Sessions & Speakers
Morning Workshop: Corinne Hoisington
In the Blink of an AI: Empowering Lynchburg's Next Business Leaders
Professor of Information Systems Technology at CVCC
Forget the sci-fi hype—AI isn’t here to replace you; it’s here to amplify your impact. Join us for “In the Blink of an AI: A Business Perspective”, a dynamic, hands-on workshop designed for young professionals ready to lead in an AI-driven world.
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What You’ll Learn:
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Real-world AI applications for marketing, customer engagement, and business communication
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How to automate repetitive tasks and free up time for strategic thinking
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Techniques to unlock insights from data and make smarter decisions
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Ways to streamline operations, boost customer satisfaction, and spark innovation
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Prompt engineering for text and images—the secret to getting the most out of AI tools
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This isn’t theory—it’s practical, interactive, and tailored for the Lynchburg business community. You’ll leave with actionable skills and tools to gain a competitive edge in today’s fast-paced market
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Hands-on. Real-world. Future-focused.
About Corrinne
Corinne Hoisington, a powerhouse Professor of Information Systems Technology at Central Virginia Community College, isn't your average academic. With over three decades of teaching under her belt, she's got the wisdom of a tech sage with her new AI title: Introduction to AI: A Business Perspective just published by Cengage Learning.
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But hold on, there's more. Corinne jets around the globe, racking up over 250,000 miles a year to deliver electrifying keynotes in over 70 cities annually! We're talking about sharing her insights with giants like Microsoft Corporation, Cengage Learning, National Geographic Abu Dhabi, Capital One International Bank, and even rocking the stage at Executive LIVE in London, Sydney, and Johannesburg, not to mention the buzz of the international South by Southwest (SXSW) event in Austin, Texas!
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And guess what? This tech guru is also a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional in Computer Programming – talk about being recognized at the highest level! Corinne has also penned a whopping 40+ textbooks with Cengage Learning/National Geographic, covering everything from the cutting-edge world of Introduction to AI: A Business Perspective to essential skills in Outlook 365, Office 365, Microsoft Windows, Android Boot Camp Java, Technology Now, and Visual Basic.
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Corinne isn't just keeping up with the tech revolution; she's leading the charge! She's a true visionary and thought leader in Artificial Intelligence (AI). Her story isn't just about an educator on the cutting edge; it's a thrilling adventure into the transformative power of AI-Assisted business itself! Get ready to be inspired!
Closing Keynote: Lauren Beane
Ready enough: Activating our confidence with only 50% of the answers
How often do you find yourself waiting until you feel ready enough to raise your hand for opportunities? Or apply to that dream job? Or start that business?
But let’s face it: ready is a lie. We are never truly ready, and in this session, Lauren empowers the audience to believe they are ready enough (even with only 50% of the answers) in order to gain the confidence to pursue their goals. Lauren proves that the
key to achieving our goals is not by taking one massive leap, but by several tiny steps and the decision to believe we have what it takes.
Key takeaways:
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The biggest freedom you can give yourself is to dream through the fear
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The benefit of listening to our inner voice and pursuing new opportunities
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Tips on harnessing your strengths to drive you toward success
TEDx Speaker, Live Trainer, and Personal Coach
About Lauren
Lauren Beane helps audiences take the leap and believe they are ready enough by offering tools, coaching, and her personal stories so they can embrace and own their unique talents. Too often, she found herself not taking action on her goals unless she felt that she had all the answers. But in 2020, she grew tired of waiting until she felt ready to pursue new opportunities. After taking a huge leap and launching her dream consulting business, she’s now on a mission to empower others to feel they are ready enough (even with only 50% of the answers) and live out the life they deserve.
Notable Achievements
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​Top 50 Female Speaker in the US
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TEDx Speaker
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International Keynote Speaker
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Breakout Sessions
Butch Jefferson
Licensed Realtor & Business Development Manager
Breakout Topic: High Road Leadership: Navigating Continuous Change in the Workplace
Change is inevitable, but effective leadership during change sets professionals apart. In High Road Leadership: Navigating Continuous Change in the Workplace, Butch Jefferson equips young professionals with practical tools to lead with integrity, confidence, and clarity in fast-moving, high-pressure environments. This engaging, real-world session focuses on navigating uncertainty, adapting to shifting priorities, managing difficult conversations, and leading through change even without formal authority. Participants will learn how to stay grounded, make high-road decisions, build trust during transitions, and respond to change with professionalism rather than frustration. Whether you are early in your career or stepping into new responsibility, this session delivers actionable strategies to help you lead through change, stand out, and grow with purpose in today’s evolving workplace.
About Butch
Butch Jefferson is a relationship-driven leader, mentor, and community builder with a proven track record of guiding individuals and organizations through growth, transition, and change. With a background spanning real estate, business development, workforce partnerships, and nonprofit leadership, Butch brings real-world perspective to the challenges facing today’s professionals.
As a licensed Realtor with Divine Fog Realty Company and Business Development Manager for Hickey Plumbing, Air & Electrical, Butch works daily in fast-paced, high-expectation environments where trust, adaptability, and integrity are essential. He is a Maxwell-certified speaker, trainer, and coach, and has served as a lead mentor and instructor for professional development programs focused on leadership, productivity, and personal growth.
Beyond his professional roles, Butch is deeply involved in the Central Virginia community, serving on boards and collaborating with local business associations, workforce development initiatives, and educational partners. He is known for his ability to connect people, break down silos, and help emerging leaders lead effectively, regardless of title or tenure.
Butch’s leadership philosophy centers on taking the “high road”: leading with character, clarity, and courage in the face of constant change. His message resonates especially with young professionals navigating uncertainty, rapid workplace shifts, and the pressure to perform early in their careers. Through practical insight, relatable experience, and a people-first approach, Butch equips others to lead well, grow intentionally, and build trust that lasts.
Allison Jordan
Independent Consultant
Breakout Topic: Coblabberation: Courtship to Collaboration
Using the familiar stages of courtship as a framework, participants will learn how trust is built, expectations are clarified, and shared goals are established before jumping into “working together.” This session is especially designed for young professionals navigating cross-sector partnerships, team projects, and community initiatives.
About Allison
Dr. Allison Jordan has dedicated her career to strengthening the lives of youth and families across Central Virginia. With experience spanning K–12 classroom instruction and administration, nonprofi t leadership, and strengths-based leadership coaching, she brings a holistic perspective to community impact. In her current role as a consultant, Allison partners with nonprofi t organizations to foster collaboration and collective impact. She also serves on the board of directors for the Central Virginia Academy for Nonprofi t Excellence (CVANE), advancing capacity-building efforts for the region’s nonprofi t sector.
Allison has been married for 17 years and counting. She and her husband Jeff have two adolescent children, Nick and Kate, and two big slobbery dogs. In her spare time, she loves to watch her children play sports, be their personal Uber, spend quality time with family, and to go to bed early. For fun, Allison is always reading at least one leadership or communication book and will tell you about it even if you do not ask. Allison has always wanted to be a standup comedian, so she will infuse humor in most situations.
Todd Robatin
Outside Account Executive, IHeart Media
Breakout Topic: Navigating the New Landscape of Media
Join us for an insightful and engaging session where your local experts from iHeartMedia will delve into the evolving world of media and marketing – past, present, and future. As technology advances and consumer behaviors shift, businesses must adapt to stay ahead with effective strategies backed by today’s advanced data analytics. This session will provide valuable insights into the history of communications and media; explore the latest trends, tools, and strategies that are shaping the future; and showcase how each generation consumes and responds to different advertising tactics. Whether you're a seasoned marketer, a new business owner, or just a young professional looking to enhance your media knowledge, this session is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed marketing decisions and thrive in today's dynamic environment.
About Todd
Bio coming soon...
Nicholette Antoniuk
Chief Program Officer, FIVE18 Family Services
Breakout Topic: Lead From Within, Thrive Through Change: The High-Feedback Advantage
Feedback is one of the most underused tools for leadership growth. The High-Feedback Advantage introduces emerging leaders to a practical framework for using feedback to influence culture, strengthen communication, and improve team performance. This session focuses on how to seek, interpret, and apply feedback in ways that build trust, reduce tension, and eliminate ambiguity. Participants will learn feedback-driven techniques to improve collaboration, address challenges early, and lead from within—regardless of title or tenure. Through real-world examples and an easy-to-implement approach, attendees will leave with actionable strategies to turn everyday feedback into meaningful impact for themselves, their teams, and their organizations.
About Nicholette
As Chief Program Officer at Five18, Nicholette Antoniuk leads strategy and vision for children and caregivers services across Central Virginia. With an MBA in Healthcare Management, she spent years managing a small biotech business before shifting her focus to family care and ministry. In 2017, she and her husband entered full-time ministry, later relocating to Lynchburg, VA to join Patrick Henry Family Services — now FIVE18 Family Services. In her role, Nicholette collaborates with community partners to strengthen families, and facilitates trauma-informed training programs — such as the Cost of Poverty Experience (COPE) — to support and equip regional nonprofit leaders. Guided by Romans 8:28 and 1 Timothy 5:8, she commits to fostering strong families, future leaders, and lasting change.
Nicholette is deeply involved in Blue Ridge Community Church’s worship, service, and discipleship programs. She serves on the board of the Central Virginia Academy for Nonprofit Excellence (CVANE). She and her husband enjoy raising three children and a lively bunch of pets, and engaging in board games, hiking, or creative projects. In 2022, she published her first children’s book, a tribute to the autism community.