PROGRAM
Chris Anderson ~ Video Introduction
A message from TED Curator Chris Anderson. TEDx is an international community that organizes TED-style events anywhere and everywhere -- celebrating locally-driven ideas and elevating them to a global stage.
Stephanie Bidle ~ Redefining Success: The Journey to Fulfillment
Stephanie Bidle is the owner of The Simplicity Secret, a dedicated life coaching and leadership consulting business. Stephanie focuses on mindset and fulfillment coaching to help clients get unstuck and leadership consulting to empower organizations to foster a thriving, purpose-driven workplace. Stephanie earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management at Salisbury University, and went on to obtain her Master’s Degree in Human Resources Management at University of Maryland Global Campus. Stephanie is also a 2022 Leadership Frederick Graduate. She currently serves as the President of the Frederick County Society for Human Resource Management (FCSHRM), serves on the Maryland SHRM State Council, and is Chair for the Maryland SHRM Conference Committee. She has earned both her SHRM-SCP (Senior Certified Professional in Human Resources) and CCP (Compensation Certified Professional) Certifications. Stephanie also coaches Track & Field for Middletown High School.
Learn More: www.simplicitysecret.com
Ashley Baker ~ When Life Gives You Lyme
Ashley Baker, or better known as her stage name AshtheArtist, is a Singer, Songwriter, Rapper, and Actress from Hagerstown, MD. Ash has performed at shows up and down the east coast and has opened for artists such as 2 Live Crew, Afroman, and Lyfe Jennings. In addition to her role in music, Ash is an advocate and pioneer for lyme disease research having been diagnosed herself May 2018. Ash has been featured in multiple documentaries, including recently released, “The Quiet Epidemic” and her biggest role yet in “I’m Not Crazy, I’m Sick” feature documentary released on Amazon Prime and AppleTv May 2023, that has been recognized by Forbes, Variety, and more recently Today.com. Ash also has served at a 501C non profit called Project Lyme for 2 years and as of May 2024, was elected as Chair of the Emerging Leaders Board. She hopes to bring awareness to the disease through her music and speeches. Follow Ash at https://linktr.ee/AshtheArtist
Esther Bonney ~ Have We Become Strangers to Our Own Nature?
Esther Bonney is dedicated to addressing the critical intersection of youth mental health and environmental stewardship. At just 17, she is the founder and director of Nurture Natives, one of the nation’s most impactful youth-led nonprofits, with a mission to empower youth through environmental initiatives that promote native biodiversity. Under her leadership, Nurture Natives has educated over 9,400 young people, planted 2.2 million native seeds, and distributed over 56,000 native seedlings across the East Coast. As Nurture Natives grows, Esther’s vision remains resolute: to inspire, educate, and advocate for a future where both our youth and environment thrive. She was awarded the 2024 President’s Environmental Youth Award (Region 3) from the EPA and the 2024 Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes. Through her work, Esther is empowering a new generation of environmental stewards who recognize the vital connection between mental well-being and the health of our environment.
Learn More: https://www.nurturenatives.org
Candice Edwards ~ Are Your Words a Lifeline or a Loaded Gun?
Candice Edwards is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur, and passionate advocate for wellness and resilience. As a Multiple Sclerosis thriver and Breast Cancer survivor, Candice brings a unique perspective to empowering individuals to navigate illness and life's toughest challenges with grace and strength. In 2022, she founded Honestly Candice, a platform dedicated to helping people embrace their strength and thrive in the face of adversity. Candice also co-hosts Real WW Talk, a top-rated podcast in the Mental Health category on Apple Health, which has reached over 1.5 million downloads and continues to inspire listeners worldwide. Beyond her advocacy work, she serves as the CEO of IHAS, Inc., a Maryland-based small business providing case management and resource coordination services to individuals and families. A proud graduate of Howard University, Candice is a community leader who combines her personal journey and professional expertise to uplift and motivate others. When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with her family and finding moments of joy in simple pleasures like spa days and watching The Office re-runs. Learn more: beyondthesuck.com
Bernadette Wagner ~ The Healing Power of Stories
Bernadette Wagner began studying the science of healthy aging in her mid-50’s. The scientific research confirmed what she had long suspected: when women get together, they are healthier, happier and better positioned to contribute to their communities. In 2018, Bernadette founded Prime Time for Women to celebrate, connect and empower women from diverse backgrounds and to foster healthy aging through research-based programs that emphasize positive social connections, lifelong learning and healthy lifestyles. Bernadette served two terms as an elected official, was Creator and Host of Prime Time for Women TV (three seasons on Antietam Broadband); and host, presenter and speaker at numerous community events across Washington County. She is also a regular radio guest on Friday Potpourri with Lou Scally on WJEJ and Public Health Now with Joelle Butler. Bernadette has always been and always will be committed to making a difference in her community and for her efforts she was recognized as “Woman of the Year” in 2012 by the Hagerstown Chapter of Business and Professional Women of Maryland and received the “Life of Leadership Award” in 2018 from Women At The Table.
Learn More: https://primetimeforwomen.org/
Kristin Holt ~ Leading in Chaos - Give Up the Fear of Being Different
Kristin Holt is a Creative Marketing Powerhouse specializing in Social Media Marketing & Management. Kristin started Kaptivated Kulture, LLC in April 2020 & works passionately at cultivating client relationships as an entrepreneur. She also works for Hagerstown’s Hair Salon, Jagger James, where she focuses on high level client experience. A graduate of South Hagerstown High & Washington County Technical High School, she has an Associates degree in Business from Hagerstown Community College; a Bachelors in Psychology & Minor in Marketing from Frostburg State University. She is a licensed Cosmetologist & 2020 graduate of Leadership Washington County. You may also find Kristin across the globe creating international music set lists as "DJ Kaptivate" recently spinning sounds in Puerto Rico. She serves an array of community organizations & enjoys spending quality time with her family including two beautiful daughters who she is teaching the freedom to create their own unique future.
Learn More http://kaptivatedk.com/
Seed Dance Company ~ Done Running
Seed Dance Company is an in-studio performance company from Bloom Dance Studio. Company performers tonight include Ari Smith, Emma Karn, Ginny Wingood, Tenlee Hammond, and Riley Walters. Bloom Dance Studio supports individuals to bloom into the unique dancer and artist they were created to be. Bloom is committed to not only training up dancers with skill and excellence, but artists who dance with power, purpose, and passion!
Learn More: www.bloomdancestudio.com
ACTIVATOR
Serving Women of Washington County Since 1987
WCCWMD.COM
dreamer
Project Lyme exists to educate, resource and fund peer-review research to eradicate lyme disease end the suffering of lyme and other tick borne illness. Project Lyme has built a community for lyme patients as well as their loved ones.
PROJECTLYME.ORG
doer partners
www.fiserv.com
Every minute of the day, people, businesses and financial institutions are connecting with one another through payments and financial service technology from fiserv. We help drive commerce and enable small businesses to grow and thrive.
Home2 Suites by Hilton Hagerstown
Spacious suites moments from Valley Mall featuring an indoor pool, outdoor patio with gas grills and firepits, fitness, laundry, free WiFi and a free hot breakfast. One of four hotels operated by Bowman Hospitality.
encourager partners
Thanks and Appreciation to
