Fall 2023 Speakers

EVP, Chief Consumer Banking and Marketing Officer
Bankers Trust, Des Moines, Iowa

Des Moines native and community advocate Emily Abbas joined Bankers Trust, the largest community bank in Iowa with nearly $6 B in assets, nearly nine years ago as the first-ever Chief of Staff and later Chief Marketing Officer. About three years ago, she also took on the leadership role for the bank’s Retail Branches, Private Banking, Residential Mortgage, Cash Vault, Call Center, and Financial Services teams.

Emily’s values align well with community banking, as she personally volunteers more than 300 hours annually through non-profit board and committee roles with United Way of Central Iowa, Bravo Greater Des Moines, Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University, Drake University’s Zimpleman College of Business, MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center, the Des Moines Community Playhouse, the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council, and more.

She was named the first-ever “Marketing Executive of the Year” in 2019 by the Iowa American Marketing Association Chapter but is more proud that her team was awarded “Marketing Team of the Year” in 2022. She was featured as one of “14 People to Watch in 2014” by The Des Moines Register, and in 2021 she was honored as a “Woman of Influence” by the Des Moines Business Record. With all of that said, the accomplishment she is most proud of is her team’s “best in class” level of employee engagement.

Business Immigration Attorney
Mdivani Corporate Immigration Law Firm

Danielle practices in the area of corporate immigration law. She assists employers with immigration compliance plans, policies and procedures, I-9 audits, E-Verify compliance, and immigration related defense from ICE worksite enforcement investigations. Danielle assists the firm’s clients with visas for international personnel, investors, and executives, including E-1, E-2, L-1, H-1B, P, O visas, and employment-based green cards.

Danielle graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Law School in 2014, after attending the University of Missouri-Columbia for undergraduate studies. She is a Bar licensed attorney in both Missouri and Kansas. Danielle holds leadership positions in a number of professional associations including the Missouri Bar, the Kansas City Bar Association, The Earl O’Connor Inn of Court, the Lawyers Association of Kansas City YLS, and the Kansas Women Attorney Association.

Danielle is also an Adjunct Professor of Law by the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law. She teaches practical, hands-on credit hour courses every year, alternating between Corporate Immigration Compliance, U.S. Employer Options for International Personnel Visas, and Relief for Immigrant Survivors of Domestic Violence under the Violence Against Women Act.

Motivational Speaker
Milan Motivates

Milan draws from 20 years of contact center operational and sales management experience from American Express, West Corp., and other organizations.  Milan holds several Certifications with The Predictive Index and Stanford University School of Medicine for Human Behaviors & Psychology for High Performance.  Milan is the founder of The Milan Batinich Group and Milan Motivates, a professional development & motivational speaking company that guides individuals’ in their journey to find joy, energy, passion, peace, and purpose in their work.  Milan serves on the SOCAP West Board, ACCA Board, and a VP of Business Development with Callzilla.  Milan is a dad, avid cyclist, coach, and storm chaser. 

Shareholder
Denton Davis Brown

Michele Brott is a shareholder at the Dentons Davis Brown firm. She is an experienced management side employment attorney working with litigation and advising. She is the current cochair of the Firm’s litigation department.

Nola Cartmill
Chief Diversity Officer and Legal Counsel

As the Chief Diversity Officer and a member of the Legal Department for Holmes Murphy, Nola Cartmill is responsible for leading the company’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) strategy and making strategic recommendations to the Executive Committee. Nola also helps formulate client facing DE&I strategies and capabilities for ethOs, a Holmes Murphy partner, as well as consults on internal employee relations; leadership training; and Human Resources, Growth and Development, and Compliance related projects.

Nola’s background includes a prominent law career, rooted in a passion for DE&I, where she previously assisted employers in tackling both day-to-day employment law issues and litigation. Nola is also familiar with and has counseled employers on various compliance issues, including various legal policies and legislation.

Nola graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. She went on to attend Harvard Law School, earning her Juris Doctor (JD) degree.

Recognized for her work, Nola was named to the Des Moines Business Record’s Forty Under 40 class of 2016. She has also been recognized in Best Lawyers in America for Employment Law-Management and Litigation- Labor and Employment, as well as in Chambers and Partners for Labor and Employment Practice.

Active in the community, Nola is the Chair for the Des Moines Performing Arts Board of Directors; is on the Des Moines Performing Arts Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Task Force and regular volunteers and supports other non-profit
organizations about which she is passionate.

When she’s not at work, Nola enjoys spending time with her daughter, Harper, her partner and extended family, watching Iowa Hawkeye and Chicago Bear football, attending Broadway musicals, traveling and reading.

Speaker and Trainer
Speak Up Stories

Erik Dominguez is not your typical speaking and communications coach.

He holds a B.A. in English Literature, an M.S. in Instructional Design, and is in progress for his M.S. in Strategic Communication. He is also a certified Advanced Professional Speaking Coach from the National Speech and Debate Association.

But that’s not what sets him apart.

While most communication training focuses on the mechanics of public speaking, for over 25 years Erik has coached his clients on the art of speaking. He supports those in clarifying their message, crafting a powerful narrative, and delivering a talk that leverages the personality of the speaker.

As an immigrant growing up between two cultures, he felt firsthand the rejection and the ridicule that came with being different. He learned that not having the “right” words, the same knowledge as everyone else, or the ability to say what I wanted to, meant being an outcast. He knew could either choose to play it safe by protecting himself from criticism or open himself up to failure, commit to learning the tools and techniques and give himself the best chance to be seen and heard.

That is one of the toughest choices that we can make for ourselves. And he knows that it is not an easy one. His life’s mission is to support others to speak up through speaking, storytelling, and emotional intelligence training. And not just the generic and technical tips most coaches and speaking courses teach but the guidance, tools, feedback, accountability, and encouragement you to speak up confidently and powerfully.

Now…Let’s transform your fear into fuel!

Founder
The Safari Way

Steve Fredlund is a multi-passionate visionary who has had profound impact as an award-winning actuary, humanitarian, coach, consultant, author, speaker, podcaster, entrepreneur and leader of African safaris.

For ten years, Steve’s journey included two parallel paths: a good life that was becoming increasingly unfulfilling and humanitarian trips to east Africa that ended on safari. Like chocolate and peanut butter, Steve’s research into happiness and his experiences leading African adventures blended into something remarkable. He discovered the “Big 5” factors that impact both, becoming the foundation of his approach to life, work and leadership. “The Safari Way” has become a movement increasing the happiness and success of people around the world.

Steve’s upcoming book, “Do the Unright Thing: How to Recognize and Escape the Good Life Trap” helps those who are feeling unfulfilled in the midst of their good life. The book is expected to be available this January.

As a two-time TEDx speaker, Steve communicates in a compelling way, using remarkable stories and memorable phrases that keep his ideas front-of-mind years into the future. His captivating, authentic and humorous approach keeps audiences engaged and longing for more. Steve has been called “genuine”, “hilarious” and “the only actuary, in the history of actuaries, you actually WANT to sit next to during dinner.”

Steve earned fellowship in the Society of Actuaries and holds a Masters in Business Administration. When not working, he can be found on the disc golf course, playing a poker tournament or suffering through another season as a Minnesota sports fan.

Marriage & Family Therapist
Peaceful Mindset Counseling, LLC

Beth Hlas, PHR, t-LMFT, is a highly skilled HR professional with an impressive track record of over 15 years in various HR roles, spanning from recruiting and employee development to strategic planning. What sets Beth apart is her unique combination of expertise, as she is also a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist—a credential she pursued due to her deep appreciation for the human aspect of the HR field.

With her extensive knowledge and experience, Beth offers invaluable insights and guidance. Having walked in your shoes as an HR Executive, she understands the challenges and nuances of the role, making her well-equipped to provide relevant and practical advice to help you achieve success in any position you hold.

Invite Beth Hlas to your speaking engagement and tap into her wealth of expertise in HR, combined with her qualifications as a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Benefit from her comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of the human element in the workplace, and gain valuable insights that can enhance your professional journey.

Shareholder Attorney​
Hopkins & Huebner, P.C.

Brent Hinders has been practicing law in Iowa for over 18 years. Brent is a graduate of Simpson College and Drake University Law School. He has substantial experience in advising boards on legal matters, interpreting ordinances and statutes, writing policies, reviewing and recommending modifications to ordinances, negotiating collective bargaining agreements, representing municipalities in court and has tried numerous jury and non-jury trials. Brent is a former assistant Warren County attorney. He has represented clients on cases involving on a wide variety of municipal law issues, including: wind turbine issues, agricultural exemptions for property, zoning issues, takings issues, and writs of certiorari. Brent has represented municipal boards of adjustment, Zoning Commissions, and drainage districts.

Will (Keeps) Holmes
Founder/President/CEO Starts Right Here

William Holmes, aka Will Keeps, was born into a traumatic life in Chicago, Illinois. At age seven, he was sexually abused by his step-father and felt neglected by his mother. Feeling confused, sad, angry, and lost, Will embarked upon what he never imagined would become a lifelong journey to find answers, only to realize his deepest desire was simply to have loving parents and a safe home.

Like many other teenage boys in similar situations, Will found a form of love and security in a gang, joining the Blackstones of South Side Chicago at the age of 13. But this lifestyle led to even more trouble.

At age 15, Will witnessed a rival gang murder his friend. When the gun was pointed to his own head, it jammed, but he was beaten and tortured nearly to death, leaving him badly scarred inside and out. Though he survived, this was only the beginning of Will’s second act, a life devoted to saving others.

Will moved to Des Moines, Iowa in his twenties, seeking to build a legacy of hope and opportunity he never had growing up and to give back to his community and the youth within it facing situations similar to his. Coupling advocacy with music, his greatest passion, Will found that his God-given abilities and his story of bravery and perseverance empower others to go down a better path.

Wellness Coach
Hull Health

Amanda Brink Hull has over two decades of marketing and broadcast leadership before joining Remodel Health (a super smart startup tech company) in March of 2022. She spent fourteen years with Hearst Broadcasting at KCCI (CBS) in Des Moines, Iowa as General Sales Manager where she led a team of seventeen employees along with managing the multi-million-dollar revenue arm of the television station.

Throughout her career she has been a tremendous leader sitting on several boards and committees (both in Iowa and Washington DC). She has conducted highly rated breakout sessions and has taken the big stage at annual conferences through the National Association of Broadcasters. One of her highlights was being able to interview Dr. Mehmet Oz twice in front of a live audience to dig into how companies can create healthier & more productive employees along with resilient work environments.

Amanda is an advocate of continued learning through her completion of both the Hearst Management Institute & The National Association of Broadcasters Broadcast Leadership Training Programs. She has an associate degree in business administration from the American Institute of Business and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Simpson College. She also obtained a Master of Science degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Walden University.

Amanda is certified in personal training, nutrition, and health coaching through the International Sports Sciences Association and provides wellness coaching in her spare time. She is deeply passionate about helping others and strives for the overall wellbeing of our communities. Organic health and nutrition along with fitness have been the foundation of her life for decades; so much so that she was nominated & served as a Hearst Wellness Champion from 2018-2021 encouraging fellow employees to adopt healthier habits and promoting overall wellness in the workplace.

During the pandemic (in the spring of 2020) Amanda started two initiatives to encompass quality health when the people in her community needed it the most. Both initiatives have grown and still exist today. You can find Amanda leading the #WednesdayWarriors, which is a free outdoor group activity/workout every Wednesday in the Altoona, Iowa area. And you can find #HullHealth on social media gifting workout ideas, overall wellness tips and healthy recipes to fans and followers. Amanda has self-published four books (three workout books & one cookbook) that include her own photography, recipes, fitness tips and health advice. You can find them at Lulu.com and search for Hull Health. CrossFit has been her form of fitness and therapy for over a decade, and she has advanced twice (in 2021 & again in 2023) to the CrossFit Open Quarterfinals placing in the top 5% of Women ages 45-49 Worldwide.

Amanda & her husband Josh reside in Altoona, IA. They have an adult daughter who works full-time in public education and a son who is looking to play baseball in college after he graduates in 2024.

Attorney
Dickinson, Mackaman, Tyler & Hagen, P.C.

Attorney Elissa Holman is a highly successful and knowledgeable professional with nearly two decades of experience in Employment Law, Contract Law, Litigation, and Human Resources. At Dickinson Law, Elissa’s practice is focused primarily on Employment Law and Civil Litigation. Her unique background helps her leverage her extensive business, HR and legal knowledge for her clients by helping them get in front of issues, in a proactive manner, to avoid costly litigation and headaches in the future.

Before joining the firm, Elissa spent three years as a litigator in Employment Law, Personal Injury, and Defamation Law. She was named a “Rising Star of the Great Plains” for her work by Thomson Reuters in2021 and 2022.

Prior to becoming an attorney, Elissa climbed the corporate ladder at Bank of America for 16 years where she held various roles as a Senior Vice President in the HR arena. Her predominant focus during her tenure was in leadership development, executive coaching, training and development, and assisting in the direction and execution of HR operational processes and services for more than 200,000 employees across the globe. She has also served as a consultant for Fortune 500 companies focusing on the customer and associate experience.

Founder and Chief Learning Officer
LEAdeRNship Institute, LLC

Molly J. Mackey is an author, speaker and trainer of leaders. She believes that by intentionally intersecting the ongoing journeys of leadership and learning we can create better leaders and Better Leaders = Better Lives ™

Molly is the founder and chief learning officer of the LEAdeRNship Institute. She also serves as the Director of Knowledge Acquisition and Transfer at Optimae LifeServices. Molly has over 17 years of business and speaking experience. She has a passion for business, strategy, leadership and learning. She has taught business classes at a collegiate level since 2009 and currently partners with community colleges offering continuing education to businesses.

Molly J. Mackey received her undergraduate degree and Masters of Business Administration from the University of Iowa. In the fall of 2021, she earned her Certified Professional of Talent Development (CPTD) designation from the Association of Talent Development.

Molly lives in Jesup, IA with her partner and has four children ages 1 to 16.

Her books include:

• “52 Powerful Reflection Questions for Leaders”
• “52 Powerful Reflection Questions for Emotionally Intelligent Leaders”

President
ATW Training Solutions

Todd McDonald founded ATW in 1999 after spending 15 years in various Human Resource and Training roles in industries such as finance, insurance, banking and manufacturing.  He also served as Executive Vice President of American Media, Inc., the largest producer of training videos at the time with products in 72 countries and 27 languages.

Todd has authored two books: one on communication between managers and their employees, “I Wish You Would Just…” and the other on time management, “How to Find 100 Extra Minutes a Day.”