For Trailblazers Who START NEW THINGS: New Businesses, New Projects, New Social Change
Meet the inspiring speakers joining us to share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives.
Keynote Speaker:
Anne Bonney
Authority On Change Management And Host Of Dancing In The Discomfort Zone Podcast
Anne Bonney is a fun and energetic international motivational keynote speaker and trainer. She is also an authority on Change Management, author of 2 books on embracing the discomforts of change, podcast host of Dancing in the Discomfort Zone Podcast, and an experienced in-person, virtual and hybrid workshop facilitator.
After 20 years in highly successful corporate ad non-profit leadership positions, Anne now uses her experience, education, and expertise to ignite YOUR Courage, Confidence and Resilience in the face of the discomfort of change, courageous communication and emotional intelligence. You’d better turn on the AC because this “ball of fire” will light you up with fun and relevant stories, time-tested knowledge and immediately applicable strategies to make a difference for you, your team, and your organization.
This spunky little redhead shares business lessons from her crazy life experiences, which arms her with relatable and hilariously memorable stories from growing up overseas, running international marathons, animal training, morale building tours to the military in Iraq, volunteering at an elephant sanctuary and singing opera at a performing arts school and yes- there’s more. You won’t want to miss Anne’s session as Anne is a mindset shifting motivator who fires people up to catalyze powerful change in their lives, their teams and their organizations.
Conference host:
Rebecca Sommer
UWSP Dean of the College of Professional Studies
Dr. Rebecca Sommer is dean of the College of Professional Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, where she leads a college serving approximately 3,600 students across business, education, health and military science programs.
With more than 25 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Sommer has built a career focused on academic innovation, student success, organizational leadership, community engagement, and workforce development. Prior to becoming dean, she served in multiple leadership roles at UW-Stevens Point, including interim dean, assistant dean, and head of the School of Health Care Professions.
A former faculty member and researcher at Bates College, Dr. Sommer’s scholarship in developmental toxicology was supported by competitive National Institutes of Health funding. Today, her work centers on expanding educational opportunity, strengthening community partnerships, enhancing student outcomes, and ensuring that higher education remains responsive to evolving workforce and societal needs.
Originally from New London, Wis., Dr. Sommer earned both her bachelor’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She and her husband, a family practice physician, have two young adult sons. In her free time, she enjoys reading, gardening and travel.
Workshop Speakers:
Abbey Laufenberg
Artist & Community Organizer | LMT
Abbey is a Licensed Massage Therapist, interdisciplinary artist, and community organizer. After years in NYC working in tech, she returned to Wisconsin to pursue bodywork, explore community sauna, and put down roots. Outside of work, she’s a proud bonus mom, avid hiker, camper, and curious traveler.
Amy Bakken
Community Volunteer
Retired nurse who got involved in raising awareness and assisted in developing programs geared towards support for families with young children. Developed relationships with Public Health, Early Childhood programs, Child Abuse and Neglect programs, Founding member of Portage County Right From the Start Coalition, Children’s Action Network, Born Learning and the Portage County Breastfeeding Coalito
Beth Gardner
Employment Specialist, The Connection Co.
Beth Gardner is an Employment Specialist with The Connection Co., helping people with disabilities find meaningful employment. After 15 years working in nonprofit, she stepped away to focus on family, then returned to the workforce. A wife, mom of three and singer and board member with Monteverdi Chorale, she navigated her father’s hospice journey and her mother’s dementia, alongside siblings.
Charys Hess
CREATE Portage County Board President
Hess is a Theater and Dance graduate of UWSP and Founder of the Transcribing Dance Company, a non profit professional local dance organization. Through her role as Board President at CREATE Portage County, building connection, collaboration and community bring advocacy and a creative foundation to local artists and entrepreneurs.
Chloe Kreuser
Community Storyteller
Chloe brings expertise in community engagement, storytelling, business development, and photography. A UW–Stevens Point graduate, she blends sustainability, authenticity, and connection into people-centered stories that inspire meaningful action. Her work is rooted in systems thinking, collaboration, and continuous learning.
Deborah Beyer
Assistant Professor of Finance at UWSP; Director, Ruth E. Salzmann Center for Women’s Leadership
Dr. Deborah Beyer brings a wealth of knowledge and practical insight to her courses. Her research explores political and economic uncertainty in financial markets. Deborah serves as Director of the Ruth E. Salzmann Center for Women’s Leadership, a center designed to provide education and networking opportunities to future leaders. Deborah also loves serving as Financial Literacy Program Director.
Emma Gorst
Associate Director of Talent | Mom | Community Engagement Leader | Passionate Volunteer Woker | Military & Law Enforcement Spouse
I take immense pride in connecting with locals, helping my community any way I can, and learning from life experiences. I am an empathetic leader who will always take care of my team while actively preaching “work/life balance” and “family first always”.
Harlee Stinson
Branch Manager 2
Harlee Stinson, Branch Manager at Summit Credit Union in Plover, leads employee development, member growth, & member experience. Passionate about financial education and community engagement, she partners with local organizations to expand financial wellness & create meaningful impact. Harlee is especially committed to Summit’s mission of helping women & families build & achieve financial success.
Jackie Sponholz
Lending Advisor
Jackie Sponholz believes that leadership begins long before the title is earned. She has build her career on trust, collaboration and service. Jackie consistently works to build up the people around her with positive influence for leadership is not a position, but a choice we make every day.
Jen Adamski
President and Founder, Klario Creative
Jen Adamski is founder and president of Klario Creative, where civic purpose and business strategy meet. With 15+ years across tech, healthcare, education, and government, she helps leaders and entrepreneurs own their expertise and market with confidence – with practical AI along the way. A BizStarts graduate and 2025 Inspirational Entrepreneur Award recipient, Jen has also earned national recognition at CMSWire’s DX Summit. She serves as Vice-Chair of the Racine Community Development Authority and on the board of Health Care Network as Marketing and Development Chair.
Kari Meixl
MBA, Director of Business & Industry at Fox Valley Technical College.
With leadership experience in industry, nonprofit & higher ed, she is passionate about building relationships, empowering others, and creating opportunities for growth. Known for her positive leadership style, Kari helps individuals, organizations, and communities thrive through connection & lifelong learning.
Kate Taylor
Business Consultant
Kate Taylor is a UWSP graduate and Business Consultant with the Small Business Development Center, as well as a certified Health & Wellness Coach. She works one-on-one with entrepreneurs and small business owners, providing guidance through the start-up and growth stages of business ventures. Kate also owns and manages a small hobby farm with a special interest in poultry, pack goats, and horses.
Katie Rosenberg
Director
Katie is a current and former local elected official. She is currently a political appointee and elected to the Marathon County Board of Supervisors. Rosenberg served as mayor of Wausau from 2020 – 2024. She was also a marketer for a Fortune 500 organization and worked in local media. She holds a master’s degree in strategic communications from the George Washington University and a BA from UWSP.
Layne Cozzolino
Co-Founder, Owner
Layne Cozzolino is a community-driven entrepreneur, organizer, and advocate for local food systems. She is the co-founder of Siren Shrub Company and the Special Projects Director at Wisconsin Farmers Union. She has spent her career building a more connected and resilient regional food system.
Mai Yang Lor
Realtor
I am a mother of five, a Wisconsin Realtor, and a proud Hmong woman navigating my journey between traditional Hmong values and Western culture. I believe I don’t have to choose between honoring where I come from and creating my own path forward. To me, being a trailblazer means embracing both worlds while creating opportunities for the next generation.
Marg Coker-Nelson
Retired Sentry Director of Employee Development and Service
Marg has enjoyed community volunteer service following her employment at UWSP and Sentry Insurance. She is fortunate to have traveled the world with friends and family. Books, bridge games, family, and friends keep her very active. Marg grew up in Missouri, worked at summer camps in Wisconsin, taught in Illinois, and received her graduate degree in Indiana. Years ago she moved to Stevens Point as the Director of Student Activities at UWSP and planned to only stay three years! Life had other plans.
Mariah Singer-Brown
Realtor with The Legacy Group and former nonprofit leader
Widowed at 34 and launching a new career a decade later, she has learned firsthand that resilience isn’t about avoiding change but about learning how to navigate through it. Mariah believes some of life’s greatest growth happens while moving though transitions that aren’t what we would have chosen for ourselves.
Mykeerah Zarazua
Social worker
Mykeerah Zarazua is a social worker who is passionate about serving and advocating for people who may not have a voice. She has 25 years of experience working with different populations including domestic violence survivors, people with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities, aging population and hospice, and people with physical disabilities. She also has served in local government roles, including as an alderperson on city council. In 2025, she created IndigoWell, which works to promote stability and independence for youth and adults in Portage and Wood Counties through voluntary one-on-one mental health services.
Sarah Gwidt
Photographer / Owner
Sarah Gwidt studied art & photography in college and graduated from UWSP in 2001 with a BFA & Photography Emphasis. Over the years, she has built a successful photography business which includes an outdoor portrait studio at her home, on the backwaters of the Wisconsin River. She is the mother of two, loves the outdoors, and cherishes time spent with her family and friends.
Sarah Ross
Director of Community Leadership
Sarah loves nonprofits and nonprofit leaders. She has a 25 year career working as a designer in professional theater and taught in the Theatre and Dance program at University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point. After earning her MBA, she transitioned her career to community philanthropy and has the privilege to work closely with Portage and Waushara County nonprofit organizations.
Stephanie Perkins
Executive Coach & Change Instigator
Stephanie Perkins is a certified brain-based coach, speaker, and former VP of People Development who helps leaders think smarter and act bolder. Her specialty is supporting women as they navigate the tricky terrain of behavior change. She is known for instigating practical, sustainable change that strengthens cultures and accelerates growth.
Traci Wisz
Community & Leadership Strategist
Traci Wisz is a community leader and relationship builder with experience in marketing, sales, development, leadership, and communications. She is passionate about helping people find their voice, advocate for themselves and confidently take up space. A mom, mentor, and lifelong advocate for women, Traci believes that sometimes the biggest step in leadership is simply believing in yourself.