
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 Truell is an educator, co-author, and advocate for career readiness who currently serves as Supervisor of Career Opportunities & Programs for Hopewell City Public Schools. She collaborates with Career Technical Education Teachers, School Counselors, Work-Based Learning Coordinators, administrative leaders, and local employers to equip students with the technical skills they need to excel in their chosen career paths. Ms. Truell volunteers as a STEM Education Facilitator for local mentoring groups and non-profit organizations, and serves on multiple boards dedicated to empowering both youth and adults. In every endeavor, Kristina Truell leverages her experience, passion, and energy to inspire and support others in achieving greater prosperity and personal growth.
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. Retired after 33 years of dedicated service, 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 currently serves as an Educational Consultant at BEC, a Dual Enrollment Instructor with Chesterfield County Public Schools, and Adjunct Faculty with Brightpoint Community College. Her work continues to be pivotal in shaping the educational landscape and fostering nurturing environments where students can grow, develop, and thrive.
Azaria Skinner

Azaria Skinner is a motivated and curious individual who enjoys learning new things and growing through new experiences. She values creativity, hard work, and staying open to new ideas. In school, Azaria focuses on developing her skills and exploring subjects that interest her most. Outside of academics, she enjoys spending time with friends, listening to music, and finding ways to express herself. She aims to build a strong future by setting goals and working consistently toward them. Zarie believes in staying positive, respecting others, and always striving to improve personally and academically each day.
Zoe Cooper

Zoe Cooper is a nursing student at Virginia Commonwealth University, a licensed nail technician, and an aspiring Labor and Delivery Nurse. Since 2023, Zoe has owned and operated a nail business, where she blends creativity, care, and entrepreneurship.
She is passionate about helping women experience safe, comforting, and supportive maternity care in the hospital setting. In the future, Zoe hopes to pursue midwifery so she can play a greater role in delivering babies and providing gynecological care.
Zoe believes mentorship and community are essential to success. Her goal is to inspire, connect, and motivate others through meaningful advice, encouragement, 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.

Jasmine Smith
Jasmine Smith is an architecture student at Hampton University, working toward her Master’s degree with a passion for designing spaces that uplift and serve communities. She enjoys combining creativity with problem-solving and has built a strong academic foundation in architecture and communication. Jasmine is an Autodesk AutoCAD Certified User and stays actively involved on campus through organizations like the National Organization of Minority Architects and the Ron Brown Leaders Network, where she serves as a captain. Through her leadership roles and diverse work experience, she continues to grow as a dedicated, driven individual preparing for a meaningful career in architecture.
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 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.
Tisha Skinner
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Tisha Skinner has over 28 years of experience in the criminal justice system, working with local community-based supervision. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science/Pre-Law and a Master of Human Services/Criminal Justice. Tisha has extensive managerial experience in policy and procedure development, professional development, team building, and performance evaluation. She serves as a subject matter expert in evidence-based practices specific to local probation programming and developed the first specialized domestic violence adult probation unit in Virginia. A native of New Jersey, Tisha is a dedicated mother of two who loves the Lord and has served in music ministry for over 25 years.
Dr. Staci Moore

Dr. Staci Moore, known as TheOper8tor, is a Sacred Systems Strategist who helps women reclaim clarity, confidence, and calling through spiritually aligned structure. She blends business strategy, inner healing, and AI-powered innovation to help leaders build legacy-driven lives and brands. Her work centers on transformation, leadership, and practical faith.
Jada White


Jada White is a 19 year old rising sophomore at Old Dominion University double majoring in Political Science and Political and Legal Studies with aspirations to be a lawyer. Jada is the daughter of Jonn and Torri White of Chesterfield, Virginia, and is the youngest of three children. At ODU, Jada is a member of the NAACP, Black Student Association, Chosen Generation, and Ebony Impact. Jada enjoys learning about different cultures and baking. Jada accepted Christ at an early age and became a member of Mount Oliver Baptist Church. She is heavily involved in campus ministry at ODU.
Angel King is a student at Radford University majoring in Dance and Entrepreneurship. Since childhood, dance has been more than a passion for her; it has been a cathartic outlet that helped her regulate emotions, build confidence, and express herself creatively. Her faith has always remained at the center of her journey, as she was baptized at a young age and strives to put God first in all she does. Upon graduation, Angel plans to open her own dance studio to inspire and mentor young girls, providing them with the same encouragement, discipline, and emotional healing that dance gave to her throughout her life.

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