Panel Bios - Senate Room
Emotional Intelligence for Leaders
Corey Saffold (Moderator) - SCR 50 Certified Law Student, University of Wisconsin–Madison Law School
Corey Saffold is an SCR 50 certified law student at UW–Madison. His work focuses on community-centered approaches to safety, trust, and leadership. He has experience in public service and education, and he supports leaders in building relationships rooted in accountability and understanding.
Montie Bowie (Panelist) - Vice President of Sales and Business Development, Cambrex
Montie Bowie leads business development and strategic partnerships at Cambrex. His work centers on relationship-building, communication, and collaboration across teams. Bowie supports leadership approaches that foster trust, clarity, and shared success.
Araceli Esparza (Panelist) - Author, Speaker, and Founder, Midwest Mujeres Inc.
Araceli Esparza is an author, speaker, and community organizer. She founded Midwest Mujeres to support economic empowerment and storytelling among women of color. Her work highlights cultural identity, mentorship, and collective support across generations.
Renee Moe (Panelist) - President and CEO, United Way of Dane County
Renee Moe leads United Way of Dane County in partnerships that strengthen families, advance education, and support community well-being. Her leadership emphasizes collaboration, shared responsibility, and sustained community investment.
Dr. Nestor Rodriguez (Panelist) - Medical Director, Carbon World Health | Board-Certified Emergency Medicine Physician
Dr. Nestor Rodriguez is a board-certified emergency medicine physician and Medical Director at Carbon World Health. He works at the intersection of health, wellness, and community education. Rodriguez supports approaches that honor people’s full experiences in their health journeys.
Cultivating Healthy Workplaces: Strategies for Fair and Effective Systems
Dr. Ruben Anthony (Moderator) - President and CEO, Urban League of Greater Madison
Dr. Ruben Anthony leads the Urban League of Greater Madison in efforts to expand employment access, youth development, and community well-being. His leadership focuses on partnerships that strengthen families and build pathways to opportunity.
Damira Grady-Saffold, Ph.D., LPC (Panelist) - Vice President of College Culture, Climate and Community Impact, Madison College
Dr. Damira Grady-Saffold supports campus climate and student experience at Madison College. She focuses on community care, restorative practices, and leadership grounded in reflection and accountability. Her work emphasizes systems that help people feel valued and supported.
Richard Jones, Jr. (Panelist) - Executive Director, Vera Court Neighborhood Center, Inc. | Founder, Oddly Arranged Media
Richard Jones leads programs that support families, youth, and neighborhood networks. He centers creativity, relationships, and community voice in his work. Jones has also created media platforms that highlight local stories and cultural expression.
Erica Lopez (Panelist) - Assistant Corporation Counsel, Dane County
Erica Lopez provides legal guidance to Dane County departments and supports public systems that serve residents. Her work focuses on fairness, accessibility, and clear communication. Lopez supports collaboration among staff, community partners, and local institutions.
Alex Ysquierdo (Panelist) - Director, Wisconsin Supplier Diversity Program, Wisconsin Department of Administration
Alex Ysquierdo leads the state’s supplier diversity efforts, supporting business development and equitable access to public contracts. His work emphasizes partnership-building, local economic growth, and strong relationships across communities and industries.
The Public Relations Rules: Six Principles to Get Your Story in the News
Robert Chappell (Speaker) - Executive Editor, Madison 365
Robert Chappell is cofounder and executive editor of Madison365. Before starting the nonprofit news outlet in 2016, he spent 10 years in strategic communications and media relations, first for Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton and then Overture Center for the Arts. He got his start in media at the age of 15, covering local government for the Mount Horeb Mail.
Leadership Legacy and Succession
Laura Lahti (Moderator) - Co-Founder and President, AMASIAN | Realtor, Team Lahti Real Estate (Badger Realty Team)
Laura Lahti co-founded and leads AMASIAN, supporting cultural connection, leadership, and community gathering. She also works as a Realtor with Team Lahti Real Estate and serves on the Dane County Equal Opportunities Commission. Her leadership is rooted in family, cultural pride, and shared learning.
Juan Corpus (Panelist) - Executive Director, Wisconsin Latino Chamber of Commerce
Juan Corpus leads business development and economic support for Latino entrepreneurs across Wisconsin. He builds partnerships that increase access to resources, mentorship, and opportunities for growth.
Tehassi tasi Hill (Panelist) - Chairman, Oneida Nation
Tehassi tasi Hill serves as Chairman of the Oneida Nation. His leadership focuses on governance, cultural stewardship, and strengthening community through shared decision-making. Hill works to advance education, health, and economic development while sustaining the Nation’s sovereignty and cultural traditions. He emphasizes leadership grounded in responsibility to future generations.
Katie Kennedy (Panelist) - President and CEO, KennedyC
Katie Kennedy leads KennedyC in strategic communication and organizational leadership strategy. She supports leaders in aligning purpose, messaging, and decision-making. Kennedy emphasizes clarity, trust, and shared accountability.
Beyond the Game: Leadership Lessons from the Field
Omar Waheed (Moderator) - Report, Madison 365
Omar Waheed is a reporter for Madison 365. Originally from Milwaukee and raised in Des Moines, he has reported for the Des Moines Register and as a contract reporter for The New York Times. A UW–Madison journalism graduate, Omar combines data insight and storytelling to cover business developments shaping communities across Wisconsin.
Nimrod Hilliard IV (Panelist) - Professional Basketball Player | Founder, Hilliard Pro Development
Nimrod Hilliard is a professional basketball player and the founder of Hilliard Pro Development. He supports young athletes in building confidence, discipline, and leadership skills on and off the court.is a professional basketball player and the founder of Hilliard Pro Development. He supports young athletes in building confidence, discipline, and leadership skills on and off the court.
Marquis Sanders (Panelist) - Program Coordinator, Warner Park Community Recreation Center | Co-Founder and Director, Wisconsin Saving Our Youth Lives
Marquis Sanders works with youth and families through recreation and community engagement. He co-founded Saving Our Youth Lives to support leadership development, mentorship, and positive identity formation.
Kirby Toon (Panelist) - Director of Capital Strategy, Forward Community Investments
Kirby Toon leads capital development and community engagement at Forward Community Investments and guides the organization’s marketing and communications efforts. She has more than a decade of experience in strategic communications and analytics and previously played volleyball for the University of Wisconsin–Madison. A Madison native, she is committed to supporting strong community partnerships.