Melissa D. White, International TEDx Speaker, author, humanitarian, and media correspondent. Melissa went from an overlooked woman executive to a global voice speaking to 700,000 people in one sitting. She is on a mission to help leaders find their voice at work and in the world, equipping them through coaching and her books, The Entrepreneurial Prophet and The Spirit-Led Leader. She is the founder of Writing Our Wrongs, Inc., a nonprofit that empowers youth to speak against bullying and advocate for social justice through writing, speaking, and media. She’s the host of The Activation Hour and the Professional Faith Podcast, and has been featured in Thrive Global, Huffpost, and Sheen Magazine. She continues to equip world-class speakers as a professor of business communications at Georgia State University in Atlanta, GA. Learn more at www.melissadwhite.com.
Our Host / Panelists
Jocelyn Jones is an author, wellness advocate, and certified change management professional dedicated to guiding women through healing, transformation, and inner peace. With a heart for reflection and restoration, she empowers women to pause, process, and rise into who they are becoming—emotionally, spiritually, and purposefully. She is the author of Say to My Soul: Rise Up, a guided journal that helps women reconnect with their voice and vision through intentional heart work. Rooted in faith and lived experience, Jocelyn blends spiritual wisdom with practical tools, creating safe spaces for women to breathe deeply, believe boldly, and take purposeful steps toward wholeness. Her mission is clear: to ensure every soul she encounters feels seen, heard, and equipped to reflect honestly, grow intentionally, and elevate with purpose. Learn more at JocelynEJones.com
Volori Thornton is a Philadelphia native who has called South Carolina home since 1997. With over 20 years of experience across multiple industries, she is a creative thinker, motivational speaker, workshop facilitator, and corporate trainer. Her passion is helping people move beyond perceived boundaries to discover their true purpose. Through Volori Leadership Development & Image Consulting, she equips organizations with soft skills training, leadership development, and personal growth workshops. Volori has inspired thousands of women and works to transform managers into leaders and employees into team players, fostering connection and collaboration. She holds degrees in Marketing & Communications and is a graduate of Furman University’s GVLStarts program. Her life motto: “I love what I do… I do what I love.”
Lida Hakobyan is a first-generation immigrant from Armenia who moved to the U.S. nine years ago with nothing but grit and faith. She began her journey as an over-the-road truck driver, learning the logistics industry from the ground up. Today, she’s a respected freight broker, business mentor, and content creator, teaching others how to build profitable logistics businesses and live with purpose. Lida came to God at 22, and through life’s highs and lows, she’s learned to breathe, believe, and become who she was created to be. Above all, she’s a proud mom to two beautiful girls—her greatest motivation and the reason she keeps pushing forward. Learn more at www.logisticswithlida.com
Emily Green is a TEDx speaker, entrepreneur, and founder of Love Means Business, a platform empowering thought leaders through speaking, consulting, and visibility strategies. After building and selling a national marketing agency, she launched multiple initiatives including a podcast, Speaker Support & Referral Community, weekly LinkedIn newsletter, and the T.H.O.U.G.H.T. Leadership Program. Emily helps others turn pain into purpose and use their voice to lead with impact. Learn more at Emily Green LLC
Tyressa “Ty” is a force of faith, fire, and forward motion. She’s overcome homelessness, loss, and illness—transforming pain into purpose. During the pandemic, while recovering from five surgeries and a double mastectomy, she launched a vegan body line, wrote The Pain Has a Purpose, and created The Mind Behind the Music to uplift voices in crisis. Her books have been featured on The Breakfast Club and are used nationwide as mental health tools. As CEO of Fiyah Entertainment and longtime manager for Doug E. Fresh, she’s worked with icons from MC Lyte to DaBaby. Ty’s influence spans HBCUs, global stages, and major events like the Grammys and Essence Festival. A bestselling author, media executive, and founder of Divas & Dolls Worldwide—Ty doesn’t chase the spotlight; she brings light with her.
Sheila L. Snoddy, Ph.D. is a social entrepreneur, lifelong learner, and advocate for the well-being of marginalized communities. A U.S. Army veteran and Gulf War officer (Major promotable), she has served in senior leadership roles across education, nonprofits, and community initiatives. Her experience includes Director of Community Engagement at the Spartanburg Community Foundation, National Director for the Coalition to Transform Advanced Care in Washington, DC, and Director of Continuing Education at Spartanburg Community College. Sheila holds degrees from South Carolina State University, Howard University, and Clemson University, where her research focused on social change and community impact. She currently serves as Director of Power Up Spartanburg Mentoring with OneSpartanburg, Inc. She and her husband, Rev. Benjamin Snoddy, Pastor Emeritus of Mount Moriah Baptist Church, celebrate 23 years of marriage.
Alondra Guerra is a dynamic operations leader recognized among Greenville Business Magazine’s Best and Brightest 35 & Under (2024) and TALK Greenville’s 25 Most Beautiful People (2024) for her impact-driven leadership and selfless service to the community. With a strong foundation in team management, process innovation, and leadership development, she brings a people-first mindset shaped by her service as an officer in the U.S. Army. While serving on the Board of Directors for incredible organizations she volunteers her time by coaching, mentoring, and advocating- working closely with girls and first-generation Latinas. With a passion for empowering others and a commitment to giving back, Alondra leads with empathy, resilience, and vision. Based in Greenville, SC, she continues to inspire through her work, her service, and her unwavering dedication to uplifting those around her. Alondra is an avid reader, currently pursuing her second master’s degree, and encourages all women to consistently pursue their goals.
Mareshah Lawson is a dynamic force in fashion a high-fashion model, stylist, entrepreneur, host, and content creator with a divine mission. As a proud daughter of the Kingdom, she stands firm in the belief that faith and fashion are not meant to be separated, but beautifully intertwined. Through every runway, style curation, and piece of content, Mareshah uses her influence to ignite confidence, purpose, and identity in others. Her passion is to see people walk boldly into their God-given purpose fully aligned, fully anointed, and unapologetically themselves.
Our Speakers
Giovanna Burgess Geathers is a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment, specializing in self-love, self-worth, and emotional healing. In 2017, she authored Why Am I Still Single and hosted her first sold-out retreat, which inspired the launch of The Breathe Women’s Conference in Greenville, SC—growing from 120 attendees in its first year to double by 2019. With over 30,000 hours of coaching, counseling, and consulting experience, Giovanna has worked across industries including Tech, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Aviation, and Law. She currently serves as a leadership consultant for BMW Manufacturing and speaks widely to women’s groups, universities, and faith communities. A former radio host and creator of two podcasts, Giovanna blends psychology, human behavior, and intuitive insight to inspire growth. Her greatest joy, however, is time spent with her husband, children, and family.
Deb Sofield is a globally recognized Communications Consultant, Executive Speech Coach, Keynote Speaker, and former Radio Talk Show Host. As President of her own firm, she equips leaders to excel in high-stakes communication, specializing in public speaking, crisis messaging, media relations, and executive presentation skills. Her private coaching has guided political and corporate clients across the U.S. and abroad, transforming complex messaging into powerful narratives. Author of five books, including Speak Without Fear and the Encouragement for Your Life series, Deb has also served as a visiting professor at Harvard’s Kennedy School and taught at Yale’s Campaign School for over two decades. A Liberty Fellow and public servant, she is Commissioner of Public Works for Greenville, SC, and recipient of the Order of the Palmetto. Learn more at debsofield.com.
Sherilyn Bennett is a powerful voice for women of faith and purpose. As founder of Leap Girl, Leap Inc. and leader of Converge Women, she equips entrepreneurs, leaders, and visionaries to rise with clarity and conviction. Through her Sanctuary Circle Mentorship, she guides women in spiritual, personal, and professional transformation. A national speaker, she partners with Fortune 500 companies, including Clorox, to bring biblical principles into workplaces. Sherilyn is also an award-winning graphic designer and brand strategist, serving clients like Jekalyn Carr, Martha Munizzi, and Project Runway winner Liris Cross. She represents talent featured on Netflix, Hulu, and Tyler Perry Studios. Her insights on faith, branding, and entrepreneurship have been featured on ABC, NBC, Fox, Black News Channel, The Huffington Post, Sheen Magazine, and more. Learn more at www.camdenlanecreative.com
Tamika Prince is a brand marketer and author, and a growing voice in empowerment, community, and purpose-driven leadership. Passionate about personal development, she believes in the transformative power of growth and lifelong learning. She aims to empower others to overcome self-doubt, take bold steps forward, and build confidence in how they show up—both personally and professionally. Her commitment to growth and empowerment also extends to young readers. Inspired by her children, she founded Bloom Creative Books, a publishing company dedicated to sparking creativity, curiosity, and confidence in kids through educational and imaginative storytelling. Whether she’s creating, writing, or building brands, Tamika brings a warm, inspiring presence to her work—encouraging others to rise with intention, courage, and purpose.
