We are pleased to present these interactive sessions for you to choose from as you get ready to Lead with Purpose and Passion

7:30am - 8:15am - REGISTRATION / BREAKFAST

8:15am - 9:15am - Welcome and Keynote: Regina Sunshine in THE PURPOSE & PASSION IMPACT ROOM

ROOMS

A1 – MISSION MINDSET

A2 –EMPOWER AND ELEVATE

A3 – THE RESILIENT VISIONARY

A4 – PURPOSE IN ACTION

A5 – NAVIGATING PURPOSE

Session I
9:30am -10:30am

**Dari Mullins McBride
Dealing with Imposter Syndrome

**Jennifer M. Rogers
Managing Work and Home using the 6-Essential Elements of Emotional Intelligence

Dr. Anna Fitch Courie
Leading Well: Self, People, and Places

Abby Banks
Turning Trials into Triumphs: Finding Purpose Through Adversity

**Lois Mufuka Martin and
Rumbidzai Mufuka, PhD
Are You Ready for a LeaderSHIFT? Align Your Leadership with Your Passion and Purpose

Session II
10:45am - 11:45am

Dari Mullins McBride
Plan to Pivot

Kim P. Spangler
Keeping the Monkeys Off your Back!

Britney McGill Mazyck
“GIFT”ed Leaders: Millennial Women Leading with Purpose and Passion

Stacie P. Thompson
Ignite Your Life: Unlocking the Power of Purpose

**Angie Simpson
Challenge To Change: Using Challenges to Find Your Purpose and Passion

12:00pm - 1:00pm - Lunch (Food Trucks)

ROOMS

A1 – MISSION MINDSET

A2 –EMPOWER AND ELEVATE

A3 – THE RESILIENT VISIONARY

A4 – PURPOSE IN ACTION

A5 – NAVIGATING PURPOSE

Session III
1:15pm - 2:15pm

Melissa Bane Financing your Path to a Fulfilling Life

Katie Hamilton
The Power of Polish

Antonette Montalvo
Living a Visionary Life: The art of being a resilient visionary

 

Dr. Chandra Owenby Hopkins and Dr. Tori Good
“It’s a Vibe:” Building Purposeful Intergenerational Work Environments

**Lois Mufuka Martin and
Rumbidzai Mufuka, PhD
Are You Ready for a LeaderSHIFT? Align Your Leadership with Your Passion and Purpose>

Session IV
2:30pm - 3:30pm

 

**Dari Mullins McBride
Dealing with Imposter Syndrome

**Jennifer M. Rogers
Managing Work and Home using the 6-Essential Elements of Emotional Intelligence

Dr. AudreyAnn C. Moses
Resilient Leaders: Fostering Authentic Happiness and Positive Influence

Racquel E. Collier
The Art of Hospitality: Unlocking Leadership and Community Building with a Personal Touch

**Angie Simpson
Challenge To Change: Using Challenges to Find Your Purpose and Passion

3:40pm - 4:30pm - Networking Session and Closing Thoughts by Regina

VISIONARY LOUNGE – SPEAKERS LOUNGE

**Repeat Session

Turning Trials into Triumphs: Finding Purpose Through Adversity
Abby Banks

Discover how life’s challenges can ignite passion and purpose, transforming adversity into a powerful force for leadership and advocacy.

Abby Banks is a communications and marketing professional who serves as the Public Information Officer for Greenwood County. She holds a BA from Clemson University and an MBA from Lander University. She is a FEMA-certified Advanced PIO, Board Chair for Carolina Health Centers, author of “Love Him Anyway,” and disability advocate. Abby lives in Greenwood, SC, with her husband and three children and is a member of Leadership Greenwood Class of 2024.

CHALLENGE TO CHANGE: Using Challenges to Find Your Purpose and Passion
Angelia V. Simpson, SHRM-CP, PHR

We all face challenges! Learn to use challenge to effect change and, ultimately, help you find your purpose and passion.

Angelia is the HR Director for Greenwood CPW. She holds the SHRM-CP and PHR certifications. Angie currently serves on the boards of the Piedmont Area Human Resources Association, SC SHRM State Council, and HR Advisory Council for SCDEW. Angie did not choose HR as a career but found that people are fascinating and there is never a dull moment! Getting pushed out of her comfort zone set her on a path to finding her purpose and passion!

Living a Visionary Life: The art of being a resilient visionary
Antonette Montalvo

With a commitment to inspiring, elevating and enhancing a healthy vision in the lives of others, in this session we will discuss the art of work-life integration, practical tips and keys on visionary leadership and resilience, as well as provide interactive opportunities to motivate and empower you to dare to be influentially visionary in your personal and professional life.

Antonette Montalvo, Owner of Antonette Montalvo Consulting and Coaching Services, serves as a Vision & Purpose coach, consultant, health advocate and educator, and motivational speaker and author. She is also a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, founder of the Visionary Nurse® brand, and co-founder of Montalvo International, LLC, an organization focused on helping Kingdom-minded people live Kingdom-driven lives, whose signature initiative is a community-focused grassroots effort committed to collaboratively addressing health disparities seen in vulnerable communities.

Resilient Leaders: Fostering Authentic Happiness and Positive Influence
Dr. AudreyAnn C. Moses

In adversity, leaders shine by embodying resilience and authentic happiness, inspiring others to persevere and find joy amidst challenges.

Dr. AudreyAnn Moses is a Certified Christian Life Coach; Mental Wellness Consultant; Speaker/Workshop Facilitator and Author. As the CEO of NeverSayCain’t Christian Life Coach and Consultant her expertise is in personal growth, transition, mental wellness, and spiritual growth. Her professional articles and fiction novels of family/personal relationships bring to light the devastation caused by the mishandling of mental illness within families, specifically by family members. Visit her website https://www.transitionlifecoach4u.com or email her at neversaycaint@yahoo.com.

“GIFT”ed Leaders: Millennial Women Leading with Purpose and Passion
Britney McGill Mazyck

This workshop will empower millennial women to identify, nurture, and strategically use their natural gifts for leadership and positive impact in their professional and community roles.

Britney McGill Mazyck is a millennial nonprofit operations manager recognized for her voice in nonprofit innovation and community engagement. Britney combines her passion for efficient processes and community impact, effectively integrating technology to enhance organizational efficiency. Notably, her “AI in Nonprofits” workshop at the 2024 Together SC Nonprofit Summit showcased her expertise, earning her invitations to speak further on AI’s impact. She is passionate about inspiring millennials to lead and contribute productively to society.

Dealing with Imposter Syndrome
Dari Mullins McBride

As leaders we are required to pivot on a regular basis. This session will teach strategies and methods to help when change is necessary.

Dari McBride is the President of the Oconee County Chamber of Commerce. She was born and raised in Asheville, NC and attended Salem College. She co-wrote two books, spoke at numerous conferences and was project manager for a major publishing company. Dari has been involved in sales, marketing and PR for over 20 years and her expertise spans several industries. Dari also currently serves on several boards, including Ten at the Top and Visit Oconee.

Leading Well: Self, People, and Places
Anna Fitch Courie, DNP, RN, PHNA-BC

The workshop emphasizes that women’s leadership thrives on personal well-being. Through interactive activities, participants explore well-being definitions, influencers, leadership impact, and integration into organizational culture.

Dr. Courie, appointed as Clemson University’s inaugural Chief Well-being Officer in January 2024, also holds a faculty position in the School of Nursing. She spearheads Clemson’s holistic wellness strategy for students, staff, faculty, and the community. With a background in clinical nursing and extensive experience in health promotion, strategic planning, and portfolio management, Dr. Courie has developed wellness initiatives for faith based organizations, the U.S. Army and FirstNet built with AT&T. A Clemson alumna, she is passionate about public health, community well-being, and Clemson football.

“It’s a Vibe:” Building Purposeful Intergenerational Work Environments
Dr. Chandra Owenby Hopkins & Dr. Tori Good

This workshop highlights research regarding different generations approach communication, work environments, mentorship, and value systems with the goal to build purposeful, healthy working teams.

Dr. Chandra Owenby Hopkins is a passionate advocate for women’s leadership and empowerment and serves as the Dean of the Converse College for Women at Converse University where focuses on student leadership, service, and mentorship. Chandra leads the annual Women’s Leadership Speaker Series and the Converse Women’s Leadership Conference. Chandra is a member of Trinity Methodist Church, serves on the Board of Directors of the Spartanburg Philharmonic and Spartanburg Community Schools.

Dr. Tori Good Helping others be successful is Tori’s passion. As the Assistant Dean of Career Development at Converse, she thrives on making meaningful connections with & for people by cultivating collaborative and intentional relationships with others. She thrives in creatively approaching solutions. Highly attuned to others’ strengths, Tori seeks ways to help home in on their growth and development. Her extensive work with and research of Generation Z makes her inspired and heartened for what is to come.

Managing Work and Home using the 6-Essential Elements of Emotional Intelligence
Jennifer M. Rogers, DHA, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, CEN

Engaging workshop to support participants in the practical application of emotional intelligence for both personal and professional situations.

Dr. Rogers serves as the Chief Nursing Officer for Prisma Health Hillcrest & Laurens County Hospitals. She earned her doctorate in health administration and master’s degree in nursing from the University of Phoenix. She is a certified nurse executive and emergency nurse. Dr. Rogers has 25-years of nursing experience in direct patient care, performance improvement, regulatory compliance, and education. She has a passion for making a difference, mentoring others, and fostering a culture of excellence.

The Power of Polish
Katie Hamilton

Project confidence and professionalism through a polished and purposeful appearance. Set yourself apart from the competition with the poise and polish that inspires trust and respect.

With a background in hospitality and tourism, Katie Hamilton leverages her experiences from living across the Southeast and certification through the only globally accredited Protocol Officer Training course to guide clients in easily navigating social graces. Her passion lies in empowering individuals to confidently navigate social situations, fostering a polished presence that unlocks their full potential. Whether it’s business dinners or social gatherings, Katie equips individuals to make strong, lasting impressions.

Keeping the Monkey’s Off your Back!
Kim P. Spangler

Overwhelmed? How can you prevent taking on other people’s problems? How can you say no to tasks or responsibilities that are just work, and do not have meaning to you? How can you destress at work?

Kim Spangler has been a senior lecturer in the Physical Education and Exercise Science Department at Lander University for 22 years. Her main interest is “exercise as medicine”, stress management and inclusion and diversity. She has also taught exercise classes for over 40 years and enjoys reading and repurposing antiques.

Are You Ready for a LeaderSHIFT? Align Your Leadership with Your Passion and Purpose
Lois Mufuka Martin & Rumbidzai Mufuka, PhD

In this workshop, you will develop an actionable LeaderSHIFT strategy to realign your leadership with your passion and purpose.

Lois Mufuka Martin has 20+ years’ experience in nonprofit executive management. Lois has held leadership roles at the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania (Chief Volunteer Engagement Officer), Bethlehem Haven (Chief Executive Officer), and The United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County (Director, Community Fund). Her career began as a social worker, children’s advocate, and community college transfer counselor, primarily working with first-generation students. Her strategic approach combines mission driven thinking with a deep understanding of organizational development.

In executive leadership roles at nonprofits, Lois has led hiring, staff development, and program development, always with a keen eye and intentional eye on creating equitable and inclusive communities.

Lois holds a BA in History from Lander University, an M.Ed. in Counseling from Clemson University, and a Certificate in Leading Innovation from The Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon University. She has enjoyed spending more time in Greenwood with her family since her two young adult children are out in the world!

Rumbidzai (Rumbi) is a Certified Change Management Professional (CCMP) and has over ten years of strategic consulting experience in both the private and public sector. Drawing from her expertise in analyzing the motivations, behaviors and intentions of foreign leaders and civil society on behalf of the U.S. Department of State, Rumbi brings a unique perspective to interpersonal and organizational challenges as well as solutions for meaningful and lasting change. She has designed and implemented strategies for clients with Booz Allen, PwC, and Twitter. In 2020, she added nonprofit clients to her portfolio as the first Director of Impact and Strategic Engagement at Compass, a DC-based nonprofit that provides pro bono consulting to nonprofits. With Compass she advised more than 100 nonprofit executives on critical issues for sustainability during the pandemic and matched them with vetted consultants for an 8 week projects. In August 2021, she launched KAVA to specifically support nonprofit leaders through transformational change and has since worked with nonprofit organizations in DC and Portland, ME.

Rumbi received her M.A. and Ph.D in Political Science and International Studies from the University of Miami and her B.A. in Political Science from Emory University. Her hobbies include storytelling, reading several books at once, and supporting all manner of people and organizations that uplift the African Diaspora. She lives in Portland, ME with her husband and cat.

Financing your Path to a Fulfilling Life
Melissa Bane, CPA, CFP®, PFS, ChFC

We all have dreams, but are you on the path to fulfillment? Learn how to build your life’s portfolio through finances and purposeful partnerships.

Melissa Bane is a Senior Private Client Advisor and Principal at Greenwood Capital, a $1.5 billion financial firm with offices in Greenville and Greenwood, SC. In her role, she delivers holistic financial planning and personal service to high net-worth individuals and families. She enjoys building relationships and is honored to come alongside her clients during their most difficult circumstances, as well as to celebrate with them during their happiest times. She directly manages over $200 million in client assets, serving 150 households across the Southeast.

Melissa joined Greenwood Capital in 2013 as the first female advisor and the first Certified Public Accountant (CPA) at the firm. She is one of only a handful on women in the state to achieve both her CPA and CFP (Certified Financial Planner) designations. In addition, Melissa is a Personal Financial Specialist®, a Chartered Financial Consultant, and is licensed in South Carolina as a life, accident and health insurance professional. She earned her B.S. from Lander University and is a graduate of the Southeastern Trust School at Campbell University

In 2024, Melissa was honored by the GSA Business Magazine as a “Women of Influence” for her work in the community. Melissa serves on the Grants Assessment Committee of Greenville Women Giving and is on the Board of Wesley Commons. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the SC Association of CPAs, and the SC Financial Planning Association.

With over 30 years of experience in the financial industry, Melissa is a sought-after speaker at various educational events, ranging from local book clubs to national conferences.
*Prior to 2001, Greenwood Capital Associates and the term “Firm” refers to Greenwood Capital Associates, Inc. (GCAI) which was established in 1983. On or about June 29, 2001, Greenwood Capital Associates, LLC acquired substantially all the assets of GCAI, a sub-chapter S corporation. Greenwood Capital Associates, LLC registration dates back from 2001.

The Art of Hospitality: Unlocking Leadership and Community Building with a Personal Touch
Racquel E. Collier

Discover how women leaders can channel their purpose and passion into creating vibrant “third places” – community spaces that foster connection, inclusion, and social engagement.

Racquel Collier, President of Caliber Real Estate, a development and asset management firm that oversees 1,500+ multifamily units. Her passion for real estate began at Clemson University, where she studied English and later earned a Master’s in Real Estate Development. Racquel actively contributes to her community, serving as Chair of The Greenville Housing Authority Board of Commissioners and as a board member of The Fine Arts Center of Greenville and Ten at the Top.

Ignite Your Life: Unlocking the Power of Purpose
Stacie P. Thompson

Participants will explore the foundations of purpose, identify their unique strengths and passions, and learn how to integrate purpose into every aspect of their lives.

Stacie P. Thompson is a dynamic motivational speaker, author and founder of StaciePSpeaks. She holds an associate degree in criminal justice from Tri-County Technical College, a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Southern Wesleyan University, and a Master of Science in Youth Development Leadership from Clemson University. She leads by example, demonstrating that the decisions we make today profoundly impact our tomorrow. Stacie ignites passion, turning dreams into reality through her workshops, books and platform, StaciePSpeaks.

© Copyright - Women's Leadership Upstate Conference / Greenwood SC Chamber of Commerce | Site Built by LNinnovations