Denise Thomas is the Founder and Owner of The Effective Communication Coach a consultancy focused on transforming emerging and existing professionals into extraordinary leaders by mastering the art of effective communication.

With twenty years of experience within Fortune 100 companies, Denise has honed the ability to deliver and receive messages across language, cultural, and communication-style barriers. She has been recognized for excellence in leadership from companies including Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana, PepsiCo, General Electric, and MolsonCoors. Denise continues her focus on coaching people by traveling and teaching effective communication to professionals worldwide including Tel Aviv Israel, Cartagena Columbia, and Cape town, South Africa.

Denise has supplied her expertise to the National Urban League, Thurgood Marshall Leadership Institute, and the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee. She currently consults for R.W. Baird, Southern Company and Northwestern Mutual amongst other highly regarded employers. Denise has been recognized with multiple awards by the Milwaukee Business Journal including 2019 Woman of Influence and Top 100 Power Brokers for 2018, ‘19, ’20, ’21 and ’22. She also received Milwaukee Magazine’s 2019 “Women of Distinction”, and BizStarts “Inspiring Entrepreneur” award. The Milwaukee Times Newspaper recognized Denise for her “Excellence in Business” during their 35th Annual Black Excellence Awards.

Denise is a Facilitator at St. Norbert College as part of the School of Business’s Center of Exceptional Leadership and co-hosts the “Truth Be Told” morning talk radio show on The Truth 101.7FM – Milwaukee.

She serves on numerous non-profit organization’s Board of Directors and Advisory Councils including Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, The Milwaukee Ballet, TEMPO Milwaukee and the United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County’s Women United Leadership Council. She is also a certified Hogan Assessment Coach, Center of Exceptional Leadership 360 Feedback Coach and E-Learning Trainer/Coach. Denise is a graduate of Cardinal Stritch University in Business Management and a proud member of The Links Incorporated –Trinity (Dallas) Texas Chapter.

She is a proud mother of two emerging leaders, her daughter Dominique and son Daren. She enjoys being a grandmother to her five-year-old English Bulldog, Earn! 

Deb Lewis joined The Hanover Insurance Group in April 2021 as Vice President IT, Deputy Chief Technology (CTO).

Prior to joining The Hanover, Deb served as VP IT, Corporate Systems and Shared Services at AAA - Auto Club Group (ACG) and had 20+ years of experience serving in a variety of executive leadership positions including VP IT, Infrastructure & Operations, VP IT Banking Technology, and Director, IT Customer Services.

Prior to joining ACG, Deb held several progressive technology leadership positions at Detroit Medical Center (DMC), Comerica Bank, and Department of Defense (DOD)-Defense Logistics Agency (DLA).

Deb prides herself as a lifetime learner and holds a Masters Business Administration majored in Information Management and Communication from Walsh College in Troy, Michigan; a Bachelors Business Administration majored in Management Information Systems from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan; and an Associates Business Administration majored in Management Information Systems from Wayne County Community College in Detroit, Michigan. She holds certifications in both Project Management Professional (PMP) as well as Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL).

Deb strongly believes in community service and giving back and currently serves as Hanover Kinship Village BRG Executive Sponsor; she served Board of Directors for the Detroit Urban League; she served as Board Chair at the Community Alliance Credit Union; she served as Executive Sponsor for the African American Employee Resource Group (ERG) at AAA-ACG; she served as mentor for Detroit Cristo Rey high school student’s technology internship program; annually makes a commitment to support the UNCF Walk for Education, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and American Heart Association Go Red for Women and other community organizations.

Deb has received several honors including NAACP lifetime member, Michigan Chronicle Women of Excellence, and the inaugural AAA-ACG Leadership award.

Darius Cook has a long and distinguished career of 27 years in the surety industry. He started as a surety trainee at Safeco and later held positions at Insurance Company of the West, and Hartford before joining Philadelphia Insurance Companies (PHLY).  He joined the PHLY Surety Team in March 2012 as a Senior Surety Underwriter for the Commercial Surety Division.  Darius was instrumental in developing the book of business and expanding its operation on the West Coast. In Darius’ present role as VP and Commercial Surety Underwriting Officer he is engaged in a number of fundamental day-to-day surety underwriting and risk management activities, as well as key strategic operational initiatives of a dynamic and growing product line within Philadelphia Insurance Companies.

In his leadership role currently it is great to achieve individual and team goals, but it is more rewarding to train and develop the next generation.  It is a great joy to help nurture individuals and watch them develop over time and mature into either future leaders or competent individual contributors.  His teachable life experiences have turned into invaluable skills that inspire his leadership at Phly. Now that he is blessed to serve as a leader at PHLY, he enjoys providing guidance and mentoring the talent in the insurance industry.

Darius achieved his Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus on Finance from the University of San Francisco in 1994 and 1992 respectively. Darius has achieved his Associate in Fidelity and Surety Bonds (AFSB) and CPCU designations from The Institutes.

Darius learned early in life the power of a competitive spirit (team sports), being a team player, having a strong spiritual life (moral compass) and perseverance (never quit)…these character traits and values helped him to overcome adversity and accept change (expected and unexpected).  

Darius has been married for 30 years to Alicia Cook, whom he met while attending the University of San Francisco.  Darius currently resides in Fairfield, California with his wife and three daughters: Daria (27), Ashley (27) and Aaliyah (14).   Darius loves spending time with his family, which includes: dining out, watching movies, vacationing, and family dinners.  During his spare time Darius likes to play golf, take long walks, workout in the gym and read books…one of his favorite authors is Malcolm Gladwell.  Darius enjoys a wide range music genre: jazz, hip-hop, classical, R&B, etc.  His favorite travel destinations are Maui, Cancun and Jamaica.

A Favorite Quote

“One day you will tell your story of how you overcame what you went through and it will be someone else’s survival guide” Brene Brown

Monika (Mo) Johnson currently leads Nationwide Financial ALO Operations Consulting & Support.  In this role, she leads an organization that delivers a broad range of operational support services to drive business readiness and critical business support across annuity and life insurance operations. These services include process management, technology and automation support, digital adoption, data analysis, LEAN management, learning and development strategies and enhancing quality assurance practices. 

Monika has held several leadership roles within Nationwide over the past 28 years with a background in insurance and financial services. Throughout her career, Monika has been known for leading transformational business initiatives that have resulted in profitable business revenues, significant expense savings and enhanced customer experiences.

Monika holds a Bachelor of Science in Process Management and Masters in Marketing and Communication from Franklin University and holds a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification.  Monika enjoys people leadership and mentoring associates across Nationwide. Monika has a passion for interior design and helping others.  Monika also enjoys spending time with her son Karter and husband Kevin. 

Giovanna Geathers is the Founder and President of Giovanna Burgess Geathers LLC, under which she operates Giovanna Geathers Consulting.

With over 10,000 hours coaching, counseling, training and consulting individuals, couples, families, non-profit organizations and businesses, it is no wonder she is highly considered as someone who is known to get RESULTS and why her past and current clients describe her as someone who will guide you to a deeper understanding of yourself, assist you in identifying your mental roadblocks and blind spots, encourage you to speak your highest truth and motivate you to show up as the greatest version of yourself.

Giovanna has successfully counseled, coached and consulted entry level to executive level associates in the areas of Tech, Manufacturing, Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, Aviation, Retail, Real Estate Sales and Law. Her desire to see people effectively launch and reach their full potential is what enables and impassions her to assist clients in turning their dreams into reality.

Having been raised by a single mother following the death of her father, Giovanna quickly learned the value of hard work and perseverance to get through some of life’s toughest challenges, hardships, and setbacks. It is this drive and internal motivation along with a love of people and a desire to serve that allows her to meet people where they are, quickly gain insight into their strengths and opportunities and assist them in crafting a concise vision of where they want to go and the practical, guided steps needed to get there.

Giovanna’s background in psychology and human behavior along with her own insight, intuitive understanding and innate ability to connect with people on a deeper level makes her increasingly effective at helping individuals and teams reach the outcomes they desire. In addition to her use of powerful questions and other evidencebased techniques (DiSC, PQ, CBT, EQ, Motivational Interviewing, and NLP), she has studied, read and completed courses by some of the world’s most influential leaders in the space of personal and professional transformation and development such as Tony Robbins, Mark Victor Hansen, Dean Graziosi, Lisa Nichols, Simon Sinek, Patrick Lencioni, Amy Edmunson and Shirzad Chamine. As a result, she has gained a thorough understanding of neuroscience, performance enhancement, diversity and inclusion, emotional intelligence, mental fitness, and leadership development.

Janelle Winford is the Divisional Vice President and Claims Manager of the Great American Insurance Company’s Agribusiness Division. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Cincinnati. She maintains the Associate in claims designation as well as the AFIS (Agribusiness Farm Insurance Specialist) and is currently pursuing the CPCU (Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter) designation.  Janelle is a graduate of the We Lead (Women Excel) program provided by the Cincinnati USA regional Chamber of Commerce. She is a member of NAAIA – National African American Insurance Association and the APIW – Association of Professional Insurance Women. Ms. Winford serves as mentor to many emerging claim professionals within the insurance industry. Hobbies include reading, spending time with family and friends and discovering beautiful beaches to explore.

Cheryl Green Rosario is the Head of DEI and CSR at Munich Re where she leads the commitment to corporate social responsibility and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the US, focusing on building an inclusive culture and leveraging internal and external partnerships to strengthen Munich Re’s social impact.  Prior to joining Munich Re, Cheryl founded her own consulting business, CGR Consulting, focused on DEI and philanthropy working with corporations, foundations and nonprofits. 

Before starting her business, she served as Vice President of Social Responsibility at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, where Cheryl led the global social responsibility strategy for the Company, in areas of DEI, Human Rights, Philanthropy and Sustainability. Cheryl also spent 10 years at American Express as Director, Philanthropy where she oversaw the strategic direction and grantmaking for the Arts & Culture & Historic Preservation portfolios. 

Prior to joining American Express, Cheryl worked at Morgan Stanley in its Community Affairs division and managed a Board Leadership program for Time Warner. In addition to her corporate and foundation experience, Cheryl has over 12 years of nonprofit experience with an emphasis on women and girls and people with disabilities, working with organizations like Family Justice, Girl Scouts and Learning Ally (formerly Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic).

Cheryl is on the Board of the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation and Junior Achievement of New Jersey. Cheryl speaks and writes regularly on corporate social responsibility and diversity, equity and inclusion topics. Most recently, speaking for the Institute for Corporate Social Responsibility and a guest lecturer at Columbia University, New York University and University of Pennsylvania on various DEI topics. In 2017, Cheryl traveled to China to speak about CSR in 5 different cities and facilitated a virtual session in 2018 for Malta and Slovenia in 2022 for the US Department of State.

Wil Desir is an Insurance professional with over two decades of progressive insurance experience and specializes in Commercial & Personal Property Claims handling, Risk Management, Fraud Investigations, Operational Efficiency, Process Management & Workflow, Training and Development, Budgeting & Forecasting, and People Development.

Wil joined Seneca, an affiliate company of Crum & Forster (C&F), in early 2020 and has been instrumental in furthering C&F’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging strategy. Specifically, Wil serves as the presiding officer of the company’s Advocates for Black Equity (ABES) Employee Resource Group (ERG). Wil’s tireless efforts around inclusion have advanced ABES mission to foster cultural awareness, networking, mentoring and increased leadership opportunities while focusing on recruitment, retention, professional development, and advancement of Black employees. In his unwavering commitment to fostering inclusivity, equality, and diversity, Wil partners with fellow ERG leaders to create opportunities to celebrate intersections of our communities, engage in conversation, no matter how difficult or uncomfortable, in order help foster an environment where all individuals can thrive and truly bring their whole selves to work.

Outside of work, Wil is a “Girl Dad” as well as a track and field coach and has long been a champion of giving back by serving his community. Wil is of the mindset that change happens one person, one act, one word at a time. As an insurance professional and an ERG leader, he has been instrumental in helping to create opportunities for employees to learn, connect, and further their understanding, empathy and awareness of unique issues affecting the Black and Brown communities.

Middleton is the Operations Manager of Multinational Billing & Collections for CNA, with 25 plus years of operations experience and over 20 years of leadership experience. He played a critical role in designing CNA’s multinational online portal, known as CNA ComPass. The platform allows CNA and its strategic network partners to write and manage local admitted placements around the world. Middleton enjoys the complexities of Multinational Commercial Insurance while working to pave the way for more diverse, equitable and inclusive arenas.

As a DEI change agent and leader, Middleton served as the former chair of CNA’s African American ERG and is an Insurance Business America Leading the Change award recipient. He also received a commendation from Lori Lightfoot, former Chicago mayor, for his community service efforts during the onset of COVID-19 shelter in place campaigns.

“I look forward to engaging our members in the exciting work underway at NAAIA Chicago,” said Middleton. “Our chapter is filled with exceptional talent from every walk of the industry, and as we look to build for the future, we need everyone involved and ready to support future talent and expand diversity, equity and inclusion efforts both locally and nationally.”

Giovanna Geathers is the Founder and President of Giovanna Burgess Geathers LLC, under which she operates Giovanna Geathers Consulting.

With over 10,000 hours coaching, counseling, training and consulting individuals, couples, families, non-profit organizations and businesses, it is no wonder she is highly considered as someone who is known to get RESULTS and why her past and current clients describe her as someone who will guide you to a deeper understanding of yourself, assist you in identifying your mental roadblocks and blind spots, encourage you to speak your highest truth and motivate you to show up as the greatest version of yourself.

Giovanna has successfully counseled, coached and consulted entry level to executive level associates in the areas of Tech, Manufacturing, Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, Aviation, Retail, Real Estate Sales and Law. Her desire to see people effectively launch and reach their full potential is what enables and impassions her to assist clients in turning their dreams into reality.

Having been raised by a single mother following the death of her father, Giovanna quickly learned the value of hard work and perseverance to get through some of life’s toughest challenges, hardships, and setbacks. It is this drive and internal motivation along with a love of people and a desire to serve that allows her to meet people where they are, quickly gain insight into their strengths and opportunities and assist them in crafting a concise vision of where they want to go and the practical, guided steps needed to get there.

Giovanna’s background in psychology and human behavior along with her own insight, intuitive understanding and innate ability to connect with people on a deeper level makes her increasingly effective at helping individuals and teams reach the outcomes they desire. In addition to her use of powerful questions and other evidencebased techniques (DiSC, PQ, CBT, EQ, Motivational Interviewing, and NLP), she has studied, read and completed courses by some of the world’s most influential leaders in the space of personal and professional transformation and development such as Tony Robbins, Mark Victor Hansen, Dean Graziosi, Lisa Nichols, Simon Sinek, Patrick Lencioni, Amy Edmunson and Shirzad Chamine. As a result, she has gained a thorough understanding of neuroscience, performance enhancement, diversity and inclusion, emotional intelligence, mental fitness, and leadership development.