2024 Conference Speakers

Pamela Benson Owens is the President and CEO of Edge of Your Seat Consulting, Inc and is also serving as the CEO of Six Square. For 25+ years Pam has owned Edge of Your Seat Consulting, a unique consulting firm that is dedicated to assisting for-profit, nonprofit, and faith-based entities. The major focus of Edge of Your Seat Consulting, Inc., is to provide methodologies that help manage perceptions and narratives about complex and challenging issues with courage and strategic passion.

Pam leverages humor and honest storytelling to create memorable and applicable strategies for sustainable and substantive change.

She serves the community in a variety of capacities with the intentional motive of building a stronger and more equitable community. Her background in education to include higher education has provided unique insight into the challenges facing not just school districts, but the ecosystems of support that surrounds school districts. Pam serves on several non-profit boards, is the co-chair of the Black Fund a partnership with Austin Community Foundation, joyfully serves on the faculty of the Center for Nonprofit Excellence at Austin Community College, is often a guest lecturer at institutions of higher learning and thrives on the opportunities her consultancy work paves the way to assist organizations to be stronger by navigating the nuances of organizational culture.

She is a proud Texas A&M Aggie where she earned a degree in Journalism and a certification in Diversity Education and completed her graduate work at St. Edward’s University with a master’s in human services with a concentration in Conflict Resolution/Mediation. Pam has also completed coursework at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, a certification in DEI from Cornell, is a self-professed book nerd and lifelong learner, has a new book called The Lessons of Lists, has an online coffee business with all four members of her family called 4 The Culture Coffee that directs a percentage of the proceeds back to BIPOC nonprofit organizations in the Central Texas region, and you can hear her weekly on her Podcast, Rooted. She resides in Austin with her spouse, Arlyn, and two exceptionally amazing kids, Preston, and Allyson.

Brian Brandt is President of Core Insights, a Texas based company providing premier training and strategic guidance for nonprofits and businesses. With over three decades of leadership experience, he has devoted his life to developing stronger leaders and organizations. He has co-authored two books, including The Ambassador’s Journey: A Parable of Non-Profit Board Leadership. He frequently writes for a variety of national publications and speaks at conferences on nonprofit issues, leadership, change management, and strategic planning. Brian holds a Master’s Degree in Global Leadership as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting.

Coleen has been a champion to the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation (LEEF) mission since 2015, as a volunteer, board member and currently the Executive Director. LEEF is a 501(c)3 nonprofit engaging the community to raise funds to improve the educational experience for Leander ISD students and educators.

Coleen is a well-respected community partner, honest communicator, and relentless advocate for those in need. She launched LEEF’s grant writing program in 2019 and secured over $300,000 in funding for several district-wide priorities, including a full-time mental health specialist for 3 years, early literacy and resources for special education students.

Janet Bubert focuses her practice on representing the boards of numerous independent school districts, charter schools, and education foundations. She advises clients on all aspects of education and nonprofit law and represents clients before federal and state courts and other agencies. Janet regularly provides training for school and nonprofit boards, administrators and staff. She is a frequent speaker at state and national conferences and is privileged to support the efforts of those advocating for Texas public schools.

Jennifer Burton is the executive director of the Northwest ISD Education Foundation, providing leadership that has doubled the size of the foundation’s staff and tripled its income in her first three years. Previously, Jennifer held similar positions as the director of corporate development for the Tarrant Area Food Bank and the Dallas-based nonprofit Dwell with Dignity. Prior to that, she led the largest fundraiser for the American Cancer Society and served as executive director supporting Speedway Children’s Charities, a NASCAR foundation.

Shawn Callaway became the President and Owner of FI in August 2022. He started his career in nonprofit management in 1993, having accrued 30 years of experience in non-profit management and has been part of the FI team since 2015. From religious and education to business and economic development non-profits, Shawn has served in most roles of non-profits from Board Member all the way to President/CEO. Shawn is also finishing his service as the first executive director of the award-winning Aledo ISD Education Foundation, which has raised over $4.5 million dollars since its founding in 2013.

Ana joined the SAISD Foundation in 2021 as a part-time Data Specialist. Since then, her dedication and expertise have propelled her to the role of Data & Impact Manager, showcasing her ability to drive change within the organization. With a BBA from The University of Texas at Austin, in Engineering Route to Business, Ana brings a unique blend of analytical and business acumen to her work. With seven years of experience in the private sector, Ana made a deliberate career shift into non-profit, driven by her passion to support students like herself. Through her role, Ana continues to champion initiatives that positively impact students’ lives, embodying her commitment to creating educational opportunities for all.

Cameka L. Crawford is the executive director of The Richardson ISD Foundation, where she provides strategic leadership to advance the organization’s mission. In this role, she focuses on creating programs and initiatives that engage the community in the Foundation’s work, including the realignment and expansion of Impact Grants for staff and the GEMs monthly giving program. Cameka has more than 20 years of experience providing leadership to the Keller ISD Education Foundation, National Domestic Violence Hotline, Verizon, and more. One of her proudest moments was partnering with the NFL to produce the National Domestic Violence Hotline’s first public service announcements.

Dr. Charles Dupre is dedicated to supporting and developing leaders who are committed to leading with authenticity, integrity and vulnerability. A recognized and award-winning leader in the education sector, he served as superintendent of Fort Bend ISD and Pflugerville ISD and is known for building and leading high-performing teams. Dupre is a proven culture builder, communicator and champion for helping others achieve their full potential, as he believes authentic investment in others enables us to be our best for ourselves and for others.

Dupre currently serves the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) as Deputy Executive Director for Member Engagement and Support, where he has designed and launched programs to support member well-being and leadership development. He is also a professional executive coach, credentialed by the International Coaching Federation (ICF). During 26 years as a leader in public education, Dupre served as internal auditor, budget officer, CFO, and deputy superintendent before his 15 year tenure as superintendent. Previously, Dupre enjoyed a successful season of his career as an auditor and accountant in the energy sector.

Justin is a graduate of Texas Tech University and has worked 12 years in the nonprofit sector for organizations such as The Salvation Army, Rainbow Days of Dallas and the Forney Education Foundation. He has been a resident of Forney, TX for over 30 years and graduated from Forney High School in 2006. Justin’s experience has focused on advancing strategies to increase philanthropic support from top corporate partners and manage special events, volunteer projects, and seasonal programs.

I’m Briana Estrada, a Multimedia Specialist with a passion for community service and creating captivating content. I have a BA in Mass Communications from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, with a concentration in broadcast journalism and business marketing. As a communications professional, I thrive on expressing my creativity and providing a strong voice for my organization. I excel in public speaking and communication training, and I’m a skilled social media manager. Whether working on multimedia campaigns or community events, I bring my expertise and enthusiasm to every project.

Valerie was one of three who envisioned the formation of the foundation and was instrumental in the organization and development of the Sanger Education Foundation. She brings over 30 years of experience in non-profit fundraising having served with for-profit and non-profit organizations along with providing training with non-profit organizations to build strong board leadership, best practices, organizational structure and program development. In 1999 Mrs. Foster was chosen as a recipient of the Texas State Board of Education Heroes for Children for contributions and dedication to Public Education. She has been awarded Citizen of the Year by the Sanger Area Chamber of Commerce in 2005 and again in 2013. Valerie served on the Texas Education Foundation Network Conference Committee and currently serves on the TEFN Advisory Committee. She earned her CEFL in September 2016 through NSFA and the National University in San Diego. Valerie retired after 25 years of service from Sanger ISD as the District’s Community Outreach Director in 2019 and currently serves exclusively as the Executive Director for the Sanger Education Foundation. Valerie is the owner and primary consultant of Strategic Foundation Development, Inc. providing consulting, strategic planning and board development training for local and area nonprofits.

Hired in 2009 to support the re-launch of the SAISD Foundation, Judy continues to serve as its first Executive Director. Judy earned her MEd from James Madison and has a strong background in program development and grant writing. Judy brings a decade of higher education leadership to her non-profit work. She is a collaborator by nature and has served as a consultant for K-16 service-learning programs. She currently serves on the Advisory Council for TEFN. Judy and her husband have called San Antonio home for the past 30 years and their twin boys are proud graduates of UT Austin.

Hey there! I’m Natalie Nicole Guzman, a creative publication specialist at Judson ISD, bringing expertise in communications, branding, and public relations to the school district the last 4 years. With a Bachelor’s degree in Communications (with a minor in Business Administration and a concentration in Public Relations), I’m passionate about making our district shine while keeping our brand strong through digital and print platforms. I’m on a mission to enhance the district’s visibility and engagement within the Judson ISD community through strategic communication initiatives and brand management.

Michel Hudson, CFRE, CEFL, has decades of experience guiding organizations in the roles of staff, volunteer, board member, and consultant.

Her company, 501(c)onsulting, focuses on board/staff retreats and strategic planning, and she has also worked with many education foundations through event support and serving as an Interim Executive Director.

She has served as a member of the board of a number of organizations, including the Pflugerville Education Foundation. She was honored with awards from Pflugerville ISD as the 2015-16 Volunteer of the Year and 2016-17 Business Partner of the Year, and was the 2022 AFP-Greater Austin Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year.

Meet Deanna Jackson and Veronica Goldhorn, dynamic leaders hailing from the heart of Schertz, Texas, nestled within SCUC ISD. Deanna serves as the Director of Communications & Community Engagement, wielding her expertise to bridge connections and foster meaningful relationships. Veronica recently bid farewell to a remarkable 30-year career within the district that nurtured her from the very beginning.

In 2022, these hometown heroes united to revitalize the SCUC Education Foundation. Fueled by dedication, they aim to elevate their foundation, embodying transformation and excellence. Together, they aspire to leave a lasting mark on their beloved community.

Jessica Kelley Almaraz, Donor & Alumni Relations Manager, is a San Antonio native and lifelong resident of the Alamo City. She grew up in public schools and received her BA in Communications from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2015. Jessica has worked at the AHSF since 2018 and was proud to receive her CFRE certification in September 2023. Prior to AHSF, Jessica worked in development at Clarity Child Guidance Center and continues to be a passionate advocate for both mental health care and public education. She resides in San Antonio with her husband, Zachariah, and two feline furbabies.

Experienced Speaker and Al Enthusiast with a 24-year tenure as a Full-Time Math Instructor, specializing in educational technology. Currently a Doctoral Student in Educational Technology, renowned for captivating and informative presentations that effectively bridge technology and pedagogy. Adept at articulating complex concepts in a clear and relatable manner, fostering bette understanding among diverse audiences. Skilled in both in-person and virtual settings, utilizing multimedia and storytelling techniques for impactful and memorable presentations. Sought after for transforming education through technology-driven talks. Inspired daily by husband and two sons.

Heather McFarland serves as the Executive Director of the Alamo Heights School Foundation. She holds a Master’s in Business Administration, CFRE, and was a member of the first cohort to earn the CEFL designation. Heather has 19 years of professional fundraising experience and is passionate about public education.

Jerri Monbaron has 25 years of experience in working with school district education foundations. She is currently the Chief Community Engagement Officer for Humble ISD and has served as the Executive Director for Humble ISD Education Foundation since 2012.

Deborah Rose Miller has spent a lifetime in the financial services/real estate industry coupled with 40+ years of community service.

Her volunteerism has included charter president of the Magnolia ISD Education Foundation and 9 years as a Magnolia ISD trustee.

She moved to the Lake Houston area in 2016 and currently serves as Board Chair of the Humble ISD Education Foundation.

When she was 26 she launched Girlstart, a non-profit empowering girls in math, science, engineering and technology in the living room of her apartment with $500 and a credit card. Several years later she had raised over 10 million and was featured on Oprah, CNN, and the Today show.

Today Rachel delivers workshops and offers a monthly membership, League of Extraordinary Fundraisers, transforming people into confident, successful fundraisers. Learn more about Rachel at rachelmuir.com

Suzi Pagel, CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive), served as Midway ISD’s Director of Development and Education Foundation Executive Director for 21 years. During this time, the Foundation raised over $5 million dollars to benefit the students and staff of Midway ISD and built an endowment of almost $3 million dollars.

Suzi has been with the Foundation Innovation team since 2009, currently serving as lead strategist. In addition to speaking at numerous trainings and conferences, Suzi has worked to establish or revitalize more than 35 school foundations.

Suzi has received the Junior League’s Golden Wing Award for Outstanding Volunteerism, and the Association of Fundraising Professional’s Outstanding Professional Fundraiser awards.

Alyssa Pry has served as the director of communications and PR for the Northwest ISD Education Foundation since 2021, focusing the foundation’s communications efforts on initiatives that keep donors, educators, and the community engaged. Previously, she was the community relations specialist from 2017 to 2020. In her current role, Alyssa oversees electronic and print communications, community relations, media relations and programs.

Marianne Reap is the Executive Director for Round Rock ISD Partners In Education Foundation. Following Sales management positions with the Quaker Oats Company (Gatorade line), Johnson & Johnson (introduction of Splenda sweetener) and Infotainment World (division of IDG Books – Entertainment area-Video Games) she entered the non-profit world becoming the Executive Director for the Foundation. She has been the Executive Director for the past 15 years and also owns her own company representing residential developers in creating communities in the area. As the Executive Director, she has had the opportunity to help train and consult for a number of other Foundations and Foundation Boards across Central Texas. She and her husband of 33 years are the parents of three college graduates, an Aggie, a Longhorn and a Bobcat and counts her blessings every day to have the opportunity to support and raise funds for students and teachers in Round Rock ISD.

Crystal Scanio, CFRE, CEFL serves as the President and CEO of the Irving Schools Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports the students and teachers in Irving ISD. In her role, she is tasked with raising money for Irving ISD to support projects and initiatives for which tax dollars cannot be expended, such as innovative classroom projects, scholarships, and funding for valuable learning tools.

Under her leadership, the Irving Schools Foundation has raised millions of dollars for Irving ISD students, and has received multiple awards for these efforts, including the highest award that an education foundation can receive: being named one of the Top 50 Education Foundations in the Nation for two consecutive years. Prior to joining the Irving Schools Foundation in 2012, Crystal served in many leadership roles in the Financial and Insurance industries.

Crystal earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business from Texas Tech University and a Certificate in Financial Planning (CFP) from Southern Methodist University. Additionally, Crystal has earned her Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) designation as well as her Certified Education Foundation Leader (CEFL) designation.

Crystal is very passionate about the success of her community and has volunteered for a variety of organizations that promote the advancement of women and children in the DFW area. Crystal has served on a variety of nonprofit and for-profit boards, including her past service as the President of the Irving Las Colinas Rotary Club Board of Directors, VP of Development for the Arlington Junior League, the Chair of the Board of Governors of La Cima Club. Currently, Crystal serves on the Irving Police Academy’s Advisory Board and the National Education Foundation Association Board.

In 2012, Crystal was named by Latino Leaders Magazine as one of their “Top 25 Young Latino Leaders in DFW” because of her commitment to the betterment of the DFW community. In 2013, Crystal was awarded the Women of ALPFA (Association for Latino Professionals for America) Latina Achievement Award and in 2014, she was honored to have received the 2014 National Diversity Ambassador Award from Nissan Americas. Crystal is a graduate of Leadership Irving and Leadership North Texas.

Sandra is currently the Executive Director of the Spring ISD Education Foundation.

Ms. Scott has worked extensively with organizations both professionally and personally as it relates to marketing, event planning, and project coordination.

She was employed for over thirty years in the Oil and Gas Industry. Sandra Scott is a graduate of Texas Woman’s University in Denton, Texas in BA-Business Management as well as the University of Houston-BA-Secondary Education.

In 2022 received Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy in Humanitarianism from Leaders Esteem Christian Bible University and the 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award for volunteer leadership from President Joseph R. Biden Jr.

Sandra is a certified Christian counselor and an environmental equity and justice advocate.

She is the proud mother of two adult daughters and two beautiful and rambunctious granddaughters, ages one and six years of age.

Julie Shannan is the founder and CEO of Big Mission Consulting. She helps organizations align their brand and mission throughout their marketing, communications, programs, and development. Julie has dedicated her career to building strong nonprofits that make a measurable impact. She has over 25 years of leadership and fundraising experience and is a certified professional coach. She is often invited to lead strategy sessions, board and staff retreats, strategic planning, and team-building workshops to help nonprofits increase their capacity and impact. Her goal is to always inspire and make a lasting impression that clients, donors, and participants will never forget.

Kenny Sigler has worked in the nonprofit sector for over a decade and has worn all the hats a fundraiser has to wear: strategist, relationship manager, board trainer, data specialist, event planner, meeting coordinator, technical support, and much more. His fundraising experience includes being a development director at the Literacy Council of Tyler and the executive director of advancement at the UT Tyler Health Science Center. Kenny obtained his CFRE in 2018 and started his own business to help nonprofits in 2022.

Carrie became a member of the SAISD Foundation team in 2021, marking the continuation of her longstanding ties to the San Antonio Independent School District. With roots deeply embedded in the city, Carrie’s family legacy within SAISD dates back to 1942 when her grandparents settled in the South Side. Both of her parents proudly graduated from Highlands High School. Throughout her career, Carrie has been dedicated to fostering education and community engagement. Having held various community management roles, she now embraces the opportunity to contribute to the advancement of SAISD and the very schools that shaped her family’s history in the heart of the vibrant Alamo City.

Ally serves as the Eagle Mountain Saginaw ISD Director and Community Partnerships. She has over 20 years experience in community building which includes co-founding an organization (Project Dream Play) which built an all accessible playground for the City of Saginaw. Her advocacy work includes building relationships with stakeholders, elected officials and education supporters in an effort to create lasting partnerships for public education programs. Ally presents leadership training for volunteers in the community and is an ambassador for safety initiatives, controlled by city and county construction, and prioritized by the local school district.

As the dedicated Executive Director of the Texas City ISD Foundation for the Future, I champion the cause of ensuring children and educators have optimal resources for success. We should never cease our efforts to improve ourselves and support those in our community; there’s always more we can do to lend a helping hand. When I’m not busy with work, you’ll find me soaking up quality time with my awesome family and eagerly packing our bags for our next adventure alongside my incredible husband Tim and our adventurous daughter Annelise!

As Senior Director of Community at Philanthropy Together, Tyeshia leads a national and global engagement strategy to scale and strengthen the movement of collective giving globally and advance equitable grant-making practices. A proven fundraiser, organizer and builder of relationships, Ty has helped launch giving circles around the world and trained hundreds of individuals and organizations how to start collective giving groups through Philanthropy Together’s flagship training programs.

Tyeshia holds a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Texas at Arlington and a M.S. in Public Leadership with a concentration in Nonprofit and Community Leadership from the University of North Texas at Dallas. In 2022, Tyeshia was an honoree on the annual Black Women Give Back List presented by the Women’s Philanthropy Institute, Black Philanthropy Month and The WISE Fund.