LADY Bosses

COACH | ENTREPRENEUR | MEDIA PERSONALITY
CONSULTANT | SPEAKER

Get ready to ignite your passion

The Stepping Up and Stepping Out Academy is here to guide you on the path to becoming a Ce

Meet our Dynamic
Speakers & Panelists

2025 EmpowerHer Summit

Cross Generational Impact

Why Register for the 2025 EmpowerHer Summit: Cross-Generational Impact

Are you ready to step into a space where your voice is heard, your experiences are valued, and your legacy begins?

The 2025 EmpowerHer Summit is more than just an event – it's a movement designed to bridge generations, build legacy, and empower women of all ages to rise together in purpose and power.

The Power of Cross-Generational Impact

This Summit unites emerging leaders, young adults, mid-career professionals, and seasoned women of wisdom in one dynamic space to share stories, strategies, and support.

You’ll experience:

Mentorship moments that ignite your next move
Wisdom transfer that unlocks new possibilities
Authentic conversations that heal, inspire, and equip

What You’ll Gain:

Clarity of Vision: Reconnect with your purpose and define what legacy looks like for you
Actionable Tools: Learn from speakers and experts who will guide you through personal and professional growth
Empowerment & Encouragement: Walk away feeling spiritually, mentally, and emotionally recharged
Networking & Sisterhood: Build meaningful cross-generational connections that will uplift you long after the summit ends
Legacy Planning: Receive resources that help you craft a vision that lives beyond you

How It Will Impact Your Life:

You’ll stop second-guessing your potential and start living it
You’ll be reminded that your story matters – and it's still unfolding
You’ll become part of a growing network of women committed to lifting as they climb
You’ll gain insight into how to serve, lead, and build with intention – both now and for future generations
You’ll leave equipped to turn your pain into purpose, your dream into destiny, and your voice into victory

This is your time.

Don’t miss the opportunity to be a part of something transformative.

👉🏽 Register now for the 2025 EmpowerHer Summit: Bridging the Gap – Cross-Generational Impact Because your legacy begins with a decision to show up, grow up, and rise up.

Guest Speakers & Panelist

Dr. Valarie Harris

Dr. Valarie is the founder and CEO of Stepping Out with Purpose Coaching & Consulting Company. As a leader, she strives to develop lifelong learners, equipping them with the necessary resources to go to the next level and bring about a growth mindset in their leadership roles for coming generations. As an empowerment coach, her mission is to equip, empower, and inspire women in leadership and entrepreneurs to build a business that creates financial freedom and a healthy lifestyle and leaves a legacy for future generations.

Kristina Truell

Kristina P. Truell was born and raised near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the home of cheesesteaks, hoagies, and her beloved Philly sports teams. She is an educator championing career readiness and a new Influencers Stepping Out with Boldness co-author. Kristina considers her faith, her tribe, and encouraging others to be essential aspects of her life. She strives to help others use their gifts and hopes that her influence significantly changes their path.

Sharvette Mitchell

Sharvette Mitchell is more than a business leader and marketing consultant; she’s THE PLATFORM BUILDER®. Her vision, ingenuity, and extensive 25-year background in corporate America at Capital One Bank, coupled with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Virginia Commonwealth University, have crystallized her reputation as a foremost authority in the marketing landscape. Sharvette’s unique approach, encapsulated in her trademarked framework THE PLATFORM BUILDER®, has become a beacon for small businesses seeking to amplify their brand. By honing their visibility, marketing, and branding strategies, she has enabled numerous businesses to generate more revenue, achieve growth, and establish increased brand recognition.

Dr. Yvonne S. Jones

Yvonne is an author who works full-time and part-time as an Impact Coach, collaborating with many school-based administrators in the Commonwealth of Virginia for a School-University Research Network in the School of Education at the College of William and Mary. She served as the director of the Project ALL leadership project in the Educational Leadership Department at Virginia Commonwealth University from 2009 to 2011. She retired in 2009 after working for thirty-one years as a teacher, principal, and educational leader for New Kent County and Hopewell City schools.

Aliyah Smith

Aliyah H. Smith is a recent graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Engineering from Virginia State University. She also holds a General Studies Certificate from John Tyler Community College (Brightpoint Community College) and has completed the Data Science and Engineering Diversity Program at John Cabot University in Rome, Italy. Aliyah has gained valuable experience through various internships and co-op positions, including her role as a Sustainable Engineer Co-op, where she collaborated on sustainable initiatives and assisted in product development. She also served as a Project Engineer Intern, ensuring quality control and managing project dynamics. Her research experience as a Research Assistant involved utilizing satellite imagery and collaborating with university staff and county officials.

Dana Wilson

Dana Wilson is an author, certified Trichologist, Sisterlocks educator, empowerment coach, certified BIO research assistant, certified cold capper, veteran, author, and, more importantly, a mother of a son on the autism spectrum. She is the director and CEO of Hair Cares Inc., which provides in-person and virtual hair growth services, Sisterlocks business consulting, and personal coaching. She encourages holistic living and full self-expression through hair advocacy, training, coaching, consulting, books, and the talk show Every Strand Counts.

Jordan Winfield

Jordan Winfield is a passionate social worker from Petersburg, Virginia, whose faith in God inspires her dedication to service. She holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work from Virginia State University (VSU). Jordan is deeply committed to community-based work, especially within the education system, where she focuses on building healthy relationships and fostering self-confidence. She has a strong passion for mentorship, helping individuals reach their full potential. Her faith and heart for service drive her to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others and cultivate loving, supportive communities.

Nicole Graves-Gillis

Nikki is a dedicated wife, a proud boy mom to Tyler and Landon, and a loving dog mom to Deuce. Married to Toron, she balances her busy family life with her role as a Senior Manager in Supply Chain, where she’s known for making boss moves. A graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Phoenix, Nikki values education but believes the most powerful tools are reading, listening, and continuous learning. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where she mentors youth and inspires young women in business. Nikki believes authentic leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about showing up, leading with integrity when no one is watching, and growing the people around you. These principles guide her career and commitment to uplifting her community and workplace.

Erika Brooks

Erika N. Brooks is a passionate mental health advocate, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) in Virginia. She holds a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling from Virginia Commonwealth University and is the founder of Enlightenment Counseling Services, LLC. Erika specializes in women’s mental health, self-care, trauma recovery, and grief therapy. She’s a sought-after podcast guest and the host of the upcoming TEA Time with Erika. A co-author of PEARL, Positioned to Pivot, Daring to Dream Big, and Our Years to Your Ears. Erika also contributes to Hope Magazine and serves on the board of Forever Healed. She is a proud member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women.