Speakers
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Rachel Eslick
Meet Rachel – An enthusiastic, energized and authentic growth & development trainer + professional hype woman. She’s on a mission to help everyone live life as the absolute FAVORITE version of themselves. Rachel is all about turning self-doubt down and cranking up the volume on your unique strengths for a life that is authentic to you. Rachel comes from a background of leading national team development, employee engagement, and team physical, mental and social wellness, Rachel’s got a treasure chest of experience that she uses to relate to each individual so they can thrive. Known as the maestro of motivation, Rachel runs marathons for fun and wants to empower everyone to stop waiting and start DOING! Through self alignment, vision and goals workshops, Young Professional Coaching, and DiSC training sessions. She wants to leave every individual feeling ready to take on whatever their heart desires. Rachel is pumped up to help you smash through barriers, uncover your strengths, and turn your life into one that makes your future self proud. Let her help guide you to being your FAVORITE self. Are you ready?! |
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Cheltzie Miller-Bailey
Cheltzie Miller-Bailey (she/they) is an educator and advocate who has been supporting clients and colleagues transform their relationships to their careers and their approaches to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts for nearly a decade. in 2023, she launched Counterculture Consulting, a Des Moines-based workplace culture and equity consulting business focused on deconstructing systems of oppression. In addition to Counterculture, Cheltzie also works full-time leading DEIB for a tech company and leads outdoor recreation trips for Wander Women Midwest. They are a two-time graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, earning a B.A. in Nonprofit and Youth Administration (2015) and an M.A. in Post-Secondary Education: Student Affairs (2017). |
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Tawnya Stone
Tawnya Stone, Vice President, Strategic Technology, is responsible for the overall strategic direction, oversight and implementation of customer-facing tools and products across various GreatAmerica business units. She works in close collaboration with business unit and functional leadership and external technology partners. Tawnya joined GreatAmerica in 2011 as an IT Project Manager and eventually evolved into subsequent roles that blended technology and customer facing activities. Prior to joining GreatAmerica she worked for Phillips Electronics and Verizon Communications in the Washington DC metro area. Tawnya was the previous President of the Managed Print Services Association (MPSA) and Executive Council member of CompTIA's Technology Lifecycle Services (TLS) Community and past Chair of CompTIA's Managed Print Services (MPS) Community. She was recognized by ENX as Difference Maker in 2016 and 2018. Tawnya is the chair of the Technology and Operations committee and a member of the Technology Innovation working group within the ELFA. |
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Elli Jennings
Elli Jennings, Office Manager at Jennings Real Estate Team, has been immersed in the Real Estate industry her whole life. At the age of 18 Elli obtained her Real Estate license and started to work at Jennings Real Estate Team. She graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Marketing and has over 7 years of experience being a licensed Real Estate Agent. Elli brings an undeniable brightness to her work in real estate and, being extremely tech savvy and a whiz at social media marketing, she has already garnered a SIGNIFICANT following on TikTok where she shares her real estate knowledge, a sense of humor, and most of all, the COUNTLESS reasons why she absolutely LOVES living in Iowa! |
Student Panelists
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Jadilyn Franco - Digital Media Leadership Major and Marketing Minor
"How has leadership impacted your college experience?" Throughout my college journey, leadership has been a transformative force, shaping my personal and professional growth in profound ways. Joining Pi Sigma Epsilon, I embraced the chance to develop my skills and network with like-minded peers, business leaders, and employers. Despite facing setbacks, such as losing my first bid for a leadership position, I seized the opportunity to serve as Director and later secured the role I first lost. This experience taught me resilience and the importance of perseverance in pursuing my goals. As chapter president, I had the privilege of leading a team of ambitious individuals, fostering a collaborative environment where we could collectively achieve our objectives. Beyond Pi Sigma Epsilon, I dedicated myself to serving the community as the Best Buddies Promotion Officer, organizing events, and managing our social media presence to create meaningful connections. Additionally, my role as VP of Professional Outreach for the AAF chapter allowed me to engage with industry professionals and bring valuable resources to our members. Most recently, being selected as Student Manager for my Advertising Campaign Development class affirmed my ability to lead and strategize effectively. These experiences have instilled in me a profound sense of responsibility and a passion for making a positive impact on others. I've learned to embrace opportunities, believe in myself, and inspire others to do the same. As I continue my journey, I am committed to leveraging my leadership skills to create positive change and empower those around me. |
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Geneva Bell - Biology, Biochemistry, and Spanish Majors
"How has leadership impacted your college experience?" Leadership has greatly changed my college experience overall. It taught me more confidence, most importantly. I am able to get up in front of rooms of hundreds of people and give a presentation like it is nothing. I also learned that standing up for yourself or enforcing rules is not a bad thing, which I think is ingrained in a lot of women, unfortunately. Additionally, I have met so many friends during my experience in leadership roles, people who are also motivated, and having a group of strong people around me has completely changed my point of view of the world as a whole. |
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Megan Lemke - Early Childhood Education Major and Early Childhood Special Education Minor
"How has leadership impacted your college experience?" Leadership has impacted my college experience by giving me more opportunities to assist people, volunteer, and help myself grow individually. It allows me to make more connections with people and to further my experiences. |
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Emily Holterhaus - Movement and Exercise Science Major and Strength and Conditioning Minor
Kinesiology and Sport Performance MA "How has leadership impacted your college experience?" I have learned a lot about leadership and its importance throughout my time at UNI. The biggest two areas I learned this skill in was through playing on the volleyball team and being on the FCA leadership team. In volleyball, I have had to step up in difficult situations to help my team through adversity. In FCA, I have been pushed to be a leader by reaching out to, communicating with, and meeting with people of all ages. I have learned that growth happens in the most difficult times, so it is very important to embrace those situations. |
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Diamond Roundtree - Digital Media Production Major and Digital Media Journalism Minor
"How has leadership impacted your college experience?" I have always desired to make a difference in everything I’ve been a part of. One saying I live by in all aspects of my life is “leave it better than you found it.” This is something my father instilled in me growing up. Being a leader has impacted my college experience in a multitude of ways. Being a pathfinder, orientation leader, cat crew, and RA required leadership roles. It gave me a sense of responsibility and determination to represent UNI and myself. Being a leader has pushed me to hold myself accountable in every aspect and force myself to be the best version of myself, not only because people are watching and looking up to me but also because I deserve to give myself the best version of myself, just like I would anyone else. While there is pressure on being a leader, pressure builds Diamonds and I have always felt proud of every role I have taken on. Being a leader has opened many doors for me to help others see their potential, to encourage, and uplift, but also to be authentic and truthful. Being a leader has helped me guide other students to become leaders not only in their communities but to step up in their own lives. Finally, being a leader has been motivational. In all my roles I learned that If I wanted to succeed, I would and I have been able to pass that motto on to students, that if you want to make a difference, you will. |