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2026 EmpowerHer
Ignite Your Fire-Cross Generational Impact
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.
Dr. Teresa Bennett
Dr. Teresa A. Bennett is a revered figure in the field of education, boasting an illustrious career that spans over three decades. Her unwavering commitment to educational excellence and leadership has left an indelible mark on Central Virginia's secondary and post-secondary school systems. With a career marked by exceptional leadership, Dr. Teresa holds the esteemed position of Educational Consultant at BEC., Dual Enrollment Instructor with Chesterfield County Public Schools, and Adjunct Faculty with Brightpoint Community College. Her role is pivotal in shaping the educational landscape and fostering a nurturing environment for student's growth and development.
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.
Tara Henry
I am Zoe Cooper, a nursing student at Virginia Commonwealth University, a licensed nail technician, and an aspiring Labor and Delivery Nurse. Since 2023, I have owned my own nail business, blending creativity, care, and entrepreneurship. I am passionate about creating a safe and comforting maternity experience for women in the hospital setting. In the future, I hope to pursue midwifery so I can play a greater role in delivering babies and providing gynecological care. I believe mentors and community are essential to success, and my goal is to inspire, connect, and motivate others through meaningful advice and conversation.
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.
Dr. Maxine Collins
Dr. Maxine is the director of Advocate Enterprises, a non-profit organization providing scholarship funds for her community’s underserved. She is a lifelong student and has done individual studies on the science of the mind and how this science aligns with scripture for over ten years. With this knowledge, Dr. Maxine developed the 63-Day Mind Challenge Program, which guides the participant through sixty-three exercises to transform destructive thinking patterns, such as doubt, worry, anxiety, and low self-image, into healthy, productive thoughts.
Renita Courtney
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 SocialWork from Virginia State University (VSU). Jordan is deeply committed to community-basedwork, especially within the education system, where she focuses on building healthyrelationships 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.
Dr. Teresa Bennett
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Tisha Skinner
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Courtney Curtis
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Tisha Skinner has over 27 years of experience in criminal justice services. She is the local probation coordinator for the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, where she serves as a subject matter expert in evidence-based practices. At the start of her career, she worked as a pretrial investigator and later as a probation supervisor, where she developed the first specialized local domestic violence probation unit in Virginia. Tisha has extensive managerial experience, including policy and procedure development, employee leadership, professional development, team building, and performance evaluation.
Courtney Curtis, a prominent figure in Petersburg, VA, is the dynamic force behind Family Services Inc., a thriving mental health agency and an accomplished local realtor. Courtney's journey from Chesterfield County, VA, reflects a remarkable trajectory marked by profound achievements and a commitment to community well-being. Courtney Curtis's unwavering dedication to behavioral health, real estate, and community development stands as a testament to her versatile expertise and commitment to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those she serves.
Shyrelle Scott
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Shyrelle J. Scott, an education luminary with 20 years of experience, has left an indelible mark as a middle and high school English teacher in Virginia. She serves as the literacy coach at Powhatan Middle School, passionately advocating for literacy as a vehicle for empowerment and self-reliance. Her academic journey includes a Bachelor of Arts in English from Virginia State University and a Master of Science in Education focusing on Reading from Old Dominion University. A lifelong learner, Shyrelle has held numerous leadership roles and is a beacon of kindness and positivity.
Sonya Matthews
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Sonya M. Matthews, an esteemed authority in behavioral health administration, leadership, and training others. She has embarked on a compelling journey that intertwines academic prowess, spiritual leadership, and a profound commitment to community service. Armed with a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership & Management, Sonya seamlessly applies her academic acumen in her impactful role at the Veterans Health Administration, where she brings a wealth of expertise to the realm of Behavioral Health Administration. Her dedication to fostering well-being and empowerment is evident in her professional pursuits.
Tia Jones
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Tia Harris has made a profound impact on mental health throughout her career. Since high school, she has tirelessly devoted herself to helping individuals with various disabilities, children, and adults with autism. Her educational pursuits in Human Services at Brightpoint Community College have enriched her expertise. She is an authority in the mental health domain and an esteemed leader across various spheres, including healthcare, corporate leadership, and empowerment. Her journey characterizes empowerment, unwavering dedication, and an unbeatable commitment to enriching the lives of others.