4th annual Women with Voices Summit Fearless Feature.

Women with Voices – Empower Through Connections

Connect with powerhouse women & build new relationships

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Meet the keynote speakers

Sandy Spady

Founder of Women with Voices & Power Up by Sandy Spady

About the speaker

Sandy Spady is a dynamic speaker, entrepreneur, and visionary leader dedicated to empowering individuals and inspiring positive change. As the Founder and CEO of Power Up Leadership Coaching & Consulting and the creator of Women with Voices, she helps others unlock their potential through powerful storytelling, confidence building, and connection.
With over 35 years of experience in sales, media, PR, and nonprofit leadership, Sandy is a trusted voice in Omaha’s business community. Her impactful work has earned her recognition with awards like The Bloc Inc. 50/50 Award and the Phenomenal Woman Inspiration Award. She also hosts Power Up Talk Show on KPAO, a talk show spotlighting changemakers and community leaders.

Mary Ann O’Brien

OBI Creative Founder/ CEO/ Forbes Author /Public Speaker

About the speaker

OBI Creative Founder/ CEO/ Forbes Author /Public Speaker

Mary Ann O’Brien is a nationally recognized branding and marketing thought leader and the founder and CEO of OBI Creative. Known for her strategic vision and results-driven approach, she’s guided iconic brands like Intel, Microsoft, Sony, Delta Dental, and Creighton University. A pioneer in modern marketing, she created the O’Brien Voice of the Customer™ and Voice of the Employee™ studies, helping companies grow by truly listening to their audiences.

Neris France

Student Care Case Manager/ Counseling Services Coordinator at Creighton University

About the speaker

Student Care Case Manager/ Counseling Services Coordinator at Creighton University

With over two decades of commitment to education and mental health care, Neris is a cherished community leader. As a Student Care Case Manager at Creighton University, she provides compassionate support and crisis intervention to students, guiding them towards holistic well-being. With a wealth of experience in mentoring and higher education, Neris empowers individuals to thrive academically and emotionally.

Meet the MC Speaker

Shannon Bingham

Co-owner Seven Salon + Boutique, 2025 Ultimate International Elite Mrs

About the speaker

Co-owner Seven Salon + Boutique, 2025 Ultimate International Elite Mrs

She is a celebrated philanthropist, an International award winning social media influencer, Chair of a DHHS state board of cosmetology (etc), published master cosmetologist and photographer, International traveling educator, keynote speaker and sought after emcee, mother and wife. As the 2025 Nebraska Merit Mother of the Year and 2025 Ultimate International Elite Mrs, a global title, she is and has been a strong voice for organizations across the Midwest that have positively impacted her family.

Meet the leadership panel speakers

Keri Menage

Facilitator | Assistant Vice President, Community Relations Manager, Bank of America

About the speaker

Facilitator | Assistant Vice President, Community Relations Manager, Bank of America

Keri Menage is Assistant Vice President and Community Relations Manager at Bank of America, where she leads philanthropic, community, and employee engagement initiatives in Omaha. With over a decade of experience across nonprofit and corporate sectors, Keri is passionate about driving social impact through strategic partnerships and aligning business goals with community needs.

Lacey lstudnicka

Habitat Humanity Chief Program Officer

About the speaker

Habitat Humanity Chief Program Officer

Lacey Studnicka is a fearless advocate for belonging, community, and home. For more than 20 years, she has championed refugee resettlement and inclusion, developing nationally recognized programs that empower refugees to rebuild their lives and share their stories. Her leadership and advocacy have been featured in A Home Called Nebraska, profiled by international media, and spotlighted on the TEDx Omaha stage.
As Chief Program Officer at Habitat for Humanity of Omaha, Lacey continues her mission to help individuals and families find — and thrive in — their forever homes. Named one of 2019’s Ten Outstanding Young Omahans and recipient of the Indomitable Spirit Award at the Mountainfilm Festival, Lacey embodies compassion, courage, and conviction.

Sasha Berscheid

Founder & Executive Director, Project Intentional | Founder, LIT

About the speaker

Founder & Executive Director, Project Intentional | Founder, LIT

Sasha Berscheid is the founder of Project Intentional, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting caregivers in the Omaha community. What began as a personal mission to adopt a single mom during the 2019 holiday season has since evolved into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has impacted over 1,500 families, distributing more than $200,000 worth of essential items. Project Intentional, Inc.

AnnMarie Marlier

Business Ethics Alliance Executive Director

About the speaker

Business Ethics Alliance Executive Director

In 2022 as the VP of Leadership Development and now serves as the Executive Director. She has over 20 years of experience as an accomplished leader, administrator, talent developer, program/curriculum developer, and teacher/facilitator in face-to-face, hybrid, blended, and e-learning modalities for post-secondary, not-for-profit, and corporate organizations.

Sarah Waldman

Chief Executive Officer of Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska

About the speaker

Chief Executive Officer of Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska

Sarah Waldman is the CEO of Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska, the state’s largest girl-serving organization, reaching nearly 16,000 members across 92 Nebraska counties and Carter Lake, Iowa. With over two decades of senior leadership experience—including roles at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska and as Executive Director of TeamMates Mentoring—Sarah is recognized for driving organizational growth, expanding access in underserved communities, and launching Nebraska’s first Girl Scout DreamLab.

Maggie Thorne

Chief Strategy Officer, CareerPathway.com | 9x American Ninja Warrior | Motivational Speaker

About the speaker

Chief Strategy Officer, CareerPathway.com | 9x American Ninja Warrior | Motivational Speaker

Maggi Thorne is the Chief Strategy Officer at CareerPathway.com, where she leads strategic growth, revenue, grants, community engagement, and government partnerships. A 9-time competitor on NBC’s American Ninja Warrior, she made history as the second mom to scale the warped wall and the first to conquer the salmon ladder. Maggi is also a two-time champion on the Spartan Ultimate Team Challenge and a former Mrs. International 2014.

Meet the entrepreneurship panel speakers

Michelle Schrage

Facilitator | Founder & CEO, MCee Omaha

About the speaker

Facilitator | Founder & CEO, MCee Omaha

Michelle Schrage is the founder and CEO of MCee Omaha, a platform dedicated to celebrating and elevating Omaha’s vibrant community through storytelling, media, and events. With a passion for connecting people and showcasing local talent, Micelle has built a brand that highlights the unique voices, businesses, and initiatives shaping the city. Known for her creativity, energy, and commitment to community, she inspires others to engage, collaborate, and make a meaningful impact.

Josefina Loza

Founder & CEO, Lozafina

About the speaker

Founder & CEO, Lozafina

Josefina Loza is the founder and CEO of Lozafina, a Latina-owned branding, marketing, and PR firm in Omaha, Nebraska. With over 25 years of experience as a journalist and strategist, she has built an award-winning agency helping brands tell their unique stories through media relations, social media, and multimedia storytelling.

Holly Jones

Owner, The Winery & Deli | Director of Retail Services, Cushman & Wakefield/The Lund Company

About the speaker

Owner, The Winery & Deli | Director of Retail Services, Cushman & Wakefield/The Lund Company

Holly Jones is the owner of The Winery & Deli, where her passion for great food, fun venues, and bringing people together has transformed the space into a must-visit Omaha destination. Alongside the winery, Holly serves as Director of Retail Services for Cushman & Wakefield/The Lund Company, specializing in tenant and landlord representation, retail consulting, sales, and leasing. She has overseen transactions valued over $228 million and manages the company’s retail team while mentoring incoming agents.

Alexi Wellman

CEO / Angel Investor/ Public Speaker

About the speaker

CEO / Angel Investor/ Public Speaker

Alexi currently serves as CEO of Altaba Inc. (formerly Yahoo) and is a venture partner and member of the Investment Committee at Springtide Capital, as well as a member of the Investment Committee at MOVE Venture Capital. Passionate about angel investing and supporting local startups, she recently appeared on Shark Tank, further showcasing her commitment to helping early-stage companies grow and succeed through strategic guidance and investment.

Meet the breakout session speakers

Maggie Thorne

Chief Strategy Officer, CareerPathway.com | 9x American Ninja Warrior | Motivational Speaker

About the speaker

Chief Strategy Officer, CareerPathway.com | 9x American Ninja Warrior | Motivational Speaker

Maggi Thorne is the Chief Strategy Officer at CareerPathway.com, where she leads strategic growth, revenue, grants, community engagement, and government partnerships. A 9-time competitor on NBC’s American Ninja Warrior, she made history as the second mom to scale the warped wall and the first to conquer the salmon ladder. Maggi is also a two-time champion on the Spartan Ultimate Team Challenge and a former Mrs. International 2014.

Teresa Stastny

Founder of Sleekd Marketing

About the speaker

Founder of Sleekd Marketing

Teresa Stastny is an experienced entrepreneur with a strong background in start-ups, innovation, and problem-solving with limited resources. Skilled in design thinking, communication, public speaking, and building meaningful connections, she brings both creativity and strategy to every project.

Felicia Janovich

Co-Founder & Former CEO, Live Hydration Spa

About the speaker

Live Hydration

Felicia Janovich is the founder and CEO of Live Hydration Spa, a wellness destination dedicated to helping clients achieve optimal health and hydration through innovative treatments and personalized care. With a passion for promoting wellness, self-care, and vitality, Felicia combines expertise, education, and a hands-on approach to create transformative experiences for her clients. Her commitment to empowering individuals to feel their best has made Live Hydration Spa a trusted name in the community.

Alexi Wellman

CEO / Angel Investor/ Public Speaker

About the speaker

CEO / Angel Investor/ Public Speaker

Alexi currently serves as CEO of Altaba Inc. (formerly Yahoo) and is a venture partner and member of the Investment Committee at Springtide Capital, as well as a member of the Investment Committee at MOVE Venture Capital. Passionate about angel investing and supporting local startups, she recently appeared on Shark Tank, further showcasing her commitment to helping early-stage companies grow and succeed through strategic guidance and investment.

Meet the Business Spotlight Speaker

Kerry Chester

Co-Owner, Blue Moon Estate Sales of Omaha | Veteran | Serial Entrepreneur |Founder

About the speaker

Co-Owner, Blue Moon Estate Sales of Omaha | Veteran | Serial Entrepreneur |Founder

Kerry Chester is the co-owner of Blue Moon Estate Sales of Omaha, a nationally recognized franchise she runs alongside her husband, Dustin Chester, a retired Army Veteran who served 23 years. Together, they lead with integrity, compassion, and a shared commitment to helping families navigate life transitions with care and professionalism.

A proud Veteran herself, Kerry brings the discipline and resilience honed through her military service to everything she does. She is an endurance athlete and just recently completed a 50 mile march for the second time last summer.

Kerry is passionate about supporting women and inspiring girls, building community, and creating opportunities for others to rise. She’s currently preparing to launch her own non-profit organization, a new chapter in her lifelong mission to serve, inspire, and make a lasting impact, uniting women and girls across Nebraska.

Reem Rawashdeh

Wealth Advisor | VIP Happy Hour Spotlight Speaker

About the speaker

Financial Advisor

Reem is a financial advisor known for her natural curiosity and ability to simplify complex financial topics. She helps clients gain clarity and confidence in their finances so they can reduce stress and make informed life decisions. Partnered with Raymond James, she offers clients access to comprehensive financial services, planning tools, and investment resources.

A graduate of the International Institute in Geneva with both a BBA and MBA, Reem also holds the Chartered Financial Analyst® and Chartered Market Technician® designations. She works primarily with entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and women investors—creating financial plans, managing portfolios, and offering insight on market trends.

Outside of work, Reem is active in her community, serving on committees for Girls Inc. and the Salvation Army and acting as president of the CFA Nebraska Society. She enjoys horseback riding, painting, traveling, the beach, and supporting her children’s activities.

Shelley Forsman

Co-Founder of Forsman’s Finest Decks

About the speaker

Co-Founder of Forsman’s Finest Decks

Shelley Forsman is the co-founder of Forsman’s Finest Decks and a proud wife, mom, and dog-mom who has called Omaha home since 2008. With a passion for entrepreneurship, community service, and elevating the client experience, she thrives on building meaningful connections and supporting local businesses. Shelley brings humor, heart, and a love for learning into everything she does—always finding joy in the people she meets and the laughter they share.

Be a Part of the Energy!

Join us as a vendor at the Women with Voices Summit—an unforgettable day filled with connection, empowerment, and unstoppable women. Showcase your brand, share your passion, and be right in the middle of the magic!

Become a Sponsor 🌟

For organizations that value community and purpose-driven visibility, this summit creates a direct pathway to meaningful relationships with the women who influence purchasing power, partnerships, and culture across Omaha. We’re inviting a select group of sponsors who want to lead from the front — ready to strengthen their presence, credibility, and connection with Omaha’s most enegaged women leaders.

Get Tickets

Don’t miss the Women with Voices Summit—a day dedicated to celebrating, empowering, and inspiring women from all walks of life. Grab your ticket to connect with incredible speakers, engage in breakout sessions, and be part of a supportive community that lifts each other up. Join us for an unforgettable experience!

Nominate a Woman Who Inspires! ✨

Has a woman in your life mentored you, inspired you, or helped shape who you are today? Now it’s her time to shine! Nominations are officially open for the 2026 Women of the Year, Women with Voices. Celebrate her impact, honor her journey, and help us spotlight the incredible women making a difference in our community.

VIP Experience: Connect, Sip, and Celebrate! 🍸

Step into an exclusive two-hour happy hour designed for women ready to make real connections with our incredible 2026 Summit speakers. Enjoy a custom perfume created just for you to take home, and savor a signature cocktail crafted by Deion Bass of SongBirds Cocktails—made exclusively for Women with Voices. This is an intimate, unforgettable experience you won’t want to miss. Trust us—this is the room you want to be in!

Sponsor: Amigos Catering
Sponsor: Kaleb Duncan Photo
Sponsor: Digital Express
Sponsor: Live Hydration Spa Legacy
Sponsor: Stories Coffee
Sponsor: State Farm Shelly Hood
Sponsor: Mylo Brand Studio
Sponsor: Wesh Gate Bank
Sponsor - Metromagazine
Sponsor-Stay Wild Creative
Sponsor-My Digital Guest Book
Sponsor-Lozafina
Sponsor-Bluemoon
Sponsor-Peterson Media
Sponsor-FotoFun Spot
Sponsor-DJ MC Photo Booth
Sponsor-Red Powerup
Sponsor-Raymond James
Sponsor-Medspa
Sponsor-Forsman's Finest
Sponsor-Body20
Sponsor-monica sempek
Sponsor-balancedbody
Sponsor-OMag
Sponsor-H1
Sponsor-Brianna Marie Photography

Get ready to transform your life and unlock your true potential!