Meet Our Speakers!

Cherise Buchanan, Our Host

Cherise Buchanan is a committed leader with a passion for positive change! She is the dynamic force behind Rise & Shine 6012, which is dedicated to empowering professional and businesswomen. Through her transformative C Her Rise coaching program and public speaking, Cherise equips women with the tools to shine unapologetically.

Through her own personal journey of learning to shift she understands what it takes to shine in uncomfortable seasons. Cherise's experience as a minister, coach, and speaker has taught her how to let go of self-reliance and trust in God’s sovereign control. She attributes her success to the grace of God, knowing none of this would be possible without His guidance. While changing the entire world may be out of reach, Cherise believes in the power of impacting one life at a time. Her mantra, “Let’s Rise Together! There is room for all of us at the top," encapsulates her mission to inspire others to rise and shine. 

Pastor Lakeea Kelly

Pastor Lakeea Kelly, is a devoted lover of God’s Word, prayer, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. She is passionate about helping others experience transformation from the inside out through biblical truth, healing, and identity in Christ. Known for her bold yet graceful expression of faith, she carries a deep desire to see God’s people walk whole, confident, and free.

Dr. LaSondra Barnes

Dr. LaSondra Barnes is the founder and CEO of Royal One Enterprise, an
empowerment organization that equips women with the confidence to embrace the
ROYAL One within by discovering their purpose, embracing their identity, and
engaging faith tenaciously. 

She has a passion for teaching the Word of God. As an expository Bible teacher,
Dr. LaSondra utilizes a Christ-centered approach to preaching and teaching God's
word. Her unique teaching style allows her to make biblical truths relevant to all
audiences. She is a dynamic empowerment speaker who inspires women to embrace
God's love and understand their self-worth. 

Budy J. Whitfield, LCSW

Budy Jamilly Whitfield, LCSW, is a senior nonprofit behavioral health leader and founder of Beauteous Mind LCSW PLLC and Beauteous Me. With over 20 years of experience, she helps leaders, women, and families break trauma-driven patterns and build emotionally intelligent lives and organizations. Budy is the author of Unchain Your Patterns and an award-winning contributor to Latinx in Social Work Vol. 2, We Heal, and Latinas Who Boss Up, known for blending clinical depth with bold, heart-centered leadership.