Keynotes

Jessica Chen is an Emmy-Award Winner, a global communication expert, bestselling author, and speaker. She has taught over 2 million people how to improve their communication skills at work. Her book, “Smart, Not Loud: How to Get Noticed at Work for all the Right Reasons,” was named a Next Big Idea Book Club Must Read.

Jessica is the Founder & CEO of Soulcast Media, a global communication training company. Prior to Soulcast Media, she was an award-winning journalist at ABC and NBC, and has been featured in the WSJ, Forbes, Fortune, and CNBC Magazine. She’s a mother, an avid supporter of women organizations, and is passionate about elevating diverse voices in the workplace.

When leaders and organizations face challenges—navigating change, energizing teams, or driving performance—they turn to Dethra. Known for her relatable approach and sharp strategies, she helps clients thrive in the face of disruption, delivering lasting results with clarity and confidence.

From corporate powerhouses like LVMH and the NBA to mission-driven nonprofits like the Salvation Army, Dethra transforms organizations by equipping them with practical tools and a clear path forward. As CEO of ExecuPrep since 2007 and a four-time TEDx speaker, she’s a dynamic catalyst for meaningful change and growth.

Beyond her work with leaders, Dethra shares career insights on the nationally syndicated Willie Moore Jr. Show, guiding professionals on their journey from “cubicle to corner office.” With a blend of warmth, expertise, and action-oriented advice, she helps clients stop imagining what’s possible and start achieving.

John A. Nixon is a Partner and Governing Board member of Duane Morris, LLP. He is based in the firm’s New York and Philadelphia offices. Nixon has represented over 500 C-Suite and senior executives in compensation, employment and severance package negotiations. He advises public and private companies, compensation committees, non-profits and governmental entities on the taxation, design and implementation of retirement, equity-based and 409A deferred compensation plans. He also represents portfolio company senior management teams in change of control transactions.

Nixon is listed in Chambers USA noting that he is “recommended for his handling of an array of complex, and high-value employment and ERISA-related matters.” He is also recognized in Savoy Magazine’s Most Influential Lawyers and U.S. News Best Lawyers in America (ERISA and Executive Compensation). Mr. Nixon is a graduate of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Michigan Law School.

Trevor Noah is a comedian, television host, political commentator, and author who is perhaps best known as the host (2015–22) of the American television series The Daily Show. He is also noted for his stand-up comedy shows, in which he often incorporated observations about growing up in South Africa.

Trevor Noah will be the keynote speaker at the CLEANPOWER closing reception, which is part of the CLEANPOWER in Color program.

Laura Beane is Chair of ACP and President of Vestas North America, where she leads with a focus on collaboration and advancing clean energy solutions. With more than 20 years of experience across operations, policy, and executive leadership, she is dedicated to driving innovation in the renewable energy industry. Laura is passionate about building strong teams and delivering customer-focused results.

Kelly is the Chief Operating Officer of the American Clean Power Association and President of the Clean Power Institute. She has held leadership roles at the Bipartisan Policy Center, The Executive Leadership Council, United Way of the National Capital Area, and the D.C. Office of the State Superintendent of Education, following earlier work in mortgage finance and corporate law. Kelly holds degrees from Spelman College, the University of Maryland, and American University, serves on the University of Maryland School of Public Policy Dean’s Advisory Council, and is a recipient of the Washington Business Journal’s Women Who Mean Business Award.

Jason Grumet is the Chief Executive Officer of the American Clean Power Association (ACP), leading efforts to deliver clean, affordable, and reliable energy across the U.S. Before joining ACP, he founded and led the Bipartisan Policy Center for 15 years, building coalitions to advance practical, bipartisan solutions on national priorities. Grumet holds a B.A. from Brown University and a J.D. from Harvard University, and serves on the boards of The Joint Center for Political & Economic Studies and the U.S. Chamber Association’s Committee of 100.

Labeja is CFO and Co-Founder of Triple Oak Power, where he applies 15 years of experience in project finance, M&A, and accounting to drive innovative solutions in the renewables sector. He is passionate about bringing diverse perspectives to the industry and fostering inclusive project outcomes for stakeholders. Labeja holds a first-class Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting from the University of Lesotho and an MBA from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

If you’ve ever heard Sherhara speak, you’ve likely been captivated by her exquisite ability to connect and entertain. She loves exploring concepts of authenticity, identity, culture and how they intersect with communication and business. Celebrated for her hosting and moderating savvy, Sherhara is beautifully skillful at simultaneously engaging audiences, edifying speakers and extracting value for all to benefit.

Dr. Peter James offers more than two decades of leadership-laden experience stretching from his service within the U.S. Army to his role as the Chair of the Business School within and as an entrepreneur. He has served as the catalyst for successful sales, corporate education and training, and process redesign initiatives, complemented by high-caliber leadership qualifications and a proven track record in delivering value to all of the organizations and customers in which he has served.

Tan brings two decades of leadership and learning in the areas of Change &Innovation, Talent and Leadership Development, and Data & Analytics as she spent many years in the Finance vertical prior to making the move to the Human Resources space. She currently serves on two corporate and one non-profit board advancing and amplifying the voices of the underserved. She is also an adjunct professor for Northeastern University’s Masters of Human Resource Management program.