IN-PERSON | Lessons in Leadership with Julie Klima!

For years, Julie Klima has guided conversations with remarkable women leaders through Central Exchange’s Lessons in Leadership series. In this final session, it’s her turn to step into the spotlight!

Interviewed by Iris Edelen, Julie will share her own leadership journey—what she’s learned, what she’s still navigating, and the moments that have shaped her along the way. This is a rare opportunity to hear directly from the woman who has been amplifying so many others’ stories.

Come ready to be inspired, connect with fellow leaders, and gain new perspective from Julie’s authentic insights on leadership, resilience, and growth.

Don’t miss this special session where we turn the microphone around and hear from Julie Klima herself!

Julie Klima is the founder and chief strategist at Purpose Amp, helping purpose-minded organizations amplify their impact and turn passion into action. Julie is a passionate advocate for a thriving nonprofit sector and has more than two decades of cross-sector experience leading teams through growth and change. 











As a seasoned Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and Certified Associate Project Manager (CAPM), Iris Edelen is recognized as a transformative leader adept at driving organizational change and achieving results in complex environments. Throughout her career, Iris has consistently championed company values, vision, and expectations, establishing herself as a trusted steward of organizational culture and development.

Currently serving as the Vice President of People and Culture for the Kansas City Royals, Iris is responsible for shaping a high-performance culture that aligns with strategic objectives. In this role, she leads initiatives across all facets of HR management, from talent acquisition and diversity management to leadership development and employee relations. Her tenure underscores her commitment to fostering a workplace where innovation thrives and where employees are empowered to achieve their full potential.

Previously, at Orion Group Holdings, Inc., Iris held the position of Human Resources Director, overseeing the TAS Concrete division. In this capacity, she spearheaded comprehensive HR operations, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations while driving cultural transformation initiatives. Her efforts resulted in streamlined processes and enhanced employee relations across multiple regions.

Prior to that, as a Senior Human Resource Manager in the Houston area, Iris led corporate HR functions, optimizing talent acquisition strategies that delivered significant cost savings and implementing cutting-edge recruiting technologies to enhance efficiency.