Career Summit Speakers

Wes is a certified coach graduating from Northwestern University in 2021 with a long history of leading sales and customer success teams. Wes has helped hundreds of people struggling to quantify, qualify, and identify their most authentic and best professional selves and empowered them to communicate it clearly and directly, both verbally and in writing. Many of his clients have had game-changing experiences with his coaching approach after just one session. He is the owner and founder of Vertical Path Coaching..

Andy is an author, consultant, coach, podcaster, speaker, and facilitator, specializing in helping clients turn strategy into action and people doing the best work of their lives. He is the founder of the long-running and highly-rated Talent Development Hot Seat podcast and creater of the Talent Development Think Tank and corresponding annual conference. Andy regulary speaks at ATD and other learning and development events. Find his book, "Own Your Career: Own Your Life," on Amazon with nearly a perfect 5-star rating.

Malva is the founder and president of Options Unlimited and a Professional Certified Coach, certified from the International Coaching Federation. She has more than 25 years experience in corporate and academic settings. Her passion is helping people uncover their true professional selves – and guiding them to make choices that lead to rewarding and satisfying careers.

Kristen is an Executive and Job Search Coach, as well as the best-selling author of "Job Joy: Your Guide to Success, Meaning, and Happiness in Your Career."  She is on a mission to help high achievers build and thrive in careers they absolutely love. Before launching her coaching practice, she spent nearly two decades in traditional corporate jobs, including top Fortune 500 companies. She is also a Certified, Trauma-Informed Life Coach and Breathwork Facilitator. Her work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Fortune Magazine, Business Insider, Real Simple, and more.

Max was a senior talent sourcer at the popular gaming organization Activation Blizzard up until very recently. He was also a recruiter in the U.S. Army and is himself a military veteran, having served and retired after 20 years in the Army within their Human Resources and recruitment offices. 

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Meredith is a recruiter at a large national financial institution, military spouse, and an advisor to business leaders on how to hire military talent. She scaled and managed the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes groundbreaking Military Spouse Fellowship Program for the National Capital and Hampton Roads Regions and has been working in talent acquisition and development for 10 years.

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Helen, founder of Thunder Resume, has 23 years of experience writing Professional, Executive, College, Federal, CV, and Board resumes. She has a track record of helping people land the right interviews and close the right job offers. By applying an innovative resuming writing strategy with 15 years of experience in Artificial Intelligence (AI) optimization and Applicant Tracking System (ATS) compliance, her resumes consistently glide through to hiring managers. Companies are ‘hungry’ to talk with them, leading to dream job offers. “Let’s make some productive noise.”

Tyana is a Certified Career Coach specializing in career growth and development. With a strong background in higher education career services, she has successfully guided hundreds of professionals in securing jobs both domestically and internationally.

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​Shoni Bell is a Certified Professional Résumé Writer and the owner of Summit Résumé Service. Shoni has established her business as a "judgment-free zone," where clients are empowered to build confidence and gain career clarity. Known for her honesty, humor, and genuine care, she is a true champion for her clients’ success, making the often-intimidating process of job searching approachable and even enjoyable. She specializes in helping clients improve their résumés through personalized sessions that highlight their unique strengths and accomplishments.

Emma is a resume coach, editor, and experienced educator with a passion for clear, concise, and effective communication in writing. She helps professionals across industries to frame their professional skills. She particularly enjoys working with clients who are transitioning from one industry to another because she gets to help them discover their transferable skills for their new career path.

​Chris is a speaker, coach, and founder of Connection Catalyst. A former Talent Development Leader turned Forest Bathing Guide, Chris now helps individuals slow down, reconnect with themselves, and embrace stillness and rest. Through coaching and immersive retreats, she guides people through life’s transitions with clarity and confidence, unlocking creativity and reconnecting with their authentic selves. Chris believes that prioritizing self-connection fosters a life of clarity, creativity, and deep, meaningful connection with both oneself and the world around them.

Amanda is an experienced human resources and hospitality professional who has worked in recruitment and talent acquisition management along with workforce planning and employee development for decades.