DESCRIPTION:

Paula Marshall, author of Finding the Soul of Big Business, is the CEO of Bama Companies, a family-owned business founded in 1927. Her vision serves as a guiding light for Bama team members, inspiring the company to live out its mission: "People Helping People Be Successful."

Paula stepped into the role of CEO in 1984 and has led Bama through years of growth while staying true to its people-first roots. Today, Bama is a global organization that includes Bama Pie, Bama Foods, Bama Frozen Dough, Beijing Bama, and Bama Europa. Paula is known for blending strong business leadership with heart, focusing on servant leadership, meaningful work, and creating lasting impact for employees, customers, and communities.

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As CEO of Bama Companies, Paula provides strategic direction and leadership across the organization. Her vision guides Bama team members and inspires the company to live out its mission, "People Helping People Be Successful." Paula took on the role of CEO in 1984, leading a company that has since grown to include Bama Pie, Bama Foods, Bama Frozen Dough, Beijing Bama, and Bama Europa.

Under her leadership, Bama has expanded its reach, offering a wide range of frozen desserts and baked goods to fast-food chains as well as casual and family dining restaurants. Paula earned her Bachelor of Science in business from Oklahoma City University in 1982 and later completed her PhD in commercial science there in 1993. She is the author of four books and believes that successful business leaders must embrace both entrepreneurship and strong management to truly thrive.

https://thepaulamarshall.com/story/

https://paulamarshallfoundation.org/

DESCRIPTION:

Jennifer Wren Tolo will speak on the themes of Healing Journeys where she will share powerful personal stories from navigating life-threatening health challenges with both her children and herself. She explores how self-awareness, advocacy, and education become essential tools for healing, especially when supporting children facing medical, educational, and mental health challenges.

She will unpack the hidden stressors that disconnect us from happiness, offering practical strategies to recognize, manage, and release them. Jennifer emphasizes the foundations of self-care, self-regulation, and resilience, showing why caring for ourselves is essential to effectively support others. She also introduces the Power of the P's—Presence, Perspective, and Purpose which guide audiences toward sustainable wellness, balance, and a more fulfilled, purpose-driven life.

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Jennifer Wren Tolo, known as The Soul Connector, is a former critical care nurse, award-winning health and wellness educator, renowned speaker, and transformational life coach. She empowers individuals to reclaim their health, happiness, and inner authority. After navigating life-threatening illnesses with two of her four sons, Jennifer developed her signature method, the ABC's of Stress Management, to help others leave survival mode and reconnect with the wisdom of their soul.

Jennifer is a bestselling author and an Adjunct Professor at Endicott College School of Nursing, where she teaches Holistic and Complementary Approaches to Health and Healing. She holds a Master's degree in Nursing and certifications as a Whole Health Educator and Patient Advocate, Personal Trainer, Reiki Master, and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction practitioner. She hosts the Simple Awakenings Podcast, was an executive contributor to BRAINZ Magazine, and has been featured on FOX and ABC News.

Website: https://jenniferwrentolo.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenniferwren.tolo/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenwrentolo/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-wren-tolo-rn-ma-44a5935a/

DESCRIPTION:

Val Walker is hold a background in rehabilitation counseling, greif support, and cousneling. All of these helped Val write her new book Healing Through Wonder: How Awe Restores Us After Trauma and Loss. Val was once homeless, running from a violent partner, and battling suicidal depression, she found herself sitting by a river holding a bottle of pills in one hand and a bottle of red wine to wash them down in the other. Out of the twilight sky a majestic blue heron circled and landed just a few feet away. Something in the heron's piercing eyes caused her to stop swallowing the pills. In that moment, she realized that there was just too much beauty and magic in the world to give up. Thus began a decades-long quest to understand how wondrous encounters can spark healing from trauma and grief. This inspiring guide shares stories of profound, transformational experiences from four profiles alongside her own, and unpacks the neuroscience that explains how wonder helps our brains and bodies heal.

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Val believes deeply in the power of shared moments of wonder even brief, unexpected ones to break through isolation and foster healing. She holds a Master of Science in rehabilitation counseling from Virginia Commonwealth University and has led support groups for over thirty years for people living with illness, grief, and trauma. She speaks nationwide on building connection after loss and major life changes. As well as this she is a contributing blogger for Psychology Today and the Health Story Collaborative. Val's work has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, TIME, The Boston Globe, AARP Bulletin, Good Housekeeping, and more. Based in Boston, Val also teaches "Words Galore" programs for seniors and draws inspiration from her years living in Maine's Midcoast region.

Website: https://HealingThroughWonder.com