Perspectives in Practice
May 11, 2026
Guest Speakers Share Insights with College of Business Students
The University of Louisville College of Business thanks the local, national and international guest speakers who shared their time, expertise and perspectives throughout the spring 2026 semester, helping students connect classroom learning with real-world experience.
Guest speakers include:
- Kat Abner; Global Head of Community Impact for Yum! Brands
- Mike Attebury; Director of Visitor Experiences for Louisville Tourism
- Tiffany Calvert; Founder of Onward and Upward Consulting
- Jasmine Causey; Group Catering and Sales for Hospitality Ventures Management Group
- Brandy Draper; Associate Manager for Yum! Brands
- Erica Bailey Fraley; Assistant Director of Food and Beverage for Omni Louisville
- Sarah Gatewood; President of Torchlight Real Estate
- Marcus Goodwin; Director of Human Resources for the Muhammad Ali Center
- Emily Grimm; Director of Catering & Convention Services for Omni Louisville
- Holly Hartman; Founder & CEO of Future Workforce Solutions
- Katlyn Hettinger; Assistant Professor at Western Kentucky University
- Greg Jewel; Owner of Ace Management
- Lettie Johnson; Founder & CEO of Gifted by Design
- Maya Malawi; Associate Analyst for Yum! Brands
- MiKayla Morton; Manager of Events and Programs for the Louisville Sports Commission
- Sam Newton; Welcome Center Manager for Louisville Tourism
- Eric Richardson; CEO of the National Parkinsons Institute
- Sean and Dion Roberson; Owners of Cinnaholic
- Melissa Sparks; Director of Strategic Alliances at Louisville Tourism
- Buddy Stewart; Founder & CEO of OnRequest Mobile Clinic
- Jacob Taucher; Intern at Louisville Tourism
- Julia Vaughn; President of Julia Inspires
- Deek VonderHaar; Executive Vice President for Southpaw
- Kelly Watkins; President of Expressive Concepts
- Adam Watson; Director of Education for Canopy Kentucky
- Henry Wesley; Executive Chef for Hotel Bourre Bonne
- Meredith Wreford; Cluster Assistant Director of Finance for White Lodging
About the UofL College of Business:
Founded in 1953, the UofL College of Business fosters intellectual and economic vitality in our city, region and the global business landscape. Our academic programs, research, community outreach initiatives and commitment to student success inspire lives and businesses to flourish through entrepreneurship, innovation, critical thinking, diversity and the power of people.
Connect with the CoB by following us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X, or by visiting our website.
Erica Hulse is the content strategist for the University of Louisville College of Business, where she conceptualizes and crafts feature stories and social media content that spotlight the people, programs and partnerships driving the college forward. She holds a BA in English and Allied Language Arts from Western Kentucky University and an MA in Higher Education Administration from UofL. Her work has been featured in the college’s award-winning publication Currency, as well as CEO Magazine.
