This year, EXPLORE invites us to step boldly into new realms of thinking, to embrace the wonder and awe that curiosity can inspire, and to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of work, life, and community. Together, we will explore the possibilities that emerge when we open ourselves to new ideas, new experiences, and new ways of leading—within, without, and beyond.
The conversations will be BOLD and BRAVE, exploring spaces beyond expectation—from pioneering leadership in space travel to understanding the internal drivers that shape our lives. We’ll delve into the forces that define us and question the themes that may—or may not—truly represent who we are. Through workshops, panels, interactive discussions, music, and dance, we’ll examine the world as it unfolds, both seen and unseen.
Feel the energy as over 800 attendees gather in person, joined by thousands virtually, to share in the transformative experience of Generation W: EXPLORE.
Ian Beacraft is the founder and Chief Futurist of Signal and Cipher, a strategic foresight and development agency. Considered one of the top voices in AI and the future of work, he advises top global companies on navigating technological advancements to drive innovation and cultural change. His clientele includes Samsung, Intel, Coca-Cola, Google, Microsoft, Nike, and Universal Pictures. Beacraft is actively experimenting with new and emerging technologies before they leave the research lab to understand the implications and applications for the future of work and society at large.
Learn more about Ian Beacraft at: https://ianbeacraft.com/
Founder and Chief Futurist, Signal and Cipher
Irene Chang Britt is an accomplished independent board director, serving on the boards of Dunkin’ Brands Group, Tailored Brands, Brighthouse Financial, and BayBridge Seniors Housing. Irene frequently speaks on corporate governance best practices and has a proven track record of transforming businesses for industry-leading growth. She has years of leadership experience at C-Suite, and senior roles at Kraft Foods/Nabisco and Kimberly-Clark, where she excelled in marketing, sales, and R&D. She serves on the NACD New York Chapter Board of Directors and has been recognized in the NACD Directorship 100 and as a Laureate of the New Jersey Business Hall of Fame.
Learn more about Irene Chang Britt at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/irenechangbritt/
Experienced Board Chair and Committee Chair
Major General Kim Crider (Ret.) is a distinguished leader in space operations, technology, and innovation. As the Mobilization Assistant to the Chief of Space Operations at the U.S. Space Force, she played a key role in organizing, training, and equipping space forces while shaping long-term strategy and operations. With over three decades of service, including key leadership roles in the Air Force and Department of Defense, Maj. Gen. Crider is a master cyberspace operations officer and a Senior Acquisition Officer, dedicated to innovation for national security and space across all missions and operations.
Founding Partner, Elara Nova
Melissa Cullen leads FIS’ core banking solutions, driving technology that powers financial institutions worldwide. With expertise in product management, marketing, sales, and strategy, she has shaped the future of banking, payments, and wealth management through FIS’ acquisition of SunGard. A champion for women in fintech, Cullen serves on the board of PayTech Women and is committed to mentorship and leadership in financial services.
Learn more about Melissa Cullen at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissalcullen/
Division Executive, Core Banking Solutions | FIS
Pat Geraghty is President and Chief Executive Officer of GuideWell, a $30 billion not-for-profit mutual insurance holding company headquartered in Jacksonville. Geraghty was the architect of the strategic restructuring that transformed GuideWell from the foundation of an 80-year-old health insurance company, into a health solutions organization at the forefront of reimagining the future of health in America. The GuideWell restructuring is considered a model of strategic reinvention and is featured as a capstone business case in the curriculum of Harvard Business School. A dynamic speaker, Geraghty is considered an expert voice on a range of healthcare topics.
Learn more about Pat Geraghty at: www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-geraghty/
President and Chief Executive Officer | GuideWell Mutual Holding Corporation
Dr. Olenda Johnson is Professor of Strategic Leadership and Leader Development at the U. S. Naval War College. As a senior faculty member, Dr. Johnson advises Navy senior leaders, develops strategy, teaches highly regarded courses, and facilitates organizational efforts. Dr. Johnson is the architect of the Navy’s first 2-star leadership course, providing executive-level leader development for 2-Star Navy admirals, Marine generals, and senior government executives. She was recently honored by the Muhammad Ali Center as one of its Daughters of Greatness for her commitment to advancing opportunities for others.
Learn more about Dr. Johnson at: www.linkedin.com/in/olenda-e-johnson-1536a021b/
Professor of Strategic Leadership and Leader Development, US Naval War College
Tina Lifford is a Hollywood veteran with over 100 character portrayals. She has shared the screen with actors like Clint Eastwood, Jennifer Lopez, and Bruce Willis. Beyond acting, Lifford is the author of The Little Book of BIG LIES, a Forbes-recommended read, and a leading voice in Inner Fitness. As the founder of The Inner Fitness Project, she empowers individuals to cultivate resilience, healing, and personal growth, fostering the belief that everyone can thrive.
Learn more about Tina Lifford at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinalifford/
Actress, Author and CEO of Inner Fitness Project
Patti McElroy is the President of the VyStar Foundation and Senior Vice President at VyStar Credit Union, leading philanthropic and community engagement efforts. Throughout her career, McElroy has worked to support nonprofit organizations and communities across the country and was previously a commercial litigator specializing in securities and banking. She is passionate about diverse and inclusive learning environments, the arts, and community revitalization.
Learn more about Patricia McElroy at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricia-mcelroy-576597182/
President, VyStar Foundation
Award-winning podcaster, author, and educator, Olivia Meikle is a powerful force and advocate for “putting women’s voices back in the story.” Meikle has captivated audiences worldwide with her ability to turn forgotten history into inspiring and educating narratives through her global-hit podcast, What’sHerName. With books published in nine languages and featured appearances on PBS, BBC, CNN, MSNBC, and The Today Show, Meikle is a powerhouse storyteller who believes that understanding the women of the past gives us the tools to navigate today’s challenges and opportunities.
Learn more about Olivia Meikle at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-henderson-meikle/
Award-Winning Podcaster, Author, & Educator
Col. Eries Mentzer (Ret.) is a military officer and national security leader shaping U.S. defense strategy, crisis management, and public policy. She has led high-stakes operations, from commanding the largest encampment in the Middle East to advising top military generals on national security threats. The first Black woman to command Maxwell Air Force Base, she spearheaded transformative projects, including the Montgomery Whitewater initiative and the Rosa Parks “Opening Eyes” sculpture. Her career culminated at Air Force Special Operations Command, where she launched the Air Commando Development Center. An advocate for military service and veterans, Col. Mentzer serves on the boards of Operation Lifeline and the Truman Library Institute.
Learn more about Col. Eries L.G. Mentzer at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eries-mentzer/
Principal, Freedom to Serve Solutions
Jennifer Musil is a researcher and strategic consultant serving as the Global President of Research at The Harris Poll. She has spent the last 15+ years executing research-based consulting for a variety of established and emerging companies. Musil helps brands to answer bespoke research questions through a cultural lens, ensuring data is contextualized within a broader cultural narrative to help organizations understand what is happening today and anticipate what is next. She also launched The Harris Poll Sports Practice and the inaugural Sports Momentum Index to help brands, leagues, and athletes understand the current sports moment.
Learn more about Jennifer Musil at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifermusil/
Global President of Research, The Harris Poll
Dr. Mussallem is a consultant in Hematology Oncology and Assistant Professor of Medicine at Mayo Clinic, where she serves as a lifestyle medicine breast specialist and Medical Director for Mayo Clinic Florida Humanities in Medicine. She founded the Integrative Medicine and Breast Health Program, emphasizing lifestyle optimization alongside conventional cancer treatments. Her research focuses on nutrition, weight management, and breast cancer survivorship. As an educator and leader, she directs the Lifestyle Medicine Residency Curriculum and co-directs the International Medical Breast Training Program. Dr. Mussallem has received numerous honors for her dedication and impact in the field.
Learn more about Dr. Mussallem at: www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-mussallem-do-dipablm-2b360b57/
Consultant in the Division of Hematology Oncology, Assistant Professor of Medicine, and Medical Director at Mayo Clinic
Isaiah Oliver serves as the third president of The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, the state’s oldest and largest community foundation, overseeing $649 million in assets and $69 million in grants distributed in 2023. Previously, he led the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, guiding it to peak assets of $299 million. A recognized leader in philanthropy, Oliver chairs the Association of Black Foundation Executives and serves on multiple national boards, including CF Leads and the Aspen Global Leadership Network. His work is dedicated to fostering philanthropy and strengthening communities nationwide.
Learn more about Isaiah Oliver at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isaiah-oliver-91632144/
President, The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida
Jannet Walker-Ford is the Advisory and Planning Business Line Executive at WSP in the U.S., leading business performance and strategic solutions for major infrastructure projects. With over two decades of experience in consulting, technology, and transportation, she is a nationally recognized leader and advocate for equity in transportation and the power of public transit. Jannet has held key leadership roles, including National Transit and Rail Leader, and serves on national boards such as the APTA Executive Committee and the Eno Center for Transportation. Honored with multiple industry awards, she has impacted the transportation industry and continues with her commitment to diversity and innovation.
Learn more about Jannet Walker-Ford at: https://www.wsp.com/en-us/profiles/jannet-walker-ford
US Advisory & Planning Executive, WSP
Kelly J. Watson is a Senior Partner with IBM Global Business Services, where she leads a team of over 5,000 professionals delivering financial, risk, operational, and technology solutions for clients in Life Sciences, Healthcare, Government, and Higher Education. With more than 30 years of business and operations experience, Kelly also serves as a Lead Account Partner for a Fortune 50 company and oversees Market Development for the Public Sector in the Americas. Previously, she served as Senior Advisor for Sector Development to the New Jersey Governor’s Office and Economic Development Authority and had a distinguished career at KPMG LLP, where she held key leadership roles, including Partner in Charge of the U.S. and Americas Risk Consulting Practice and Office Managing Partner for New Jersey.
A passionate advocate for leadership development, Kelly is active in numerous philanthropic and professional organizations. She chairs the board of W.O.M.E.N. in America, serves as Dean of the C-Ahead Program for the Committee of 200, and sits on several boards, including the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce and BioNJ. Recognized for her leadership, Kelly’s accolades include Consulting Magazine’s Top 25 in Excellence in Leadership and NJBIZ’s Best 50 Women in Business. A Fordham University graduate and certified public accountant, Kelly resides in New Jersey with her husband and two children.
Senior Partner, IBM
Ales-Cia Winsley is a Lead Space Launch System Avionics Engineer. She played a critical role in the successful launch of NASA’s Artemis I mission and was featured in the 2023 Faces of NASA. Prior to NASA, Winsley excelled as a software engineer specialist at the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA).
Learn more about Ales-Cia Winsley at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ales-cia-winsley-38525a330/
Avionics Engineer
Isaiah Oliver serves as the third president of The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, the state’s oldest and largest community foundation, overseeing $649 million in assets and $69 million in grants distributed in 2023. Previously, he led the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, guiding it to peak assets of $299 million. A recognized leader in philanthropy, Oliver chairs the Association of Black Foundation Executives and serves on multiple national boards, including CF Leads and the Aspen Global Leadership Network. His work is dedicated to fostering philanthropy and strengthening communities nationwide.
Learn more about Isaiah Oliver at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isaiah-oliver-91632144/
President, The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida
Jannet Walker-Ford is the Advisory and Planning Business Line Executive at WSP in the U.S., leading business performance and strategic solutions for major infrastructure projects. With over two decades of experience in consulting, technology, and transportation, she is a nationally recognized leader and advocate for equity in transportation and the power of public transit. Jannet has held key leadership roles, including National Transit and Rail Leader, and serves on national boards such as the APTA Executive Committee and the Eno Center for Transportation. Honored with multiple industry awards, she has impacted the transportation industry and continues with her commitment to diversity and innovation.
Learn more about Jannet Walker-Ford at: https://www.wsp.com/en-us/profiles/jannet-walker-ford
US Advisory & Planning Executive, WSP
Parking for the event is available in Lots 1 and 2, (both located by the Fine Arts Center Garage), as well as the Fine Arts Center Garage itself.
Guests will NOT need to enter an event code to park within these lots. If guests choose to park in different lots, they will need to pay for parking.
Hosted With
Address: 1 UNF Dr., Jacksonville, FL 32224
Generation W: EXPLORE is just around the corner and we would love for you to be part of it! Our event would not be possible without community members like YOU leading our volunteer force!
Whether you can join us for a few hours or the whole day on March 28th, your time and participation will make all the difference. By joining the W Volunteer Team, you will help set the tone for the inspiration and connections for this year’s event.
7:00 AM – Registration and Breakfast
8:00 AM – Program Begins – Speakers, Panels and More!
12:00 PM – Lunch and Breakouts
2:00 PM – Afternoon Programming
4:00 PM – Connection Reception
