September
9 - 10

Ashima Sharma – AI Consultant | Change Management Leader | Keynote Speaker | IT StrategistAshima Sharma is a seasoned leader with  proven track record in driving technology adoption, digital transformation, and organizational change. She excels at leading complex technical initiatives, developing high-performing teams, and fostering a culture of innovation and strategic execution.With over 20 years of experience in IT leadership, including Senior Director and VP-level roles at Fortune 500 organizations, Ashima has developed expertise in Program Leadership, Data Modernization, AI Implementation, Application Development, Digital Transformation, Agile Development, Organizational Change Management (OCM), and Business Analysis.After two decades in the corporate IT world, Ashima founded Ayuka Consulting LLC (ayukaconsulting.com), where she helps organizations navigate technical transformations with a human-centered approach. Her focus is on ensuring long-term sustainability and adoption of AI, automation, data transformation, cloud migrations, ERP implementations, and product/application development. Ashima is passionate about helping individuals and organizations embrace change to foster a cultural shift that drives success.Certifications & Expertise•    AI – Enhancing Business Value with Artificial Intelligence Certification – Cornell University•    Project Management Professional (PMP) – Project Management Institute•    PMI-Agile Certified Professional (PMI-ACP) – Agile strategy and execution expertise•    Certified Scrum Master (CSM) – Strong command of Agile and iterative development frameworks•    Prosci Certified Change Practitioner – Expert in managing organizational change and stakeholder engagement•    IT Strategy & Roadmap Execution – Aligning AI-driven initiatives with business objectives•    Cross-Functional Leadership – Collaborating with government agencies, enterprises, and vendors for seamless implementation"\

Corporate lawyer with substantial experience representing both companies and investors

Emerald is an advisor for the Miami Valley Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the Entrepreneurs’ Center and is very passionate about helping small business owners generate sustainable profits within their startups. She has worked in financial services for over 15 years and specializes in bookkeeping and taxes for small businesses.An entrepreneur at heart, she is the CEO of Emerald Sparks LTD, a business finance consulting company designed to help business owners understand the story behind their numbers and price for profit. She believes a ‘small’ business should not be counted out of resources simply because they do not have the funds that ‘large’ corporations do."

Matthew Veryser is a Dayton-based entrepreneur, investor, and startup advisor. As Founder of Veryser Ventures and a capital access specialist with the Entrepreneurs’ Center, he organizes investor networks and works hands-on with emerging startups to help them attract investment and prepare for growth. Previously, Matthew served as VP of Product & Spinouts at Ascend Innovations and Director at Rev1 Ventures, where his efforts supported hundreds of millions in value creation for Ohio startups.

A University of Dayton graduate in Finance, Matthew is passionate about empowering founders, fostering community, and driving innovation that benefits Dayton and beyond. His unique blend of experience in venture capital, product leadership, and founder support makes him a trusted resource for entrepreneurs throughout the Midwest.

Te’Jal Cartwright is the owner of Lore, a storytelling business that helps individuals and organizations use story to build connection, confidence, and community. Since 2020, she’s led hundreds of people through story coaching workshops designed to improve communication, deepen team dynamics, and inspire mission-driven messaging. Known for her relatable energy and thoughtful facilitation style, Te’Jal helps teams turn everyday experiences into compelling narratives that motivate action. Whether working with nonprofits, startups, or Fortune 500 teams, she creates spaces where people feel seen, heard, and more connected to their work and one another.

"Jeffery Washington is a dedicated advocate for businesses across the Wright-Patt Credit Union (WPCU) region. With more than 15 years of experience in the financial services industry, he has established himself as a trusted leader in commercial lending, relationship management, and strategic business development. His deep understanding of financial systems—combined with a heart for service—has enabled him to empower countless entrepreneurs, particularly those who have historically faced barriers to accessing capital and support.One of Jeffery’s most transformative contributions is the creation and launch of WPCU’s SOAR (Support and Outreach to Advance Revitalization) program on April 17, 2023. SOAR was intentionally designed to holistically support women-, minority-, and veteran-owned small businesses—groups that are often overlooked or underserved in traditional financial spaces. The program provides not only access to capital but also mentorship, business education, and trusted connections to essential community partners.Since its inception, SOAR has served over 400 small businesses and facilitated millions of dollars in lending. But beyond those impressive numbers is a deeper story: one of access, equity, and empowerment. Jeffery has made it his mission to be present in the moments that matter most to business owners—offering clarity, building trust, and delivering custom solutions that meet each entrepreneur where they are.His work through SOAR is not just transactional—it’s transformational. Jeffery understands that sustainable economic growth requires intention, collaboration, and the courage to innovate. That’s why he’s committed to breaking down systemic barriers and creating real pathways for success. Whether it’s helping a first-time entrepreneur secure startup funding, guiding a small team through operational growth, or connecting business owners with new markets and tools, Jeffery brings integrity, strategy, and compassion to everything he does.What makes Jeffery’s leadership so powerful is his unwavering belief that community success begins with belonging. By creating space and resources for underserved business owners, he’s laying the foundation for long-term revitalization across the region. The ripple effect of his work can be seen in job creation, local investment, and the thriving small business ecosystem SOAR continues to support.In every sense, Jeffery Washington is a champion for purposeful growth. His blend of financial acumen, innovative thinking, and heartfelt community commitment exemplifies the kind of leadership that inspires real change. Through his work, he is not only helping entrepreneurs succeed—he’s helping communities flourish.

Dr. Elizabeth Eckhart is the founder and owner of Modern Eye, a cutting-edge optometry practice and optical boutique located in downtown Dayton. Established in 2023, Modern Eye is an independent startup built on the belief that both patients and employees are at the heart of quality medical care.A native of the Miami Valley, Dr. Eckhart graduated with honors from The Ohio State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Business. She went on to study optometry at the New England College of Optometry in Boston, completing clinical rotations across the globe.In addition to her clinical expertise, Dr. Eckhart brings a unique blend of skills in marketing, interior design, contract negotiation, and entrepreneurship—experience she looks forward to sharing with others during her session.

With nearly 20 years of on-camera experience, I bring a journalist’s eye and a coach’s heart to every client I work with. As a former TV news anchor, I’ve spent thousands of hours in front of the camera—breaking news, telling stories, and building trust with viewers. Now, I use that experience to help professionals show up with confidence, clarity, and authenticity on camera. I know firsthand what it takes to connect through the lens, and I specialize in translating those skills for attorneys, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders who want to elevate their presence and grow their business through video.

Souley Oumarou is the founder and owner of AmeriFilms, a Dayton, Ohio-based video production company specializing in promotional videos, corporate documentaries, and content for social media platforms. Originally from Niger, West Africa, Oumarou’s passion for visual storytelling began in his youth, inspired by a vintage Kodak camera. After earning a business degree and working for several years as a senior tax analyst on Wall Street, he shifted his career to filmmaking, completing a graduate certificate in documentary production at George Washington University. Since 2016, Oumarou has filmed across Africa, the Middle East, and the United States, focusing on creating impactful video content for purpose-driven brands.

Donnica Hawes-Saunders is the Founder and CEO of The Averity Group, a full-service, solution-oriented public affairs firm that specializes in highly regulated organizations. They maximize advocacy success through proactive engagement and in 2023, The Averity Group was named one of the top reputation management agencies in the U.S. by Design Rush. Donnica is recognized as a mission-driven, political social impact strategist that specializes in complex policy and media environments. With over a decade of experience in the private sector and on Capitol Hill, she connects public policy and organizational priorities with an emphasis on politically astute, coalition-based communications and strategic partnerships. While leading global and U.S. public affairs and external communications outreach at Philip Morris International (PMI), Donnica conceptualized, developed, and directed over thirty original partnerships across six intersections: policy, media, NGOs, academic, sustainability, and diversity and inclusion, elevating PMIs brand. She secured a fifty percent increase in relationships with high-profile bi-partisan, key opinion leaders, and third-party validators for the company despite multi-billion-dollar resistance efforts within the industry. In addition, Donnica strategized and executed diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programming and advocacy across U.S. and global teams increasing PMI’s corporate visibility, engagement, and reputation in various markets. Prior to PMI, Donnica worked at Heineken USA developing federal legislative strategy that resulted in two years of federal excise tax relief for the company, saving approximately thirteen million dollars annually. She also launched inaugural state and local legislative tracking, reporting, and communications for global and U.S. leadership. In addition, she built social impact partnerships to promote brand reputation through corporate social responsibility and DEI programming. During her tenure, she created several successful alcohol responsibility campaigns, including Heineken’s premier DRINK or DRIVE campaign in the U.S. With several years serving as a senior staffer on Capitol Hill, Donnica has a broad background in policy and legislative strategy. She drafted and advanced legislation including bills to improve responses to victims of child sex trafficking (P.L. 114-22) and established amendment language in the 2014 Farm Bill Conference Report designating a historically black college (HBCU) as an 1890 Land Grant University, increasing access to federal funds. She worked in the offices of Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03), the U.S. House Democratic Caucus under Chairman John Larson (CT-01), and the U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security, under Ranking Member Bennie Thompson (MS-02). Before working in the U.S. Congress, Donnica established a legal background through a unique combination of corporate law, litigation, negotiation, and persuasive communication training. She was a federal law clerk in the U. S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio and for the 165th Harris County Civil District Court of Houston. She also represented clients at the Montgomery County Public Defender’s Office, Juvenile and Child Support Division, and worked at Sebaly, Shillito & Dyer in the commercial litigation department focused on bankruptcy law. Donnica has published articles in World Leaders Magazine, SheMedia, Diplomatic Courier, Sustainable Brands, Black EOE Journal, Sustainable Brands, Authority Magazine, Swaay, and Harness Magazine for her perspectives on corporate culture, sustainability, and diversity and inclusion. She has been featured on several podcasts as well as a speaker in the U.S. and globally at the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Executive Institute, the foremost expert, convener and thought leader on issues impacting today’s evolving workplaces, the Public Education Leadership Network (PLEN), Better Business Bureau (BBB), Aspen Institute, and the Concordia Summit during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Donnica is a Marquis Who’s Who Honoree, recognized for her leadership in driving creativity and excellence at The Averity Group. She is also a 2025 Business Journal Forty Under 40 Honoree and a 2025 Better Business Bureau Women to Watch Honoree, celebrated for her business acumen and commitment to uplifting communities. A trailblazer in diversity, equity, and inclusion, Donnica has been honored as one of Yahoo Finance's EMpower 100 Global Future Leaders & Top 20 Highest Achieving Changemakers for her strategic impact, execution, and advocacy. She also received the PRISM International Diversity Impact Award for her work in developing and institutionalizing HBCU programming within global organizations. Recognized for her influence in public affairs, Donnica was named one of D.C.’s Top Lobbyists and Influencers by Lawyers of Color magazine and was awarded membership in the American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL), an esteemed network of global elected officials and policy experts. As an Executive Leadership Council Fellow, she works to expand opportunities for Black executives to make meaningful contributions to businesses and communities. She also serves on the board of Dayton Live, the largest employer of performing arts professionals in the city, and the Influencer Council of Running Start, a global non-partisan nonprofit dedicated to training young women for political leadership. Beyond her professional achievements, Donnica is deeply committed to community service and cultural preservation. She volunteers as an Ambassador for the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) and is an active member of The Links, Incorporated and Junior League. Donnica holds a J. D. from the University of Dayton School of Law, and received a B.A., magna cum laude, in Sociology and Anthropology from Spelman College.

Katie is a Senior Manager and leads the Government Financial Services team within Brixey & Meyer’s CFO Services team, which specializes in helping clients who work with Department of Defense or other Government agencies to manage their accounting, compliance, financial, and proposal needs. She has over 12 years of experience in financial management and accounting working at government contractors across the country. Her specialty is supporting businesses in all aspects of government financial services in addition to classic accounting functions. These services include building DCAA compliant accounting processes and controls, indirect rates and cost allocations methodologies.

Sean Freeman is a loving husband, father of two brilliant boys, and an uncle to five cool nephews. He’s dedicated Project Manager working for Omega CDC, helping operate the Hope Zone Promise Neighborhood Grant. Sean's work reflects a commitment to creating positive change, leveraging his organizational skills and leadership to ensure the success of impactful programs that align with the grant's mission.He holds a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Management, Innovations, and Change from Wright State University and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Alabama State University. Sean currently serves as a board member for several organizations including: Trotwood Chamber of Commerce, Aullwood Friends and Family Foundation, and the Conscious Connect.

A Dayton native, Gabe Newburg joined the Dayton Development Coalition as the Manager for Projects and Sites. In this role, Gabe assists companies with expansion projects and coordinates with local stakeholders for site selection efforts.
Before joining the Coalition, Gabe worked as a Manager of Strategic Business for Next Level.

Gabe received a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Studies at the University of Michigan. During his time at Michigan, Gabe was a member of the University of Michigan Football Team as a Defensive End.

Gabe resides in Clayton with his wife Anna.

Hannah Baumgartel is the Senior Program Manager for Small Business & Community Programs at JobsOhio, where she leads initiatives to help small businesses and communities across Ohio grow, create jobs and thrive.

Prior to joining JobsOhio, Hannah served as Program Director for Project RISE at the Athens-Meigs Educational Service Center, where she built and managed a regional workforce development program connecting K-12 students in Athens, Meigs, and Perry counties with internships, mentorships, and job shadowing opportunities. 
Earlier in her career, she worked at the Champaign Economic Partnership as assistant to the executive director, supporting local economic development projects—including the revitalization of the historic Douglas Hotel in Urbana

Hannah holds a Master of Public Administration and a B.A. in Political Science from Ohio University.

Andrew Cothrel is co-founder and CEO of Kilele Health (a medtech startup) as well as President of Rushlight Ventures (a technology commercialization/transition firm). His 1st career was 20 years at Exxon, Abbott Labs, and Roche. He ended his BigCo days as VP/Site Manager of Roche’s $100M U.S. life sciences business area. Career #2 has been 18+ years working a mix of consulting, startups, and venture, with a medtech emphasis. He has supported over 100 clients, led seven startups (Kilele is his 8th), transacted four exits, and raised $60MM+ for early-stage companies. He has an extensive angel investing portfolio and serves as an independent director on the boards of Royal Biologics, Scioto Biosciences, and Amplified Sciences.

Matthew Veryser is a Dayton-based entrepreneur, investor, and startup advisor. As Founder of Veryser Ventures and a capital access specialist with the Entrepreneurs’ Center, he organizes investor networks and works hands-on with emerging startups to help them attract investment and prepare for growth. Previously, Matthew served as VP of Product & Spinouts at Ascend Innovations and Director at Rev1 Ventures, where his efforts supported hundreds of millions in value creation for Ohio startups.

A University of Dayton graduate in Finance, Matthew is passionate about empowering founders, fostering community, and driving innovation that benefits Dayton and beyond. His unique blend of experience in venture capital, product leadership, and founder support makes him a trusted resource for entrepreneurs throughout the Midwest.

Brent Johnson and Josh Stucky. Owners of Square one Salons. 25 years in the salon industry. 20 years in the non-profit world with RubiGirls.  Partnered for 36 years, married for 9. Big into philanthropy.  Brent is a business guru, Josh is a 34 year educator (elementary and college.) They travel and talk about how to shore up your team, yourself and your business's future. Believers in making sure your team are YOUR CLIENTS. 

"Jamaica White is a dynamic entrepreneur, financial education advocate, and business leader committed to helping individuals and families build generational wealth through financial literacy and creative thinking.Whether she’s delivering a keynote on personal money management or leading an all-day leadership training for business owners and professionals, Jamaica captivates audiences with her practical insights, engaging delivery, and innovative perspective.With a strong background in entrepreneurship, real estate, and community development, Jamaica brings real-world experience to her teachings. She has successfully helped others navigate debt elimination, investment strategies, and legacy-building through hands-on education and mentorship. Her mission is to empower others to achieve both personal and professional financial goals by thinking beyond traditional pathways and embracing long-term wealth strategies."

"Jordan Roe, M.S. Entrepreneurship and Emerging Enterprises, has been with the Entrepreneurs’ Center for 10 years where he has served in multiple compacities within SBIR and Technology Startup focused programs. He has vetted over 1000 technology focused entrepreneurs, provided support to hundreds of entrepreneurs and helped source or secure over 100 million dollars in funding over the last decade. Jordan is a serial entrepreneur and an educator of entrepreneurship. He dedicates his work to the love and art of entrepreneurship."

Nadine Nana is a marketing leader and growth advisor who helps early-stage companies grow faster and smarter. She works closely with founders to build clear marketing plans, fix what’s not working, and create systems that support long-term success. As a Fractional CMO, she becomes part of your team—not just a consultant. Her focus is on results: more leads, better sales, and real business growth

Lawrence Jones, MA, CGBP, is a Trade Advisor at the Miami Valley Small Business Development Center in Dayton, Ohio, where he helps small and medium-sized businesses expand into international markets. A Certified Global Business Professional, Lawrence has worked across global talent acquisition and international business development in the United Kingdom, Poland, and the United States. He is a graduate of Richmond American University London, Kingston University London School of Law, and SGH Warsaw School of Economics. Lawrence brings a global perspective and data-driven mindset to trade advisory, combining strategic insight with emerging technologies like AI to help businesses grow confidently and competitively in global markets.  

Amy Cox is a former high school science teacher. She currently uses her degrees to help run a 7,500 sq ft indoor mushroom farm in New Lebanon, Ohio along with founders, Audra and David Sparks and sales manager, Michael Goldstick. GBM’s production manager is Christina Maynard, lab manager Sarah Faulkner and harvester Atina Harris. GBM’s delivery driver, Jimmy Rogers makes sure our products are delivered all over the tristate region. Amy understands that farm work is most effectively done in a cooperative model and she uses her experience as a teacher to help manage day to day operations among 7 other employees. 

Lance has been with Bradstreet & Company, Inc. since 2001 and is a partner at their Centerville office. His experience and education span from a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Wright State University to a Series 7 FINRA License. Lance’s areas of expertise include corporate and personal tax compliance, financial statement preparation & analysis, and structuring corporate tax saving strategies for both entities & their shareholders. Lance is an affiliate member of the Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants (OSCPA), the Dayton Association of Tax Preparers (DATP), and CPAConnect, and has the distinguished honor of being a Kentucky Colonel.

Ashley Browning is a serial entrepreneur, self-care strategist, and nonprofit leader with over a decade of experience in business development, wellness education, and social impact. As the founder of She Selfish and Browning Enterprises, she empowers entrepreneurs—especially women and BIPOC changemakers—to build sustainable businesses rooted in purpose, wellness, and authenticity.

"As the Founder & Principal Consultant of Airship Consulting LLC, Emily helps other entrepreneurs translate their technology from the lab to the marketplace. Her company operates under the belief that ""a rising tide raises all ships,"" and its mission is to help clients create and act on a clear strategy for commercialization. She specializes in empowering small businesses to partner with major research institutions, particularly in transitioning dual-use technologies.

Emily Fehrman Cory is a seasoned expert in technology transition and commercialization, putting her skills into practice both as a consultant and as a technology founder. She is the CEO and co-founder of Dayton Photonics Systems, a company developing advanced fiberless optical communication solutions. In this role, Emily is actively engaged in building a business around her own technology, serving as a real-world example of the principles she advocates.

Emily's expertise is built on a strong foundation, including her time at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). There, she served as the chief technology advisor for the America Makes Institute and pioneered the AFRL Maker Hub, a unique public-private makerspace that fostered collaborative prototyping. She also served as Faculty of Practice for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University of Dayton School of Engineering, where she developed and led a business incubation program, nurturing 11 student and faculty-led startups.

Her comprehensive background uniquely positions her to partner with small businesses and research institutions, driving the successful translation of groundbreaking discoveries into real-world applications."

Will Foster is a systems thinker, builder, and connector. As Portfolio Manager at the Entrepreneurs’ Center in Dayton, Ohio, he supports a portfolio of over 100 tech startups and the networks of subcontractors and service providers who help them grow.

He is also the founder of Quantum Foam, a venture studio rooted in circular economics and regenerative development.

A lifelong entrepreneur, Will’s journey began at Wright State University and has since included launching, managing, and advising a range of small businesses. Today, he also serves as Board President of the Yellow Springs Development Corporation and sits on the Board of Directors for the Yellow Springs Chamber of Commerce, where he champions infrastructure, local enterprise, and opportunity design at the village scale.

Will resides in Dayton, Ohio.