Steve Harper is a sought-after speaker, entrepreneur and business strategist devoted to deepening and 

strengthening relationships through a powerful practice called "Rippling." 

In his popular book, The Ripple Effect: Maximizing the Power of Relationships for Your Life and Business, Steve uncovers the secret to creating memorable, long-lasting connections and the important impact they make in one's personal and professional life. 

As an expert trainer and coach, Steve's unique and refreshing view of how individuals, organizations, and even our society must reach outside the box to connect is changing lives and impacting corporate bottom-line dollars. 

Honing a leveraged system for achieving business success as CEO of two software companies, Owner Insite and Facility Insite, Steve has incorporated the signature Ripple DNA into every aspect of operations, from the technology to the team's approach for supporting their clients.

Check out ripplecentral.com 

Lindsey is a community-driven fitness entrepreneur who has spent the last 7+ years building spaces where connection comes first and movement becomes something people genuinely enjoy. She began by bringing pop-up cycling classes to breweries, wineries, parking lots, and outdoor spaces… meeting people where they were and creating experiences that felt both approachable and energizing.

That grassroots-start evolved into owning and operating multiple indoor cycling studios, where she led a team of 40+ instructors and staff while cultivating a loyal community rooted in consistency, trust, and shared experience.

After closing her studios, Lindsey chose to pivot rather than pause. She rebuilt her business in a way that felt more aligned with her life and strengths, transitioning into hosting curated pop-up fitness experiences through her signature format, Box-ilates – a blend of rhythmic boxing, Pilates, and sculpt designed to be both effective and accessible. Her events are known not just for the workout, but for the feeling they create… welcoming, inclusive, and deeply connected.

Through this shift, Lindsey has partnered with 50+ brands, built a strong and returning community both in person and online, and continues to expand her reach as a Lululemon ambassador.

Lindsey is someone who has figured a lot out on her own, and that has shaped her as a business owner. Through rebuilding and shifting her business model, she has learned how to focus her energy with intention – allowing her strengths to guide how she leads, grows, and creates meaningful experiences for others.

She is passionate about helping others recognize their own strengths and use them as the foundation for building something purposeful, sustainable, and entirely their own.

Jarrett Royster’s YMCA career spans 35 years of dedicated community service. 

In October 2022, Jarrett joined the YMCA of Delaware as President and CEO.  In this role, he is leading one of the largest nonprofit organizations in the state. Today, the YMCA of Delaware operations include eight locations, 36 licensed afterschool centers located within elementary schools across the state, an overnight summer camp in Worton, Maryland, and a dedicated Youth Development Center in Downtown Wilmington. In addition to being one of the state’s largest nonprofit organizations, the YMCA of Delaware is also one of the state’s oldest nonprofit organizations. For more than 130 years, the Y continues to positively impact the lives of thousands of Delawareans of all ages and from all walks of life, regardless of ability to pay. Remarkably, the YMCA provides an average of $2.5 million in financial assistance annually, ensuring access to the YMCA  for all.

Jarrett comes to Delaware after having spent the past seven years in Boston. In 2015, Jarrett joined the YMCA of Greater Boston, accepting the role of Senior Vice President of Operations. In 2020, Jarrett was promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer. His achievements include successfully guiding the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic, leading efforts to recover membership, fostering the creation of new health products and a virtual studio, and refining how the Y tells its story to build greater brand awareness and equity. 

Prior to his role in Boston, Jarrett held the position of National Director for Urban & Educational Development at YMCA of the USA. The YMCA of the USA is the national resource office for the nation’s 2,686 YMCAs, collectively serving nearly 21 million people each year, 9.4 million of whom are children under the age of 18.

As National Director, Jarrett led the YMCA’s strategic direction to better meet the needs of some of the nation’s more distressed urban communities.  He also worked with others to create access and opportunities for youth to succeed in their educational pursuits. Jarrett has an extensive background in Youth Development. Throughout Model andars at Y-USA, he played a significant role in developing and scaling programs that addressed the achievement gap, developed a Youth Development Competency Model, and created new trainings to build the capacity of local Y staff to deliver on the YMCA of the USA’s commitment to youth development. 

Prior to joining YMCA of the USA in September 2009, Jarrett served as Vice President of Urban Development & Eastside Operations for the YMCA of Greater Charlotte. There, Jarrett successfully worked with community leaders and members to revitalize the East Corridor, a struggling neighborhood in East Charlotte. He did so by increasing economic development, re-engaging its community, and advancing education opportunities in neighborhood schools. Jarrett also advanced the Charlotte YMCA’s diversity and inclusion efforts, grew Hispanic membership, and increased contributed income.

Jarrett has served as Regional Director and Executive Director at YMCAs in Philadelphia, Pa., Birmingham, Ala., Oklahoma City, Okla., and Providence, R.I. 

Jarrett is a native of Providence, RI and holds bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Springfield College in Springfield, Massachusetts where he holds state and national track records. He is also the co-founder and former president of the YMCA’s African American Executive Forum; a professional association of African American executives committed to the upward mobility of people of color.

Dr. Le-Ann Harris is a seasoned healthcare executive and transformational leader currently serving as Regional Chief Nursing Officer for Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic Region. In this role, she provides strategic and operational oversight for nursing practice across the region, advancing clinical excellence, workforce engagement, and patient-centered care.

With a career that spans executive leadership and complex healthcare operations, Le-Ann has previously served as Chief Operating Officer, Chief Nursing Officer, and Vice President of Patient Care. Her leadership portfolio includes responsibility for a 600-bed Level 1 Trauma Center, multiple community hospitals, freestanding emergency departments, and regional oversight of 33 assisted living communities across three states.

Le-Ann is widely recognized for her grounded leadership style, leading with integrity, clarity, and compassion while driving transformational change in complex environments. She has a proven ability to build high-performing teams, strengthen organizational culture, and deliver measurable improvements in quality, safety, and operational performance.

A respected mentor and speaker, Le-Ann is deeply committed to developing the next generation of leaders and addressing the evolving challenges of the nursing workforce. Her work focuses on leadership development, workforce sustainability, and creating environments where caregivers feel supported, valued, and empowered to thrive.

Gretchen Rickards is an executive coach, internal medicine physician, and Army veteran who works with leaders stepping into bigger roles and navigating growth, change, and increasing complexity.

Her background spans medicine, the military, and academic leadership, settings defined by high-stakes decisions and constant competing demands.

Today, she partners with leaders across healthcare, nonprofit, and mission-driven organizations, helping them make better decisions about their time, energy, and focus, and lead with clarity and intention through periods of transition.

She brings a practical, diagnostic approach to leadership, looking beneath the surface to understand what is driving performance and where effort will have the greatest impact.

Regina Donato is the Director of Communications for the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce (DSCC), where she leads the organization’s communications strategy and oversees all editorial, marketing, and media efforts. In her role, Regina serves as editor of Delaware Business magazine, manages press releases, op-eds, and media relations, oversees all newsletters and event communications, develops marketing collateral, maintains the DSCC website, and directs social media strategy to align with advocacy and membership goals. She also leads the organization’s internship program. 

Raised in North Wilmington, Delaware, Regina graduated from the University of Delaware in 2021 with a degree in media communications and double minors in advertising and sport management. She has been a member of the Spur Impact Leadership Summit (formerly MillSummit) planning committee since 2021 and participates in the Delaware Young Professionals Network. A lifelong Philadelphia sports fan, Regina previously worked part-time for the Philadelphia Eagles and enjoys cheering them on in her free time.

Rob Phillips is a senior Learning & Development and Organizational Change Management leader with deep expertise in building capability-driven training and change functions within complex financial services organizations.

Currently serving in an SVP-level role at Wilmington Trust, Rob leads the Change Enablement & Learning team within Institutional Services — a fully remote, cross-functional group of instructional designers, trainers, and organizational change managers supporting more than 890 employees across the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, and Ireland. His work spans the full spectrum of L&D and OCM — from instructional design and blended learning programs to large-scale change enablement, communications strategy, and knowledge management.

Rob is known for designing structured frameworks that bring rigor and repeatability to both learning and change initiatives, with a focus on measurable outcomes and sustainable capability building. He draws on methodologies including ADDIE, SAM, and Prosci ADKAR to bridge the gap between organizational strategy and frontline readiness — and knows firsthand that even the most well-designed initiative lives or dies by how well its leaders can read the room and adapt their message to the moment. It’s a perspective he has refined over more than 8.5 years as part of the M&T Bank and Wilmington Trust family.

That instinct, however, traces back much further. Throughout his career, Rob worked in multimedia production putting on-camera subjects at ease, reading body language, and creating the kind of trust that turns a nervous interviewee into a natural storyteller. It was there that he developed an intuitive understanding of people that has shaped his approach to leadership and communication ever since. A passion for photography and visual storytelling remains with him to this day.

Outside of work, Rob lives in Rochester, New York with his wife Kelly and their two dogs, Nitro and Mr. Kippy.

Katie is the founder and owner of Kaffé Karma (est. 2022), a wellness-focused coffee shop built around the idea that intentional connection is the foundation of a healthy and strong community. KARMA serves as a “third place” — a welcoming space beyond home and work — and has grown into a central hub in Delaware where people come together not just for delicious sips and eats, but for conversation, collaboration, and genuine connection.

Alongside her husband, Max, Katie co-founded the Spread Good Karma Foundation (SGK), a nonprofit dedicated to making wellness free and accessible for everyone. SGK was born from Katie’s recognition that many people delay taking care of themselves due to barriers like cost, time, and access. Through free fitness classes, mindfulness events, and local partnerships, the foundation works to help Delawareans prioritize their health and well-being. This mission also inspired the creation of the Brandywine Farmers Market, a community space for small vendors to thrive and for neighbors to connect.

From these already impactful initiatives, Katie’s vision continues to expand. Karma’s Korner — a neighborhood grocer, ice cream shop, and coffee bar centered on local products and daily connection — is coming in 2026. 

Katie’s leadership is rooted in empathy, purpose, and follow-through. When she sees a need in the community, she doesn’t wait for someone else to solve it — she builds the solution herself. Through KARMA and SGK, Katie continues to shape a more connected, health-minded Delaware — a place where wellness feels accessible, approachable, and deeply rooted in community.

Meghan Rutherford is the owner and founder of House of Butter, a small business focused on creating thoughtful, handcrafted food products with a homemade feel. What began as a personal creative outlet has grown into a business rooted in comfort, connection, and quality ingredients. Through local markets and community events, she loves creating products that feel both elevated and familiar.

Kerriann Otaño joined OperaDelaware as Vice President of Engagement in July 2022. After an extensive career as a spinto soprano in leading opera houses including Washington National Opera, Opera San Jose, Wolf Trap Opera, and the Metropolitan Opera, Kerriann began transitioning into artistic administration in 2019 with a focus on artist advocacy, IDEA initiatives, and mental healthcare for singers. Kerriann holds a Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance from Indiana University and a Master’s degree from Mannes the New School for Music in New York City. Kerriann's 2023 TEDx on artist and audience advocacy was released on TEDTalk's global network and has received over 25,000 views. She is the featured soprano soloist on Naxos' 2018 Songfest recorded live with the National Orchestral Institute Philharmonic. In addition to her extensive knowledge of operatic repertoire and her enthusiasm for reaching new audiences, Ms. Otaño brings an artist-centered approach to her work, focusing on cultivating long-term relationships through deeply-rooted community collaboration, innovation, and robust artist-led initiatives. She has been the recipient of many prestigious awards and recognitions including Delaware Business Times 40 Under 40 in 2024, Top Women in Business 2025, and Musical America Worldwide’s list of Top 30 Arts Professionals of 2026. Kerriann resides in Wilmington with her husband, tenor Dane Suarez, and their sweet pups, Frankie and Chalupa.

Brynn McKenry is a Digital Strategist at Moore, where she leads multi-channel digital campaign strategies to engage, acquire, and cultivate online donors and audiences for impactful organizations. She specializes in data-driven audience segmentation, campaign execution, and building efficient workflows that maximize growth and team velocity. Prior to joining Moore, Brynn served as a Service Line Marketing Specialist for Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic, managing complex regional marketing operations and cross-functional collaborations within a high-growth healthcare environment. At this year's Spur Impact Leadership Summit, Brynn is moderating the session "Fueling Momentum: Turning 'No' into Strategic Insight," guiding a dynamic conversation on how emerging leaders can transform institutional roadblocks and creative friction into actionable growth.

Kayla Marie Bush is a Banking Services Analyst at M&T Bank, where she has served for five years. Within the organization, she holds the role of Vice President of iGen Delaware, an initiative dedicated to connecting all generations to learn and grow together.

Her commitment to leadership extends into the community through her three-year tenure with Spur Impact, where she serves as the Executive Co-Chair for this year’s Leadership Conference. Furthermore, she is an Ambassador Council Member for Lori’s Hands, supporting their mission of community-based service and support.

At home, Kayla shares her life with her husband and their two dogs, Duke and Finn. Whether through her professional analysis or her various leadership roles, she is dedicated to fostering growth and connection in Delaware.

Robin Carey is a Principal Associate at Capital One and a proud 5th year planning committee member for the Spur Impact Leadership Summit. In her professional career, she specializes in credit reporting with a focus on well-controlled automated processes. She is passionate about helping people bring their authentic selves to work through mentorship, volunteerism, and recognition of success. In addition to her work at Capital One and the Summit, Robin serves as the Vice President of the board of Spur Impact and volunteers with Carousel Park Equestrian Center's Therapeutic Riding and Ongoing Training Program to offer adaptive equestrian opportunities to everyone.

Carla Durante is a financial services professional with over twelve years of experience in financial crime and risk management. She holds Bachelor’s Degrees in both History and Political Science, along with Master’s Degrees in both Homeland Security and Business Administration. Carla is CAMS and CAFS certified, reflecting her deep expertise in anti-money laundering and fraud prevention. Outside of her professional ambitions, Carla is a mental health advocate, working to break through the stigma. She lives with her boyfriend, five cats, and two dogs in North Star, Delaware and enjoys reading, writing, and staying active.

Wil Porter is an avid supporter of the arts and a dedicated community leader in Wilmington, Delaware, where he has resided since 2024. He serves on the Board of Directors for The Contemporary Museum, a position he transitioned into after graduating from the Spur Impact board leadership cohort program, which equips emerging leaders with the skills needed for effective nonprofit governance. Deeply embedded in the local cultural landscape, Wil actively champions creative initiatives across the region and recently brought his passion for the performing arts to the stage as an extra in an OperaDelaware production. At this year's Spur Impact Leadership Summit, Wil joins the conversation to share insights on community engagement and leveraging professional training for meaningful civic impact.

Chardiney Jackson is the CEO of Elite Leaders Coaching & Consulting, where she empowers emerging and established professionals to gain clarity on their career goals, advocate for themselves, and take strategic, purpose-driven action. She brings more than a decade of leadership development experience from leadership roles at JPMorgan Chase, higher education as Associate Director of Learning & Development at the University of Delaware, and 14 years of service as a Training Manager in the United States Air Force Reserve.

An International Coaching Federation Associate Certified Coach (ACC) and author of The Power to Begin: Unlock Your Motivation and Embrace Your Goals, Chardiney draws on her experience across corporate, higher education, military, and entrepreneurial settings to equip audiences with practical strategies for building confidence, navigating career transitions, and designing careers aligned with their values. Through engaging storytelling and actionable insights, she inspires emerging leaders to advocate for what they need and embrace opportunities with intention.

Dr. Damali Thomas is a Vice President and Customer Segment Consultant at Bank of America with 26 years of experience in the financial services industry. She specializes in customer strategy, process optimization, and operational excellence, helping drive solutions that enhance client and employee experiences.

Outside of her professional role, Damali is an active community volunteer, supporting organizations including West End Neighborhood House, Cornerstone West Community Development Corporation, and Delaware Greenways. Her service focuses on advancing economic opportunity, community development, and environmental stewardship. She is passionate about leveraging leadership, collaboration, and service to create meaningful impact in both the workplace and the community.

Julia Mullins is an Executive Coach, focused on leaders navigating the workplace.

From coaching leaders, to facilitating programs for organizations, Julia helps clients build self-awareness, gain career clarity, and develop leadership skills at all levels. Throughout her work, Julia brings new awareness to neurodiversity in the workplace and helps individuals and teams work better. 

Julia earned her MBA from Penn State, along with certificates in Leadership Coaching for Organizational Performance from American University, and Neuroscience for Business from MIT Sloan. Julia holds credentials with the International Coaching Federation (ICF), and is a member of the ADHD Coaches Organization (ACO). She serves as a board member for Forum of Executive Women – Delaware, and International Coaching Federation – Philadelphia. 

Julia is the founder of Mullins Professional Group, LLC.

Cheryl Bryant is the Director of Development for One Big House, a partnership between Friendship House and Limen Wellness + Recovery that creates integrated pathways of support for people experiencing homelessness, substance use disorder, mental health challenges, and other barriers to stability and well-being.

After a 30-year career as a physical therapist, Cheryl relocated to Delaware and began a new chapter in the nonprofit sector. She joined Friendship House seven years ago, where she worked as the Clothing Bank Director to strengthen operations and expand the impact of the Creating Excellent Outcomes (CEO) Program, which provides job and life skills training for justice involved and homeless women. In her current role, she helps build the partnerships and resources needed to advance One Big House's work of connecting people to meaningful support, pathways to healing, and stronger communities. 

Mike Eppehimer is the CEO of Leadership Delaware, Inc. (LDI), a nonprofit focused on recruiting and mentoring the best and brightest outstanding Delawareans, who can and will transform their communities and the state. Mike is an LDI Fellowship alum (Class of 2013) and has previously served the organization as a Board Member, speaker, and mentor. 

Prior to starting his role with LDI, Mike has served as the Founder of Threefold Yes Consulting, a firm focused on supporting leadership transformation across industries through leadership coaching, team development, and organizational change.  

Mike has also served in multiple senior executive healthcare roles at ChristianaCare in Wilmington, Delaware and The George Washington University Hospital in Washington, DC. Across those leadership roles, he has had the opportunity to lead a large multi-specialty medical group, system-wide service line operations, acute medical operations, and hospital support services. Mike launched his healthcare career at Advisory Board Company in Washington, DC.

Mike has a master’s in healthcare administration from George Washington University and a bachelor’s in theater and communication from the University of Maryland College Park. He also has more than 15 years of experience studying, teaching, and performing improvisational theatre in Chicago and DC. Mike is a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) and a Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt from the American Society of Quality.

He has been recognized for his contributions to developing healthcare leaders through the Delaware ACHE Regent’s Senior Leadership and Early Career Healthcare Executive awards and the Frederick H. Gibbs Award for Excellence in Graduate Education from the GWU MHA Alumni Association.