About Our Speakers

Ali Nichols

Deputy Director of the Texas Film Commission

As Deputy Director of the Texas Film Commission, Ali promotes Texas as a premier destination for film and media production.

Hope Osborn

Executive Director, LBJ Women’s Campaign School

Hope brings extensive experience navigating the Texas Capitol and a career dedicated to empowering women in politics and public service.

LaShon Ross

Plano Deputy City Manager

LaShon is a public servant with 37+ years of leadership, dedicated to developing people, strengthening organizations, & serving communities.

Lee Woodward

City Secretary/PIO, City of La Porte

Lee is also a Texas Registered Municipal Clerk, & an instructor of Texas municipal election law, open government, & parliamentary procedure.

Melissa Chapman-Ait Belaid

Director, Member Engagement, LEE

Collaborative, solutions-oriented leader with 18 years experience building infrastructure to drive learning and engagement across sectors.

Jill Jester

Council Member, At Large Place 6, City of Denton

A Denton native and attorney, Jester brings decades of community leadership and civic service to the Place 6 City Council seat.

Cassey Ogden

Interim City Manager, City of Denton

Appointed Interim City Manager in 2026, Ogden is a Texas Woman’s alumna with over 15 years of dedicated service to the Denton community.

Matilda Weeden

Economic Development Specialist, City of Denton

As Economic Development Specialist, Weeden manages film and music certifications while supporting small businesses and special projects.

Calie Willis

Chief of Strategic Relationships, City of Coppell

A Texas Woman’s alumna, Willis leads initiatives in employee culture, community partnerships, & legislative advocacy in the City of Coppell.

Denise Davis

Partner, Davis Kaufman PLLC

Davis is a consistently top-ranked Texas lobbyist with deep roots in public service, having held senior roles in the Texas House and Senate.

Dominique Anderson

Owner, Blissful Sky Studio

Professor at Abilene Christian U. & owner of Blissful Sky Studio, advancing Texas film through workforce development and industry leadership

Shannon Scott, PhD

Professor, Division of Social Work, Texas Woman’s University

Dr. Shannon Scott is a psychologist and higher education leader advancing student success, faculty development, and responsible AI.

Carine M. Feyten

Chancellor and President, Texas Woman’s University

Carine M. Feyten serves as chancellor & president of Texas Woman’s University, the nation’s largest public university with a focus on women.

Jane Nelson

former Texas Secretary of State

Jane Nelson was appointed the 115th Texas Secretary of State by Governor Greg Abbott on January 5, 2023.

Jill Dutton

former Texas State Representative

A former Texas State Representative for House District 2, Jill made history as the first woman elected to represent the district.

Lynn McBee

CEO, Young Women’s Preparatory Network

Lynn brings decades of leadership in workforce development, education, and community service to driving opportunities across the region.

Shannon Mantaro

Executive Director/Chief Officer, Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership

Mantaro leads the Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership, advancing women’s leadership statewide through numerous initiatives.

Angela Farley

Founder, AI Farley Consulting, LLC

As an AI consultant, Farley brings extensive experience in economic development, education, and workforce strategy to her leadership work.

Caryn Riggs

City of Bedford Assistant Manager/CFO

Riggs serves as Vice President of ZacFinance, & brings extensive municipal finance experience from her leadership roles across North Texas.

Myra Crownover

Former Texas State Representative

A business leader and former legislator, Crownover brings insight and influence to shaping policy that impacts Texans statewide.

Tracey Long

SVP/Commercial Loan Officer at Worthington Bank

Long serves as a community leader in Denton, with active roles on multiple boards focused on local business development & civic engagement.

Neena Newberry

President, Newberry Executive Solutions

Newberry brings more than 25 years of executive coaching expertise to Fortune 500 leaders, with a deep commitment to community leadership.

Marcella Clinard, PhD

Associate Director, JNIWL Center for Women in Government

In her role within the Jane Nelson Institute, Dr. Clinard brings expertise in multicultural women’s and gender studies to her work at TWU.

Katherine McLane

CEO/President, Mach 1

McLane is a veteran leader recognized nationally for empowering women professionals across government relations, media, and public affairs.

Juli Luke

Denton County Clerk

Luke brings more than 20 years of county government experience and a commitment to operational excellence, transparency, and innovation.

2026 keynote speaker

2026 featured speakers