integrated client initiatives and managed the company’s center store and produce account teams. She has more than 25 years of industry expertise in partnering with Fortune 500 clients. She leverages Circana data to optimize a wide range of strategies with clients – from consumer and media to merchandising and supply strategies. Lyons Wyatt is a two-time “Top Women in Grocery” recipient and a proud executive sponsor of Circana’s Early Career Professionals Business Resource Group.
Mastermind #7: Leadership for a New World
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Carlo Coppola
Carlo Coppola
Carlo leads Suntory Global Spirits’ business operations in Canada and the US, Suntory Global Spirits’ largest and most profitable market.
Coppola began his career in the spirits industry in 2003 with Allied Domecq as Finance Manager, North America. In 2007, he joined Suntory Global Spirits as East Region Director of Marketing Activation, and in 2009, he transitioned to sales as the Metro New York State Manager. In that role, Carlo built his sales leadership skills, rising through the ranks, covering Franchise, Control and Open States commercial businesses within the US. In 2019, he was promoted to US Chief Commercial Officer where he was responsible for the full US sales and regional marketing organization and managed the expanded partnership between Suntory Global Spirits and Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits.
Carlo’s strategic approach and diverse professional experience in Finance, Regional Marketing and Sales led him to become Global Managing Director of the James B. Beam Distilling Co. and, most recently, the President of American Whiskey & Tequila. In this role, he oversaw the P&L for the company’s priority bourbon brands, Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark, and its Tequila Portfolio that includes El Tesoro, Tres Generaciones and Hornitos.
Carlo is deeply invested in ensuring his team members are supported with the proper tools to develop their professional skills and pursue their career ambitions and makes it a top priority to ensure that DE&I remains a focus area for growth, not just for his team, but for Suntory Global Spirits overall.
Prior to joining the spirits industry, Carlo worked at both Arthur Andersen and Deloitte, becoming a CPA during that time. He graduated from the University of Connecticut with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and in 2023 completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School. He lives in Wilton, Connecticut with his wife Amanda and their four children.
Mastermind #7: Leadership for a New World
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Mastermind #8: Developing Vibrant Voices
Melvina Young
Melvina Young
Melvina Young and her work have been featured in the New York Times, on CNN.com, the Grio, the Emmy Award winning daytime talk show The Real, and elsewhere. An academic expert trained in African American history and Black cultural studies, Melvina Young is a Hallmark Master Writer and Creative, Cultural Sensitivity Consultant, and global DEI trainer, as well as Mahogany Brand specialist and Brand Ambassador for both Mahogany and Hallmark Cards. She is also the creator of Vibrant Voices, an in-house blog making space for respectful discussions of identity, compassion, connection, and the power of empathy through storytelling.
Mastermind #8: Developing Vibrant Voices
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4:00 pm - 7:00 pm CT
Break
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm CT
Dance Party: Club Next
Darlene Jackson, aka “DJ Lady D”
Darlene Jackson, aka “DJ Lady D”
Darlene Jackson, aka DJ Lady D, has been hailed as “Chicago’s House Music Queen” by Chicago Magazine. She has toured North America, Europe, Asia, and Russia as an international DJ, producer, and remixer, and in 2004, she became a music publisher when she launched her independent record label and marketing brand, D’lectable. Well known for her charismatic sets of house, techno, and disco, her appearances at ARC, SXSW, Lollapalooza, Burning Man, and Chosen Few, and for fan-filled, influencer, charity, and celebrity events such as for Dave Chapelle, Queen Latifah and more, have solidified her trailblazing career. A member of the Screen Actors Guild and a Chicago Chapter Governor for the Recording Academy (The Grammy’s), Jackson first acted professionally in “The Marva Collins Story” (with Cicely Tyson and Morgan Freeman) and as a renowned DJ has been a featured subject in numerous print, television, audio, and film media including the music documentaries, The War on Disco, Girl, The Godfather of Disco, and Slipcue. The books Do You Remember House by Micah Salkind, How To DJ Right by Frank Broughton, and Disco Demolition: The Night Disco Died by Dave Hoekstra have captured her dynamic story. As a host, producer, writer, and researcher, Jackson has worked with various media outlets, including the Chicago Tribune, URB, Discoid, Chicago Public Media, Vocalo.org, NPR WBEZ, and BBC radio. Amazingly, she has been featured in Forbes, Mixmag, Billboard, the podcasts Throughline, Curious City, and an exhaustive list of other magazines since she began her career. You can hear Jackson on the radio on the fourth Friday of every month on Vocalo.org 91.1 FM-Chicago. With a Master’s Degree from Northwestern University, Jackson currently advises and mentors students in branding and portfolio development and designs and curates diversity and career/industry programs for The Career Center at Columbia College Chicago.
Dance Party: Club Next
See Agenda7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
7:45 am - 8:45 am CT
Affinity Breakfast
9:00 am - 9:05 am CT
Conference Open
9:05 am - 9:30 am CT
Likeable Badass: The Science of Winning the Status Game
Alison Fragale
Alison Fragale
Likeable Badass: The Science of Winning the Status Game
See Agenda9:05 am - 9:30 am
9:30 am - 10:00 am CT
Power Talk: Find Your Voice, Trust Your Gut
Power Talk sponsored by
Tunde Oyeneyin
Tunde Oyeneyin
“Uncertainty is infinite possibility. When you don’t know what’s next, then anything can then be next. That’s a gift.”
Electric and charismatic – Tunde Oyeneyin (pronounced Toon- day O- U- NANE) has lived an incredible story and transformed tragedy into triumph by realizing her life’s mission is to S.P.E.A.K. (Surrender, Power, Empathy, Authenticity, Knowledge). Tunde invites audiences to unlock what it means to S.P.E.A.K. and lift their voices to be heard. During her in-person or virtual speaking engagements, Tunde commands any room or screen with her unparalleled positive energy allowing the audience to discover a newfound hope to go back into the world ready to “create great change.”
Peloton’s elite cycling and bike boot camp instructor has quickly become known for her empowering and motivational rides that force you to dig deep and open your mind. From addressing human rights and racial injustice to advocating the importance of “Soul Care,” her devoted followers know they are unclipping with a better sense of self every time they strap in.
Tunde’s New York Times best- selling book, Speak , was released in May 2022. Speak is an empowering, inspiring memoir that shows how she transformed grief, setbacks, and flaws into growth, self- confidence, and triumph. Tunde believes that in order to S.P.E.A.K., you must “Surrender, know your Power, lead with Empathy, remain Authentic, and have the Knowledge to back it up.” Speak debuted #1 on Amazon’s List of Movers and Shakers and New Releases on the first day the book was made available for preorder.
A Texas native of Nigerian descent, she began her career as a professional makeup artist and brand educator for some of the most sought-after beauty lines in the world. Tunde developed and harnessed her talents for over 15 years, “gifting people with confidence.” Tunde struggled with her body image and self- esteem throughout her entire childhood and into her adult life until fitness offered her a greater form of self-love.
Eventually, Tunde realized her true calling was to motivate people to join her in becoming the best version of themselves. After starting out as a cycling instructor in Los Angeles, Tunde landed a coveted spot on Peloton’s superstar instructor team. She trains up to 20,000 live riders on any given day through her motivational and unifying classes. “Team Tunde” knows they can always rely on her to show up as her authentic self, ready to inspire.
Tunde launched her Instagram Live Series, SPEAK, which spotlights stories and voices of those who have thrived and shown resilience in the face of adversity. Celebrities such as Venus Williams, Common, Cynthia Erivo, Mel Robins, and Allyson Felix have all joined as featured guests supporting Tunde’s mission. Tunde has since announced her partnerships, as a proud Nike Athlete and the face of Revlon, along with other high- profile brands. She is a leader in Facebook’s “ WeTheCulture ” program elevating black voices and hosted her own Facebook Audio Live Show, “ The Roots ,” featuring guests like Emmanuel Acho, Robin Arzón, and Cat Cora.
Tunde has recently been featured for her powerful work on The TODAY SHOW , Access Live , The New York Times , Vanity Fair , Vogue , SHAPE , O Magazine, and more.
Power Talk: Find Your Voice, Trust Your Gut
See Agenda9:30 am - 10:00 am
10:00 am - 10:10 am CT
Raise Your Hand
Ericka Prentice
Ericka Prentice
Ericka is the Manager, DEI&B at Advantage Solutions as part of their Belonging and Impact Team, a certified life coach and intuitive energetic healer who believes that mindset and mindfulness mastery are the keys to a happier, more peaceful existence. She is also the executive sponsor of NextUp at Advantage Solutions. She has oversight of the 8 Employee Resource Groups as well as development of the key strategic partnerships with NextUp and the Honor Foundation. She is also a 2023 graduate of the Management Accelerator cohort of the McKinsey Black Leadership Academy, as well as the 2023 recipient of the MVP Award for Serving With Heart.
Ericka leads with a people first attitude and has helped to grow and develop numerous persons throughout her 20+ years in management/business ownership. She believes that we all fare better when we fall back back on our shared humanity first and foremost and when we seek to understand and then be understood. This philosophy spills over into all parts of her life, but especially her coaching work, where she helps people to live mindfully by understanding how they think, why they think that way and how to stop self-sabotaging thoughts and behaviors and heal.
Raise Your Hand
See Agenda10:00 am - 10:10 am
10:10 am - 10:30 am CT
Break
10:30 am - 12:00 pm CT
Voices of NextUp
12:00 pm - 12:15 pm CT