MAY 19, 2023
8:30am - 3pm
Tyler Junior College
Rogers Student Center
1400 E. Fifth St. Tyler, Texas 75701
EMERGING
sTRONGER
Keyote Speaker
Dr. Nancy Bernardino
Executive Director for Single Gender and TransformationSchools in Dallas ISD
Brian Brandt is President of Core Insights, a company providing training, strategic planning, coaching and a speakers’ bureau for businesses and nonprofits. His expertise revolves around leadership, communication, people development, board training, and strategic planning. He has coauthored Blind Spots: What you don’t know CAN hurt you and The Ambassador’s Journey: A fable about Nonprofit Board Leadership. Brian holds a master’s degree in Global Leadership as well as a bachelor’s degree in Accounting. Session: Poised to Pivot! To succeed as a leader, especially in times of significant challenge or change, takes confidence. Have you laid the foundation for confidence? Can you lead others in seasons of ambiguity? You’ll walk away with tangible ways to build and maintain your confidence, courage and charisma.
Core Insights
Brian Brandt
Kim Beckham, Owner of Kim Beckham Collaborative Leadership
Kim Beckham is a highly regarded speaker, leader, coach, and lifelong learner who has been leading people to success for over 45 years. He has led organizations as small as 10 people and as large as 1000. He is a published author and is currently working on his third book due to be published in 2024. Kim has a passion for the development of leaders and has a thriving coaching and leadership training business as a John Maxwell certified coach.
Session: The Bounce Back Factor
If we are going to be resilient we must master the art of "bouncing back" from discouragement and failure. I will share with key insights into how create resilience in your professional and personal life. When you leave you will take with at least three tools to make sure you can "bounce back" from any challenges in your life.
Kim Beckham
Anna Malone & Shaune Martinez
Southside Wealth Management-Anna Clyde Malone, Financial Advisor & Shaune Martinez, Financial Advisor
Anna Clyde Malone: Anna graduated from Texas Christian University with a bachelor’s degree in finance. She enjoys taking advantage of all that East Texas has to offer and is proud to be a fifth generation member of the Tyler community. Together with her husband, Brandon, they have two daughters Claire and Emma. She has served in various roles for area nonprofit organizations and is a graduate of Leadership Tyler Class 22.
Shaune Martinez: Shaune is a seasoned advisor with Raymond James who loves talking about leadership, practical advice and goal setting. When he’s not helping clients with financial strategies, he enjoys getting out into nature with his family, woodworking and playing music with friends.
Session: Financial Resolutions for 2024
Use this session as a way to do a high level check-in on your financial planning progress. We'll be discussing foundational steps that can be helpful any time of year and you build your strategy for the future.
Kimberly Lewis
Kimberly B. Lewis, President & CEO of Goodwill Industries of East Texas and owner of Motivational Muse, LLC
Kimberly is a nonprofit executive, author, speaker, consultant and frequent contributor to Forbes Magazine as a member of the Forbes Nonprofit Council. She is a respected professional and her articles have been published by Advancing Philanthropy, Workability International, AFPICON, Kahoots!, Retail Operations Network, The Global Good Fund, and others. She is the winner of the Goodwill Industries International (GII) 2020 Diversity & Inclusion Champion Award, a former member of the GII Board of Directors and former Chair of the GII Conference of Executives. In 2023 she was awarded the GII PJ Trevethan Award for Outstanding Training.
Session: Pushing Past Barriers
In the workplace, as in life there are always challenges. When the challenges become more prominent they turn into barriers. However, barriers are meant to be knocked down. This session will provide takeaways that every leader can use to push past the barriers they face into a successful and fulfilling life and career.
CWJ Strategies- Ginger Cardwell, Leah Wansley, and Laura Jackson Ginger Cardwell: Ginger, a partner at CWJ Strategies, brings a wealth of experience from her background in start-ups, operations, leadership, and project management. Renowned for her deep dives into projects, challenging conventional wisdom, and unwavering commitment to clients, Ginger excels in fostering strong connections and achieving shared goals. Her journey as a business owner and work with industry and community leaders have equipped her with a robust foundation to support clients' aspirations. Beyond her professional endeavors, Ginger is an active community volunteer who loves the outdoors, hosting dinner parties for family and friends, and traveling the world. Leah Wansley: Leah, a partner at CWJ Strategies, brings over two decades of marketing and advertising experience, delivering strategic and creative solutions across diverse sectors. Her expertise, supported by a BFA in Communication Design from the University of North Texas, enables her to navigate the complexities of both B2B and consumer marketing. An active community leader and Leadership Tyler alumna, Leah's commitment to her community and professional growth is evident in her work and personal pursuits. Outside of work, Leah enjoys spending quality time with family and friends. Laura Jackson: Laura is a partner at CWJ Strategies with over 15 years of experience in strategic communications across business, politics, and education. With a track record of leading significant initiatives, she excels in devising custom solutions for complex challenges. Her extensive academic background, including a Ph.D. in Public Affairs, complements her practical expertise, making her adept at helping clients achieve success through compelling narratives. Outside of work, Laura is deeply committed to her family, community service, and triathlon training.
CWJ Strategies
Ginger Cardwell, Leah Wansley, Laura Jackson
Session: Navigating Uncertainty: Building Resilient Businesses in Turbulent Times In a world where even local political landscapes can shift rapidly, businesses face unprecedented challenges. This presentation explores strategies for building resilience by becoming civically engaged. We will discuss how businesses can help shape and adapt to public policies to protect their interests and maintain stability. From effective risk management to fostering flexibility and innovation, attendees will gain insights into creating robust business models that can thrive in tumultuous times.
Sorani Robinson, Director of Strategy and Development at Lending Avenue
Sorani Robinson currently holds the position of Director of Strategy and Development at Lending Avenue, a non-profit organization committed to assisting underserved small businesses. With a background enriched by several years at Wells Fargo, Sorani brings a wealth of experience in finance to her role. In addition to her corporate experience, Sorani previously served as a leader in a non-profit residential home in the Dallas Fort Worth area. This organization had a specific focus on providing support to women facing the most challenging periods of their lives, guiding them to become resilient and responsible contributors to the community. Originally from Curaçao, a small Caribbean Island off the coast of Venezuela, she is fluent in four languages. Her undergrad is a BA of Midwifery. Sorani’s diverse linguistic abilities, paired with her unique skills and knowledge to help others grow, excel, and achieve their full potential, empower her to effectively support individuals during their moments of need.
Sorani Robinson
Day Shelmire, Director of the UT Tyler-Longview Small Business Development Center
Day Shelmire is the Director of the UT Tyler-Longview Small Business Development Center. After earning an MBA from SMU, Mr. Shelmire began his career at NASA Headquarters where he worked on space commercialization and technology transfer programs. While at NASA, Mr. Shelmire licensed a promising GPS-based mapping technology to start his first company, Global Visions. Since that time, Mr. Shelmire started several successful businesses including Janie’s Cakes, a Tyler, Texas-based producer of gourmet pound cakes, which landed on Oprah’s favorites list. Most recently, Mr. Shelmire was Director of Business Development for a Dallas-based investment banking firm and Vice President and Regional Sales Manager at Frost Bank. Mr. Shelmire was appointed Director of the UT Tyler-Longview Small Business Development Center in February of 2019.
Day Shelmire
Victor Valle & Scott Martinez
Victor Valle, Senior Vice President
Victor Valle is the Senior Vice President of Economic Development for the Tyler EDC. He oversees the preparation of prospect proposals for companies seeking to expand within or relocate to the Tyler/Smith County region, including preparing incentive summaries for interested parties. Additionally, he is responsible for maintaining local demographic and economic data and maintains a comprehensive site and building database. Since 2017, Victor has served on the East Texas Council of Governments' East Texas Economic Development District Board of Directors. Victor is a Tyler native, graduated from Tyler High School, then earned a bachelor’s degree in Finance and an MBA from the University of Texas at Tyler. In March of 2022, Victor earned his Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation from the International Economic Development Council.
Session: Economic Development in Tyler
The Tyler EDC team will present how economic development impacts our community and helps local businesses grow. Learn how economic development is done in Tyler and how it is different from most communities in Texas.
Wendy Frizzell, Executive Director
I became the executive director at Leadership Tyler in May 2022. After 15 years in fundraising, I ventured outside my comfort zone to try a new venture in pharmacy operations. What great lessons I learned! I have lived in Tyler for more than 25 years and love this community. My hope is to give others an experience that helps them grow into the leaders they were meant to become.
Session: Welcome to the Outside of the Box
The outside of the box is where opportunities are waiting to meet you and your abilities. We'll explore how they camouflage themselves as obstacles or disappointments, but then we will flip the script. Key concepts we will explore include adaptability, positivity, perseverance, persistence, and perspective. Let the adventure begin!
Wendy Frizzell
Dr. Julie Philley
Julie V. Philley, MD is the Executive Vice President of Health Affairs for the Health Science Center at The University of Texas at Tyler. She has oversight of all things related to education and health, which includes the School of Medicine, School of Nursing, School of Health Professions and the Fisch College of Pharmacy. She is also board-certified in internal medicine, critical care medicine, and pulmonary disease.
Session: Advanced Practice in Health Care
Highlighting the accomplishments of the Health Affairs programs at the University of Texas at Tyler, including a successful first year of the UT Tyler School of Medicine, continued expansion of the School of Nursing, and notable accomplishments within the Fisch College of Pharmacy. Discussion on new degree programs and additions to the School of Health Professions as well as the introduction of innovative healthcare MBA programs at the Soules College of Business.
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Manuel Reyes, D.E.D.
Senior Research Analyst,
Hibbs Institute for Business and Economic Research
Dr. Reyes is responsible for the regional economic impact modeling projects conducted by the Institute and has led the Hibbs Institute’s collaborations, presentations, and research activities since January 2019. Before joining the Hibbs Institute, Dr. Reyes worked for the Mexican Secretary of Economy, as well as several research centers including the Hunt Institute for Global Competitiveness at the University of Texas at El Paso, the Arrowhead Center at New Mexico State University, the Center for Economic Development and Research at the University of North Texas, and the Institute for Policy and Economic Development at the University of Texas at El Paso. He received a B.B.A. in International Business and an M.B.A. from the Tecnológico de Monterrey, Campus Chihuahua. He later earned an M.S. in Economics from the University of Texas at El Paso and a Doctoral degree in Economic Development specializing in public finance from New Mexico State University. Dr. Reyes is currently pursuing his M.S. in Health Sciences at the University of Texas at Tyler.
Manuel Reyes
Dr. Kenneth Wink
Dr. Kenneth A. Wink
Dr. Wink is Professor of Public Administration and Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Texas at Tyler. He earned a PhD in Political Science from Louisiana State University. He has authored or coauthored several articles and a book. His research focus is American political parties, campaigns and elections, and religion and politics.
Session: Political Polling in an Anti-Political Age: The Latest from the UT Tyler Center for Opinion Research
The main focus of the presentation will be to share the work of the UT Tyler Center for Opinion Research and share the latest findings from our February polling efforts. I will specifically talk about how Texans view political issues in the early stages of the 2024 campaign season.
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Todd Buchanan
Todd Buchanan, President of Greater Texas Capital Corporation (GTCC) & Lending Avenue .Todd Buchanan is a senior leader with over 35 years’ experience in finance, accounting, and operations. He has a strong business acumen, adept at identifying financial and operational drivers that impact the bottom line, a value architect strategically geared toward execution. He serves as President of GTCC, a Certified Development Company that provides SBA lending to small businesses, in role since 2016, having joined in 2012 as EVP of Operations. He additionally founded and serves as President of Lending Avenue, an emerging Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and subsidiary of GTCC. Lending Avenue is focused on providing access to healthy and affordable capital, resources for financial literacy and mentoring to historically underserved, underestimated small businesses throughout East Texas.Todd’s previous experience includes six years as a business advisor and consultant and 17 years with four Fortune 500 companies serving in various roles including accounting, finance, corporate development, and VP/GM. He has a BA in Accounting from Texas Lutheran College and passed the Texas CPA exam. Todd has a passion for giving back to his community and currently serves on multiple advisory, non-profit, faith-based, and industry boards as well as a Deacon at Southern Oaks Baptist Church.
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Don Proudfoot,
Director of the Tyler Small Business Development Center
Don Proudfoot has been the Director of Tyler Small Business Development at TJC for 28 years with a focus on loan deals and new business ideas. His career expertise includes Manager of Tyler Area Incubator for 2 years, 504 SBA Loan Board for 20 years, & Accounting & Marketing for Fortune 500 Company for 11 years. Mr. Proudfoot has a background in running multiple entrepreneurial adventures such as: New York deli, co-owned Jazz Night Club, Residential Rental Property and currently owns Commercial Property.
Laura Jackson,
Partner at CWJ Strategies
Laura is a seasoned strategist and problem solver with over 15 years of experience leading major, multi-million-dollar strategic communication efforts in the business, political, and education sectors. Currently a partner at CWJ Strategies, Laura specializes in creating custom solutions to help clients solve problems and exceed their goals. Prior to her work at CWJ, she served as the Assistant Vice President for Government & community Affairs at The University of Texas at Tyler, where she led all governmental and community initiatives for the University. A lifelong learner, Laura has augmented her professional experience with formal education. She earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Texas A&M University, a Master of Public Service and Administration from the George Bush School of Public Service, and a Ph.D. in Public Affairs from The University of Texas at Dallas. Laura’s diverse background equips her with the knowledge and skills to help businesses and organizations craft compelling narratives that overcome obstacles and drive success. When she’s not in the office, you’ll find her hanging out with her family, volunteering
Sorani Robinson
Sorani Robinson, Director of Strategy and Development at Lending Avenue Sorani Robinson currently holds the position of Director of Strategy and Development at Lending Avenue, a non-profit organization committed to assisting underserved small businesses. With a background enriched by several years at Wells Fargo, Sorani brings a wealth of experience in finance to her role. In addition to her corporate experience, Sorani previously served as a leader in a non-profit residential home in the Dallas Fort Worth area. This organization had a specific focus on providing support to women facing the most challenging periods of their lives, guiding them to become resilient and responsible contributors to the community. Originally from Curaçao, a small Caribbean Island off the coast of Venezuela, she is fluent in four languages. Her undergrad is a BA of Midwifery. Sorani’s diverse linguistic abilities, paired with her unique skills and knowledge to help others grow, excel, and achieve their full potential, empower her to effectively support individuals during their moments of need.
Day Shelmire
Day Shelmire is the Director of the UT Tyler-Longview Small Business Development Center. After earning an MBA from SMU, Mr. Shelmire began his career at NASA Headquarters where he worked on space commercialization and technology transfer programs. While at NASA, Mr. Shelmire licensed a promising GPS-based mapping technology to start his first company, Global Visions. Since that time, Mr. Shelmire started several successful businesses including Janie’s Cakes, a Tyler, Texas-based producer of gourmet pound cakes, which landed on Oprah’s favorites list. Most recently, Mr. Shelmire was Director of Business Development for a Dallas-based investment banking firm and Vice President and Regional Sales Manager at Frost Bank. Mr. Shelmire was appointed Director of the UT Tyler-Longview Small Business Development Center in February of 2019.
Laura Loya Thiess, Education Consultant
Laura is a seasoned educator with a rich background in leadership. With over 28 years of experience in the education sector, she has played pivotal roles in enhancing learning outcomes, fostering inclusive environments, and developing comprehensive strategies for academic success. With a passion for innovation and a commitment to excellence, Laura continues to make significant contributions to the field of education, empowering individuals and organizations to achieve their full potential. Session: The Power of "Not Yet" In this engaging session, participants will explore the transformative concept of “Not Yet” and its profound impact on fostering a resilient mindset. This session will delve into the power of embracing setbacks and reframing them as opportunities for growth. Attendees will leave this session equipped with actionable techniques for building resilience and harnessing the power of “Not Yet” to navigate obstacles and achieve their goals. Whether you’re an educator, leader, or lifelong learner, join us to discover how embracing the journey of growth can lead to greater success and fulfillment.
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Brent Yergensen, Ph.D.
Brent Yergensen (Ph.D., University of Nebraska-Lincoln) is Department Chair and Associate Professor of Communication at The University of Texas at Tyler. His research focuses on the intersections of religion, science, politics, and history with mass media. He has served in various administrative roles, including Associate Dean of Communication and Media, University Curriculum Chair, and Chair of the Department of Communication. Session: Understanding and Using AI: Challenges and Opportunities I will provide an overview of AI in the contemporary workplace, with particular focus on challenges, followed by description of its opportunities. Challenges include loss of intellectual invention and gravitation towards techno-reliance. Opportunities include a faster business world and collaboration.
Ana Barnson
NCC, LPC-S, EMDR Certified Therapist
Owner/ Therapist Sense of Self Counseling Ana Barnson is a licensed professional counselor and supervisor with national certification. She was formerly the Director of Client Services at the East Texas Crisis Center, where she led a team of counselors, interns, advocates, and volunteers to provide support and build resilience in survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, and crime. Ana has been a therapy companion for many trauma survivors, families, caregivers, children, and professionals in East Texas. She is very passionate about providing care and support to the East Texas community, and her specializations include unique interventions such as EMDR and sandtray. She now runs her Private Practice: Sense of Self Counseling. Session: Building Resilience in Leadership Resilience refers to the ability to recover quickly from difficulties and challenges. In the context of leadership, it means leading teams or organizations through uncertain situations effectively. It involves withstanding the pressures and setbacks that come with leadership roles and proactively adapting and thriving in the face of adversity. Let's explore some important aspects that can help us become more resilient team leaders.
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Dr. Erik Gustafson
Erik Gustafson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication at the University of Texas at Tyler. His primary scholarly pursuits exist at the intersection of media, culture, and politics, and explore how rapidly evolving media environments affect our experience of what it means to be human. Session: Problem Solving through Media Ecology Media Ecology is an interdisciplinary approach to studying the human condition in our digitally mediated environment. This presentation seeks to provide an overview of selected concepts in Media Ecology and demonstrate how they can be employed as tools to improve our problem-solving abilities in both professional and personal aspects of life.