Mistress of Ceremonies
CAROLYN HOLLY
Carolyn Holly enjoyed a 33-year career at Idaho’s #1 TV Station, KTVB, where she became one of Idaho’s best-known, veteran television personalities due to her authentic approach to the news and her community. Presently, she is the Vice President of Development for Idaho Business for Education, a non-profit organization of 250+ business leaders working to improve and strengthen children’s education in the community.
Carolyn volunteers avidly due to her passionate belief that Idaho is the best state to raise a family. Formerly, she has served as the President of FACES of Hope Foundation and volunteered with various local organizations in the Treasure Valley: Saint Alphonsus Foundation, St. Luke’s Children’s Board, Idaho Youth Sports Commission, Boise School District Foundation, and FUNDSY.
NICOLE SHERMAN
Nicole Sherman holds 25+ years of executive leadership experience and and at present, serves as the CEO & President of Riverview Bancorporation and Riverview Bank in Washington State. She has become a recognized catalyst for financial innovation, a brilliant change agent, and an unwavering positive force in the industry.
Additionally, Nicole is a highly sought-after, renowned keynote speaker due to a genuine ability to inspire, motivate, and transform individuals and organizations alike. Her ability to captivate listeners with storytelling, wit, and powerful insights leaves audiences inspired and empowered. Leading with a “live on purpose, lead with intention” philosophy, she is dedicated to helping individuals recognize their greatness so that they can walk away feeling motivated to take on whatever is next.
Conference Coach
Nicole Sherman holds 25+ years of executive leadership experience and and at present, serves as the CEO & President of Riverview Bancorporation and Riverview Bank in Washington State. She has become a recognized catalyst for financial innovation, a brilliant change agent, and an unwavering positive force in the industry.
Additionally, Nicole is a highly sought-after, renowned keynote speaker due to a genuine ability to inspire, motivate, and transform individuals and organizations alike. Her ability to captivate listeners with storytelling, wit, and powerful insights leaves audiences inspired and empowered. Leading with a “live on purpose, lead with intention” philosophy, she is dedicated to helping individuals recognize their greatness so that they can walk away feeling motivated to take on whatever is next.
ALEX KINCAID
Alex Kincaid is a former prosecutor and elected District Attorney with 20+ years of experience as a successful trial attorney. Alex is a nationally recognized public speaker and legal analyst who is highly requested on radio and television shows. She regularly contributes to national magazines and has authored two books, Infringed: The Gun Owner’s Guide to Gun Rights and Plan Now & Save Your Ass(ets) Later!
Her law firm, Alex Kincaid Law, was voted both the Best Law Firm in the Treasure Valley and the Best Law Firm in the State of Idaho. The firm's motto is "We Defend Your Right to Defend Yourself," which is exemplified by her staunch advocacy of the Second Amendment and tenacious dedication to asset protection.
Panel of Experts
GENNY HEIKKA
Genny Heikka is currently the Director of Leadership Development and Marketing at CBH Homes, Idaho’s #1 homebuilder. With certifications in Emotional Intelligence (EQ-i 360) and the Working Genius coaching and performance model, she has served in a variety of leadership and marketing roles within corporate, non-profit, and community organizations. In addition to her role above, she teaches leadership courses and effective team dynamics as Adjunct Faculty at the College of Southern Idaho.
Notably, Genny was named both one of the Top 10 Coaches in Boise and a Fellows Coach with the Center for Emotional and Spiritual Development. She enjoys helping others stand out and succeed, with a focal point of helping individuals step into leadership and recognize their full potential.
Lunch Presenter
Peggy Farnworth is an experienced financial advisor who is deeply passionate about helping individuals navigate the retirement journey. She takes a "combining calculators with conversations" approach, ensuring that each client thinks beyond the financial picture. Clients are encouraged to consider lifestyle, activities, hobbies, and health when making decisions and weighing options. With this method, she has helped hundreds of individuals, families, and businesses plan their future - regardless of portfolio size.
Her credentials include: Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Financial Planner™ (CTP®) practitioner, Certified Senior Advisor (CSA), and a B.S. in Accounting from Boise State University. She has become well-regarded for her integrity, creativity, and compassion in her work, as well as her zeal for education and philanthropy.
Breakout Speaker
PEGGY FARNWORTH
CALLIE ZAMZOW
Callie Zamzow is a fourth-generation leader of the Zamzow family line of businesses. The first, Zamzows, is a 92-year-old chain of garden and pet supply stores that has long catered to the animals and specific farming conditions of the Treasure Valley. The second, Dynamite Specialty Products, is a 44-year-old manufacturing and nationwide distribution company. The third, a diverse portfolio of real estate holdings.
Rooted in tradition but driven by innovation, Callie brings curiosity, grit, and a deep appreciation for laughter to her style of leadership. She credits her success to her husband and daughter, as well as the generations that came before her and the enduring legacy built by those who believed in the power of family, purpose, and perseverance.
Women of Influence Panel
AMANDA RUSHAM
Amanda Ruhsam is a Project Manager with 16+ years of experience across both civilian and government sectors. She is a combat veteran who served active duty in the Marine Corps for OIF/OEF initial operation and thereafter, earning her a combat action ribbon and other awards. While serving overseas, she found a passion for researching state politics, culture(s), law, international relations, and policy effects on a domestic and global scale. She is passionate about public education and possesses a core belief that women should support one another.
After departing the Marine Corps with an honorable discharge, Amanda pursued a Master's in International Relations with a concentration in Comparative Politics and a Master's in Cybersecurity Analytics at George Washington University.
Women of Influence Panel
AMANDA RUSHAM
Women of Influence Panel
NAKEDIA WASHINGTON
Women of Influence Panel & Breakout Speaker
Nakedia Washington is currently the Vice President of Operations at BBB Great West + Pacific, a company she has been with for 17 years. Having spent so much time in the same company, she has worn many hats within the BBB system. These roles have ranged from dispute resolution and phone staff to leading GW+P operations.
Nakedia is known for her relational leadership style and talent for building teams that thrive, as evidenced by her oversight of multiple organizational initiatives that improved both general operations and customer experience. She is especially passionate about protecting brand integrity. With nearly two decades of experience, she has gained valuable and practical insights on how companies can strengthen their collective reputation.
Marie Baker is currently the Regional Director of the Idaho Small Business Development Center. She is exceedingly passionate about assisting entrepreneurs through their small business journeys, and her skill set of being able to work collaboratively and assist clients with achieving their goals has made her extremely successful in her field.
Her credentials and professional background include a B.S. in Business from California State University, Fresno, and a Master’s Degree in Organizational Development from the University of San Francisco. Prior to starting her own business, Marie spent five years in the banking sector. With both her education and experience, she went on to consult, coach, and educate small businesses in the Central Valley of California before moving to Idaho.
Breakout Speaker
MARIE BAKER
LIZA ROESER
Liza Roeser is the founder of FiftyFlowers, a leading online floral retailer that delivers farm-fresh flowers to customers throughout the United States. While serving in the Peace Corps in Ecuador, she discovered her passion for the floral industry. With this passion, she disrupted the traditional flower supply chain and turned a modest start-up into a multi-million dollar business that has served 1 million+ weddings and events.
In leadership, Liza focuses on the possibility of success, rather than the fear of failure, and she is a passionate advocate for work-life balance because success is a continuous journey. Her ardent belief in the power of dreams and hard work has strengthened her commitment to mentoring other women to achieve their entrepreneurial dreams.
Keynote Presenter
PHIL HARRIS
Phil Harris is currently the Senior Principal, Fiduciary, and Financial Advisor at Harris Financial Advisors. HFA has been in business for 20+ years, providing comprehensive fee-based wealth management services to corporate executives, professionals, business owners, and affluent individuals seeking investment advice.
A Boise native with deep community ties, Phil graduated from Yale University and returned to the Treasure Valley to launch his career as a Financial Advisor. For 25+ years, he has specialized in researching, designing, and managing investment portfolios tailored to dynamic market conditions that serve individuals, business owners, and executives while factoring in their specific needs, circumstances, risk tolerance, and goals. His licenses include: Series 7: General Securities, Series 66: Combination State Law and Registered Investment Advisor Representative.
Panel of Experts
JESSICA SMITH
Breakout Speaker
Jessica Smith, EA, NTPI Fellow, excels in helping small business owners and tax professionals navigate IRS complexities and implement strategic, high-impact tax planning. With 15+ years of experience, she holds the highest level of credentialing and advanced training in IRS representation. Jessica is federally authorized to represent taxpayers before all administrative levels of the IRS and is actively pursuing admission to practice before the U.S. Tax Court.
Her credentials include a B.S. in Accounting from California College. She is a member of the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA) and the Idaho Association of Tax Consultants. Whether Jessica’s teaching, speaking, or building tools that elevate the profession, she brings clarity, compassion, and strategic insight to everything she does.
Cameron Swindler is currently a Financial Advisor at Harris Financial Advisors, a position that combines his passion for connecting with people with the world of finance. He earned a B.S. in Finance, graduating top of his class from Grand Canyon University. Cameron joined HFA in 2023, bringing three years of financial industry experience, having previously worked for a non-profit foundation. He is steadfastly passionate about helping individuals, families, and businesses achieve their financial goals through personalized financial planning and investment strategies.
Cameron specializes in helping individuals navigate their finances through budgeting, debt management, investment analysis, retirement planning, and estate planning. For small business owners, his focus is on consulting, establishing, and helping with the management of employee-sponsored retirement plans.
Breakout Speaker
CAMERON SWINDLER
RACHEL HUME
Rachel Hume is currently an Affluent Wealth Management Market Leader for US Bancorp Investments, the Wealth Management division of US Bank, where she leads a team of 31 wealth management advisors across six states: Arizona, Nevada, Idaho, Utah, Montana, and Wyoming. With 19+ years of experience, Rachel began her career as an unlicensed office assistant in the brokerage world, and then she obtained regulatory licensing to perform as a stockbroker, branch manager, and financial advisor.
Rachel understands firsthand the professional and personal challenges of balancing being a wife and mother while building a successful business under the US Bank umbrella. She hopes to show her daughters how hard work and determination can and will pave a path of financial freedom.
Breakout Speaker
MELLISSA PAUL
Mellisa Paul is currently the host of KTVB’s Lifestyle Talk Show, Idaho Today. She is a Boise native and an award-winning broadcast professional with 20+ years of experience. She has had multiple roles over the span of her career: television host, news anchor, meteorologist, reporter, radio personality, and television manager.
Mellisa has been recognized by both the broadcast and public relations industries. She has received two Emmy Awards and multiple Idaho Press Club awards, was named one of Idaho’s Accomplished and Under Forty by the Idaho Business Review, and honored by the National Association of Women Business Owners Sacramento with an Outstanding Women Lead ‘Spotlight’ award. Additionally, she has garnered many other PR and broadcast news honors throughout her career.
Breakout Speaker
SYDNEY LAMBETH
Breakout Speaker
Sydney Lambeth has served as a Financial Examiner and Investigator with the Idaho Department of Finance for 5+ years, specializing in oversight of the debt services industry. In this role, she reviews license applications, conducts compliance examinations, and investigates consumer complaints involving companies that collect or manage debt on behalf of Idaho residents.
Sydney earned a BBA in Finance from Idaho State University and interned as a Financial Analyst at ISU while there. Presently, she continues to seek out education surrounding the credit services industry and enjoys the challenge of keeping up with this dynamic field. With the debt industry undergoing continuous changes, her adamant belief is that our state agencies need regulators who are willing to change with it.
Rachel Puljan is currently the Treasury Sales Manager at ICCU, a company she has been with for 13+ years. In this role, she leads a high-performing team, setting treasury sales strategy and servicing metrics. By partnering across various teams, including marketing, IT, and project management, she builds solutions that help businesses thrive. Rachel oversees both the sales team and support functions, including tracking, reporting, and campaign execution, and has managed operations for ICCU’s business lines and cash management services.
Her credentials include a Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) credential and a B.S. in Workplace Training & Leadership from Idaho State University. Being a Boise native, Rachel remains deeply committed to staying engaged in her community through leadership endeavors and local initiatives.
Panel of Experts