Pathways to Success: Let's Get Real: Not Perfect, but Authentically You!

Keynote Address Featuring Brittany Richmond

We're Not Gonna Take It: Authentic Leadership in a World of Expectations *A Tell Me More Method™ Experience*

In a world where women leaders often feel pressure to perform, comparison takes over, perfection becomes the goal, and the need to prove ourselves never seems to end, authenticity can start to feel like a risky choice. But what if the most powerful leadership tool isn’t perfection… it’s honesty? In this unforgettable keynote  experience, Brittany Richmond invites women to challenge the expectations, comparisons, and internal “lies” that keep them striving for perfection. Blending powerful storytelling, meaningful conversation, and a dose of 80s rebellion, Brittany creates more than a keynote… she creates an EXPERIENCE that invites attendees to reflect, connect, and get real about the pressures they carry as leaders.

Brittany empowers women leaders to move beyond comparison, expectations, and perceived limitations. Through her evidence-based, signature Tell Me More Method™, attendees will learn how curiosity and connection can transform the way they engage with their internal narratives and lead with authenticity. Because authentic leadership doesn’t begin with having the right answers. It begins with the courage to ask better questions. And the most powerful one might just be: “Tell me more.”

KEY OUTCOMES & AUDIENCE IMPACT:

• Recognize the hidden narratives shaping how you lead.  Attendees will identify how comparison, expectations, and perceived limitations influence their leadership and learn how these internal “lies” can quietly shape confidence, decision-making, and authenticity.

• Use the Tell Me More Method™ to interrupt self-doubt and build self-awareness.  Women will learn how Brittany’s evidence-based Tell Me More Method™ uses curiosity and conversation to challenge limiting beliefs and create space for growth, clarity, and confidence.

• Lead with authenticity through connection instead of perfection.  Participants will leave with practical ways to foster meaningful conversation, strengthen connection, and lead with courage rather than striving to appear perfect.

About the Presenter
Brittany Richmond is a dynamic and charismatic mental health expert with over a decade of experience. Diagnosed with multiple anxiety disorders, including an impulse control disorder, right after high school, she was inspired to enter the field of psychology. Brittany has since dedicated herself to ending the stigma surrounding mental health and reaching out to as many struggling people as possible with her story and voice.

Brittany is a highly sought-after, emotionally engaging mental health speaker who has spoken on prestigious leadership stages nationwide, delivering her empowering message with her trademarked “Tell Me More Method”’. Recently, she was honored with the 2024 Voice for Positive Change Award from the Illinois Association for Behavioral Health and Operation Snowball, LLC, and her debut book, Lies My Anxiety Has Told Me, became a bestseller.

Her keynote presentations are interactive and deeply connecting. Focusing on communication, creating supportive spaces, and overcoming negative self-talk, Brittany is real, raw, and relatable, framing her insights in ways that resonate with all high achieving leaders.

DYNAMIC BREAKOUT SESSIONS!

Roar! Unleash the Courage to be You
Presented by Cindy Byrd

In a fast-paced, demanding world, it can be tempting to follow the old adage “fake it ‘til you make it.” To be a truly authentic, believable, and compelling leader, however, requires letting others clearly see who you are, what you stand for, and why you do what you do. This means first embracing the courage to do some self-exploration so that you gain clarity about yourself and how you tend to show up – your personal brand.  Discovering and demonstrating your brand allows you to be true to yourself, build positive relationships, and consistently lead with integrity.  In this enlightening and interactive session, you’ll learn: 

• Why awareness of your personal brand is important
• How to discover your personal brand and correct blind spots that may inhibit authenticity
• How to optimize the positive impact of your brand.

Cindy Byrd is passionate about helping individuals and businesses optimize the impact of their brands, provide stellar experiences, and build positive relationships. She founded her business, Image Potential Training & Consulting in 2002 and specializes in leadership and organizational development, interpersonal communication, brand development and assessment, service delivery, strategic planning, and presentation skills.  Cindy’s experience includes 30 years in at Illinois Central College (ICC) and 18 years as a business professor at Robert Morris University-Illinois.  She holds two associate degrees from ICC, and Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Illinois-Springfield.  Cindy is a Certified Leadership Development Studies Instructor, a recipient of the 25 Women in Leadership award, and was inducted into the Washington Community High School Hall of Fame.

Collaboration Over Competition: Connecting Over a Canvas
Presented by Megan Couri

This fun and interactive breakout session focuses on a collective art project and might just be the perfect metaphor for moving a group from individual ownership to shared success within a time frame.

Passing the canvas torch! Each individual paints freely on a canvas and after five minutes, they leave it and move to the next one - they can’t change or adjust anything that was done before them. Let’s build off one another’s practices, and collaboratively enhance each other in an aesthetic and artsy way!

Megan Couri is a prominent artist, muralist, and real estate professional.  Her professional mural career began after a personal tragedy—a house fire—which led her to discover the healing power of art.  As the owner of Megan Couri Art LLC, she is well-known for her vibrant, whimsical, and "art pop" style. Her work often features bold colors and vintage influences and her large-scale murals can be seen across the area.  Her work has been recognized by numerous awards including: 2017 National Art Pop, Peoria Best of the Best Winner 2022-2025, Community Votes Entertainment 2025, and the River City Pride Arts Award 2022.   Megan is also a real estate professional with the Harwood | Couri Team and has extensive experience with the local LGBTQ community, relocation, investors, and first-time home buyers.  She holds a Master’s degree from Bradley University and a Bachelor’s from St. Ambrose University.

The Power of Authentic Mentorship: Supporting Women Leaders Without the Pressure of Perfection
Presented by Dr. Ashley Hammond

Authentic mentorship plays a critical role in developing confident and resilient women leaders. In many professional settings, mentors and mentees feel pressure to present a polished image of success, leaving little room for honest conversations about challenges, self-doubt, and professional growth. This session explores how authentic mentorship can create supportive relationships that encourage vulnerability, normalize imperfection, and foster leadership development. Participants will learn practical strategies for building psychologically safe mentoring relationships and supporting emerging leaders through real-world challenges in healthcare, academia, and professional practice.

Dr. Ashley Hammond is an Assistant Professor in the Graduate Nursing Department at Bradley University and an accomplished leader with a career rooted in clinical excellence, innovation, and transformational leadership. She began her nursing journey in 2010 as a Licensed Practical Nurse and advanced through progressive clinical and leadership roles.  Dr. Hammond has led numerous high-impact initiatives, including supporting the implementation of Almost Home Kids in Peoria, developing a pediatric call center in Little Rock, Arkansas, and opening six pediatric subspecialty clinics for Children’s Hospital of Illinois. She has extensive experience in quality improvement, operational leadership, and building systems that enhance patient care and organizational outcomes.  As an educator, Dr. Hammond is passionate about preparing the next generation of advanced practice nurses to lead change through evidence-based practice, critical thinking, and compassionate leadership; and to inspiring professionals to lead with integrity, curiosity, and excellence.

Early Bird Leadership Panel  

Perseverance and Authenticity - Moderated by Kellie Branch-Dircks

A dynamic panel of community leaders will explore how perseverance and authenticity drive standout leadership
and meaningful personal growth. Through compelling insights and real-world stories, speakers will reveal the
power of perseverance in overcoming obstacles and authenticity in building trust and influence. This session will
equip audiences with inspiring, values-driven strategies that elevate performance and impact.

Kellie Branch-Dircks, LCSW, is the owner of Hope From Horses Counseling, where she provides equine-assisted counseling in Central Illinois. Kellie also serves as Vice President of Clinical Operations at Wellworth Therapy where, in partnership with the organization, she offers telehealth counseling services throughout the United States. She is also the Central Illinois Care Service Coordinator for ALS United Illinois and provides clinical supervision to social workers working toward licensure. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years of experience, she specializes in geriatrics, chronic illness, women’s health, life transitions, grief, and supporting first responders navigating trauma. Most recently, Kellie founded Hope From Horses Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to mental health services and ensuring individuals can receive support regardless of financial barriers.

Roberta “Bobbie” English is Chief Executive Officer of Wildlife Prairie Park.  She excels in building relationships with donors and has raised significant funds to address deferred maintenance and launch new initiatives to generate revenue and sustain the park operationally.   She has developed deep bonds with many people and this network has been instrumental in boosting Wildlife Prairie Park’s admission, membership and lodging stays year after year.  Roberta and her team are committed to making the park a premier destination for families to learn about nature and create lifelong memories.   She has a passion for building a stronger community and serves on the boards of the Peoria Area Convention and Visitor’s Bureau (Discover Peoria), Heartland Health Services, The Greater Peoria Leadership Council, the Business Political Action Committee of Central Illinois; and is a Rotarian. 

Cindy Renee Morris is a dedicated community leader and entrepreneur based in Peoria, Illinois. As the President of the Peoria Public Schools Foundation, Cindy oversees strategic initiatives and professional collaborations to support and enhance educational opportunities for local students. Her leadership is defined by a commitment to building successful business-nonprofit models that create a lasting community impact.  Beyond her nonprofit work, Cindy is the founder and heart behind Cindy’s Confections, a local micro-bakery specializing in old-fashioned goodies, artisanal breads, and cookies. Operating under the tagline "Baked with Love, Tastes like Home," her business has become a staple at local events, including the Sheridan Market and various community pop-ups.

Liz Snyder is the General Manager of Adams Outdoor Advertising in Peoria, where she has built a successful career through perseverance, hard work, and a commitment to leading with integrity. A self-made leader, Liz has forged her path in a competitive industry by staying grounded, results-focused, and unapologetically authentic. Beyond her professional career, Liz is a mother of two and an artist specializing in drawing and painting. She believes that true leadership comes from showing up as your whole self, even when it’s uncomfortable, in and out of the workplace. Liz is passionate about empowering women to trust their instincts and lead with confidence, on their own terms.

Andrea Tortora is the Director of Human Trafficking Services at the Center for Prevention of Abuse (CFPA) and a communications professional and avid community volunteer who passionately believes in giving her skills and time to improve her community. She is equipped with extensive leadership, management, communications and community building skills from decades of work in media, marketing and nonprofit board service. Andrea served on the board at CFPA and the Heart of Illinois United Way. She worked as a reporter and editor for news outlets in New York, Washington, DC; Rome, Italy and Cincinnati, Ohio before moving to Peoria in 2011. She is a member of the Junior League of Peoria and the Rotary Club of Peoria North. She currently sits on the Community Foundation of Central Illinois Women’s Fund Advisory Board. She is the recipient of several honors, including Community Service award in 2024 from the Women’s Fund, 25 Women in Leadership in 2020 from WEEK TV, Volunteer Award of Excellence in 2018 from the Illinois State Board of Education.