Conference Speakers

Business trained cultural anthropologist, Dr. Willie McKether is a leader, educator, and advocate dedicated to building workplaces where every generation and culture can thrive together. With over two decades of experience in higher education and community leadership, he brings a unique anthropological  perspective on how diversity, equity, and inclusion drive innovation and connection.

As the founder of WLM Cultural Communications, Dr. McKether partners with organizations to bridge generational divides, strengthen leadership capacity, and create cultures of belonging. His work blends academic insight with real-world application, helping teams understand one another, communicate effectively, and lead with empathy.

A sought-after speaker and thought leader, Dr. McKether has inspired audiences across industries to embrace generational differences as a strategic advantage. His mission is simple: to help people see differences not as barriers, but as opportunities to learn, grow, and lead together.

Vince DiPofi joined SSOE in 2000 and has more than 40 years of professional experience. He has risen through the ranks at the firm as a Business Leader, Corporate Director of Business Development, and Chief Strategy Officer, prior to becoming Chief Executive Officer. Throughout the years, he has been instrumental in developing numerous new accounts for SSOE and starting up the company’s operations in Mexico. Today, he has the company focused on a technology-driven strategic plan that is positioning SSOE as one of the fastest-growing firms in the country and a leading edge thought leader in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and design automation. DiPofi holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Toledo and is a licensed Professional Engineer in both Ohio and Michigan. He is active in the Toledo Society of Professional Engineers and was named the 2022 Engineer of the Year. DiPofi is also active in several non-profit organizations and serves on the Dean’s Advisory Board for the University of Toledo College of Engineering, where he was named a Distinguished Alumni in 2019.

Erica M. Parish, MBA, is a workforce engagement and culture expert with more than 25 years of experience in leadership, employee engagement, organizational culture, and workforce development. She has held executive leadership positions in higher education and state government, including serving as Deputy Commissioner for the Indiana Department of Correction and Executive Dean of Academic Affairs at Owens Community College.

As an instructor at The University of Toledo and other institutions of higher learning, Erica has taught courses focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion, workplace communication, employee relations, and leadership. A frequent presenter on generational differences, allyship, and workplace culture, she is passionate about creating environments where people feel heard, valued, and connected.

Heather Mallette is the Founder and CEO of The Decision Line®, an executive advisory firm dedicated to helping leaders strengthen the one capability technology can't replace: judgment. With more than 20 years of executive human resources leadership experience across manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and distribution, she has led organizational transformation, workforce strategy, labor relations, and culture initiatives that improve business performance.

A nationally recognized thought leader, Heather challenges conventional thinking about leadership in the AI era. Her work focuses on helping executives make better decisions under uncertainty, build AI-ready organizations, and create cultures where clarity, accountability, and execution thrive. She believes that while technology accelerates execution, judgment determines direction.

Heather serves as President of the Northwest Ohio Human Resource Association (NOHRA) and is a sought-after keynote speaker, moderator, and advisor on executive leadership, AI, organizational culture, and the future of work. Through her writing, speaking, and advisory work, she equips leaders with practical frameworks to navigate complexity, strengthen decision quality, and lead with confidence when the stakes are highest.

Heather's mission is simple: Better judgment builds better leaders, stronger organizations, and lasting results.

Amira Welch is a senior at Bowling Green State University where she is pursuing an architecture and environmental design degree. Her passion for design and creating, combined with a deep appreciation for art and science, played significatnt roles in her decision to pursue this challenging yet rewarding field. Amira is particularly interested in designing for underrepresented communities, ensuring that architecture remains accessible and beneficial to all. 

As the President of the Iota Iota Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, Amira has successfully led award-winning initiatives that have earned recognition at the local and regional levels while fostering a culture of leadership, service, and excellence. She also serves as the Northern Ohio Western Pennsylvania Undergraduate Cluster Coordinator for the Great Lakes Region, where she oversees chapter presidents, facilitates regional initiatives, and works to ensure chapters remain informed, connected, and equipped for success. Furthermore, Amira is actively involved in professional organizations, including the National Organization of Minority Architecture Students (NOMAS) and the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS). 

Dr. Stephanie L. Covington is a visionary leader with over 20 years of experience driving innovation in higher education, workforce development, and student success. She currently serves as the Commissioner of Educational Engagement and Workforce Development for the City of Toledo, where she leads transformative initiatives that connect education, career readiness, and community impact—particularly for underserved populations.  

Her career spans executive roles across community colleges, public universities, and municipal government. From increasing student retention rates and securing over $10 million in grants, to leading regional equity initiatives and launching pioneering urban agriculture workforce programs, Dr. Covington is widely recognized for her ability to turn complex challenges into sustainable solutions. She has served as Vice Chancellor for the City Colleges of Chicago, Director of Retention at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and Acting Chief Community Development Officer at Washtenaw Community College.  

An accomplished educator, Dr. Covington has taught at institutions including Ohio University, Wright State University, and American College of Education, shaping future leaders through courses on student development, legal issues in higher education, and culturally responsive leadership.  

She is also the author of The Power of the Promises and two books in the children's book series I Think, I Say, I believe- The Astounding Faith Adventures of Abraham and Aurora and My Faith is Bigger, blending her commitment to faith, family, and education. Astounding Faith Adventures was Debuted as #1 New Release in Children’s Noah’s Ark Books and Top 100 Best Seller in Children’s Christian Bible Stories on Amazon.  

With a Ph.D. in Higher Education from Ohio University and a Master of Public Health from the University of Toledo/Bowling Green State University, Dr. Covington brings a holistic, purpose-driven approach to every role she embraces. Her work continues to center equity, access, and opportunity as tools for generational change.  

Linnie B. Willis is the retired Executive Director of the Lucas Metropolitan Housing Authority (LMHA) where she was employed for thirty-four years.  She began as a Property Manager and served in various management and administrative positions prior to being selected as the Executive Director in 2007.  She received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Mississippi in Oxford, Mississippi.

During her tenure at LMHA she received professional certifications in Public Housing Occupancy, Public Housing Management, Human Resources and Director Professionalism, awarded by the National Association of Corporate Directors.

She sought to pave the way for African-Americans, and women in particular, in the professional and corporate world.  Some notable achievements include:  First female Executive Director of LMHA, First Director of Human Resources, First LMHA Executive Director elected to lead the State Organization of Housing Authorities (OHAC); First LMHA Executive Director to serve on the Board of Directors of the Public Housing Authorities Directors Association (PHADA); First African-American to serve as Board Chair of the Safety Council of Northwest Ohio; First female to serve as Chair of the Board of Directors for Housing Authority Insurance (HAI) headquartered in Cheshire, Connecticut; and First African-American to serve as Chair of the Board of Directors of Mercy Health Northern Region.