Leading Waco Women

2025 Leading Waco Women Spring Workshop | Thursday, May 8 | Cambria Waco | 1:30 p.m.

Lead. Inspire. Elevate.

The Leading Waco Women series isn’t just an event—it’s a movement. Designed to celebrate, empower, and develop female leaders across our community, this annual series provides transformative professional development experiences. Through dynamic keynote speakers, engaging panel discussions, hands-on workshops, and powerful networking, you’ll gain the tools, insights, and connections to thrive in your career and beyond.

This is your opportunity to invest in yourself and the future of women’s leadership in Waco. Whether you attend solo, bring a friend, or bring your entire team, you’ll leave inspired, equipped, and ready to lead boldly. Don’t just sit on the sidelines—be part of the change. Join us at Leading Waco Women!

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About the Leading Waco Women Spring Workshop

The Spring Workshop will include a keynote presentation and breakout sessions covering a variety of leadership topics.

Spring Workshop Schedule

1:30 Keynote Session - Dr. Barbara Baggerly - Hinojosa

2:15 Breakout Session 1 Workshops

3:00 Networking Break

3:15 Breakout Session 2 Workshops

3:50 Networking Break

4:00 Overcoming Leadership Challenges - Leadership Panel

4:30 Closing Remarks – followed by optional Networking at BLVD Steakhouse

Keynote: Cultivate Your Leadership Skills - Dr. Barbara Baggerly-Hinojosa

Takeways

Cultivate the gifts you have
Be a life-long learner
How to strategically grow as a leader

Dr. Barbara Baggerly-Hinojosa

Dr. Baggerly-Hinojosa is a dynamic leader, educator, and entrepreneur dedicated to empowering organizations and individuals through leadership development. As the CEO of Leadership Empowerment Group, she provides expert training and coaching in leadership, conflict management, team building, communication, and strategic planning across the business, education, government, and healthcare sectors.

In addition to her work in leadership development, Dr. Baggerly-Hinojosa owns Mid Valley Publishing, which publishes The Mercedes Enterprise newspaper. She is also a former professor of Leadership Studies at Our Lady of the Lake University, where she taught Ph.D. courses in leadership theory, conflict management, business strategy, and communication.

With over 20 years of experience in education, she has held key roles such as Classroom Teacher, Dean of Instruction, Campus Principal, Public Information Officer, Parent/Community Specialist, and Director of Migrant Education. A recognized thought leader, she has authored three books on leadership—Are You a Ten? The Ten Characteristics of a Servant Leader, The Leadership Collection, and Eres un Diez?—and has contributed to leadership textbooks and academic journals.

Committed to community service, Dr. Baggerly-Hinojosa serves on multiple boards, including the Dr. Hector P. Garcia Memorial Foundation, the Criminal Justice Advisory Committee at Texas Southmost College, the Hispanic Leadership Network in Waco, Texas, and Excellence in Teaching.

Navigating Challenges in Leadership - Panel Discussion

Breakout Session 1:

Leading From Within: The Self-Leadership Blueprint for Mentorship - Mishelle Kost

Feedback: Transform Your Workplace Through Confident, Compassionate Communication - Heather Venable and Jessica Schwieters

Growing in Your Organization - Beth Wooten

Facing the Challenges of Entrepreneurship - Sarah Roberts

Breakout Session 2:

Thinking on your Feet - Learning Through Improv by Beth Richards and Kelly MacGregor

Speaking Like a Leader - Chief Sheryl Victorian

Finding Balance between Work Life & Personal Life - Becky Kramm and Kristina Holcomb

Intentional Influence: The Heart of Leadership - Chaquinta Fisher

Purchase Tickets to the Leading Waco Women Spring Workshop

Highlights from the 2024 Leading Waco Women Serving Summit

The Leading Waco Women Serving Summit is a mini-conference featuring a keynote presentation, lunch, a panel discussion with our five ATHENA Leadership Award® Finalists, and the presentation of the ATHENA Leadership Award®.

Guest Speaker: Lori Johnson

This year's keynote speaker is Lori Johnson, President of Grounds Guys.

Lori was named president of The Grounds Guys, a full-service grounds care company offering commercial and residential landscape management services, in March 2023. She is responsible for the overall leadership and growth of The Grounds Guys throughout the US and Canada.

She is an experienced marketing executive and business leader with a long history working in franchising and marketing. As Vice President of Marketing and then Senior Vice President of Marketing at Neighborly

, she has been instrumental in developing key initiatives that drive marketing results, franchise growth, and increased brand awareness.

Lori originally joined Neighborly in February 2007 as a marketing specialist, worked as the Brand Manager for Mr. Rooter® Plumbing for several years, and was promoted to marketing director over all brands in June 2010. After serving in this role for three years, Lori left Neighborly to work at the world-renowned St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Tennessee and rose to the position of director of marketing strategy and planning. In May 2016, Lori returned to the Neighborly marketing team to help elevate its home service brands to the next level.

Lori earned her bachelor's degree in business administration with a concentration in marketing from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. Lori and her husband, Ryan, reside in Lorena, Texas.

Finalist: Nancy Goodnight

Nancy Goodnight is a trailblazing race director, athlete, and community leader who brings energy and purpose to everything she undertakes. As one of only two female IRONMAN race directors in North America, she has enhanced participant satisfaction and streamlined race operations, all while breaking barriers in a male-dominated field. Nancy’s career reflects her dedication to the community; she has raised over $5 million for women’s health and other causes at Ascension Providence and championed inclusivity and economic growth through her local races, generating millions in economic impact for Greater Waco.

In addition to her professional achievements, Nancy has volunteered extensively, serving on numerous boards, including the Greater Waco Sports Commission, where she’s the only founding female member and current chair. She’s also dedicated to empowering women and youth through athletic programs like Tri Like a Lady and Moms on Bikes. Nancy’s decades-long contributions exemplify courage, resilience, and an enduring commitment to creating lasting positive change in her community. Her legacy as a role model for women in sports and philanthropy has made her an exceptional nominee for the Athena Award, celebrating her impact on countless lives.

Finalist: Julie Hays

Julie Hays is an Edward R. Murrow and Emmy award-winning journalist who has worked at KWTX-TV in Waco for 22 years.

During her time at Channel 10, Julie has served as a producer, reporter and she's anchored just about every show, serving as main evening anchor for 13 years.

Julie is married to Waco native Sam Hays who is a local attorney.

After the couple had their three kids Callie, John, and Natalie, she changed her schedule to better meet her family's needs.

Julie now anchors the "Midday with Julie" broadcast at noon and hosts the popular "Tell Me Something Good" segment at 5pm.

Julie has conducted many notable interviews including sitting down with George W. Bush in the White House for one of his final interviews while in office.

Last fall, Julie was awarded a prestigious Gutenberg award by her alma mater of Abilene Christian University.

Julie is involved with numerous nonprofits and currently serves on the board of Archway of Hope.

Julie hopes her legacy in local news will be one of making a difference.

Finalist: Mosie Holley

Mosie Holley currently is a CPA and the Chief Financial Officer of Central National Bank. She has served the bank for 25 years, where she oversees financial operations and contributes significantly to the bank’s strategic planning and fiscal management. Her professional career also includes her work as a tax manager in public accounting at JRBT in Waco. Mosie has a strong academic and educational background, graduating from Baylor University with a BBA in marketing and accounting, attending MCC to obtain a minor in real estate, and graduating as Valedictorian of her West High School Class. Mosie is a dedicated professional and community leader known for her extensive involvement in many organizations in Waco. She is currently serving as President of Meals On Wheels Waco’s Board, President-Elect of the MCC Foundation Board, President-Elect of the Oakwood Cemetery Board, and on the Alumnae Advisory Council for the Baylor Chapter of Pi Beta Phi sorority, while driving and delivering meals on a weekly Meals On Wheels route. She has served as Treasurer and on the Executive Committees of Compassion Waco, Midway Education Foundation, National Charity League, United Way of McLennan County, Waco Cotton Palace, Inc., Lyric Opera of Waco, and Learning Disabilities Association of McLennan County. She has served on the Boards of the Junior League of Waco, Dr. Pepper Museum, YMCA, and Waco Symphony Council. She is a Past-President of Compassion Waco, led the 2016 Symphony Belles Presentation, and was the 2018 General Chairman for Waco Cotton Palace/Festival on The Brazos. Her career and volunteer work reflect a deep commitment of service and leadership across multiple sectors, and a love of the Waco community.

Finalist: Rachel E. Pate

Rachel E. Pate is the Vice President of Economic Development and Lemonade Day Waco City Director at the Cen-Tex African American Chamber of Commerce in Waco, Texas. A proud Waco native and University High School graduate, Rachel has been a passionate advocate for small businesses, women, and equitable practices since joining the Chamber in 2016.

An alumnus of the LeadershipPlenty Institute (Round 6) and Leadership Waco (Class 39), Rachel actively serves on the Rapoport Academy Public School Board, the Waco Police Academy Advisory Board, and as I.D.E.A. (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access) Chair for the Association of Fundraising Professionals CenTex Chapter Board. She was recognized as the 2024 Minority Small Business Champion of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration for her impactful work in supporting local businesses of color.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Rachel is a devoted mother to one son, a lifelong member of Toliver Chapel Church, and a lover of classic R&B and Motown music. She enjoys spending time outdoors and is a dedicated enthusiast of Converse Chuck Taylor sneakers. Rachel’s favorite scripture is Romans 8:31: “...if God be for us, then who can stand against us?”

Finalist: Stephanie Peters

Stephanie Peters, General Manager of Cargill Protein, is a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in various leadership and project roles. Her thirty-year career has seen her excel and lead teams in Procurement, Logistics, Inventory, Accounting and Finance, and Operations Management, all while being a lifelong resident of the Waco area.

She grew up in the Waco ISD school system, attended McLennan Community College, then earned her Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business from Sam Houston State University. Married for over thirty-two years to husband, Aaron, they have three children and now are enjoying grandparent life as well. In their “spare” time, they enjoy traveling and just relaxing and enjoying in country life.

Her strategic insights and leadership have consistently resulted in notable improvements in performance metrics, most recently the Waco facility being named Cargill Protein Plant of the Year. Throughout the years, she has enjoyed being involved and representing in the community through 4-H, Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce committees and boards, and the Women In Manufacturing Organization, along with many other projects.