IN-PERSON | Central Exchange Member Showcase

What better reason to gather together, than to celebrate and support each other!
Beloved seasoned members and others new, let's eat delicious food and learn about each other, too!

Join other CX members, partners and guests on June 4th from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm for a special Member Showcase, as we feature CX members in this social and informative program! New and experienced members and partners will have the opportunity to meet and connect with one another, eat lunch, and hear from four CX members about their passions and work.

 Attend this program if you want to...

• be in community with fellow women,
• learn more about your membership,
• learn about a new topic, resource or organization that can serve you and vice versa,
• and walk away feeling inspired by your conversations!

LaVonda Brown is originally from East St. Louis, IL. She graduated from Southeast Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science degree. She later relocated to Dayton, OH, to be with her husband—her fiancé at the time—and to raise their son together. As her career began to take shape, she was fortunate to receive a promotion that led her to Kansas City, where she began her journey in Human Resources.

With over 20 years of experience in the field, LaVonda has learned and grown tremendously, gaining valuable insights from individuals from all walks of life. Human Resources is a role in which she has truly thrived and developed a deep passion. She finds fulfillment in being able to support, uplift, and positively impact others—helping them change their lives and realize their potential. One of the most rewarding experiences for her is delivering the life-changing news that someone has been hired, knowing the profound effect it has on them and their family.

In 2016, LaVonda joined Shook Hardy & Bacon as a Human Resources Generalist and currently serves as a Records Supervisor. Both positions have contributed significantly to her professional and personal growth. Through these roles, she has built meaningful relationships and gained a strong sense of mutual respect. She values the culture of continuous learning and the pride her colleagues take in their work.

LaVonda's experiences have also inspired and empowered her family—her husband and their three young adult children—as they each pursue new challenges. She is currently continuing her education, striving to deepen her understanding of her own strengths. Her future plans will always involve helping others—whether through a Human Resources role, people management, or contributing to special projects that make a significant impact.

Laura M. Sellers, Ph.D., is the Executive Director of Madam President Camp, a local nonpartisan nonprofit organization, where she empowers middle school girls to develop their leadership and civic engagement skills. A Kansas City native and political scientist with a Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University, Laura returned home to inspire the next generation of changemakers. She’s passionate about public service, education, and community building. Laura completed the Strategic Leadership Program from the Bloch School of Management last year and is a committed lifelong learner. She is also an active member of the Junior League of Kansas City, Missouri, serves on the CX Board of Directors, and is on the executive board of the Notre Dame de Sion Alumnae Association. When Laura's not doing any of those things, she can usually be found tackling a home renovation project or spending time with family and friends.

Julie Smith has been an entrepreneur for most of her adult life, founding various businesses including an art gallery, a wholesale wine distributor, and a golf course restaurant. Feeling the need to enhance her educational background, she returned to school and earned an Executive MBA. She furthered her education with a certificate in Negotiation Mastery from Harvard Online.

As the Associate Director of Recruitment, Julie loves helping students discover their passions and career paths. She is also a dedicated advocate for women's rights in business and is currently writing a book titled "Negotiating in Heels: A Female Perspective." The book aims to highlight the challenges women face in business and negotiations and to inspire change through collective female empowerment. significant.