***Agenda is tentative and subject to change.***
8:00 a.m.
Registration and Continental Breakfast with Sponsors and Exhibitors
8:30 a.m.
Summit Overview and Introductions
Emcee: Callie Miracle, Director of Implementation, Kentucky Chamber Foundation
Welcome
Ben Reno-Weber, Louisville Metro Council and CEO and Co-Founder, Essential Innovation
Sponsor Introduction and Comments
Jordan Harris, Client Relationship Executive, Deloitte
8:45 a.m.
2037: The Surprise Society – Navigating Culture, Change and Technology in a Fragile World
Nat Irvin, II, DMA, Assistant Dean of Thought Leadership & Civic Engagement, University of Louisville College of Business
2037: The Surprise Society explores what it means to lead in a world shaped by instability, acceleration, and uncertainty. Audiences will be invited to think about the future not as something distant and abstract, but as something already taking shape through small signals, cultural shifts, technological change, and fragile systems under stress. Drawing on history, contemporary trends, and the discipline of foresight, he examines how surprise emerges, how risk becomes normalized, and why judgment matters most when the map is incomplete. Rather than offering simple predictions, this talk challenges listeners to develop the habits of attention, curiosity, and moral courage required to navigate a world that refuses to behave—and to lead wisely within it.
9:30 a.m.
The Power of Purpose: How Volunteerism Strengthens Employee Engagement and Communities
Adria Johnson, CEO, Metro United Way
Katina Whitlock, Senior Director for People, Culture and Community Engagement, GE Appliances/Haier
Employees who are encouraged to give back are more engaged, connected, and invested in their organizations. This panel will explore how companies are leveraging volunteerism and community service to build stronger workplace cultures, develop future leaders, and create meaningful community impact. Hear from business and nonprofit leaders as they share successful strategies, lessons learned, and practical ideas for creating volunteer programs that benefit employees, organizations, and the communities they serve.
10:15 a.m.
Morning Break with Sponsors and Exhibitors
11:00 a.m.
Chaos, Curveballs, & Comebacks: The Leadership Playbook for Unpredictable Times
Colene Elridge (Coach Colene), CEO, Be More Consulting
Leadership today feels like playing Whack-A-Mole... just when you think you’ve got it figured out, something new pops up. In this fun, practical session, we’ll explore how to adapt, make confident decisions with imperfect information, and lead with clarity even when everything feels uncertain.
11:45 a.m.
Lunch
12:25 p.m.
Presentation of the Kentucky Young Professional of the Year Award
Young Professional of the Year Award recipient TBA
12:35 p.m.
Announcement of Next Generation Leadership Council
12:40 p.m.
Luncheon Keynote TBD
1:15 p.m.
Afternoon Break with Sponsors and Exhibitors
1:45 p.m.
From Kitchen Idea to National Brand: The Dan-O’s Story
Dan Oliver, Founder, Dan-O's Seasoning
What does it take to turn a simple idea into a nationally recognized brand? In this inspiring session, Dan Oliver, founder of Dan-O's Seasoning, shares the entrepreneurial journey behind one of the fastest-growing names in the seasoning industry. Dan will reflect on the courage it takes to pursue a dream, the lessons learned while building a business from the ground up, and the power of authenticity in leadership. He’ll also discuss how he leveraged digital platforms—particularly YouTube—to build a loyal community, share cooking tips and recipes, and introduce millions to the flavor and personality behind Dan-O’s.
2:30 p.m.
TBD
3:15 p.m.
The Lucky Ones: From Foster Care to the Crown – A Story of Resilience and Advocacy
Ariana Rodriguez, Miss Kentucky 2025
Ariana's Service Initiative, The Lucky Ones, brings hope, dignity, and empowerment to youth in foster care. The Lucky Ones is a deeply personal mission rooted in her own experience as a foster child and the belief that every young person—regardless of their circumstance—deserves dignity, joy, and opportunity. Inspired by her journey and driven by a commitment to advocacy, Ariana has created a multi-faceted program that supports children in foster care and empowers youth through practical education and personal connection.
4:00 p.m.
Kentucky Young Professionals Summit Concludes