Our 2025 Experts !
Leida Centeno
Leida Centeno is a seasoned human services professional with over 25 years of experience in counseling, substance abuse treatment, advocacy, and program development. Her personal journey through unexpected loss and hidden trauma has deepened her commitment to helping those who struggle in silence, fueling her passion to bring hope and freedom. A committed advocate for personal growth and resilience, Leida has a profound understanding of life’s challenges and the transformative power of faith. Her approach empowers women to overcome their circumstances through personal and spiritual renewal.
Integrating her professional expertise with personal insights, Leida equips women with the tools needed to rejuvenate their sense of well-being. She holds a Master’s degree in Community Psychology and Human Services Administration, specializing in clinical supervision, crisis intervention, and psychological assessment.
Maria Keckler
Dr. Maria Keckler is a distinguished leader in higher education, a strategist, and a behavioral researcher. Her groundbreaking research explores the power of storytelling to change our brains, enhancing empathy and trustworthiness in individuals and among team. This research has gained global recognition for its potential to improve learning, patient outcomes, wellness, and human connection. In 2023, the San Diego Business Journal honored her as one of the “Top 50 Latino Leaders of Influence in San Diego,” acknowledging her significant contributions to the business community.
As the visionary founder of Keckler and Co., Dr. Keckler brings over 15 years of consulting expertise, primarily assisting healthcare and life sciences organizations in developing stronger communicators and leaders. She has authored numerous scholarly articles, and her book, "Bridge Builders: How Superb Communicators Get What They Want in Business and in Life," was recognized by INC Magazine as one of the "60 Great Business and Leadership Books Written by Women." Dr. Keckler earned her Ph.D. in Educational Research from Claremont Graduate University.
Jay Morris
Dr. James Morris is a distinguished leader with a 35-year career that includes a wide range of leadership roles, from vice president to director, manager, executive coach, and social worker within prestigious organizations such as Yale New Haven Health, Trinity Health, Merck & Company, Ernst & Young, Allstate Insurance Company, and the Lehigh County Agency on Aging. He is also the author of “Masterpiece: Our Journey to Spiritual Transformation.”
Dr. Morris holds a PhD in Adult Learning and an MA in Organizational Design from Loyola University Chicago, as well as a JD from Woodrow Wilson College of Law. Certified as a professional coach by the International Coaching Federation (ICF), he is a committed lifelong learner who has impacted thousands of leaders by integrating spiritual principles into professional practices. He and his wife, Maria, have been married for over forty-five years and currently reside in Georgia with their adult son and daughter.
Anita Patel
Anita Patel, CEO & Trusted Technology Advisor at Minerva Tec Group, a women-owned firm specializing in cloud, connectivity, cybersecurity, and more.
At Minerva Tec Group, we deliver precise IT solutions and strategic supplier procurement tailored to your business needs. Our mission is to streamline IT operations by providing expert resources that enhance your team. We aim to support IT departments in overcoming business challenges efficiently, ensuring seamless internal and external optimization, and designing the right technology solutions. With our extensive supplier portfolio, we expertly manage Cloud, Network, Communication, and Security solutions to help clients boost revenue, cut costs, and improve efficiency. We are dedicated to simplifying IT and ensuring your business operates smoothly and effectively.
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Angela Yungk is a former magazine publisher turned visibility strategist and real estate mentor. With over a decade of experience at the intersection of media and real estate, she helps agents and entrepreneurs grow their influence through modern visibility and authentic personal branding. Whether mentoring agents, contributing to Inman Media, or teaching media mastery, Angela’s work is rooted in one core belief: visibility isn't vanity — it's value.
Angela Yungk
Jason Harris
Jason Harris is an esteemed celebrant and the visionary founder of Mourning Into Dancing. With his groundbreaking book, Good Grief: Celebrate Your Life, he is revolutionizing the landscape of funeral services, infusing them with a unique blend of laughter and warmth that resonates deeply with families.
Jason is a very passionate speaker who has been in ministry for over 35 years. He is a certified celebrant, aftercare specialist, preneed funeral counselor, author, and speaker who is most passionate about grief support and helping families celebrate the lives of their loved ones.
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Born in Ft. Worth, Jason lives in Belton, TX with his two miniature dachshunds, Chewy and Leia and his cat, Aslan. People are often surprised at how much they laugh and have fun attending “Five Questions That Will Change Your Life.” And/or “Lessons from a Hobbit, a Grief Dog and a Box of Matches.”
Jason has been told by multiple funeral directors, “We have never had so much laughter coming out of our funeral chapel than when you do services here.” Laughter through tears is a very healing emotion. Listen to Jason explain how and why grieving families benefit more from a celebration than a sermon while you learn what to say (and more importantly, what NOT to say) to someone who is grieving.
Inga Lee Puentes
Inga Lee Puentes, CEO of Inga Lee Industries, is a dedicated Wellness Coach with certifications as a Continuous Improvement Champion and Group Fitness Instructor. With over 20 years of experience in dance instruction and extensive expertise in continuous improvement facilitation, gym management, weight training, running, spinning, stretching, mobility, and functional exercise, she brings a well-rounded approach to health and wellness. Passionate about the mind-body connection, Inga Lee believes that mindfulness is a key pillar of any wellness program. She finds fulfilment in helping individuals create and achieve their personal and fitness goals, promoting sustainable habits that fuel both body and mind. Drawing from her own experiences with weight loss and navigating peri & post-menopause, she offers a unique perspective, integrating mind, body, and spirit into her coaching. Her work goes beyond physical fitness—she empowers individuals to adopt transformative coping methods, fostering resilience, balance, and long-term well-being.
Mark Walters
Mark Walters is an avid outdoor enthusiast and environmental activist. A long time Sierra Club volunteer, committed to exposing kids, who would not normally have the opportunity, to the wonders of the outdoors, Mark spends time teaching kids to camp, canoe, kayak, snorkel and hike among other activities in and around South Florida. The healing effects of time spent outdoors connecting with our natural environment Is integral to how Mark lives. A balanced, purpose-driven and intentional approach to life are values he holds close.
Mark is a First Aid and CPR instructor and in his day-job performs neuroscience research at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.
Chiquita Alexis
Born in Los Angeles and raised in North Carolina, Chiquita, brings a warm, grounded perspective to everything she does. She currently serves as an Account Executive for a home health company in Palm Beach, where her passion for wellness and community support shines through daily. A proud wife and mother of three adult sons, she balances family and career with a deep commitment to education and empowerment.
​She is a founding board member and former Chaplain of the Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Palm Beach Chapter, where she supported the development of future African American leaders through volunteerism, education, and civic engagement.
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As a certified CPR Instructor with the American Heart Association, she finds fulfillment in teaching life-saving skills and helping others build confidence in critical moments. Whether in the boardroom, classroom, or community, her mission is simple: to uplift, educate, and make a positive impact—one person at time.
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Her vast knowledge of the health and wellness industries and past experience as a Caregiver for her mother allows her to share, resources and support for those navigating the maze.
Kelly Powell
Kelly Powell is the CEO of Community Partners of South Florida (CPSFL), a leading
nonprofit organization focused on mental health, affordable housing, and community
development. Since joining CPSFL in 2009, Kelly has played a key role in advancing the
organization’s mission, including developing and overseeing vital community services,
managing strategic partnerships, and driving innovative programs that address the diverse
needs of Palm Beach County. As part of the senior leadership team since 2019, Kelly has
led initiatives that support families, improve child well-being, and foster neighborhood
revitalization. Under her leadership, CPSFL has focused on expanding mental health
support, enhancing housing solutions, and providing critical resources to individuals and
families in need.
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She serves on the NeighborWorks Florida Board of Directors, amplifying the impact of
affordable housing and homeownership initiatives, and is a Board Member of Northend
Rise, a purpose-built community organization. She is a member of the Executive Women of
the Palm Beaches Foundation, working with dynamic leaders to promote women’s
professional development and community impact. A public health practitioner for over 20 years, Kelly has dedicated her career to improving community well-being.
Originally from Virginia, Kelly enjoys traveling and spending time exploring the outdoors with her husband and daughters.
V. Vanessa Williams
Vanessa Williams is an established Board Director and Advisory Board Director with broad experience as a CEO, Keynote Speaker and Global Executive Coach. Vanessa has served as Director and Audit Chair for Internet Services Inc. (ISI) and Director for the following CEO Trust Advisory Boards: First State Bank of Texas, Virginia Industries, Inc., and Tea-rrific! Ice Cream. Additionally, Vanessa was the Board Chair for Easterseals Capital Region & Eastern CT. She was a Trustee on the Virginia State University Business Alumni Advisory Board and served on the Boards of New England Air Museum, and The Amistad Center for Art & Culture.
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Vanessa brings a keen understanding of board imperatives, challenging assumptions with insightful, thought-provoking questions. She brings a distinctive blend of Fortune 500 C-level operational expertise, entrepreneurial abilities and a collaborative approach which delivers innovative, data-driven strategies that drive scalable, sustainable business growth.
As the Founder and Principal of Leading Edge Consulting, LLC, Vanessa is a strategic advisor to business leaders. She supports CEOs, executives, and teams, triggering insight and innovation that enables Clients to achieve strategic clarity, focus on value creation and continuously improve performance. As a Keynote Speaker, Vanessa addresses modern businesses' resilience and leadership challenges, delivering innovative, actionable solutions.
The RENEW Experience™ Founder, Karen Hinds
Karen Hinds, CEO of Workplace Success Group, brings over 25 years of experience advising C-Suite executives and teams on strategy, leadership development, and fostering inclusive cultures.
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Under her leadership, Workplace Success Group has provided global leadership training and strategic consulting for Fortune 500 companies. Karen is also an accomplished author with 5 books to her name, covering topics such as workplace best practices, developing powerful networks, and global career guidance. She has worked with organizations such as the United Nations, Turner Construction, Avangrid Corporation, and the Girl Scouts of Connecticut, just to name a few.
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With a wealth of experience working with accomplished leaders and from personal experience, Karen understands the unique challenges professional women face in the workplace: slow or no meaningful professional growth, stress from juggling career and family priorities and experiencing burnout and a growing sense of professional dissatisfaction despite successes and achievements.
Karen's firsthand understanding of these challenges led her on a transformative journey: relocating 1,200 miles to a new state, acquiring a small farm to nurture her mental, physical, and spiritual well-being, shedding over 35 pounds, and venturing into amateur body-building—all while deepening a sense of clarity, purpose, and joy.
Expanding on her renowned global women’s leadership conferences, which began in the Caribbean in 2012, Karen unveils RENEW—an immersive experience for empowering professional women to prioritize mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual wellness to fuel their leadership, resilience, and impact.
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Originally from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Karen's journey from the Caribbean to the United States as a teenager underscores her ability to adapt and build relationships and opportunities in diverse environments. She remains committed to empowering women globally, through philanthropy, immersive leadership development experiences, and creating mentorship communities.
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In 2024, she was honored by The United Way of Greater Waterbury, Connecticut, for her volunteer work and impact on the community.