Keynote Speaker Brittany Neish,
Visionary and Founder of "What You Do Matters"
Keynote Speaker Brittany Neish,
Visionary and Founder of "What You Do Matters"
A leadership and career development boutique dedicated to helping people navigate their own Hero's Journey.
A leadership and career development boutique dedicated to helping people navigate their own Hero's Journey.
Brittany believes that we are all the protagonists of our stories, and leadership isn't limited to titles-it's about how we choose to face challenges, take action, and create change in our lives, our teams, & our communities.
Inspired by her love of fantasy & storytelling, Brittany brings the Hero's Journey framework to life, helping individuals recognize the patterns in their own lives: answering the call to adventure, embracing growth through obstacles, and returning stronger, ready to make a difference.
With a 15-year background in marketing, a Master's in Positive Organizational Development & Change, and certifications in emotional intelligence, experiential learning, and change management, Brittany's approach is anything but traditional. Her work with organizations like YETI, UKG, Lincoln Electric, Baker Hostetler, and more has proven that growth doesn't have to be boring - it can be dynamic, engaging, and deeply personal.
Through her workshops, keynotes, and development programs, Brittany shows people how to take intentional action in pivotal moments, whether they're stepping into leadership for the first time, preparing for their next career move, or working to build stronger, more connected teams.
Audiences leave Brittany's sessions with a fresh perspective on their own growth and practical tools to take their next steps - because what you do matters, and every action has the power to create real change.
https://whatyoudomattersmentality.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittanyneish/
Local Panelist
Tara Hemsing Woitalla CLTC®, FIC
Local Panelist
Tara Hemsing Woitalla CLTC®, FIC
Entering the financial services field in 2006, I quickly recognized that people desire collaborative relationships that bring value and education through comprehensive financial planning strategies. I believe that wealth management and retirement planning is a process that is built on trust and integrity. I approach topics by identifying core values, defining future objective, and developing a clear strategy that provides the confidence to reach their financial goals.
I assist in taking the complexity out of retirement planning by offering education and guidance. I am able to empower and help clients plan for future financial success. Whether you’re just starting out or preparing for a meaningful retirement, you deserve personalized financial guidance driven by what is important to you.
I am married to Tony; we raise our four children on a farm south of Brainerd. When I am not volunteering or serving my clients, I enjoy spending time with my family.
Local Panelist
Sheila Wing, Owner Wing Wellness
Local Panelist
Sheila Wing, Owner Wing Wellness
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Certified Family and Emergency Nurse Practitioner, Founder and CEO of Wing Wellness Medical Spa.
Sheila was locally born, raised and has been living and working in the beautiful Brainerd Lakes Area. She was raised on a dairy farm southeast of Brainerd. She married and they raised their two children next door to what is now Wing Wellness Medical Spa. The medspa building was originally organized as Woodrow School in 1887 and family attended school there. The school was later converted into a house and eventually purchased by the Wing family. The home has been completely remodeled. Sheila is looking forward to helping and giving back to this community she loves.
Sheila has over 20 years of Certified Family and Emergency Nurse Practitioner and Registered Nurse combined experience. She has provided care to patients and leadership in a variety of settings including Emergency Department, ICU, Administrative Nursing Supervisor and Director of Emergency Services.
Sheila attended The College of Saint Scholastica and obtained her Master of Science in Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner in May 2013. She has experience as a nurse practitioner caring for all ages from newborn to elderly, in many settings including emergency and hospital medicine, clinic, primary care, urgent care and home care. Sheila advanced her education and training and successfully obtained her Emergency Nurse Practitioner certification in March 2018. She continued to care for patients in a broad spectrum and strives to empower patients in their health and well-being while providing thorough, professional, high-quality care to her patients. Sheila is excited to help women and men in their aesthetic care and wellness journey.
Local Panelist
Shannon Wussow, Executive Director
Relationship Safety Alliance
Local Panelist
Shannon Wussow, Executive Director
Relationship Safety Alliance
Shannon Wussow is the Executive Director of the Relationship Safety Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting family safety through its two programs in Brainerd: the Alex & Brandon Child Safety Center and the Louise Seliski Shelter. Shannon brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role, holding a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice Studies, a Paralegal Studies Certificate, and having completed the Institute for Executive Director Leadership at the University of St. Thomas.
Since joining RSA in 2016, Shannon has worked to support victims and survivors of domestic violence and child abuse. Prior to her current role, she spent eight years as a probation agent supervising medium- and high-risk domestic violence cases and served as a criminal justice adjunct instructor.
An active community member, Shannon participates in several organizations, including the Crow Wing County Coordinating Council, the BLA Breakfast Lions Club, Brainerd Lakes Women Who Care, and the Brainerd Service League. She also serves on the Crow Wing County Emergency Food and Shelter Program Board, the Violence Free Minnesota Homicide Committee, and the Domestic Violence Statewide Supervision Workgroup.
Outside of work, Shannon enjoys spending quality time with her two children and finds joy in volunteering, cooking, baking, traveling, and outdoor activities like walking and biking.
Local Panelist
Local Panelist
Katie Baier, Manager Community Bridgemakers
Katie Baier, Manager Community Bridgemakers
Katie is a mom, wife, wellness enthusiast and seasoned professional with over 12 years of experience in the community health field. She’s worked in county, hospital, and government settings to create impactful programs and initiatives that promote holistic well-being. Currently, Katie serves as the manager of Community Bridgemakers, an initiative dedicated to reducing barriers and advancing opportunities in social cohesion, mental health, and workforce development throughout Region Five in Central Minnesota.
In addition to her leadership in community health, Katie is a faith-based life coach who specializes in helping individuals identify and overcome self-limiting beliefs. She empowers women to step into their full potential by addressing challenges such as imposter syndrome, low self-esteem, body image struggles, and disordered eating. Her coaching philosophy is rooted in the belief in a greater power, and she draws on her own journey of faith and resilience to inspire others to embrace their worth and achieve their goals.
With a strong foundation in professional expertise and personal experience, Katie is passionate about fostering positive leadership, promoting mental health, and encouraging mindset shifts that lead to transformation. Through her work, Katie continues to shine a light on the infinite potential within each of us, reminding others that with faith, support, and a commitment to growth, we can overcome challenges and create lives filled with purpose and possibility.
Emcee
Tess Taylor, WJJY
Emcee
Tess Taylor, WJJY
Tess Taylor is originally from Duluth. She attended the University of Minnesota Duluth and graduated in 1996 with a degree in Communication and Sociology. She began her radio career that same year in Duluth, then moved to the Twin Cities and worked for ABC Radio and Radio Disney as a promotions manager from 2000 to 2004. In October of 2004, Tess was hired at WJJY, moved to Breezy Point and has been working there and living here since then. Today, Tess is a single mom to her an amazing 12-year old daughter, Lola. Tess can be heard weekday mornings on The Morning Mess on 106.7 WJJY, mid days on Today’s Best Country B93.3 and wherever her voice is requested on other stations in her company, and at numerous events throughout the Brainerd area. At the writing of this, Tess is the news and public service director for all of Hubbard Radio in Brainerd. She (and along with Lola) can be found all over central Minnesota as an emcee, volunteer, pageant judge, guest reader, for many events and organizations. Her passion lies in supporting the Alzheimer’s Association and the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. In her spare time, she loves to spend time with her “favorite person in the whole wide world,” Lola and her “special person-of-interest,” (her boyfriend), Tony Bonsante.
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