2022 Women's Career Summit Bundle

Raleigh, North Carolina based professional speaker Denise Ryan is a motivational pyromaniac. Her infectious energy and enthusiasm will set a room ablaze. A magna cum laude graduate of the University of South Carolina with a master's degree in business, what she really specializes in is lighting fires. After earning millions for clients in the corporate world, Denise realized she had a talent for firing people up. She parlayed this gift into FireStar, a company specializing in enthusiasm. Eleven years later, Denise motivates and energizes large corporations and small businesses across America at conferences, board retreats and annual meetings. Her no nonsense, direct delivery coupled with her astute business savvy and irreverent wit leave audiences not only laughing, but with actionable tips. Not your typical "motivational speaker," Denise is genuine and real. but also highly skilled. She holds the title of Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), a designation awarded to fewer than 10 percent of professional speakers. Denise is an author, keynote speaker and most notably, a fire starter extraordinaire. FireStar's unique programs are relevant, uplifting and informative. Denise's trademark interactive programs address myriad workplace issues such as dealing with change, getting along with others, staying motivated and the secrets of successful selling. She also offers customized training sessions. Denise's infectious enthusiasm motivates the unmotivated and challenges the challenged. Consider yourself warned: FireStar programs are five-alarm scorchers.

MODA Image and Brand Consulting and Mila are serving companies in the ranks of the Fortune 100 to 500 listings, private practices, and private companies with her program Brand Drives Everything. Her company has advised professional firms, executive suites and even placed senior executives in their corporate dream jobs. As a business owner and someone who has worked in and up the leadership, image and brand business, Mila brings something of added value to every client she has, sharing her strong faith, hard work ethic, values, integrity, extensive relationships and business savvy with everyone she serves. She is often a guest contributor to numerous publications, speaking to companies, groups and associations across the U.S., while being an expert consultant on television and hosting seminars and training thousands. She has been honored as a Forty under 40 recipient and a Woman of Influence by the Nashville Business Journal. Thousands of keynotes and training sessions over the past almost 20 years, Mila delivers her information in an engaging way, reading the audience reactions in real time in order to create an experience for each specific group. When possible, the goal with each keynote is to connect with the audience, take questions, work through current challenges audience members may be going through and provide them immediate answers for solutions.

Sarah Nuse has successfully run a thriving business, Tippi Toes, for over 20 years, is a sought-after speaker and author of Destined for Greatness: Living an Inspired Life, From Head to Tippi Toes, Sarah hosts the Destined for Greatness podcast that centers around a common theme – the source of inspiration, the power of support, dreaming big or entrepreneurial spirit. Sarah speaks straight from heart in an honest and engaging way that makes her readers and listeners alike feel as though they have been friends for years. Sarah is committed to helping women successfully balance life by taking action. Through her Destined for Greatness Accountability Program, Sarah opens women up to their dreams and offers them motivation and action steps to build out a successful plan. Living outside of Nashville, Tennessee with her family, Sarah is the wife of football executive Adam Nuse, and mother to her three children: Lucy, Lola, and Hank.

In July 2012, Dr. Elaine Swafford took the helm as the CEO of the Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy, the first all-girls public charter STEM school in the State of Tennessee. She and her team are in the 11th year of overseeing a school turnaround process and are meeting expectations of leading exceptional gains in student progress and academic achievement. After being on the brink of closure prior to her arrival, the school has now earned Reward School Status, among other awards. As the Executive Principal, she successfully led the Howard School of Academics and Technology in turnaround reform efforts from 2004 to 2007. She left the Howard School to become Area II Superintendent for the Hamilton County Department of Education. Dr. Swafford was the founding CEO of the Chattanooga Preparatory School in 2016. Most recently, Dr. Swafford and team received approval to open and become the first Chattanooga public charter Montessori Elementary at Highland Park beginning August 2021.

Prior accepting her purposeful impact calling eleven years ago to lead CGLA, she returned in July 2008 to assume the position as the Vice President of Student Affairs at Chattanooga State, where she had previously served as Vice President of Economic and Community Development. Elaine is in her 40th year of serving in both public and higher education. She received the 2021 NOBEL Women National Shining Star Award for Education.

Dr. Swafford's community involvement during her career includes participation as a member of numerous local community boards and service organizations. Dr. Swafford recently accepted the appointment as chair of the Tennessee Charter School Center Board of Directors. She was a member of Class V of Leadership Tennessee. She served as president of the Chattanooga Downtown Rotary beginning July 2020. She is serving as the 2021-22 United Way Campaign Chair and Chair of the UTC Chancellor's Roundtable. She was recently appointed by the Governor to the State University of Tennessee Chattanooga Advisory Board. Dr. Swafford has experience in building and implementing pioneering educational programs, geared to promoting academic progress for at-risk students and those who can achieve, but are often underserved. While at Chattanooga State, she created innovative programs to include Project AHEAD, Diploma Completion Program, the Middle College Collegiate High School, and the Building of Outstanding Service Scholars (Boss). She uses her educational experience, leadership ability, energy, and passion to inspire and motivate young people, while having a positive impact on the community.