Speak (((Now))) Keynote/Plenary Speakers
Opening Keynote
Elise Woodworth
President
Elise Woodworth is the president of Woodworth Enterprises and dedicated to empowering nonprofits and their boards. Leveraging her background as a former US Air Force Logistics Officer, Elise combines military experience with business acumen to propel organizations toward success. As a best-selling author of “Business Not Battle for Nonprofit Boards,” she’s transformed numerous nonprofits with her expertise in leadership, governance, and team building.
Elise’s impact extends beyond her daily work. Serving on the Virginia Military Institute’s Foundation’s Board of Trustees and volunteering with various organizations, she exemplifies her commitment to service and excellence. Her MBA from Capella University and Bachelor of Science in Biology from VMI underpin her strategic approach to nonprofit management. A dynamic speaker, Elise captivates audiences with insights that ignite tomorrow’s leaders while drawing from her experiences as a mother of five and former military spouse. Her speaking engagements offer practical advice, shaped by her diverse interests including homeschooling and bird watching. Join Elise on a journey to unlock your organization’s full potential and shape a brighter future.
Plenary
Dr. Portia Smith
Dr. Portia G. Smith (D.B.A), originally from the island of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, currently lives in Lima, Ohio with her family, where she recently took on the role of Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of West Central Ohio, Inc. serving three Ohio counties (Allen, Hardin, and Putnam). She previously lived in Charleston, WV for 12 years.
Dr. Smith has extensive experience in nonprofit management, starting her nonprofit organization journey as the founder of Angels Inspired, Inc. Dr. Smith also spent her nonprofit career with organizations such as the Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council, the YMCA of Kanawha Valley, the YWCA of Charleston, and WV CASA. Dr. Smith’s passion for helping others began when she worked with underprivileged children as a Foreign Language teacher in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Dr. Smith has a diverse educational background. She started in the Caribbean at the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Community College with Advanced Level certification in French, Spanish, and Communication Studies. Dr. Smith received her Bachelor of Arts in English and a minor in Spanish from West Virginia State University. Her Master’s degree was in Communication, and her doctoral degree was in Business Administration, with specializations in Entrepreneurial Leadership, Marketing, and Social Impact Management, both from Walden University. Dr. Smith’s doctoral journey allowed her to gain hands-on experience as a consultant with a nonprofit organization in Virginia. Dr. Smith’s doctoral study addresses recruiting and retaining diverse members for membership-based nonprofit organizations. Dr. Smith served as a consultant focusing on strategic development, marketing, research and analysis, social impact management, DEI integration, fund development, capacity building, and organizational assessment using the Baldrige Framework of Excellence.
Dr. Smith enjoys traveling and spending time with friends and family.
Closing Keynote
Aleda Gagarin
Vice President of Influence
As VP of Influence, Aleda leads Candid’s thought leadership, strategic coalitions, and campaigns to increase Candid’s collective impact and support a stronger social sector. She directs the Influence teams, including Communications and Brand Awareness, Development, Partnerships, and Partnership Operations. In close collaboration with the CEO and executive team, Aleda is responsible for creating and executing Candid’s influence strategy, defining how Candid shows up in the world – what we say, how we say it, and who we partner with.
Aleda is passionate about making connections, solving problems, advocating for resources, and shifting power structures. She began her career in advocacy as a program assistant at the General Federation of Women’s Clubs in 2004, later served as sales and membership coordinator for Institutional Investor, and worked with North Star Planning and Evaluation Consultants as a researcher. Aleda joined Candid via the Foundation Center in 2013 as a development associate, and with the evolvement of her strong leadership skills, advanced to development manager, director, senior director of development, and associate vice president of development.
Aleda holds a B.A. in international studies from American University and a master’s degree in urban planning from Hunter College with a focus on community advocacy. In her spare time, Aleda is active in community and electoral organizing, and spending quality time with family.
