The IMPACT Was Real. And It Continues.

Thank You for Being Part of Generation W’s 15th Anniversary

Thank you for being part of Generation W’s 15th anniversary.

The power of showing up is something truly special, and it was deeply felt by everyone who joined us this year. Whether you attended in person or virtually, the shared energy was undeniable and truly impactful.

As Patti McElroy shared from the stage:“Impact is a ripple effect. It’s the community and family that you grew up in. It’s the mentorship that changes a young person’s trajectory. It is the vulnerability to say, I struggled, and this is how I grew.”

That spirit was present throughout the entire day.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to you, to our incredible speakers, our dedicated volunteers, and to everyone who gave so generously of their time and energy to create an experience that will be long remembered as time well spent.

Remember, time does pass, but impact stays.

With gratitude for helping create such a meaningful gathering, we look forward to seeing you again.

Save the date: April 9, 2027.

Embrace the impact.

 

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Featured Speakers

The Day’s Experience

From the first conversation to the final moment, this is how the day came to life.

7:00 AM
7:00 AM
Registration / Pre-Show Celebration
8:30 AM
8:30 AM
Musical Welcome
Tina Wilson | Creative Director, Generation W
8:50 AM
8:50 AM
Saying Hi
Donna Orender | Founder & CEO, GenerationW; Commissioner, The UPSHOT League
9:10 AM
9:10 AM
No Limits
Dr. Olenda Johnson | Professor, U.S Naval War College
9:35 AM
9:35 AM
Impact in Action: Turning Moments Into Lasting Influence
Patti McElroy | President, Vystar Foundation; Senior Vice President, Vystar Credit Union
Mari Kuraishi | President, Jessie Ball duPont Fund
Patrick J. Geraghty | Former President & CEO, Guidewell Mutual Holdings
Aida Seeraj | Founder & CEO, Inspire to Rise
Karen Feagins | VP, Client & Community Relations Director, PNC North Florida
10:30 AM
10:30 AM
Networking Connection Break
11:00 AM
11:00 AM
5 Healing Habits, No Prescription Needed
Dr. Laurie Marbas | Double Board-Certified Family Medicine and   Lifestyle Medicine Physician
11:40 AM
11:40 AM
Lasting Impact: On and Off the Court
Keia Clarke | CEO, New York Liberty
12:00 PM
12:00 PM
It Takes Just One
Nazanin Afshin-Jam Mackay | Human Rights & Democracy Advocate
12:45 PM
12:45 PM
Lunch with Workshops
Unlock Your 2026: From Overwhelmed to Unstoppable
Parul Patel | Managing Partner & CEO, Avesa Partners and IvyTek
Telling the Truth in a Post-Truth World
Anna Dougan | Senior Client Officer, IPSOS
Dance is Medicine: From Burnout to Alignment
Blakely Stein | Movement Dance Facilitator & Holistic Intuitive Coach
The Impact of Digital Health & AI: Transforming the Future of Care
Jacey Fazio and Alexis Frazier | Mayo Clinic
Mindset is a Muscle: Your Impact Starts Within (Virtual & Interactive)
Sherry Levin | Senior Director Video Production & Creative Development
2:20 PM
2:20 PM
Musical Performance
Adelya Nartadjieva | Concert Master, Jacksonville Symphony
Aurica Duca | Principal Second Violin, Jacksonville Symphony
2:30 PM
2:30 PM
The New Brain Trust: Can We Trust It?
Dr. Betty Mbom | Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, Paradigm
Izu Emeagwali | Managing Director & Associate General Counsel, JP Morgan Chase & Co.
Diya Winn | Principal, Responsible AI, Public Policy, Amazon Web Services
3:00 PM
3:00 PM
The Wisdom of WOW
Melanie Lawson | Anchor/Reporter, WJXT News4JAX
with Chloe Thomas, Ashley Palmer, Azaria James, Grace Freedman, Sabrina Saintil and Niyati Patege
3:15 PM
3:15 PM
Impact in Action: What Happens When a Community Shows Up
Donna Deegan | Mayor, City of Jacksonville
3:50 PM
3:50 PM
Connection Reception
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Celebrating Our LauncHER Entrepreneurs

LauncHER is Generation W’s platform for elevating emerging, women-owned businesses and connecting them with a powerful, engaged audience.

This year, we had the privilege of showcasing an incredible group of founders — each bringing bold ideas, early-stage innovation, and a clear vision for what’s next.

We are deeply grateful to the entrepreneurs who joined us and shared their work, their passion, and their purpose with our community.

We encourage you to explore their businesses below and continue supporting what they’re building.
  
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We Are Thankful

Generation W IMPACT is made possible through the support of partners who believe in leadership, community, and the power of connection. These organizations share our commitment to creating meaningful experiences and investing in ideas that move people and communities forward.

Foundation Partners

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Inspirer Partners

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Believer Partners

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Media Partners