Shanaye La Beaud is a creative and driven professional eagerly exploring the learning and development space. She currently serves as the Director of Talent Acquisition and Development at Elephant Insurance. She is passionate about building strong leaders and making development opportunities available to people at all levels in their career journey. Shanaye is a graduate of VCU’s Executive MBA program (2019) and holds a SHRM-CP certification (2020). While still early in her learning and development career she also has 7 years of call center management experience. Shanaye loves to share knowledge and find unique ways to help others discover new insights.

José Cervantes is the Director of Talent Management - Learning Partnerships at Sentara Health.  He completed his undergraduate studies at Virginia Tech where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Information Technology with concentrations in Decision Support Systems, Operations Management and Leadership.  José spent the first half of his professional career in IT and healthcare operations.  After holding various leadership positions in these respective areas, he made a career shift to learning and development.  He found a passion in helping train and coach people to succeed at their current roles, while developing and inspiring them to grow beyond.  Today, he leads a team responsible for executing that mission by supporting thousands of Sentara employees throughout the country.

In addition to his role with Sentara, José is a certified professional and executive coach, trainer, speaker and entrepreneur.  With a presence across the United States, the Caribbean and South America, José offers a holistic approach to helping people achieve life and professional goals.

Julia Alson, CPTD, as a Learning Design Consultant at Bon Secours Mercy Health, Julia partners with members across the ministry to create compelling learning experiences that meet desired learning objectives and business goals. With her Master's in Educational Technology Leadership from George Washington University and her recent ATD CPTD certification, she develops a wide range of materials, from eLearnings, videos, job aids, prioritizing the learner's needs. She has been actively involved with the Metro DC Chapter since 2020, volunteering with virtual programs, organizing quarterly virtual conferences, and serving as the Director of Technology. She moved to the Richmond area in 2021 and is looking to connect with other talent development professionals in the area.

Pamela Hart, in her role as Senior Manager of Technology Training and Staff Professional Development at Hunton Andrews Kurth, oversees global training initiatives, spanning 19 offices across the United States, Europe, and Asia. She successfully designs and implements comprehensive training and new hire onboarding programs that cater to the unique needs of an international law firm. Throughout her 25-year tenure, her strategic vision has enabled the firm to navigate the rapidly evolving legal technology landscape, fostering a culture of growth, innovation, and efficiency.

Recognized for her exemplary contributions, Pamela was honored in 2014 as ILTA's Technology Support Professional of the Year, solidifying her status as a trailblazer at the intersection of law and technology.

Beyond her professional achievements, Pamela is driven by a passion for facilitating growth in others. Currently serving on the Richmond YWCA Board of Directors, she actively supports initiatives addressing social issues, promoting equality, and empowering women. 

Pamela holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communications from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Jennifer received her B.A. in Psychology and her M.Ed. in Counseling from The College of William and Mary, her M.A.T. in Elementary Education from Christopher Newport University, and her Ed.S. from The George Washington University in Leadership & Administration. 

Jennifer is a creative spirit who loves photography, writing, and the culinary arts. She is a self-proclaimed “labaholic” who has always shared her home with at least one lab. She considers herself to be a lifelong learner and she loves the opportunity to learn new things and meet new people.

Sonya holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Richmond and a M. Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with a certificate of Instructional Design and Technology/eLearning from George Mason University. Sonya enjoys learning about cooking, cultures, and crafts. She also serves with her husband as leaders of a local faith community. 

Lauren Philip, CPTD has had the benefit of navigating in diverse and multicultural environments, having worked in several Caribbean islands as well as the United States.  She is the Director of Human Resources and System Initiatives at the Virginia Community College System.  As the Principal Consultant at LP Consulting, she has worked with several organizations, leading change initiatives that help business partners increase their competitive advantage by leveraging their human capital. 

Lauren holds dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Human Resource Management and Business Administration with a concentration in Entrepreneurship and a Master’s degree in Education - Human Resource Development from Virginia Commonwealth University.