Pow(H)er 2024 Sessions

Rebecca Francis brings nearly a decade of expertise in organizational leadership, focusing on organizational development and transformative change. As the CEO of Ignite Change Solutions, LLC, she partners with a diverse range of organizations—from local businesses to national corporations, educational institutions, and nonprofits—to guide them through key stages of growth and implement frameworks for lasting impact. Her work centers on helping organizations overcome barriers, seamlessly integrate change, and foster collaborative environments grounded in mutual respect and understanding. Rebecca is also committed to volunteer efforts that support inclusive growth across communities. She serves on several boards, including the YWCA, RACAB Foundation, and Rockford Area Arts Council, as well as the Go Team for the Made for Rockford Campaign. Her volunteer roles align with her mission to create spaces for meaningful collaboration and positive community impact. As Vice President of the Soar Awards, she further advocates for professional environments that thrive on empathy, compassion, and shared purpose. Rebecca holds a Bachelor of Science in Business, a Master’s in Public Administration from Upper Iowa University, and is a Law Candidate for 2025.

Dr. Katie Thomas is an organizational psychologist with over 20 years of experience in transforming corporate environments. She founded Better Work Experience, a platform dedicated to enhancing workplace dynamics through alignment, unity, and resilience. Dr. Katie specializes in leadership development, team dynamics, and employee engagement, helping organizations uncover blind spots and foster cohesive, high-performing cultures. Her approach blends empirical research with practical strategies, ensuring measurable improvements in organizational performance. Known for her engaging workshops and coaching sessions, Dr. Katie guides executives to create thriving and resilient workplaces. Her expertise and holistic methodologies have made her a trusted advisor and respected thought leader in the field. For more information, visit www.BetterWorkExperience.com.

Martesha Brown is a Rockford native and MBA Graduate of Rockford University, with a passion for economic development, strategic planning, marketing, belonging, and community engagement. She is currently the Director of Community Economic Development for Midland States Bank, with previous leadership roles in economic development, public relations, marketing, and operations for the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Alpine Bank. Martesha has been recognized and awarded as one of Rockford’s “Forty Under 40,” as a Rockford Register Star “People You Should Know,” and a recipient of the “25 Black Leaders to Watch” by Soul News Network, Inspiring 815, Channel 13’s - 13 Heroes, Juneteenth Helping Hand Recipient, 2020 YWCA Woman of Achievement, 2021 Rockford Chamber of Commerce Community Hero, and one of the 2022 Northwest Quarterly’s 25 Most Interesting People. She has volunteered on various boards and committees including Goodwill of Northern Illinois, Think Big, Transform Rockford, Habitat for Humanity, Community Foundation of Northern IL, Chairman’s Bridge Committee, State of IL Governor Pritzker’s Capital Development Board, State of Illinois Association of Park Districts, Rebounding Rockford’s Covid Recovery committee, RAVE, Leadership Rockford, Coalition of Latino Leaders, Swedish American Health Foundation, Illinois Trust Board, Rockford Housing Development Corporation (also known as the Platform Group), the Swedish American UW Health Foundation, and the NAACP. In April 2021, she was officially elected as the First Black Woman to serve on the Rockford Park District Board of Commissioners in its 112-year history and now serves as the President of the board. She is also the proud business owner of MB Strategic Solutions, where she works with non-profit organizations in leadership development, strategic planning, financial efficiencies, visioning, and board development. In addition to her consultancy work, Martesha is an accomplished public speaker. She regularly engages diverse audiences at conferences, panels, and community events, delivering dynamic and insightful keynotes on leadership development, strategic visioning, purpose-driven focus, belonging, and more. Her presentations inspire others to take actionable steps toward positive change in their organizations and communities. Martesha lives with the belief that true impact begins when we find our purpose and use it to uplift the community around us.

Melissa McCormick, Founder and CEO of the Grace & Salt Leadership Academy, brings over thirty years of manufacturing and corporate experience. Starting as an entry-level export manager, she progressed to become the Senior Vice President of Global Sales & Marketing at Taylor Company, honing effective communication and negotiation strategies across the organization. Melissa now focuses on empowering women to break through the glass ceiling and accelerate their professional success. Her leadership philosophy centers on five pillars: Courage, Communication, Connections, Community, and Care (self). Grounded in trust, integrity, and ethics, Melissa's work is inspired by her book, Grace & Salt: A Journey of Self-Discovery. She launched the Grace & Salt Leadership Academy in 2024, guiding successful coaching for women from entry-level to executive helping them find their voice to belonging in the boardroom and everywhere in between. Offering expertise in leadership, communication, and team development, the Academy is well-equipped to drive meaningful change for you and your organization.

Caitlin Pusateri is an accomplished leader who leans into authenticity, advocacy, and empowerment. As a Millennial leader, she is fiercely loyal to her people while simultaneously continually having to work on setting work/life balance boundaries and delegation. Hiring an executive coach was an integral part of examining her own obstacles to success, identify values, and creating a life – personally and professionally – that is meaningful and impactful to her. Caitlin graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University with a Bachelor of Arts in Music (voice) and Business Administration (marketing) in December of 2007. She completed her Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership with an emphasis in training and development from Lewis University in 2014. She completed the Leadership & Performance Coaching Certification through The Brown University School of Professional Studies in partnership with ACT Leadership and accredited by the international Coaching Federation. She has worked throughout her career in leadership and community collaboration roles, currently serving as the first female president of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce. During her time there, she has completed two national fellowships – one through the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives and one through the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation – served on multiple community boards, and managed her team and organization through extensive change. Outside the office, Caitlin is married to Adam, a high-school math teacher, and a mom to two young kiddos – Marin & Rowan. She loves being a mom but continually feels the pressure of being pulled in multiple directions. She firmly believes in advocating for those who come after her and has a strong desire to make the business community a more equitable place for all. In her free moments, Caitlin likes to read, bake, and enjoy a cup of coffee with her girlfriends or play a game with her husband. In this stage of her life, she rarely has time for anything quiet – which are most things she enjoys. She dreams of doing yoga regularly one day, a garden she doesn’t completely kill by mid-summer, and a floor that’s clean for more than 10 minutes.

Allison specializes in working with people undergoing significant transitions, e.g., retiring, losing a spouse, experiencing divorce, or selling a business. She helps each client create their “new normal” and become comfortable with a new comprehensive financial plan. Allison is knowledgeable in all areas of financial planning, including wealth transfer and philanthropy, proactive income and estate tax planning, retirement cash flow projections, retirement income optimization, insurance needs analyses, debt management, and education funding. Allison has been involved in the financial services industry since 1985. She is a founding member of Cents of Self, an initiative that inspires, informs, and empowers women to pursue their best financial futures. Prior to joining Savant, Allison gained financial reporting experience in public accounting and private industry. After her tenure at a “Big Eight” firm, she managed the financial reporting team for an insurance company in Chicago. Allison graduated with high distinction (top 10%) from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University and earned a bachelor of science degree in accounting. She is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®). Allison is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Illinois Certified Public Accountant Society, and the Institute of Divorce Financial Analysts. Allison serves as a board member of the Cedar Point Park Association in Williams Bay, WI and is an active member of the Rockford Garden Club, the Winnebago County Medical Society Alliance, and the Union League Club of Chicago. Allison has three children, Grace, Max and Jack. Among many interests, she enjoys reading, skiing, biking, hiking, gardening, cooking, music, water sports, and spending time in Lake Geneva, WI.

Libby is a founding member of Cents of Self, an initiative that inspires, informs, and empowers women to pursue their best financial futures. She has been involved in the financial services industry since 2003. Prior to becoming a financial advisor, she worked for Savant as a client services representative. Before that she was a member of the Retirement Plan Services Team working with qualified plans. Prior to joining Savant, Libby was a customer service manager for a local bank. Her responsibilities included audits, compliance, and daily operations. She also focused on customer service excellence, problem resolution, and new client acquisition. Libby earned a bachelor of arts degree in economics with a focus on finance from Rockford University. She is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®), and a Behavioral Financial Advisor™ (BFA™). Libby actively participates in the Rockford community by volunteering with various non-profits, serving on committees, supporting local events, and helping in her children’s classrooms whenever possible. She is a member of the Illinois Growth Enterprises board and is a graduate of the Leadership Rockford program through the Rockford Chamber of Commerce. Libby, her husband Mike, and their combined four children live in Rockford where she was born and raised. She loves to read, travel whenever possible, spend time with friends and family, and lead a healthy and active lifestyle.

Vanessa Zamy, known as The Business Defibrillator®, is a respected catalyst for transformative change within corporate environments. With a proven track record in Fortune 500 companies, she excels as a dynamic Speaker, Burnout Prevention Expert, Leadership Trainer, and Strategist, driving meaningful shifts in mindset and performance among middle management leaders. Vanessa Zamy’s powerful insights have been featured in esteemed publications such as Fast Company and NPR Marketplace. Her personal journey from adversity to triumph serves as a compelling testament to her unwavering determination, unparalleled expertise, and unmatched performance prowess. A lifelong learner with a B.S. in Management Science & Engineering from Stanford University, her hobbies include standing in the sunshine, observing butterflies in nature, and sleeping for wellness management. As a sought-after speaker, Vanessa captivates audiences with her commanding presence and insightful sessions, guiding professionals towards heightened success.

Theresa Kegley and her husband Justin have called Rockford home for 18 years.  Originally a farm girl from central Illinois, they are proud of to raise their three boys Riley (17), Cooper (13), and Colton (11) in the Rockford community.   Moving to Rockford from Orlando, FL where she worked for Walt Disney World in marketing, Theresa quickly became passionate about Rockford’s local non-profit sector and began working as a Development Director and consultant for many local and international non profits.    In October 2015, the Kegley’s planted even deeper roots into the community opening Movement Fitness, an elite personal training and sports performance facility.  She and her husband Justin work side by side serving their clients ranging from 10 – 84 years old. Their desire is to not only help people in the community MOVE better but to be the BEST versions of themselves.  They are blessed by a fantastic team that work to encourage everyone to Be Great Today!    In addition to their fitness business, Theresa is the owner/ CEO of Kegventures, a commercial real estate investment company as well as the owner of a seventh sixth generation family grain farm in Emden, Illinois. As part of her desire to not just make an MOVEMENT within the walls of their gym, but also a MOVEMENT throughout the community, Theresa has served and volunteered for many local nonprofits.  Her passions and time include: Heartland Community Church, Hope for Haitians, The Pregnancy Care Center, Rockford Christian Schools, Stroll on State Event Team, RAMP, Youth for Christ, Family Counseling Services, 2017 Winners of Dancing with the Rockford Stars, The Boys and Girls Club of Rockford, KFACT, YMCA, Stateline Community Church and AGRACE Hospice.   Theresa has also held leadership roles as a past President of the Rockford Chamber – Advantage Club Originals, AGRACE Hospice Advisory Board, Rockford Chamber of Commerce – Leadership Rockford Moderator and Rockford Network of Professional Women. In 2019 Theresa was named on of Rockford’s 40 Under 40 Leaders. Currently Theresa is serving on the Transform Rockford steering committee and is on the board for The Pregnancy Care Center of Rockford. You can often hear Theresa say, “We choose Rockford! We have raised our boys here, planted a business here, and worship here. This is our community. Our home!” Theresa is blessed by parents that have always instill the values of Faith, Family, Farm (& Fitness) from the beginning. She is blessed to carry her values to the Rockford Community and is proud to call the 815 her HOME.

Dr. Sheila Hill is passionate about entrepreneurial engagement, strategic planning, leadership development, and community engagement. She co-founded the Think Big Corporation, a non-profit entrepreneur and accelerator center that provides business development and resources for minority and women-owned businesses. Dr. Hill is also the co-founder of Women & Wealth, a distinguished leadership program dedicated to cultivating women's personal and professional growth. This initiative targets developing leaders, empowering women in leadership roles, and infusing them with entrepreneurial spirit. The program urges women to focus on education, networking, mentorship, wellness, and volunteerism as key instruments to community outreach to enable social mobility. The program aims to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty and empower women to prosper in business, work, community, and life. Dr. Hill has trained over 5,000 entrepreneurs and leaders as an international speaker and teacher in Nairobi, Kenya. She serves on the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce and Workforce Connection Board of Directors. To honor her contributions to the city, Dr. Sheila Hill's commendable efforts have earned her the Key to the city of Rockford by the 41st Mayor of Rockford. She also was presented with the State of Illinois Ceremonial Coin by the State Representative of the 67th House District. Dr. Hill was recognized for her innovation program development at the national level by the Illinois Public Health Association and presented the Young Worker Award for developing grassroots community-based and Faith-Based community initiatives to work on violence prevention and health issues. The Northern Illinois Minority Companies Association also awarded her the 2010 New Business of the Year award, and notably, her outstanding work earned her nominations for the WQRF and WTVO 2023 Remarkable Women awards. Dr. Hill is a Certified Maxwell Leadership Team Member. As a businesswoman with over 25+ years of experience, Dr. Hill is committed to helping women discover their why, articulate who they are, and identify their life mission to execute their passion and purpose. Her love for business drives her to coach and mentor women in leadership, business, and personal development. Dr. Sheila is committed to inspiring hope, serving the community, and training leaders.

Melissa McCormick, Founder and CEO of the Grace & Salt Leadership Academy, brings over thirty years of manufacturing and corporate experience. Starting as an entry-level export manager, she progressed to become the Senior Vice President of Global Sales & Marketing at Taylor Company, honing effective communication and negotiation strategies across the organization. Melissa now focuses on empowering women to break through the glass ceiling and accelerate their professional success. Her leadership philosophy centers on five pillars: Courage, Communication, Connections, Community, and Care (self). Grounded in trust, integrity, and ethics, Melissa's work is inspired by her book, Grace & Salt: A Journey of Self-Discovery. She launched the Grace & Salt Leadership Academy in 2024, guiding successful coaching for women from entry-level to executive helping them find their voice to belonging in the boardroom and everywhere in between. Offering expertise in leadership, communication, and team development, the Academy is well-equipped to drive meaningful change for you and your organization.

Kesia King is a purpose driven servant leader, whose life mission is to empower individuals to work through their mental roadblocks and fears. Kesia is the Principal and DEI Lead Consultant at sr4 Partners, an organizational health consultancy that helps organizations develop holistic leaders, cohesive teams, thriving cultures and foster inclusive change. Kesia is also the founder and Chief Experiential Officer of CHOP CHOP Mobile Salon & Barber, an inclusive onsite salon and barbershop that delivers convenient onsite beauty and grooming services to business offices, corporate, and brand events. Kesia’s eclectic background, high-energy, and authenticity gives her the unique ability to connect with diverse audiences across the country. In 2020, Kesia was honored as one of Chicago Scholars '35 under 35' for her leadership, innovation, and community impact. She also published her first book entitled F.E.A.R. Face Everything And Recover: The 30-Day Reset to Unlocking Your Full Potential. Kesia is a wife and mother of two. She loves to read, dance, workout and enjoys any activity you can do in the sun.

A dynamic and results-oriented leader, Lesly Couper brings over two decades of experience in operations, marketing, and communications to her role as President of workplace Staffing & Search. Her expertise in strategic planning, financial management, and team development has consistently delivered impactful results, driving growth and enhancing company culture. Lesly's successful career includes leading marketing and communications for financial institutions through periods of significant change, where she consistently elevated brand recognition, employee and customer engagement, and market share. Her innovative marketing campaigns, digital strategies, and customer-centric initiatives have proven to be instrumental in driving revenue growth and solidifying brand loyalty. In 2020, Lesly transitioned to workplace as Chief Operating Officer, spearheading operational efficiency and strategic growth while fostering an inclusive and thriving workplace culture. Her ability to build strong relationships with clients, partners, and stakeholders, coupled with her expertise in marketing and branding, positioned her to successfully acquire the company in 2023. As President, Lesly is committed to continuing workplace's 35-year legacy of connecting employers with employees while driving innovation and growth. Lesly holds an MBA from Northern Illinois University and a BS from Bradley University. A dedicated community leader, she serves on several boards, including YWCA of Northwestern Illinois, Rockford University, Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce, Transform Rockford, UW Health Foundation and the Rock Valley College Foundation. Recognized as the 2016 Woman Manager of the Year and one of the 20 People You Should Know in 2018, Lesly's commitment to excellence extends beyond the workplace. Lesly's passion for empowering individuals and organizations to reach their full potential is at the core of her leadership philosophy. She is dedicated to building strong relationships, fostering collaboration, and delivering exceptional results.