2025 Source Summit Itinerary

Friday, November 14th, 2025

8:00 am – 8:30 am

Summit Registration, Networking and Breakfast

8:30am – 9:00 am

Opening General Session

Greetings and Welcome

Facilitated by Dr. Lester Woods, Jr. — Convener, Source Summit Global

9:00 am – 9:15 am

Featured Entertainment:
Battle High School Vocal Arts Program Choir

Facilitated by Lesli Woods — Director of Choral Arts, Battle High School

9:15 am – 10:00 am

Session 1 – Affordable Housing Update

During this session, participants will hear from local developers working to alleviate the housing crisis in the Columbia community through innovative strategies to address affordability. This session is a continuation of the previous conference discussion on affordable and attainable housing, to gain insight into the progress made over the last year.

Moderator

Jane Williams

LOVE Columbia

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Panelists

Adrienne Stolwyck

Monarch Architecture

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Mark Briley

Anderson Homes Foundation

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Scott Claybrook

Arise Dwellings

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Doug Hunt

Columbia Community Land Trust

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Erik Morse

Veterans United Foundation

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10:00 am – 10:45 am

Session 2 – Public Funding: Lessons from Grassroots Funding Opportunity in Boone County

This panel will highlight the experiences of grassroots organizations funded through the Boone County Children’s Services Fund’s innovative Grassroots Funding Opportunity. Designed to reduce barriers to public funding and build long-term sustainability, this initiative has supported small, community-based organizations in expanding their reach and deepening their impact. Panelists will share how this funding has supported their growth, allowed them to serve more youth and families, and strengthened their organizational capacity. Attendees will gain insight into the power of flexible, equity-focused funding and the value of investing in grassroots leadership.

Moderators:

Joanne Nelson

Boone County Community Services Department

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Kristin Cummins

Boone County Community Services Department

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Panelists

Dr. Janice Dawson Threat

Grade A Plus

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Lonnie Lockhart Bey

Destiny of H.O.P.E

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Raymond Hall

Dream Tree Academy 573

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Vera Elwood

The Center Project

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Ginger Riley

Hogan House

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Anthony Johnson

Columbia Supreme

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11:00 am – 11:45 am

Keynote Speaker – Success Map Initiative

Trent Griffin Braaf, founder of the Success Map Initiative, will deliver a powerful keynote on strengthening youth development through collaboration between schools, families, and communities. His Success Map model provides practical tools and strategies to help young people build resilience, set goals, and navigate pathways to success. This session will inspire educators, parents, and community partners to work together to support youth achievement and long-term growth.

Keynote Speaker:
Trent Braaf, Success Map Initiative

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Luncheon General Session and Entertainment

Awards and Recognitions

Dedicated Staff Award
Community Citizen Awards
Community Leader Award
Outstanding Community Service Award
Outstanding Corporate Social Responsibility Awards

Entertainment – DJ Kareem

1:00 pm – 1:45 pm

Session 3 – Columbia Public Schools: Supporting Youth Success by Supporting Youth Voices

This dynamic session brings together educators, students, and community leaders for a collaborative discussion on advancing youth success through inclusive engagement and shared responsibility. The conversation will explore how schools, families, and local organizations can strengthen partnerships that create positive environments for learning, growth, and opportunity. Through diverse perspectives and lived experiences, panelists will highlight practical strategies to improve educational outcomes, foster social-emotional well-being, and build systems of support that help every young person reach their full potential. Designed as a cross-generational, multi-experiential dialogue, this session aims to inspire actionable collaboration that enhances both individual and community success across Boone County and beyond.

Moderator:
Trent Griffin Braff, Success Map Initiative

Panelists

Dr. Leigh Spence, Eds

Columbia Public Schools

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Jarvis Lewis

Youth Voice

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Savion Harris

Youth Voice

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Janae Davis

Youth Voice

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2:00 pm – 2:45 pm

Session 4 – The Community Dividend: Why Shared Connections Are Key to Financial Well-Being

In an increasingly isolated world, we often overlook a powerful, yet underestimated asset in personal financial planning: community. This panel will explore the multifaceted ways in which strong social connections and community involvement contribute to individual financial success and resilience.

From shared knowledge and emotional support to practical resource pooling and opportunities for collaborative wealth building, a robust community can act as a crucial, often invisible, pillar of a successful personal financial plan. Our diverse panel will delve into both the theoretical underpinnings and real-world applications, providing actionable insights for cultivating connections that pay dividends in your financial life.

Moderator

John Walter, CPA, MAcc

Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company

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Panelists

Deanna Sharpe PhD, CFP®, CRPC®, CRPS®

Missouri University

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Rodney Dixon PBC, CBCA

EquipmentShare

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Stephen Hoell, M.Ed

Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company

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3:00 pm – 3:45pm

Session 5 – Career Next Steps: Online Resource Promoting Upward Mobility

Career Next Steps is a user-friendly, online career clearinghouse developed by Love Columbia to promote livable wage employment and upward mobility for Columbia neighbors. Created in close collaboration with local employers, educators, and community stakeholders, the site offers eleven career pathways, interactive tools, training resources, and job opportunities that reflect the unique needs and strengths of our community, with an intentional focus on accessibility and representation for underserved populations who often face barriers to work. Drawing on Love Columbia’s robust Information Library, the platform helps users overcome challenges such as transportation, involvement with the justice system, and mental health concerns, while connecting them to wraparound support services. While Career Next Steps continues to grow, several pathways are already live and ready to guide users toward meaningful careers. We invite workforce professionals, educators, and community leaders to begin using this powerful tool today to help those they serve take confident steps toward a brighter, more stable future. In this panel, Love Columbia staff and community partners will share the vision behind Career Next Steps, highlight progress to date, and demonstrate how to get the most out of the site when walking alongside a jobseeker.

Visit Career Next Steps

Moderator

Conrad Hake

LOVE Columbia

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Panelists

Lisa Buxman

LOVE Columbia

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Lisa Driskel-Hawxby

Regional Economic Development Incorporated (REDI)

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Dr. Nikki Carter

MU Health Care

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4:00 pm – 4:45 pm

Session 6 – We Are, So You Can Be

This workshop is a strategic and practical business approach for Minority and Women Business Enterprises (MWBEs). It moves beyond standard business concepts to focus on how MWBEs can leverage their inherent value to drive both business success and systemic social change.

Core Objectives and Focus Areas

The workshop provides attendees with a clear framework centered on three intersecting pillars:

1. Mastering the DEIA Landscape

Attendees will gain the necessary tools and insights to navigate the current Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) environment. This includes understanding market expectations, capitalizing on supplier diversity opportunities, and clearly articulating their unique value proposition in an equity-focused economy.

2. Cultivating Social and Economic Equity

The program offers actionable strategies for MWBEs to actively address existing inequities and foster sustainable growth. This focus is on creating a practical path for MWBEs to secure fair access to capital, markets, and economic opportunities, thereby generating wealth and equity within their organizations and the broader community.

3. Integrating CSR and Intersectionality

The workshop outlines how to effectively embed Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) into the core business model. By exploring the intersectionality of their mission, MWBEs will learn to maximize their social return, transforming the very act of growing their business into a powerful force for community development and systemic change.

Key Takeaway

The ultimate goal is to equip MWBEs to become leaders who not only succeed in business but also actively cultivate social and economic equity, ensuring their growth serves as a catalyst for a more inclusive and just society.

Moderator

Annelle Whitt, JD

President of the James and Annelle Whitt Entrepreneurial Development Foundation

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Panelists

Daryl Smith

Trulaske College of Business (University of Missouri)

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Jonathan D. Moberly, JD, MBA

Robert W. Plaster School of Business (Columbia College)

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4:50 pm – 5:00 pm

Closing Remarks

Dr. Lester Woods Jr. – Convener, Source Summit Global

Jane Williams

She/Her

Executive Director, Love Columbia

Jane Williams is best known for co-founding and leading Love Columbia, a local nonprofit that has served families in need in our community since 2008. Love Columbia provides a range of life skills coaching and practical services that promote financial, housing and career advancement. The work has included establishing and operating The Love Seat furniture bank and resale store and providing transitional housing to families experiencing homelessness. In 2024, Love Columbia served nearly 3,000 households. Jane’s previous social work career included hospital social work, foster care, and leading several local social justice and relief efforts. She has been honored many times for her work but is quick to say: none of it would have been possible without the generosity of others who have given their time, talent and resources to support her various endeavors. Jane is particularly grateful for her family and the many volunteers who ensured she was able to continue the work she loves after losing her eyesight in 2013.

Adrienne Stolwyck

Monarch Architecture

Adrienne Stolwyk is a licensed architect and ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) advocate. She has advocated for establishing and improving Columbia’s ADU ordinance over the last ten years. Adrienne and her husband built their own net-zero, straw-bale ADU in their backyard in 2022. She is the owner of Monarch Architecture, which focuses on residential and high-performance design. She is also a co-owner of Building Integrity, a construction company specializing in prefabricated straw-insulated panels. Adrienne is enthusiastic about ADUs and their potential to create more affordable and sustainable housing!

Mark Briley

She/Her

Anderson Homes Foundation

Mark is the co-founder and President of the Anderson Homes Foundation. Created in 2023 in response to the need for attainable housing in Columbia, the AHF builds homes at cost for low-income families as part of the My First Home initiative; a partnership with Love Columbia. To date, seven homes have been completed with more than $420,000 of equity poured into the futures of hard-working families in Columbia. The initiative is breaking ground on two more homes now with a large, 34-home development coming in 2026 in partnership with the Veterans United and William Guitar Little Foundations respectively. Mark is married to his wife, Carrie, of 26 years. They love raising their three children in Columbia.

Scott Claybrook

She/Her

Arise Dwellings

Scott, an advocate for community transformation and reinvestment, has challenged the status quo of housing and development through the founding of Arise Dwellings. He has an unwavering passion for renewal and transformation on both the personal and communal level and sees the beauty of diversity as a nonnegotiable in neighborhoods and dinner tables. He views community collaboration and innovative thinking around difficult social problems as a mainstay. Married to a wonderful woman of 13 years and a father of 2, he is humbled to serve in the many ways that present themselves in his home, church, and community.

Doug Hunt

She/Her

Columbia Community Land Trust

After receiving degrees from Westminster College and Oxford University, Doug Hunt began a long career as a teacher and administrator at the University of Missouri. In 2011, he published Black and White Justice in Little Dixie, an award-winning exploration of Columbia’s racial history. He is currently active in volunteer work with Columbia’s homeless population, and he serves on both The Citizens Police Review Board and the Columbia Community Land Trust Board.

Erik Morse

She/Her

Veterans United Foundation

Erik Morse is the Director of People Development at Veterans United Home Loans, as well as the Board President of the Veterans United Foundation. He has worked very closely with the Boone Impact Group for several years, and has been involved in many conversations locally about upward mobility, affordable housing and community impact. He loves collaborating with and learning from others, and partnering with individuals and organizations in the community who are creating outsized impact through their hard work and commitment to building pathways out of generational poverty.

Joanne Nelson

She/Her

Boone County Community Services Department

Joanne is the Director of the Boone County Community Services Department, where she has worked since 2014. In her role, she oversees the management of key community resources, including the Children’s Services Fund and the Domestic Violence Fund. With over 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Joanne has gained experience in grant writing, service delivery, and contract management. She works closely with community stakeholders to identify and implement innovative strategies to address local needs, ensuring that resources are effectively allocated to support the well-being of the community. Outside of work, Joanne enjoys traveling with her husband, Doug, and their family, and indulges in her passion for gardening.

Kristin Cummins

She/Her

Boone County Community Services Department

Kristin Cummins received her bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Lindenwood University and went on to receive her master’s degree in Social Work with an emphasis in Policy, Planning, and Administration from the University of Missouri. She is also certified in Results-Based Accountability. Kristin found early on a particular interest in community level issues and planning. She spent time as an Activities Supervisor for a day program that serves adults with disabilities prior to working for the Boone County Community Services Department. Her career at the County began as a Program Specialist but currently holds the position of Deputy Director. She enjoys collaborating with community partners, reviewing contracted programs and performance, and assisting the department in contributing towards a stronger Boone County.

Dr. Janice Dawson Threat

She/Her

Grade A Plus

I have been the Founder and Executive Director for Grade A Plus since its inception in 2000. We served without public funding from 2000-2013. Received the first community support from HMUW in 2013, followed by City Human Services in 2017, then ESSER funds from Columbia Public School in 2021. Lastly, we received support from Boone County Children’s Services Fund beginning in 2024. We have recently been awarded Grassroots funding by BCCSF to help develop a Family Development service designed to increase family engagement in pursuing their child’s success in and out of school. The service is designed to address behaviors in children that impede their ability and to increase Family Leader engagement in that pursuit. Our commitment and mission is to lower the barriers and increase the opportunities for school age children and their families to pursue academic support, enrichment, and mentoring in and out of school.

Lonnie Lockhart Bey

She/Her

Destiny of H.O.P.E.

Lonnie Lockhart Bey is the Executive Director of Destiny of H.O.P.E., Co-Executive Director of the P.E.A.C.E. and H.O.P.E. Center for Youth, and Co-Owner of R.I.S.E. Initiative, LLC. A dedicated community leader, he has committed his life to empowering at-risk youth, breaking cycles of generational trauma, and creating pathways of opportunity through education, mentorship, and restorative community work. His passion lies in building programs that inspire resilience, foster leadership, and cultivate lasting change.

Raymond Hall

She/Her

Dream Tree Academy 573

As the founder of Dream Tree Academy 573, an after-school youth program focused on teaching entrepreneurship and financial literacy though fine arts and performing arts, I strive to inspire our community’s youth to think differently and positively shape their futures. This journey has introduced me to incredible individuals in my community, each with their own unique stories and dreams. My experiences have also led me to establish Community Development Consulting LLC, where I serve as the minority business coordinator. In this role, I work one-on-one with businesses to connect them with essential resources and foster relationships with local partners and investors. My mission is to create a more equitable business environment in Columbia. Through business coaching, mentoring, and training I aim to boost job creation and support the growth of minority-owned businesses.

Vera Elwood

She/Her

The Center Project

Vera Elwood is the Youth Program Coordinator at The Center Project, an LGBTQ+ Community Center in Columbia. She is the first paid staff member in The Center Project’s 20+ year history of being an entirely volunteer-run organization. Through The Center Project, Vera runs Prism, Mid-Missouri’s only LGBTQ+ youth group, which sees teens travel from as far away as Callaway, Audrain, and Monroe counties to participate in an open and welcoming youth program. Before coming to The Center Project, Vera was a librarian for 10 years, working in public and academic libraries with an emphasis on programming and a deep love for working with teens and college students. She has been serving the City of Columbia as the Ward 2 City Council Member since August.

Ginger Riley

She/Her

Hogan House

Ginger Riley is the Director of Hogan House, where she leads with a deep passion for equipping families to live fuller, more stable lives. A wife and mother of five and grandmother of four, Ginger brings both heart and hands-on experience to her role. Before joining Hogan House, she served as a children’s pastor for six years, where she developed her love for walking alongside families and helping them thrive in their daily lives.

Her leadership is rooted in compassion and connection. She believes in building relationships, listening to others’ stories, and offering practical education and life skills through community classes. Ginger saw a need in her community and felt called to step in, motivated by a simple but powerful desire: to love people well and create lasting, generational impact.

Anthony Johnson

She/Her

Columbia Supreme

I’m Anthony Johnson from Columbia, Missouri. I’m known around town as a local community advocate, basketball coach and the executive director of Columbia Supreme.

Dr. Leigh Spence, Eds

She/Her

Columbia Public Schools

Leigh Spence is the Director of Secondary Counseling for Columbia Public Schools, where she has served for 31 years. In her current role, she supervises 54 middle and high school counselors, as well as outreach counselors, supporting comprehensive counseling programs across the district.
Before assuming her district leadership position, Leigh spent 25 years as a school counselor and coordinated the School-to-Careers and Caring Communities grants, helping strengthen connections between schools, families, and community partners.

Leigh holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Auburn University, a master’s degree in educational counseling from Stephens College, and an educational specialist degree in Mental Health Practices in Schools from the University of Missouri. She also serves as chair of the Boone County Children’s Services Board, where she continues to advocate for the well-being and success of youth in her community.

Jonathan D. Moberly, JD, MBA

Robert W. Plaster School of Business (Columbia College)

Dean Jonathon Moberly grew up in Southern Illinois and went on to Eastern Illinois University originally to play football. After finding he was too small and slow to play football at the Division I level, he shifted focus on preparing to go to law school. After receiving his B.S. in Political Science from EIU, Dean Moberly went on to law school at Saint Louis University in St. Louis, MO where he focused on Labor and Employment Law and earned his Juris Doctor (law degree).

Upon graduation from law school, Dean Moberly worked for a small sports agency in St. Louis representing professional football players and soccer players. During his initial years as an agent, Dean Moberly quickly found that 98% of what he was doing daily was marketing and sales that led him to pursuing his MBA at Lindenwood University in St. Louis to build a skillset in business. Dean Moberly eventually started and ran his own agency for his final four years in the sports industry where he expanded into consulting for small arena football league teams. In Spring 2007, Dean Moberly received a random phone call from a law school in St. Louis to teach a Sports Law class at night that in turn started his 19-year career in Higher Education where he served as an Adjunct Instructor for the first seven years at 7 colleges in St. Louis, a full-time Faculty Member and Dean at a small university in Nebraska for 9 years, and now as the Dean of the Robert W. Plaster School of Business at Columbia College for the last two years. Dean Moberly was appointed to the Workforce Development Committee for the Columbia Chamber of Commerce and to the Business Retention & Expansion committee for REDI, Inc.

Dean Moberly is also active in Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and serves as an advisor for the chapter at Columbia College and Calvary Lutheran High School in Jefferson City where he also serves as a part-time Director of Activities and Athletics. Dean Moberly and his wife Jennifer have two daughters (a 6th Grader and a Junior in High School) in addition to a large group of animals who keep them busy (7 dogs, 6 cats, and run what a small farm with goats, ducks, quail, geese, and a huge garden).

John Walter CPA, MAcc

She/Her

Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company

John is a business owner and Financial Advisor in Columbia Missouri. In the Community, he serves as Treasurer for Mid Missouri Lacrosse League, board member for Westcliff Homeowners Association, co-leader for a Middle School and a Adult Small Group with Forum. He is a member of the Mid Missouri Estate Planning Council, Missouri Society of CPAs, and American Society of CPAs.

Education:

  • MS, Accountancy, Kansas State University
  • BS, Business Administration, Accounting, Kansas State University
  • AS, Building Technology, Manhattan Area Technical College

Deanna Sharpe PhD, CFP®, CRPC®, CRPS®

Associate Professor Emerita, Financial Planning

Deanna Sharpe is an Associate Professor Emerita at Missouri State University. Her research examines factors affecting later life financial and economic well-being. She has provided professional service to the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., the Association of Financial Counseling and Planning Educators, and the American Council on Consumer Interests and served on the editorial boards of the Journal of Family and Economic Issues, the Journal of Financial Planning and Counseling, and the Pertanika Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities.

Education:

  • PhD, Family Resource Management, Iowa State University
  • MS, Economics, Iowa State University
  • BS, Economics, Southwest Missouri State University

Rodney Dixon PBC, CBCA

EquipmentShare

Rodney is a Recruiting Manager with EquipmentShare with previous experience in Commercial Banking, Bank Finance, and Educational Sales. In the Community, he serves as a board member for Boone County Children’s Services. Rodney generously gives his time and expertise to his family and several Columbia community organizations and events. Rodney was recognized by the Columbia Business Times in the 20 under 40 class of 2025.

Education:

BS, Business Administration, Finance, Columbia College

Stephen Hoell M.Ed

Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company

Stephen has been a business owner and Financial Advisor for over 17 years in Columbia, Missouri. Stephen serves with a local Scout Pack, coaches for Sporting Columbia, volunteers with LOVE Columbia, and is an active member at First Baptist Church.

Education:

MS, Education, Career Counseling and Development, University of Missouri

Conrad Hake

LOVE Columbia

Conrad Hake has over twenty years of experience in non-profit administration, with the past five of those years in program management at Love Columbia where he serves as the Program Director. He is a HUD-certified housing counselor and president of the Boone County Coalition to End Homelessness. His passion is to go upstream and identify and address root causes of issues affecting the wellbeing of our neighbors. In addition to holding an undergraduate degree in education and an M.A., Conrad holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Missouri. Conrad is a native Missourian with Kansas City roots. He has lived in Columbia since 2002 with his wife and three children.

Lisa Buxman

LOVE Columbia

Lisa Buxman is the Career Advancement Coordinator at Love Columbia, where she coaches job seekers and leads the Career Next Steps initiative to connect community members with training and career pathways. A former kindergarten teacher, she and her husband also serve as campus co-directors of Athletes in Action at Mizzou, empowering coaches and athletes to grow in life, leadership, and faith. She’s a proud mom of four sons, a daughter-in-love, and an avid Mizzou Tigers and Denver Broncos fan.

Lisa Driskel-Hawxby

Regional Economic Development Incorporated (REDI)

A few years ago, Lisa Driskel Hawxby developed a personal motto, to do as much good as she can while having as much fun as she can and taking the best care of herself as she can. Lisa, also known by her friends as LDH, takes that motto very seriously. Her intense curiosity paired with her love of community landed her in the middle of a career in economic development in the middle of her life. As REDI’s Business Development Specialist, Lisa serves in a variety of capacities to facilitate a positive economic climate in Boone County. Her main focus is to support existing businesses of all sizes throughout the county. Lisa is involved in numerous activities and organizations both formally and informally that support causes she is passionate about.

In addition to being actively involved in the community, Lisa has her own business, Embellished, which focuses on art and design. In her free time, she can be found hanging out with her husband Van enjoying life and talking about their next great adventure.

Dr. Nikki Carter

MU Health Care

Dr. Nikki Carter serves as the Director of Belonging and Community Impact for MU Health Care, a leading academic healthcare institution in Columbia, Missouri. In this role, she focuses on cultivating a workplace where employees feel valued, patients receive exceptional care, and the community has opportunities to engage with healthcare careers. She manages employee resource groups, oversees the Career Institute program—which assists current employees in advancing their careers—and collaborates on initiatives aimed at enhancing patient care and access.

She also leads youth-oriented efforts through the Tomorrow’s Health Care Experts initiative, including an annual fall expo that invites middle and high school students from MU Health Care’s 25-county service area to explore healthcare careers. Nikki partners with community organizations to introduce healthcare pathways to youth as young as 14 and serves on multiple boards and committees to support workforce development and equitable access to opportunity.

Nikki holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She also earned a Bachelor of Science in Business from Columbia College and a dual master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) and Human Resource Development from Webster University in St. Louis.

Annelle Whitt, JD

President of the James and Annelle Whitt Entrepreneurial Development Foundation

Annelle B. Whitt, JD is the President of the James and Annelle Whitt Entrepreneurial Development Foundation. She also served as Director of Multicultural Achievement for Columbia Public Schools. Prior to serving as the Director of Multicultural Achievement, Whitt served as the District Coordinator of Multicultural Achievement (MAC). As Director of Multicultural Achievement Whitt is responsible for development and management of programs that support achievement, enrichment, and opportunity among students of color. In this role Whitt reports to the Chief Equity Officer for Columbia Public Schools. to serving in Columbia Public Schools, Whitt was Assistant Vice President of Claims for Missouri Employers Mutual Insurance. In her role as Assistant Vice President Whitt reported to MEM’s Vice President of Risk Management and Legal Services to develop and implement corporate strategies and projects. She managed the Columbia, Kansas City, Springfield, and St. Louis claim branches, corporate Examining Unit and the Medical and Disability Management Unit. Whitt also served as Director of Claims, Director of Claims West and Subrogation and Claims Review Manager.

Whitt has more than 25 years’ experience in the insurance industry. Before joining MEM, Whitt was the Human Resources Director for Newgen Holdings Inc. St. Louis, Missouri. She also served as Regional Casualty Specialist for CNA Insurance Company in Chicago, where she was responsible for claims analysis for Ohio, Minnesota, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana. Prior to serving in that capacity, Whitt held positions as a Claims Consultant, Unit Manager and Claims Trainer for CNA Insurance Company in St. Louis, Missouri.

Whitt received a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), a law degree from New College of California School of Law and an associate in insurance management designation from the American Insurance Institute. Whitt is a certified restorative practice trainer, and a certified equity trainer for adults and youth by the National Conference for Community and Justice of St. Louis (NCCJSTL). She is a lead equity trainer and a restorative practice trainer for Columbia Public Schools.

Daryl Smith

Trulaske College of Business (University of Missouri)

A recognized executive with 30 years of experience, Daryl Smith has the unique ability to apply progressive organizational and talent management strategies that consistently create value. He has a consistent track record of success in several industries, including manufacturing, sales and distribution, telecommunications, entertainment, and financial services. His early career included fiscal and operational assignments. He attributes these early experiences to helping shape his broad and comprehensive view of organizations.

With a reputation for creating award-winning workplaces. He is skilled in leading and facilitating cost-saving strategies including lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, systems thinking and TQM; and in improving employee engagement.

His past career assignments include SVP Global Human Resources at ESPN / ABC Media Networks, VP Human Resources & Training at ARAMARK/Galls and VP Human Resources & Training at Cox Communications.

Today, Daryl is an award-winning teaching professor at the Trulaske College of Business at the University of Missouri. His areas of teaching include various courses in HR/OB. Daryl has received campus and national teaching awards, as well as awards for advising and service.

He has effectively served on over fifty (50) boards, including industry associations and non-profits. He is passionate about causes related to education, youth, diversity, people with disabilities and families in crisis. Daryl holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Missouri in Columbia MO and a Master’s in Business Administration from Washington University in St. Louis MO. He has completed executive education programs at Cornell University in Ithaca NY and Stanford University in Palo Alto CA.