Session Descriptions

SESSION DESCRIPTIONS

Thursday Morning (8/14)

8:30 - 9:00 a.m.

Visit Sponsors, Networking & Breakfast by Latresa’s Treats

Add your business cards, flyers, etc. to the attendee resource table!

9:00 - 9:15 a.m.

You too can be self employed.

Lee Anne Venable, Little Dog Consulting

This humorous session will be part stand up comedy routine, inspiring antidotes, and cautionary tales of owning your own business.

Lee Anne Venable is the founder of Little Dog Consulting, LLC. We are a boutique firm dedicated to supporting your mission with the same loyalty and scrappiness that Louie our Little Dog inspired in us. With years of nonprofit fundraising experience, we aim to help you serve your community joyfully and effectively. Our clients include: The Committee to Elect Toby Barker, The Committee to Elect Wes Curry, PRCC Workforce Development, Prospect on Main, Innova Prep, Habitat For Humanity of the Pinebelt, and The Hour (a program of the Mississippi United Methodist Church)

9:15 - 9:45 a.m.

Building Business - Building Community - Building Legacy - at this Summit!
Jennifer Clark, Emerge Events

9:45 - 10:00 a.m.

The Power of Photography: Boost Your Brand, SEO & ROI

Amanda Kyrie, Amanda Kyrie Productions

Professional photography creates strong first impressions, builds trust, and strengthens your brand. Optimized images improve SEO by boosting engagement and local search rankings. Renaming photos with clear titles helps increase online visibility. Hiring a pro raises conversions, saves time, and sets you apart from competitors. Quality photos are a smart investment in your brand’s future.

Amanda Kyrie is the founder of Amanda Kyrie Productions and a dedicated visual storyteller. Since starting her photography career at USM in 2011, she has been featured in 3 magazines, a book, and numerous events, capturing authentic moments that highlight your success. Amanda specializes in branding, live music, and event photography that tells your unique story. In addition to her creative work, she provides tailored life insurance solutions to help families and entrepreneurs protect their futures. Combining artistry with trust, Amanda is committed to capturing your success and building your legacy.

10:00 - 10:30 a.m.

Structure Before Scale: The CEO Mindset for Financial Clarity & Growth

Caitlin Chancellor, Chancellor CPA

What does it mean to lead your business with a CEO mindset? In this powerful and practical session, Caitlin Chancellor, CPA, will break down the essential building blocks of a strong financial foundation—entity structure, pricing strategy, internal systems, and proactive tax planning. She will share real-world experiences working with businesses that have scaled successfully and sustainably, as well as common pitfalls that often hinder growth, like tax compliance issues and poor financial strategies. The goal of this session is to empower women business owners and provide them with insights into the types of resources they need in their corner for long-term success.

Caitlin Chancellor is the founder of Chancellor CPA, a boutique firm specializing in tax strategy and accounting for service-based entrepreneurs and real estate investors. With nearly a decade of experience in public accounting Caitlin is also a mom to two toddlers and leads an incredible all-women team that’s passionate about delivering personalized, white glove support. Their approach blends expert strategy with deeply personalized service, helping clients build businesses that are both profitable and sustainable.

10:30-11:00AM

Break, Networking & Exhibitors

11:00-11:30AM

Mississippi's Entrepreneurial Advantage: How Women Can Lead the Way

Janet Parker, Innovate Mississippi

Mississippi is uniquely positioned for entrepreneurial growth, and women are poised to lead the way. This session will explore how female founders across the state are driving innovation, building wealth, and strengthening communities, while showcasing the networks and resources that empower women to fuel economic growth and create lasting impact.

Janet Parker is the Vice President of Business Development of Innovate Mississippi where she oversees the statewide partner network and connects the entrepreneurial ecosystem through shared networks that improve access to resources for founders across the state. Janet holds an MBA from Millsaps College’s Else School of Management and a B.S. in Business Administration/Marketing from the University of Illinois. Her career spans strategic marketing, public relations, and sales, and she previously launched a successful coaching and training business. A lifelong advocate for entrepreneurship, Janet is passionate about empowering others to see opportunity, take action, and create lasting impact.

11:30AM-12:00PM
Building Business. Building Community. Building Legacy - in Downtown Hattiesburg
Moderator: Emily Gallaspy, Downtown Hattiesburg Association
Panelists:

Erin Little, The Author Shoppe

Allison Neville, Live at Five
Jacqueline González Wooton, Nuestro Arte Gallery/Mississippi Latinx Art Association

Downtown Hattiesburg is more than just a place — it’s where business, culture, and community intersect. Our panelists will share how they collaborate with fellow businesses and community organizations, creating experiences that benefit both their businesses and the people they serve. We’ll explore the unique advantages of doing business in downtown and how you can get involved, even if you are not physically located downtown.

Emily Gallaspy is the new executive director of the Downtown Hattiesburg Association, a role that began in March 2025. Prior to joining DHA, Emily served as arts center manager as well as grant writer for the City of Hattiesburg, where she secured more than $1 million in state and federal funding for local initiatives, managed major revitalization projects and led arts programming. She was also recognized as Pine Belt 20 Under 40 in 2024.

Erin Little is a co-owner of The Author Shoppe, an independent bookstore founded in 2020. She completed a Bachelor of Arts in 2015 and a Master of Arts in 2020 from William Carey University and is currently employed at The University of Southern Mississippi as the Supervisor of Degree Audits in the Office of the Registrar. In her leisure time, Erin enjoys cuddling her pups Scout and Little Bit and working on various creative projects.

Allison Neville is a Downtown Hattiesburger who can often be found kayaking the local blueways, chilling with her cat, or curating the perfect concert vibes at Live at Five with her husband, Kyle. She has a passion for community and believes in the power of memorable events, good music, and the power of a well-timed sarcastic comment.

Jacqueline was born in Puerto Rico and raised in New Orleans. She is an artist currently exhibiting at various galleries in New Orleans and Metairie, LA. She is the President of the Hattiesburg Arts Council, co-founder of the MS Latinx Art Association, and co-owner of Nuestro Arte Gallery in Hattiesburg which received the Promoter of the Arts Award recently by the Downtown Hattiesburg Association.

Thursday Afternoon (8/14)

12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Empowered Lunch: The Story Behind the Food

Enjoy a delicious lunch by a women-owned business, and hear the story behind the food!
Nicole M. Jones, The Shoppe Ice Cream & More

Nicole Jones is a wife, mother, entrepreneur, and now the author of the Porch Promises Devotion series. She and her husband, Van, along with their two daughters, serve their community through After School Academic & Arts Program, The Shoppe Ice Cream & More, Blue Hollow Lake Retreat, and Maximize Your “8” Consulting. As the women’s ministry leader at her church, Nicole has a passion for encouraging women to grow in their faith and live with purpose. Her devotions blend real-life stories, biblical truth, and heartfelt encouragement to inspire readers in every season of life. With a warm spirit and contagious joy, Nicole is dedicated to speaking life, sharing love, and pointing people to Christ.

1:00-1:15PM

Make way to breakout sessions

AFTERNOON BREAKOUT SESSIONS (choose one of two sessions)

Auditorium

1:15 - 1:45 p.m.

Faith, Family, and the Freedom to Flourish: Building a Business Without Losing What Matters Most

Nicole M. Jones, Maximize Your Eight

In Faith, Family, and the Freedom to Flourish, Nicole Jones will share her personal journey of building successful businesses while staying rooted in faith and prioritizing family. Drawing from her experiences as a wife, mother, entrepreneur, and ministry leader, she will offer practical strategies for balancing the demands of entrepreneurship with the values that matter most. Nicole will discuss how to set boundaries, keep God at the center, and create rhythms that protect both your peace and your purpose. Attendees will leave encouraged, equipped, and inspired to grow their businesses without sacrificing their relationships or their faith.

Executive Conference Room

Media Tips for Business Owners

Lici Beveridge, USA TODAY Network

Hailey Lanham, WDAM 7 News

Learn how to work with local media to boost your business visibility. This session will cover what outlets look for in stories, how to write a press release that gets noticed, tips for public speaking and on-camera confidence, and how to share your brand’s message through video.

Lici Beveridge joined the Hattiesburg American in January 2004 as lifestyle editor before taking over the digital team in 2006. She led the digital team until 2017 then transitioned to a reporter position. She currently covers the Hattiesburg area for the Hattiesburg American and is the senior news reporter for the Clarion Ledger. The California native is a graduate of Arkansas State University and is working on a master’s degree in communication at Mississippi State University in Starkville.

Hailey Lanham graduated from Marietta College in Ohio in May of 2025 and has been in the journalism industry for 2 years. She started her career while still attending college at a local station in Parkersburg, West Virginia and recently moved to Mississippi to work as the morning anchor at WDAM. She has a BA in Broadcast Journalism with a minor in Health Communications. She is an award winning journalist for team coverage of the destructive flooding that happened in parts of the Mid-Ohio Valley.

1:45 - 2:00 p.m.
Break

AFTERNOON BREAKOUT SESSIONS (choose one of two sessions)

2:00 - 2:30 p.m.

Auditorium

Flow, Focus & Flourish: Finding Your Calm in Business and Beyond with Yoga and Meditation

Dr. Charkarra Anderson-Lewis, Just Fine --- Fitness, Health & Wellness

This session explores the integration of yoga and meditation practices as effective tools to enhance mental clarity, emotional balance, and overall well-being for women entrepreneurs and business owners. Participants will gain a foundational understanding of how mindful movement and meditation can reduce stress, improve focus, and support sustainable productivity in both business and personal life. Through evidence-based techniques and practical exercises, attendees will learn to cultivate a state of flow—where calm and concentration meet—to better navigate the challenges of life. This session provides actionable strategies to foster resilience and well-being, empowering participants to thrive and nurture both personal wellness and professional success.

Dr. Charkarra Anderson-Lewis is a tenured Public Health Professor at the University of Southern Mississippi, where she has also served as Department Chair for Public Health, Director of the School of Health Professions, and Associate Dean for the College of Nursing and Health Professions. Her academic career has included faculty and research roles at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the University of Florida, with a focus on improving community health outcomes and advancing public health through teaching, research, and community engagement. Her entrepreneurial spirit first emerged with the founding of My Mother’s Heart Foundation, a nonprofit created in memory of her mother, who passed away from heart disease at the age of 36. Today, she co-owns Paintbrush Therapy with her daughter, offering step-by-step, stress-relieving paint classes and private paint parties that bring creativity and joy to any occasion. In addition, she is a certified Health and Wellness Coach, Personal Trainer, and Yoga Instructor. Through her business, Just Fine—Fitness, Health, & Wellness, Dr. Anderson-Lewis combines her academic expertise, professional training, and creative talents to inspire and empower her community to live healthier, happier lives and to embrace active, balanced lifestyles that nourish both mind and body.

Executive Conference Room

From Vision to Reality: Building, Growing, and Protecting Your Business

Annie Williams, The Elegant Designs Experience

In this dynamic session, Annie Williams shares her journey of building multiple successful businesses, including Elegant Designs, LLC and Sycamore Oaks, from the ground up. Drawing from over 12 years in the wedding and events industry, Annie will guide attendees through the key steps of turning a creative vision into a thriving, sustainable business. She will explore practical strategies for branding, marketing, and client experience, while also addressing the less glamorous but critical aspects of entrepreneurship—contracts, boundaries, and protecting your livelihood. Attendees will gain actionable insights on balancing creativity with sound business practices, avoiding common pitfalls, and creating systems that allow for growth without burnout. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to scale, this session will equip you with the tools and confidence to build a business that lasts.

Annie Williams is the owner and lead designer of Elegant Designs, LLC, a premier event planning and décor company based in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. She is also the visionary behind Sycamore Oaks, a sought-after wedding and event venue known for its versatility, elegance, and exceptional service. With over 12 years of experience in the wedding and events industry, Annie has built a reputation for combining creative design with strategic business acumen, offering clients seamless, memorable experiences from concept to completion. Beyond her work with events, Annie is a dedicated business mentor, teaching entrepreneurs how to grow and protect their businesses through smart planning, branding, and operational systems. Her passion for excellence and her commitment to empowering others have made her a trusted voice in both the creative and business communities.

2:30 - 2:45 p.m.

Return to Auditorium

CLOSING DAY 1

2:45 - 3:15 p.m.

Building Beyond Business Basics

Mavis A. Creagh, Mavis A. Creagh Consulting

An interactive and informative session that provides tools, techniques, and tips to grow personally and professionally. Weaving together experiences from the nonprofit and for profit sector the presenter offers a light hearted approach to Building Business, Community, and Legacy.

Mavis A. Creagh is an executive director, best-selling author, advocate, speaker, coach, consultant, mental health proponent, women’s champion, entrepreneurial strategist, columnist, online show host, and boutique owner. Recently she founded “Mavis On Main” a lifestyle brand that incorporates fashion, faith, and fun. She has over 20 years of dedication to service throughout Mississippi and beyond. Her proudest accomplishment is being the mother to her amazing son Jordan (20).

3:15 - 3:30 p.m.

Day 1 Closing & Door Prizes

Make your way to the Grove Venue

Thursday Meet & Greet 4:30-6:30 (8/14)

4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Meet & Greet

The Grove Venue

Enjoy delicious appetizers and treats, beverages, chair massages, headshots, demos, logo/branding face/bodypainting and networking! All provided by women-owned businesses, even the venue! Meet & Greet tickets are included in both one and two-day Summit tickets and can also be purchased separately. (Summit attendees, speakers and sponsors only, no guests.) Thanks to The Grove, Mixing in the Sipp, Latresa's Treats, Modality, Tori Faith Creations and Ryan Edwards for being a part of the Meet & Greet! This event is come and go from 4:30-6:30 p.m., with remarks and demos starting at 5:30 p.m.

Friday Morning (8/15)

8:30 - 9:00 a.m.

Visit Sponsors, Networking & Breakfast Provided by From Scratch Bakehouse

Add your business cards, flyers, etc. to the attendee resource table!

9:00 - 9:20 a.m.

Building Business - Building Community - Building Legacy - at this Summit!

Jennifer Clark, Emerge Events

9:20 - 9:30 a.m.

The Power of Photography: Boost Your Brand, SEO & ROI

Amanda Kyrie, Amanda Kyrie Productions

9:30 - 10:00 a.m.

The Business of Building Community

Reona Burnett, Boots on the Ground by Project GAP/ MS HUB Complex

Didi Ellis, Kids Hub Child Advocacy Center

Jason Niblett, Domestic Abuse Family Shelter

Strong communities and strong businesses go hand in hand. In this session, learn how giving back is both beneficial for the community but also beneficial for business. Learn how business owners can support their community at no cost through tax credits. Discover practical, mutually beneficial ways to get involved, strengthen local causes, and build connections that elevate both your business and our community.

Reona Burnett is a passionate community leader, co-founder of Boots on the Ground by Project GAP and MS HUB Complex. In addition, to serving as Chair for Safe Haven Coalition. With a heart of service, she has dedicated her life to creating sustainable changes, providing immediate relief, and long-term solutions. Her work includes outreach, disaster relief, a housing initiative, a community resource center, and hosting community events that unite and uplift. Her leadership has helped transform vision into action, impacting countless lives across the region. She continues to inspire others through her commitment, resilience, and unwavering belief in the power of community.

DiDi Ellis is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Kids Hub Child Advocacy Center, where purpose meets compassion in serving children impacted by abuse. She holds a Master of Science in Counseling from William Carey University and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi. With a deep background in child welfare and nonprofit leadership, DiDi leads with both vision and empathy. Her work ensures every child who walks through the doors is met with hope, safety, and dignity. Driven by the belief that every child deserves to be heard, supported, protected, and comforted, she is steadfast in her mission to create a safer, more compassionate community.

Jason Niblett has lived in Laurel for 20 years and serves as an outreach and victim advocate with the Domestic Abuse Family Shelter, Inc. A former journalist turned non-profit professional, he traded headlines for hope, helping survivors of domestic abuse and human trafficking. After three career layoffs, Jason went back to school, finally earning his bachelor's from Ole Miss and continuing with an MBA from LSU. Now in his sixth year with DAFS, he is dedicated to empowering others on their path to safety and healing.

10:00 - 10:30 a.m.

Estate Planning for the Business Owner
Shakita Taylor, Shakita Taylor Consulting

Estate planning for business owners ensures the smooth transition and continued success of a business, as well as the protection and distribution of the owner's personal and business assets upon their retirement, disability, or death.

Shakita is a proud 2009 graduate of Mississippi College School of Law. For the past 13 years, she has operated her own law firm in Hattiesburg. She also serves as a public defender and is currently running for MS State Senate in District 44.

10:30 - 11:00 a.m.

Break, Networking & Exhibitors

11:00 - 11:30 a.m.

The Mississippi AI Collaborative presents AI 101: Useful Frameworks and Tools for Your Business

David Collins, Mississippi AI Collaborative

Get a clear framework for spotting high-impact AI opportunities in your business. Explore practical AI tools that automate routine tasks and sharpen decision-making. Review real-world case studies showing how small and mid-size teams boost efficiency and growth. Participate in a live walkthrough to integrate AI tools into your existing workflow. Walk away with a practical checklist and next steps to explore AI in your business.

David Collins is CEO of Red Beans, a management consulting firm, and the Chair of the Mississippi AI Collaborative (mississippiAI.org). He leads entrepreneurial development at Innovate Mississippi, helping startups scale from concept to Series A. Before founding Red Beans, he spent six years at Deloitte specializing in technology strategy. He combines research-driven insights with hands-on execution to solve complex business challenges. Based in Jackson, MS, he draws on Canadian roots and global perspective to deliver lasting impact.

11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Laughing All the Way to the Bank
Lisa Salcedo, Hancock Whitney

Turn banking jargon into plain English — and profits — in this laugh-out-loud session designed for women business owners. You’ll walk away with insider strategies, practical tools, and the confidence to walk into any bank knowing you’re the best investment in the room.

Lisa Salcedo is an experienced banker, and dedicated Mom of twins, who has spent 19 years turning financial jargon into plain English — and sometimes into actual profits. She is a self- proclaimed data nerd who mostly works behind the scenes but is equally skilled at surviving client emergencies armed only with caffeine and a spreadsheet. A passionate advocate for Women Business Owners, she has been a guest speaker at each summit and has a knack for making even debt ratios sound entertaining. She is a former business owner and her presentations are known for delivering equal parts actionable insight and unexpected laughs. When she’s not wearing her Mom hat or Banker hat, she’s can be found serving her community — or ordering coffee somewhere!

Friday Afternoon (8/15)

LUNCH

12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Empowered Lunch: The Story Behind the Food

Enjoy a delicious lunch by a women-owned business, and hear the story behind the food!

Jackie Munn, Catering by Jackie Munn

1:00 - 1:15 p.m.

Make way to breakout sessions

AFTERNOON BREAKOUT SESSIONS (choose one of two)

1:15 - 1:45 p.m.

Auditorium

Building Community while Building Businesses

Christy Amay, Amay Jewelry Designs, Pink Ribbon Fund
Melissa Saucier, Mississippi Made & More, Shop Local Mississippi, Southern Cork & Barrel

In this session local women business owners share how they weave community engagement into the fabric of their work—coordinating local events, partnering with nonprofits, and championing the power of “local.” Discover how giving back can fuel both community growth and business success, and leave with actionable ideas to make a bigger impact right where you are.

Christy Amay was raised in Picayune, MS. She started her jewelry career as a full time jewelry sales associate at the fine jewelry department in Dillards. She moved up quickly in the company. By the age of 25 she was promoted to regional manager and moved to Tampa, FL, where she met her husband Roberto. She later joined the traveling jewelry restyle company with Roberto and they traveled together around the country doing restyle jewelry shows. After a couple of years, she was recruited by Zales. In 2008, they moved to Hattiesburg, where she became the manager for Zales in Turtle Creek mall for 3 years. Christy and Roberto were married in 2009 and now have two children, Carlos and Amelia. Christy was a stay at home mom for 8 years, until she and Roberto opened up Amay Jewelry Designs. She has 15 years of retail management and Roberto is a master jeweler. They make the perfect team. Christy has also been a volunteer with the Pink Ribbon Fund since 2012 and now serves as the executive director.

Melissa Saucier is a native of Ellisville. Her parents were both small business owners. She was raised with a strong work ethic. Melissa attended Jones County Junior College and The University of Southern Mississippi. She currently owns 3 businesses and consults with many others. Being a wife and mom are her favorite titles. Helping others achieve their goals, thrive & succeed is her passion.

Executive Conference Room

The Mississippi AI Collaborative presents AI 101: Useful Frameworks and Tools for Your Business - PART 2

David Collins, Mississippi AI Collaborative

This session is a continuation from the morning session, with a deeper dive into tools and apps and how you can use them in your business.

1:45-2:00PM

Break, Networking & Exhibitors

AFTERNOON BREAKOUT SESSIONS (choose one of two)

2:00-2:30PM

Auditorium

Community and Your Legacy

Jessica Delrie, Hands UP! Coaching Services

This session is about community and legacy—because even legends need a support group. We’ll explore how the people around you can help shape not only your journey but also the impact you leave behind. After all, building something meaningful rarely happens in total isolation (unless you’re a hermit genius, in which case, carry on). From collaborations to cheerleaders, community gives your legacy both depth and momentum. So come ready to laugh, learn, and maybe even find your own legendary crew.

Jess Delrie is a dynamic speaker known for her educational joy and life coaching practice. With a background in education and coaching, they bring deep insight and practical strategies that resonate with audiences from all walks of life. My work has inspired change, sparked innovation, and challenged conventional thinking. Today, I'm here to share valuable ideas that will both inform and empower.

Executive Conference Room

Sales Tax and Your Small Business

Kesha Smith, MS Department of Revenue

Understand the basics of MS sales tax law and if your business should be registered to collect sales tax.

Kesha Smith is the Southern Region Audit Manager for the MS Department of Revenue. She has been with DOR for over 22 years. She has filled various roles throughout her career at DOR but in her current position, she manages the audit and customer service staff in Brookhaven, Hattiesburg, and the Gulf Coast offices. She is married and has an 18-year old daughter. Kesha loves reading, traveling, antique shopping and coffee.

2:30-2:45PM

Return to auditorium for closing

CLOSING

2:45-3:15PM

Beyond the Brokenness: Dressing the Mind and Body for Resilience

Danyella Terrell, LCSW, Berry Boujee Boutique, Inc.

We will explore the powerful intersection of mental health and personal style, this session highlights how fashion can be used as a form of self-expression, emotional regulation, and empowerment. Attendees will learn how clothing choices influence confidence, mood, and motivation, especially during seasons of grief, trauma, and life transition. Combining therapeutic insight with practical fashion tips, this session invites participants to reflect on how “dressing the part” can support healing and resilience from the inside out. Whether you’re walking through brokenness or walking into new beginnings, what you wear can help you stand tall.

Danyella Terrell is the owner of Berry Boujee Boutique, INC and Beyond the Brokenness Mental Wellness Solutions, LLC, based in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. With over 18 years of experience as a licensed clinical social worker and counselor, she supports individuals navigating stress, trauma, anxiety, and life transitions. Licensed in Mississippi, Louisiana, Massachusetts, and Alabama, Danyella combines mental wellness with fashion as a tool for self-expression and confidence. She believes what we wear can influence how we feel and how we heal. Through both of her businesses, she is committed to creating access to healing spaces—inside and out.

3:00-3:30PM

Summit Closing & Door Prizes