
SUMMIT 2025
Women in Leadership: Together We Create Success
September 10 & 11 Shelbyville, TN
SUMMIT EXPERIENCE
DAY 1 AGENDA
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Distillery Tour of Uncle Nearest
Step behind the scenes at Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, a distillery rooted in one of the most powerful untold stories in American spirits. You’ll walk the historic grounds and discover how this award-winning, female- and minority-owned brand is redefining legacy. Led by expert guides, the tour offers an intimate look at the craft of whiskey-making—from grain to glass. It’s a rare chance to experience innovation, tradition, and leadership all in one place.
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Whiskey Tasting
After the tour, savor an expertly curated whiskey tasting featuring Uncle Nearest’s most celebrated blends. Learn how to taste like a connoisseur as you explore the unique flavor notes and distilling techniques that make each pour distinctive. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or a curious first-timer, this guided experience is designed to educate and delight. It’s not just a tasting—it’s a celebration of excellence, heritage, and craft.
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Happy Hour + Networking + Live Music
As the evening unfolds, we turn up the volume with a high-vibe happy hour designed to foster powerful new connections. Sip signature cocktails, enjoy gourmet hors d’oeuvres, and connect with fellow executives in a relaxed, elevated atmosphere. Live music sets the tone as industry leaders, sponsors, and speakers come together to unwind, share stories, and spark new ideas. This isn’t your average mixer—it’s an intentional space where community meets possibility.

DAY 2 AGENDA
Morning Keynote
Radhika Iyengar
Founding Partner, StarChain Ventures
A globally recognized entrepreneur and emerging tech expert, Radhika has advised Fortune 500s and governments on AI, blockchain, and sustainability. She’s a Venture Partner at Double Feather Partners and a leading voice at the intersection of innovation, impact, and investment.
She’ll open the summit with a bold look at the future of tech, inclusion, and strategic leadership in a rapidly evolving world.
Panel: Executive Women on Boards -
Power, Perspective, and Progress
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Georgia Zachary
MODERATER
CEO of GMJ Enterprises and Board Member at Exposition Park and the California Science Center – she’ll guide the conversation with deep insight into what boards need now—and how women can rise to meet those needs with confidence and credibility.
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Kay Henze
PANELIST
Independent Board Director of ENT Credit Union and former Executive Board Director and CEO of SectorSeven– will explore leading in fast‑paced, regulated industries.
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Linda Duncombe
PANELIST
Board Member of AEG and SAG-AFTRA and former Global CMO & CDO at City National Bank – will share her journey as a modern marketing leader transitioning into governance.
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Patricia Wilson
PANELIST
EVP of AMG Entertainment Studios and board member of Mission Plasticos and the Survivors Justice Center—will share how she blends business leadership with a mission-driven approach to board service.
Leadership Exchange:
Investing & Economic Forecast- Navigate Today, Capitalize Tomorrow.
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Kim Kaselionis
SPEAKER
Former Chair & CEO of Circle Bank – A veteran financial leader and capital access strategist, Kim now advises growth-stage companies and women-led ventures on navigating funding landscapes and scaling with purpose. In this Leadership Exchange, she’ll offer deep insight into market volatility, risk management, and the shifting dynamics of capital—equipping executive women with the financial foresight to lead through change.
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Susie Emami
SPEAKER
Senior Vice President, Private Wealth Advisor, Capital Group Private Client Services – With a deep focus on holistic wealth management, Susie advises high-net-worth individuals, families, and business leaders on investment strategy, legacy planning, and navigating complex financial decisions. She’ll share how women can build resilience into their financial plans, align investments with long-term goals, and lead with clarity in uncertain times.
Panel: The CEO Mindset-
Thinking, Acting & Thriving Like a Top Executive
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Sandy Pelland
MODERATER
Founder & CEO of MomLifeTV – a Webby Award–nominated digital platform in the women’s lifestyle space. She’ll guide this conversation with the energy, empathy, and edge that have made her a trusted voice for women navigating leadership, business, and life.
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Dawn Patton
PANELIST
Founder & CEO of Try MY T– a serial entrepreneur and franchise powerhouse whose leadership blends strategic vision with a deep commitment to generational wealth and community impact.
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Robin Gareiss
PANELIST
CEO & Founder of Metrigy – a tech strategist and data-driven advisor helping Fortune 1000s optimize customer experience and workplace collaboration. Through extensive real-world research, she also guides top technology vendors in shaping smarter product strategies and content that connects.
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Anne Sophia Kristjansson
PANELIST
CEO of Lexicon Lens – a transformational strategist accelerating innovation through aligned people strategies, executive leadership development, and high-impact culture shifts.
Panel: Philanthropic Executives-
Leading with Purpose, Impacting the World
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Monique Stennis
MODERATER
Senior Director of Diversity Initiatives, University of Redlands – A seasoned leader in DEI strategy, communications, and public affairs, she’ll guide this conversation with a thoughtful lens on leadership, impact, and how today’s executives can align values with action to create lasting social change.
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Katie Campbell
PANELIST
President & CEO, Red Rover – A strategic leader helping organizations build cultures of belonging, resilience, and equity. Kati will speak to how internal culture shifts can drive external impact—and how aligning DEI with business strategy fuels sustainable growth.
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Carolyn Simms
PANELIST
Executive Director, Bloom Again Foundation – Blending business expertise with a deep commitment to empowering women in crisis, Carolyn will share how values-driven leadership, grounded in clarity and compassion, can scale impact through sustainable philanthropic models.
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Erica Gonzalea
PANELIST
Vice President of Administrative Operations, Maryvale – A mission-focused executive advancing innovation in trauma-informed care and nonprofit leadership. Erica will offer insights into leading complex organizations through transformation while staying rooted in purpose.
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Kim Tracy Prince
PANELIST
Director of Marketing and Communications, Kidsave – A seasoned strategist and storyteller with a background spanning education, nonprofit, and media. Kim will share how effective communication and narrative-building can amplify mission, strengthen partnerships, and drive meaningful social change.
Evening Keynote
Natalie Levy
Founder, She’s Independent
A former Wall Street trader turned angel investor, Natalie leads a women-first investment group with a portfolio of 40+ startups and multiple 20x+ exits. With deep roots in finance, tech, and venture, she’s reshaping the power dynamics of capital and leadership.
Her closing keynote will challenge you to think bigger, invest boldly, and own your influence.
Sponsorship Awards Ceremony & Dinner
We close the Summit with an elegant Sponsorship Awards Ceremony and Dinner—a celebratory evening honoring the partners and leaders who make our mission possible. Surrounded by peers and powerhouses, you’ll enjoy a thoughtfully prepared meal, meaningful recognition, and moments of reflection on two days of insight and connection. It’s a chance to toast our collective impact and look ahead to what we’ll build together. Come dressed to celebrate—you won’t want to miss this inspiring finale.