Meet The 2026 Presenters! More coming soon...

MA, NCC, LPC-S, EMDRIA Certified Therapists™ CIT

Ana Barnson

As the founder and clinical director of Sense of Self Counseling, PLLC, Ana specializes in trauma-informed therapy integrating EMDR, Attachment-Focused EMDR, play, movement, and sandtray approaches to support emotional regulation and growth across the lifespan. A TBRI® Practitioner, she partners with caregivers to strengthen secure parent–child relationships and promote relational healing. A returning Leadership Summit presenter, Ana is passionate about mentoring emerging clinicians and collaborating with local organizations to expand access to culturally responsive mental health care. Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, she has been part of the East Texas community for over 16 years.

46362835_10104715510081883_4488015102313

Franchise Owner | Chick-fil-A Lindale/North Tyler

Joshua Johnson

Joshua grew up in Tyler, TX, graduated from Winona High School, and received a BS in Computer and Electrical Engineering from Baylor University and an MBA from the University of Texas at Tyler. He became a Chick-fil-A Franchise Owner at the age of 24, owned Chick-fil-A Broadway Square Mall for 14 years, and currently owns and operates Chick-fil-A Lindale/North Tyler and works as a licensee consultant for Chick-fil-A Tyler Junior College and Chick-fil-A University of Texas at Tyler. Joshua has served as president and director of Discovery Science Place and Leadership Tyler, as director of Chick-fil-A Franchise Owner’s Captive Insurance Company, and as committee chair for Boy Scout Troop 370. He currently serves as chairman and director of the Lindale Area Chamber of Commerce, as director and Advocacy Committee Chair of the East Texas Coalition Council, as a director of East Texas Youth Orchestra, and as a member of the UT Tyler Advisory Committee.

HR Generalist II

Southside Bank

Dr. Ashlea L. Wilson

Dr. Wilson holds multiple degrees including a Ph.D. from UT Tyler’s HRD Program. Dr. Wilson currently serves the Tyler community in multiple leadership roles and firmly believes in “Service above Self” as she is a Rotary Foundation Paul Harris Fellow and the 2024 Southside Serves Top Volunteer in East Texas. As a single mom of a 9-year-old son, Dr. Wilson and her son, JR, love all things Marvel, playing football and basketball, working out at Crunch and spending quality time with family and friends.

Founder & President, Scarborough Commercial Real

Samuel Scarborough

Samuel Scarborough, CCIM, is a highly experienced and accomplished commercial real estate broker based in Tyler, TX. He earned the Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation in 2023, a globally recognized symbol of excellence in commercial real estate. As founder and president of Scarborough Commercial Real Estate, he and his team have closed millions of dollars of office, industrial, retail, multifamily and development transactions, representing clients across East Texas and nationwide. In addition to his work as a commercial real estate broker, Samuel is actively involved in his hometown Tyler community. He serves on the board of several local organizations, including the Tyler Economic Development Council (real estate council), Hospice of East Texas, First Tee of Greater Tyler, and other past board seats in the Tyler area.

Collaborative Leadership Trainer & Facilitator

Kim Beckham

Kim is a certified DISC behavioral styles trainer, a facilitator, John Maxwell Team leadership coach and an AACC-certified Leadership Coach. He is passionate about helping people in organizations make the changes that set their lives and careers on the path to excellence. Kim likes to tell stories, both humorous and more serious, that give insight into human behavior. His background allows him to call on Biblical teaching at times, but his sessions are not explicitly faith-based (with the exception of my pastoral coaching). His life’s work has been connecting with people of every background and all educational levels in all types of places.

Client Engagement Director

Express Pros Training

Sarah Anderson

Sarah is passionate about helping leaders and workplaces thrive by fostering strong teams and healthy organizational culture. She also actively contributes to her community, reflecting her commitment to positive impact both professionally and personally.

Keynote Speaker

Dr. Laura Thiess

Dr. Laura Loya Thiess is the English Language Learner (ELL) Program Manager for Stride K12, a virtual public school system in Texas, where she leads a team of more than 75 educators and specialists and supports over 5,000 multilingual students statewide. With 29 years of experience in education, she has served as a classroom teacher, principal, district executive leader, and consultant. A former immigrant who learned English through the public school system, Dr. Thiess brings both personal and professional passion to her work in second language acquisition, leadership development, and culturally responsive practices. She holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and an Educational Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction. Dr. Thiess is the Founder and CEO of Lead Loud Consulting, LLC, providing leadership training and culturally responsive professional development. A founding member and former Acting President of the Hispanic Professionals Association of Tyler, she is honored to return as the keynote speaker for the 7th Annual East Texas Leadership Summit.

Coming Soon!

Johnny Ortiz

JohnnyJuan Ortiz is a dynamic leadership strategist, executive coach, and professional speaker dedicated to developing high-impact leaders across East Texas and beyond. With a background spanning entrepreneurship, real estate lending, community leadership, and organizational development, JohnnyJuan equips professionals with the mindset, skillset, and discipline required to build thriving teams and sustainable success. He has served in key leadership roles within regional nonprofits, professional associations, and business networks, consistently championing collaboration, growth, and community impact. Known for his energy, clarity, and ability to connect vision to execution, JohnnyJuan challenges leaders to move from intention to implementation. As a Leadership Conference Emcee, he brings professionalism, presence, and momentum to events—ensuring audiences remain engaged, aligned, and inspired throughout the entire experience. JohnnyJuan’s mission is simple: develop leaders who create lasting influence in their organizations, families, and communities.