WPLN's Fourth Annual National Summit

WPLN's Fourth Annual National Summit

12:00pm PDT

Kick-Off Luncheon

Thursday June 5, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT

Moderators

Jenifer Sarver

Principal, Sarver Strategies

Jenifer has more than two decades of experience in media relations, crisis communications, speechwriting, coalition building, and media and presentation skills training. Her career has spanned the corporate, nonprofit and political worlds, helping clients develop messages that will... Read More →

Speakers

Pamela Evette

Lieutenant Governor, South Carolina

Driven businesswoman and South Carolina's first female Republican Lieutenant Governor, Lt. Gov. Evette champions small business and community. With a passion for serving, she has guided her focus on early childhood education and empowering tomorrow's leaders.

Thursday June 5, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Palm Room 14900 Chelonia Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32821

Keynote

1:00pm PDT

Free Headshots

Thursday June 5, 2025 1:00pm - 1:30pm PDT

TBA

Thursday June 5, 2025 1:00pm - 1:30pm PDT
TBA 14900 Chelonia Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32821

Headshots

1:00pm PDT

Freedom Conservatism in Action: What Women Leaders are Watching in Washington

Thursday June 5, 2025 1:00pm - 1:30pm PDT

What’s happening in Washington doesn’t stay in Washington—and for women leaders across the country, national policy debates directly impact the work of advancing opportunity, prosperity, and freedom in their communities. This 30-minute conversation brings together women signatories of the Freedom Conservatism statement to discuss the issues they’re tracking most closely this year—from economic policy and regulatory reform to parental rights, education, and workforce participation.

Moderators

Laura Maristany

Founder & CEO, Katch Skills

Laura Maristany is the Founder & CEO, Katch Skills – an AI-powered platform that helps people capture everyday learning and turn it into career-ready skills. She is a national leader in workforce innovation, advancing skills and people-first solutions for the future of work.

Speakers

Josselin Castillo

Federal Government Relations Principal, National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB)

Josselin Castillo is a seasoned government relations professional with over a decade of experience in federal and state policy, advocacy, and political strategy. As the Principal for Federal Government Relations at the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), she leads... Read More →

Carrie Conko

CEO, Iron Light

Carrie Conko is an industry-leading marketing and communications executive with a proven track record of success in organizational and campaign branding, media relations, audience growth, and crisis communications. As Chief Executive Officer at Iron Light, a two-time Inc. 5000 and Campaigns... Read More →

Thursday June 5, 2025 1:00pm - 1:30pm PDT
Palm Room 14900 Chelonia Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32821

Panel

1:30pm PDT

Elevate Your Brand

Thursday June 5, 2025 1:30pm - 2:00pm PDT

TBA

Speakers

June Cutter

Attorney/Consultant, Highland-Illuminate

From a nearly 20-year career as a civil litigator and a notable 2020 State Assembly campaign that launched her as a Republican rising star, June Cutter now spearheads Highland-Illuminate, a top fundraising firm, and specializes in individual branding.

Thursday June 5, 2025 1:30pm - 2:00pm PDT
TBA 14900 Chelonia Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32821

Workshop

2:00pm PDT

Elevate Your Brand

Thursday June 5, 2025 2:00pm - 2:30pm PDT

TBA

Speakers

June Cutter

Attorney/Consultant, Highland-Illuminate

From a nearly 20-year career as a civil litigator and a notable 2020 State Assembly campaign that launched her as a Republican rising star, June Cutter now spearheads Highland-Illuminate, a top fundraising firm, and specializes in individual branding.

Thursday June 5, 2025 2:00pm - 2:30pm PDT
TBA 14900 Chelonia Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32821

Workshop

2:00pm PDT

Fundraise Like a Pro

Thursday June 5, 2025 2:00pm - 2:30pm PDT

TBA

Speakers

Falicia Mandel

Managing Partner, MWE Group

Seasoned political fundraiser with over 11 years of experience in national, state, and local campaigns. She has built an extensive network of donors and finance professionals and has successfully led fundraising efforts for high-profile Republican candidates and organizations nat... Read More →

Thursday June 5, 2025 2:00pm - 2:30pm PDT
TBA 14900 Chelonia Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32821

Workshop

2:30pm PDT

Free Headshots

Thursday June 5, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT

TBA

Thursday June 5, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
TBA 14900 Chelonia Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32821

Headshots

2:30pm PDT

Vendor Tables/Exhibition

Thursday June 5, 2025 2:30pm - 5:00pm PDT

TBA

Thursday June 5, 2025 2:30pm - 5:00pm PDT
TBA 14900 Chelonia Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32821

Vendors

3:30pm PDT

Free Headshots

Thursday June 5, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT

TBA

Thursday June 5, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
TBA 14900 Chelonia Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32821

Headshots

4:00pm PDT

Welcome Reception

Thursday June 5, 2025 4:00pm - 5:30pm PDT

Moderators

Casandra Matej

Visit Orlando

Thursday June 5, 2025 4:00pm - 5:30pm PDT
Beer Garden 14900 Chelonia Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32821

Reception

4:30pm PDT

Free Headshots

Thursday June 5, 2025 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT

TBA

Thursday June 5, 2025 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
TBA 14900 Chelonia Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32821

Headshots

6:00pm PDT

VIP Reception**

Thursday June 5, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm PDT

TBA

Thursday June 5, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
TBA 14900 Chelonia Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32821

Reception

8:00am PDT

Breakfast | Fireside Chat

Friday June 6, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am PDT

Moderators

Casandra Matej

Visit Orlando

Speakers

Maribeth Bisienere

Senior Vice President, Operations, Walt Disney World

With over 35 years in hospitality, Maribeth Bisienere currently leads a broad operational scope at Walt Disney World® Resort. She oversees 25+ resort hotels, five modes of transportation, property-wide security, food and beverage, and merchandise support and strategy. She also serves... Read More →

Friday June 6, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am PDT
Palm Room 14900 Chelonia Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32821

Keynote

9:00am PDT

Free Headshots

Friday June 6, 2025 9:00am - 9:30am PDT

TBA

Friday June 6, 2025 9:00am - 9:30am PDT
TBA 14900 Chelonia Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32821

Headshots

9:30am PDT

Wanted: Veterans in Leadership

Friday June 6, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am PDT

TBA

Moderators

Madeline Meininger

Program Manager, MA of Public Leadership, University of San Francisco

Madeline Meininger is the Program Manager for the MA in Public Leadership Program, a graduate program dedicated to preparing veterans and military family members for a career in politics, policy, or advocacy. Maddy Meininger is a graduate of the University of San Francisco and an... Read More →

Speakers

Phyllis Wilson

President, Military Women's Memorial

With 37 years of Army service, including intelligence work with Special Operations in Iraq, and a civilian nursing career, Phyllis Wilson now leads the Military Women's Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery, honoring women's contributions to the U.S. military.

Seth Lynn

Founder, Veterans Campaign

Seth Lynn founded Veterans Campaign in 2009 to recruit and train veterans to run for political office and has since become a recognized authority on civil-military relations and veterans in politics. He continues to serve as a lieutenant colonel in the Marine Corps Reserve and as... Read More →

Friday June 6, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am PDT
TBA 14900 Chelonia Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32821

Panel

10:10am PDT

The Future of Work and Opportunity: Policy, Practice, and New Talent Pathways

Friday June 6, 2025 10:10am - 11:00am PDT

As the cost of college continues to rise and traditional education pathways become less accessible, Americans are increasingly turning to alternative ways of learning—on the job, online, and over a lifetime. This session will explore what the future of work really looks like in a world where skills, not degrees, are becoming the new currency of opportunity.

Moderators

Laura Maristany

Founder & CEO, Katch Skills

Laura Maristany is the Founder & CEO, Katch Skills – an AI-powered platform that helps people capture everyday learning and turn it into career-ready skills. She is a national leader in workforce innovation, advancing skills and people-first solutions for the future of work.

Speakers

Niki DaSilva

Senior Director of Programs & Policy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation

Niki DaSilva serves as senior director of programs and policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, working to strengthen the nation’s educational standards and the quality of its workforce. Her primary objective is to support the Chamber Foundation's Talent Pipeline Management... Read More →

Steve Taylor

Policy Director and Senior Fellow, Economic Mobility, Stand Together Trust

Dr. Steven Taylor is the Policy Director & Senior Fellow, Economic Mobility at Stand Together Trust, where he leads investment and partnership strategies to reshape workforce participation strategies. In 2024, Taylor was appointed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin to the State Council of Higher... Read More →

Friday June 6, 2025 10:10am - 11:00am PDT
Palm Room 14900 Chelonia Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32821

Panel

11:30am PDT

Free Headshots

Friday June 6, 2025 11:30am - 12:00pm PDT

TBA

Friday June 6, 2025 11:30am - 12:00pm PDT
TBA 14900 Chelonia Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32821

Headshots

12:00pm PDT

AI Tools to Boost your Creativity and Productivity, presented by Google

Friday June 6, 2025 12:00pm - 12:30pm PDT

Speakers

Maureen McInerney

Civics Outreach Manager, Google

Maureen McInerney serves as a Civics Outreach Manager at Google, focused on federal officeholders, candidates, staff, non-profits, and other external partners. Google's Civics Outreach team works to engage and educate civic leaders on how to leverage Google products and help people... Read More →

Sponsors

G

Google

Friday June 6, 2025 12:00pm - 12:30pm PDT
Palm Room 14900 Chelonia Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32821

Workshop

12:30pm PDT

Luncheon | Fireside Chat

Friday June 6, 2025 12:30pm - 1:15pm PDT

Moderators

Valerie Dowling

Vice Chair, Women's Public Leadership Network

Valerie Dowling has worked in the political process from grassroots campaigns to the White House. In 2016, she joined the International Republican Institute as Director of the Women’s Democracy Network where she will continue to work to increase women’s political participation... Read More →

Speakers

Allison Keller

Chief Administrative Officer, PGA Tour

Allison Keller is the Chief Administrative Officer for the PGA TOUR, the world’s premier membership organization for touring professional golfers. By showcasing golf’s greatest players, the PGA TOUR engages, inspires and positively impacts our fans, partners and communities worldwide... Read More →

Friday June 6, 2025 12:30pm - 1:15pm PDT
Palm Room 14900 Chelonia Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32821

Keynote

1:00pm PDT

Free Headshots

Friday June 6, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT

TBA

Friday June 6, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
TBA 14900 Chelonia Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32821

Headshots

2:00pm PDT

Free Headshots

Friday June 6, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT

TBA

Friday June 6, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
TBA 14900 Chelonia Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32821

Headshots

2:20pm PDT

Crafting Your Elevator Pitch

Friday June 6, 2025 2:20pm - 3:05pm PDT

TBA

Friday June 6, 2025 2:20pm - 3:05pm PDT
TBA 14900 Chelonia Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32821

Workshop

2:20pm PDT

Fundraise Like a Pro

Friday June 6, 2025 2:20pm - 3:05pm PDT

TBA

Speakers

Falicia Mandel

Managing Partner, MWE Group

Seasoned political fundraiser with over 11 years of experience in national, state, and local campaigns. She has built an extensive network of donors and finance professionals and has successfully led fundraising efforts for high-profile Republican candidates and organizations nat... Read More →

Friday June 6, 2025 2:20pm - 3:05pm PDT
TBA 14900 Chelonia Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32821

Workshop

2:30pm PDT

Panel: HOLD

Friday June 6, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT

Friday June 6, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Palm Room 14900 Chelonia Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32821

Panel

3:00pm PDT

Free Headshots

Friday June 6, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT

TBA

Friday June 6, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
TBA 14900 Chelonia Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32821

Headshots

3:00pm PDT

Vendor Tables/Exhibition

Friday June 6, 2025 3:00pm - 5:00pm PDT

TBA

Friday June 6, 2025 3:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
TBA 14900 Chelonia Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32821

Vendors

4:00pm PDT

Free Headshots

Friday June 6, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT

TBA

Friday June 6, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
TBA 14900 Chelonia Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32821

Headshots

5:00pm PDT

General Reception

Friday June 6, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT

Friday June 6, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Beer Garden 14900 Chelonia Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32821

Reception

5:00pm PDT

VIP Reception**

Friday June 6, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT

TBA

Friday June 6, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
TBA 14900 Chelonia Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32821

Reception

6:00pm PDT

Leadership & Awards Dinner

Friday June 6, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm PDT

WPLN will present Sandra Mortham, Founder and Chair of Maggie's List, with the “2025 Architect of Society Award.” Inspired by Harriett Beecher Stowe’s words that, “Women are the real architects of society,” this award is presented to a woman who exemplifies the qualities of a public leader: effective, principled, and a true public servant.

Named for Susan B. Anthony’s father and ardent supporter of her efforts, the “2025 Daniel Anthony Award” celebrates a man who has given critical support to a female public leader(s). WPLN is honored to present the Daniel Anthony Award to Paul Mitchell, Partner at The Southern Group.

Friday June 6, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Palm Room 14900 Chelonia Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32821

Keynote

8:00am PDT

Continental Breakfast

Saturday June 7, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am PDT

TBA

Saturday June 7, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am PDT
TBA 14900 Chelonia Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32821

Breakfast

8:00am PDT

Free Headshots

Saturday June 7, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am PDT

TBA

Saturday June 7, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am PDT
TBA 14900 Chelonia Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32821

Headshots

9:00am PDT

What's Your Why?

Saturday June 7, 2025 9:00am - 9:30am PDT

TBA

Speakers

Dawn Crandall

Saturday June 7, 2025 9:00am - 9:30am PDT
TBA 14900 Chelonia Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32821

Workshop

9:30am PDT

Elevate Your Brand

Saturday June 7, 2025 9:30am - 10:15am PDT

TBA

Speakers

June Cutter

Attorney/Consultant, Highland-Illuminate

From a nearly 20-year career as a civil litigator and a notable 2020 State Assembly campaign that launched her as a Republican rising star, June Cutter now spearheads Highland-Illuminate, a top fundraising firm, and specializes in individual branding.

Saturday June 7, 2025 9:30am - 10:15am PDT
TBA 14900 Chelonia Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32821

Workshop

10:15am PDT

Free Headshots

Saturday June 7, 2025 10:15am - 10:30am PDT

TBA

Saturday June 7, 2025 10:15am - 10:30am PDT
TBA 14900 Chelonia Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32821

Headshots

10:30am PDT

Fundraise Like a Pro

Saturday June 7, 2025 10:30am - 10:45am PDT

TBA

Speakers

Falicia Mandel

Managing Partner, MWE Group

Seasoned political fundraiser with over 11 years of experience in national, state, and local campaigns. She has built an extensive network of donors and finance professionals and has successfully led fundraising efforts for high-profile Republican candidates and organizations nat... Read More →

Saturday June 7, 2025 10:30am - 10:45am PDT
TBA 14900 Chelonia Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32821

Workshop

10:30am PDT

Finding Your Voice: Authentic Communication

Saturday June 7, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am PDT

TBA

Speakers

Adrianna Sekula

Solidarity Partners

Becki Wright

Founder & CEO, Proximity

Seasoned fundraiser, development professional, and campaign consultant with a tenacity for innovation. Unapologetically ambitious about solving inefficiencies and removing barriers to entry for the average political leader.

Sponsors

P

Proximity

Saturday June 7, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
TBA 14900 Chelonia Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32821

Panel

11:30am PDT

Free Headshots

Saturday June 7, 2025 11:30am - 12:00pm PDT

TBA

Saturday June 7, 2025 11:30am - 12:00pm PDT
TBA 14900 Chelonia Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32821

Headshots

12:00pm PDT

Closing Luncheon | Fireside Chat

Saturday June 7, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT

TBA

Saturday June 7, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
TBA 14900 Chelonia Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32821

Keynote