Throughout her career, Ana Gasteyer has been a powerful advocate for female comedians and a champion for telling women’s stories with honesty and humor. She may be best known for her unforgettable work on Saturday Night Live, where she created some of the show’s most beloved characters, including Martha Stewart, Celine Dion, and NPR’s Margaret.

Ana has brought her sharp wit and versatility to hit television shows like American Auto, The Goldbergs, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Girls. Ana has also appeared in live musicals on national television, competed on The Masked Singer as “Tree,” and co-wrote and starred in the holiday parody A Clusterfunke Christmas with longtime collaborator Rachel Dratch.

Her film credits include Mean Girls, Wine Country, Happiest Season, and the upcoming indie comedy Doin’ It. On stage, she has starred as Elphaba in Wicked on Broadway, as Queen Aggravain in Once Upon a Mattress, and in productions of Funny Girl, The Threepenny Opera, and Annie at the Hollywood Bowl. Ana also tours with her cabaret show, performing songs from her albums I'm Hip! and Sugar and Booze, bringing her signature mix of comedy and musicality to audiences around the country.

Stephania Bell joined ESPN as a senior writer and injury analyst in 2008. A licensed physical therapist, board-certified orthopedic clinical specialist emeritus and certified strength and conditioning specialist, she regularly appears on ESPN’s NFL and fantasy football coverage, including SportsCenter, NFL Live and Fantasy Football Now, in addition to co-hosting ESPN Audio’s Fantasy Focus Football podcast.

In 2020, Stephania and ESPN’s E60 profiled Washington quarterback Alex Smith’s year-long rehabilitation from a devastating and life-threatening leg injury. Bell has filed additional television features for E:60, Sunday NFL Countdown, SportsCenter and Outside the Lines.

Prior to joining ESPN, Stephania worked for Kaiser Permanente in San Jose, Calif., and taught at the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy Fellowship. She has held teaching positions in the physical therapy programs at Samuel Merritt College and the University of Kansas and has lectured nationally on various topics.

Stephania graduated from Princeton University with a degree in French Literature and earned a Master of Science in physical therapy from the University of Miami (Fla.). She earned a certification in orthopedic manual therapy from the Ola Grimsby Institute.

In 2019, the Vincera Foundation honored her with the Vinci Award for Sports Medicine Journalism. She was also elected to the Fantasy Sports Writers Association (FSWA) Hall of Fame in 2017, becoming the organization’s first female inductee. She is a two-time recipient of the Newswomen’s Club of New York Front Page award, which recognizes newswomen in the New York metropolitan area for excellence in journalism.

Pamela Benson Owens is the President and CEO of Edge of Your Seat Consulting, Inc., is the Interim CEO of the Texas Association for the Education of Young Children, and also the retired CEO of Six Square, Austin’s Black Cultural Arts District in September of 2024.

For more years than she cares to admit to, Pam has owned Edge of Your Seat Consulting, a unique consulting firm that is dedicated to assisting for-profit, nonprofit, and faith-based entities. The major focus of Edge of Your Seat Consulting, Inc., is to provide methodologies that help manage perceptions and narratives about complex and challenging issues with courage and strategic passion. She is an advocate and ambassador for healthy organizational cultures and communities, and a champion for the nonprofit sector and organizations who lean into courage each and everyday.

Pam often leverages humor and honest storytelling to create memorable and applicable strategies for sustainable and substantive change.

She serves the community in a variety of capacities with the intentional motive of building a stronger and more equitable community. Pam serves on several non-profit boards, is the co-chair of the Black Fund a partnership with Austin Community Foundation, joyfully serves on the faculty of the Center for Nonprofit Excellence at Austin Community College, is the National Leadership Council Chair for Dignity Grows, is often a guest lecturer at institutions of higher learning and thrives on the opportunities her consultancy work paves the way to assist organizations to be stronger by navigating the nuances of organizational culture.

She is a proud Texas A&M Aggie where she earned a degree in Journalism and a certification in Diversity Education and completed her graduate work at St. Edward's University with a master’s in Human Services with a concentration in Conflict Resolution/Mediation. Pam has also completed coursework at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, holds a certification in DEI from Cornell, is Hogan and Daring Leadership certified, is a self-professed book nerd and lifelong learner, has a new book called The Lessons of Lists, has an online coffee business with all four members of her family called 4TheCultureCoffee, that directs a percentage of the proceeds back to BIPOC nonprofit organizations in the Central Texas region, and you can hear her weekly on her Podcast, Rooted. She resides in Austin with her spouse, Arlyn, and two exceptionally amazing kids, Preston, and Allyson.

Aya Aghel is the founder of Free Period Knox, a youth-led advocacy organization fighting to end Period Poverty and ensure equitable access to menstrual products in schools across Tennessee. As a high school student and passionate community organizer, Aya has led successful campaigns to pass local legislation requiring Knox County Schools to provide free products in all high school girls’ bathrooms.

Through Free Period Knox, Aya collaborates with students, educators, and community partners to raise awareness about menstrual equity and the impact of Period Poverty on students’ health and educational opportunity. Aya believes that dignity, education, and access to basic needs like menstrual products are not privileges but fundamental rights every student deserves. By combining grassroots organizing, creative outreach, and policy-driven action, she aims to create lasting change in her community and beyond.

Steph Belsky is the co-founder and CEO of Love of Good, an intergenerational, women-owned social impact branding agency, and co-host of 'Missed Opportunities for Good' the podcast exploring trends and campaigns at the intersection of marketing, advertising, and impact. She is a thought leader in branding, talent management, and strategic partnerships, with experience working with major publications and nonprofits like CollegeHumor, Entrepreneur Magazine, FanDuel, It Gets Better Project, and TEDxChicago. Steph has worked with business leaders, recording artists, athletes, celebrities, and creators to align brand values with compelling fundraising campaigns and community activations. Having lived in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Detroit, and now the Hudson Valley in New York, she builds communities all over the country. Steph believes that community, collaboration, creativity, and a clear call-to-action creates change.

Daphne Bazile MD FACOG is a practicing board-certified OB GYN in the Richmond, Virginia area. She currently serves as the Medical Director of Obstetrics and Gynecology for the Richmond Market of Bon Secours. Originally from New York, she attended Barnard College, Columbia University. She went on to obtain her medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine. She completed her residency at Howard University Hospital. Upon completion of residency, she joined the hospital as faculty and shortly thereafter became an Assistant Professor in the Department of OBGYN. She joined Southside Regional Hospital in 2016.

Committed to her community, she serves as a women’s health advisor for many local organizations such as the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Richmond Chapter and Cardinal Ladies Group of Richmond. She is a key member of the annual "Pink Parties" at Southside Regional Hospital in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness. Recently has joined with Hebron of Petersburg in their "Cycle Celebrations", educating young ladies on their menstrual cycles and working with local organizations to hopefully provide adequate resources for those most in need of supplies. As an advocate for women’s health, she is educated that health begins with knowledge and helps women and their families be the best advocates for themselves. Dr Bazile’s commitment to her community and her patients has garnered her many recognitions.

Kyra Dorsey began her journey in nonwovens as a doctoral student at Georgia Tech, where her thesis on meltblown fibers sparked a lifelong curiosity in advanced materials. Since then, she’s led global teams in developing differentiated, environmentally conscious products and helped shape industry strategy at every level. She currently serves on the Technical Advisory Board for INDA, the North American Nonwovens Association, and was a founding board member of the Responsible Flushing Alliance. Her sustainability leadership has driven the development and commercialization of multiple new product platforms aligned with future-focused values.

Beyond science and strategy, Kyra is deeply committed to community impact. She serves as a member of The Links, Incorporated, and as a board member of the Aurora Foundation for Women & Girls, supporting education and economic access for women and girls in Greater Hartford. Her work is rooted in a belief that dignity, access, and innovation go hand in hand, especially in conversations around equity.

Born in St. Louis and now based in Connecticut, Kyra is an aunt, godmother, gardener, and Zumba enthusiast. She brings technical expertise and heart-centered leadership to every room she enters.

Jamaal Ellison is a vibrant, enthusiastic, and approachable leader whose engaging stories and coaching techniques resonate deeply with his audience, offering both entertainment and valuable insights.

He earned a degree in Business Administration, specializing in Small Business and Entrepreneurship, from Virginia Commonwealth University. After more than 15 years of experience in the private sector, Jamaal made the bold decision to leave behind a successful career to pursue his true passion: serving marginalized communities, much like the ones where he was raised.

Since joining Communities In Schools of The Tri-Cities (formerly Communities In Schools of Petersburg) in August 2016, he has remained committed to empowering others and making a lasting impact through relationship-building, consistency, and a heart for service.

Arielle Goranson is a public health strategist, systems thinker and community connector with a passion for turning insight into action. With roots in public health and system transformation, she thrives in complexity—spotting patterns, distilling data, and unlocking bold, human-centered solutions that drive lasting change. Equal parts strategist and creative, Arielle brings cross-sector fluency, design-minded curiosity and a collaborative spirit to every table she joins.

As Chair of the Dignity Grows Portland , OR Chapter, Arielle works alongside passionate volunteers and community partners to expand access to essential menstrual and hygiene products and strengthen grassroots leadership. This experience has deepened her commitment to equity and community resilience.

Whether building community networks, designing programs or shaping equity-focused strategy, Arielle leads with a blend of clarity, energy and curiosity. She brings a systems perspective and design-focused approach to complex challenge s .

Jenette joined the She Said team in 2015 as Creative Director of the live shows in Champaign-Urbana. She couldn’t believe her luck that she found this amazing project that aligned with her passion for empowering women and her background in theatre and film. As National Director, Jenette’s vision is to grow The She Said Project into a national theatrical movement that provides a platform for women’s voices to be heard.

Jenette received her BFA and MBA from the University of Illinois. She has lived and worked in NYC and Los Angeles as an actor, writer, director and producer before settling in Central Illinois with her rocket scientist husband and two daughters. She serves her community through organizations like United Way and Junior League of Champaign-Urbana, where she served as president. She is a co-founder and president of The Family Room, an organization to support foster parents and children in her community. She is a motivational speaker and trainer and a recognized community leader. She was named Forty under 40 by Central Illinois Business Magazine and “Outstanding Woman to Know” by the Illini Radio Group.

Alexis White Hat-Kayonnie is a citizen of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe and is Sicangu Lakota and Diné. Alexis was born and raised on the Rosebud Sioux Tribe reservation in the community of St. Francis and comes from the Aske Gluwipi Tiospaye.

Alexis works as the Youth Internship Coordinator of the Sicangu Co's Learning and Development department and is the coordinator for the Sicangu Co 7Gen Summer Youth Internship and the Sicangu Co SGU Student Internship. In her free time, she volunteers in her community by planning and hosting youth, elder, and community events and gatherings.

Alexis has a true passion and dedication to working with the youth and creating more career and leadership opportunities to shape our future generations of leaders. Alexis believes that young people can do anything and create change as long as we, the adults, give them the time, support, and encouragement.

Erin Henkelman serves as the Director of A Safe Place Family Justice Center (ASP-FJC) in Clackamas County, Oregon, where she leads the collaborative response and service delivery for adults and children impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse, and human trafficking. In this role, Erin oversees partnerships among public and nonprofit agencies, ensuring comprehensive, trauma-informed support for survivors.

With over 20 years of experience in social services, Erin has held a variety of roles, including child welfare case worker, co-located advocate, leadership positions at a community-based domestic and sexual violence agency, and Program Services Coordinator for ASP-FJC. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to fostering collaboration, building bridges among partners, and creating spaces for shared understanding and coordinated action to strengthen services for survivors in the community.

LaJoya Johnson is the visionary Founder and Executive Director of Black Educated Lesbians (BEL), a global nonprofit dedicated to the empowerment, leadership, and well-being of Black queer women. What began as a small Facebook group in 2014 has since grown under her leadership into a vibrant network of over 5,000 members, 67 special-interest groups, and 20 international chapters.

With a background in public health and a deep passion for community building, LaJoya has spent over a decade creating affirming spaces where Black queer women can thrive: personally, professionally, and politically. Through BEL, she has launched transformative initiatives including financial literacy courses, wellness programs, youth leadership development, and the annual Black Queer Women’s Conference, which brings together voices from across the globe.

LaJoya’s work is grounded in the belief that healing, visibility, and collective action are necessary for sustainable change. Her mission is to build a legacy of support, connection, and power for Black queer women everywhere, one program, one conversation, and one courageous act at a time.

Brenda Marie is a powerhouse strategist, speaker, and community leader with over a decade of experience helping organizations amplify their mission and manage their message. As the founder of CBM Public Relations, she has built a woman-owned agency that operates in both Connecticut and Puerto Rico, serving clients across nonprofit, corporate, and government sectors. Brenda’s ability to blend high-level strategy with cultural fluency and heart-centered leadership makes her a sought-after partner for clients who want more than visibility; they want impact.

With expertise in brand strategy, crisis communications, event production, and nonprofit development, Brenda has led campaigns and experiences for organizations such as Goya, Hartford Healthcare, the Roberto Clemente Foundation, and the CT Department of Housing. She is also a trusted consultant for Puerto Rico’s Act 60, helping businesses and individual investors navigate its complexities with clarity and compliance. From organizing industry-shaping galas and cultural festivals to guiding nonprofits through 501(c)(3) certification, she offers hands-on leadership at every stage of growth.

Brenda’s passion for social good is deeply woven into her work. She proudly serves on several nonprofit boards, including Dignity Grows Inc., and is committed to using her platform to uplift underserved communities. Her leadership is driven by the belief that every story has power—and with the right strategy, that story can move people, mobilize support, and make lasting change. Whether she’s coaching a startup founder or producing a citywide event, Brenda Marie shows up with intention, precision, and an unwavering belief in the purpose behind every project.

Tameka Mitchell is a motivator, entrepreneur, author, advocate, and, most importantly, a MOM. Her love of storytelling and dedication to children’s literacy inspired her to build a legacy of writing books that encourage children to be fearless and believe in themselves. As the owner of Maternity Motivation Publishing, LLC, Tameka hopes to motivate mothers and create stories and visuals that would have connected with her as a child and will inspire her own children. Her focus is to produce content with vibrant, simple messages that encourage family and community conversations.

As a devoted wife and mother of two beautiful children, Tameka’s own personal experiences have fueled her passion for maternal health and the postpartum period, especially as it relates to Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs). As a fierce advocate and speaker, her primary focus is to engage, educate, and provoke conversations within the community about PMAD. Tameka aims to empower and uplift individuals navigating similar experiences, offering solace and encouragement during moments of isolation.

Jean Parnell holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and brings a strong foundation in social work and community engagement to her professional work. After beginning her career in social services and taking time to raise her two sons, Jean re-entered the workforce in 2009 by joining Bon Secours Health System in Richmond, Virginia. Since then, she has focused on building collaborative relationships with nonprofits across Central Virginia, working to fund and support initiatives that address the social drivers of health. Jean is passionate about advancing community well-being through strategic partnerships and sustainable impact.

Meghan Phillipp is the inaugural Executive Director of the Health Care Council of Chicago (HC3), an initiative powered by Third Horizon. In this role, she leads HC3’s strategic direction and core operations, working across sectors to convene health care leaders and address the city’s most urgent health challenges. Meghan also serves as Vice President of Community Impact at Third Horizon, guiding social impact initiatives, corporate responsibility efforts, and community health consulting engagements.

With over a decade of experience spanning nonprofit leadership, startups, and civic partnerships, Meghan has built a career focused on advancing equity, collaboration, and community-centered innovation. Her background includes developing strategic programs, producing mission-driven events, and fostering strong cross-sector relationships.

She earned her MBA as a Baumhart Scholar at Loyola University Chicago’s Quinlan School of Business and holds a Bachelor of Music with a Minor in Theatre Arts from Lawrence University.

A dedicated civic leader, Meghan currently serves as President of the Associate Board and member of the Development Committee at CommunityHealth, a board member at Sharing Notes, and an advisor to several local nonprofits and health care entrepreneurs.

Andrea Robinson is the Executive Director of OASIS, a nonprofit serving victims of Intimate Partner Violence across seven counties in Kentucky’s Green River Area. Since taking the role six years ago, she has led major initiatives, including relocating the shelter and establishing non-congregate housing. Andrea also serves as Board President of ZeroV (formerly the Kentucky Coalition Against Domestic Violence), advocating for systemic policy changes across the Commonwealth.

She has been an adjunct professor at Western Kentucky University for five years, teaching Criminology and Sociology. Before moving to Owensboro in 2017, she worked in foster care, certifying foster families across Kentucky. Originally from Denver, Colorado, Andrea brings a diverse background, including work as a police dispatcher, child welfare crisis interventionist, and Community Corrections officer focused on pretrial services and bond reform for violent offenders.

Andrea currently serves as Board President of the H.L. Neblett Community Center and has served on various boards, including the Owensboro Human Relations Commission and the Urban League of Metropolitan Denver. She holds a B.S. in Human Services and an M.S. in Criminology.

Dr. Janet Brehm Taylor brings a unique blend of artistry, academia, and faith to her vocational journey. Before discerning a call to ministry, she spent many years performing as an opera singer and teaching as a college professor, experiences that continue to inform her preaching, pastoral care, and sense of presence. A native of the mountains of North Carolina, Janet now lives in Austin, Texas, where she is completing her Master of Divinity degree. She shares her home- and her daily walks - with a small but spirited dog named Izzy, and she has embraced the local culture with a sincere appreciation for good brisket and a healthy respect for fire ants.

Janet attended Dignity Grows’ last summit and was immediately drawn to the passion, authenticity, and vision of the community. She brings with her not only theological training but also a deep commitment to social justice and advocacy. Her ministry is shaped by personal experience: having faced seasons in her own life when basic necessities were uncertain, she is especially attuned to the needs of those living on the margins. Her calling is not only to preach and teach, but to walk alongside those who are suffering, seeking justice, hope, and dignity in every encounter.

Tiffany Young is a passionate bridge-builder, inspirational speaker, and life coach with many years of leadership experience across the nonprofit, community, and sports sectors. She currently serves as the Senior Director of Community Engagement & Advocacy for the YWCA Hartford Region, where she leads bold, equity-focused initiatives centered on racial justice and gender equity.
As the founder of TIFFANYYOUNG From Pain to Purpose, LLC, Tiffany empowers individuals and communities to transform adversity into strength through coaching, motivational speaking, and advocacy. With a creative foundation in the performing arts, she brings a unique blend of heart, healing, and strategy to every space she enters.

Tiffany was featured in Forbes, where she shared the importance of self-validation and embracing one’s journey. Her impactful work has been recognized with numerous honors, including the MiLB Presidential Citation, the Oprah Winfrey Award for Leadership & Exposure presented by the Scribes Institute, and the 100 Most Influential Blacks in Connecticut Award presented by the CT NAACP.

Jessica is the visionary founder of Dignity Grows. Upon learning of the devastating impacts of Period Poverty, Jessica sprang into action, educating and motivating volunteers to make change for women and girls in her own community of Hartford, CT. Within a year and a half, her efforts had gained national attention and Dignity Grows chapters lept into action in cities across the USA.

A classically trained chef and entrepreneur, Jessica served as a food editor at Mademoiselle Magazine. She later ran a successful NYC catering business.

Her extensive experience as a dynamic community leader includes service on the boards of numerous educational and social service organizations, including that of the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. Jessica has served as Chair and President of Solomon Schechter Day School of Greater Hartford and recently completed 8 years of service on the JFNA National Women’s Philanthropy Board.

Jessica’s deep connections to giving back to the community stem from childhood traditions with her sisters, and their annual efforts to support individuals affected by Muscular Dystrophy. Along with her husband and three grown children, she continues to make community service a core value of their growing family.

Jennifer Tolman is the President and COO of Dignity Grows Inc., directing national strategy, program development, and research initiatives. Since 2020, she has served as the organization’s operational lead, driving its rapid expansion and impact. With over two decades of nonprofit leadership experience, Jennifer has built and managed large-scale initiatives across the country, with a focus on community engagement, education, and equity.

An alumna of Boston University, Jennifer studied Religion and Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling and was later invited to return to mentor students pursuing careers in social justice. Her credentials include certifications from the United Nations in food insecurity and health equity, as well as a certificate in Indigenous Health Cultural Awareness from Arizona State University.

Earlier in her career, Jennifer became the youngest professional appointed to the senior management team at the Marcus JCC of Atlanta. She has since held senior leadership roles including Director of Community Connections at the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford. She is a published curriculum designer and a featured speaker at national conferences. In honor of her menstrual equity advocacy, the Governor of Kentucky awarded her the title of “Kentucky Colonel”.

Becca Carroll has been a key member of the Dignity Grows team since 2022, helping lead the national response to the growing public health crisis of Period Poverty. After serving as Program Coordinator for the Hartford Region, she transitioned into a prominent national role, overseeing all operations in Dignity Grows’ flagship program and supporting chapter innovation across the country.

Becca studied Communications and Urban & Community Studies at the University of Connecticut. Her background spans political affairs and the hospitality industry, experience that informs her creative thinking, strategic execution, and talent for aligning grassroots momentum with national impact.

A native Yankee (aka Connecticuter), Becca brings deep community values and a passion for equity to her work. She is a natural connector, inspiring emerging professionals and lay leaders to turn their drive into meaningful action.