2025 Speaker Lineup
neil Foote
Emcee
Neil Foote is a seasoned journalist, educator, and esteemed leader known for his expertise in storytelling, brand building, and mentorship. With a rich background in journalism and media, including roles at prestigious outlets such as The Miami Herald, The Washington Post, and The Dallas Morning News, as well as leadership positions at the A.H. Belo Corp, he has left an indelible mark on the industry.
As a highly sought-after public relations professional, Neil has spearheaded campaigns for national brands, business leaders, celebrities, and nonprofits, pioneering digital media strategies and preparing the next generation of storytellers through his academic endeavors. His influential textbooks, including “The Principles of News” and contributions to “Race, Gender, Class and Media,” reflect his commitment to shaping the future of journalism with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Recognized with numerous awards, including induction into the National Association of Black Journalists Hall of Fame, Neil remains dedicated to community service, lending his expertise to local and national organizations. He continues to advocate for DEI initiatives, embodying the belief that diversity, equity, and inclusion drive meaningful returns.
EMILY RODEN
KEYNOte speaker
A former classroom teacher and educational consultant, Emily Roden has spent her entire professional career focused on improving outcomes for children. After becoming a parent in 2008, Roden personally and professionally explored the impactful role that families play in student achievement. Recognizing a gap in current research-based tools to support family engagement in public schools, Roden gathered a team of developers, filmmakers, and early childhood experts and founded ReadyRosie, a comprehensive family engagement solution.
Now as a part of the Teaching Strategies family, the ReadyRosie family engagement tools are being implemented by over 10,000 schools and programs across the country. The innovative work of Roden and the ReadyRosie team has been highlighted at the White House Summit on Early Education, the Clinton Global Initiative, the LEGO Foundation Idea Conference and in multiple publications and journals.
Roden has become a leader in promoting transformative family engagement and now, additionally, speaks locally and nationally to encourage other social impact entrepreneurs.
Elle Hall
speaker
Elle is a passionate financial educator and entrepreneur dedicated to helping individuals and business owners take control of their finances and build wealth with confidence.
As the founder of a financial education company (Girlfriend's, Budget L.L.C.) and co-owner of a salon suite business, she combines practical money management strategies with a mindset shift toward abundance and growth. Whether through speaking engagements, one-on-one coaching, or online content, Elle empowers her audience to make informed financial decisions and thrive in both their personal and professional lives.
Monique Segovia
Speaker
Monique Segovia is the owner of The Brown Thumb, a plant shop and community space in Denton, TX, that blends self care, culture, and connection.
With a background in marketing and social media strategy, she has grown her business through authentic storytelling, grassroots marketing, and community- driven events.
Monique is passionate about helping small businesses thrive by leveraging creativity, engagement, and intentional branding.
Juli James
Workshop leader
Juli James is an educator, learning and development professional, and educational technologist specializing in instructional design and curriculum development for entrepreneur education and in health sciences. She creates engaging learning experiences that integrate emerging technologies and practical applications.
A veteran who began her career as an Army broadcaster, Juli transitioned to digital media roles with the Arizona Governor’s Office and Arizona State University. She has worked at the intersection of education, media innovation, and entrepreneurship, co-founding two ed-tech ventures, developing game design curricula at Arizona State University’s Cronkite School of Journalism, and creating a no-code game design app funded by the Knight Foundation.
Juli continues to explore AI-driven learning and instructional design to support entrepreneurs and lifelong learners.
Janette Orona
Breakout SEssion Speaker
Janette is the owner and founder of Azul Therapies where she primarily serves the BIPOC queer/trans community as a counselor. Janette also works with folx who are kink/BDSM practicing, neurodiverse, ethically non-monogamous/polyamourous, and enjoys working with men seeking emotional wellness.
Janette is a fierce advocate for intersectionality, diversity, and equity in the workplace and in the entrepreneurship world. She deeply understands how occupying multiple minority statues can affect mental health, and seeks to empower entrepreneurs to find balance in their work.
Jacqueline Hayes Breakout session speaker
Jacqueline Hayes is a beacon of inspiration, and a catalyst for transformation. As a distinguished five-time author, captivating keynote speaker, esteemed success coach, visionary publisher, and dynamic entrepreneur, Jacqueline embodies the essence of empowerment in every facet of her work.
As the founder of Empowerment Living Group (an empowerment education platform), Jacqueline ignites a revolution in personal development, dedicated to reshaping lives and cultivating a world where women radiate confidence and embrace their irresistible potential, sculpting the lives they've always envisioned.
With over 25 years of expertise in human resources and talent acquisition, Jacqueline is uniquely positioned to sculpt diamonds from rough stones, refining personalities and igniting the spark of greatness within each individual she encounters. Her mission transcends mere success; it's about nurturing the roots of confidence, seeding dreams, and raising them to fruition.
Briana Wucinski
Breakout Session Speaker
Briana Wucinski is the founder of SUNSEV Creative, a branding, design, and marketing agency dedicated to helping small businesses and entrepreneurs grow through vibrant, personalized branding strategies. With extensive experience in leading and managing marketing and graphic design projects across multiple industries, Briana has helped businesses from the financial, healthcare, and fashion sectors elevate their brands.
Prior to founding SUNSEV Creative, Briana held key marketing roles at organizations like TechFW, Flow Therapy, and Homebridge Financial Services, where she led successful campaigns and played a pivotal role in brand development and strategy.
In addition to her work as a strategist and consultant, Briana’s experience ranges from startup marketing to overseeing large-scale marketing strategies, with a passion for helping entrepreneurs find their voice and connect with their audience in meaningful ways. She is excited to share her expertise at FlintConf 2025, where she’ll discuss how branding and marketing can work in harmony to support the growth and success of small businesses.
Lillia Whittington
Breakout Session Speaker
Lillia is a sewing content creator, sewing teacher, and entrepreneur based in Denton, TX who strives to keep creativity at the forefront of her business. During the COVID pandemic, she started blogging full-time under the name The D. Diaries. Since then, Lillia has rebranded to cover life topics of sustainable living, grad school life, and sewing on Just Lillia. She is an AccelerateHER Alumni, Denton Pitch Competition Finalist, Janome Maker, and teacher and mentor to the TWU fashion and merchandising students. Currently her research and focus is on how Indie Pattern makers are building trust in Virtual Fitting Softwares, such as programs using ai generated avatars to observe fit, fabric drape, and pattern quality.