Women in Leadership Symposium | SNU

WLS 2025 Purpose

The SNU Women in Leadership Symposium is for all who are interested in learning about leadership, developing their leadership attributes and competencies, and seeking opportunities to connect with other leaders.

The symposium’s format allows flexibility for connections and networking opportunities to ensure everyone has a meaningful experience as we grow together sharing knowledge on leading with unity and strength.

Register to Attend or Be a Sponsor

Ayana Lawson is in her fourth season as Vice President, Lifestyle Services & Social Impact. She has been with the organization since 2008, serving in various roles. In her current position, she is responsible for providing support to both players and their families, in addition to enhancing the social justice initiatives of the organization.

She is a 2003 graduate of Christian Brothers University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in marketing and business management. Lawson also earned an Athlete Development Professional Certification from Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in The Workplace Certification from University of South Florida Muma College of Business.

The Alabama native serves as a member of the NBA Player Development Steering Committee, which aims to increase player development’s impact throughout the NBA. She and her husband Ed live in Oklahoma City with their three children, Peyton, Parker and Paige.

Jessica L. Thompson, MHRM, is a high-capacity leader and speaker with over two decades of experience across corporate retail, national training, and higher education. Her leadership journey spans Oklahoma, New York, Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee, where she has shaped regional and national strategic operations, built and advanced sales and enrollment teams, and promoted emerging leaders to scaled-capacity roles.

She currently serves as Director of Recruitment and Admissions at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, where she partners with the Admissions Board and more than 160 physician and student physician interviewers to guide the strategic direction and critical medical student entrance decisions that advance the next generation of physicians and further shape the future of healthcare in the state.

A long-standing advocate for education, Jessica holds a B.S.B.A. in Entrepreneurship from the University of Arkansas, a Master’s in Human Resource Management degree from Keller Graduate School, and a Professional Studies Certificate in Women's Leadership from Yale.

Jessica is currently pursuing her Doctor of Education in Education Administration, with research focused on dismantling the invisible barriers that limit underrepresented women’s access to executive leadership. Her work bridges research with resolution to help talented women build influence, navigate organizational culture, and rise with clarity and purpose.

Known for her heart-centered and results-driven approach, Jessica blends corporate, academic, and spiritual insight to help women lead well. She is the founder of She Leads Today™, a leadership development platform purposed to equip women to lead with strategy, accountability, confidence, and sustainability across career seasons. The program works to educate and elevate rising female leaders in pursuit of ambitious professional goals — without sacrificing their lives and families to do so.

Married in 2007, she and her husband, Charles, reside in Moore, OK, and have two daughters, Layla and London. The daughter of a preacher, Jessica continues to serve the ministry with a shared commitment to legacy, leadership, and love in action.

Srijita Ghosh is a Venture Advisor & Director of Business Development at i2E, based in Oklahoma, where she works directly with entrepreneurs, researchers, and early-stage companies right here in Oklahoma. She helps businesses think strategically, develop strong financial foundations, position for early investment capital, and navigate the real-world challenges of bringing new ideas to life. An experienced leader in the entrepreneurship-led economic development field, Srijita has been particularly impactful in supporting rural economic development.

Srijita has an eye for innovation and a passion for fostering economic growth. She provides advisory services to early-stage startups across the state and her expertise spans strategic planning, market assessment, and investor pitch preparation. Over her career, she has mentored hundreds of founders, contributing to securing over $3 million in investments.

Prior to her role at i2E, Srijita served as an Entrepreneurship Specialist for the Ada Jobs Foundation, where she spearheaded initiatives to develop an innovation economy in Ada, Oklahoma. Her efforts included creating local programs such as a micro-accelerator, pitch competition, and a regional rural entrepreneurship summit. She also played a crucial role in securing an EDA Build to Scale grant to fund the Ada Technology Initiative. While in Ada, she served on the Ada Multicultural Committee, a city appointed committee to oversee diversity and inclusion strategies in the city of Ada.

She serves on the Executive Board of the Oklahoma Venture Forum, Advisory Board of The Verge OKC, co-organizer for 1 Million Cups OKC, planning committee member for OKC Minority Enterprise Development Week, and is a member of VEST Her and LeadHer Board.

Srijita enjoys playing tennis, catching sunsets, and embracing mindfulness. She's a vocal advocate for mental health awareness among founders and ecosystem builders, recognizing the unique pressures of the field. She is also passionate about embracing authenticity in the workplace, championing inclusion, and empowering individuals to celebrate their diverse cultural identities, starting with their names.

Ms. Valorie J. Filippo has always been an individual who likes to create and build organizations to share with others who have similar passions. As far back as 16 years of age, Valorie worked with her childhood friends to put together a Clown Troupe at Midwest City High School. Her sense for civic responsibility and duty came to her at a young age as well, where she became involved in political campaigns by assisting local candidates in the community while still a high school student at Midwest City HS.

After her high school graduation, Ms. Filippo’s next venture was on the Student Senate at Rose State College and serving as its Glamour Representative for the college. After taking some time off to start a family, with a brief attendance at then Central State University (UCO) and a divorce, Valorie began a new chapter in her life with starting a career in advertising.

This opportunity in advertising led Valorie to make connections across multiple professional business networks and led her to become an integral part of numerous business associations and initiatives that were being developed at that time in the greater eastern Oklahoma County areas. Valorie had active leadership roles in all the existing Chambers of Commerce in eastern Oklahoma County. She was asked to be a founding member of Rotary Club of East Oklahoma County, original founding member for the Kiwanis Club of Harrah and the Harrah Chamber of Commerce. Valorie also led efforts as a founding member for standing up the now defunct Eastern Oklahoma County Chamber of Commerce and the original Eastern Oklahoma County Tourism group in the 1990's.

Today, Ms. Filippo is still active in her civic volunteer work with campaigning at all levels, serving as an Advisory Board Member for the Asian District Cultural Association (ADCA), and founding Director of the Greater OKC Asian Chamber of Commerce. She is currently serving as the chamber’s Ambassador Chair. Valorie has been a part of the real estate profession for over two decades now and is currently serving with Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Paramount in Edmond, Oklahoma. Her next venture, and not her last, is the creation and Founding President of the Asian Real Estate Association of America Chapter in Oklahoma this year.

Ms. Katy Bradley is serving as one of our co-hosts for this year’s Women in Leadership Symposium.

Katy was born and raised in McKinney, Texas and graduated from Southern Nazarene University in 2007 with a degree in Business Finance and in 2010 with a Masters in Business Administration.

After her 2007 graduation, Katy began serving as a Resident Director on SNU’s campus and has continued to grow in leadership roles in the Office of Student Life since that time, now serving as the Associate Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students.

Katy is passionate about speaking life into others and helping them see their value and worth, empowering them to be all God has called them to be! Katy married her college sweetheart, Brett Bradley, in 2007 and they have been blessed with 3 boys, Beau (13), Beck (10), and Brave (5).

Dr. Shari Rogers

Dr. Shari Rodgers is serving as one of our co-hosts for this year’s Women in Leadership Symposium.

Shari has an extensive background in education. In early September 2022, Shari officially began in her new role as Assistant Professor and Dissertation Director at SNU.

She has served as an external evaluator for federal programs in several Oklahoma school districts since 2009. Shari has earned numerous certificates including Superintendent, Principal, Special Education (Mild-Moderate), and Diabetes Management certificates.

She also has a background in teaching high school English and has taught numerous SNU adult college program courses. Shari earned her FSG degree, MAEL and MAASE graduate degrees, and now her doctorate at SNU.

Symposium Events Include

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 2025 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

Schedule of Events

SNU 2025 Women in Leadership Symposium Agenda

Celebrating Women: Leading with Unity and Strength

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 2025 Hosts
Dr. Shari Rodgers, Dissertation Director, Graduate School of Education and Leadership, Southern Nazarene University

Ms. Katy Bradley, Associate Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students, Southern Nazarene University

Symposium Welcome: WLS 2025 Planning Committee Co-Chair
Ms. Vanette Bell, Assistant Director, Endowment Stewardship and Planned Giving, Southern Nazarene University

Ms. Thokozani Houston, Director, Career Education and Student Life, Southern Nazarene University

10:10am Keynote Speaker #1

Ms. Jessica Thompson, Owner/Founder, She Leads Organization, and Admissions Director, Office of the Dean of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences, Oklahoma City, OK

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

10:45am Break and Networking

10:50am Keynote Speaker #2

Ms. Valorie J. Filippo, Real Estate Agent, Better Homes and Garden Real Estate Paramount, Edmond, OK, and Ambassador Chair for the Greater Oklahoma City Asian Chamber of Commerce, Oklahoma City, OK

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

11:25am Panel Discussion: Hosts and Session 1 Keynote Speakers
Co-hosts 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 2025 Hosts
Dr. Shari Rodgers, Dissertation Director, Graduate School of Education and Leadership, Southern Nazarene University

Ms. Katy Bradley, Associate Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students, Southern Nazarene University

1:10pm Keynote Speaker #3 Address

Ms. Srijita Ghosh, Venture Advisor and Business Development Director, i2E Inc. Oklahoma City, OK

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

1:45pm Break and Networking

1:50pm Keynote Speaker #4 Address

Ms. Ayana Lawson, Vice President for Lifestyle Services and Social Impact, Oklahoma City Thunder, Oklahoma City, OK

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

2:25pm Panel Discussion: Hosts and Session 2 Keynote Speakers
Co-hosts and Afternoon Keynote Speakers

CLOSING

3pm Closing Remarks and Exit Survey
WLS Planning Committee and WLS Co-Hosts

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Previous Keynote Speakers

2024 Keynote Speakers:

Necie Black- Necie is a leadership coach with expertise in strength-based coaching for high- performing individuals and teams. Her holistic approach fosters clarity, self-awareness, and interdependent thinking, making her a highly sought-after coaching partner. After 27 years with AT&T, Necie leveraged her expertise and founded Lyfe Smarts Coaching and Consulting, where she cultivates stronger relationships by elevating strengths. As a high Learner, Necie is passionate about sharing the best of what she has learned with those who care to know.

Necie holds a master’s degree in business, is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) accredited by the International Coaching Federation, is a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach, and expects to graduate in August 2025 with her Doctorate in Leadership. Necie lives in Oklahoma with her husband, Michael, and enjoys quality time with family, friends, and Amazon.

Delilah Joiner- Delilah grew up in a loving, hardworking family, in an Oklahoma small town, surrounded by faith, laughter, and fun. She is a first-generation high school and college graduate (SNU) and went on to earn a Master’s (UCO) and a Doctorate (OSU). Her absolute joy is life with her family. She is married, the mother of three, including two daughters and one son, and is the MiMi of three deliciously wonderful grandchildren. She is a Professor, Family Studies and Gerontology Program Director, and Prior Learning Assessment Director at Southern Nazarene University.

In recent years, her professional and personal joys include spending time with her family and friends, traveling, investing in students, volunteering, engaging with organizations like VillagesOKC, UCO Endeavor Games, serving on the Christian Adult Higher Education Association (CAHEA) leadership council, and developing a leadership philosophy intricately woven with faith.

In 2014, her world was forever altered with the devastating unexpected death of her daughter, Kaytie, just 2 ½ weeks prior to her wedding. This grief journey, resulting in the choice to celebrate her child’s life, has provided a myriad of opportunities to love those who have experienced catastrophic loss and tragedy, develop a unique perspective on resilience and overcoming, and to encourage others on their own unique life journey with excruciating pain, disappointment, and loss. Her most recent outstanding honor is being selected as the 2024 Oklahoma Mother of the Year.

Tina Floyd- Dr. Floyd is a lifelong Oklahoman. She was raised in Tuttle Oklahoma and currently resides in Norman. Tina is married to Robert Floyd and together they have raised four children, three daughters and one son.

Dr. Floyd began a career in education in 1997 (SWOSU) upon receiving her bachelor’s degree from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. She taught elementary school for eight years before obtaining a master’s degree in school administration from SWOSU in 2006. Dr. Flyod then became a public-school administrator serving as principal at Mustang Public Schools and Bridge Creek Public Schools.

After 10 years in administration, Dr. Floyd obtained a second master’s degree in Adult and Higher Education from the University of Oklahoma in 2019 and earned her Doctor of Education Degree in Administration and Leadership from Southern Nazarene University.

Robert and Dr. Floyd are very active in the business scene in Oklahoma as well. Robert owned and operated Floyd’s RVs of Norman and Glenpool until June 2022. They own many rental properties, business operations, and entrepreneur companies, including the OKC Spark, Oklahoma’s newest professional sports franchise.

Dr. Floyd is very active in participating in community events that promote education, underserved populations, advancement for women, and athletic opportunities for all populations. She currently serves as a member of the Norman School Board, which continues to be a primary focus for her. She and her husband have been involved with countless non-profit organizations, while continually looking for ways to be involved within the community.

Wyjuana Montgomery- Seattle native Wyjuana Montgomery is an International Speaker, award-winning author, and Operator of WYJUANA SPEAKS Consulting LLC, where she helps clients find their voice as public speakers, self-publish books, and launch nonprofits. Fun fact, Wyjuana is also the founding Community Programs Manager for the OKC Thunder, which is why she relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008 with her family after working as Community Programs Manager for the NBA Seattle SuperSonics and WNBA Seattle Storm for three seasons. She holds a B.A. in African & African-American Studies from Duke University and a M.A. in Organizational Management from University of Arizona Global Campus. Wyjuana created the NO FEAR Ladies Conference that ran for seven years, inspiring women and teen girls across the United States and internationally. She is also the author of Bold, Brave and Courageous: A NO FEAR Success Guide for Teen Girls (2016), which earned the 2018 Feathered Quill Bronze Award for Teen Nonfiction, 2018 IAN Outstanding Young Adult Nonfiction Award and was a Finalist for Best Debut Non-Fiction Book. Her latest work, The Pain of Being Destined for More: Getting to the Next Level Spiritually, Professionally or Personally (2023), is poised to help women heal from emotional pain and trauma.

Still active in the community, Wyjuana is a Family Expectations Facilitator, Family Consultant for The Center for States supporting child welfare agencies across the US, and a member of the Oklahoma Parent Partnership Board.

Fueled by her passion for working with teens, Wyjuana is Founder and Executive Director of Reach Forward Foundation, a youth development program and received the Women of Color Expo’s Impact Woman of the Year Award in 2018 for her youth development work.

Wyjuana resides in Oklahoma City where she is now an empty-nester of 3 young adult children, living with her husband of 25 years and their 2 dogs.

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.

Event Sponsor Levels

Diamond Sponsors:

Diamond Level Event Sponsor $1000 (Session Sponsors)

2 Available Sponsorships! (1 for morning session and 1 for afternoon session)

Recognized as an official partner for SNU WLS during the event

Logo advertised on our WLS website as our Official Partner for the SNU WLS

Slide with organizational logo on rotating screen during event

Networking outreach table during luncheon

Provide 2-3 minute “elevator speech” at the opening of the session the organization is sponsoring

Recognition at our WLS Registration Check-in Table

Platinum Sponsors:

Platinum Level Event Sponsor $750 (Luncheon Sponsors)

4 Available Sponsorships!

Recognized at all symposium food/refreshment stations with organization logo placards

Logo advertised on our WLS website

Slide with organizational logo on rotating screen during event

Networking outreach table during luncheon

Provide 2-3 minute “elevator speech” during the symposium at designated breaks or transitions

Gold Sponsors:

Gold Level Event Sponsor $500 (Networking Sponsors – Tier 1)

Networking outreach table during luncheon

Recognition on our event website with logo

Slide with Organization Logo on rotation screen during event

Provide 2-3 minute “elevator speech” during the luncheon period

Silver Sponsors:

Silver Level Event Sponsor $250 (Networking Sponsors – Tier 2)

Networking outreach table during luncheon

Recognition on our event website with organization’s name

Slide with Organization Logo on rotation screen during event

Emma-Elles_Primary-Logo_Green_WLS-2024_Silver-Sponsor TFCU Logo_WLS 2025_Silver Sponsor

Bronze Sponsors:

Bronze Level Event Sponsor $100 (Supporting Sponsors)

Recognition on our event website with organization’s name

Slide with Organization Logo on rotation screen during event