Session Speakers
Adam Alford
Assistant Director for Development and Strategic Planning
"Breaking Down Barriers Between VCU Violence Prevention Programs and EMS Training"
Conference Track: Breaking Down Barriers
Chynease Allen 
Accountant
"Hidden Gems - Using Strategic Pressure to Break Through your Own Personal Glass Ceilings"
Conference Track: Stretch & Grow
"Success Reimagined: Mindsets and Tools That Change the Game"
Conference Track: Uncommon Keys
Chynease Allen is a dynamic leader, coach, and financial professional empowering others to reach their full potential. She serves as an Accountant at Virginia Commonwealth University where she manages a portfolio of over 300 awards. Chynease mentoring and entrepreneur experience helps high performers reimagine what success can look like. Before VCU, she spent over a decade building a career as Assistant Vice President and Supervisor of Accounting Operations at a brokerage firm—and serving in roles across public and private sectors as a financial analyst, auditor, and process control accountant. Chynease holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance, state and federal licenses including FINRA 99, 27, 6, and 63, and a graduate from Truist Leadership Institute’s Leadership Development Program. She is an alum of the VCU’s Institute of Transformative Leadership and currently serves as Mentoring Chair for Development Career Community here at VCU. Chynease live in Richmond with her husband and their two children. Guided by faith, family, and community, she is passionate about creating impact and inspiring others to lead by focusing on mindset, leadership development and financial well-being.
Gina Barber 
Director of Administration and Senior Consultant
"Navigating the Groan Zone: Strategies for Group Decision Making"
Conference Track: Breaking Down Barriers
Gina Barber is the Director of Administration and Senior Consultant with the VCU Wilder School Center for Public Policy. With a background in project management and public administration, Gina directs the successful completion of consulting projects from the first meeting to the final report. You will frequently see her presenting to the Virginia Board of Workforce Development, leading discussion with a work group, and developing organizational strategic plans. Gina enjoys collaborating with clients to connect their organization's mission and strategic vision to the consulting project outcomes. Her facilitation style encourages all participants to engage in the process and also supports definitive decision making.
She received her Master's in Public Administration from the VCU Wilder School and her BA in Sociology from the University of Virginia. Gina has completed the Professional Facilitator Program endorsed by the International Association of Facilitators. She is certified by Prosci in change management and has a certificate in executive coaching.
Leslie Bobb 
Lifestyle Optimization Coach; Project Manager
"Graceful Grit — The G.U.T.S. Framework for Sustainable Leadership and Growth"
Conference Tracks: Uncommon Keys, Stretch & Grow
Leslie Bobb is lifestyle optimization coach, leadership strategist, and sought-after speaker specializing in sustainable performance, the gut-brain connection, and health-centered leadership. With over a decade of experience in the health and wellness field, she has consulted with health care providers, business owners, and organizational leaders, and her insights have been featured in multiple national media outlets.
Recognized for translating complex scientific concepts into evidence-informed, actionable frameworks, Leslie helps professionals lead with clarity, resilience, and purpose, while mitigating burnout. Her work is grounded in the premise that health is a foundational asset for effective leadership, organizational sustainability, and long-term professional growth.
In addition to her long-standing commitment to serving individuals in life transitions, Leslie recently assumed the role of sole caregiver for a parent with dementia. This season has sharpened her focus on sustainable leadership, adaptive growth, and aging with vibrance—both personally and professionally.
Through her speaking and consulting, Leslie empowers individuals and organizations to unlock potential, navigate change with confidence, and grow in ways that are both effective and aligned.
Erin Brown 
Director of Professional Development
"Neither the Head Nor Tail: Leveraging the Power of Middle Management for Personal and Professional Growth"
Conference Track: Uncommon Keys
Erin Burke Brown, Ph.D., is the inaugural Director of Professional Development for VCU’s Graduate School, where she leads strategic initiatives for over 5,000 students across 140+ programs. With nearly 20 years of experience leading teams in both higher education and K-12 sectors—including her previous role as Director of Family and Community Engagement for Richmond Public Schools—Dr. Brown has mastered the art of "leading from the middle." She specializes in translating institutional vision into departmental action. A VCU alumna and community advocate, she brings a practical, human-centered approach to navigating the complexities of university leadership.
Helene Bumbalo 
Associate Director of Graduate Professional Development
"Business Thinking for All: The Core Competencies Behind Effective Work"
Conference Track: Stretch & Grow
Helene holds a Master's degree in Counseling and is a seasoned expert in interpersonal communication, career management, and professional development. Her diverse experience includes roles as a Career Consultant at a Fortune 100 bank, Adjunct Faculty at two state universities, and the founder of HirePower Associates, LLC, a successful career training business focusing on career management, resume crafting, interview skills, personal branding, professional presence and presentation skills.
Her international journey includes an 18-month tenure in Istanbul as a certified Business English consultant, where she enriched the communication skills of aviation professionals and business executives alike. Recognized for her ability to engage and inspire a diverse adult audience, she currently holds the position of Associate Director of Graduate Professional Development at the VCU School of Business.
Nicole Dailey
Major Public Safety Officer
"Uncapping Potential "
Conference Tracks: Breaking Down Barriers, Elevated Engagement
Bobbi Gouffon 
Executive Director, Organizational Effectiveness
"Imposter Syndrome: You Deserve a Seat at the Table!"
Conference Track: Uncommon Keys
Bobbi is the Executive Director of Organizational Effectiveness at Virginia Commonwealth University. She holds a BA in English, Master of Business Administration (MBA), and is SHRM-SCP and LEAN certified. During her human resources career in higher education, Bobbi has specialized in many aspects of HR including HR Services, Employee Relations, Performance Management, Learning and Development and Organizational Development. Outside of work, Bobbi's passion is animal rescue and advocacy. She dedicates her free-time running her non-profit animal rescue, Mae’s Mutts. Bobbi lives in Richmond with her husband and daughter.
Yi Hao
Director of Education and Assessment
"Building Progress Together: Encouraging Professional Development Conversations Between Staff and Supervisors"
Conference Tracks: Uncommon Keys, Breaking Down Barriers, Elevated Engagement, Stretch & Grow
Dr. Yi Hao is the Director of Education & Assessment in the School of Pharmacy at Virginia Commonwealth University. As a scholar-practitioner, she holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from William & Mary and has over 10 years of experience in research, teaching, and academic/student affairs. Leveraging her experience as an educator, researcher, and immigrant, she actively utilizes her expertise to support others in navigating the hidden curriculum of academic and professional life. Dr. Hao has a proven record of leading successful professional development initiatives at the University of Virginia and the University of Maryland, and in her current role at VCU, she supports assessment processes, curriculum development, and teaching and learning activities integral to academic program success.
Sara Haskins
Learning and Development Programs Manager
"Constructivist Pedagogy in the Workplace: How to boost engagement in training and presentations"
Conference Tracks: Uncommon Keys, Elevated Engagement, Stretch & Grow
Julianna Hill
Global Learning Assistant
"Global Zone Training"
Conference Track: Curating Our Identity
Julianna Hill joined the Global Education office in July 2025. A native of Richmond, she earned her bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Spanish with a minor in International Studies from Virginia Tech in 2018. As an undergraduate, she spent a life-changing semester abroad in Valparaíso, Chile in 2017, and later lived in Montevideo, Uruguay from 2022 to 2025. While there, she worked as an English teacher, a librarian at a bilingual primary school, and sold sustainably-sourced leather goods to people visiting Uruguay from all over the world. Before moving to South America, she worked in Virginia as a bilingual paralegal, a case manager for immigrants and refugees resettling throughout the state, and as a freelance writer and Spanish translator/interpreter. She’s grateful to reconnect with the Richmond community via the efforts of the Global Education Office at VCU, and continue on a professional flightpath committed to global citizenry.
Chante Holt 
Accountant
"Hidden Gems - Using Strategic Pressure to Break Through your Own Personal Glass Ceilings "
Conference Track: Stretch & Grow
Chanté Holt was born in Virginia Beach but has called the City of Richmond home since 1996. She graduated cum laude from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelor of Science in the field of urban & regional studies in 2022. She then went on to earn a master’s in urban & regional planning from VCU in 2025. As a master’s student, Chanté held the position of Treasurer within the Urban & Regional Planning Student Association, became a two-time recipient of the Black History in the Making Award, and won the 2025 American Institute of Certified Planners Outstanding Student Award. Chanté currently works at VCU in the field of research administration as an accountant with Grants & Contract Accounting, a position she has held since 2022. Outside of work, Chanté was appointed to the Richmond Clean City Commission by Mayor Danny Avula, In her spare time, Chanté enjoys traveling, cooking, knitting, and tending to her vegetable garden.
Clarence Hunter
Chief of Police
"Uncapping Potential "
Conference Tracks: Breaking Down Barriers, Elevated Engagement
Sarah Jackson -SarahJackson-266x399.jpg)
Senior Consultant & Facilitator
"Navigating the Groan Zone: Strategies for Group Decision Making"
Conference Track: Breaking Down Barriers
Sarah is a Senior Consultant & Facilitator at the VCU Wilder School Center for Public Policy (CPP). Before joining CPP, Sarah led multi-agency networks responding to community needs in youth and adult education, workforce development, and refugee resettlement. She is passionate about designing and delivering human-centered learning experiences that foster reflection and growth, helping people move forward with purpose and clarity. As a trained facilitator and an ICF professional coach, Sarah strives to create spaces that enable participants to navigate uncertainty, identify shared goals, and make decisions. She believes in the importance of measuring impact and is experienced in using assessment to inform planning and improve outcomes for individuals, teams, and organizations.
Sarah holds a bachelor’s degree in English Literature & Creative Writing from Colorado College and a master's degree in Public Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University. She is a Prosci Certified Change Practitioner and has specialized training in mediation.
Tinsley Jones 
Executive Director
"Our Skills Journey: Identifying Growth Opportunities and Mapping Next Steps"
Conference Track: Stretch & Grow
Tinsley Jones serves as the Executive Director for VCU Continuing and Professional Education (CPE), where she leads efforts to design and deliver responsive, industry-relevant learning opportunities for VCU employees and the broader community. With more than seven years of leadership experience within higher education, Tinsley brings deep expertise in program development, stakeholder engagement, and aligning professional learning with emerging workforce and institutional needs. Her work is grounded in a collaborative leadership approach that leverages the expertise and resources across academic and administrative units at VCU to advance instructional innovation and build meaningful professional learning pathways. She is currently pursuing her Ed.D. in Leadership through VCU’s School of Education and holds several professional certifications, including UPCEA's PCO Professional Certificate.
Leadership Career Community
Panelists:
- Dr. Andrew Arroyo, Senior Vice Provost, Academic Affairs, Interim Dean, University College
- Dr. Misty Mueller, Executive Director, Mary and Frances Youth Center
- Dr. Amy Armstrong, Associate Professor, College of Health Professions
"Breaking Down Barriers – Navigating silos, skill gaps, and difficult conversations"
Conference Track: Breaking Down Barriers
The Leadership Career Community presents a panel to discuss imposter syndrome.
Amy Leap 
Associate Director of Global Learning
"From Richmond to the World: Finding Purpose Through Global Engagement"
Conference Track: Elevated Engagement
Amy Leap (she/her) joined the VCU in the Global Education Office in 2019 and is currently the Associate Director of Global Learning. At VCU, Amy advises students studying abroad in Italy and Qatar, works with faculty across campus to develop and implement faculty-led programs, and oversees day-to-day operations of the education abroad team. She serves as the Mentorship Chair on the Leadership Career Community and is an Education Abroad Liaison with Virginia International Educations. Amy is also pursuing her Leadership Ed.D. through VCU's School of Education. She graduated from the University of Mary Washington with a B.A. in Geography and Spanish and SIT Graduate Institute with a M.A. in Intercultural Service, Leadership and Management.
Jair Lecky
Assistant Director
"Supporting the Whole Student: A Case Study Approach"
Conference Tracks: Curating Our Identity, Stretch & Grow
Katybeth Lee 
Assistant Dean, Student Success
"Understanding Faculty Roles and Responsibilities"
Conference Track: Breaking Down Barriers
Katybeth Lee is an educational leader with over 20 years of experience spanning academic administration, faculty leadership, and student success. Currently, she serves as Assistant Dean of Student Success and Unit Head of Business Essentials at the VCU School of Business.
Katybeth brings deep institutional knowledge to the discussion of faculty roles and responsibilities. Serving as a Unit Head, she manages faculty recruitment & hiring, supervision & evaluation, and curriculum oversight. With over a decade of teaching experience, Katybeth remains grounded in the classroom, currently teaching Career & Professional Development and Business Internship courses. She also conducts research focused on career search self-efficacy, which has led to peer-reviewed and practitioner-focused publications and conference presentations.
Beyond her faculty related responsibilities, Katybeth leads the VCU School of Business Student Success team. Katybeth holds a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration from VCU, an M.A. in Higher Education and Student Affairs from The Ohio State University, and a B.A. from The College of William & Mary.
Kendra Light 
Associate Director, Regional Programs and Volunteer Engagement
"Unlocking Potential Through Service: Discover Skills, Connect with Purpose, Grow Your Career"
Conference Tracks: Uncommon Keys, Elevated Engagement
Kendra has a professional background rooted primarily in the nonprofit sector, where she has dedicated her career to serving diverse and often underserved populations. Her experience includes working closely with volunteers, at-risk youth, youth diagnosed on the autism spectrum, individuals experiencing homelessness, and aging adults. Across these roles, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to advocacy, empowerment, and relationship-centered work. She believes deeply in meeting people where they are and supporting them in reaching their full potential.
She is currently a doctoral student, here at VCU, pursuing an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, where her academic interests align with her passion for people-centered leadership, equity, and community impact. Her studies build upon her professional experiences and reflect her desire to create meaningful, sustainable change through education and leadership.
Outside of her professional and academic pursuits, she values spending quality time with her family and friends who are central source of inspiration and balance in her life, reinforcing her purpose-driven approach to both work and leadership.
Hali Massey 
Professional Development Coordinator
"Neither the Head Nor Tail: Leveraging the Power of Middle Management for Personal and Professional Growth"
Conference Track: Uncommon Keys
Hali Massey, MA, serves as the Professional Development Coordinator for the VCU Graduate School. In this role, she manages strategic partnerships and programming designed to advance the academic and professional success of graduate students. With 13 years of experience in higher education, Hali specializes in "blooming where you are"—helping individuals leverage their current roles to build the leadership and professional skills necessary for long-term career growth.
Penny McFarline
Organizational Development Specialist
"AI-Powered SMART Goals"
Conference Tracks: Uncommon Keys, Breaking Down Barriers, Stretch & Grow
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Senior Consultant and Facilitator
"Leading From Where You Are: Leveraging Sources of Influence"
Conference Track: Uncommon Keys
Karen A. Meister, Senior Consultant and Facilitator at the Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute, is a seasoned professional with a rich background in crafting and delivering dynamic and impactful training programs aimed at enhancing leadership and professional development. She has had experience building training programs for both internal and external audiences. She believes that learners should see relevance and practicality in the training they participate in and should be given the opportunity to be active learners in the process. Karen has a passion for public speaking, recently winning awards for two presentations, and has been an invited speaker at events across the country. Just prior to joining the Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute, Karen served as a Senior Academic Advisor at Virginia Commonwealth University, where she guided students through their academic and career paths while developing and implementing student success programming. She also served as the Chair of the University Academic Advising Board and played an important role in the development of advisors across campus. She holds a B.S. in Biology from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, a M.S. in Genetic Counseling from the University of Pittsburgh, and a M.S. in Instructional and Performance Technology from Boise State University.
Amanda Morris 
Lead Program Manager and School Liaison
"Our Skills Journey: Identifying Growth Opportunities and Mapping Next Steps"
Conference Track: Stretch & Grow
Amanda Morris serves as the Lead Program Manager for VCU Continuing and Professional Education (CPE), where she leads the development and expansion of new and existing continuing education programs offered to VCU, the community, and beyond. With 13+ years of experience in K-12 and higher education, Amanda specializes in building strategic partnerships, designing professional learning, and developing impactful credit and non-credit programs. She has a proven track record in leading workforce and education collaborations that align educational outcomes with workforce needs. She is passionate about fostering inclusive, engaging learning experiences that lead to learner success and employability. Amanda has a Master’s Degree in Teaching, a graduate certificate in Organization Development, and is currently pursuing her D.Ed. in Education through Penn State University with a focus on best practices for implementing micro-credentials in Higher Education.
Meghan Mullican 
Academic Operations and Systems Specialist
"Interviewing through Storytelling: Making yourself memorable"
Conference Tracks: Uncommon Keys, Stretch & Grow
Meghan came to the VCU School of Education in January 2023. She has served in several capacities at the school, and is now the Academic Operations and Systems Specialist and the staff advisor for the Student Virginia Education Association @VCU. Meghan has a Bachelor's in Spanish and a Master's in Teaching from the University of Virginia, and anticipates graduating from VCU with an MBA this summer. She is dedicated to students, continuous improvement, and making life easier with Google Sheets spreadsheets.
Kyle Narron
Research Operations Manager
"Unlocking Your Path: Using Self-Advocacy and Initiative to Grow Your Career"
Conference Tracks: Uncommon Keys, Breaking Down Barriers
Mallory Neil 
Director of Industry and Alumni Engagement
"Building Progress Together: Encouraging Professional Development Conversations Between Staff and Supervisors"
Conference Tracks: Uncommon Keys, Breaking Down Barriers, Elevated Engagement, Stretch & Grow
Dr. Mallory Neil currently serves as the Director of Industry and Alumni Engagement for the College of Science at Clemson University. Previously, she served as the Director of Industry Partnerships for the College. After earning her Ph.D. in history from the University of Houston, she transitioned into the field of career and professional development. Her work with undergraduate and graduate students has included managing experiential learning programs, designing exploration curricula, and establishing employer engagement strategies. She finds immense fulfillment in using her expertise to support early to mid-career professionals navigating their career journeys in higher education.
Celia O'Hallahan 
Organizational Effectiveness Consultant
"AI-Powered SMART Goals"
Conference Tracks: Uncommon Keys, Breaking Down Barriers, Stretch & Grow
Celia O’Hallahan, M.Ed., is a Consultant with VCU's Organizational Effectiveness team. She works closely with leaders and teams to strengthen culture, improve processes, and advance departmental relationships.
Her work spans strategic planning, change management, and career development initiatives. Her approach includes facilitation, qualitative and quantitative analysis, and benchmarking to support thoughtful decision-making. Celia focuses on translating data and feedback into actions that are feasible, relevant, and sustainable.
Celia received her BSW and M.Ed in Adult Learning with a concentration in Human Resource Development from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Tynesha O'Quinn
Fine HR Consulting
"Identity in Motion: Exploring the Culture That Connects VCU"
Conference Track: Curating Our Identity
Carol Olson
Associate Director of Injury and Violence Prevention
"Breaking Down Barriers Between VCU Violence Prevention Programs and EMS Training"
Conference Track: Breaking Down Barriers
Kelly Richard 
Assistant Director of Global Learning
"From Richmond to the World: Finding Purpose Through Global Engagement"
Conference Track: Elevated Engagement
"Global Zone Training"
Conference Track: Curating Our Identity
Kelly Richard (she/her) joined VCU’s Global Learning Team as a Global Learning Specialist in the fall of 2023. She earned her BA in English education from Elon University, a small, liberal arts college in North Carolina. During this time, she was introduced to international education through her own semester abroad in 2015, studying Shakespeare and English literature in London. This inspired her to also pursue a 2 month internship in Hyderabad, India, assisting staff at VOICE 4 Girls with curriculum writing. After graduating, Kelly went on to complete a Fulbright ETA in Surabaya, Indonesia, and work in a public middle school as a language arts and theater teacher. Hoping to incorporate international education concepts more fully into her work, she completed a master's in international education at The George Washington University in 2023 while working as a project manager for Fulbright events at the Institute of International Education. Kelly has now happily found her home in VCU's Global Education Office, recently moving into the role of Assistant Director of Global Learning. She has the best job ever, where she gets to learn about cultural nuance, and foster a more empathetic campus culture every single day.
Mary Riddick 
Senior Director of Development
"Values at Work: Lead from Your Center"
Conference Track: Curating Our Identity
Mary Riddick is a Senior Development Director and Executive Leadership Coach on the VCU Medical Philanthropy and Alumni Relations team with over 16 years of advancement experience in nonprofit and higher education.
Mary's passion lies in coaching fundraisers and organizational leaders, equipping them with tools for relationship-based philanthropy. She believes fundraising succeeds when meaningful connections inspire generosity and align personal values with organizational priorities.
Through her coaching, Mary empowers professionals to confidently articulate their values and make meaningful impact through their work.
Shana Ryman 
Learning, Development, and Culture Specialist
"Imposter Syndrome: You Deserve a Seat at the Table!"
Conference Track: Uncommon Keys
Shana Ryman received her B.A. in Spanish ('07) and M.S., Ed. in Adult Education and Human Resources Development ('14) from James Madison University. She has worked in various departments across VCU over the past eleven years. She is now a Learning, Development, and Culture Specialist on the Organizational Effectiveness team. Her passions include fostering an expansive mindset through change management, employee learning and development, and helping colleagues connect and grow through lifelong learning. You can find her outdoors or watching a telenovela in her free time.
Tanika Santos MacSwain
Assistant Director of Fitness
"Your Path, Your Pace: Supporting Individualized Fitness Journeys"
Conference Tracks: Curating Our Identity, Stretch & Grow
Donte Sharpe 
Academic Advisor
"Unlocking The Power of Introversion"
Conference Track: Elevated Engagement
Donté Sharpe holds a Bachelor of Science in Technical & Scientific Communications from James Madison University. As a first-generation student, he is eager to engage with students in higher education and to help them succeed during their time at VCU and beyond.
He joined VCU in 2013, where he served over 400 student organizations in the Division of Student Affairs. During his years of service, Sharpe has served students with campus engagement through signature programming such as the Student Organizations & Volunteer Opportunities (SOVO) Fair, as well as offered facilitation through leadership programs such as ACUI I-LEAD Connect and NACA Huge Leadership Weekend. He also contributed to the ACUI Student Organization Institute. Sharpe was elected to the Staff Senate from 2021 - 2024, where he worked to advocate for staff members at VCU.
Hawley Smyth 
Executive Director of Graduate Recruitment
"Business Thinking for All: The Core Competencies Behind Effective Work"
Conference Track: Stretch & Grow
A proud triple Ram, Hawley most recently earned her Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership from VCU. She brings extensive experience in recruitment strategy and relationship management to her role supporting graduate studies at the VCU School of Business.
As Executive Director of Graduate Recruitment, Hawley has led the development of comprehensive recruitment strategies and outreach initiatives that have driven growth in graduate applications and enrollment. She is known for translating data into actionable insights and for building meaningful connections with prospective students, faculty, alumni, and employer partners.
Hawley has been a long-standing member of the VCU community as both a student and employee, having previously served in multiple roles across undergraduate admissions and recruitment prior to her current position as Executive Director of Graduate Recruitment for VCU’s School of Business.
Rodney Steppe 
Learning and Development Instructional Design Specialist
"Beyond Burnout: Uncommon Keys for Renewal"
Conference Track: Uncommon Keys
"Unlocking The Power of Introversion"
Conference Track: Elevated Engagement
Rodney Steppe (he/him/his) is a dedicated Learning and Development Instructional Design Specialist, passionate about enhancing learning experiences and empowering others to reach their full potential. He graduated from VCU in 2010 with a B.A. in Spanish and a minor in Human Resource Management. In 2015, he furthered his education with an M.Ed. in Human Resource Development and Adult Learning from VCU.
With a cumulative 8 plus years of progressive experience at VCU, he has honed his expertise in instructional design and development. Outside of his professional endeavors, he finds joy in music, traveling, exploring new experiences, volunteering, and indulging in local restaurants.
Lindsey Tierney 
Assistant Dean of Student Services
"Flexible Over Fixed: Cultivating the Right Mindset for Serving Gen Z in Higher Education"
Conference Track: Stretch & Grow
Dr. Lindsay Tierney is the Assistant Dean of Student Services at the VCU School of Dentistry and she carries more than 17 years of experience in postsecondary student affairs leadership. She began her career in neuropsychology as a psychometrist before transitioning to higher education leadership, where she has served in roles including Director of Accessibility Resources, Academic Coach, and Assistant Dean of Students.
Dr. Tierney holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Lynchburg, as well as a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling, and a Bachelor of Science in Psychological Sciences and Education. She has authored multiple publications and presented at state and national conferences on various topics rooted in student success in higher education. Her professional interests and research includes self-determination and resilience among postsecondary learners, the creation of programs and processes that promote student success, and academic and life coaching within professional and health sciences programs.
Stephanie Tignor 
Executive Director of Global Learning
"From Richmond to the World: Finding Purpose Through Global Engagement"
Conference Track: Elevated Engagement
Stephanie Tignor (she/her) is the Executive Director of Global Learning at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Global Education Office. She leads study abroad, campus-based and virtual global learning initiatives, and programs supporting international student success. With over two decades at VCU, Stephanie is passionate about creating high-impact experiences that foster global awareness, empathy, and inclusion. Holding degrees in Music and English and with prior education abroad experience in Scotland, Mexico, and Peru, she has led student programs to Mexico, Malaysia, France, and Qatar. She serves nationally as a Gilman Advisor Ambassador, advocating for expanded access to international education, and has presented and published on strategies to increase student participation in global learning. Stephanie is also a member of the GoAbroad Innovation Awards Academy.
Dannita Trice 
Director, Alumni Engagement
"From Uncertainty to Action: Strategies for Leading and Managing Ambiguous Initiatives"
Conference Tracks: Uncommon Keys, Breaking Down Barriers, Stretch & Grow
Dannita Trice, M.Ed. has made a career of connecting people, developing strategy, and executing initiatives that help others and organizations achieve professional and organizational progress. Dannita is a part of the Development & Alumni Relations team at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and serves as the director, alumni engagement for the School of Education, School of Social Work, and the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government & Public Affairs academic units. Dannita has over 12 years’ experience in higher education – including alumni relations, career advising, employer relations, and leadership of an experiential learning center – and experience in corporate campus recruiting at leading financial services firms. She is a former Director of Professional Development and board member of the Virginia Association of Colleges & Employers (VACE). Dannita earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing in 2011 from VCU and a Master of Education in Adult Education & Community Leadership in 2013 from Armstrong Atlantic State University (now Georgia Southern at Armstrong) in Savannah, GA.
James Wasilewski 
Executive Director of Leadership Annual Giving
"Unlocking Your Spark: Tools for Connection and Growth"
Conference Tracks: Uncommon Keys, Elevated Engagement, Stretch & Grow
James has spent more than 20 years in higher education advancement, serving in fundraising, constituent engagement, and student recruitment roles. He currently serves as Executive Director of Leadership Primary Giving within VCU’s Development and Alumni Relations, where he leads focused fundraising efforts and engages in leadership development and fundraising training initiatives. During his tenure at VCU, he has also held roles supporting the Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center and the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs.
In addition to his advancement leadership work, James facilitates workshops and coaching engagements grounded in his professional fundraising experience and more than 20 years in improvisational comedy. He coaches fundraisers in prospecting, donor strategy and meaningful engagement, and leads sessions on storytelling, making the ask, emotionally intelligent fundraising and creating a culture of philanthropy. Drawing on applied improv concepts, he uses interactive exercises to spark discovery, encourage exploration and deepen participant engagement.
James also designs and facilitates people development workshops focused on leadership, creativity, teamwork and communication - helping individuals and teams build confidence, adaptability and stronger connections through experiential learning.
Gabrielle Whittington 
Executive Assistant to the Vice President for Student Affairs
"The Goal-Hacker's Guide to Professional Development: Using Professional Development to Close the Gap Between Where You Are and Where You Want to Be"
Conference Track: Uncommon Keys
Gabrielle Whittington operates at the intersection of strategy, operations, and design. As the Executive Assistant to the Vice President for Student Affairs at VCU, she draws on a diverse background in the retail, legal, and non-profit sectors to navigate complex operational landscapes. A Certified Scrum Master and Master of Product Innovation candidate, Gabrielle fuses agile methodologies with strategic foresight to drive efficiency. She holds a B.S. in Family & Consumer Sciences from Virginia State University and is passionate about fostering innovation and creativity within established organizations.