Women’s Leadership Forum

After navigating her own journey to entrepreneurial fulfillment, Ali is dedicated to empowering women to live their most vibrant lives and helping businesses shine. As Founder of The Spark Co., she brings her experience building and scaling multiple ventures (including a successful agency and a 900+ community of female entrepreneurs) and orchestrating impactful events to offer strategic marketing and event consulting. Her heart beats for creating spaces where women thrive and helping organizations make a meaningful impact while celebrating every step. She is also the co-founder of the Lynchburg Women in Business networking group.

Olivia is a senior at Liberty University studying Project Management and Strategic Marketing Management. As President of the Women in Business Club at Liberty University, she has the privilege of leading a team of student leaders, organizing professional development events, and fostering a community where women can grow personally, professionally, and spiritually. This experience has strengthened her leadership, communication, and strategic planning skills while deepening her passion for empowering others.

Dr. Stacie Rhodes is a distinguished expert with experience in the fields of finance, accounting, and wealth management. She commenced her journey at Ernst & Young, LLP, excelling in assurance services. With seven years at a premier wealth management firm, she solidified her role as a trusted advisor. Notably, five years ago, she pioneered the Center for Financial Literacy at Liberty University, underscoring her commitment to empowering individuals with essential financial education.

In addition to her accomplishments, Dr. Rhodes is a respected guest lecturer and author in financial literacy and planning. Her insights have enriched numerous publications and platforms. She serves as the Executive Director of the Center for Financial Literacy, as well as the Director of Training and Development in Human Resources, both at Liberty University.

With over 20 years of leadership experience spanning healthcare, medical billing, and regulatory compliance, Cat Bonar now leads at the intersection of blockchain, Web3 innovation, and enterprise growth as CEO of Block Reign. She has served in C-suite leadership roles across both private and public companies, driving strategy, operations, and compliance through periods of rapid growth and technological transformation.

At Block Reign, she drives the mission to innovate, empower, and connect by helping businesses, developers, and innovators seamlessly integrate everyday products and services with blockchain technology.

Dr. Shannae Anderson is a licensed clinical psychologist in Virginia and California and she has over 25 years working with patients. She is a graduate of the University of Southern California.

After completing her Ph.D. in 1995, Dr. Anderson developed a state of the art substance abuse, eating disorder, and trauma treatment program at Anacapa by the Sea — STEPS in Port Hueneme, California. In addition to directing this program, Dr. Anderson was the Clinical Director of Miracle Recovery House for women in Ventura, California. She is currently the Clinical Director at Monarch Recovery Intensive Outpatient Program in Ventura, California.

Additionally, she serves as the Director of Psychology and Co-Director of Ethics and Advocacy at the American Association of Christian Counselors in Forest, Virginia.

Dr. Anderson is also an Adjunct Professor at Liberty University in the Doctor of Psychology Program. She previously taught for over a decade at Fuller Theological Seminary where she taught Pastoral Care and Addictions in the Recovery Ministry Program, in the Masters of Psychology program at California Lutheran University, and in the UCLA Extension Drug and Alcohol Certification Program.

Vickey Costin is a dedicated educator of over 25 years, military spouse, and woman of faith whose life has been marked by resilience, service, and a deep commitment to ministry alongside her husband, Dr. Dondi Costin, President of Liberty University.

Throughout their journey, Vickey has remained a steadfast partner in ministry, prayer, and service. Her influence continues to shape the lives of those around her at Liberty University and beyond.

Shari Falwell has been serving in ministry for over 30 years. A native Californian, she grew up in church and found as many opportunities as she could to share her gifts with others. Shari attended Azusa Pacific University and afterward was able to sing and tour for nearly 3 years with the Contemporary Christian group, TRUTH. In 1987, she joined the staff of Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg, VA, and it was during this time that she met her husband, Jonathan. Shari is heavily involved in the music ministry and the women’s ministry at TRBC and has also been a contributing author in several devotionals.

T’Neil Walea and her husband Tyler serve as Pastors of First Church in Pearland, Texas where they live with their three children, Paisley, L’Wren, and York. T’Neil is Director of Innovative Technology for the Federal Government at Microsoft where she helps integrate artificial intelligence and quantum computing into Federal agencies. As an international speaker, leadership consultant, and technology expert, she helps the Government navigate technological advancements.

She previously worked as IBM’s Chief Technology Officer for Global Governments, where she also focused on artificial intelligence and quantum computing.

With a strong background in team building and technology leadership, she is passionate about helping teams develop a healthy culture and adopt cutting-edge leadership and technology strategies. She loves mentoring and helping young women find their place in STEM-driven industries.