2019 Speakers
Amanda Shaw
keynote
Music has been ingrained in Amanda’s world for as long as she can remember, beginning with her studies at Southeastern Louisiana University Community Music School at the age of four. Amanda made a name for herself by breaking records such as becoming the youngest soloist to perform in the Baton Rouge Symphony at the tender age of eight. That exposure paid off as Amanda carved out her place in Cajun culture, becoming one of the most recognizable brands in Louisiana music.
Mignon Francois
opening
This New Orleans native founded The Cupcake Collection in Nashville. Mignon’s “follow your spirit” approach allowed her to create a cupcake empire in just over 10 years, transforming a $5 investment into a 10 million dollar industry. Her business acumen has earned her the titles of “Woman of Legend and Merit” by Tennessee State University and Black Enterprise Magazine’s “Family Business of the Year Award.” Mignon enjoys mentoring her team and other up-and-coming entrepreneurs.
Beth Burvant
Christa Rayford Talbott
Bishop Porter
'The Ladies Who' Podcast
​
The women of ‘The Ladies Who’ podcast will be giving FestiGals a quick history and relevance of podcasts. They will also address how to start and monetize your own podcast, what they’re doing to build up the community, and why podcasts influence social change.
Stephanie Osborne
Experience present moment awareness through breathing techniques, connection and guided meditation with Stephanie Osborne, CEO of Meditate New Orleans and producer of Reclaiming the Goddess Within. Applying 25 years of knowledge and techniques in Mindfulness, Zen Buddhist Meditation, Tibetan Buddhist Meditation, Primordial Sound Meditation, Soka Gakai Meditation and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Osborne will lead you through a spiritual adventure that includes favorite aspects of meditation and its traditions that’s not to be missed.
Cultivating Inner Stillness Through Mindfulness
Dr. Jeansonne, OBGYN
Dr. Stewart, Cardiologist
"Listen to Your Heart"
​
Doctors from Ochsner Baptist will offer a breakout session entitled, “Listen to Your Heart.” The session will educate attendees on cardiovascular disease, how it may present itself differently in women, and steps for prevention and treatment.
Kemberley Washington
Mind
​
As an author, educator & personal finance news contributor, there are few things “Kemcents” can’t do. Kemberley is the co-founder of Washington CPA Services, LLC and the B.A.D.G.E. plan,
a program designed to teach individuals financial literacy. Kemberley will be passing on her knowledge about finance, business, her relationship with God and how she has used those skills to build a professional leadership brand for herself.
Ingrid Rinck
Body
The owner and CEO of Sensible Meals, one of the largest meal preparation programs in the country to offer clean and healthy meals to make taking care of your body easier. With over two decades of expertise in the fitness and health industry, including two fitness centers located on the Northshore, it’s no doubt Ingrid is said to be the “go-to” person for women’s
weight loss. Ingrid will educate FestiTalk attendees on her road to entrepreneurship, how to maintain a business, health, self-care, and three children!
Havilah Malone
Spirit
‘Ms. Louisiana Universal’ is a dynamic speaker, best selling author, and visionary leader of Proof of What’s Possible Inc. She is also the founder of the non-profit foundation, Living Beyond the Box Inc. Giving back to the leaders of the next generation through personal and business development are just a few things in which Havilah specializes. Havilah will inspire
us by talking about her ‘universal’ role
including how she advocates for youth.