Financial freedom is personal—but it doesn’t have to be solitary.

SUNNYBLU ART AGENCY

CO-ORGANIZER

Kailah Ware is a visionary narrative strategist, creative director, and social impact artist dedicated to community activism, women's rights, and social justice. As the owner and creative director of SunnyBlu Art Agency—a social impact creative firm committed to advancing social equity through storytelling—Kailah creates people-centered work that values the artistic process as much as the final product.

Throughout her career, she has collaborated with philanthropic foundations, nonprofits, funds, and mission-driven brands to craft compelling narratives and deliver impactful creative strategies and campaigns. Her expertise has been instrumental in high-profile initiatives such as the Race Class Narrative Quit Culture, All In Ohio, and Planned Parenthood. A master of innovative messaging, Kailah’s work inspires change and amplifies critical voices, bridging creativity and advocacy to empower communities.

Her exceptional contributions have earned her two prestigious Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Black Smith awards, and she has been featured in the news multiple times for her impactful work. You might have also seen her work at TQL Stadium, where she designed a community-centered mural dedicated to the West End. She was also a recipient of the Black and Brown Artist Grant through ArtsWave and is currently a participant in the African American Leadership Development Program through the Urban League.

A notable highlight of her career includes collaborating with Oprah Winfrey on a documentary about celebrated painter Shawn Michael Warren. In addition, she has directed multiple documentaries that illuminate social justice issues, using the power of storytelling to drive meaningful impact.

WE OUTSIDE! CINCINNATI

CO-ORGANIZER

Sierra Hayden is a dynamic environmental justice advocate, creative leader, and Founder and CEO of We Outside Cincinnati—a bold movement redefining what it means to be “outdoorsy” for a new generation. With deep roots in sustainable agriculture and a proven track record leading one of the largest green youth workforce programs in the nation, Sierra has carved out a distinct lane where environmental stewardship, cultural relevance, and community joy converge.

Throughout her career, she has partnered with leading organizations—including the City of Cincinnati’s Office of Environment and Sustainability, National Park Service, Cincinnati Parks, Great Parks of Hamilton County, and the Cincinnati Zoo—to advance youth programming, green career pathways, and equitable access to outdoor spaces. Her leadership and creative vision have helped shape national models for youth conservation programs, emphasizing hands-on learning, cultural connection, and community-driven impact.

Her work centers on cultivating spaces that feel like freedom—where nature becomes a backdrop for healing, storytelling, and legacy-building. Through We Outside Cincinnati, Sierra continues to create opportunities for connection, empowerment, and cultural reclamation, inspiring Black and underrepresented communities to reconnect with nature on their own terms.

Sierra’s contributions to the field have been recognized through opportunities such as the Regenerative Farming Fellowship with the Black Farming and Food Justice Network. She doesn’t just talk about change—she cultivates it. With every step, she plants seeds of equity, creativity, and intention. Her message is clear: start where you are, grow with purpose, and always remember—you belong here.

KEYNOTE

Shannel Heath

Vice President Community Manager, JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Shannel, a native of inner-city Cincinnati, is a dedicated leader and community advocate. With over eleven years of experience in the financial services industry, she currently serves as the Community & Business Development Community Manager for Greater Cincinnati.

In this role, Shannel spearheads the firm’s financial health strategy, focusing on building trust and fostering relationships in underserved local communities. Through her work, she aims to bridge the gap in community banking by nurturing connections with key leaders, nonprofit partners, and small businesses at a grassroots level. Beyond her professional endeavors, Shannel is deeply committed to giving back to the community that saved her.

She volunteers her time with local small businesses and provides essential financial literacy education too low to moderate-income communities. As a mentor, she shares her knowledge and experiences, guiding others towards success. Additionally, Shannel dedicates her free time to nurturing her four-year-old daughter, embodying the values of family and community in all aspects of her life.

Shannel’s journey is rooted in resilience and determination, driven by her personal experiences growing up in Cincinnati. Through her advocacy and leadership, she continues to make a meaningful impact, working tirelessly to close the opportunity gap and uplift those in need.

HOST

Tropikana is a nationally acclaimed media personality, speaker, and host who brings bold energy and razor-sharp authenticity to every stage she touches. As the voice of a generation and the pulse of the people, Tropikana has built a career amplifying culture, sparking conversation, and making space for real talk—especially when it matters most.

She’s not just a host—she’s a movement. Managed by The Parks Collective, Agency, a culture-first creative agency designing transformative experiences across wellness, youth empowerment, and media, Tropikana stands at the intersection of storytelling and strategy. Whether behind the mic, on the screen, or in the room, she shows up with purpose—connecting stories to systems, people to power, and communities to joy.

From nationally syndicated airwaves to grassroots events that hit home, Tropikana’s voice cuts through the noise. And when she steps to the mic, expect nothing less than impact, laughter, and liberation.

FACING FINANCIAL TRAUMA

Rebecca joined Northwestern Mutual in September 2020. Rebecca currently serves families, emerging professionals, and businesses as a Financial Advisor. Her practice has grown nationally to serve clients in over 35 states. Her passion stems from the desire to educate individuals on the possibilities of financial planning by advocating for each person she meets with to learn something new.

A graduate of University of Cincinnati and University of Tennessee, Rebecca holds a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Psychology. Her educational background of behavior science helps lead individuals to action by acknowledging the correlation between financial decision making and behaviors, habits, and discipline. The conversations allow for individuals to better understand their relationship with money and then create, modify, or maintain behaviors around money. 

Rebecca grew up in Northeast Ohio and enjoys spending time with her husband, Walter, and her two kids, Niya and Nolan, doing crafts, experiencing new restaurants, and traveling.

BUDGETING 101

Lawrence is a financial coach, author and CEO of abundance University. Abundance University is a financial literacy company specializing in personal finance and entrepreneurship programs. What makes Lawrence unique is that he has workshops and books for both youth and adults. Lawrence is very dedicated to sharing what he has learned throughout the years. He has a degree in business management, and has been in the finance field since 2010. He is the author of 4 books, and has created an online platform where people can learn financial strategies at their own pace. Recently, Lawrence was featured in the New York Times in an article regarding closing the wealth and class gap among minorities. When Lawrence isn't speaking or teaching, he is spending time with his beautiful wife and 3 kids, coaching basketball at his son’s school, and being heavily involved at his church, Corinthian Baptist Church.

CREDIT BUILDING & REBUILDING

Ashley Gross is the President & Founder of Rich Girl Energy, a faith-based women’s empowerment network, and the Owner/Accountant behind Harvest Time Financial. With a heart for people and a head for numbers, Ashley is on a mission to help women rise in confidence and purpose while teaching individuals and small businesses how to make sense of their money, build wealth, and actually keep more of what they earn. Through financial education, business resources, and community support, Ashley is turning purpose into profit—and helping others do the same.