Betsy Reidell
Life & Career Coach | Betsy Reidell Empowerment Coaching
Topic: Know Your Worth | Invest in You in 2022
Betsy Reidell is a certified life coach and motivational speaker, combined with her 21 years of counseling experience. Betsy's mission is to help people to awaken to their true potential in their personal and professional lives. She believes in empowering her clients to go after life, push through their negative self-talk and to step into action. Coaching with Betsy is described by clients as an honest, authentic process that allows them to take the necessary steps to live a happier, more fulfilling life.
Betsy graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration and Marketing from Fredonia State University and a Master of Science in Education in School Counseling from Alfred University. As a wife, mother of two teenagers and an entrepreneur, she understands firsthand the demands put on women today. When she is not coaching you can find Betsy watching her son play soccer for SKC Academy, enjoying her favorite coffee shops (aka coffee lover), or exploring all the new restaurants in KC with her husband.
Leon Harden
DEI Strategy Manager, Burns & McDonnell
Topic: Talent Trends Panel
As Burns & McDonnell’s first Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) Strategy Manager, Leon works closely with executive leaders and business diversity teams globally to provide strategic guidance for creating and integrating DEI initiatives and programs into the culture strategy at Burns & McDonnell. Leon serves as an internal consultant to broaden DEI strategies on a global scale, develop organization-wide communication and accountability plans, and facilitate education and training and leadership programs.
Michelle Wimes
SVP - Chief Equity & Inclusion Officer, Children’s Mercy Hospital
Topic: Talent Trends Panel
Michelle is a strategic leader who is deft at implementing change management strategies necessary for a comprehensive and effective diversity and inclusion and professional development program. In her current role, Michelle has been charged with being a strategic advisor and educator to the Children’s Mercy Hospital System (CM) where she uses data to assess cultural competency and develops action plans to close gaps. Representing the perspective of patients, families, employees, community partners, and suppliers, she also collaborates with CM leaders to address health disparities and foster a workplace culture of inclusion while establishing and maintaining relationships with peers and partners in key organizations.
Michelle is a nationally renowned presenter and author on professional development, diversity and inclusion issues in the workplace on topics such as, “Engaging Decision-makers and Practice Group Leaders in Diversity and Inclusion Efforts;” “Aligning Associate Competencies and Diversity Principles;” and “Reconciling Diversity, Inclusion & Meritocracy: Challenges & Opportunities.” She has presented before organizations such as the Association of Corporate Counsel, the Practicing Law Institute, The Diversity and Flexibility Alliance, the National Association of Legal Professionals, the Professional Development Institute, and the Association of Law Firm Diversity Professionals.
She resides in Kansas City with her husband, Judge Brian C. Wimes, and their three daughters.
Sheri Ratliff
Director, Talent Acquisition, T-Mobile
Topic: Talent Trends Panel
Sheri Ratliff currently holds the position of director Talent Acquisition at T-Mobile, with responsibility for all Enterprise recruitment efforts. Responsibilities include partnering with the various business units to forecast future talent needs and identify talent for current opportunities. Driving strategy for recruitment marketing, branding, candidate and manager experience while attracting diverse and qualified candidates.
Sheri is actively engaged with several workforce initiatives, holding a seat on the KU Edwards Workforce Advisory board, Kansas City Veterans Coalition, Consumer Technology Association 21st Century Workforce Council and represents T-Mobile on the Google IT Certificate Program. Additionally, Sheri currently serves as the Senior Co-Chair on the TeamKC Board of Advisors.
Prior to her tenured background in corporate America, Sheri obtained the rank of Corporal in the United States Marine Corps.
Ryan Weber
President & CEO, KC Tech Council
Moderator: Talent Trends Panel
Ryan currently serves as President & CEO of the KC Tech Council, an industry association and regional voice of Kansas City's technology industry. Ryan is a graduate of the KC Chamber's Centurions Leadership Program, a member of the Business Journals Leadership Trust, and the Kansas City Business Journal's "Power 100" - a list of the most influential business leaders in the region. He is a proud graduate of Kansas State University and continues to be involved with the College of Business.
The KC Tech Council is the voice of Kansas City's tech industry. It serves as the regional advocate for the tech industry, comprised of 180+ member and sponsor companies ranging from large enterprises to small businesses. Advocacy work is focused around three strategic pillars: industry access and connectivity, workforce development and public policy advocacy at every level of government.
In conjunction with strategic partners, active stakeholders and unique cultural and lifestyle advantages, the KC Tech Council elevates Kansas City as a leading technology hub.
Kathy Nelson
Kathy Nelson, President & CEO
Kansas City Sports Commission & Visit KC
MVP Award Winner
Kathy Nelson is a strong believer in the economic, social and community-building benefits of sports. She works to promote Kansas City locally and nationally with the goal of attracting, retaining and facilitating sports events and organizations in the bi-state area.
Nelson has become an influential leader in Kansas City. In recognition of her contribution, The Kansas City Star included Nelson on their 2020 list of the 50 Most Influential People in Kansas City Sports History, ranking her at #38 and making her one of only four women represented. Prior to that, she had been named one of the 20 Most Influential Sports Figures in Kansas City placing her at #5 behind Clark Hunt (CEO/owner of the Kansas City Chiefs), Dayton Moore (Kansas City Royals general manager), Peter Vermes (Sporting Kansas City’s Coach/Technical Director) and David Glass (former owner of the Kansas City Royals). In 2020, Nelson was enshrined into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.