Carmen’s parents were her role models, and through them, she learned early on about the resilience, strength, and struggles embodied by women of color, who encountered constant micro-aggressions and racism, and about the critical role supportive fathers play in raising a budding feminist. Over the course of her 25-year career in philanthropy, she has worked hard to successfully galvanize funders, donors, policymakers, and grassroots activists to forever change lives, systems, and communities for good. She is particularly passionate about building prosperity for women and girls of color and firmly believes in the ineffable power a sisterhood holds to support, nurture, and amplify one another – this is why she always makes a point of collaborating with other women in philanthropy to inspire and guide each other. She is presently a fellow in the Aspen Institute and the Neighborhood Funder’s Group Philanthropy Forward initiative, and was recently invited to join Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Membership.

In August 2021, she was thrilled to take on the role of Founding President and CEO of a ground-breaking new foundation, Women’s Foundation of the South. Founded by and created for women and girls of color in the South, WFS boldly revolutionizes gender and racial justice in the Southern U.S. and beyond. WFS is dedicated to building the health and well-being, wealth and legacy, and power of womxn of color and girls in the South. So far, WFS has succeeded beautifully: WFS has already raised over $6M and provided $350k in grants to 52 women-of-color-led nonprofits in the South.

She continues to count on sisterhood – womxn who approach philanthropy as a partnership. These networks have expanded her knowledge, connections in the field, and relationships with various players. Given the political divisiveness that now reigns in our country, and the assault on the agency of a womxn’s body with Roe v Wade overturned, reproductive rights at risk, and with the social justice movement still cresting, the work of WFS has never been more important. To transform lives - of 2.5 million womxn in the South, at that - Women’s Foundation of the South believes that women-of-color-led organizations are where you should place your trust and investment.

Carmen is a proud mother of three young adults, and she lives in New Orleans with her husband and family, where they delight in the vibrant culture of the city. She was named one of the Top Women Leaders of Louisiana for 2024.

Bridgit Finley, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT is the founding partner for Physical Therapy Central and is a partner in Confluent Health. She currently serves as Vice-President, Clinic Expansion & Optimization at Confluent Health.

Physical Therapy Central is a rapidly growing private practice located in Oklahoma with 51 locations. Bridgit opened the first clinic in 2004 in Norman, Oklahoma and by 2015 had sixteen location throughout Oklahoma. In 2015, PT Central partnered with Confluent Health and a year later partnered with Redbud Physical Therapy which has 14 locations in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In 2020, Janie Taylor stepped in as the CEO for PT Central and Redbud PT.

• Senior Vice President, State and Local Policy

Tom Wickham, former Parliamentarian of the U.S. House of Representatives, serves as senior vice president of State & Local Policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Wickham leads the Chamber’s new division that monitors state and local policy developments and coordinates state and local policy advocacy strategies within the existing Chamber framework.

As a nonpartisan House official for over 25 years, Wickham provided essential guidance to leadership, committees, and members as part of the development and execution of legislative strategy. In leading an office that reviewed every measure that came before the House, he has a command of a broad range of subject matters covering all aspects of government policy. During numerous high-profile legislative events, Wickham counseled speakers of the House, vice presidents, and countless members and senators on their constitutional and statutory responsibilities.

As editor of many procedural manuals and practice books, Wickham’s scholarship on the Constitution and the rules of the House have been recognized around the world. He has represented the U.S. in dozens of countries and parliaments, including multiple delegation trips to Europe and Africa. His editorial credits include the House Rules and Manual, House Practice, and the Precedents of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Wickham’s expertise is recognized by national leaders of both parties. Upon his retirement as parliamentarian in 2020, Speaker Nancy Pelosi said, “Tom Wickham is a master of House rules and procedure, whose incisive legal acumen and absolute professionalism have strengthened the People’s House and benefited the American people whom we serve. In his 25 years of distinguished service, Tom upheld the great constitutional underpinnings of the historic role of parliamentarian with excellence and integrity.” Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy remarked in a tribute on the House floor, “I speak for all Republicans when I commend Tom for his professionalism, sound judgment, and steady demeanor in carrying out his duties.”

Wickham is a native of Epworth, Iowa, and a graduate of the University of Iowa and the University of Iowa College of Law. His early jobs included stints as a Wisconsin Dells tour guide, gas station cashier, fast-food worker, and mail clerk in his family’s small business. He enjoys hiking, especially up Old Rag Mountain in the Shenandoah National Park. He and his wife, Heather, have two adult children and reside in Burke, Virginia.

Dallas Burnett, a dynamic and engaging speaker, brings a wealth of real-world experience to the stage. From the musical vibes of Nashville to the strategic boardrooms of innovative companies, Dallas has a unique ability to connect with his audience. He is more than just a speaker; he's a problem-solver who understands the challenges of entrepreneurship, creativity, and personal growth. With his down-to-earth approach and relatable humor, Dallasdoesn't just share his journey — he invites you to find inspiration in your own, offering practical insights and strategies to overcome obstacles and achieve success.

I am a physical therapist at heart and CEO & owner of Motion and Therapy Partners INC. At Motion, I own and operate physical therapy clinics in Minnesota and Utah. In that role, I develop strategy for growth while maintaining quality, culture and mission at the forefront of decisions.

I am also the owner & CEO of Therapy Partners, a MSO (managed service organization) that operates the infrastructure of 60+ clinics across the midwest. This delivers back end solutions of billing, RCM, credentialing, contracting, EHR, IT, etc - we package it all for clinics to be autonomous and independent.

I completed my doctorate at University of Colorado-Denver. Became board certified in orthopedics (OCS), and did my fellowship in manual therapy (AAOMPT). I teach at the University of Minnesota in their DPT program, and teach and host post doctoral residents that we host in our clinics. I continue to work with USA ski and snowboard when able as medical staff, and have an awesome wife who approves the insanity above and an amazing kiddo and puppy to take on the world's adventures with.

Scott Curley, from an early age, was challenged by life and experienced a roller coaster of
hardships (including abuse, drug addiction, prison, and homelessness) yet he managed to use
those experiences as a vehicle for personal growth while building a better version of himself.

Scott is now the CEO of one of the largest and nationally recognized tax resolution firms and is an
author, a keynote speaker, and a mentor. He aims to help others identify their strengths and
purpose through the transformational power of storytelling. He embodies how it is
possible to turn life’s hardships into opportunities. He offers tips on becoming successful
by leveraging life's challenges and using them as catalysts for growth and positive transformation.

His story sparks meaningful and wonderful conversations that could ultimately stimulate an
introspection that will help others to identify and recognize their own internal greatness... which
he passionately believes we all possess. With his extensive experience as a CEO as well as being a prodigy salesperson, he helps business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals grow and identify opportunities by thinking outside of traditional boxes.

Scott is also the author of a rapidly selling autobiographical book: ABSOLUTION: The Dark
Path to Light chronicles his life journey through tragedies into triumphs.

Dianne V. Jewell, PT, DPT, PhD, FAPTA Biosketch

Dianne V. Jewell, PT, DPT, PhD, FAPTA is President and CEO of the Sheltering Arms Corporation and Hospitals.

Dr. Jewell has been a physical therapist for 35 years, having practiced in acute hospital, inpatient rehabilitation, skilled nursing, outpatient and community health settings in Richmond, VA. She also held an appointment for 11 years as Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Additional adjunct teaching affiliations include the Doctor of Physical Therapy programs at the University of Tennessee Health Science

Center, the University of Vermont, Arcadia University and Mary Baldwin University. Prior to joining Sheltering Arms, she focused her efforts on rehabilitation technology as a consultant and then as Director of Clinical Practice, Outcomes and Education at WebPT (Phoenix, AZ).

Dr. Jewell completed her BA at Williams College (1984), her MSPT at Boston University (1988) and her transitional DPT at VCU (2008). She obtained her PhD in health services research and organization also from VCU (2003). She has published multiple peer‐reviewed articles and is author of Guide to Evidence‐Based Physical Therapist Practice, 5th edition (Jones & Bartlett Learning, 2022).

Dr. Jewell currently chairs the Sheltering Arms Institute Board of Managers. She previously served for 12 years on the Sheltering Arms Corporation and Hospitals board of directors, chairing the board for two and half of those years. Additional leadership service includes the boards of directors of the PCPI Foundation (Chicago, IL), the American Physical Therapy Association (Alexandria, VA) and the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (Chicago, IL).

She resides in the City of Richmond with her husband of 32 years, Capt. Darl (“Deuce”) W. Jewell, Jr. He is a retired 41‐year veteran of the Richmond Department of Fire and Emergency Services.

Heather Dominick is the founder of A Course In Business

Miracles. Since 2010, she has taught thousands of Highly

Sensitive Entrepreneurs and Leaders from around the

globe how to release life-long limiting beliefs, overcome

fears and develop new leadership skills in order to excel in

business and life by doing things differently to create

more impact and more income. An exceptional facilitator

and teacher, she is known for creating a safe, sacred

environment for true transformation whether delivering

training online or in-person.

Heather is a woman who is impressively successful, and

highly sensitive. A former high school drama teacher who

collaborated with none other than Bette Midler. A

graduate of NYU where she received her first coach

training. Heather is the author of DIFFERENT: The Highly

Sensitive Leadership Revolution, which highlights the

most common secret concerns of highly sensitive people

and brings a fresh, empowered perspective, with doable

actions designed to strengthen readers into highly

sensitive entrepreneurs and leaders.

Heather is also the winner of the 2015 Best of Manhattan

Coaching Award and creator of the 2014 Stevie Award

winning virtual event, A Course In Business Miracles:

21-Day Discovery Series that attracted close to 6,000

official registrants from all around the world including:

Iceland, Nigeria, Russia, Asia, South America, Australia,

Europe and the U.S.

She has appeared on Lifetime Television and has been

published in numerous books including Stepping Stones

to Success alongside Deepak Chopra.