Charge Into Leadership Conference ’25
Leadership From Community Leaders
October 17, 2025
GHC Cartersville Campus
Keynote: Steve Dennis
Internationally acclaimed entrepreneur, speaker, trainer and life coach, Steve Dennis has shared the stage with such personal development masters as John Maxwell and Jack Canfield. In 2009, Steve founded Motivation Unlimited, an organization created to inspire positive change in the lives of people – personally and professionally.
Steve is a founding member and Executive Director on The John Maxwell Team. Steve is also a graduate of Jack Canfield’s “Train the Trainer” Program. Steve is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors and holds a Doctorate of Biblical Studies from Ministry International Institute.
As a Certified Life Mastery Coach of Brave Thinking Institute, Steve can help you design a life that propels you to build your dreams, accelerate your results, and live a more fulfilling life. Steve believes in adding value to others and helping others become their best selves. He trains and motivates, emphasizing strengthening leaders and helping them maximize their effectiveness and identify their potential. Steve conducts keynotes, workshops and trainings all over the country in various corporations, universities, government agencies, schools, and community organizations. As an international speaker, Steve has spoken to audiences of over 20,000 leaders in Brazil, Columbia, and Paraguay. Steve and his wife, Faith, have three children and six grandchildren.
Agenda
- Check-In/Continental Breakfast (Student Center Solarium)
- Welcome& Keynote Speaker - Steve Dennis (Student Center Ballroom)
- Breakout Sessions 1 (C Building)
- Breakout Sessions 2 (C Building & Student Center)
- Lunch (Student Center Ballroom)
- Entrepreneurship Speaker Panel (Student Center Ballroom)
Breakout Sessions:
GHC Faculty/Staff:
- Andy Borg: Smart Budgeting for Students: Mastering Your Money in College
- Jed Gillespie & Annette Maddox: Emergent/Organic Leadership
- Joy Hambrick:Time Utility and Work-Life Balance
- Dr. Oris: Motivational Leadership: The Power of Now
Entrepreneurship Speaker Panel, 12:30pm:
- Chad Conley
- Raychel Jones
- JaBarr Lasley
- Dena Turner, DC.
- Tonesha Smith
- J. Carter
1O:OOam-10:45am: Breakout Sessions 1 (C Building)
- Chad Conley: Impact! Meeting Opportunities with Purpose, Not Passivity
- Raychel Jones: Leading With Clarity: Protecting Your Mental Health While Building Your Future
- JaBarr Lasley: The Magic of Post: Turning Footage into Film
- Dena Turner, DC.: Boss Up: Systems, Leadership, and Scaling with Purpose
- Tonesha Smith: You are Your Own Brand: Standing Out in a Competitive Market
11 :00am-11 :45am: Breakout Sessions 2
- Dr. Jed Gillespie & Annette Maddox: Emergent/Organic Leadership (C-l 10)
- Joy Hambrick: Time Utility & Work-Life Balance (C-l 25)
- Andy Borg: Smart Budgeting for Students- Mastering Your Money in College
- Oris Guillaume: Connect2Lead, Experiencing Your True Design Across Generation Leaders (C-160)
- Tony McIntosh: Leadership Principles Learned from a Coffee Bean
Speaker Panel
Tonesha Smith
Tonesha Smith is a software engineer in Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program. She is also passionate about volunteering with young people in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
Tonesha Smith is a software engineer in Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program. She is also passionate about volunteering with young people in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
While in college she was involved in the Computer Science Club and Tau Beta Sigma. For two years, Tonesha led more than 60 volunteers in Aim High, an organization sponsored by Delta Sigma Theta. She mentored thirteen students, helping them with financial aid, scholarship, and college application submissions.
As a computer science major, she provided information about internships in the technology job market. Because of her efforts, many of the 650 students in the program entered college the next fall. In 2008, Tonesha joined Lockheed Martin in San Diego, CA. After a year, she was selected to take part in Lockheed’s Engineering Leadership and Development Program.
During her time in San Diego, Tonesha became a member of Network of Volunteer Associates group and volunteered for STEM projects. One example is “Space Day” where she led a demonstration on how to build a space shuttle. Hundreds of children attended her “Space Day” demonstration.
In 2010, Tonesha headed east to Baltimore, Maryland, for an Engineering Leadership and Development Programrotation. As she developed her career, she looked for opportunities to grow future engineers.
She became a mentor for the First Robotics Competition and used the 5th gear simulator to show more than 5,000 local students how engineering gets done through teamwork. Tonesha also became involved in Project Lead the Way. This program is designed to inspire K-12 students.
Since she moved to Fort Worth, TX, she has served as a judge for the Texas Alliance for Minorities in Engineering state competitions. In 2015, 300 students completed an engineering design challenge. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Tonesha earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Alabama A&M University in Huntsville, AL
Chad Consley
Chad Conley is an award-winning film composer whose work can be heard on multiple feature films currently streaming across major platforms.
An Atlanta native and lifelong musician, he began his journey as a tuba player and still brings that same passion and creativity into his compositions today.
Outside of music, Chad is known for his competitive edge—especially when it comes to Monopoly. With a grounded perspective on the experiences that shaped his career, he is passionate about motivating others to pursue their goals and achieve success on their own paths.
Raychel Jones
Raychel Jones is a multifaceted creative entrepreneur and music industry professional with a proven track record in event production, education, and leadership. Her career began as a college marketing representative for Interscope Records. She has since worked with major labels such as Atlantic and Epic Records.
Raychel has also contributed to the production of multiple televised award shows, earning credits for her work in live coordination and creative development on shows such as the BET Awards, BET Hip Hop Awards, Black Music Honors, and the Stellar Awards.
She is the founder and curator of I Beat Daily: The Official Producers Battle, a platform dedicated to empowering music producers and fostering creative collaboration. With experience spanning music business, community building, and educational leadership, she is passionate about bridging culture, business, and creativity to create opportunities for others to thrive.
Dr. Dena Turner
Dr. Dena Turner is an accomplished healthcare entrepreneur, visionary leader, and Doctor of Chiropractic. An Alabama native and proud alumna of Alabama A&M University, she went on to earn her Doctorate of Chiropractic from Life University, setting the stage for a career defined by service, leadership, and innovation.
In 2016, Dr. Turner fulfilled her vision of opening her own practice by foundingThe Chiro Place, which has since expanded into a thriving multi-location brand across Tennessee, Georgia, and Mississippi. Under her leadership, The Chiro Place has become known for delivering holistic, patient-centered care while also creating opportunities for doctors and staff to grow as leaders within their communities.
Dr. Turner is also the founder of ChiroBoss, a mentorship and leadership platform dedicated to equipping chiropractors—especially women—with the tools, systems, and confidence to thrive as business owners. Through ChiroBoss, she empowers doctors to scale their clinics, build sustainable systems, and balance both success and service.
As a wife, mother, and proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Dr. Turner exemplifies resilience and purpose. She has broken barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field, inspiring fellow chiropractors and young professionals alike to embrace leadership, pursue entrepreneurship, and use their gifts to impact their communities.
At the Charge Into Leadership Conference, Dr. Turner brings her unique perspective on entrepreneurship, systems-driven success, and leading with passion, offering practical wisdom for those ready to elevate their careers and expand their influence.
JaBarr Lasley
JaBarr Lasley is a true luminary in the world of television and film production, with a passionate drive that has lit up screens across the entertainment industry. With a career spanning years, his name has become synonymous with creativity and innovation.
In his illustrious career, JaBarr has lent his expertise to a diverse array of projects, spanning reality TV, scripted television, docu-series, and so much more. His creative journey has taken him to some of the industry's most esteemed platforms, including Prime Video, The CW, BET, ESPN2, Tubi, Bounce TV, WeTV, Nat Geo, Aspire, ALLBLK, and TV One. At Tyler Perry Studios, he currently holds the reins as Post Supervisor, overseeing multiple shows and steering the ship of entertainment excellence.
One of his shining achievements includes helping launch ASPIRE, the dynamic television network founded by none other than the legendary Earvin "Magic" Johnson. Here, JaBarr's creative spirit flourished as he conceptualized, directed, and produced the celebrated series "Jam Session." This music-themed show brought national artists and rising stars into the spotlight, setting the stage for unforgettable live performances and unforgettable moments.
As the founder of TyWrites, LLC, Shatara channels her passion for writing to assist aspiring authors in realizing their dreams. Through TyWrites, she actively participates in the Better Together Book Tour alongside a fellow Soror, showcasing and supporting authors nationwide through book signings. Together, they established the Distinguished Authors of Alabama Award, a recognition proudly displayed at the Bertha Pleasant Williams Library in Montgomery.
JaBarr is also the mastermind behind Cosplay Your Way, a national brand that is revolutionizing the world of cosplay. Through this platform, he nurtures and promotes cosplay artists, designers, and photographers, giving them the opportunity to express their creativity and artistry through imagery, fan-films, and live events. His love for film and cosplay converged in the award-winning documentary, "Cosplay Your Way: In Color," an exploration of self-expression and passion, which is currently streaming on Prime Video and other streaming platforms.
JaBarr is on a lifelong mission to be the guiding light for storytellers and visionaries in the media world. His passion is driven by the desire to help individuals find their unique voices and bring their dreams to life. So, when you think of JaBarr Lasley, think of inspiration, think of motivation, and most of all, think of exceeding expectations once dreams meet determination.
J.Carter
J. Carter is the CEO and lead content creator of Freeli Films, a dynamic production company dedicated to black entertainment & diverse storytelling. With a vision that blends creativity and cultural relevance, Carter has established Freeli Films as a prominent name in independent cinema, often collaborating with Maverick Movies as well as other film studios and platforms like BET, Peacock, Tubi, Amazon Prime, and Bounce TV.
As a writer and producer, J. Carter has been instrumental in creating a variety of engaging films, including the critically acclaimed “Nothing Even Matters,” (Brad James, Kearia Schroeder, & Reginae Carter) and Boxed In I & II (Reginae Carter) which are currently streaming on Peacock. He was also a producer and casting director on the film, Both Eyes Open, starring Gail Bean. Both Eyes Open was the #1 title on Starz for four weeks in a row. He is also the lead producer for the upcoming films “Another Man’s Wife” (starring Taye Diggs, Sydney Mitchell) and Moritz J. Williams and “If I Can’t Have You” (starring Redaric Williams, Kaye Singleton, and Dawn Halfkenny) with both set to be released later this year.
J. Carter’s portfolio also includes notable projects such as “Fear Lake Lanier,” (Kiera Please) “I Hate I Love You” (Redaric Williams, Kearia Schroeder, Jess Hilarious, Lil Scrappy, and Sean Freeman) and “The Comeback” (Taye Diggs) reflecting a knack for tackling various genres and themes. Under his leadership, Freeli Films continues to focus on producing high-quality independent films and innovative content.
With a passion for storytelling and a drive to elevate underrepresented voices in the industry, J. Carter is shaping the future of Black entertainment through Freeli Films and beyond.