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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.
Azaria Skinner
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.
Zoe Cooper
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.
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 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.
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.
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.