Women's Leadership Symposium

Cynthia serves on the leadership team at Fisher as the associate dean of access, engagement and outreach and has become a widely sought-after facilitator and guest speaker on the topics of inclusive leadership and inclusive teaching and learning.

After joining Fisher in 2013 as a senior lecturer of accounting, she developed the award-winning Project THRIVE program, a diversity initiative designed to increase representation within the undergraduate accounting and management information systems department. In 2018, she was honored with Ohio State’s Distinguished Diversity Enhancement Award for her success in doubling the diversity within the undergraduate program in two short years.

Since being appointed associate dean of access, engagement and outreach, Cynthia’s strategic efforts have helped double external funding for scholarships and inclusive initiatives; facilitated the development of a formal partnership with the City of Columbus to support pre-collegiate programming for its underserved and first-generation high school students; developed programming to engage Fisher’s diverse alumni; and created a new inclusive leadership course offering at Fisher.

Cynthia was the first African American woman to earn a PhD in accounting at Ohio State and the first African American woman to be appointed to serve on the leadership team at Fisher. 
 

Sandy is a dynamic sales leader and customer advocate with a strong track record in driving business growth, strategic innovation and enterprise transformation. As senior vice president at Digital Wave Technology, she spearheads high-impact initiatives, utilizing AI, Agile methodologies and global operations expertise to maximize revenue and elevate customer experiences.

With nearly 30 years in IT and technology, Sandy has served in leadership roles at Salesforce and SAS, and she excels in C-suite engagement, risk mitigation and forging strategic partnerships for long-term success. A University of Colorado graduate, Sandy currently resides in Raleigh, North Carolina.
 

As a researcher, Nate specializes in data science and AI applications for managerial decision-making in financial services and retail. His research is published in top outlets such as Harvard Business Review and the Journal of Operations Management. At Fisher, Nate directs the Executive MBA program and coordinates the PhD program.

He holds a doctorate from Harvard Business School and degrees in Systems Engineering from Ohio State. Nate has received several prestigious research awards and serves on the COSI Community Board and Ohio Union Council.

Trevor serves as the dean of the John Glenn College of Public Affairs at The Ohio State University, where he has been a faculty member since 2001, and interim dean of the Max M. Fisher College of Business. He recently served as a Senior Advisor to the Provost providing advice and counsel on organizational design, strategy and resource planning for Ohio State’s 15 academic colleges. In 2022, he became president of the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA), a membership organization dedicated to promoting the ideal of public service through higher education.

Trevor previously held the position of Pasqual Maragall Chair Visiting Professor at the University of Barcelona’s Department of Economic Policy and a visiting assistant professor position in the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University. Additionally, he served as the U.S. project manager and associate project executive for the Parliamentary Development Project, a U.S. Agency for International Development-funded organization that provided technical assistance to the Ukrainian parliament from 1994-2013. He is a fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration.

Natasha works closely with the director at the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) to oversee enterprise architecture, finance and budget, audit oversight and HR within DLA Information Operations. She also manages teams in strategy development, robotic process automation and continuous process improvement.

With over 20 years of experience in defense, retail and logistics, Natasha previously led DLA’s enterprise data management team and served as division chief of Research, Review and Analysis. She has also held roles at DHL and L Brands, specializing in supply chain strategy and business operations.

Natasha holds an MBA in operations and logistics management from The Ohio State University and a bachelor’s degree in transportation and logistics from North Carolina A&T State University. She lives in Bexley, Ohio, with her husband and three sons and enjoys reading, traveling and supporting her children’s activities.

Larry teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in talent management, organizational behavior, human resource management and organizational change. Actively involved in executive education and consulting, he brings extensive industry experience to his work.

Before academia, Larry held leadership roles in talent management at PepsiCo, AlliedSignal/Honeywell and Cardinal Health, where he served as vice president of talent management. His expertise spans culture management, leadership development, performance management and organizational change.

Larry holds a PhD in industrial/organizational psychology from Ohio State and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Purdue University. A highly regarded educator, he has received numerous teaching awards, including Ohio State’s Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching. Larry’s dedication to teaching and mentorship has left a lasting impact on students and professionals alike.

Nicole is a seasoned leadership development consultant and strategic finance executive, specializing in coaching teams and individuals to maximize talent and drive results. With executive experience at Amazon and Procter & Gamble, she brings expertise in finance strategy, technology partnerships, workforce planning, supply chain, brand marketing and financial analysis.

A certified executive coach through the International Coaching Federation, Nicole also holds a Master Instructional Designer certificate, an MBA from Xavier University, and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from The Ohio State University. Passionate about service, she has spent over a decade on nonprofit boards, embodying her commitment to empowering others. Nicole lives in greater Seattle, Washington, with her husband and two daughters.
 

Jen joined Fisher College of Business in the summer of 2020. She earned a PhD in accounting from Texas A&M University, a master’s degree in accounting from the University of Florida, and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of South Florida. Jen's primary research interests focus on taxation, and she is deeply passionate about teaching, research and service to others.

Jen is dedicated to advancing knowledge in her field, fostering student success and contributing to her academic and professional communities.

Ashley provides integrative and functional nutrition support for children and adults. With nearly a decade of experience, she holds a bachelor’s degree in communication and business from The Ohio State University, a postgraduate degree in dietetics from the University of Cincinnati, and she completed her dietetic internship at Miami Valley Hospital.

Specializing in food sensitivities, habit change and holistic health coaching, Ashley has developed a strong network of like-minded practitioners in Columbus to offer comprehensive client support. She embraces a whole-person approach, considering nutrition alongside exercise, mindset, environment and stress management. Dedicated to long-term client success, Ashley helps individuals navigate their health journey with curiosity and openness to change.

Kelly leads the Center for Operational Excellence, helping organizations foster problem-solving and continuous improvement. With 20 years of experience in IT and business consulting, she has led business transformations for her clients in financial services, utilities, retail, healthcare and higher education.

Kelly holds a bachelor’s degree in management information systems and a master’s degree in Operational Excellence from Ohio State, along with a Marketing Management certificate from Harvard University. She is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and Six Sigma Black Belt.

Passionate about community impact, Kelly serves on the boards of Mental Health America Franklin County, the Go Red for Women Executive Leadership Team, and the Grandview Heights Public Library Foundation.
 

Natasha works closely with the director at the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) to oversee enterprise architecture, finance and budget, audit oversight and HR within DLA Information Operations. She also manages teams in strategy development, robotic process automation and continuous process improvement.

With over 20 years of experience in defense, retail and logistics, Natasha previously led DLA’s enterprise data management team and served as division chief of Research, Review and Analysis. She has also held roles at DHL and L Brands, specializing in supply chain strategy and business operations.

Natasha holds an MBA in operations and logistics management from The Ohio State University and a bachelor’s degree in transportation and logistics from North Carolina A&T State University. She lives in Bexley, Ohio, with her husband and three sons and enjoys reading, traveling and supporting her children’s activities.

Larry teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in talent management, organizational behavior, human resource management and organizational change. Actively involved in executive education and consulting, he brings extensive industry experience to his work.

Before academia, Larry held leadership roles in talent management at PepsiCo, AlliedSignal/Honeywell and Cardinal Health, where he served as vice president of talent management. His expertise spans culture management, leadership development, performance management and organizational change.

Larry holds a PhD in industrial/organizational psychology from Ohio State and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Purdue University. A highly regarded educator, he has received numerous teaching awards, including Ohio State’s Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching. Larry’s dedication to teaching and mentorship has left a lasting impact on students and professionals alike.

Nicole is a seasoned leadership development consultant and strategic finance executive, specializing in coaching teams and individuals to maximize talent and drive results. With executive experience at Amazon and Procter & Gamble, she brings expertise in finance strategy, technology partnerships, workforce planning, supply chain, brand marketing and financial analysis.

A certified executive coach through the International Coaching Federation, Nicole also holds a Master Instructional Designer certificate, an MBA from Xavier University, and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from The Ohio State University. Passionate about service, she has spent over a decade on nonprofit boards, embodying her commitment to empowering others. Nicole lives in greater Seattle, Washington, with her husband and two daughters.
 

Jen joined Fisher College of Business in the summer of 2020. She earned a PhD in accounting from Texas A&M University, a master’s degree in accounting from the University of Florida, and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of South Florida. Jen's primary research interests focus on taxation, and she is deeply passionate about teaching, research and service to others.

Jen is dedicated to advancing knowledge in her field, fostering student success and contributing to her academic and professional communities.

Ashley provides integrative and functional nutrition support for children and adults. With nearly a decade of experience, she holds a bachelor’s degree in communication and business from The Ohio State University, a postgraduate degree in dietetics from the University of Cincinnati, and she completed her dietetic internship at Miami Valley Hospital.

Specializing in food sensitivities, habit change and holistic health coaching, Ashley has developed a strong network of like-minded practitioners in Columbus to offer comprehensive client support. She embraces a whole-person approach, considering nutrition alongside exercise, mindset, environment and stress management. Dedicated to long-term client success, Ashley helps individuals navigate their health journey with curiosity and openness to change.

Kelly leads the Center for Operational Excellence, helping organizations foster problem-solving and continuous improvement. With 20 years of experience in IT and business consulting, she has led business transformations for her clients in financial services, utilities, retail, healthcare and higher education.

Kelly holds a bachelor’s degree in management information systems and a master’s degree in Operational Excellence from Ohio State, along with a Marketing Management certificate from Harvard University. She is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and Six Sigma Black Belt.

Passionate about community impact, Kelly serves on the boards of Mental Health America Franklin County, the Go Red for Women Executive Leadership Team, and the Grandview Heights Public Library Foundation.

Robin is a #1 New York Times bestselling author, psychologist, ordained minister and nationally recognized media personality known for her transformative work in mental health. She gained worldwide attention as the on-air therapist for The Oprah Winfrey Show and has been featured on The Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS Mornings, CNN, MSNBC, Larry King Live, Fox News Channel, Anderson Live, The Tamron Hall Show, The Sherri Shepherd Show, and CBS The Talk, among others.

Robin is the author of multiple bestselling books, including “Lies At The Altar,” which has been published in 14 languages and topped the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly, and Entertainment Weekly bestseller lists.

A licensed psychologist, Robin holds a PhD in counseling psychology from Temple University, a master’s degree from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a bachelor’s degree from LaSalle University. She designs seminars and workshops for corporations and organizations, integrating psychology and spirituality — a perspective shaped by her formative years at Germantown Friends School, a Quaker community. 
 

As a researcher, Tracy specializes in the intersection of employees’ work experiences and their nonwork roles and identities. She earned her PhD in management and organizations from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, a master’s degree in industrial relations from Loyola University Chicago and a bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University.

A two-time Pace Setters Award recipient at Fisher, Tracy was also named Outstanding Elective Professor of the Year by the 2023 Full-Time MBA class.

Her research is published in top academic journals, including Academy of Management Journal and Journal of Applied Psychology, and has been featured in Harvard Business Review, Forbes, Fast Company, and The Economist. Before academia, Tracy managed workforce consulting projects in Chicago and previously held faculty positions at Emory University and George Washington University.

Paula Bennett is a highly experienced CEO from the retail industry, with proven success at creating brand value and driving profitable growth across omnichannel platforms. She has an exceptional record at building portfolio companies for public, private and private equity investors, and led the successful IPO of J.Jill (NYSE:JILL) in March 2017. Paula served on the board of At Home (NYSE:HOME) and its Nominating & Governance Committee through transition to a private company in July 2021. 

As CEO of J.Jill from 2008 to 2018, Paula transformed the business and culture to create an industry-leading omnichannel brand. She has held senior leadership positions at Eileen Fisher, Tiffany & Co., Calvin Klein and Bloomingdale’s, where she developed and leveraged her extensive experience in women’s apparel, jewelry and decorative home categories across sales, marketing, CRM, merchandising, product development and omni-channel business and team development.

When Paula graduated from what was then known as the College of Administrative Science at The Ohio State University, women comprised just 4% of her class. Over four decades later, in 2017, when she took J.Jill public on the NYSE, she was struck by another stark reality ― fewer than 5% of IPOs over the previous decade had been led by female CEOs. This disparity further fueled her lifelong commitment to advancing women in business, both as students and throughout their careers.

A dedicated advocate for women's leadership, Paula serves on the board of the Women’s Forum of New York and is a member of C200, a distinguished organization of leading women entrepreneurs and corporate executives. She is also a managing director at Golden Seeds Capital and an active member of Paradigm for Parity.

A proud alumna of The Ohio State University, Paula serves on the Dean’s Advisory Council at Fisher and is the founding donor of the Women in Leadership Fund.

Prior to serving as the CEO at Sana Foods by The Real Coconut Products Co. LLC from 2019 to 2022, Camille was the vice president of marketing at General Mills and business unit director for Cheerios, Wheaties, Nature Valley and Cascadian Farms. She was responsible for the growth and profitability of the $2.5B business unit, including vision and strategy development and marketing and new product innovation. From 1983 to 2015, Camille led several businesses including Pillsbury, Green Giant, Yoplait, Nature Valley and Cheerios.

She earned her bachelor's degree and an MBA from The Ohio State University and was the first woman selected to receive Fisher's Distinguished Leadership Alumni Award in 2003. In 2014, she was named one of the “100 Most Creative People in Business” by Fast Company, received Adweek’s Brand Genius Award, and was recognized by Brand Innovators as one of its “Women to Watch.”

One of 10 children, Camille was born in London, England, and has lived in Vancouver, British Columbia, and Columbus, Ohio.  

Camille is an active member of the Dean’s Advisory Council at Fisher and founder of the Women Leadership Symposium, which brings women leaders, business owners, CEOs, students and allies together to inspire, enlighten and support.

Camille lives in Seattle and has two adult children.

Donna is a highly respected advisor to leaders across the public and private sectors, from entrepreneurs to Fortune 500 executives. As managing director of Lardon & Associates, LLC, she specializes in corporate governance, business strategy, financial and risk management and leadership development. She serves on the boards of Victoria’s Secret (as chairwoman), Boston Scientific, The Hartford, OhioHealth and Xponance. She previously held board positions at L Brands, Marathon Petroleum, Time Warner Cable, Coca-Cola Enterprises, and more.

Before launching her own firm, Donna spent 25 years at Nationwide, retiring as president of Nationwide Strategic Investments.

Deeply committed to community service, she co-founded and chaired The Center for Healthy Families and is the co-executive director of the African American Leadership Academy.

In addition to The Ohio State University, she holds honorary doctorates from Otterbein University, Tiffin University, and North Carolina A&T State University, her alma mater. She resides in Columbus, Ohio, with her husband, attorney Larry James. They have two adult children and five grandchildren.

Joyce began her 36-year professional career in the Columbus office of Price Waterhouse and was admitted to the partnership of PwC in 1998 as a lead client service tax partner. During her PwC career, Joyce was selected for a tour of duty in the Washington National Tax Services office and held various client service and internal management leadership roles while working in the Detroit, Atlanta and Dallas offices.

After retiring, Joyce joined the Fisher Leadership Initiative Founders Group, the Dean’s Advisory Council at Fisher, and she created a Women in Leadership Fund at the college. She is actively involved in the Dallas, Texas, community serving as a volunteer for the Dallas Museum of Art, Habitat for Humanity, Reading Partners and Pet Partners.

Joyce earned her bachelor's degree in business administration from The Ohio State University in 1984. She received Fisher’s Excellence in Service Alumni Award in 2022.