IN-PERSON | Happy Hour: Connect with Past, Current and Future Emerging Leaders

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• Are you an Emerging Leader alum who wants to connect with your cohort and find out where they are now?
• Are you a current Emerging Leader who wants to make connections with alumni and hear how the program has helped them in their careers and what you can look forward to?
• Are you interested in joining the Emerging Leaders Class of 2025, and want to learn more about what the course entails as well as make connections with other women who have gone through the program?
• Are you a CX Member or Emerging Leader supporter and are interested in hearing leadership insights from professional women within our community?

If you answered yes to any of the questions above, you are invited to join Central Exchange at UMKC's Bloch Executive Hall for an evening of networking, drinks, appetizers and a panel of graduates from the Emerging Leaders program!
 

This is a free event hosted by Central Exchange, however registration is required. Light appetizers and wine will be served.
More information about the Emerging Leaders program and applications for the class of 2025 can be found at centralexchange.org/emerging-leaders.

Christina Brontoli is a dedicated wife and loving mother to three energetic boys. Having spent a decade in the fast-paced world of manufacturing as both an engineer and a people manager, she felt a yearning for a deeper connection with nature and her family.

Following her heart's calling, Christina transitioned into the realm of regenerative flower farming, where she found her true passion for floral design. With a keen eye for beauty and sustainability, she embraces the principles of regenerative agriculture to nurture vibrant blooms that breathe life into her farm.

A year ago, Christina made the bold decision to leave behind the corporate grind and embark on a journey to build her own business, Flutter Farms. Today, she offers subscription services, providing clients with fresh, ethically grown flowers straight from her farm. Additionally, she specializes in crafting customized floral decor for businesses, infusing spaces with the vibrant colors and fragrant scents of nature. Christina also finds immense joy in sharing her slice of paradise with others. She welcomes visitors to her farm for u-pick experiences, inviting them to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature and create cherished memories with loved ones.

When she's not tending to her blossoming farm or designing floral arrangements, Christina enjoys spending quality time with her family, three dogs, two cats, and thirty-three chickens. You can find all things Flutter Farms at www.flutterfarms.us and connect with Christina on Facebook and Instagram.

Roxane Harris is Vice President of Franchise & Block Advisors at H&R Block, Inc. In this role, she manages a leadership team that manages more than 16k associates operating in 2,700 offices across the United States and some international locations in various countries. She has more than 30 years of experience managing teams, defining operations strategy, and leading programs and project management initiatives aligned to enterprise wide strategy. In addition, she is the Executive sponsor of Elevate, an H & R Block diversity group that focuses on Black professionals and she has served in various roles through H & R Block's Women's Network.

Prior to joining H & R Block, she was an Information Technology consultant with Sogeti LLC and Ernst & Young, and she served in various leadership positions with Hallmark Cards Inc.

Outside of work, she enjoys supporting various not for profit groups including Central Exchange, United We, Friends of Alvin Ailey, and The Potters House Dallas. She has been a guest speaker for organizations such as UMKC Bloch School of Management, Central Exchange, and Rockhurst University. She is passionate about helping young professionals through mentoring and other career advice planning strategies.

She earned a master’s degree in computer resources information management through Webster University and a Bachelor's of Arts degree from Rockhurst University. In addition, she earned the Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) designation through the International Franchise Association in 2021 and she is a 2020 alum of Central Exchange's Emerging Leaders program.



With over 20 years of experience in finance, supply chain, and information technology, Dawn Nachbar is a distinguished digital transformation orchestrator and modern Project & Portfolio Management (PPM) evangelist. Currently serving as the Vice President of Information Technology Services at Compass Minerals, Dawn leads strategic initiatives through fusion teams that deliver enterprise-wide outcomes for one of the world's foremost providers of essential minerals.

Dawn possesses a robust skill set encompassing strategic vision, change management, technology proficiency, and innovation. With expertise in data analytics, agile methodologies, and building trusting relationships, Dawn excels in cross-functional collaboration, project and program management, enterprise architecture, risk management, cybersecurity awareness, and regulatory compliance. Her passion for aligning strategic value to operational execution drives organizational transformation and enhances employee experience through innovative technology, process design, and collaborative working teams.

 Throughout her career, Dawn has adeptly navigated numerous leadership changes, showcasing her ability to lead teams through transitions and ensure continuous progress towards value delivery. Holding certifications in Organizational Transformation, ITIL, Agile, and Lean Six Sigma, Dawn is committed to professional excellence. Dawn is also an active member of the Gartner Executive Program, Kansas City Inspire CIO chapter, Gartner Industrial Manufacturing CIO Community, and Manufacturing Alliance – Information Systems Management Council, and is an alumnus of the 2018-2019 Central Exchange Emerging Leaders Program.