Brandon Linn, M.S.
Brandon Linn (quite literally “born to Brand”) is a Hollywood TV writer turned vibrant Marketing leader and Founder of Figure 8 Branding. Known for his infectious energy and hands-on approach to fusing creative brand advertising with effective storytelling, he has developed multiple corporate brands alongside social media and influencer marketing programs.
Brandon has also developed recruitment marketing and employer brand programs whereupon he led a groundbreaking employer brand project that became a video documentary backed by research from the University of Pennsylvania.
Speaking on Day 1: Building the Tools to Win Over Gen Z Talent
Ashley Cheretes
Director, Generative AI
Prudential
Ashley Cheretes, a passionate performance marketer with 17 years of experience, has built cutting-edge marketing and branding strategies for some of the world’s most recognized brands, including Cigna, ADP, Avis Budget Group, and Prudential. As Prudential's first Director of Generative AI, Ashley leads the strategy and implementation of AI tools and technology, transforming customer experiences and setting new industry standards for growth.
Previously, Ashley spearheaded recruitment marketing and digital acquisition strategies for Prudential Advisors, achieving significant results by blending creativity, data-driven insights, and technical expertise. She holds a B.A. in English and Communications from Cabrini College.
Speaking on Day 1: Building the Tools to Win Over Gen Z Talent
Jason Jones
Global Employer Brand Lead, Klaviyo
Jason Jones is a highly skilled marketer, strategist, and advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. He is passionate about driving change and takes pride in delivering candidates the best talent marketing experiences.
As the Global Employer Brand Lead, his main objectives are to enhance Klaviyo's employment brand on various digital platforms and establish the company as a top talent destination. In his free time, Jason enjoys traveling, playing golf, snowboarding, and spending time with family and friends.
Speaking on Day 1: Building the Tools to Win Over Gen Z Talent
Vivek Pandit
Co-founder & CIO
PeduL
A Forbes 30 Under 30 lister and TEDx speaker, Vivek is revolutionizing the future of work as the founder of PeduL, labeled the most innovative HR Tech Startup in North America by SHRM, and the first to bring influencer marketing into talent acquisition. As the author of We Are Generation Z, he is the first member of Gen Z to write a book about Gen Z, winning several awards and highlighting how his generation is reshaping industries with purpose and passion.
When he's not working on his startup, Vivek runs Quarter Life Crisis Social Club, helping Gen Z'ers turn their crisis into comeback. He is an angel investor in some of the most noteworthy Gen Z founded companies and takes pride in having interviewed several big founders on his podcast - 501 Hustle - before they went viral.
Speaking on Day 1: Building the Tools to Win Over Gen Z Talent
Sherry Sims
Founder & CEO
Black Career Woman's Network
Sherry Sims is a trailblazing career strategist, leadership coach, and founder of Black Career Women’s Network (BCWN), a thriving community dedicated to empowering Black women to achieve professional success and thrive at every career stage. With over 15 years of experience as a Talent Acquisition and DEI Leader, Sherry has become a trusted expert in addressing workplace challenges and fostering equitable career advancement.
Her insights have been featured in outlets like the New York Times, Essence, and MSNBC, and she regularly shares practical career advice on FOX19, Cincinnati's local television affiliate. In 2023, she was honored with the Business Hall of Fame Award by Cincinnati's African American Chamber of Commerce for her decade-long impact on the community.
Speaking on Day 2: Building Employer Brands Gen Z Trust
Allison McGuire
Founder
The McGuire Method
Allison McGuire, CEO of McGuire Enterprises and Creator of the McGuire Method, uses her storytelling expertise and acting background to empower individuals with effective communication skills. Through her coaching firm, she and her team teach innovators worldwide how to translate performance techniques into real-world business success.
Allison has worked with Fortune 100 executives, venture capitalists, and startup founders, helping clients secure billions in deals, achieve 700% revenue growth, and raise nine-figure funding. Her clients include Amazon, Goldman Sachs, and Andreessen Horowitz. Allison holds a Bachelor’s in Theatre Arts and Political Science from Boston University.
Speaking on Day 2: Building Employer Brands Gen Z Trust
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Hattie Roche
Founder & Strategy Chief
Fauna
Hattie is the Founder & Strategy Chief at Fauna, a new, global EX creative consultancy. Fauna has been founded by three agency leaders with decades of expertise working with organizations to design experiences for happier people, stronger teams and better businesses.
Hattie's passionate about an employee-led approach to employee experience design, culture shift strategy, and innovative leadership development. Over the past 15 years, Hattie has shaped strategies from attraction to alumni that have resulted in significant cultural shifts for some of the world’s leading organizations.
Speaking on Day 2: Building Employer Brands Gen Z Trust
Dawn Christman
Consultant
Talivity Circle Advisory Network
Dawn is an executive leader in human capital, specializing in global strategic transformation and operational excellence. She drives efficiency by aligning people, processes, technology, and client strategies, fostering innovation in both remote and onsite environments.
Passionate about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Dawn is dedicated to opening doors for career growth and development. She builds strong teams, streamlines communication, and enhances business success through a people-first approach.
Speaking on Day 2: Building Employer Brands Gen Z Trust
Amy Keely, MBA, M.Ed., Ph.D. ABD
Professor
Lansing Community College
Amy J. Keely is an award-winning marketer, professor, author, and consultant with over 20 years of experience in marketing, business, and talent management. She has led successful campaigns, delivered inspiring workshops, and developed unique insights through teaching and academic research, including studies at Cambridge University and ongoing PhD work.
With expertise in marketing strategies, corporate training, and quality management, Amy has worked with both global corporations and small businesses. A sought-after speaker and published author, she shares practical tools and inspiration at events and in academic journals.
Speaking on Day 3: Mastering the Art of Gen Z Engagement
Jonathan Zila
EVP of Job Advertising and Analytics Programs
Recruitics
Jonathan Zila is an EVP of Job Advertising and Analytics Programs at Recruitics. He is a strategic business leader with 17 years of experience selling and servicing, spending the last 15 years in recruitment marketing and advertising.
Jonathan specializes in networking, building client relationships, solution-based selling, consultative selling, collaborating with product and marketing teams, and more. Outside of work, he explores the topic of human connection and personal growth in his podcast, How to Human Today.
Speaking on Day 3: Mastering the Art of Gen Z Engagement
Joel Podolny
CEO & Co-founder
Honor Education
Prior to starting Honor Education, Joel was a Vice President at Apple and the founding Dean of Apple University, where he oversaw learning in areas such as leadership, management, and company culture. Before that, Joel served as Dean and Professor of Management at the Yale School of Management. He previously held professorships at Harvard Business School and the Stanford Graduate School of Business.
Speaking on Day 3: Mastering the Art of Gen Z Engagement
Bria Porter McCray is a global HR leader with over a decade of experience and the Founder of HRBP Consulting, where she collaborates with startups and mission-driven organizations to build strategic HR systems and design people-first cultures that support organizational growth.
Known for her authentic approach as an HR thought leader and influencer, Bria challenges outdated practices to help organizations attract and retain next-generation talent, while empowering individuals to thrive and confidently shape the future of work.
Speaking on Day 3: Mastering the Art of Gen Z Engagement
Janelle Gray is the Co-Founder and CMO of Isle of Monday, a cutting-edge startup operating in stealth mode within the retail tech sector. With a career rooted in Brand and Content Marketing in the tech industry, she specializes in high-fidelity video production and social media content creation, focusing on driving brand awareness and maximizing visibility in today’s fast-paced digital landscape.
Speaking on Day 3: Mastering the Art of Gen Z Engagement
Chad Smith is the Executive Creative Director at joyful, a culture agency helping companies build thriving, people-first workplaces through culture consultancy and creative solutions. Previously, he was a Creative Director and Film Director, founding the filmmaking division of what is now For Good & Co. With expertise in culture strategy, filmmaking, and marketing, he has crafted campaigns for brands like adidas, Nike, and Mercedes Truck.
A firm believer in storytelling, Chad aligns with joyful’s mission to enhance the employee experience through authenticity and transparency. He now helps companies build in-house storytelling ecosystems, using user-generated content to fuel culture—because when employees own their story, culture thrives.
Speaking on Day 3: Mastering the Art of Gen Z Engagement
Jillian O'Malior
Founder
Jillian Does Branding
Jillian O'Malior is the Founder of Jillian Does Branding, where she blends deep expertise with bold creativity to challenge outdated norms and drive actionable change. With over 14 years of experience, Jillian is a bold voice in employer branding and culture transformation, empowering companies to redefine leadership, bridge generational divides, and build authentic brands that resonate with today’s workforce.
Speaking on Day 3: Mastering the Art of Gen Z Engagement
Eric Elwer
CEO
Steppingstone
Eric Elwer is the Founder of SteppingStone, a company driven by the mission to transform the job search and hiring process with clarity, confidence, and personalization. Eric’s values-driven, service-oriented leadership style has been the cornerstone of his approach to leading and growing businesses. His leadership reflects a deep commitment to helping individuals and organizations achieve their goals through innovative solutions and purposeful action. Eric’s favorite quote is: fear never bites as hard as regret.
Speaking on Day 3: Mastering the Art of Gen Z Engagement