Dr. Alexis Franzese is the Department Chair and an Associate Professor for the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at Elon University. She also maintains a small private therapy practice and does wellness workshops and coaching, with a focus on happiness and authenticity.   Through academic training in the fields of sociology and psychology, her teaching and research interests are at the intersection of these fields and her main area of inquiry is on issues of self, identity, and well-being. She is especially passionate about her study of authenticity- being one’s true self and is currently conducting research on authenticity and identity within travel and tourism, with Disney as a strategic domain of focus.  Dr. Franzese is a graduate of Union College (B.A.) and Duke University where she completed two separate doctoral degrees, in sociology and in psychology (clinical). She loves teaching others about the science of happiness and tries to incorporate her knowledge into her own full life and adventures with her four children, two dogs, and a very curious cat. ​Learn more about Dr. Franzese at www.authenticAF.me

Joevan J. Palmer is a trauma-informed therapist, speaker, and founder of Saola Health, a digital mental health platform designed to make healing accessible for Millennials and Gen Z.  ​With over 8 years of experience in mental health, youth advocacy, and program leadership, Joevan empowers individuals and communities to heal through vulnerability, faith, and self-awareness. He hosts a widely respected podcast on mental health, speaks nationally on emotional wellness and identity, and integrates clinical insight with lived experience to inspire transformation. ​Passionate about merging purpose and healing, Joevan is committed to creating spaces where people feel seen, safe, and supported on their journey to wholeness.

La Tanya D. Walker is a mental health counselor, leadership coach, and strategist with over 25 years of experience as an entrepreneur and ministry leader. She is the founder of Authentic Perspectives Counseling & Coaching, where she helps women in leadership, business, and ministry address the emotional weight of responsibility while building lives anchored in clarity, purpose, and emotional well-being. As a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern in Florida, La Tanya holds a Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lamar University and is currently pursuing a PhD in Psychology – Behavioral Health Leadership. Her research explores emotional sustainability and the mental health needs of women who lead, especially in high-stakes or faith-driven roles. She is also a Certified Christian Counselor, offering biblically grounded emotional support to clients across professional and ministry settings. Through her signature programs—The Executive’s Circle, The Healing Well, and SoulFix Leadership & Wellness Lab—La Tanya creates space for high-performing women to offload the emotional weight of leadership and reconnect with what truly matters. Known as a Provoker and Purpose Pusher, La Tanya isn’t here to just inspire you—she’s here to help you confront the real-life impact of carrying it all. Whether in a one-on-one session, leadership intensive, or keynote address, she brings clarity, conviction, and care to every space she steps into.

Dr. Wanda Powe, a proud native of Meridian, Mississippi, is a devoted school administrator and the visionary founder of Diversified Solutions PreK–12. With an unwavering passion for education and personal empowerment, she is the creator of the transformative catchphrase “Take it to the SEA” and author of the inspiring book SEA My Emotions. With a focus on cultivating calm and connection in schools, particularly in primary grade levels, her innovative four-step process is rooted in emotional intelligence. It equips young learners with practical tools to respond proactively rather than reactively in high-stress situations. By fostering self-awareness, emotional regulation, and intentional action, Dr. Powe continues to empower educators and inspire leaders to face challenges with clarity, compassion, and confidence.