2024 Central Ohio Women in Leadership Symposium
March 13, 2024
8:30 AM - 12:30 PM (ET)
Theme
Leading With Heart: Empathy, Ethics & Excellence
Sponsored By
The Women in Leadership Symposium is a dedicated event that brings together accomplished women leaders, aspiring leaders, and advocates for gender diversity in various industries. The primary objectives of the symposium are to inspire, educate, and empower women to thrive in leadership roles and to promote gender equity and inclusivity in the workplace. This year's symposium theme is, Leading with Heart: Empathy, Ethics & Excellence," which celebrates and explores the importance of compassion, ethics, and excellence in leadership, particularly as they relate to women leaders. Attendees will gain valuable insights, advice, and connections, making the Women in Leadership Symposium an essential platform for advancing women's representation and influence in leadership positions.
Panelists
Jackson
Christina Jackson serves the Chief People Officer for Donatos Pizza. In her role, she is a strategic business advisor to the CEO and President and key member of the Executive Leadership Team. Christina also oversees the People Services Team which includes Recruiting, Total Rewards, Training & Operational Excellence, Safety & Compliance, Associate Relations, Organizational Development, Culture & Experience as well as Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. She is responsible for creating innovative strategies and developing inclusive people plans that build sales, improve profit and protect the brand while enhancing a culture that lives and breathes Donatos’ core values. With over 20 years of professional experience, Christina has held several HR leadership roles at companies such as PricewaterhouseCoopers, JPMorgan Chase, LBrands (formerly Limited Brands), OhioHealth and Designer Brands (parent company of DSW, Vince Camuto and The Shoe Company). Christina earned her Bachelor of Business Administration degree from The University of Cincinnati in 1998 and her Master of Business Administration degree from Capital University in 2003. She became a Senn-Delaney certified facilitator in 2012, completed the DTUI Certified Diversity Professional curriculum in 2015 and achieved her Hudson Institute Internal Executive Coaching certification in 2020. In 2022, Christina had the honor and privilege of making a presentation on Designer Brands’ ESG initiatives during an Investor Day Event at The New York Stock Exchange. Christina has held various leadership roles as a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated since 1995, served as Vice-Chair on the Columbus Harmony Project Board from 2013 – 2017 and is currently a member of the Girls on the Run of Central Ohio (GOTRCO) Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (I.D.E.A.) Committee. She currently resides in Columbus, Ohio with her husband and their two teenaged children.
McCullouch
Amanda McCullouch, SHRM-SCP, serves as Regional Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Mount Carmel Health System. In her role, she strategically supports the senior leaders and over 8,500 colleagues across 4 acute care hospitals, Mount Carmel’s Health Plan (MediGold), the Mount Carmel College of Nursing, Mount Carmel Medical Group, and various other ambulatory and joint venture facilities. Amanda has been with Mount Carmel for over 17 years; and has more than 20 years of Human Resources experience. She prides herself on maintaining a positive, can-do attitude and enjoys being a servant leader. She has successfully managed professional growth within her career while balancing motherhood. Amanda’s philosophy on work-life balance is to give 110% at work and at home while setting boundaries to ensure both receive the attention deserved andneedd. Amanda graduated from Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interpersonal Communications. She achieved her Society for Human Resources Management Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) certification in May 2021. She is a Board member for Diley Ridge Medical Center and beginning in January 2024, the Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce, and serves as a 2024 Executive Leadership Team member for the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement. She is a member of the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), the Human Resources Association of Central Ohio (HRACO), and the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA-HR). Amanda resides in Grove City, Ohio with her husband (James), 11-year-old identical twin boys (Asher and Cayden), and the family’s St. Bernard (Zeke). In her little free time, Amanda enjoys working out, watching her boys play sports, reading, and spending time outdoors with her family.
Negrón-McDaniel
Lourdes Negrón-McDaniel is the Assistant Chief Diversity Officer, Director of Inclusion and Culture at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, where she helps to lead the organization’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategy and people initiatives and programs. Lourdes serves on the leadership team for the health system’s Stand Against Racism and Stand for Health Equity framework, also known as STAND. Within this enterprise-wide framework, Lourdes co-chairs the education and development efforts for the organization on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and serves on various committees representing the overall strategic framework. Lourdes previously served as director for DEI at The MetroHealth System in Cleveland, Ohio, integrating and operationalizing DEI best practices to achieve equity of care and service. Lourdes has substantive experience through the life cycle of diversity strategic planning and implementation, focused on the intersection of health care and community wellness, including intentionally addressing the social determinants of health. As an executive consultant, Lourdes leveraged her expertise in diversity, equity, and inclusion frameworks to support hospitals, health and healthcare serving entities, and community-based groups advance health and economic equity for key stakeholders. Lourdes is founder and principal for a consulting practice that provided training and development, coaching, and change management services to clients in industries including healthcare, higher education, nonprofit and community-based organizations, councils, and associations, leading the work through an inclusive lens that creates inclusive environments and leverages diversity for greater impact. A graduate of the University of Toledo in Toledo, Ohio, Lourdes holds a B.A. in Social Work , a master’s degree in Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum & Instruction, and a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Organizational Psychology with a specialization in Diversity Management from Cleveland State University in Cleveland, Ohio. Lourdes currently represents Nationwide Children’s Hospital on the DEI Advisory Council for the Children’s Hospital Association, based out of Washington DC; serves on the advisory board for the Ohio Diversity Council, and concluded board service with the Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio, Youth Opportunities Unlimited (Y.O.U.); served on the community advisory committee with Cleveland State University’s Levin College of Urban Affairs, and volunteers as a trainer and coach to the Neighborhood Leadership Institute. Lourdes is committed to co-creating ecosystems where all can be of service and thrive. She considers herself a lifelong learner, actively engaging in learning communities. Lourdes holds a variety of certifications, including a Certified Diversity Professional (CDP), Executive Organization Development (EOD) certification from the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, Society for Human Resources Management Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP), Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) Qualified Administrator, MBTI Certified Practitioner, TeamSTEPPS Master Trainer, Intervention Specialist certification, and a TetraMap Certified Facilitator.
Saelim
Theresa Saelim is the President and CEO of Saelim Consulting, LLC a boutique community development consulting firm based in Columbus, Ohio. Theresa has over 20 years of experience in lending and community development and has dedicated her career to serving in roles that advance economic inclusion in underserved communities. In her more recent roles, Theresa served as a Business Development Manager for Chase Community & Affordable Lending’s Midwest Division, where she led the affordable lending sales strategy and execution for the firm, Vice President, Community Development Consultant for PNC Bank’s Central Ohio market; and Senior VP of Lending & Sales for Economic & Community Development Institute (ECDI) a Community Development Finance Institution (CDFI) that provides technical assistance and access to capital to current and aspiring small business owners. As part of her commitment to leadership and her community, Theresa continues to volunteer and has been recognized with several honors as follows: The Community Development Collaborative of Greater Columbus, Past Board Chair • Franklin County Community Development Advisory Board Member • National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP), Midwest Corporate Board of Governors • Asian American Real Estate Association (AREAA) Columbus, Founding Member and Vice-President • 2014 LEADS Community Action Agency Community Leader of the Year Award • 2018 Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services, Community Advocate Award • 2020 Future 50 cohort by Columbus CEO, a Business First Publication Theresa holds a Bachelor’s Degree in American Multiculturalism and Diversity Studies from Ohio State University, is a graduate of the American Bankers Association, Business of Banking (BoB) School, holds an Economic Development Finance Professional Certification from Grow America (Formerly known as the National Development Council) and a certificate in Women’s Entrepreneurship from e-Cornell University. Theresa is a native of Columbus, Ohio, enjoys traveling, is a true foodie, and currently resides in Central Ohio with her husband Maurice and their two children.
Smoot
Jayme Smoot is VP, Corporate Sustainability and External Affairs Operations at Nationwide Insurance. She manages corporate sustainability activities (also referred to as Environmental, Social, and Governance) by collaborating with Nationwide senior leadership and subject matter experts. She also supports Nationwide’s Corporate Sustainability Council leads national workplace giving campaign strategies and provides operational support across External Affairs. Before accepting this role, Jayme served as Chief of Staff for the Chief Legal Officer of Nationwide Insurance Mark Howard. She led critical administrative aspects of the Senior Leadership Team and assisted with implementation of strategic initiatives. Jayme previously led Nationwide’s State Legal Team, which provided 50-state regulatory advice and guidance to all P&C business/brands within the Nationwide family and members of OCLO. Prior to working at Nationwide, Jayme was an Associate at LittlerMendelson, PC. In this role, she advised and represented employers in a broad range of employment law matters, including sexual harassment, employment discrimination, retaliation, and wrongful discharge matters. Jayme served as a Commissioner on the Ohio Elections Commission, Deputy Chief of Staff in the Ohio Senate minority caucus, and as a Legislative Aide in the Ohio House of Representatives. She received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Notre Dame and her Juris Doctor from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law. She serves on the boards of the Ohio Women’s Bar Association (Immediate Past President) and Pink Ribbon Good, and recently completed her tenure as President of Nationwide’s African American Women Active and Ready to Exceed (AWARE) Associate Resource Group. In her spare time, Jayme enjoys reading, traveling with her family, and watching Notre Dame football.
Moderator
Gibbs
W. Shawna Gibbs has elevated the areas of education, community engagement, the arts and empowerment for women of girls for more than 25 years. Currently, she serves at the Director of Education and Special Initiatives at the ADAMH Board of Franklin County. In this role, she promotes ADAMH investments in school-based mental health and community- wide prevention and behavioral health initiatives that benefit youth. Her professional career also includes the Columbus Urban League, Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland and IMPACT Community Action. W. Shawna Gibbs is sought after for her visionary ideas, thought leadership, strategies and engagement. Her past and present Board leadership includes I Know I Can, Columbus Community Relations Commission, YWCA Bright Futures Committee, Women Coming Together and the Columbus Board of Education where she was elected three times concluding with 13 years of service. In the broader community, Gibbs supports initiatives that create sustainable social change . She is well known for her leadership of the Shirley Chisholm Conference for Girls in Government, the Dr. Alexa Canady Conference for Future Doctors, Dentists and Nurses, Accounting Careers Awareness Program (ACAP-Ohio , the Morning of H.O.P.E. for Teen Suicide Prevention and Museum Day Live! ; an initiative to inspire more people of color to visit and explore Central Ohio museums. She has completed the African American Leadership Academy Cycle 1, Project Diversity Cycle 10, and Leadership Ohio. In 2019, she completed the first cohort of Harvard Business Schools’ Accelerating Board Capacity Institute. Her accolades include: Induction into the All-Ohio School Board and earned Master School Board Member certification, Business First's ‘40 Under Forty’ Award, The Women’s Fund’s Keyholder 4 Award, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s Jewel Award and many, many more. W. Shawna Gibbs is a proud alumnus of The Columbus Alternative High School and Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, Georgia. She is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Faith Ministries Church. She enjoys NASCAR, football, boating, fireworks and gardening . Of her many achievements, she believes her highest honor is being called Mommy, daughter, sister, Soror, auntie, mentor and friend.
Awardee
Gregory
Pamela Gregory is an influential visionary advancing her corporation forward. She is the founder and co-owner of one of Central Ohio's 50 fastest-growing companies. Gregory founded the National Center for Urban Solutions (NCUS) and its family of businesses which include African American Male Wellness Agency (AAMWA), Academy for Urban Scholars High Schools, and NCUS TEC. Her dynamic leadership has propelled her companies to unparalleled success, notably being recognized by Amazon as the first African American-owned company identified as an AWS single-source solution provider. Under her leadership, NCUS has grown at a rapid pace. Gregory’s commitment to social impact extends beyond corporate success. Her initiatives have transformed thousands, including women who have successfully transitioned from public assistance to independent, empowered lives. Through strategic partnerships, Gregory has created opportunities for African Americans and women, contributing an impressive $250 million to their economic empowerment. With a remarkable reach, Gregory has directly impacted over a million individuals, leaving an indelible mark on communities across the nation. Her dedication to transformative leadership goes beyond the boardroom, as evidenced by the launch of Uplift Her in 2019—a health initiative addressing the specific concerns affecting women of color in areas such as cardiovascular health, cancer, and maternal well-being. Likewise, Gregory is deeply committed to education. In Ohio, she founded charter schools that serve as drop-out recovery centers and post-secondary technical schools that provide career certifications in growing industries such as healthcare, fiber optics, and robotics. In addition, she is a strong advocate for the health and well-being of African Americans, particularly in marginalized communities. She has initiated and supported one of the largest health campaigns for minorities in Central Ohio, reaching thousands across the country with free health screenings, referrals, and access to healthcare providers. Her work has also expanded to 18 cities across the nation, creating a positive impact on thousands of lives. Gregory is a graduate of The Ohio State University and serves on the board of several organizations such as the Franklin Park Conservatory Women’s Board, NCUS TEC, African American Male Wellness Agency, and SisterServ. She is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and was honored as part of the 2024 Women WELDing the Way Honoree. In 2023 she received the Sarah Elizabeth Smith Community Award for Education and Health Advocacy from Chi Eta Phi Sorority Inc., Gamma Eta Chapter. Her work has been acknowledged by Ohio Governors Ted Strickland and John Kasich, President Barack Obama, and prestigious publications like Forbes Women, Black Enterprise, INC Magazine, and Mahogany Magazine. Pamela Gregory's impact is one of innovation, and a commitment to creating positive change. As a pioneer in the corporate world and a champion for social impact, she continues to pave the way for future leaders, leaving an enduring legacy of empowerment, equality, and success. She believes when one woman rises, she lifts an entire community with her.
Dress For Success – Step Into Spring in Fashion
Encouraging all attendees to donate new or gently used suits, shoes, purses and other accessories.
Sponsorship Information
$3 Transaction Fee Will Be Added