About Christina

As Director and Founder of The Rebound Foundation, Christina Ford has worked diligently in fulfulling the organization's mission to end violence through safe housing for survivors of domestic abuse and educating youth to prevent violence by launching three transitional homes in Springfield, MO, and the opening of long-term affordable units from survivors of domestic violence. She has been influential in making a mark in her community on youth violence prevention by creating a program that focuses on healthy relationships and signs of abuse that reach youth through effective partnerships. 

In 2019, Christina saw another need in her community for flexible hourly childcare. Her vision birthed what is now known as Kids Inn Childcare Center, LLC, where Christina serves as Owner. Christina dedicated her time and focus to building the business and continued her education in this field by receiving a master's degree in early childhood and Family Development from MSU. 

Her accomplishments and contributions were recognized as an honoree fro SBJ's 2019 20 Most Influential Women Award and SBJ's class of 2023 40 under 40. She is the wife to Dana Ford and mom to Cameron, Carson, Charlie Rose, Crain, Cline and Courtney with a daughter in heaven, Promise.

About Mallory

Mallory Brown is a worldwide adventure traveler, documentary filmmaker and global humanitarian. She travels the world to tell real-life stories of impact. Mallory's goal is to encourage others to embrace empathy and reignite their own desire to make a difference. She has traveled to over 60 countries, started two socially conscious businesses and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to fight international poverty. 

Mallory's latest campaign, "Walk a Mile" is a global marathon for women's empowerment. She's walking a marathon, one mile at a time, with 26 impoverished women around the world. 26 miles. 26 women. 26 stories of strength. Each 'mile" benefits a local women's charity.

Mallory's story inspires others to live a passionate, generous and global life. Her efforts have been featured by the Today Show, The New York Times, Crain's Detroit Business, the Huffington Post and Cosmopolitan Magazine. Mallory was born and raised in Michigan, graduated from Alboin College and currently lives on the edge of Detroit.

About Stephanie

Stephanie Anderson is an Engagement Specialist at People Centric Consulting Group. People Centric builds healthy organizations where people are aligned and empowered by helping leaders create actionable change that improves their workplace culture. 

Stephanie is an experienced business strategist who has worked with organizations of all sizes from small start-ups to Fortune 100 companies in leadership and consultant roles, in addition to being a small business owner and social entrepreneur herself.

Stephanie holds a Bachelor of Arts from Evangel University and a certification in Women's Entrepreneurship from Cornell University. She is a graduate of Leadership Springfield Class 45 and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Ozarks Regional YMCA and WISE Zambia.

About Lori

Lori Robertson is an accomplished keynote speaker, story strategist and speaker coach on a mission to empower women in leadership to use their voices as a tool of influence and impact.

She came to see the incredible power of women sharing their wisdom, insights and stories when she spent 10 years producing Women of Faith, the world's largest women's live event tour. Visiting 28-30 NBA and NHL arenas each year and hosting audiences of over 14,000 at its peak, Women of Faith was a movement with million of women encouraging, inspiring and empowering women.

Lori's journey from a novice speaker to event emcee speaking to crowds of thousands was nothing short of remarkable. Since then, her captivating presence has graced stages worldwide, addressing groups of over 18,000. She speakers regularly on the topics of leadership communication, the power of storytelling for leaders and the value of building and leveraging an intentional personal brand.

As the visionary founder of SpeakerHer Coach, she's on a mission to help more women say "yes" to opportunities that enhance their visibility, maximize their impact and grow their personal brands through speaking. 

Lori Robertson is not just a speaker; she's a catalyst for change, committed to empowering women to step up, speak up and lead through clear, confident communication. 

About Laura

Laura Gates, President of TransLand, thrives on embracing fear and doubt as opportunities for growth. With 25 years at TransLand, she's risen from the accounting department to President, showcasing her strength as a leader. Under her guidance, the company has expanded its driver count, opened a new facility in St. Louis and earned recognition as one of the best fleets to drive for. Gates, a trailblazer in a male-dominated industry, is committed to paving the way for future female leaders. Looking ahead, she envisions further growth in Springfield and St. Louis, alongside a deepened commitment to community outreach, including charitable contributions to organizations like Care to Learn and those supporting veterans.

About Krystal

Krystal Simon, CEO of Care to Learn, begins each day with gratitude and coffee, believing in the power of positivity. With a background in the Great Game of Business and Camp Barnabas, she transitioned to Care to Learn to balance work and family life. Under her leadership, Care to Learn expanded from a $1.1 million to a $4.8 million nonprofit, aiding students over 3 million times. Simon attributes this success to her dedicated team, community support and donors. Her vision is to extend Care to Learn's reach beyond Missouri, aiming to serve more school districts and achieve further milestones in aiding children's basic needs for academic success.

About Grenita

Dr. Grenita Lathan, Superintendent of the Springfield Public School District—the largest in Missouri—brings composure, grace and collaborative leadership to her role. With over 30 years in education, she oversees 23,500 students and 3,500 staff members. Under her leadership, Proposition S, focused on student safety and school improvement, passed with 77% voter approval. Dr. Lathan also initiated SPS University and Let’s Talk! to engage parents and the community. Despite the challenges, she navigates her career with confidence and relies on prayer and support. Driven by her passion for literacy, she cherishes the impact of quality education on children's lives. When not leading, she enjoys diving into a good murder mystery.

About Nancy

Nancy Bogart's journey into wellness entrepreneurship began with a simple lotion bar at craft fairs 24 years ago. Recognizing its potential, she and her husband Ron transformed the venture into Jordan Essentials, now a thriving direct sales company. Bogart takes pride in her inclusive workplace, employing her children and individuals with disabilities, fostering a joyful and supportive culture. Throughout challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, Jordan Essentials has flourished, experiencing a 23% increase in sales and finding success with products like magnesium-infused skincare, which gained traction on social media. Bogart remains dedicated to manufacturing quality products in southwest Missouri while advocating for workplace adaptability and inclusivity.

About Sarah

Sarah Adams Orr, third-generation owner of Adams Funeral Home in Ozark and Nixa, carries on her legacy of providing comfort and support to grieving families. Growing up in the funeral business, she views services as celebrations of life. In her leadership role, she emphasizes communication and gratitude while ensuring meaningful services for families. Beyond her business, Sarah is deeply involved in her community, serving on the Ozark School Board, Springfield Ballet Board and more.

About Logan

Logan Aguirre is Publisher/Owner of Whitaker Publishing, a regional lifestyle company that produces 417 Magazine and Biz 417 in southwest Missouri. Logan’s parents bought the business in 2001 and she joined in 2006 after a career in New York and St. Louis in marketing and public relations. At 417 she has served in roles in sales, marketing and events, eventually becoming Associate Publisher, then President before purchasing the business from her parents Joan and Gary Whitaker, in September 2020. Logan implemented the Great Game of Business inside the organization in 2019 and has since led her team to be named Great Game of Business All Stars in 2020 - 2022 and earn the top award in 2023.

417’s mission is to Shine a Light and Logan embodies that through her passion to give back and be actively engaged in her community. Past board and volunteer experience include Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce (Chairman, 2021), Chair of Women of Wish for Make-A-Wish Foundation, Junior League of Springfield,  Springfield Business Development Corporation, Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau, Foundation for Springfield Public Schools Advisory Board, Friends of SPS Steering Committee, Care to Learn Advisory Board, Lost & Found Grief Center Junior Board and CoxHealth Young Professionals Advisory Council. She is a graduate of Leadership Springfield Class 31. In 2017 Folio: Magazine named her a Top Women in Media in the Corporate Visionaries category and she is a 2008 Springfield Business Journal 40 Under 40. Currently, she serves on the national board for the City Regional Magazine Association. Logan graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Missouri School of Journalism.

A natural born storyteller, Logan is a sought after speaker and emcee.  Her experience ranges from emceeing Go Red for Women for the American Heart Association, serving as a panel moderator and conducting one-on-one interviews to speaking at the national conference for the Great Game of Business.

Logan is married to her husband of 19  years Dave Aguirre, and together they have a daughter Lucy, 15, and a son Cruz, 12.  When not cheering for her kids on a stage or a field, you can find her in hot yoga classes or on a boat with her family at Table Rock Lake.