2023 Conference Speakers
Meet Jennifer Zach, Keynote Speaker
Jennifer Zach had a successful career in telecommunications before discovering her passion for coaching in 2005. Drawn by the idea of empowering leaders, she graduated from Coach U in 2009, where she fine-tuned her coaching approach. Jennifer's coaching philosophy centers on the belief that individuals possess the answers to their leadership challenges. She guides them to recognize and conquer these obstacles, unlocking their full leadership potential. With thoughtful questioning, Jennifer encourages her clients to embrace new perspectives and connect with their body's wisdom. Together, they uncover past experiences, thoughts, or emotions that hinder progress and define vague feelings of inadequacy. Jennifer Zach is committed to helping leaders thrive.
Meet Akwi Nji, Keynote Speaker
Akwi Nji is a versatile interdisciplinary artist known for her creative storytelling across multiple mediums. With a background in nonprofit leadership, education, and strategic communications, she founded Powerful Over Pretty, a marketing agency specializing in impactful brand storytelling. Akwi also runs Threshold Gallery, supporting Midwest women artists and artists of color, and The Remoir Project, a nationwide storytelling initiative. Her extensive portfolio includes collaborations with Emmy-award winning composers and renowned dancers. Akwi's unique blend of experiences, shaped by her Cameroonian heritage, has earned her recognition as an Iowa Arts Council Fellow and a spot on the Corridor Business Journal’s Forty Under 40 list. She currently resides in the Midwest with her two daughters, bringing her creative vision to stages nationwide.
Meet Malcolm Crawford, Keynote Speaker
Malcolm's contributions have left an indelible mark on the community. He's served on the boards of prominent chambers of commerce and been featured in esteemed publications like Crain's Chicago Business and the Chicago Tribune. His visionary leadership is propelling the creation of the "Soul City Corridor," a thriving black business district along Chicago Avenue in the Austin community.
Meet Corey Dooley, Keynote Speaker
A rising star in architecture, Corey is pursuing his Masters at Arizona State University. His commitment to community development is exemplary, as seen through his roles on various boards and as the Corridor Manager for Chicago Avenue's Soul City Business Corridor. Currently, Corey is focused on PRIME29 Chicago, a youth-led initiative that nurtures young entrepreneurs and professionals in collaboration with 29th Ward Alderman Chris Taliaferro.
Ashley Sarver, Presenter from Studio GWA
Ashley is passionate about sustainable and equitable improvements in communities and sees urban planning, design, and intentional real estate development as ways to partner with others and make that happen. Her specialties lie in historic real estate finance, corridor planning, and envisioning new spaces in old buildings. Ashley has been nicknamed the “planitect” by her coworkers for her ability to dip into the design world just enough to be dangerous and then connect that vision to the project feasibility.
Aaron Holverson, Presenter from Studio GWA
As an experienced senior architect, Aaron is responsible for managing projects from the initial client conversations all the way through to on-site problem solving with the contractors. He has a Master of Architecture in traditional architecture and urbanism, and if you ask him, he’ll tell you why that is so cool.