Your 2024 Speakers
Kanya "Coach Kay" Ford, MS
Kanya Ford, best known as Coach Kay, is the owner of Love & Intimacy 101, LLC, a life, love, and intimacy coaching practice based out of Richmond, VA. Coach Kay is nothing short of the definition of a go getter! She firmly believes that it is not about where you begin in life, but where you are that matters. Coach Kay earned her MS in human resources management and spent over 15 years guiding people through challenging life and career obstacles. June 2018, Coach Kay completed the necessary courses to become certified as a clinical sexologist & master sexologist! This added accomplishment allowed her to take the passion for helping people to a new height.
But it doesn't stop there! Using the many years in the corporate arena, Coach Kay is also a business coach and mentor through at Business Solutionz, LLC, Coach Kay's second business. She enjoys supporting new and budding businesses with building a firm business foundation, understanding the basics of business, learning effective marketing, and so much more! When she is not wearing one of her CEO hats, she is being an amazing wife and mother to their five children, hitting the gym to stay fit or staying up-to-date and in practice with her numerous certifications. Some of those certs include Yoga, Doula, Sound Healing, and Women's Entrepreneurship!
Richara Warren
Richara Warren is a Leadership Confidence Coach, Business Strategy Consultant, and Mentor. Embracing her reputation as the best kept secret behind the success of some amazing women in corporate and entrepreneurship she is on a mission to break barriers hindering women from realizing their true potential. Richara’s journey of conquering challenges with boldness is inspiring. A journey where she shattered the proverbial glass ceiling only to discover that securing a seat at the table was merely the beginning, as true success demanded more than just breaking through and being a seat filler - it required Confidence, Clarity, and Aligned Strategies.
As the driving force behind Richara Warren & Company, Richara now teaches professionals and entrepreneurs how to not only navigate, but thrive and lead with confidence in diversity-challenged spaces. Simultaneously, as the founder of The Virtual Vault, she equips women in entrepreneurship with the tools and strategies to grow, scale, and optimize their service based businesses.
Beyond her role serving as a catalyst supporting women in redefining success, you can find Richara enjoying life as a wife, mom, music enthusiast and unapologetic introvert
Brittany Rush, LCSW
Brittany Rush is a dynamic mental health advocate and community leader, known for her impactful work in promoting mental wellness and empowerment. With features on CBS6 and in the Richmond Free Press, she has been recognized for her leadership in organizing transformative events such as the Black Therapy Expo and the RVA Therapy Expo: Next Gen Edition.
Recently, Brittany presented at the 6th annual Millennial Social Work Conference in Atlanta, Georgia and spearheaded the First Annual Black Wellness Expo. Her upcoming engagements include sitting on a panel at the "Planted in Power, Purpose & Prosperity" Women's Event and participating in Charlotte TSA's Domestic Violence Fair. As the CEO & founder of Rush Community Group LLC, Brittany continues to inspire and uplift communities through her dedication to mental health advocacy and community enrichment.
Kasey A. Louis, MA, LPC, LMHC
Kasey A. Louis, MA, LPC, LMHC, is the founder of Move In Faith Counseling Services and Move In Faith Services operating in Virginia and Washington. With over a decade of experience in the counseling field, Renowned for connecting faith and mental health in her approach, she empowers individuals to position themselves to unlock their purpose and pour out to others authentically. As a proud US Army veteran and author, Kasey's journey is marked by resilience. Beyond her professional identity, Kasey is a devoted mother, loving wife, and a woman deeply rooted in faith.
Kasey's influence extends far beyond the confines of the therapy room. With an eloquent voice and a compelling presence, she has graced the stages of prestigious events such as the Black Mental Health Expo, where her insights resonated deeply with attendees seeking culturally competent mental health support. Additionally, she has shared her wisdom on platforms like Seattle's "Racial Chaos" podcast, practical advice and inspiring narratives to listeners offering the complexities of racial disparities which impacts individuals mental health. Notably, Kasey has been invited to speak at the Renew Conference for Spiritual Leaders, where she illuminated the intersection of faith and mental health, empowering spiritual leaders to foster holistic well-being within their communities.
Kasey's reputation as a captivating speaker precedes her, as she has delivered impactful talks at numerous conferences, seminars, and workshops. Her ability to captivate audiences with her practical advice and inspirational message stems from her genuine passion for helping others integrate faith and mental health as pillars for purposeful living. In essence, Kasey Louis embodies the epitome of therapeutic expertise, faith-driven principles, and an unwavering dedication to guiding others on their transformative journeys towards wholeness and fulfillment.
Kasey will be a doctoral student pursuing Education in Community Care and Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage and Family at Liberty University, further enriching her expertise in the field. Beyond her professional endeavors, Kasey finds solace and inspiration in her roots, hailing from the beautiful island of St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
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Vera Lotus Onatah
I am The Lotus Mother, a certified Barre Instructor, Crystal Healer, and Spiritual Candle Creatrix. Since 2016, I have been offering my services to the community, seamlessly blending spirituality into everyday life. I obtained my certification in 2020 and have been locally sharing my crystal therapy candles for four years, now expanding online. By delving into Advanced Crystal Healing and Soul Work, I continuously deepen my studies in metaphysics and self-mastery. Join me on a journey of exploring crystal healing, holistic health, mindful movement, and spiritual enlightenment, as we elevate our spirits and bodies together.
Addy Manriquez, Ed.S., CCC-SLP
Addy is a highly effective and culturally competent confidence and empowerment coach, special education and disability consultant, and speaker. In her coaching role, Addy is dedicated to promoting heightened self-awareness, facilitating personal growth and transformation, and developing enhanced confidence and communication abilities. These efforts result in strengthened familial bonds, impactful advocacy, and enriched personal and professional connections. Addy's coaching services cater to individuals, couples, and families seeking to improve their relationships through greater self-awareness and empowered communication. She specializes in working with clients navigating the unique challenges of supporting and advocating for individuals with exceptional needs, whether they are children or adults.
With over 27 years of experience in education as a speech-language pathologist and special education administrator, Addy serves as a consultant for families, educational institutions, and corporations. Her mission is to empower individuals, families, and teams by providing them with the knowledge and resources needed to navigate the complexities of special education and enhance educational and workplace practices. Addy aims to cultivate a more supportive and inclusive environment for individuals with disabilities.
As a Latina woman, Addy's dedication to supporting others and advocating for equity extends far beyond the realms of home, school, and workplace. In the community, she has led discussions surrounding “difference,” aimed at deeper listening and sharing on delicate topics such as disability, race, faith, cultural diversity, violence, and healing, creating opportunities for meaningful dialogue and understanding.
Tradara McLaurine
Tradara McLaurine is a three-time alumna of Indiana State University with two bachelor’s degrees one in accounting, one in legal studies and her master’s degree in student Affairs and Higher Education and her certification in Women’s Entrepreneurship from eCornell. She has over 15 years’ experience working in higher education in the areas of career advising, academic advising, student conduct, conferences and events, programming, teaching, and residential life. Tradara currently holds certifications as a Certified Diversity Professional from the Institute of Diversity Certification, Certified Trainer for Understanding and Engaging Under-Resourced College Students from Bridges Out of Poverty and a certified Predictive Index Practitioner. She is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, board member for Junior Achievement and United Campus Ministries.
Tradara has articles published in the American Association for Employment in Education Job Search Handbook and Diversity: Recruitment Partners in Education. In July 2017, she published two children’s books titled “Why Mommy Works” and “Why Daddy Works”. In November 2017, the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce recognized Tradara as 12 under 40. Tradara owns a Challenge Island franchise, the world’s #1 STEAM education program. She has spoken and served as a keynote speaker for various leadership and regional conferences. Her third children’s book “I Want a Nickname” was released in July 2022. She loves spending time with her family, crocheting, watching tv, reading and learning.
Your 2024 Exercise Presenter
Paris Taylor
**Paris Taylor: A Journey of Resilience and Creativity**
Paris Taylor was born on July 14, 1992, in Brooklyn, New York, to Jamaican immigrant parents. At the age of two, she moved to Jamaica, where she was raised by her aunt, uncle, and two cousins until she returned to Brooklyn at six years old to live with her mother. Growing up in a musically inclined and creative family, Paris found her own artistic path early on, starting with writing poems at the age of eight, which evolved into raps by the age of twelve. Alongside her writing, she pursued dance, embodying her family's artistic spirit.
Paris's innate desire to uplift those around her was influenced by her family's example, particularly her grandmother's generosity. This drive to give back became a core part of her identity, motivating her to push herself harder to help others and support her family.
In August 2015, Paris faced a life-altering experience when she was a victim of a domestic violence incident. The traumatic event left her clinically dead for two hours before she was revived, requiring stitches on her face. This harrowing experience became a turning point; she felt a message from her ancestors urging her to build herself up and fulfill her purpose. Encouraged by her late father's words, Paris committed to pursuing her passions in music and clothing design.
Paris founded "Tekwehyuself," a business inspired by a Caribbean phrase meaning "remove yourself." This venture embodies her commitment to transforming negative energy into positive outcomes and giving back to her community. Her vision for Tekwehyuself is to support low-income families, create job opportunities, and promote self-love and awareness. Through her journey of resilience and creativity, Paris aims to inspire and uplift others, staying true to her mission of making a positive impact.