Meet The 2026 Presenters! 

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.

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.

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.

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.

Don Warren was first elected on Nov. 3, 2020, as Mayor of Tyler. He is now in his third term. He is a native Tylerite and has been an oil and gas professional for the last 40 years. He is the owner of Lomoco, Inc., a small oil and gas asset management firm he formed in 1994. Don has a strong record of public service, having served as the council member for District 4 for three consecutive terms. He currently serves as a Board Member for the Tyler Junior College Foundation and is an Auxiliary Board Member for the Soules School of Business at the University of Texas at Tyler. He is also a Community Board Member of the Nurse-Family Partnership at UT Health. Don serves on the Behavioral Health Leadership Team, the Mayor’s Homelessness and Poverty Roundtable, Catalyst 100, the Housing Council for East Texas Human Needs Network, and is an advocate for parks and quality of life projects within the City. He is a member of the Tyler Economic Development Council and a member of the Rotary Club of South Tyler.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Kimberly B. Lewis is the President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of East Texas and the owner of Motivational Muse, LLC. She has 25 years of executive level non-profit and business experience – 23 of which has been leading Goodwill agencies. She joined Goodwill Industries of East Texas (GIET) in 2013. Prior to joining GIET, she led Goodwill Industries of KYOWVA Area, headquartered in Huntington, WV for 10 years. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the College of Charleston in Charleston, SC, a Master’s Degree from Marshall University in Huntington, WV, and is a Certified Executive through the Goodwill Industries Executive Development Program. She is also a certified Master Life Coach. Ms. Lewis is the founding member and past Chair of the Goodwill Industries International (GII) Diversity & Inclusion Committee. She is a former member of the GII Board of Directors and former Chair of the GII Conference of Executives. She is a bestselling author, international and TEDx speaker, consultant and frequent contributor to Forbes Magazine as a member of the Forbes Nonprofit Council, and is a Forbes Member Leader. She has been honored with many awards during her career including the 2020 Diversity & Inclusion Champion Award from Goodwill Industries International, and the 2021 Inclusive Community Development Award from the National Disability Institute. The PJ Trevethan Award for Outstanding Staff Training and Leadership in 2023, and the Love Thy City Humanitarian Awardee, a Women In Tyler Honoree, named one of the 2025 Top 50 Women Leaders in Nonprofits by Women We Admire and a 2025 FLUXX Awardee Visionary Leadership in Social Impact. She has published five books: “Doing the Damn Thing,” “Against All Odds” with Lisa Nichols, “The Fourth Generation,” “A Seat At The Table or A Part of The Meal”- Creating A Culture of Diversity Equity and Inclusion, and “Biases” a guide to uncovering one’s own areas of unconscious bias. She is the mother of two accomplished daughters, Jasmine and Alesha, and they share a love of traveling, reading, community service, and creative writing

Brittany Childs is the Executive Director of Community Engagement & Special Events at The University of Texas at Tyler, where she leads initiatives that connect the university with the broader East Texas community. With more than 17 years of experience in higher education, she is passionate about building partnerships and relationships that strengthen both campus and community. Brittany serves on the Boards of Directors for Next Step Community Solutions, The Park of East Texas, and the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce. She is also a member of the Women’s Fund of Smith County and Leadership Tyler’s Catalyst 100 program, and a sustaining member of the Junior League of Tyler. She is a Leadership Tyler Class 27 graduate as well as a 2021 Leadership Texas graduate. She holds both a BA in Communication and an M.S.Ed. in Higher Education & Student Affairs from Baylor University. Outside of work, Brittany enjoys live music, reading, traveling, and spending time with her husband, Clint.

Elva Estrada is a Vice President and Relationship Manager at Austin Bank and has been in the banking industry for over twenty years and is a proud graduate of Legacy High School, Tyler Junior College, and The University of Texas at Tyler. Her banking career has allowed her to serve in customer experience, team management, consumer underwriting, special projects team lead, and Commercial and Real Estate lending. A unique highlight in her banking career was having the privilege to speak as a panelist for the “Rising Women in Banking” Texas Bankers Association Annual Conference. Her focus and strength is in Small Business lending while focusing on empowering small business owners with the appropriate tools to continued success. Elva is passionate about embracing her Tyler community and currently serves through multiple board service roles such as PATH, Tyler ISD Foundation, PAVE East Texas, Smith County Revolving loan fund, and other past board seats in the Tyler area. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her daughter Selena and mini poodle, Waffle boy.

Tom Perkins is a Senior Financial Advisor with Trinity Capital Management, where he specializes in serving high-income individuals and families through comprehensive financial planning and investment strategy. A graduate of West Point with an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin, Tom brings a disciplined, principle-based approach that helps clients gain clarity, confidence, and long-term direction in their financial lives. He serves as Board Chair of the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce and is a board member of Leadership Tyler and the Tyler Economic Development Council. Tom is passionate about leadership and community initiatives that strengthen East Texas and develop the next generation of leaders. He lives in East Texas and is committed to investing in the people and institutions that shape its future.

Erika Gonzalez is a dedicated real estate professional serving the East Texas community with passion and integrity. With 20 years of marriage and as a proud mom to two teenage boys, she understands the importance of finding a place to truly call home. Erika brings a strong work ethic and a client-first mindset to every transaction. Fluent in both English and Spanish, she is committed to making the home buying and selling process smooth, accessible, and rewarding for every client she serves.

Edward Broussard, who joined the City of Tyler as City Manager in February 2015, brings over two decades of experience in Texas municipal government. He previously was city manager for Missouri City, Hutto, and Navasota, along with administrative positions in Woodway, College Station, and Lubbock. Ed counts among his achievements working with citizens, city council and city staff on such issues as strategic planning, mixed-use developments, other economic development projects, new facilities, neighborhood integrity, beautification improvements, capital projects, charter revisions and land-use planning. Ed earned his Bachelor of Arts in history from Texas A&M University in 1994 and his Master in Public Administration from Texas Tech University in 1997. Ed is active in state and international city management associations. He was named TCMA’s Administrator of the Year in 2011. He also is a credentialed manager with the International City/County Management Association and in the inaugural class of the ICMA Athenian Project.

Dr. Christy Hanson is an experienced educator and licensed professional counselor with more than 35 years of service across public and private sectors in Texas. Her professional background includes roles as a teacher, counselor, principal, and district administrator, giving her a deep, systems-level understanding of learning, leadership, and human development. As the owner of Hanson Counseling Services, Dr. Hanson provides leadership consulting, as well as individual, group, and family therapy. She integrates a psychoeducational approach that bridges mental health, education, and relationships. Her work emphasizes authentic connection, self-compassion, and the belief that healthy relationships with others begin with a healthy relationship with oneself. In addition to her clinical and professional work, Dr. Hanson is actively engaged in community leadership through nonprofit service and is an alumna of Leadership Tyler. She is passionate about empowering individuals and organizations to foster resilience, meaningful connection, and sustainable growth.

A Fort Worth native, Nichole Henry has dedicated her life to serving others. Her service began as a teen mentor for at-risk elementary children. In college she spent her time serving the community any way she could: as a missionary at the Missouri Baptist Children’s Home; traveling to Iringa, Tanzania; leading multiple ministries at her local church; and volunteering at the Red Cross. She has earned her Bachelor’s in Psychology and Master’s in Professional Counseling. She has over 20 years in nonprofit leadership: served on multiple boards, 2016 founded Women In Power Empowering, a giving circle for black women; 2019 she launched Shared Worth, a pilot-housing program; 2023 launched her nonprofit consulting firm; and currently serves as CEO for the East Texas Crisis Center. With her infectious smile and caring demeanor Nichole leaves an indelible imprint on the lives of those she encounters.

Cindy is a media executive at KLTV and Telemundo Este de Texas. With Spanish as her first language, communication has always been an important part of who she is. Through her work in marketing, she helps businesses reach new customers, tell their story, and build a strong presence in their communities. She is passionate about building relationships, and being part of the growth and success of the communities she serves.

Elijah Boudreau is a corporate sales trainer, leader, and speaker with experience across banking, insurance, and higher education. He is passionate about helping leaders strengthen communication, build trust, and create meaningful, relationship-driven results within their teams and organization. Throughout his career, Elijah has worked closely with individuals and teams to shift mindset from transactional interactions to intentional, people-first leadership. His approach is rooted in real-world experience and reflects a belief that strong relationships- not just strategies – are what drive lasting success.

From patient to professional - Sammantha is a passionate mental health advocate and nonprofit leader dedicated to creating meaningful change in underserved communities. As the Founder and Executive Director of SocialWorx Advocacy Group, she leads initiatives focused on mental health navigation, community education, and culturally informed support. Drawing from both her professional experience and personal journey, Sammantha is committed to breaking stigma, increasing access to care, and empowering individuals to prioritize their mental well-being. Her work centers on bridging gaps in services, ensuring they are human-centered, and equipping organizations with the tools to better serve unique populations.

Lance McWhorter is a seventh-generation East Texan who has had the honor of serving in the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, as a Firefighter/EMT, and as a high-threat security contractor in the Middle East after spending his younger years cooking in restaurants. In 2019, Chef Lance moved to Tyler, the neighboring “big city” to his familial home of Athens, to open his first restaurant as a chef/owner: Culture ETX. In 2022, he expanded the venture by adding The Plaid Rabbit Social Club & Speakeasy, accessible through the restaurant. After five incredibly successful years, he transitioned the interior design and concept of the restaurant to Heritage East—a more elegant and upscale version of Culture ETX. This new concept focuses on honoring the food of his ancestors and introducing the world to elevated East Texas cuisine. You may recognize Lance as the winner of the Emmy Award-winning TV show The Texas Bucket List’s “Bite of the Season” for his Heritage Pork Chop, a version of which is always on the menu. He is also the reigning Dallas “Prince of Pork” from the prestigious fine dining, heritage-breed pork cooking extravaganza Cochon 555. Additionally, he showcased his talents on Food Network’s hit series Chopped.

Can't wait to see you at the 2026 Summit!

Whitney has served as Executive Director of PAVE East Texas since October 2020 and was Associate Executive Director beginning in January 2020. Whitney has 18 years of experience in the nonprofit sector in various roles and has completed Graduate level coursework in Nonprofit Management through The University of Texas at Arlington. Her previous work experience includes Tyler Junior College, The Discovery Science Place, and Meals on Wheels North Central Texas. She serves as a board member for Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce, board member for Workforce Solutions of East Texas, board member for Leadership Tyler, is a graduate of Leadership Tyler Class 29, and is active in Caldwell Arts Academy PTA. She is a past board chair of the Association of Fundraising Professionals East Texas Chapter and a previous chair of National Philanthropy Day in Tyler. She serves on the United Way Smith County Director’s Council, is a committee member for the annual East Texas Nonprofit Summit and serves on Women’s Fund of Smith County’s Membership Committee. In addition to her work and community activities, Whitney stays busy with a 14 year-old daughter and 9 year-old son.

Consuella Renee (Moore) Roberts is a 2004 Olympian, USA National Champion in the 200 meters, and one of the most decorated athletes in Penn State history. A former top-3 ranked sprinter in the world, she is an 11-time All-American, 8-time Big Ten Champion, 2-time Big Ten Athlete of the Year, and NCAA Woman of the Year nominee. From dominating on the track to competing on the world stage, Consuella understands what it takes to pursue excellence, lead under pressure, and perform at the highest level. Following her elite track career, she transitioned into high-performance coaching training NFL prospects and professional athletes in speed, strength, and mindset, while helping others unlock their full potential. Never one to be defined by a single chapter, Consuella stepped into a new arena and became a world-record-holding powerlifter, demonstrating that reinvention is a form of leadership, and growth is a lifelong pursuit. Now, as the founder of the Pretty Strong Movement, she stands as Every Woman’s Hype Girl—equipping women and student-athletes to stop waiting for confidence and start activating it. Because in her world, strong isn’t just pretty…it’s unstoppable.

Katy is the owner of The Headless Librarian, an independent bookshop in Tyler, Tx built around a love of books, community, and meaningful connection. She’s a published writer and entrepreneur who brings together her passion for literature, creativity, and small business in everything she does. Katy is especially passionate about creating diverse and welcoming spaces where readers feel seen, inspired, and at home.

Patricia Glass is the founder of Flourish, a nonprofit support organization based in Tyler, Texas, dedicated to helping mission-driven leaders build strong, sustainable organizations. Flourish is one of just 17 organizations in the country selected as a replication hub for the Standards for Excellence, where Patricia also serves as a licensed consultant. She is a Certified Nonprofit Professional, a national certification offered by the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance. She holds certifications in Nonprofit Management and Advanced Nonprofit Management from UT Tyler. Patricia is also a graduate of Leadership Tyler Class 37 and an alumna of Leadership Texas. She is passionate about strengthening the infrastructure behind great missions so nonprofits can move from survival mode to long term impact.

Claudia “Clau” Medina is the Founder of GO-GO’s Financial Services, bringing over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry. As the leader of a growing organization with six offices, she has built a reputation for excellence, leadership, and community impact. Known for her dynamic tax education programs, Claudia is passionate about teaching others the power of financial knowledge and has helped develop the next generation of tax professionals through her hands-on training and mentorship.