Speakers and Bios 6th Annual Women Empowerment Conference & Show 2025
6th Annual Brightside Women Empowerment Series
Official Speaker & Guest Bios
Elizabeth Clare Brewington
Brightside Creative Powerhouse & Women Empowerer
Global Media Innovator | Multicultural Marketing Maven | Co-Chair, 6th Annual Women Empowerment Series
A global media force, Elizabeth Clare Brewington has spent over 20 years shaping iconic brand campaigns, government initiatives, and award-winning productions. Her expertise spans Fortune 500 projects, Academy Award-winning collaborations, and multicultural marketing with a focus on African American and Asian/Indian markets. As a screenwriter, producer, and publisher, she leads innovative content development at Brightside Worldwide Studios, empowering brands and individuals to amplify their stories on a global scale.
Dr. Shelley Plumb
Brightside Storytelling Alchemist & Women Empowerer
Publisher | Author Advocate | Transformational Producer | Co-Chair, 6th Annual Women Empowerment Series
Dr. Shelley Plumb is on a mission to help authors and thought leaders share their stories through video. As an executive producer, mentor, and empowerment advocate, she leverages digital storytelling to inspire and elevate voices around the world. Her passion for visibility and empowerment through video marketing makes her a standout leader in today’s media landscape.
Lisa L. Baker
Brightside Success Architect & Women Empowerer
Wealth & Leadership Coach | Ascentim Trailblazer | Empowerment Guru
Founder of Ascentim and creator of the G.R.O.W. coaching method, Lisa L. Baker is a leadership and wealth coach helping high achievers gain clarity, career mastery, and financial independence. A three-time Brightside Trailblazer Award winner, her powerful mentorship empowers professionals to overcome barriers and live their fullest potential.
Emma Churchman, MDiv
Brightside Resilience Luminary & Women Empowerer
Trauma Chaplain | Quaker Minister | Hope & Healing Mentor
Emma Churchman is a trauma-informed spiritual leader and mentor with over 25 years of experience. As a Quaker minister and national speaker, she combines spiritual insight and practical tools to help individuals rise above adversity and reclaim hope. Her work transforms trauma into healing and inspires global change.
Dr. Nadege J. Dady
Brightside Future of Medicine Advocate & Women Empowerer
Higher Ed Disruptor | Healthcare Diversity Champion | Policy Innovator
Dr. Nadege Dady is a leading figure in medical education and healthcare policy. With a focus on accreditation and increasing diversity in medicine, she works across allopathic, osteopathic, and oral healthcare sectors. Her mission is to shape a more equitable and innovative future in healthcare.
Miriam Smith Stevens
Brightside Brand Paramedic & Women Empowerer
Vision Life Coach | Storytelling Strategist | Legacy Builder
Miriam Smith Stevens, Founder of The Thankful Revolution Legacy Group, helps entrepreneurs create authentic personal brands. With deep expertise in marketing, leadership, and empowerment, Miriam is a sought-after coach and speaker who believes every business has a song—and she’s here to help you sing yours.
Linda P. Thompson
Brightside Transformation Catalyst & Women Empowerer
Empowerment Coach | Public Health Advocate | Author of Change
With 27+ years in public health and social services, Linda P. Thompson is a Certified Health & Life Coach who supports individuals in rebuilding their lives. Her work with domestic violence survivors and mental health advocacy continues through her books, workshops, and motivational speaking.
Shana Gourdine
Brightside Self-Love Revolutionist & Women Empowerer
Motivational Speaker | Poet | Domestic Violence Advocate
After overcoming domestic violence and chronic illness, Shana Gourdine emerged as a leader in self-love and empowerment. A published poet and podcast host, her works like The Mask Behind the Mask have inspired thousands. She continues to advocate for healing, resilience, and transformation.
Belinda Kelly & Venise Cunningham
Brightside Farm-to-Glass Mixology Innovators & Women Empowerers
Cocktail Experts | Beverage Industry Disruptors | Farm-to-Bar Pioneers
Sisters and founders of Simple Goodness Sisters, Belinda and Venise are shaking up the beverage industry with their sustainable, farm-to-glass cocktail syrups. Belinda is a mixology innovator, and Venise is a first-generation farmer. Together, they bring flavor, sustainability, and empowerment to the drinks world.
Elton Reginald Brewington
Brightside Media Architect & Visionary Empowerer
Master of Storytelling | Global Media Strategist | Impact Creator
With over 30 years in media, Elton Brewington is a seasoned journalist and global strategist. As Executive Producer of Brightside Worldwide Studios, he crafts compelling narratives and transformative campaigns. A Dale Carnegie-trained speaker, Elton empowers voices and builds media platforms with impact.
Ramona Kar
Brightside Editorial Visionary & Women Empowerer
Editorial Director | Communications Strategist | Empowerment Advocate
Ramona Kar brings a rich blend of editorial direction, media strategy, and social advocacy to her role at BW Studioz and Discover Brightside. With a background in social work, corporate PR, and technical writing, she bridges communities through storytelling, empowerment, and media excellence.
Iryna Wood
Co-Founder, GEMINI NEAR ME | Relationship & Self-Love Advocate
With 12 years of counseling experience, Iryna Wood co-founded GEMINI NEAR ME to guide users on a journey of self-reflection and empowerment. Her app offers 24/7 support for navigating relationships, careers, and personal growth by addressing the root cause of many struggles: self-love and self-worth.
🌟 Brightside Women Empowerers | Official Speaker Profiles
“Moving Forward. Together – Empowering Leaders of Influence and Next Generation Impact”
🌟 Elizabeth Clare Brewington
🎬 Brightside Creative Powerhouse & Women Empowerer
🚀 Global Media Innovator | Multicultural Marketing Maven | Co-Chair 6th Annual Women Empowerment Series
A global media force, Elizabeth Clare Brewington has spent over 20 years shaping iconic brand campaigns, government initiatives, and award-winning productions. Her expertise spans Fortune 500 projects, Academy Award-winning collaborations, and multicultural marketing, with a particular focus on African American and Asian/Indian markets.
As a screenwriter, producer, and publisher, she has a comprehensive mastery of production, storytelling, and digital engagement. At Brightside Worldwide Studios, Elizabeth leads innovative content development, empowering brands and individuals to amplify their stories worldwide.
💡 Dr. Shelley Plumb
🎥 Brightside Storytelling Alchemist & Women Empowerer
📚 Publisher | Author Advocate | Transformational Producer, Co-Chair 6th Annual Women Empowerment Series
Dr. Shelley Plumb believes that everyone has a unique gift—and she’s on a mission to help authors and thought leaders share their stories through cutting-edge video production. As an executive producer, mentor, and empowerment advocate, she leverages digital storytelling to inspire, educate, and elevate voices worldwide.
Through state-of-the-art media production, Shelley has built a platform that amplifies messages, boosts visibility, and turns author dreams into reality. Her passion for uplifting voices through video marketing has made her a leader in the storytelling revolution.
🚀 Lisa L. Baker
💼 Brightside Success Architect & Women Empowerer
🧩 Wealth & Leadership Coach | Ascentim Trailblazer | Empowerment Guru
Lisa L. Baker is a transformational leadership and wealth coach with a mission to help high achievers build meaningful success. As the Founder of Ascentim, she developed the G.R.O.W. process, a life-changing coaching method focused on clarity, career mastery, and financial independence.
A three-time Brightside Trailblazer Award winner (2022, 2023, 2024), Lisa is an expert in executive leadership, financial growth, and personal development. Her work has empowered countless professionals to overcome obstacles, maximize potential, and build their dream lives.
🕊️ Emma Churchman, MDiv
🔥 Brightside Resilience Luminary & Women Empowerer
🌍 Trauma Chaplain | Quaker Minister | Hope & Healing Mentor
With over 25 years of experience, Emma Churchman is a spiritual leader, mentor, and resilience expert who helps individuals navigate trauma and reclaim hope. As a Quaker minister and national speaker, she combines storytelling, spirituality, and practical guidance to help communities heal and transform.
Emma’s work is deeply personal and universally powerful, inspiring others to rise above adversity, embrace healing, and create meaningful change in their lives.
🏥 Dr. Nadege J. Dady
🔬 Brightside Future of Medicine Advocate & Women Empowerer
🔗 Higher Ed Disruptor | Healthcare Diversity Champion | Policy Innovator
Dr. Nadege Dady is a visionary leader in healthcare education, with expertise spanning allopathic, osteopathic, and oral healthcare sectors. She is a consultant for medical school accreditation and policy development, working to increase representation in medicine and create pathways for underrepresented groups.
With a passion for diversity, inclusion, and educational transformation, Dr. Dady’s mission is to shape the future of medicine by fostering equity, leadership, and innovation.
🎤 Miriam Smith Stevens
🎶 Brightside Brand Paramedic & Women Empowerer
🛠️ Vision Life Coach | Storytelling Strategist | Legacy Builder
As the Founder of The Thankful Revolution Legacy Group, Miriam Smith Stevens is a branding strategist and empowerment coach who helps entrepreneurs craft powerful personal brands.
A specialist in marketing, leadership, and storytelling, Miriam believes that every business has a song—she’s here to help you find yours. Her expertise in branding and business growth has made her a sought-after speaker, mentor, and visionary leader.
📖 Linda P. Thompson
💖 Brightside Transformation Catalyst & Women Empowerer
✨ Empowerment Coach | Public Health Advocate | Author of Change
With over 27 years in public health and social services, Linda P. Thompson has worked with domestic violence survivors, mental health advocacy programs, and community outreach initiatives. As a Certified Health & Life Coach, she helps individuals reinvent themselves, overcome obstacles, and build confidence.
A published author and motivational speaker, Linda continues to inspire through her books, workshops, and public engagements, encouraging people to embrace their personal power and create meaningful change.
🔥 Shana Gourdine
🎙️ Brightside Self-Love Revolutionist & Women Empowerer
🎭 Motivational Speaker | Poet | Domestic Violence Advocate
After facing domestic violence and chronic illness, Shana Gourdine became a beacon of empowerment, self-love, and healing. She is a published poet, author, podcast host, and motivational speaker, dedicated to helping survivors reclaim their confidence and inner strength.
Her books, including The Mask Behind the Mask and Unveiled Pieces of a Broken Mask, have inspired thousands to break free from the past and embrace self-worth. Recognized with multiple awards, Shana continues to lead the conversation on self-love, resilience, and transformation.
🍸 Belinda Kelly & Venise Cunningham
🌿 Brightside Farm-to-Glass Mixology Innovators & Women Empowerers
🍹 Cocktail Experts | Beverage Industry Disruptors | Farm-to-Bar Pioneers
Belinda Kelly and Venise Cunningham are the visionary sisters behind Simple Goodness Sisters, a farm-to-glass cocktail brand revolutionizing the beverage industry.
🔹 Belinda is a recipe developer and mixology expert, crafting award-winning cocktail syrups that redefine farm-to-bar drinks.
🔹 Venise is a first-generation farmer, cultivating botanicals and fruits for sustainable, fresh ingredients in mixology.
Together, they bring flavor, sustainability, and innovation to the cocktail scene, inspiring a new wave of handcrafted beverages.
💎 Elton Reginald Brewington
🎥 Brightside Media Architect & Visionary Empowerer
📡 Master of Storytelling | Global Media Strategist | Impact Creator
With over 30 years in journalism, production, and publishing, Elton Brewington is a media powerhouse dedicated to crafting compelling narratives and impactful content. A Dale Carnegie-trained speaker, he has covered global leaders, international trade organizations, and Fortune 500 executives.
As the Executive Producer of Brightside Worldwide Studios, Elton champions creative careers, business development, and transformative storytelling. Whether behind the lens or leading the charge, his mission is to empower voices, build platforms, and drive global conversations.
💫 Ramona Kar
🎤 Brightside Editorial Visionary & Women Empowerer
📚 Editorial Director | Communications Strategist | Empowerment Advocate
Ramona Kar is a multifaceted leader in media, public relations, and social advocacy. As the Editorial Division Director of BW Studioz/Discover Brightside Multimedia Video Channel and Podcast, she plays a pivotal role in shaping narratives, driving impactful storytelling, and amplifying diverse voices.
With a Master’s degree in Social Work and certifications in Alcohol & Drug Counseling and Technical Writing, Ramona’s career spans corporate public relations at GSK, social work in hospital and family welfare settings, and technical writing for the State of Texas. Her expertise in crisis communication, media strategy, and wellness advocacy makes her an influential force in empowering women, fostering meaningful discussions, and bridging communities through media and storytelling.
As a Co-Chair of the 3rd Annual Brightside Women Empowerment Conference (2021), she remains dedicated to advocating for personal growth, resilience, and transformation. Her mission? To help individuals and organizations craft powerful, purpose-driven messages that inspire and drive change.
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About GEMINI NEAR ME
Iryna Wood, Co-Founder of GEMINI NEAR ME, explains:
"Through my 12 years of counseling experience, I have realized that no matter the challenge—whether struggling to find a job, identifying the right value for your talents, or building a healthy relationship with loved ones—it all stems from a lack of self-love and low self-esteem. My goal was to create a tool that allows people to engage in deep self-reflection, guiding them to the answers already inside them."
GEMINI NEAR ME is the brainchild of co-founder Iryna Wood, who has spent over a decade counseling individuals and couples. Her passion for helping people understand themselves and their relationships led to the creation of this revolutionary app. GEMINI NEAR ME combines cutting-edge technology with time-tested techniques to offer users a unique approach to personal and relationship development.
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