Speakers

2025 SPEAKER LINEUP

This distinguished group, recognized as trailblazers, innovators, and leaders across a range of disciplines, contribute valuable perspectives and extensive expertise. Through the sharing of their stories, strategies, and insights, they will embody the theme of Turning Vision into Action: Stories and Strategies for Impact, inspiring summit attendees to translate their own aspirations into meaningful change within their communities and professions.

Jennifer Huffman - opening keynote

Jennifer Huffman is an accomplished American businesswoman and the Senior Vice President of Solutions Banking at Atlantic Union Bank, the largest regional bank in Virginia. With a strong focus on delivering financial wellness solutions, she is committed to empowering employees to build financial confidence through workplace financial benefits. 

Recognized as a "POWER BROKER," Jennifer's influence extends beyond banking; she is a highly sought-after speaker and a thought leader in her field. Her accolades include being named one of the "Top 20 under 40" by Lynchburg Business Magazine in 2022, receiving the 2023 Emerging Leader Award from the American Bankers Association, and being honored as the “Citizen of the Year” by the Salem Roanoke Chamber of Commerce in 2024, among other distinctions.

Jennifer actively contributes to her community and the banking industry through various leadership roles, including Program Chair for Atlantic Union Bank's Women’s Inclusion Network, Board Chair for HumanKind, and Board Member for Goodwill Industries of the Valleys.

Through her involvement in multiple executive boards, including the Virginia Centers of Inclusive Communities and the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance, as well as her role as President of the Virginia Bankers School Class of 2026, Jennifer is dedicated to fostering the next generation of leaders and making a significant impact both locally and nationally.

Cathie Vick - closing keynote

Cathie J. Vick assumed the role of President and Chief Executive Officer of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce on April 1, 2025.  Before joining the Chamber, Cathie served as Vice President of Corporate and Government Affairs at Transurban, one of the world’s leading toll-road operators. Prior to that, she served as Chief Development and Public Affairs Officer for the Port of Virginia – one of the nation’s largest ports – for a decade.

Cathie takes an active role in political and civic life. She serves on various boards, such as the Local Initiatives Support Corporation, TowneBank Virginia Beach, and Virginia Clean Cities, among others. Cathie was named as one of the region’s Top 40 under 40 in 2005, Top Women in Business in 2010, was awarded the Julian Hirst Alumni Leader Award by Lead Hampton Roads in 2014, received a Virginia Business Women in Leadership Award in 2022, was named the Women’s Transportation Seminar Hampton Roads Woman of the Year in 2022, and was named the Women’s Transportation Seminar Central Chapter Woman of the Year in 2023.

Vick holds bachelor’s degrees, magna cum laude, in both communications and political science from James Madison University; a juris doctor, with honors, from Georgia State University College of Law; and a master’s degree in business administration, with honors, from William & Mary Raymond A. Mason School of Business.

BREAKOUT SESSION 1

Lashawn Farmer is a dynamic force of inspiration and empowerment. With an unwavering passion for personal growth and development, Lashawn motivates and educates through powerful workshops, seminars, and group sessions that focus on self-work, leadership development, team building, and civic engagement. In her role as the Director of Expansion and Design for the River District Association, Lashawn is a driving force behind the revitalization of Danville’s River District and North Main Corridor. Her work is deeply rooted in service, social equity, and a commitment to uplifting those around her. 

Hannah Harvey is a professional storyteller and an award-winning teacher. Harvey’s energetic style brings to life humorous and compelling stories from the worlds of personal experience, oral history, folklore, and myth. Critics have called her work “very funny” (Theatre Guide London) and “deeply moving” (Classical Voice of North Carolina). As a scholar-artist, she studies storytelling as a pervasive cultural force and an everyday artistic practice. 

Kelly Peaks Horner is a bold, deeply experienced education leader, executive coach, and advocate for justice and well-being in schools. With over 30 years of experience in teaching, leadership, consulting, and training, she has helped shape schools, systems, and leaders across the country. In 2023, she co-founded the Lucy Leadership Project, a national initiative to dramatically increase the number of women leading schools and districts — and to ensure they’re not just surviving leadership but thriving in it.

BREAKOUT SESSION 2

Aisha Johnson has been a Business Manager with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership since 2022.  Aisha fosters relationships with existing businesses, assists new and existing businesses with accessing talent, and administers the Virginia Jobs Investment Program, a key workforce incentive supporting economic development.  Prior to that role, Aisha was the EEO Economic Inclusion and Diversity Specialist with The Branch Group.  Aisha also worked for the City of Roanoke as Crime Prevention Specialist for the Roanoke Police Department, Assistant to the City Manager, and Economic Development Specialist. 

Daisy Sturgill lived off-grid in Maine after graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Horticulture from Virginia Tech in 2018, then launched and relocated Stormbrew Farm (est. 2020) to southwest Virginia, and—most importantly—stayed busy doing the dirty work, both in the garden and in personal growth. With a passion for both the vast and the intimate aspects of the natural world—and a deep curiosity about what truly makes life meaningful, Daisy is committed to seeking truth, cultivating beauty, and savoring the richness of life's experiences. 

Valerie Wilkins is a seasoned professional in the fields of admission, alumni engagement and inclusion. She leads and manages various programs and initiatives that foster belonging and connection among William & Mary alumni and students. She is the staff liaison and lead for the Hulon Willis Association, the Black alumni identity group and serves legacy families through consultation and guidance during the admission process and execution of events for prospective and matriculating legacy students. Her mission is to enhance the client's experience, ensure the smooth execution of programs and events, and aid in the success of those around her.