CONFERENCE SPEAKERS
Dr. Uma Suryadevara, currently serves in the position of Clinical Physician Executive for Psychiatry and Mental Health Institute at Novant Health, overseeing operations in the Greater Charlotte Region. In this role, she oversees clinical operations for six outpatient psychiatric clinics, an adult intensive outpatient program, an adolescent partial hospitalization program, inpatient psychiatric units in two hospitals, and the telepsychiatry program which supports emergency departments throughout Novant Health. Dr. Suryadevara currently serves as an Adjunct Associate Professor at UNC.
Dr. Suryadevara completed her psychiatry residency at Michigan State University (now Western Michigan University) and pursued further specialization through a geriatric psychiatry fellowship at Stanford University, California. Her journey led her to the University of Florida, where she served as an Associate Professor, Associate Program Director for the general psychiatry residency and Program Director for the geriatric psychiatry fellowship program. A fervent advocate for her profession, Dr. Suryadevara’s impact extends beyond clinical practice. She has assumed leadership roles in numerous organizations, notably as the President of the Florida Psychiatric Society and as a commissioner for the Mental Health and Substance Use Commission in the state of Florida.
Nationally, Dr. Suryadevara attained Distinguished Fellow status with the American Psychiatric Association, underscoring her significant impact in the field. Her dedication to psychiatry is further evidenced by her involvement with the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology certification committee. Additionally, she serves as the senior editor for the Asian Journal of Psychiatry, shaping innovation within the global psychiatric community.
Carenda Deonne, also known as Coach C, is a dynamic speaker, author, minister, and HR Professional who has been empowering women for over 18 years. Specializing in helping women transform stress into strength through her signature S.M.I.L.E. Method, Carenda’s passion for guiding women to embrace their purpose is at the heart of her work. With a deep background in both local and federal government and over seven years of experience in Human Resources, she has dedicated her career to creating lasting impact.
One of Carenda’s personal favorite quotes is, “If your shoes are untied you will trip, if they stay untied you will fall. Don’t be your own stumbling block.”
Carenda is a certified mediator through The National Association of Certified Mediators (NACM), the world’s largest professional certification body for mediators. She is skilled in negotiation, communication, and conflict resolution—tools she brings into every area of her life. A graduate of The Fashion Institute of Technology, where Michael Kors & Calvin Klein attended, she holds a Bachelor’s in Marketing and a Master’s in Law (Alternative Dispute Resolution) from Regent University. Carenda combines business acumen with a passion for advocacy and personal growth.
As a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Carenda serves on the Spirit and Inspiration Committee for the Mid-Atlantic Region and is active in both the Gaston Business Association and the Professional Women’s Association in Gastonia, NC. She is also an accomplished author of four books, including Soul of a Poet, Perfect Patty Messed Up Devotional, Winning the Battle Within; A Woman’s Guide to Emotional Detox, and Silenced Voices: Overcoming Obstacles for Women in Ministry.
Recognized for her leadership, Carenda has received the A Lady of Influence Inc. Award of Excellence and is a frequent guest on WCCB-The CW in Charlotte, NC. As the host of Insight Talk on Instagram, she connects with audiences, offering inspiration and actionable advice. Through her company, Stress Easy LLC, Carenda has launched powerful programs such as 30 Days to a Happier, Better You, designed to decrease stress, build emotional resilience and increase your mental and heart health.
For more information, visit www.stress-easy.com.
Valencia Andrews, mostly known as Coach VEE, is a powerhouse business strategist, entrepreneur, and author dedicated to helping professionals and businesses build lasting partnerships and achieve sustainable growth.
Born and raised on the small but mighty Edisto Island, South Carolina, Valencia grew up with a strong sense of community, resilience, and determination—values that have shaped her entrepreneurial journey. She started her career in healthcare, dedicating nearly two decades to serving others. However, her passion for business and leadership led her to a new path. In 2016, she took a bold leap, investing her 401k into launching an entertainment management company. While the venture had its challenges, it was during this time that she earned the name “Coach VEE” for her ability to make strategic moves and guide others to success.
In 2019, she fully embraced her gift for business coaching, launching She Makes Moves Enterprises, where she worked with female entrepreneurs to build thriving businesses. But evolution is key to growth. In 2024, She Makes Moves pivoted and became The Legacy Group LLC, expanding its services to SMBs and corporations and shifting its focus to Strategic Relationship Consulting. Today, The Legacy Group is recognized as “The Missing Link to Sustainable Growth,” helping businesses cultivate strategic partnerships that lead to long-term success.
Valencia is also the author of “Networking Is The New Currency”, a guide to building powerful professional connections, and is preparing to release her next book, “Influence Is The New Power,” further solidifying her expertise in business relationship-building and leadership.
Through her consulting, coaching, and authorship, Coach VEE continues to empower professionals to forge meaningful partnerships, scale their businesses, and create legacies that last.
Leslie Ellis, CCMP, is Founder & CEO of Meaningful Change Consulting, LLC, a woman-owned small business based in York County, South Carolina. With over 20 years of experience, Leslie has led and facilitated personal and organizational transformational change using co-creativity, design thinking, and executive coaching to help government agencies and Fortune 500 organizations worldwide, including Rentokil, Bank of America, and Ingersoll Rand. She is repeatedly a Top Change Management Voice on LinkedIn and recognized as one of 2023’s Top 50 Most Dynamic Women in the Charlotte.
Leslie specializes in developing change leadership, setting change up for success, rescuing derailing initiatives and recovering lackluster results post-implementation. Her Meaningful Change proprietary approach ensures sustainable results by aligning people and processes as a system to navigate the complexity of change.
Shellisa Multrie is a dynamic and inspiring leader who embodies the power of resilience and faith. A Milwaukee, Wisconsin native and proud graduate of Marquette University, Shellisa has navigated multiple career pivots with grace and determination. Her journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to growth and adaptability.
Shellisa’s professional path has been marked by significant transitions, each one showcasing her ability to pivot and thrive. From her early career in public education to her current role as a senior Human Resource executive, Shellisa has consistently demonstrated her expertise and leadership. Today, she is an accomplished speaker and presenter, offering customized training and development through MVP Consulting.
Beyond her professional achievements, Shellisa’s personal story is equally compelling. She has faced and overcome numerous challenges, including a profound family health journey that tested her resilience and faith. Through it all, Shellisa has remained steadfast, drawing strength from her faith and her commitment to her family.
For the past twenty years, Shellisa has called Charlotte home, where she resides with her husband and children. Her experiences have shaped her into a compassionate and insightful leader, dedicated to empowering others to embrace change and harness the power of the pivot. She serves as Vice-Chair for Stratford Richardson Board of Advisors and enjoys serving her community. She is passionate about fueling the education of young people and works hard to secure scholarship dollars as Chair of Sisters of the Dove Charity Fund, Inc.
Shellisa willingly shares her insights on the power of the pivot, offering valuable perspectives drawn from her own life. She lives by the simple phrase, “Be a light in dark places that others may see the light of God in you.
WOMEN IN BUSINESS CONFERENCE
May 8, 2025 | 9:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.
Union County Agricultural Center
