Scroll through the complete program to learn about the various sessions available to attendees. To find out more about each speaker, click on the panelist bar.
This fast-paced, interactive session is designed to maximize connections in a short amount of time. Attendees will rotate through structured, timed conversations, meeting new peers, sharing experiences, and building meaningful relationships. Whether you’re looking for mentorship, collaboration, or simply to expand your network, this session will set the stage for lasting professional connections throughout the Forum.
Key Takeaways:
Cora is the president of Torq-Masters Industries, the parent company of 4 brands, including Aussie Locker, TORQ Locker, Torq-Masters Axles and ORIS Adventure Cooking. Over the last 25 years, Cora has been local 4x4 Club President, Competitive Rock Crawling, Monster Jam Tech Official, welding and fabricating, and Offroad Racing in the Ultra4 series, King of the Hammers, and Rebelle Rally winner. With a design, engineering and project management background, Cora consults for Business Strategy, Marketing and Branding in the Automotive, Powersports and Offroad industry.
Women in leadership face unique challenges that demand strength, adaptability, and unity. This keynote will explore how resilience and collaboration fuel authentic leadership, empowering women to rise together and drive meaningful change in the industry.
Key Takeaways:
Emily is a trailblazer in off-road racing and adventure. She founded the Rebelle Rally—the first women’s off-road navigation rally raid in the U.S.—and Rebelle U, which has trained thousands in precision driving and navigation. Mentored by racing legend Rod Hall, she coached over 8,000 drivers and earned podiums at events like the Baja 1000, Vegas to Reno, and Rallye des Gazelles. As president of Soulside Network, she represents elite athletes and brands through strategic marketing. A Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and multi-award honoree, Emily is dedicated to empowering women to push boundaries and thrive through grit and determination.
Leadership today is shifting away from hierarchy and control toward transparency, collaboration, and shared purpose. This keynote explores how women are redefining leadership through “new power” principles, embracing authenticity and inclusivity to build stronger teams and more innovative workplaces. This session should inspire attendees to rethink influence and authority, while equipping them with actionable strategies to lead in a more connected, authentic, and empowering way.
Key Takeaways:
Tiffanie Hartenstein is CEO and co-founder of Oracle Lighting. A University of New Orleans graduate, she and her husband launched Oracle in college, growing it into a nationally recognized brand with over 10 Inc. 5000 placements and accolades including SBA Louisiana Exporter of the Year and U.S. Senate recognition as a Small Business Champion. Passionate about team culture, she leads employee recognition programs and established company Guiding Principles. Tiffanie also serves as Chair of SEMA’s Business Women’s Network, promoting mentorship, leadership, and the advancement of women in automotive.
Tara Demuth is a second-generation leader at R&S Truck Caps & Auto Accessories, a top RealTruck A.R.E. dealer in Northeast Ohio. Since taking management post-pandemic, she has modernized operations and repositioned R&S as a trusted lifestyle upfitter. Her leadership spans sales, product development, HR, and marketing, with a focus on building a people-first culture and equipping customers for adventure. Tara serves on SEMA’s Future Leaders Network and chairs its Professional Development Program, mentoring the next generation. An avid overlanding enthusiast, she integrates real-world product use into her brand storytelling, ensuring authenticity and connection for customers and peers.
With expertise in organizational development, employee relations, talent management, and strategic HR leadership, I have led HR transformation across multiple industries. As Director of Human Resources at Ampure Charging Systems, Inc., I built an independent global HR function after its carve-out from Webasto, developing payroll, benefits, recruiting, engagement programs, and cultural alignment. Now at SEMA, I oversee strategic planning, talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation, compliance, performance management, and safety. I hold a Master’s in Training & Development and a Bachelor’s in HR Development from Oakland University, and outside work I enjoy hiking and time with family.
This engaging, story-driven session explores how the challenges of an eight-day off-road rally translate into powerful lessons for leadership, teamwork, and personal resilience. Through real experiences from the Rebelle Rally, attendees will discover how moments of uncertainty, missteps, and tough terrain can become catalysts for clarity, confidence, and impactful leadership. Participants will walk away with practical insights they can apply immediately—on their teams, in their organizations, and throughout their leadership journey.
Key Takeaways:
Emotional intelligence is a leadership advantage—but only if balanced with authenticity. This workshop will teach you how to harness EQ to lead with empathy, manage conflict, and build trust without compromising your unique voice.
Learning Objectives:
Katherine is a marketing leader, off-road enthusiast, and advocate for women in the automotive and motorsports industries. As Senior Manager of B2B Marketing at Ironman 4x4, she drives strategic initiatives that connect products to people through programs, partnerships, and content that fuel growth and excitement. With over a decade of experience in digital strategy, brand development, and partner enablement, she has supported startups and global brands alike. She also founded Falcon Dynamic Consulting, serving outdoor and motorsports companies with story-driven marketing. Outside work, she’s often wrenching on vehicles, competing in rally events like the Rebelle Rally, or mentoring newcomers to the industry.
This forward-focused workshop explores how leaders can stay adaptable, confident, and empowered as the aftermarket continues to evolve. Rather than centering on AI or technology, the session emphasizes personal reinvention, strengthening your leadership identity, and building resilience during times of change. Attendees will learn how to navigate new expectations, refine their career direction, and lead teams with clarity as the industry shifts around them.
Key Takeaways:
Luanne Brown is a 2025 SEMA Hall of Fame inductee whose leadership, innovation, and advocacy have shaped the automotive aftermarket for more than three decades. As the founder of eTool Developers, she launched her company at a time when digital commerce barely existed and went on to become one of the industry’s earliest champions for data standards, online cataloging, and integrated eCommerce solutions. Her work helped lead the industry from printed catalogs into the digital era, laying the foundation for many of the systems and practices companies rely on today.
Artificial intelligence is reshaping every industry—including automotive. This session will demystify AI and provide actionable strategies to leverage it as a tool for innovation, efficiency, and competitive advantage in the aftermarket.
Learning Objectives:
Kannan Humphries is an influential technology leader with 20 years of expertise in e-commerce, factory automation, and AI product development. She has led high-performing teams at multi-billion-dollar firms, executing over a dozen multi-million-dollar M&A integrations and consistently delivering strategic impact. As chief architect of FitmentPro.ai—the first AI-powered fitment engine—she helps manufacturers transform messy data into VCDB-compliant structures, saving hundreds of hours and boosting sales. Beyond her technical leadership, Kannan is a former Mazda time trials champion, passionate gardener, and Georgia Tech alum with a Master’s in Computer Science.
This restorative, mindset-shifting session examines rest as a core leadership skill—one that fuels clarity, confidence, creativity, and long-term impact. Attendees will explore how sustainable performance requires intentional recovery, not constant output, and how embracing rest helps leaders remain visible, inspired, and effective in a demanding industry. Participants will leave with practical habits that support personal well-being and strengthen leadership presence.
Learning Objectives:
Improvisation thrives when participants allow the scene to unfold, rather than trying to steer or predict the outcome. In this workshop, attendees will:
Tana Sirois is an award-winning actor, theatre-maker, and speaker who enhances connection, collaboration, and confidence through improvisation and play. She holds an MSc in Creative Arts & Mental Health from Queen Mary University of London and a BA in Acting from The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts. Co-founder of Culture Lab LIC and Artistic Director of Dirt [contained] Theatre Company, Tana has toured the USA with the feminist sketch show Broad Comedy and her one-woman show UnTethered. A certified life coach and guest lecturer, she combines over 30 years of theatre experience with mental health expertise to inspire authenticity, vulnerability, and creative flow.
These interactive roundtables provide the opportunity to connect directly with experts and peers in a collaborative setting. Attendees will engage in open dialogue, ask candid questions, and share real experiences on topics ranging from technical knowledge to personal leadership growth. Whether you want to expand your motorsports knowledge, sharpen executive skills, or explore personal development, these sessions are designed for practical takeaways and authentic conversation.
Breaking into the industry at 16 as the youngest engineer in her division, Dr. Kelleigh Shankel has built a 28-year career defined by innovation, culture building, and leading organizations through growth and change. With nine degrees including a PhD and more than 40 patents, she now serves as Chief Technology Officer at Battle Motors, overseeing engineering, operations, quality, and product development across EV and ICE platforms. Known for blending technical depth with people-centered leadership, she has transformed operations, scaled teams, and guided billion-dollar organizations through disruption—balancing innovation, rigor, and the belief that technology drives progress, but people drive results.
Cora is the president of Torq-Masters Industries, the parent company of 4 brands, including Aussie Locker, TORQ Locker, Torq-Masters Axles and ORIS Adventure Cooking. Over the last 25 years, Cora has been local 4x4 Club President, Competitive Rock Crawling, Monster Jam Tech Official, welding and fabricating, and Offroad Racing in the Ultra4 series, King of the Hammers, and Rebelle Rally winner. With a design, engineering and project management background, Cora consults for Business Strategy, Marketing and Branding in the Automotive, Powersports and Offroad industry.
Katherine is a marketing leader, off-road enthusiast, and advocate for women in the automotive and motorsports industries. As Senior Manager of B2B Marketing at Ironman 4x4, she drives strategic initiatives that connect products to people through programs, partnerships, and content that fuel growth and excitement. With over a decade of experience in digital strategy, brand development, and partner enablement, she has supported startups and global brands alike. She also founded Falcon Dynamic Consulting, serving outdoor and motorsports companies with story-driven marketing. Outside work, she’s often wrenching on vehicles, competing in rally events like the Rebelle Rally, or mentoring newcomers to the industry.
Jaclyn is a dynamic executive with over a decade of leadership experience in revenue, marketing, and strategic partnerships. As Chief Revenue Officer at Oracle Lighting, she drives scalable growth by leading sales, marketing, e-commerce, and events. Previously, she held senior roles at Hemmings and American City Business Journals, where she spearheaded digital transformation, market development, and multi-channel revenue expansion. Known for aligning teams around a shared vision, Jaclyn blends strategic foresight with tactical execution and thrives at the intersection of storytelling, data, and growth.
Kannan Humphries is an influential technology leader with 20 years of expertise in e-commerce, factory automation, and AI product development. She has led high-performing teams at multi-billion-dollar firms, executing over a dozen multi-million-dollar M&A integrations and consistently delivering strategic impact. As chief architect of FitmentPro.ai—the first AI-powered fitment engine—she helps manufacturers transform messy data into VCDB-compliant structures, saving hundreds of hours and boosting sales. Beyond her technical leadership, Kannan is a former Mazda time trials champion, passionate gardener, and Georgia Tech alum with a Master’s in Computer Science.
Melanie White is a respected industry leader known for her business success and dedication to the automotive aftermarket. Representing the fourth generation of her family’s company, Hellwig Products—founded in 1946 and a founding SEMA member—she worked her way from sales to become the company’s first female CEO, earning woman-owned certification in 2023. A longtime SEMA volunteer, she has served on six councils and networks, chaired TORA, and now chairs the SEMA Board of Directors. Named SEMA Person of the Year in 2018 and Businesswoman of the Year in 2017, Melanie remains a passionate advocate for the industry, as well as a proud wife and mom.
Paris Hull is a business-driven marketing professional specializing in event strategy and B2B marketing, with a proven ability to lead cross-functional teams from concept to execution. She currently serves as an Events and Sponsorship Specialist at Yokohama Tire Corporation, where she focuses on creating high-impact experiences that support brand growth and business objectives.Previously, Paris held multiple marketing roles at FOX Factory, where she supported marketing efforts tied to more than $700 million in business across multiple brands. Her experience spans event production, sponsorships, product launches, B2B sales programs, and integrated brand campaigns across both aftermarket and OEM channels. She has led everything from large-scale trade shows and athlete activations to POP programs, CO-OP initiatives, and on-site event execution. With hands-on experience in project management, digital marketing, SEO, consumer engagement, and sales collaboration, Paris brings a practical, results-focused perspective to marketing strategy and execution.
True leadership is not defined by position or title—it’s about influence, impact, and the ability to inspire action in others. This session will challenge traditional notions of authority and provide tools to help you lead with authenticity and purpose, no matter your role.
Key Takeaways:
Lisa Bartley is an author, master trainer, executive coach, and keynote speaker. For over 15 years, she has coached and trained thousands of professionals to show up, speak up, and step into the room like they belong there. Known for her insight, warmth, and “big-sister-meets-thought-leader” style, Lisa helps women break out of their comfort zones, navigate difficult conversations, and rewrite limiting beliefs—so they can live and lead with confidence, courage, and clarity.
Lisa is the author of You Got This! Honest Lessons on Life, Love, and Leveling Up. Her debut book, coming March 2026, is a collection of empowering micro-lessons on setting boundaries, navigating relationships, rebounding from failure, and finding the courage to go after what you really want.
Lisa’s writing and coaching reflect her guiding motto—borrowed from TS Elliot: “If you aren’t in over your head, how do you know how tall you are?”
The path to executive leadership is filled with both opportunities and challenges that don’t always show up in textbooks. This candid fireside chat will unpack real-world scenarios faced by women navigating the C-suite, from breaking barriers and cultivating executive presence to managing crises, negotiating power, and leaving a legacy. Through practical insights and honest dialogue, attendees will gain a behind-the-scenes look at what it truly takes to lead at the highest levels—without sacrificing authenticity or well-being.
Key Takeaways:
Our next speaker, Denisse Ypina, has spent the last decade building her career with Dale Carnegie Training as a sales professional, facilitator, and master trainer—mentoring the next generation of trainers. She has traveled the world delivering Dale Carnegie programs, working with leading organizations including TikTok, Google, Apple, Microsoft, Dell, Peloton, and Kaiser Permanente. Whether in the room or online from her home in Alpine, California, Denisse brings an engaging, high-energy style to every session. She believes that true learning happens when we have fun—and her clients and participants consistently experience both. Outside of her work, Denisse enjoys time with her husband, her two little boys, their dog, and even a few backyard chickens—often trading in the training room for a workout or a playground chase.
Jaclyn is a dynamic executive with over a decade of leadership experience in revenue, marketing, and strategic partnerships. As Chief Revenue Officer at Oracle Lighting, she drives scalable growth by leading sales, marketing, e-commerce, and events. Previously, she held senior roles at Hemmings and American City Business Journals, where she spearheaded digital transformation, market development, and multi-channel revenue expansion. Known for aligning teams around a shared vision, Jaclyn blends strategic foresight with tactical execution and thrives at the intersection of storytelling, data, and growth.
Breaking into the industry at 16 as the youngest engineer in her division, Dr. Kelleigh Shankel has built a 28-year career defined by innovation, culture building, and leading organizations through growth and change. With nine degrees including a PhD and more than 40 patents, she now serves as Chief Technology Officer at Battle Motors, overseeing engineering, operations, quality, and product development across EV and ICE platforms. Known for blending technical depth with people-centered leadership, she has transformed operations, scaled teams, and guided billion-dollar organizations through disruption—balancing innovation, rigor, and the belief that technology drives progress, but people drive results.
I am an energetic automotive marketer with a passion for driving aftermarket parts into the hands of the next generation of drivers. Fueled by product development and collaborating with executive teams, I am focused on meeting revenue goals and creating marketing programs that will increase market share and consumer demand.
Kannan Humphries is an influential technology leader with 20 years of expertise in e-commerce, factory automation, and AI product development. She has led high-performing teams at multi-billion-dollar firms, executing over a dozen multi-million-dollar M&A integrations and consistently delivering strategic impact. As chief architect of FitmentPro.ai—the first AI-powered fitment engine—she helps manufacturers transform messy data into VCDB-compliant structures, saving hundreds of hours and boosting sales. Beyond her technical leadership, Kannan is a former Mazda time trials champion, passionate gardener, and Georgia Tech alum with a Master’s in Computer Science.
In a culture that often glorifies saying “yes,” effective leadership requires knowing when to say “no.” This keynote highlights boundary-setting as an essential leadership skill—protecting your bandwidth, brand, and vision. Attendees will learn how to reframe boundaries as a strength, particularly in environments where women may feel pressure to overcommit or represent token perspectives.
Key Takeaways:
Lisa Bartley is an author, master trainer, executive coach, and keynote speaker. For over 15 years, she has coached and trained thousands of professionals to show up, speak up, and step into the room like they belong there. Known for her insight, warmth, and “big-sister-meets-thought-leader” style, Lisa helps women break out of their comfort zones, navigate difficult conversations, and rewrite limiting beliefs—so they can live and lead with confidence, courage, and clarity.
Lisa is the author of You Got This! Honest Lessons on Life, Love, and Leveling Up. Her debut book, coming March 2026, is a collection of empowering micro-lessons on setting boundaries, navigating relationships, rebounding from failure, and finding the courage to go after what you really want.
Lisa’s writing and coaching reflect her guiding motto—borrowed from TS Elliot: “If you aren’t in over your head, how do you know how tall you are?”
Strong leaders know that how you communicate is just as important as what you say. This session will help you develop an executive presence and refine your ability to speak with clarity, confidence, and influence.
Key Takeaways:
Lisa Bartley is an author, master trainer, executive coach, and keynote speaker. For over 15 years, she has coached and trained thousands of professionals to show up, speak up, and step into the room like they belong there. Known for her insight, warmth, and “big-sister-meets-thought-leader” style, Lisa helps women break out of their comfort zones, navigate difficult conversations, and rewrite limiting beliefs—so they can live and lead with confidence, courage, and clarity.
Lisa is the author of You Got This! Honest Lessons on Life, Love, and Leveling Up. Her debut book, coming March 2026, is a collection of empowering micro-lessons on setting boundaries, navigating relationships, rebounding from failure, and finding the courage to go after what you really want.
Lisa’s writing and coaching reflect her guiding motto—borrowed from TS Elliot: “If you aren’t in over your head, how do you know how tall you are?”
Empathy is more than kindness—it’s a leadership superpower that drives connection, collaboration, and trust. Explore how leading with empathy can improve team dynamics, decision-making, and workplace culture.
Key Takeaways:
Lisa Bartley is an author, master trainer, executive coach, and keynote speaker. For over 15 years, she has coached and trained thousands of professionals to show up, speak up, and step into the room like they belong there. Known for her insight, warmth, and “big-sister-meets-thought-leader” style, Lisa helps women break out of their comfort zones, navigate difficult conversations, and rewrite limiting beliefs—so they can live and lead with confidence, courage, and clarity.
Lisa is the author of You Got This! Honest Lessons on Life, Love, and Leveling Up. Her debut book, coming March 2026, is a collection of empowering micro-lessons on setting boundaries, navigating relationships, rebounding from failure, and finding the courage to go after what you really want.
Lisa’s writing and coaching reflect her guiding motto—borrowed from TS Elliot: “If you aren’t in over your head, how do you know how tall you are?”
Our next speaker, Denisse Ypina, has spent the last decade building her career with Dale Carnegie Training as a sales professional, facilitator, and master trainer—mentoring the next generation of trainers. She has traveled the world delivering Dale Carnegie programs, working with leading organizations including TikTok, Google, Apple, Microsoft, Dell, Peloton, and Kaiser Permanente. Whether in the room or online from her home in Alpine, California, Denisse brings an engaging, high-energy style to every session. She believes that true learning happens when we have fun—and her clients and participants consistently experience both. Outside of her work, Denisse enjoys time with her husband, her two little boys, their dog, and even a few backyard chickens—often trading in the training room for a workout or a playground chase.
Conflict doesn’t have to be destructive—it can be a catalyst for growth and innovation when handled effectively. Learn how to approach workplace disagreements with confidence and turn tense moments into productive conversations.
Learning Objectives:
Lisa Bartley is an author, master trainer, executive coach, and keynote speaker. For over 15 years, she has coached and trained thousands of professionals to show up, speak up, and step into the room like they belong there. Known for her insight, warmth, and “big-sister-meets-thought-leader” style, Lisa helps women break out of their comfort zones, navigate difficult conversations, and rewrite limiting beliefs—so they can live and lead with confidence, courage, and clarity.
Lisa is the author of You Got This! Honest Lessons on Life, Love, and Leveling Up. Her debut book, coming March 2026, is a collection of empowering micro-lessons on setting boundaries, navigating relationships, rebounding from failure, and finding the courage to go after what you really want.
Lisa’s writing and coaching reflect her guiding motto—borrowed from TS Elliot: “If you aren’t in over your head, how do you know how tall you are?”
Our next speaker, Denisse Ypina, has spent the last decade building her career with Dale Carnegie Training as a sales professional, facilitator, and master trainer—mentoring the next generation of trainers. She has traveled the world delivering Dale Carnegie programs, working with leading organizations including TikTok, Google, Apple, Microsoft, Dell, Peloton, and Kaiser Permanente. Whether in the room or online from her home in Alpine, California, Denisse brings an engaging, high-energy style to every session. She believes that true learning happens when we have fun—and her clients and participants consistently experience both. Outside of her work, Denisse enjoys time with her husband, her two little boys, their dog, and even a few backyard chickens—often trading in the training room for a workout or a playground chase.
Listening is often overlooked, yet it’s one of the most powerful skills a leader can master. This session will show you how intentional listening strengthens relationships, increases trust, and empowers your team.
Key Takeaways:
Our next speaker, Denisse Ypina, has spent the last decade building her career with Dale Carnegie Training as a sales professional, facilitator, and master trainer—mentoring the next generation of trainers. She has traveled the world delivering Dale Carnegie programs, working with leading organizations including TikTok, Google, Apple, Microsoft, Dell, Peloton, and Kaiser Permanente. Whether in the room or online from her home in Alpine, California, Denisse brings an engaging, high-energy style to every session. She believes that true learning happens when we have fun—and her clients and participants consistently experience both. Outside of her work, Denisse enjoys time with her husband, her two little boys, their dog, and even a few backyard chickens—often trading in the training room for a workout or a playground chase.
The SEMA Businesswomen's Network is a dynamic group of professionals representing the women of SEMA. The SBN oversees the continued development and management of the SEMA Mentoring Program, the Annual SEMA Speed Networking Breakfast, opportunities for SBN Member Networking, SBN Communications, SBN Projects, development of articles and member features, contributes regularly to SEMA Member News, and much more!
nicoleb@sema.org
909-323-2149