Women in Leadership Symposium

• Morning and afternoon sessions with inspiring women leaders – attend what fits your schedule!
• Catered Buffet Luncheon
• Opportunities to Interact with Keynote Speakers and Table Facilitators

The 2026 WLS event will be held in the Heritage Conference Room at Webster Commons on the SNU Bethany Campus.  The SNU campus is located at: 6729 NW 39th Expressway, Bethany, Oklahoma 73008

If any questions, please email WLS@mail.snu.edu or call 405-717-6299

SNU 2026 Women in Leadership Symposium Agenda

Celebrating Women

MORNING SESSION

Welcome

9-10am Meet and Greet Reception for Keynote Speakers
President’s Dining Room, Webster Commons

Check-in, Refreshments, Networking for Guests and Sponsors
Heritage Conference Room, Webster Commons

SESSION 1: HERITAGE CONFERENCE ROOM, WEBSTER COMMONS

10am Announcements and Introductions: WLS 2026 Host

Symposium Welcome: WLS 2026 Planning Committee

10:10am  Keynote Speaker #1  

Keynote Speakers for 2026 are still being identified and invited. 

10:40am Table Discussions
Table discussions on presentation led by assigned Table Facilitators

10:45am Break and Networking

10:50am Keynote Speaker #2 

Keynote Speakers for 2026 are still being identified and invited. 

11:20am Table Discussions   
Table discussions on presentation led by assigned Table Facilitators

11:25am Panel Discussion: Host and Session 1 Keynote Speakers
Host and Morning Keynote Speakers

12pm Networking Luncheon: Heritage Conference Room and Webster Foyer
Lunch Buffet for Speakers, Guests, and Sponsors

AFTERNOON SESSION

SESSION 2: HERITAGE CONFERENCE ROOM, WEBSTER COMMONS

1pm Announcements and Introductions: WLS 2026 Hosts

1:10pm Keynote Speaker #3 Address 

Keynote Speakers for 2026 are still being identified and invited. 

1:40pm Table Discussions    
Table discussions on presentation led by assigned Table Facilitators

1:45pm Break and Networking      

1:50pm Keynote Speaker #4 Address 

Keynote Speakers for 2026 are still being identified and invited. 

2:20pm Table Discussions 
Table discussions on presentation led by assigned Table Facilitators

2:25pm Panel Discussion: Host and Session 2 Keynote Speakers 
Host and Afternoon Keynote Speakers

CLOSING

3pm Closing Remarks and Exit Survey
WLS Planning Committee and WLS Host

Click Image to Download Map

2025 Keynote Speakers:

Ayana Lawson- Ayana is in her fourth season as Vice President of Lifestyle Services & Social Impact, bringing nearly two decades of experience with the organization since joining in 2008. In her role, she supports players and their families while advancing the organization’s social justice initiatives. A 2003 graduate of Christian Brothers University with a degree in marketing and business management, Lawson also holds certifications in Athlete Development from The Wharton School and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion from the University of South Florida. An Alabama native, she serves on the NBA Player Development Steering Committee and lives in Oklahoma City with her husband, Ed, and their three children.

Jessica L. Thompson, MHRM- Jessica is a seasoned leader and speaker with more than 20 years of experience across corporate retail, national training, and higher education. She currently serves as Director of Recruitment and Admissions at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, where she helps guide strategic enrollment decisions shaping the next generation of physicians. Jessica holds degrees from the University of Arkansas and Keller Graduate School, a Women’s Leadership certificate from Yale, and is pursuing a Doctor of Education focused on advancing executive access for underrepresented women. She is the founder of She Leads Today™, a leadership platform equipping women to rise with strategy and sustainability. Jessica lives in Moore, Oklahoma, with her husband, Charles, and their two daughters.

Srijita Ghosh- Srijita is a Venture Advisor and Director of Business Development at i2E in Oklahoma, where she supports entrepreneurs, researchers, and early-stage companies in building strong financial foundations, refining strategy, and securing early investment capital. With deep experience in entrepreneurship-led economic development, she has mentored hundreds of founders and helped secure more than $3 million in investments, with a particular impact in rural communities. Previously, she advanced innovation initiatives in Ada, Oklahoma, and remains active on several statewide boards supporting entrepreneurship and inclusion. Srijita is passionate about economic growth, mental health advocacy for founders, and empowering individuals to lead with authenticity.

Ms. Valorie J. Filippo- Valorie is a longtime civic leader and real estate professional known for building organizations that strengthen community connections. From her early involvement in student leadership and political campaigns to founding and leading multiple chambers, service clubs, and regional initiatives across eastern Oklahoma County, Valorie has consistently championed business development and civic engagement. She currently serves as an Advisory Board Member for the Asian District Cultural Association, founding Director and Ambassador Chair of the Greater OKC Asian Chamber of Commerce, and is launching Oklahoma’s chapter of the Asian Real Estate Association of America. With more than two decades in real estate, she is proudly affiliated with Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Paramount in Edmond, Oklahoma.

2024 Keynote Speakers:

Necie Black- Necie is a leadership coach specializing in strengths-based coaching for high-performing individuals and teams. After 27 years with AT&T, she founded Lyfe Smarts Coaching and Consulting, where she helps clients cultivate stronger relationships and maximize their strengths. Necie holds a master’s degree in business, is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) through the International Coaching Federation, a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach, and is completing her Doctorate in Leadership (August 2025). She lives in Oklahoma with her husband, Michael, and enjoys time with family and friends.

Delilah Joiner- Dr. Delilah Joiner is a Professor and Program Director of Family Studies and Gerontology at Southern Nazarene University, where she also serves as Prior Learning Assessment Director. A first-generation college graduate, she earned degrees from SNU, UCO, and OSU. Deeply rooted in faith and family, she invests in students, volunteers in her community, and serves on the CAHEA leadership council. Following the tragic loss of her daughter in 2014, she has become a compassionate advocate for resilience and hope. In 2024, she was honored as Oklahoma Mother of the Year.

Tina Floyd- Dr. Tina Floyd, a lifelong Oklahoman, is an educator and community leader with experience as a teacher and public-school administrator, including serving as principal in Mustang and Bridge Creek Public Schools. She holds degrees from SWOSU, the University of Oklahoma, and a Doctor of Education from Southern Nazarene University. Active in business and philanthropy alongside her husband, Robert, she supports numerous entrepreneurial ventures, including the OKC Spark, and serves on the Norman School Board with a focus on education, opportunity, and community engagement.

Wyjuana Montgomery- Wyjuana is an international speaker, award-winning author, and founder of WYJUANA SPEAKS Consulting LLC, where she equips clients to become confident public speakers, authors, and nonprofit leaders. A former NBA community programs leader, she relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008 and now also leads Reach Forward Foundation, a youth development nonprofit. Wyjuana holds degrees from Duke University and the University of Arizona Global Campus and has received multiple national awards for her writing and community impact. She lives in Oklahoma City with her husband and is the proud mother of three young adult children.

2023 Keynote Speakers:

Sarah Shellenberger – Sarah Shellenberger is an Early Childhood teacher and an
Equine Sports Massage Therapist. She has written articles and devotionals about grief, her journey to motherhood, and life after loss.

Gayle Maxwell – Gayle Maxwell is the Director of Corporate Communications for the Oklahoma City Thunder where she is responsible for promoting the Thunder brand, executing media and public relations for off-court business and community engagement, driving consistent corporate messaging, and developing strategic communications. 

Ranya Forgotson – Ranya is the Director of Social Enterprise at the Homeless Alliance, where she oversees employment programs for people transitioning out of homelessness in our community.  Ranya is passionate about social entrepreneurship and the creativity of finding solutions to social problems through business.

Andrea Gomez – Ms. Andrea Gomez is a licensed alcohol, drug, and mental health counselor in vibrant Oklahoma City. With her own company, AXG Services Inc., Andrea has made a significant impact in the counseling community. Andrea specializes in mental health and substance abuse evaluations and provides invaluable counseling services in her private practice. Her commitment to inclusivity is evident as she collaborates with immigration attorneys, ensuring underserved clients can access the care they deserve. 

Donna Miller – Donna Miller, MBA, SHRM-SCP, CEO and Co-founder of Purse Power and Senior Director at Xyant Technology, has had more than 30 years of hands-on experience as an entrepreneur and executive in Fortune 500 companies. She is an award-winning talent management consultant and a formally trained executive coach.

Nikki Nice – Nikki Nice was elected Ward 7 Councilwoman in a November 6, 2018 runoff election becoming the tenth woman and second woman of color to serve at City Hall since the City incorporated in 1890. She was re-elected unopposed in February, 2021. Councilwoman Nice currently serves on the Judiciary Committee, Zoological Trust and Trails Advisory Board.