A Transformative Half-Day Event

Welcome to Confidence Lab—the ultimate experience designed to help you step into your most confident self. This half-day event is packed with actionable strategies, inspiring sessions, and opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals who are ready to invest in their personal and professional growth. Whether you’re looking to advance in your career, deepen your self-belief, or simply embrace new challenges, Confidence Lab is your starting point.

What You’ll Experience

Your Confidence Lab ticket includes:

Engaging Speaker Sessions: Learn from experts about harnessing confidence in your career, relationships, and everyday life.
Professional Headshot: Leave with a polished photo that reflects your confident, empowered self.
Interactive Experiences: Participate in dynamic activities designed to help you step into your most confident self.
In-Depth Audience Q&A: Get direct insights from speakers as they answer your most pressing questions about building confidence and stepping into leadership.
Confidence Journal: Capture your goals, wins, and affirmations with this custom-designed journal.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with a supportive community of professionals and confidence enthusiasts.
Breakfast Bites & Lunch: Enjoy delicious meals to fuel your day.
Access to Online Library: Gain year-long access to curated resources on confidence and self-development.

Why Confidence Lab?

Confidence is the foundation for success in every area of life. Whether you’re navigating a career change, launching a business, or striving for personal growth, building your confidence is the key to unlocking your higher purpose. This is your chance to invest in yourself and start living boldly.

Join Us on May 3

Confidence Lab is more than just an event—it’s a movement. Step into your power, embrace your potential, and make 2025 the year you thrive. Secure your spot today and take the first step toward a more confident YOU.

Program Preview

We’ll have a mix of interactive sessions, keynote speakers, and panel discussions. We’ll also include some fun surprises to keep the energy high. Here’s a sneak peek of what we’ll cover:

Confidence as an Active Practice
Positive Affirmations
Confidence Journaling
Taking Up Space
Saying No & Setting Boundaries
Conveying Confidence Through Clothing

Plus! Freshen up your headshot with a new one from @glori_photography

Featured Speakers

Deja Redman

Co-Founder, Replenish W E L L

Deja is the restorative visionary and co-founder of replenish W E L L + brands. Through her life work in this industry of 22 years she has reshaped the spa & wellness industry as an equitable restorative space for wholistic care that belongs to all of us.

Deja is a leading evolutionary of intuitive based wellness processes that can be infused into logical and technology based environments. Her pathway with alternative therapies, integrative nutrition and African American leadership academy has elevated the development of restorative wellness practices for leaders, family & community care and organizational well being.

Instagram @bereplenish

Monique McCrystal

Co-Founder, Replenish W E L L

Monique is the restorative connection co-founder of replenish W E L L + brands. Her work spans between almost a decade of entrepreneurship preceded by a well of lived education & experience in human services.

Monique is a purposeful and intentional ideator and connector. She creates accountable pathways of concentric circles to bridge community care and inner well being. Monique develops and curates restorative care curricula for Self care, family care and community/organizational well being.

Instagram @bereplenish

Lachandra Baker

Founder, LBB Edutainment

Lachandra B. Baker, MBA, CDP, ABC, ECI (she/her) is Founder and Lead Strategist at LBB Edutainment, a consultancy specializing in the development of strategies that improve and positively impact employee engagement, communications, culture, and community connection.

She received her bachelor’s degree from Central Washington University, majoring in Hospitality Management and Communications. She received her MBA with a Marketing specialization from the University of the Southwest. She is an Accredited Business Communicator (ABC) and an Experience Columbus Insider (ECI) for the Greater Columbus Region. She is a two-time graduate of Cornell University’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion certification programs (CDP).

She was named a 2021 Columbus Future50 leader, a 2022 WELD Women WELDing the Way calendar honoree, a 2023 Columbus Delegate for the Harvard University Young American Leaders program, a 2024 Small Business Impact award winner and a 2024 WSBA Emerging Small Business Leader.

She serves on the board of The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio, as well as advisory boards with Cinema Columbus, Creative Mornings Columbus, and Franklin University’s Communications Department.

La is an award-winning communicator and frequent TEDx speaker/performer. She is very active in the community and champions many issues including voting rights, pay equity, civic engagement, and liberation for all people.

In her free time, she enjoys experiencing new cultures, eating great food, and doing fun projects with her family.

LinkedIn lachandrabbaker

Varsey Laurelle

Cultural Architect, Varsey Laurelle Consulting Firm

Varsey partners with organizations to provide the clarity needed to act out plans + reach brag-worthy goals with a human-centered culture in mind + heart.

Raised in Columbus, Ohio, she holds a BA in Mass Communications + Marketing from Wright State University + an MBA from Ashland University, where she developed a passion for business psychology + human dynamics.

She curates her own workshops on topics around self-leadership, communication, shifting perspectives, + trust. She graduated from the Leadership Columbus Signature Class of 2023 + serves on the Board of Directors for Freedom a la Cart, a social enterprise aiding survivors of sex trafficking in Columbus, Ohio.

She has a son + a daughter that attend The Wellington School, where she is the first Black President of the Parent Association + a Board Member. Additionally, she is an active volunteer at their church, Sanctuary Columbus.

She stays busy + intentional at work + play! She enjoys hiking, reading, traveling, visiting museums, + indulging in champagne!

Known for her authenticity, energy, + listening skills, she leverages her diverse experiences to illuminate insights + maximize impact for her clients + community.

CliftonStrengths (Superpowers): Empathy, Connectedness, WOO (Winning Others Over), Positivity, Communication

Connect varseylaurelle

Amee BellWanzo

Founder, SparkCMO

Amee BellWanzo is a marketing strategist, community builder, and lead singer of the Columbus-based band Trachete. As the founder of SparkCMO, she helps organizations amplify their voices, strengthen engagement, and drive impact.

With decades of experience crafting high-growth marketing strategies, Amee has worked extensively with nonprofits and mission-driven organizations, elevating their brands, fueling economic development, and fostering lasting community connections. Her work has positioned Columbus as a hub of creativity and opportunity.

On stage or in strategy sessions, Amee knows confidence is built through action. Whether leading a brand or a band, she inspires others to own their presence, take bold steps, and embrace opportunities with authenticity.

LinkedIn ameefromcolumbus

Vicki Bowen Hewes

Co-Founder, Gordon-Hewes

Vicki Bowen Hewes is a dynamic, purpose-driven leader who fosters inclusive cultures, drives innovation, and builds trusted relationships that lead to lasting success.

With over 25 years of experience across corporate, social enterprise, and nonprofit sectors, she’s a lifelong advocate for equity and social justice. Vicki champions movements that challenge systemic barriers, amplify marginalized voices, and create pathways for change.

As co-founder of Gordon Hewes, she and her partner, Joi Gordon, work with purpose-driven missions, leaders, and businesses to advance equity and elevate impact for stronger communities – from grassroots activism to boardroom strategy.

Vicki cherishes time with loved ones, is a self-proclaimed desert dweller, and has a deep appreciation for fabulous shoes and great pizza. She loves to travel and strives to spend more time on her yoga mat.

LinkedIn vickibowenhewes
Instagram @vbhlife

Sarah Moore

Founder, Moore Soul Sessions

Sarah Moore is a Master Life Coach with over 12 years of experience coaching high-achieving women at every level of an organization and across the globe.

Sarah’s clients struggle with overthinking, feeling overwhelmed and the self-imposed pressure of “doing all the things.” Whether she’s a senior executive leading a global brand, a wife and mum who is tired of wondering if she’s enough, or an entrepreneur building a business, Sarah coaches women to be full of themselves; to go after and achieve the kind of success that lights them up.

Ladies, we aren’t here to settle, so it’s time to have your success cake, eat it, and enjoy it, too.

Sarah and her husband often giggle that she approaches life more like a bull than a gazelle.

Sarah is the creator of the Pump Up Session, a one-of-a-kind fully curated mini-retreat and the author of Full of Herself: Finding The Audacity To Love Who You Are.

Instagram @moore.soul.sessions
Book GetMyBook

Rachyl Kershaw

Founder, Greater Columbus Consulting

Rachyl Kershaw is a business strategist, community organizer, and advocate for economic sustainability. As the founder of Greater Columbus Consulting, she helps people leverage their skills as they forge a path toward living their greater purpose. With 20 years of experience in Central Ohio, Rachyl is passionate about supporting mission-driven organizations, creative communities, and values-based business practices.

Beyond consulting, Rachyl is deeply engaged in grassroots organizing and nonprofit leadership. She currently serves as a board member for Community Shares of Mid-Ohio, Director of Operations for Tech Community Coalition, and as a volunteer board member at 934 Gallery. She has also been a volunteer organizer for Give Back Hack and Can’t Stop Columbus.

Instagram @greatercolumbusconsulting
LinkedIn rachylkershaw

Contact the host of Confidence Lab