Southern Women Leadership Institute (SWLI) 2025
Begin the conference weekend with a fun night of guided painting and getting to know the students who are attending. Attendees will create a Georgia Southern-themed painting. Led by GS Alumni Sandra Lewis, '92, owner of Sips and Strokes in Atlanta, GA. Dinner will be provided.
Overview
The conference will begin with breakfast at the Parker College of Business. Breakout sessions will follow. The conference will be highlighted with a keynote luncheon at the IT Building. Afternoon breakout sessions and a generational panel will end the day.
Breakout Sessions and Speakers
Session: Developing Your Professional Brand
Speaker: Tanisha Johnson
In today’s competitive job market, developing a strong professional brand is essential for standing out and advancing in your career. This presentation will explore the key elements of building a personal brand that reflects your skills, values, and unique strengths. Attendees will learn how to define their brand identity, effectively communicate their expertise, and manage their online presence to align with their career goals.
The session will cover the importance of self-awareness in shaping your professional narrative and how to identify your target audience—whether employers, clients, or colleagues.
About Tanisha Johnson
Tanisha Shavez Johnson was raised in the close-knit community of Enigma, Georgia. A proud graduate of Berrien High School with honors, Tanisha chose to pursue higher education locally, earning her Associate of Science in General Studies in 2017 and her Bachelor of Science in Business in 2018 from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. In July 2021, she furthered her education by obtaining a master's degree in Higher Education Administration from Georgia Southern University.
Her academic excellence has been recognized with the Stafford School of Business Dean's Leadership Award. Tanisha began her professional journey in higher education at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College as an Enrollment Counselor and before joining Georgia Power Company she most recently held the position of Director of Undergraduate Recruitment at Wesleyan College.Her professional excellence has been recognized with the ABAC Pacesetter Award and the Wesleyan College Presidential Award. She now serves as an Education and Workforce Coordinator for Georgia Power in the Education and Workforce Development Department.
In addition to her professional responsibilities, Tanisha is deeply committed to community service and mentorship. She founded and chairs "The College Corner", a community outreach organization, and also serves on the following boards: Berrien High School Business Advisory Board Committee, Leadership Macon Advisory Council, and Georgia Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers.
Session: I Am ____, But I Am Not ______: Breaking Stereotypes in Leadership
Speaker: Jennifer Lewis
Step into a session designed to empower collegiate women leaders to embrace their true selves and challenge societal stereotypes. Through meaningful conversations, interactive activities, and a celebration of individuality (complete with your own walk-out song!), this session will help you redefine the narrative surrounding women in leadership.
You’ll leave feeling inspired, confident, and ready to tackle your goals with bold authenticity. Whether you’re leading an event, organization, or in your career, this session will give you the tools and support to own your identity and break barriers. Come as you are,leave as the unstoppable leader you’re meant to be!
About Jennifer Lewis
Jennifer Lewis is a proud Georgia Southern University University Double Eagle (‘08, ‘10) and the Principal of Metter Elementary School. Her career in education began as a high school English and AP Literature teacher, where she was honored as both Metter High School Teacher of the Year and Candler County Teacher of the Year. She served as a Teacher Leader and on numerous committees, as well as a cheerleading coach and advisor for the Future Education Association. She later transitioned into the role of Instructional Coach, supporting teachers in professional growth, instructional planning, and curriculum and assessment. During this time she has had the honor of presenting at numerous educational conferences around the state. Before moving into her current role, she went on to serve as an Assistant Principal at Metter Elementary School and graduated from the New Assistant Principal’s Cohort. In 2023, she was named to Georgia Southern's 40 Under 40, recognizing her leadership and philanthropic accomplishments.
In addition to her professional achievements, she is the Executive Chapter Advisor for Alpha Delta Pi Sorority at Georgia Southern and a member of the Dugout Club and the Bulloch Alumni Chapter. A devoted mom to Cooper (11) and Caroline (9), she married her Southern Sweetheart, Jake, in 2011. She enjoys traveling, reading, and cheering on the Eagles. What Jennifer most cherishes are her leadership experiences during undergrad and the lifelong friendships she formed while at Southern.
Session: Economic Development
Speaker: Rachel Barnwell
About Rachel Barnwell
As Vice President of the Development Authority of Bulloch County, Rachel is a passionatechampion of economic growth, with a specialized focus on workforce development, businessretention, and expansion. Recognizing the vital connection between a thriving workforce and a vibrant community, she actively fosters collaborative partnerships between local industries and educational institutions. These partnerships drive targeted workforce development programs that not only meet the needs of businesses but also enhance the quality of life for all Bulloch County residents.
Rachel's dedication to economic development is deeply rooted in her strong commitment to supporting Bulloch County's legacy industries. She actively participates in key community initiatives, including the Bulloch County Career-Workforce Committee, the Bulloch Regional Education Collaborative, and the RISE Education Working Groups. Beyond her professional pursuits, Rachel finds fulfillment in serving her community as a member of the Statesboro Service League, where she dedicates her time to supporting families with special needs and the "Loving on Langston" project.
A graduate of Georgia Southern University, Rachel possesses a Bachelor of Science degree and over a decade of experience in the field of economic development. Her professional journey has been marked by significant achievements, culminating in her recent induction into Georgia Southern University Alumni's 40 Under 40 Class of 2024. Rachel is a graduate of the Georgia Academy for Economic Development, Leadership Bulloch, and the Lynda B. Williamson Women’s Leadership Academy, and is currently in the 2025 Leadership Southeast Georgia class.
She and her husband John are proud to call Statesboro home with their daughter Charleston. Together, they enjoy cheering on the Georgia Southern Eagles, exploring new destinations, and spending quality time with their three beloved dogs.
Session: Work-Life Balance: Thriving in Both Personal and Professional Life
Speaker: Jennifer Hammond
About Jennifer Hammond
Jennifer L. Hammond, MBA is a seasoned Quality Compliance and Program Management professional with over 16 years of experience driving regulatory and operational compliance across industries such as aviation, aerospace, and logistics. Known for her ability to lead complex projects and programs, Jennifer specializes in quality assurance, safety compliance, risk management, and continuous improvement. Her strategic mindset, problem-solving skills, and strong communication abilities have made her a trusted leader in promoting operational excellence and ensuring adherence to high compliance standards.
As the Program Manager for Delta Air Lines' Internal Evaluation Program, Jennifer is instrumental in ensuring the airline’s operations align with essential safety, security, and regulatory requirements. She plays a key role in managing quality audits, implementing corrective actions, and driving process improvements, which have supported Delta’s ongoing compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), International Air Transport Association (IATA), Department of Defense, and ISO 9001 standards.
Jennifer has a wealth of experience in quality compliance auditing, project management, and employee engagement. She has successfully led cross-functional teams to implement initiatives that boost productivity, minimize defects, and foster a strong safety culture. A passionate advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), she has made notable contributions to DEI initiatives both at Delta and in the broader community.
Before joining Delta, Jennifer worked at United Parcel Service – Supply Chain Solutions and Scientific Research Corporation, gaining valuable experience in quality assurance and operational management. Jennifer is a double eagle, receiving both her Bachelor’s (Electrical Engineering) and Master’s (MBA) degrees from Georgia Southern. Jennifer was a proud recipient in 2018 for the Georgia Southern University Alumni – 40 Under 40 Award. Outside of her professional life, Jennifer is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the Junior League of Atlanta. She enjoys volunteering, traveling, and spending quality time with her family and friends. Jennifer resides in Atlanta with her husband, James, and their 10-year-old son, Justin Avery.
Session: Coming Soon!
Keynote Speaker: Danie B
About Danie B
Danie Buchanan is an award-winning radio personality, an accomplished social media manager, and a world-class entertainer. Her unique radio delivery, paired with her reliability, vulnerability, and humor, is what makes her one of the best behind the mic.
Danie B is originally from Atlanta, Georgia, but her 13+ years radio career has taken her all over the country. Danie first graced the microphone at Georgia Southern University's WVGS. From there, she took her talents to the newsroom of Clear Channel-Atlanta where she worked as an intern for The Georgia News Network and 640 WGST. While there, she landed her first job in radio with Total Traffic Network as a traffic reporter/producer eventually working her way up to lead traffic producer while also working as a weekend talent on WILD 105.7/96.7.
After three years at Total Traffic Network, Danie moved to Albany, New York in 2013 to be the afternoon personality on Jamz 96.3. After a year and a half, she was promoted to morning show host. By then, she had also acquired three other stations: Poughkeepsie, New York’s K-104, Boston, Massachusetts’s 103.3 Amp Radio, Rutland, Vermont’s Z 97.1.
In 2016, Danie left Albany for an afternoon gig on Orlando, Florida’s 101.9 Amp Radio. When the station flipped formats in 2017, she moved on to Tampa, Florida’s Hot 101.5 in 2018. From there, she ended up on Hot’s Orlando sister station Power 95.3. Danie stayed with CMG's Power 95.3 up until the station was sold in 2022. While there, she hosted a night show, then afternoons, and then ultimately became half of Danie and Kevin Mornings, a top-rated morning show, Assistant Director of Branding and Programming, and a weekend talent on her Orlando sister station, Star 94.5.
In 2023, Danie got the opportunity to come back home to Atlanta, Georgia to be on V-103, one of the country’s most respected radio stations. She is currently a top-rated Midday Personality and serves as The Director of Digital Programming of the iconic radio brand.
With a dynamic and diverse media background, Danie continues to use her talents to inform, entertain, and uplift the Atlanta community. Through her nonprofit organization, Danie B Caring, she is working to create programs that instill self-esteem in young girls and bring awareness and support to lupus and breast cancer survivors.
Danie B has experienced so much in her career, but she is just getting started. Her genuine love for what she does, and her tenacious resilience continue to catapult her career to higher heights.