Breakout Session Speaker

Many women leaders were taught—explicitly or subtly—that competence must be performed: be prepared, be polished, be pleasant, be impressive. Over time, that performance becomes exhausting—and it quietly erodes authority. This breakout is a reclaiming. Participants will explore gravitas as an internal leadership advantage rooted in self-trust, emotional steadiness, and conviction—not over-explaining, over-delivering, or managing perceptions. Designed for women navigating visibility, advancement, or high-stakes decision-making, this session challenges the belief that credibility comes from doing more. When women stop proving they belong, their presence changes—and so does the room.

Inspired Action CEO is a former Human Resources seniormanager and executive steering committee member who directed the Talent and Culture division of a governmentcontractor. She has over 25 years Human Resources expertise and is acertified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SHRM-SCP)and Master Certified Professional Coach and Trainer. She has proven success in talent acquisition, learning and l eadership development, culture and engagement to implementchange for organizational excellence. Her coaching has helpedclients transform performance through high leadership impact. Tonya is also the Founder and Executive Director of Diane's Heart nonprofit. She's the author of "Diane's Heart: TransformingLoss to Purpose and Legacy." She is a graduate of The Universityof Alabama, Leadership Birmingham Class of 2023 as well as agraduate of Nonprofit Executive Leadership Institute (NELI) -Alabama Association of Nonprofits, and a 2025 Top 50 Over 50Award Winner by Positive Maturity.