COL Gore is an experienced servant leader, serving over 22 years in the U.S. Army. She is a proven leader who has led complex organizations in leadership, manpower, training, human resources, finance, and safety. She is a native of Estill, South Carolina and immediately after graduating high school, she joined the South Carolina National Guard, serving her state for five years until her commission in 2002. She graduated and earned her Army commission from South Carolina State University (SCSU). Her journey as a Signal Officer was short lived and she found her true passion in the Adjutant General Corps taking care of people. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Family and Consumer Science Business, a Master of Arts in Leadership and Management from Webster University, and a Master of Arts in Strategic Studies from the Army War College.            

COL Gore’s pursuit of knowledge is as diverse as her military career. Her military education includes the Signal Officers Basic Course, the Adjutant General Advanced Course, the United States Army Command and General Staff College, the Army War College, the Postal School Operations and Supervisory Course, Brigade Pre-command Courses, and Airborne School

She has had the honor of serving as the Chief of Strategic Initiatives Group, HQDA, DCS, G-1, Pentagon; Chief of Strategy, Army Resilience Directorate, HQDA DCS G-1 (currently known as Directorate of Prevention Resilience and Readiness); 1st Infantry Division G-1, Fort Riley Kansas; Joint Manpower Analyst, CJCS JS/J1, Pentagon, Washington DC; Board Member and Quality Control Officer, Army Review Board Agency, Arlington, VA; S1, USASOC, 4th Military Information Special Operation Group, Fort Bragg, NC; Readiness Officer, 1st Infantry Division, G-1 Operations Officer, Fort Riley KS; Battalion S1 and Postal Officer, 1st Sustainment BDE, (OEF) Camp Taji, Iraq; Executive and Interoperability Officer, 6th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, Fort Bliss, TX; and Platoon Leader, 208th Signal Company, 108th ADA BDE, Fort Bliss TX and Camp New York, Kuwait (OIF).

Her awards and decorations include Defense Meritorious Service Medal,  Meritorious Service Medal (4OLC); Army Commendation Medal (6OLC); Army Achievement Medal (3OLC); National Defense Service Medal (1 Bronze Star); Iraqi Campaign Medal (1 Bronze Star); Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service Medals; Presidential Unit Citation; Meritorious Unit Citation; Army Service Ribbon; Armed Forces Service Medal; Army Overseas Service Ribbon (2 tours); Parachutist Badge; the Joint Staff Identification Badge and Army Staff Identification Badge.

COL Gore is married to LTC (P) Michael Gore of Loris, SC for 21 years.  They are the blessed and proud parents of Shantell, a graduate of East Carolina University, and Morygn, a rising industrial engineer sophomore at Virginia Tech University.

For 20-plus years Tisha Edwards has worked to combine the reach of public service and the agility of the
private sector to ensure all families have access to the resources and opportunities they need to
succeed. Across both government and corporate leadership roles, she has fused public policy,
programmatic innovation and community engagement to remove the racial inequities that historically
have prevented Black and Brown families—and youth in particular—from fulfilling their potential.

Edwards saw up-close the challenges facing young people as a newly minted social worker in Fulton
County Juvenile Court in Georgia, where young Black men were confined, restricted, limited and
universally disengaged from school. She earned her MSW and law degrees and went to work for
Baltimore City Public Schools, a district with 85,000 mostly low-income and Black students, insufficient
resources, a record of low performance and low student expectations. First as founding principal of a
newly created charter high school and then as Chief of Staff to the CEO, Edwards helped lead a period of
transformational reforms at the district. These included creating school choice for students and families,
giving schools autonomy over budgeting and negotiating a groundbreaking teachers’ contract that tied
pay to performance—all of which helped shift the public focus on City Schools to high expectations and
performance. In the words of her mentor and outgoing CEO Andrés Alonso when Edwards was selected
to succeed him as interim CEO, “She will not do the job to keep the job. She will do the job to do right for
kids.”

Edwards left City Schools to assume the role of Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs at the family
foundation of Under Armour co-founder Scott Plank, where she funded a wide range of children’s
programs across the country. She next served as Chief of Staff to the Mayor of Baltimore, and then as
President of BridgeEdu, where she brought together investors and educators to increase the college and
long-term success of underserved and first-generation students.

In 2019 Edwards returned to City Hall to build and lead the Mayor’s Office of Children & Family Success,
a new city agency charged with leveraging public policy and community partnerships to radically improve
the lives of Baltimore’s children, youth and families. COVID-19 hit within less than a year of the agency’s
launch, and Edwards led major relief initiatives for the city to ensure uninterrupted access to food and
housing for families impacted by the pandemic. She coordinated the city’s COVID-19 Emergency Food
Strategy, a community- and data-driven $66 million effort in its first year that spanned 12 agencies, 150+
partners and 300 meal sites that collectively distributed 8.7 million meals and 15,000 prepaid cash cards.
She also stood up Baltimore City’s Eviction Prevention Program, a $100 million, multi-partner effort that
disbursed $23 million in back rent for 4,600 households in its first 9 months. For a year during the
pandemic, Edwards simultaneously served as interim Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of
Homeless Services, where she laid the groundwork for Baltimore’s plan to purchase hotels to provide
housing for individuals experiencing homelessness.

In fall 2021, Edwards left City Hall to serve as Chief of Staff to the Maryland gubernatorial campaign of
Wes Moore, who ran on a pledge to ensure an equal opportunity at success for all Maryland families.
After winning the election, Governor Moore named Edwards his Secretary of Appointments and she now
leads the work of recommending appointments to Maryland’s 600 boards and commissions—all while
advancing the Moore-Miller Administration’s mandate to expand representativeness in state
government and to leave no one in Maryland behind.

Dr. Renee McSwain brings over 20 years of experience as a producer and director in both the entertainment and healthcare sectors, with a career that has taken her from the West Coast to the East Coast, working in Los Angeles, CA, and Washington, DC. During her time with various public relations and consulting firms across these regions, she played a pivotal role in managing outreach efforts on behalf of diverse clients, including associations, federal agencies, and independent filmmakers.

It was during her tenure communicating healthcare messages for federal government agencies that Dr. McSwain recognized the glaring gap in the communication of complementary healing therapies to the public. A life-altering experience occurred when, after becoming a mother, she suffered from debilitating neck pain. Seeking relief, she turned to acupuncture, which had a profound impact on her well-being. Her pain nearly vanished overnight, leaving her with a lasting impression and a redefined life purpose. Dr. McSwain transitioned from healthcare communication to a role as a healer, changing the trajectory of her life’s journey.

Dr. McSwain currently practices holistic healthcare, focusing on helping her patients recover from physical and psycho-emotional trauma while also addressing spiritual well-being. She firmly believes in supporting her clients on a holistic level, encompassing body, mind, and spirit. Holding a doctorate degree in Oriental Medicine from Maryland University of Integrative Health in Laurel, MD, Dr. McSwain specializes in Mental and Behavioral Health, Women’s and Men’s Health through Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine. Her clinical expertise extends to chronic pain management, endocrine diseases, autoimmune conditions, gynecological health, prostate and urogenital health, and overall health and wellness maintenance, with a deep commitment to the holistic well-being of her clients.

Dr. Carey Borkoski is an Associate Professor at Loyola University Maryland School of Education and a Faculty Fellow in the School’s Center for Equity, Leadership, and Social Justice. Previously the Associate Professor and Interim Director of the EdD Program at Johns Hopkins University School of Education, Dr. Borkoski’s research intersects with belonging, holistic education, and leadership. Her scholarship explores critical themes, including faculty identity development, well-being, and creating inclusive academic spaces through value congruence. She recently published a groundbreaking book examining how to notice, name, and navigate personal and professional transitions.

As co-host of the podcast Tell Me This, Dr. Borkoski amplifies diverse voices across professional spaces, featuring conversations with leaders who identify as people of color, gender fluid, LGBTQ+, neurodiverse, immigrants, and non-native English speakers. Her commitment to systemic change extends beyond research through extensive mentoring and coaching work, particularly with female leaders, educators, and post-secondary students, where she focuses on leadership development, core values exploration, and creating practices that align with individual and organizational missions. Her research on belonging draws from scholarship and Tell Me This podcast stories and will be released in early 2025.

Jessica Harrington, MPA, is a relational, values-based leadership educator. She is currently the Director for Scholar and Alumni Leadership Development for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Health Policy Research Scholars Program at the Bloomberg School of Public Health. Throughout her 15 years in higher education, she has been dedicated to nurturing graduate students’ leadership skills and identities while providing tools for persisting and thriving in their degree programs and beyond.  

When she is not teaching classes or facilitating workshops, Jessica supports organizations and clients through her LLC, Powerful Pieces Coaching and Consulting. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys books, gardening, visiting art museums, and seeking beauty in every moment.

With over 15 years of experience spanning public, private, and non-profit sectors, Kelley seamlessly blends her deep understanding of organizational complexity with transformational leadership coaching. Her expertise includes business strategy, talent development, succession planning, and curriculum design, empowering leaders to navigate challenges and maximize their potential.

As a certified leadership coach, Kelley specializes in helping clients embrace and manage polarities—seemingly opposing forces that, when balanced, drive innovation, resilience, and growth. Her signature approach combines warmth, empathy, and a proven three-step process to equip leaders with the tools to thrive in ambiguity and complexity.

Kelley is pursuing her Professional Certified Coach (PCC) credential through Georgetown University’s prestigious Institute for Transformational Leadership. She holds a B.A. and M.S. in International Affairs from Florida State University, where her studies included a year abroad, immersing herself in new cultures and learning Spanish.

Beyond her professional life, Kelley is a lifelong learner with a passion for books, travel, music (Dean Lewis is a favorite!), and fitness through CrossFit. Her most cherished role is being a mom, and her love for people shines through in every interaction she has with clients and colleagues alike.

Grace is an Executive Coach, Leadership Facilitator, and Keynote Speaker dedicated to helping individuals and organizations bridge the gap between where they are and where they aspire to be. Drawing on over a decade of executive leadership experience at the NSA—where she led global teams, managed multimillion-dollar budgets, and served as an internal Executive Coach—Grace now empowers leaders to embrace their full potential and thrive in the face of conflict and change.

Grace often represented most of the age, ethnic, and intersectional diversity on her senior leadership teams. She now specializes in coaching those who experience being the “Only,” a trailblazer by choice or lack of representation, and the “Other,” an outsider whose belonging is questioned internally and/or externally. The “Only” and the “Other” face additional challenges, are held to a different standard than the rest, and their success comes at a greater cost or is never fully realized. Her clients succeed not despite their identities, but because of them, developing the influence, confidence, and resilience to lead authentically and effectively.

Through her private coaching practice, With Grace, LLC (www.withgrace.site), and as Founder and Executive Director of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Coaching for Community Leaders (www.c4cl.org), Grace works to advance equity and catalyze the power of underrepresented leaders and changemakers that are seeking clarity, growth, and empowerment in their personal and professional journeys.

In addition to her work, Grace gains energy from spending time outdoors with her husband and two young children, playing just one last game of pickleball, losing her voice at ice hockey games, creating and listening to soul-stirring music, and making/enjoying creative concoctions with loved ones.

Linda Sorg Ostovitz is a highly respected family law attorney in Offit Kurman’s Family Law
Practice Group in Columbia, Maryland, bringing over 40 years of experience in divorce
litigation, mediation, child custody, child support, and asset distribution. Linda is committed
to providing exceptional legal representation and is known for her ability to navigate
complex family law issues with empathy and strategic insight. Her business growth and
client relations approach emphasize collaboration, trust, and empowerment, making her a
valued partner for families during challenging times.

A thought leader in the community, Linda is currently the President of the AAML Maryland
Chapter, where she fosters professional development and encourages best practices
among family law attorneys. Previously, she served as the Legal Operations Chair at Offit
Kurman, contributing to the firm’s innovative approaches to practice management and
client service. Linda’s business acumen is evident in her strategic initiatives that promote
organizational growth and enhance client satisfaction, ensuring that Offit Kurman remains
at the forefront of legal services.

Linda is deeply passionate about female empowerment and actively supports women in
business through her leadership roles. As the Past President of the Rotary Club of
Columbia Patuxent, immediate Past Board Chair of the Howard County Chamber of
Commerce, and board member of the Business Women’s Network of Howard County, she
champions initiatives that uplift women entrepreneurs and foster networking opportunities.
Her commitment to the community extends to organizations such as Respite Retreats and
Gilchrist Hospice, where she contributes her time and resources to support various
causes.

Linda’s comprehensive knowledge spans divorce mediation, alimony, business valuation,
and property distribution, positioning her as a trusted resource for clients throughout
Howard, Anne Arundel, Carroll, Montgomery, and Baltimore Counties. She inspires
confidence in her clients, enabling them to navigate their legal journeys with clarity and
support.

A respected speaker and writer, Linda frequently shares her insights at conferences and
seminars, contributing to the conversation around family law and the evolving role of
women in leadership. She has authored numerous articles and blogs on family law topics, further establishing her as a respected voice.

Linda is admitted to practice in Maryland, before the United States District Court for the
District of Maryland and the United States Supreme Court. She holds several certifications
in civil mediation, divorce mediation, arbitration, and collaborative law certifications,
enhancing her ability to serve her clients effectively.

Her accomplishments have garnered significant recognition, including being named one of
The Best Lawyers in America® for Family Law and Family Law Mediation from 2023 to
2025. Linda has been recognized as one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women for three years
and has been inducted into the Circle of Excellence. In 2020, she was honored as a Her
Mind Community Hero for her impactful contributions to her community.

Linda Ostovitz continues to advance the family law field while advocating for women’s
empowerment in business. Her leadership in local organizations and her unwavering
commitment to clients make her a formidable figure throughout the Maryland business
community and beyond.

Viktoriya Selden is dedicated to helping neurodivergent individuals thrive at work by uncovering their unique strengths, addressing challenges, and developing strategies for success. Through her private practice, she guides clients in identifying fulfilling careers, supportive environments, and effective self-advocacy tools. With nearly 20 years of experience, Viktoriya also collaborates with organizations and employers to foster understanding of neurodiversity and promote inclusive workplace practices. Viktoriya holds a Master’s degree in Vocational Evaluation and is an internationally certified vocational evaluator (ICVE), a certified master of career services (CMCS), and a global career development facilitator (GCDF).

As “The Brilliance Unveiler,” Natalie Jobity leverages more than fifteen years of experience partnering with hundreds of women as an image consultant and now as a leadership elevation strategist & personal brand architect of The Unveiled Way. Natalie helps visionary leaders and trailblazers on the cusp of greatness break through the barriers holding them back, so they can fully step into their power, embrace their full brilliance, and make their highest contribution in their arena, while experiencing the freedom, fulfillment, and fire to lead impactfully and transform the lives, organizations or communities they are destined to serve.

Natalie Jobity is an ICF-certified coach, bestselling author, mentor, speaker, and facilitator who recently published her second book titled, It’s Your Time to Shine, Girl: Own Your Brilliance, Step into Your Influence, and Lead Like a Trailblazer. This leadership development and empowerment book and her She Shines Affirmation card deck, will inspire women the world over to step into their power and purpose, and also give them the tips, tools, and techniques needed to succeed and thrive as women of influence. 

Visit Natalie’s website to learn more about how she partners with purpose-driven women to propel them forward so their impact and influence increase. Discover your leadership posture and style by taking Natalie’s popular assessment, LeadHer Way Brand Identity Assessment.

Lindsay Mattes is a seasoned Executive HR Strategist, Organizational Leadership Mentor, International Speaker, Author, and Kindness Coach. She collaborates with leaders to promote the transformative power of compassion, encapsulated in her guiding principle: “Don’t be a D!ck . . . Be Kind!”

Lindsay’s involvement extends beyond her professional endeavors, notably as a dedicated volunteer in various board positions. She serves as the Board Vice President for Repertory Dance Theatre (RDT), the nation’s pioneering modern dance repertory company committed to modern dance’s creation, performance, perpetuation, and appreciation. In addition, Lindsay has taken on prominent roles within the HR community, including serving as the Programming Director for the Salt Lake chapter of SHRM (SLSHRM), the Certification Director for Utah SHRM, and co-chairing SLSHRM’s inaugural talent acquisition conference.

Lindsay’s academic journey began with a bachelor’s degree in Women’s Studies from the University of Utah, igniting her passion for understanding diverse perspectives and individual experiences. She furthered her education with a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Gonzaga University, specializing in Servant Leadership. Her insightful thesis, “Mothers are the Original Servant Leaders,” was submitted for publication by Gonzaga University’s Organizational Leadership Department.

Lindsay’s expertise, recognized and celebrated, has led to invitations to speak at diverse conferences, and events, including the TedX stage. Emphasizing the universal importance of practicing kindness, she holds both the SPHR and SHRM-SCP certifications. Amidst significant shifts in the workforce and the world at large, Lindsay acknowledges the collective responsibility we share in shaping the future. She is deeply passionate about this transformative era and is committed to enhancing organizational culture, fostering personal growth, and strengthening community bonds through kindness.

Kashonna Marrow is an engaging speaker, an inspiring coach, a motivational author, and an insightful corporate trainer. Kashonna is the President & CEO of Simply Kashonna, a business built to promote BOLD, FEARLESS and COURAGEOUS living. She goes beyond surface issues to address the challenges that inhibit personal, professional and spiritual growth, leading her clients to embrace their evolution.

Kashonna has activated the purpose and call of many, helping them to discover, define and  develop their authentic self. Both, in the corporate arena and in the non-profit world, strategic growth and development of people have always been the focal point of her service. Corporately, she has held positions in both Human Resources, as well as the Staffing industry. Additionally, Kashonna spent years in an executive pastoral role where crisis intervention and spiritual guidance were her primary responsibilities. Understanding that leadership training and development is essential to any corporation or organization’s growth, Kashonna launched SK Leading Forward, which is dedicated to enhancing employee engagement, performance, productivity and morale.

Through corporate relationships and interactive group/focus sessions, she has facilitated workshops in Customer Service, How to Handle Difficult People, Navigating Conflict, Emotional Intelligence, Developing Yourself and Others, Behavioral Based Interviewing, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, to name a few. In addition, she has facilitated and provided training for various personality assessments. Kashonna’s area of expertise is transformational leadership development and personal empowerment.

Kashonna is also the author of 7 Days to Simply Shift: A Daily Guide to Transforming Your Mindset Personally, Professionally and Spiritually. Kashonna has been a member of the Forbes Coaches Council and Association for Talent Development. She has deepened her knowledge by obtaining a Diversity and Inclusion Certificate from Cornell University, becoming a National Licensed Consultant through the Standards for Excellence Institute, and completing PANO’s Standards for Excellence Licensed Consultant Training Program. She also serves her community on the Board to Promote Self-Sufficiency, the Commission for Women, Women’s Giving Circle, the ARC of Howard County, and as a Rotarian. No matter the venue, Kashonna will impact you with her professional agility, contagious energy, vibrant smile, and engaging delivery.