Speakers
Meet Our Speakers
The Red Dress Brunch hosts empowering leaders addressing the unique challenges specific to women in business, corporate, non-profit, education, government, and faith-based organizations across the community.
Our speakers are intentionally selected and well-qualified to lead all the conversations we have in store for you, from the coaching sessions, workshops, panel discussions, table talks, and upscale brunch featuring our dynamic keynote speaker, every moment will be worth the experience.
ELESHIA V.CASH
FOUNDER & CEO @ THE RED DRESS BRUNCH
JACKSON HR & ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES LLC
DEE C. MARSHALL
CEO @
DIVERSE & ENGAGED
Red Dress Brunch: Key Note Speaker
Dee C. Marshall, CEO of Diverse & Engaged, is an award-winning business owner, international speaker, global ministry leader, certified coach, leadership trainer, diversity consultant, global thought leader, and published author. Dee was recently named 2021 Entrepreneur Magazine Top 100 Women of Impact, 2021 NJ Most Influential Leaders, Top 50 People of Color List by RIO, Top 25 Influential Black Women in Business by The Network Journal, and Top 25 Leading Women Entrepreneurs.
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KEDRA FAIRWEATHER
CEO @ Positivity Reighns
Coaching Session: The Truth About Empathy
Kedra Fairweather is a Leadership Expert by Profession and is The CEO of Positivity Reighns LLC, a company designed to influence, inspire and motivate all people to focus on God's Love, Vision, and Purpose for their lives. Kedra believes that for successful leadership, positive affirmations have power .The Speak Life Movement is centered in reminding us all of the power of language. Proverbs 18:21 "Life and death are in the power of the tongue..." Thus the movement is created to have us all SPEAK LIFE over ourselves and into the lives of others!
DR. JASMINE ESCALERA PhD
CAREER & LIFE COACH
Breakout session: How to Negotiate Your Salary
Dr. Jasmine Escalera is a certified career and life coach with proven programs that help her clients focus on gaining clarity around their careers, beating self-doubt, and building confidence. As a coach, Jasmine integrates empowerment, success-focused mindset work, and strategy into a program that ensures her clients have both the belief systems and plan to take charge of their careers. Jasmine is a 2022 LinkedIn Top Voice and has been named one of the Top Job Search Experts to Follow on LinkedIn in 2021 by Jobscan and a Career Expert to Follow in 2021 by Brainz Magazine. Jasmine is also a TEDx speaker with the talk "Conquering Workplace Conformity as a Woman of Color," detailing her journey as a Latina in STEM.
DR. LIBYA BAAQAR
EXECUTIVE PASTOR @ TRINITY A.M.E CHURCH
Co- Moderator for Panel Discussion
Reverend Dr. Libya BaaQar (Bay-car) is a native of Atlanta, GA. She currently serves as Executive Pastor at Trinity A.M.E. Church, Atlanta, GA. She is the Correspondence Secretary for the Women In Ministry organization of the Sixth Episcopal District of the AME Church. She received her ordination in May 2009 and was instrumental in developing the Women’s Ministry where she organized bible studies, workshops, and revivals for the women of her church. She also served as Assistant Director of Christian Education, instructor of her church’s New Members’ Institute, and teacher of their Church-wide Bible Study.
Coaching Session: The Power of Networking
A sought after speaker, collaborator, trainer, blogger, Women’s Empowerment Champion, and spiritual motivator, Eleshia V. Cash is the CEO of Jackson HR & Administrative Services LLC, Ydennek Girls Who Lead Foundation, and founder of the National Women’s Empowerment Ministry.
Eleshia V. Cash is known for being The Collaborator across many platforms. She is a dynamic speaker, trainer and contributor of content who is well- respected as a community and spiritual leader as well as an HR professional. She is a truly unique individual that wears many ‘hats’, and has made her mark in the community due to her passion for women, her church, her business, and her own non-profit organization which promotes Young Women in Leadership. Eleshia is also the author of the Little Red Networking Book (Women's Empowerment 1st Edition) and the Little Red Networking Book Companion Planner which offers a one of a kind blend of tips to assist women with building a strong network of connections.
SHAVON ARLINE BRADLEY
FOUNDING PRINCIPAL @ R.E.A.C.H
BEYOND SOLUTIONS LLC
Coaching Session:
A Seat At The Table (Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion)
Shavon Arline-Bradley is the Founding Principal of R.E.A.C.H. Beyond Solutions LLC (www.reachbeyondsolutions.com) a public health, policy/advocacy, faith and executive leadership firm designed to expand the capacity of government, corporation, foundation and non-profit partners based in Maryland (Washington DC metro area). She is also a Co-Founder of The Health Equity Cypher Group, a collaborative of nationally recognized health equity experts designed to expand the work of health, equity and diversity & inclusion in all sectors.
DR. MAXINE CAIN
CEO @ STEM ATLANTA
Breakout Session: Career & Business Pivoting With Purpose
STEM Atlanta Women was founded by human resources business professional and technology guru Maxine Cain, an Atlanta native. The non-profit offers master classes, tech labs, hack-a-thons, conferences, entrepreneurial training, and other career prep opportunities to girls, women, and minorities in under-represented communities. STEM integrates science, technology, engineering, and mathematics into a cohesive learning paradigm based on real-world applications. Through these educational programs, STEM Atlanta Women enhances and increases the talent pipeline in STEM careers
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KATRINA P. YOUNG
PARTNER & LEAD CONSULTANT @ STELLAR CONSULTING GROUP
Panel Discussion Speaker
Mrs. Young brings with her a wealth of experience (over 30 years) of public service, helping organizations and communities to thrive, and supporting leaders to achieve results. She offers her clients a unique set of skills and techniques developed from working with the gamut of organizations from both the public and private sector. Her combination of empathy, intelligence, wisdom, creativity, innovation, and a collaborative spirit, has assisted many individuals and teams achieve more fulfilling and rewarding lives both personally and professionally.
RHONDA C.HIGHT
PRESIDENT & OWNER @ LET'S TALK LLC
Breakout Session: The NEW Balancing Act
Rhonda C. Hight is a human resources training consultant, author, and registered corporate coach who works with organizations to design & deliver experiential training programs; support the human resources function, and provide business coaching services for individuals and teams. A subject matter expert in the areas of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Interpersonal Communications, and Leadership Development, she has facilitated learning events throughout the United States and Internationally.
JI'BRAYAH MARSON
BRAND STRATEGIST
Breakout Session: Power Up Your Presence (PROFESSIONAL STYLING)
Your Personal Brand Strategist and founder of the Mogul in the Making Accelerator, Ji'Brayah teaches women entrepreneurs and creators how to clarify their message, amplify their digital assets, and confidently communicate on and offline. Dozens of women CEOs have come to her to build their digital presence through marketing campaigns, personal styling and creative direction. You now have the opportunity to connect your potential to their reality and she wants to help you do it.
DR. EMILY ABRAMS MASSEY
CEO @ THE PRINCIPAL DYNAMIC
Breakout Session: Women Should Be Seen & Women Should Be Heard - Leadership Presence
Dr. Emily Abrams Massey is an experienced turnaround principal, associate superintendent, and business owner with over 25 years of leadership experience with exceptional levels of student achievement. As a native of Thomasville, Georgia, she is the daughter of career educators who served Thomasville City and Thomas County students for a combined 62 years. Dr. Abrams Massey attended Fort Valley State University and received a BS and MS in Zoology and Middles Grades Education respectively. She also attended Clark Atlanta University where she received her educational specialist degree and doctorate degree in Educational Leadership.
TONY CASH
FINANCIAL COACH & LEAD PASTOR
@ THE LEADERSHIP CHURCH
Table Talk: Your Money - A Power Plan to A Richer Life
Tony lives in Atlanta, Georgia with his wife, Eleshia, and their two children. Tony believes that everything in life starts with understanding how important people are; without people, you have no one to affect or influence. He believes that every person should have at least one thing they would do if they weren't paid to do it. Thirdly, Tony believes that without purpose we may be alive but we are not living! At the end of the day when we realize The Who the what and the why to our lives we will have lived a life worth living! Tony is the founder of Global Leadership Christian Center where his passion for people living out their purpose
DEISHA BARNETT
PRESIDENT OF COMMUNICATIONS & CONTENT @ UPS
Panel Discussion Speaker
Deisha is an accomplished leader and corporate board director who counsels CEOs, shapes strategies, advocates for inclusion and builds high-performing teams. Deisha is also president of communications and content at UPS where she leads storytelling targeting UPS’s workforce and external stakeholders around the globe. Previously, Deisha led the Metro Atlanta Chamber’s brand communications team and was the organization’s first head of diversity and inclusion. Her work spanned communications, social media, traditional marketing and the region’s millennial and gen Z-targeted movement, ChooseATL. She shepherded the organization’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts and was the architect behind ATL Action for Racial Equity which aims to address the effects of systemic racism in the community and workplace.
MELISSA HARRIS
DEPUTY SUPERINTENDENT @ DEKALB COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Table Talk: THE POWER OF Strategic & Collaborative Partnerships
Melissa Harris serves as the Deputy Superintendent, Community Empowerment, Innovation, and
Partnerships for the DeKalb County School District. In this role she oversees a newly created division of
the district, charged with fostering a culture of transparency through improved communication and
creating a coalition of support for our students from parents, community leaders, partner organization
and philanthropist. Prior to joining DCSD, Ms. Harris served for 15 years at the New York City
Department of Education (NYCDOE) in many critical roles where she oversaw the creation of high-level
policy, strategy, and policy implementation which spanned across the Department of Education.
GABRIELLE ROGERS
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING @
GROWING LEADERS, INC
Panel Discussion Speaker
Gabrielle is an experienced marketing strategist specializing in digital marketing with an extensive background in social media, brand management and public relations - through educating various religious affiliations, implementing and executing strategies for Fortune 500 automotive retailers, non-profit organizations, the entertainment industry and digital agencies. Gabrielle is the Marketing and Sales Manager for the #1 Dinner and Show Theater, Medieval Times Atlanta.
KRISTI-ANN WALKER
FOUNDER OF SOULLL WORK
Fitness & Stretch Instructor
Kristi-Ann is a creative in the heart of Atlanta. She likes to use her administrative skills and organizational knowledge of policies and procedures, as a support system for people. She spends her time curating shows, events, and workshops with All My Friends ATL, a platform for spreading love, increasing passion, and being yourself freely. She has led several community workout workshops that encourage dancing as a fun way to get in shape amongst friends. Kristi-Ann also teaches private lessons, including stretching, stage choreography/presence, jazz, ballet, hip-hop, and other styles.
DR. MACK BULLARD
SUPERINTENDENT @ TWIGGS COUNTY SCHOOLS
Table Talk: Strategies to Get More Women in The C-Suite
Dr. Mack H. Bullard has amassed over 25 years in the Georgia public education system. He served as the Director of Strategic Talent Management for the Griffin-Spalding County School System. In this position, he led the development of the Quality Leaders Academy to develop aspiring leaders, principals and central office leaders. He led the district’s national recruitment plan, supervised the district’s teacher and leader evaluation system, facilitated targeted leadership development, and built effective partnerships with university and business partners to develop the capacity of all human capital. He conceived and developed the Interns as Teachers Internship Program that matched master teachers with high quality student interns who were placed in schools as teachers of record. He has served as an Assistant Professor in the Educational Leadership and Instruction Department of the University of West Georgia and Assistant Superintendent of School Administration in Macon, Ga. He also served as Director of Student Services in Clayton County, Principal and Assistant Principal in Clayton County Schools, and Special Education teacher in the DeKalb County School System.
JOYCE LITTEL
OWNER @ LITTEL CONCEPTS
Table Talk: The Barriers of Black Women In Collaboration
Joyce Littel is Program Director at WAOK and host of her signature talk show “Love & Relationships” on Sunday afternoons. She is also host of “Saturday Throwbacks” on sister station V 103 where her legacy began. Littel, a 30-year radio veteran, dominated the #1 spot in the Atlanta market as host of the “Quiet Storm” on V 103 for two decades. She also hosted the nationally syndicated “Autoscoop” with Adam Goldfien for over 10 years. Littel is one of Rolling Out Magazine’s 25 Most Influential Women in Atlanta, as well as, Who’s Who in Black Atlanta. She received The Trailblazers Award from the City of Stockbridge and Commissioner Bruce Holmes awarded her an Image Award at his Commissioner’s Ball. Littel is CEO of Littel Concepts, LLC – a premier entertainment and promotions firm that organized special events for BET, BETJ, numerous celebrities and notable organizations.
JILL MAYS
CEO @ EZER COUNSELING
Breakout session: Fueling Your Power - How to Manage Stress
Rev. Jill Mays is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 30+ years of experience. She’s a national consultant in mental health, cultural competency, and relationship enrichment. As owner of Ezer Counseling, her coaching group, Godly Wives Looking Up (GōWL Up!™), is a source of support, practical skills, and girls-night-out fun for levelling up to a more “vow-uable” © marriage. Jill’s biography is featured in Who’s Who among Women and Who’s Who in Medicine/Healthcare. She was honored in 2002 as one of Atlanta Magazine’s “Women Making a Mark”. Among her varied life roles, her favorites are wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend.
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