THE
NEW FEMALE
VIBE.
Women are at the helm of this monumental change in America . Women have always created solutions that strengthen communities , businesses , and homes . Now more than ever , diverse women are speaking up , leaning in , questioning , connecting , creating , leading , and demanding they earn what they are worth .
The Voice + Visibility Women’s Summit (VVWS) is designed to convene , inspire and activate diverse female leaders in Southwest Florida and beyond .
OUR GOAL IS TO:
EMPOWER
WOMEN
EXPAND
NETWORKS & OPPORTUNITIES
ELEVATE
THE VOICES OF DIVERSE WOMEN
VVWS shines the light on female leaders in: entrepreneurship , business , philanthropy , technology , arts , and community building! You are now a part of the new female vibe … Intersectional . Solution Focused . Wealth Building . Opportunity Creating . Get connected , Get inspired … We are on fire!
Please come Elevate with us!
Voice + Visibility Events are unique in the following 6 ways:
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All V + V events have over 50% of guests who identify as BIPOC (Black , Indigenous , and People of Color ), aka The New Majority .
V + V events are diverse and inclusive by design . Our nationally renowned professional speakers are 85% BIPOC and always compensated .
All vendors , sponsors , and partners demonstrate a commitment to Diversity , Equity , Inclusion , and Female Leadership .
V + V Events are FUN, innovative , and incorporate the Performing Arts (music , dance & fashion) Guests will be singing , dancing & strutting down the runway!
V + V events attract influencers , private sector leaders , change -makers & Philanthropic partners that focus on innovation , leadership , diversity , and community building .
The fastest group of female entrepreneurs is Black Women , followed by Latina Women , yet statistically , they have the least amount of access to capital and networks of influence , we change that- right here , right now .
MEET THE VVWS TEAM
SHANNON
ROHRER-PHILLIPS
FOUNDER, CEO
Shannon is the Founder & CEO of the Voice + Visibility Women's Summit . She is a Social Entrepreneur , Producer , and Speaker with three decades of leadership experience creating Diversity , Equity & Inclusion solutions
in healthcare , education , and the business sector .
Shannon builds strategic public and private partnerships to advance social impact . She has had the privilege of working with over 2 0,000 women throughout her career . Her passion for intersectional gender equity and working with women on their journey to strengthen their
Voice + Visibility is relentless .
CHRISTINA
UNKEL
VVWS CO-HOSTESS
Christina Unkel , J.D, M.B.A is a litigation attorney , entrepreneur and sports tv analyst/journalist . She focuses her law practice primarily on complex business and construction litigation with a specialized focus in sports law. As a past NCAA collegiate soccer athlete and former FIFA referee , Christina has spent the past 14 years working and performing at the highest professional , international and collegiate levels of the soccer game among the elite players of the world .
Her television broadcasting work includes covering the 2019 Women's World Cup at Fox Sports and European Football (UEFA Champions League and Europa League) for CBS HQ and Paramount +. Christina is also a journalist for The Athletic and CBS Sports covering referees , the laws of the game and legal issues in sports
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One of the most rewarding areas in her professional capacity is creating businesses that enable organizations , companies and individuals to perform or develop high performance mindsets aligned with purposeful impact. Founder of SPARQ Advocacy , Christina focuses on diversity , equity , inclusion and access work by means of the “athlete mindset ”. As co-owner of Scorch Fitness and the Deadlift Effect , Christina focuses on providing sports science and strength training to the everyday person to permit them to tap into their everyday athlete and burn off what holds them back in their personal and professional lives . Recently , Christina launched the 501(c)(3) non-profit , Scorch Community , to provide athletic, education and wellness initiatives to underrepresented communities .
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She is a graduate of Palm Beach Atlantic, Stetson MBA Program , and Stetson Law . Christina has received numerous awards for her wor k, including , Sarasota’s Women of Influence , Best of SRQ Magazine Business Leader and Lawyer , Best of Lawyers in Tampa Bay, Sarasota County Bar’s Presidents Award , and PBA’s Top 50 Alumni’s. She has held several chair and committee positions in her legal and sports capacities and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the International Women’s Forum (Suncoast Chapter) and active member of the Women in Sports and Events “WISE” (Tampa Chapter ).
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Her proudest accomplishment however is being a mom to a fearless little girl. Christina resides in Sarasota , Florida with her husband , Ted , and daughter , Quinn .
DR. AJ LEE
VVWS CO-HOSTESS
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Dr. AJ Lee is a Leadership & Culture, Brand Developer, Co-Founder, Podcaster, and DEI Certified leader with a passion for helping leaders clarify vision and own their strengths to lead well and grow their impact. With a PhD in Higher Education from Auburn University and expertise in organizational leadership, she has led, developed, and implemented leadership, inclusion, and well-being training programs for organizations nationwide. She will be launching her well-being coaching practice this winter, where she'll provide resources and coaching to help busy working women build and prioritize healthy habits.
In her spare time, AJ enjoys cooking plant-based meals with her husband, traveling, and developing content to serve others through her other passion projects (Marriage Inside Out, Chalkbox Forum, Daily Choice Foods).
