Jessica Gibson | Keynote Speaker

Senior Director of Adult Learner Initiatives at the Tennessee Higher Education Commission

The Future is Collaborative: Reimagining Ecosystems for Adult Learner Success

Adult learners navigate a complex landscape of education, work, and life responsibilities. No single institution can meet these challenges alone. This keynote explores how partnerships across workforce development, education, community organizations, government, and employers are essential to building systems that truly serve adult learners. Discover success stories, actionable strategies, and a shared vision that brings sectors together to drive impact.

Summer Owens | Keynote Speaker

Award-Winning Author, International Speaker, Trainer

Winning with Whatever Cards You’re Dealt: Resilience, Confidence, and the Power of Your Impact

Going to college—or going back—while balancing life’s challenges is no easy feat. Many adult learners show up with more responsibility than resources, more questions than confidence. But with the right mindset—and the right support—they can still win. That’s where you come in. This keynote is more than inspiration—it’s a powerful reminder of how your work changes lives. Through my personal story—from teen mom to college graduate, corporate leader, and national speaker—I’ll show how the belief and support of just a few people made it possible for me to overcome the odds and build a future I never imagined. And, just as you help others win with the cards they’ve been dealt, you’ll walk away with encouragement and tools to play your own hand with confidence, resilience, and purpose. 

Tamera Maresh- Carver | Keynote Speaker

Managing Director- Global Capability Strategy, FedEx

On special assignment to transform the employee
experience in the Hire to Retire mega-process.

While AI will most likely not be our savior or a dystopian nightmare, it is rapidly changing the landscape of the workforce.  Business and educators have an opportunity and imperative to partner to help adult learners upskill and reskill for success in this rapidly changing environment. What was formerly a one-and-done degree, is now about lifelong adaptability, agility, and reskilling to meet the future.  We will explore global workforce trends, what skills and competencies will be required for the future workforce, who is leading with creating adaptable global talent pools, and how strategic employee and educator partnerships (like FedEx and UofM’s Learning Inspired by FedEx- LiFE program) can help navigate this information and automation revolution.

Steve Taylor | Keynote Speaker

Director and Senior Fellow, Education & Workforce at Stand Together Trust

With nearly 20 years of experience in higher education, workforce training, and organizational development, Steve Taylor educates policymakers on responsible approaches to unleash innovation and entrepreneurship and expand access to myriad education and work pathways. He also founded and leads ED2WORK®, a consulting organization that helps various stakeholders address the needs of adult and working learners. He leverages his expertise in teaching and learning transformation, alternative credit and credentials, and quality assurance to create and scale effective and sustainable solutions. He is a skilled facilitator and strategist, having worked alongside higher education, nonprofit, and workforce leaders, led three major postsecondary education practice and research grants, and built issue-focused coalitions with social entrepreneurs, employers, policy groups, and advocacy groups.