Lunch Panel: Leading with Courage in Divisive Times
One-on-one consultations will include:
Bookkeeping
Financial Planning
Business Building
Breakout Topics include:
Vitality in Business: Rise Above Stress—Unlocking Resilience with Vitalism
Filing your Transaction Privilege Tax
How to be Capital Ready
How Values Guide Your Business
Business Comes to the Expert
How to Create a Safe Space for LGBTQ+ Customers and Employees
Using ChatGPT to Grow Your Business
Maximizing Your Chamber Membership
Improve Your Public Speaking
How to Win Contracts Through Certification
Decoding Payment Processing: A Guide to Protecting Profits
Beyond Good Enough: The Power of Plussing in Business
Financial Planning and how to prepare for business taxes
Lunch Panel: Leading with Courage in Divisive Times
Leadership is never simple, but leading with integrity and inclusivity during divisive times can feel especially daunting. This panel brings together leaders who are committed to building workplaces where people feel valued, even when the outside world is filled with tension. Join us for an honest conversation about the challenges, the costs, and the rewards of choosing courage over compliance.
Jonae Harrison (She/Her)
Jonae brings more than 20 years of legal and policy expertise spanning government, nonprofit, corporate, and private practice, with a career dedicated to advancing equity and community well-being. She currently serves as Chief Operations Officer at Adelante Healthcare, where she oversees Compliance and Training, Community Programs, People Services, Grants, and Marketing, supporting patients and communities. Previously, as Equity and Inclusion Manager for the City of Tempe, Jonae led the city’s Anti-Discrimination Ordinance, Safe Haven process, and launched the Equity in Action and Right to Breathe initiatives. At Chicanos Por La Causa she designed equity-driven finance programs laying the foundation for the CPLC Action Fund to advocate for social justice in underserved neighborhoods. Grounded in both professional expertise and personal commitment, Jonae continues to champion equity, inclusion, and community care in every role she takes on.
Mindy Robbins, (They/Them)
Sponsored By:
Kate Vawter, EdD, Moderator (She/Her)
Kate is passionate about helping leaders thrive in the face of challenges. As a coach, consultant, and author of Better Boss Blueprint, she equips teams and organizations with practical tools to build trust, navigate conflict, and lead with humanity.
Brian Stinson (He/Him)
Title: Vitality in Business: Rise Above Stress—Unlocking Resilience with Vitalism
In “Vitality in Business: Rise Above Stress—Unlocking Resilience with Vitalism,” Dr. Coppola guides business owners through proven strategies to not only survive but thrive under the pressures of entrepreneurship. Drawing from vitalistic principles and peer-reviewed research, attendees will learn how to harness their bodies’ innate healing power, reduce chronic stress, and ignite transformative energy—fueling personal health and lasting business success. With humor, actionable insights, and heart-centered connection, the session will empower participants to rise strong, heal deeply, and take bold steps toward a more resilient future. Always consult your licensed medical practitioner before making health changes.
Dr. Tara Coppola, ND MS CES, (She/Her)
Dr. Coppola is the passionate founder of Rising Phoenix Naturopathy in Phoenix, Arizona. With a mission to guide and empower individuals to heal themselves, increase longevity, and improve their quality of life, Dr. Coppola offers a holistic, science-backed approach rooted in vitalistic naturopathic medicine. Her background blends advanced training in homeopathy, nutrition, naturopathic oncology, and genetic insights, allowing her to support high-achieving people and health-conscious individuals—especially those facing complex, chronic illness cases—through transformative, personalized care. Recognized for her humor and deeply compassionate style, Dr. Coppola helps clients uncover the root causes of illness while fostering resilience, self-trust, and lasting wellness. Through education, advocacy, and a patient-centered philosophy, she creates a welcoming environment focused on cultivating the body’s innate healing potential. At Rising Phoenix Naturopathy, every client is encouraged to rise stronger—mind, body, and spirit—on the journey to thriving health.
Business Comes to the Expert
Based on her book of the same name, this 45-minute interactive workshop focuses on how to methodically place your book of knowledge into the marketplace in order to drive business to you. After brief remarks at the outset about concepts that inform how to think about marketing, Soldati has attendees drive the conversation by identifying their top marketing challenges. She’ll lead participants in responding to those challenges, sharing their knowledge, learning from each other, and collaborating on solutions. She’ll focus attendees on understanding their audience and their community impact, and managing their marketing systems. Attendees - be prepared to talk during this session! Come away with a sense of the value of your book of knowledge, a feeling of comfort in being the celebrity/face of your firm, and a readiness to deploy marketing systems to ensure growth.
Kathleen Soldati: Strategic marketing executive, transformational leader and dynamic speaker who empowers clients to identify opportunities to drive sustainable growth, such as assessing their book of knowledge and using it as a marketable asset. New to Phoenix, Soldati hails from New Hampshire where she built her management and marketing career putting organizations on the map.
Using ChatGPT to Grow Your Business
Alexis Carbajal (He/Him) is a passionate entrepreneur, community leader, and advocate for equity in Phoenix. As a proud board member of the Greater Phoenix Equality Chamber of Commerce, Alexis believes in the power of relationships, representation, and resilience. With a deep love for culture and service, he brings people together through food and purpose. Whether fundraising, mentoring, or connecting with local businesses, Alexis leads with heart, always striving to uplift others and help build a stronger, more inclusive community.
Decoding Payment Processing: A Guide to Protecting Profits
Every business runs on payments, but few owners understand what happens between the swipe and the deposit, where hidden costs quietly erode profits. This session pulls back the curtain on how payment processing really works, giving you the clarity to spot what others make confusing and the tools to keep more of what you earn. For a system built to keep you in the dark, let’s turn the lights on.
Sarah Nelson (She/They)
Sarah Nelson is a business owner and community builder who serves as Director of Partnerships at Xray Payment. Her career has taken her through many areas of business, giving her a broad perspective on what helps companies thrive. In 2014, she co-founded a successful astrology school that blended her entrepreneurial skills with her passion for personal growth. She has since spoken at international business conferences and worked closely with owners to solve challenges and drive growth. Four years ago, Sarah entered the world of credit card processing, an often-overlooked area where she saw she could make a measurable difference. Today, she is passionate about educating business owners on payments and protecting their bottom line.
How to Create a Safe Space for LGBTQ+ Customers and Employees
This breakout session explores practical strategies to foster inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ customers and employees. Participants will learn how to identify barriers, implement supportive policies, and cultivate respect in daily interactions. The session provides actionable tools for creating authentic safe spaces, improving workplace culture, and strengthening customer loyalty through intentional inclusivity and allyship practices.
Michele White, MSW (She/Her)
Michele is the Executive Director of the Greater Phoenix Equality Chamber of Commerce (GPECC) and brings 25+ years in nonprofit management, business ownership, and advocacy. Her career spans various sectors, including the arts and mental health services, where she honed her expertise in fundraising, strategic planning, and community organizing. Michele’s experience includes working with LGBTQ+ chambers nationwide, improving funding and expanding services to drive sustainable growth.
Beyond Good Enough: The Power of Plussing in Business
In today’s marketplace, “good enough” doesn’t get you noticed—and it doesn’t keep customers coming back. Plussing is the practice of asking: How can we make this better? and turning ordinary touchpoints into extraordinary moments. This session will explore how to build loyalty and differentiation by creating experiences worth talking about—and worth sharing. We’ll look at how businesses can design “grammable moments” (those small but powerful details that people want to capture and post on Instagram) as a way to surprise, delight, and build organic word-of-mouth. Through practical tools and interactive exercises, you’ll discover how Plussing transforms your business from service provider to unforgettable experience.
Steven Rico (He/Him)
Steven Rico is the Founder and CEO of Social Dizfunksion Clothing Co. and En-Rico Consulting. A purpose-driven entrepreneur, he help leaders rethink culture, purpose, and leadership as the foundation for sustainable growth. With a career spanning fashion, banking, hospitality and consulting, Steven combines practical expertise with visionary thinking. He equips organizations to discover their “why” and transform it into meaningful strategies that build not only financial success, but also lasting impact and legacy.
Tax Tips for Business Owners
Effective accounting and tax planning are essential for business success. Businesses need to plan and implement smart tax strategies in order to stay compliant and minimize tax liability. It all starts with detailed and organized financial records to make tax filing more accurate, efficient, and economical. It’s important to separate personal and business finances, keep receipts and documentation organized, and understand which expenses are tax-deductible. Businesses should also consider the most tax-efficient legal structure (e.g., LLC, S-Corp) for their operations. Hiring a professional accountant can provide valuable insights and ensure compliance with tax regulations.
John Billington (He/Him) and Samantha Billington (She/Her)-Valhalla Accounting
Valhalla Accounting is a modern, client-focused accounting firm dedicated to empowering small businesses and individuals with clear, reliable financial guidance. With a commitment to accuracy, transparency, and strategic insight, Valhalla offers expert services in bookkeeping, tax preparation, and financial consulting. Committed to helping clients conquer their financial challenges with confidence.