2025 Speakers

Keynote Speakers

Warm-up Keynote

  • Julie D. Burch is the President of Julie Burch Speaks, julieburch.com” and has been speaking professionally for 27 years. She has had the privilege of addressing audiences in all 50 states, 3 countries, and 3 U.S. territories.

    Julie specializes in empowering and inspiring women to become their most amazing and successful selves. Drawing from real-life experiences and weaving in hilarious stories, she equips audiences with not only practical techniques they can apply immediately, but also the mindset shifts needed to seize new opportunities. When she shares her signature “dolphin story,” audiences laugh—and sometimes even cry.

    Julie has served on the National Board of Directors for the American Business Women’s Association and on the Board of Directors for CYT–Christian Youth Theater of DFW. She was honored with a guest appearance on Good Morning America and was named the 2017 Speaker Hall of Fame Inductee at the Society for Human Resource Management’s Southwest Conference.


Luncheon Keynote

  • Kathy Crockett is an executive coach, corporate trainer, and facilitator of executive leadership groups. She has served as a university professor of business and leadership for over 30 years and holds a Ph.D., with dissertation research focused on consumer behavior. She also holds an M.S. in Leadership and a certification in Women in Leadership from Cornell University.

    Kathy is certified in Social and Emotional Intelligence as well as Conversational Intelligence. She completed the Women in Leadership program through the Center for Creative Leadership and served as a facilitator for Franklin Covey’s “Great Leaders, Great Teams, Great Results” program. She is also a certified facilitator of Brené Brown’s Brave Leaders program.

    Kathy is the author of the Courageous book series, with publications released in 2014, 2016, 2020, and 2025. She resides in Lubbock, Texas.

Cool-Down Panel

  • Cool-Down Q&A Panel

Breakout 1 Speaker Bios

  • Donya Butler brings over 30 years of experience in the creative and marketing industries, establishing herself as a seasoned leader in the field. She is an active member of the Association for Women in Communications, where she has served in multiple board leadership roles.

    Throughout her career, Donya has remained deeply committed to giving back. She has generously donated her time and creative skills to numerous nonprofit organizations, using her design expertise to support their missions and enhance their impact.

    A proud Leadership Lubbock alumna, Donya continues to influence the local business landscape. In 2019, the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce honored her company, DesignEnvy, as Entrepreneur/Small Business of the Year—a testament to her innovation, leadership, and dedication to excellence.

  • Discover Your Constants: Defining What Truly Matters in Life.

  • Dionne Merriott is celebrating 30 years of helping others preserve and safeguard their treasured memories through photos and home movies as the owner of Captured Memories Photo Solutions. She is a Masterclass Graduate of The Photo Managers and mentors others in the organization.

    Dionne holds certifications as a Professional Photo Manager, Legacy Preservation Specialist, and a Privacy Advocate.  She was the inaugural recipient of the Legacy Award, honoring her work helping families preserve their stories during life’s most difficult seasons. 

    A respected leader in the Lubbock community, Dionne currently serves on the board of Texas Women in Business. She has partnered with organizations such as the South Plains Honor Flight and the Alzheimer’s Association to create custom photo books.  With patient guidance, she doesn't just organize photos; she teaches people how to gather, celebrate, and share their memories with loved ones.

  • Navigating Your Phone’s Jungle of Photos.

  • Cassandra Baker-Rosas is a highly accomplished entrepreneur, educator, and credit specialist, known for her commitment to empowering individuals and businesses through financial literacy and credit repair. She is the founder and owner of Rosas Financial Solutions, a firm offering services in credit restoration, homeownership guidance, and entrepreneurship support.

    Cassandra holds multiple degrees and is actively continuing her professional development. She is deeply involved in her community through organizations such as the United Way Speaker’s Bureau, Leadership Lubbock, and the Lubbock Rotary Club.

    Her greatest achievement? Balancing professional success while raising four daughters and maintaining a healthy marriage—a true testament to her strength and dedication.

  • Balancing Dreams & Dollars: Empowering Women Through Credit Education & Entrepreneurship.

  • Julie Bates is a clinical psychologist with a background in both spiritual and personal development. She is a graduate of Charis Bible College and has completed training with Gallup’s Strengths Finder and the Zig Ziglar Corporation. Julie integrates faith, psychology, and motivational principles to help individuals grow in purpose and confidence.

  • Discovering Your Personal Strength Story.

  • Emily Betancur is a certified birth doula, childbirth educator, and founder of a growing doula agency and online platform. With experience supporting births in hospitals, birth centers, and home settings, she empowers families through education and advocacy.

    Emily holds a degree in Business Management from Texas Tech University and certifications from DONA International, Indie Birth, Body Ready Method, NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program), and the Biblical Birth School. A former corporate sales coach, she brings together leadership, communication, and her passion for birth to educate and inspire others. Her online content and classes reach over 18,000 followers and continue to grow.

  • Birth Like a Badass: Cheering on Laboring Moms Like the Champions They Are.

Breakout 2 Speaker Bios

  • Rory Sheppard has served as a breakout presenter at the U & I Conference for the past three years. A seasoned senior executive, he has led multi-billion dollar businesses across Texas and is widely respected as both a speaker and facilitator. Rory is a trusted advisor in both the business and nonprofit sectors, known for his leadership insight and impactful delivery.

  • Building Stronger Communities: The Power of Faith, Family, & Business.

  • Lynn Figone is a seasoned leader and advocate in agriculture, mental health, and community service. Her leadership legacy spans local, state, and national levels—including serving as State President of California Women for Agriculture.

    Lynn is a certified peer support specialist with training in trauma-informed care, workplace wellness, and mental health first aid. She is widely recognized for her authenticity, grace, and dedication to service. Among her honors, she was named Miss Congeniality in both the District 3 Dairy Princess and Miss Petaluma programs.

  • Making Friends With Fear… How Brain Cancer & Bucking Bulls Saved My Life.

  • Meredith Ratke graduated from Texas A&M University in 2021 with a degree in Tourism Science and a minor in Business. She is certified in professional event management, hospitality management, and tourism management.

    Her business, Caffeination Station, has twice won “Best of the West” for Best Coffee and has been featured in Texas Monthly and other notable platforms. Known for its strong social media presence, Caffeination Station also hosts Texas Women in Business' monthly coffee chats and frequently partners with other standout businesses in Lubbock.

    Meredith has taught retail management classes at Texas Tech University, sharing her journey of business ownership and retail experience. She’s also been featured on financial and small business podcasts. Starting her business at just 21, Meredith continues to grow as a young entrepreneur and values learning from other successful women in business. While 5 years in business hasn't taught her everything, she loves sharing her story with others who have similar interests and sharing the story of women empowerment in business.

  • From Lattes to Lookbooks: My Story as a 26-Year-Old Business Owner.

  • Dr. Kristine Isaacson, R.Ph., PharmD, is the CEO and founder of Kitch Wellness and Kitch Pharmacy, where she brings over 30 years of experience in pharmacy and more than a decade in functional medicine. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Microbiology and her Doctorate in Pharmacy from Texas Tech University and is Board-Certified in Geriatric Pharmacy.

    Dr. Isaacson is a Certified Diabetes Educator through the Certification Board for Diabetes Care and Education and holds a certification in Anti-Aging and Integrative Medicine from the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. Currently enrolled in the Personalized Medicine Certification Program at the University of Florida Morsani College of Medicine, she continues to expand her expertise in cutting-edge, patient-specific care.

    She also holds a Certificate of Completion for CORE Compounding Training from the Professional Compounding Centers of America (PCCA), deepening her skill in custom pharmaceutical solutions. As a respected member of the American Board of Anti-Aging, the World Anti-Aging Academy of Medicine, and the American Board of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine, Dr. Isaacson integrates both traditional and holistic approaches to wellness.

    Her passion lies in empowering individuals to take ownership of their health. By blending pharmacological knowledge with personalized, evidence-based strategies, Dr. Isaacson helps her patients pursue sustainable, long-term wellness.

  • Finding Hormone Harmony.

  • Michalea Perez spent nearly a decade at Betenbough Homes, holding roles across the sales division including Sales Specialist, Sales Manager, and ultimately, Sales Coach for all regions. Her experience there was foundational in shaping her as a leader. In early 2020, she stepped away in faith, creating space for clarity and the next chapter of her calling.

    By May 2020, during a season of global uncertainty, Michalea launched Cornerstone Caregiving in Lubbock, Texas. She immediately recognized it as the right path. Since then, Cornerstone has expanded to Amarillo (2022) and Clovis, NM (2024), providing compassionate, non-medical caregiving to seniors across West Texas and Eastern New Mexico.

    Today, Michalea leads a team of over 300 caregivers—97% of whom are women—and is deeply committed to their personal and professional growth. As a champion of servant leadership, she invests in developing leaders through reading, discussion, and mentorship, ensuring they are equipped to lead with excellence.

  • It is in you; be brave.

Breakout 3 Speaker Bios

  • Alexis Arnold is the Co-Founder and CEO of The Inside Out Foundation (IOF), now in its 13th year of serving the community. She is also the owner of Pillar Wellness, where she works as a Certified Transformational Nutrition Coach (CTNC) and a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC). Alexis is the only privately practicing National Board Certified Coach in Lubbock, and one of only two in our city.

    In 2024, Alexis was selected as a runner-up for KLBK’s Remarkable Woman of the South Plains award out of more than 100 nominees. Under her leadership, IOF has grown from 34 clients in its first year to serving more than 300 clients annually with an average of eight services per person—and from zero funding to over $600,000 in annual revenue. Her unwavering passion for helping others is the driving force behind every aspect of her work.

  • Feed Yourself: A Guide for Navigating Food, Your Mind, & Your Purpose.

  • Dana is a wife, mother, and proud Lubbock native with a heart for making others feel seen, known, and celebrated. She’s the founder of Ribboned, a gifting business that turns simple packages into meaningful expressions of love.

    What began as a passion project around her kitchen table has grown into a trusted brand known for its thoughtful curation and elevated presentation. Dana believes that every gift, no matter how big or small, is a chance to share love, spark creativity, and extend kindness.

  • Wrapped With Love - A Hands-On Workshop for Meaningful Gifting.

  • Lorra Brown, founder of LBE Consulting, is a leading tax and finance expert with over 15 years of experience. Specializing in the trucking industry, she has helped major companies like Brinks and UPS achieve financial success.

    As a sought-after speaker and coach, Lorra empowers entrepreneurs to master their finances, understand their numbers, and fuel their business growth. Her mission is simple: equip business owners with the tools to thrive financially.

  • Tax Talks for Women in Business: What Every Creative Entrepreneur & Side Hustler Needs to Know.

  • E’Lisa Gonzales is a former teacher turned entrepreneur with a passion for encouraging and uplifting others. A Teacher of the Year recipient with a master’s degree in Educational Leadership, she has always been committed to creating spaces where people can grow and thrive.

    Now a business owner, E’Lisa and her husband Steve co-own and operates an award-winning restaurant that has been voted Best Breakfast in Lubbock every year since its opening. Her expertise spans leadership, customer service, entrepreneurship, and managing the many roles she holds—wife, homeschool mom, and travel professional.

    Grounded in her faith, E’Lisa navigates life’s challenges with grace and is passionate about helping others discover the beauty in life’s unexpected turns.

  • Dropping the Balls and Moving Forward Anyway: Because Perfection Was Never the Goal, & Picking Up the Pieces Looks Different for Everyone.

Breakout 4 Speaker Bios

  • Hatti Day is a dedicated Broker and Owner of a successful real estate company. She is a proud member of the Abilene Association of Realtors, the Lubbock Association of Realtors, and the National Association of Realtors.

    Her real estate journey began in 2015 as an assistant at a property management company, where she quickly discovered a passion for the industry and went on to earn her Real Estate license. Since then, she has completed thousands of transactions in both rentals and closings, earning a reputation as a highly respected broker and real estate innovator.

    A proud wife and mom who grew up in Abilene, Hatti is passionate about positively impacting her community. She sees her work as a way to help others achieve their dream-home goals. As a broker, she is committed to reducing the stress and intimidation often associated with buying or selling a home—walking alongside her clients every step of the way.

  • Retire Wealthy: What They Don’t Teach You in School.

  • Victoria Holliday is an accomplished fitness professional with over 12 years of experience in the health and wellness industry. Her diverse background includes instructing yoga and group fitness classes, owning her own gym, and is an active student in both bodybuilding and jiu-jitsu.

    Victoria’s passion for helping others achieve their goals has driven her to work with a wide range of clients—from professional athletes to everyday individuals. As a full-time mom balancing business and family life, she brings authenticity, strength, and encouragement to everything she does. Victoria is dedicated to empowering others to unlock their full potential and celebrate wins—big and small—every day.

  • “The Empowered Woman, Knowing Her Worth, Defending Her Space.”

  • Desiree Simone is a dynamic self-love advocate, speaker, and coach dedicated to helping women break through limiting beliefs and rediscover their inner power. Rooted in her personal journey—from overcoming anxiety and depression to walking in bold resilience—Desiree leads with authenticity and vulnerability.

    She is the founder of the UNMUTED coaching program, a transformative six-week experience designed to equip women with mindset tools, goal-setting strategies, and a supportive community for lasting change. In addition to her coaching work, Desiree is the host of the Growth on the Rocks podcast, where she dives into real conversations around life, love, grief, and empowerment with therapists, coaches, and creatives.

    Desiree’s mission is clear: to inspire women to own their stories, champion their worth, and step confidently into lives marked by purpose, passion, and authentic connection.

  • Confidence Breakthrough: How to Silence Your Inner Critic.

  • During the COVID shutdown of 2020, Kim Davis found herself overwhelmed by fear and uncertainty. But one powerful realization changed everything: faith over fear. Remembering that God calls us to live with power, love, and self-control—not fear—Kim began a daily practice of writing and speaking positive affirmations.

    This simple yet powerful habit transformed her health—physically, mentally, and spiritually. Now, Kim shares this life-giving practice with others in both private sessions and public presentations, encouraging them to choose positivity, faith, and personal empowerment.

  • Don’t Talk to My Friend Like That.

  • Sommer Prichard is a Certified Narcissistic Abuse Specialist and a Somatic Trauma-Informed Coach. She is also trained as a Positive Psychology Practitioner, blending evidence-based strategies with trauma-informed care to help individuals heal, grow, and reclaim their sense of self.

  • The Invisible Trauma Backpack Gets Heavy.