Speakers | Bios:
Keynote: Stephanie Haney
Stephanie Haney is a Canton native (Perry High School, Class of 2003), who has lived several different lives across the country before returning home in 2019 to become the digital anchor and legal analyst for 3News WKYC in Cleveland. She's an Emmy-winning journalist and attorney with a rare blend of skills that have served her well in her various careers. From negotiating talent contracts in Los Angeles to breaking news on the nationally syndicated entertainment news show DailyMailTV based out of New York City, to highlighting up-and-coming Northeast Ohio entrepreneurs in her weekly First Look series for WKYC, Stephanie has a unique perspective on what it takes to be successful in business, and beyond. Stephanie currently lives in Lakewood with her fiancé, Mike, their two cats and their dog.
Darla Brown
VP of Marketing & Membership at the Canton Regional Chamber
Darla Brown serves as the Vice President of Marketing & Membership at the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, where she leads initiatives to connect businesses and strengthen community engagement. She works to enhance opportunities for Chamber members, fostering collaboration and supporting the growth of the local economy. Prior to joining the Chamber last year, Darla worked at TKG, building brands and crafting the online presence for businesses of all sizes through content, social media and digital marketing. Prior to that, she was the founding editor of About magazine. She currently also supports her husband's business, HOF Builder, helping to manage and grow his social media presence to close to 500,000 total followers.
Darla is also currently involved with several local nonprofits, including both the national and local boards of the Foundation for Community Betterment, the Aultman Women's Board, the Canton Regional Chamber Health Fund and the Canton Culture Collective.
She lives in Plain Township with her husband, Scott, and three (nearly grown) children, Alex, Zach and Maya.
Melissa Coultas
CEO of Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health
Melissa Coultas is the CEO of Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health (C&A), bringing a dynamic career shaped by advocacy, strategic growth, and deep community engagement. Her journey began with 11 years in Washington, D.C., where she interned and launched her career with former Ohio Sen. Mike DeWine before becoming a lobbyist at Golin, advocating for higher education and nonprofit organizations. Returning to Stark County, Coultas applied her expertise to mission-driven work, first as marketing director for Meals on Wheels, then as C&A’s director of marketing. Her leadership propelled her into the role of chief advancement officer before she went on to serve as vice president of development and community partnerships at the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce. Beyond her professional roles, Coultas is a dedicated community leader. She serves on the Aultman Women’s Board, is a past chair and member of the Women’s Fund committee through the Stark Community Foundation and recently joined board of the Children’s Network of Stark County. A graduate of Leadership Stark County’s Signature Program (32nd class), she is passionate about strengthening the region through collaboration and service. In her free time, Coultas loves playing pickleball, enjoying the outdoors, and making lasting memories with family and friends. She, her husband Chris, and their daughter Lila Mae recently moved to Willowdale Lake, where they love being on the water and enjoying time together.
Katie Gamby, PhD, LPCC-S, CWC
CEO & Founder of The Wellife, LLC
Dr. Katie Gamby is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (OH) Supervisor, Certified Wellness Counselor, Professional Life Coach, and Yoga Instructor. She has her PhD in Counselor Education and her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Katie worked in higher education for 15 years and as a full time professor in Counselor Education for 9 years before going into full time private practice. She is currently a contributing faculty member at Walden University.
As a licensed professional clinical counselor, Katie has specialized training in trauma and works with many folks who have experienced anxiety and related disorders, stress, spiritual/religious abuse, religious/spiritual disillusionment/deconstruction, grief/loss, LGBTQ+ individuals, trauma, and relationship issues. Katie works from an attachment lens, helps people understand their lifestyle patterns, and supports clients from a place of authenticity and encouragement.
As a professional coach, Katie often works with people in job transitions and with individuals who are looking to explore new or creative endeavors but might be a little stuck and need some encouragement.
Katie frequently consults with clinicians in areas of private practice start ups, management, billing, and insurance reimbursement in the state of Ohio. She is proud to say she has helped over 15 people start their own private practices across the state of Ohio and find the freedom and joy of working for themselves.
Katie started The Wellife, LLC in 2015 and is looking forward to celebrating the 10 year anniversary in a few months. She has had the absolute pleasure of walking alongside many clients since then.
Abigail Harding, LPCC-S
R&R Counseling Center
Abigail Harding is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Supervisor (LPCC-S) who earned my Master of Arts degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from The University of Akron. I've worked with youth and their families in school-based mental health for 13 years. For the last 4 years, I've been working in private practice. I work from a collaborative and strengths-based approach, assisting and supporting clients. I have experience working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, grief, disruptive behaviors, relationship challenges, self-esteem issues and trauma. Through my work, I strive to foster a safe space where people can, gain insight into how their experiences have impacted them, and create a new reality that is more fulfilling. I utilize various therapeutic approaches including cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, family therapy, EMDR, Brainspotting as well as solution-focused and mindfulness-based interventions.
Riley Hykes
Co-Founder of Hiking with Hykes
Riley Hykes is the co-founder of Hiking With Hykes, an adventure travel brand that inspires exploration through storytelling and photography. Alongside her husband, Trevor, she has grown a thriving online community by leveraging social media for engagement, brand partnerships, and business growth. Passionate about empowering women in business, Riley shares insights on turning passion into a brand and using digital marketing to build lasting connections.
Dr. JoAnn Krivetzky
Vice President of Medical Affairs at Aultman Hospital
Dr. JoAnn Krivetzky was born in Cleveland, Ohio. She spent her formative years in Broadview Heights and graduated from North Royalton High School. She attended The Ohio State University and earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. She worked as a nurse in Critical Care until she returned to Cleveland to attend Case Western Reserve University College of Medicine. After graduating from Medical School, she completed her specialty training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at University Hospitals of Cleveland. She relocated to Canton in 1997 where she practiced OB/GYN. She moved from clinical practice to administration at Aultman Hospital in 2021 where she served as the Vice President of Medical Affairs. This year, Dr. Krivetzky moved into the Vice President of Medical Education and Designated Institutional Official role over the Aultman Health System. She enjoys hiking, walking, gardening, crafting, and spending time with family, friends, and her dogs.
Lauren Mackie DNP, APRN-CNP
Aultman
Lauren Mackie DNP, APRN-CNP is an Advanced Practice Provider in Aultman Breast Surgery. Lauren started at Aultman Hospital as a registered nurse in 2008 (Kent State University) and later became a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner in 2011 (Malone University) working in General Surgery. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in 2021 (Capella University). She is also an Affiliate member of the American Society of Breast Surgeons and has achieved their Advanced Practice Provider Breast Certification. She is co-chair of the APP Council at Aultman and serves on various nonprofits in support of women’s health. Lauren is also a contributing medical writer to breastcancer.org, Surgery Business Magazine, Scary Mommy, and other publications. She is most passionate about educating on breast cancer screening, risk reduction, and thriving through survivorship. When not at work, she can be found on a soccer field, baseball field, or hockey rink, cheering on her two children.
Tracy Nicodemo
Executive Director of Leadership Stark County
As the Executive Director of Leadership Stark County at the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, Tracy is dedicated to developing and empowering leaders to make a lasting impact in their communities. Passionate about mentorship and creating opportunities for growth, Tracy believes in the power of leadership to inspire change and build stronger connections.
Before stepping into the world of leadership development, Tracy had a successful career in design. Most recently, she worked as a Designer for Abercrombie Kids and previously held a sourcing role at Express. Tracy's journey began with studies in Interior Architecture at Ohio University, later shifting to Fashion Design at Parsons The New School for Design.
So why leadership? And why Stark County? Having been deeply influenced by exceptional leaders and human beings throughout her life, Tracy recognized the profound impact of mentorship, perspective, and passion. When she and her husband decided to return to Stark County, it became clear her true calling was helping people reach their full potential.
DeLores Pressley
President of DeLores Pressley Worldwide, Founder and Executive Director of She Elevates™
DeLores Pressley is an International Keynote Speaker, Author, Business Life Coach and Confidence Strategist with more than three decades of experience. She is President of DeLores Pressley Worldwide and the Founder and Executive Director of She Elevates™, a non-profit organization created to empower girls to become confident leaders, entrepreneurs and CEOs.
As a former elementary school teacher and a pioneer of the plus size fashion and modeling industry, DeLores has inspired and helped thousands to be more confident, achieve goals and make impactful decisions. Her writing skills are notable, as she has published many articles on inspiration, confidence and empowerment. She is the author of “Clean Out the Closets of Your Life”, “Believe in the Power of You” and “Empower”. DeLores will soon release her new children’s book entitled “Dancing in My Own Shoes.”
DeLores has been a speaker for top-notch companies and organizations which include: Ford Motor Company, Coca-Cola, Roche Pharmaceuticals, Procter and Gamble (P&G), Kellogg, American Heart Association, Vident Health, Athena International, Kirby Vacuum, Bakersfield Women’s Conference and Union Pacific Railroad. She has received many awards and recognition for her work including Speaker Legend, Elite Business Woman, Smart Business Magazine and the Top Ten Business Owners by the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), named Top 50 Visionary in 2019 by Radical Business Magazine. She is a Founding Member of Women’s Impact. She is a recipient of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from President Barack Obama.
She is a graduate of Leadership Stark County and received training from ELITE; a business mentorship program with the London Stock Exchange. She received an honorary degree; Doctor of Divinity from Shekinah Glory School of Divinity and Badge of Chaplaincy from CIA International. She is a member of Stark County Community Moving Forward. She is the Former Chairperson of The ABCD, Inc. Board of Directors, Former Member of the O’Jays Entertainers Scholarship Committee and Past President of the National Speakers Association’s Ohio Chapter. She is a member of the Women’s Board of Aultman Hospital.
Furthermore, her story has been touted in Speaker, Glamour, Washington Post, Black Enterprise, Essence, Ebony and Marie Claire. She is a frequent media guest and co-host of “Julie & Friends” on TCT TV Network. She has been interviewed on every major tv network including Entertainment Tonight and OPRAH.
Elaine Russell Reolfi
Chief Executive Officer of CommQuest Services
Elaine Russell Reolfi grew up in her parents’ shop, learning the fundamentals of business: clarity of purpose and priorities, decisive action, perseverance and teamwork. Elaine is a first-generation college graduate who rose through the ranks in industry to executive leadership of global industrial companies including serving as executive vice president of HR and corporate relations at TimkenSteel Corporation (now Metallus). She also was president of the TimkenSteel Charitable Fund.
Elaine is dedicated to community leadership to help others realize their potential, and in 2021 turned her volunteer leadership into the next chapter of her career. She assumed the role of chief executive officer of CommQuest Services, a 105-year old behavioral health nonprofit, to lead a major transformation to ensure the organizations sustainability for the long term.
She serves as vice chair of the Stark State Board of Trustees, on the executive committee of the Stark County Community Corrections Planning Board, and as a member of the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce Board.
Elaine is married to Michael Reolfi, an attorney and college professor, is a mother of three, and a grandmother.
Christian Turner
Communications Director for the City of Canton
Christian Turner is a public relations professional with more than a decade of experience in the communications arena. She currently serves as the Communications Director for the City of Canton where she leads efforts to foster connection, trust, and collaboration throughout the community.
She is a proud military veteran having served thirteen years in the United States Army as a licensed practical nurse before transitioning to public affairs. Throughout this time she deployed to Baghdad, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2010 and Operation Inherent Resolve in 2017.
Christian holds a BA in public relations from The University of Akron. She is also a graduate of the Broadcast Communication Course at the DoD's Defense Information School (DINFOS). She is also very active in the Canton community, serving on various nonprofit boards and volunteering with organizations aligned with youth success.
Stacia Waffen
Owner of Pure Barre Belden
Stacia Waffen is the owner of Pure Barre Belden, a wife, and a mother of 2 very active teens. She has a background in sales, but fitness and wellness have always been her passion, as she has been on a health and wellness journey most of her life. She was a member at Pure Barre Hudson for 7 years prior to opening the Belden studio. She fell in love with the workout at Pure Barre, but what she truly fell in love with was the community of women empowering each other. It was like nothing she had ever been a part of, and because of this, she got more than a physical workout. She got a family, a place and people who supported her through everything. Creating a haven for her physical, mental, and emotional well-being. She is on a mission to share this same experience and safe place with as many women as possible, to help support their journey, whether it's physical, mental, emotional, or all of the above!
Madysen Wilcox, PA-C
Apex Skin
Madysen Wilcox is a Physician Assistant certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. She was raised in Mansfield, Ohio and graduated with honors from Hillsdale High School. She continued her education at Kent State University where she majored in biology with concentrations in cellular and molecular biology. After graduating Cum Laude from Kent State University, Madysen attended University of Mount Union’s Physician Assistant Program and graduated with her Master of Science degree in 2023.
Madysen started off her career as a Physician Assistant in dermatology with University Hospitals while learning under Dr. Michael Mancuso in Solon, Ohio. She also completed her Diplomate Fellowship from the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants. She enjoys treating a variety of acute and chronic dermatologic conditions as well as performing preventative skin cancer screenings and excisions of cysts, atypical moles, and skin cancers.
In her free time, Madysen enjoys reading, hiking, traveling, and spending time with her animals, niece and nephews.
Danielle Williams
Director of Operations for Footage Fusion and Lucas Live Media
Danielle Williams is a dynamic entrepreneur and media professional dedicated to storytelling, branding, and community impact. She serves as the Director of Operations for Footage Fusion and Lucas Live Media, bringing creativity and strategy to digital content. At Footage Fusion, she helps businesses and influencers elevate their brands through high-quality, short-form video content.
At Lucas Live Media, Danielle hosts a vibrant news show that sparks engaging conversations on business, self-growth, and community initiatives. Through Lucas Live Media’s event coverage, she and her team capture and highlight key moments at major community gatherings, making sure impactful stories are seen and heard. Whether behind the scenes or on the mic, she is passionate about keeping the community informed, inspired, and connected.
Danielle is also the founder of The True Body Co., a skincare company known for its natural products, including her signature face wash. Through Stay True, she promotes authenticity and self-expression. A firm believer in using media as a tool for empowerment, she continues to create spaces that inspire, educate, and uplift—especially for women in business.
Lauren Zils
Director of Strategy with Sanctuary - A Digital Marketing Group
I am an accomplished digital marketing leader with a proven track record of driving team success and achieving impactful client results. My leadership style is centered on fostering a collaborative and innovative environment where creativity thrives, and continuous learning is encouraged. Data is my source of inspiration, serving as a vital storyteller that reveals customer behaviors, market trends, and untapped opportunities. By translating complex data into actionable insights, I empower my team to craft strategies that resonate with audiences and deliver measurable results. I am deeply committed to nurturing talent and developing the next generation of marketing professionals. Whether mentoring team members or championing new initiatives, I bring energy, curiosity, and a results-driven mindset to everything I do.
Presenting Sponsor:
Silver Sponsor:
Bronze Sponsors:
Event Sponsors:
Sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact Melinda McNutt, Vice President of Development and Partnership Relations at (440) 855-9097.
Please contact Lex Webster for event information.