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The HR &
Benefits Summit

Building Better Workplaces Through Benefits

Sep 29, 2026

University Club, Washington, DC

Partner with us at the region's premier gathering of HR leaders, benefits professionals, and workforce innovators. The HR & Benefits Summit brings together up to 100 attendees for a dynamic day of learning, connection, and discovery — and we invite forward-thinking organizations to join us as sponsors and exhibitors.

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Register for the Summit

The HR & Benefits Summit

The HR & Benefits Summit brings together HR professionals, benefits administrators, talent leaders, and organizational decision-makers under one roof. As a sponsor or exhibitor, you gain direct access to a curated audience actively seeking solutions, vendors, and partnerships. With a maximum capacity of 100 attendees, every interaction is meaningful and high-value.
Converge Workforce Partners unifies the critical components of the modern workforce ecosystem - HR, employee benefits, compliance, and advisory services - into a single, strategic platform that supports organizations at every stage of growth. We aim to design and deliver high-impact workforce-related programs and events, including an annual conference with a broader vision to serve as a centralized hub where businesses can access integrated solutions such as employee benefits guidance, online learning, HR templates and document libraries, employment law resources, and employee assistance services. By converging these services into a single, accessible platform, we aim to simplify how organizations manage and invest in their people while enhancing operational efficiency, compliance, and employee experience. Through this approach, Converge Workforce Partners positions itself not just as a service provider, but as a trusted partner helping organizations build stronger, more resilient, and future-ready workforces.

Max Attendees
Intimate, high-quality audience of HR and benefits professionals

Sponsorship Tiers
Premier, Gold, and Silver levels to fit your goals

Event Sponsorships
Premier, Gold, and Silver levels to fit your goals

Exhibitor Options
Premier and Standard exhibitor placements available

Why Sponsor the
HR & Benefits Summit?

This event is your direct pipeline to HR decision-makers, benefits administrators, and talent leaders actively seeking solutions. Whether your goal is brand awareness, lead generation, or thought leadership, our tiered sponsorship and exhibitor packages are designed to deliver measurable value.

Targeted Audience

Connect directly with up to 100 HR and benefits professionals — qualified buyers with real purchasing authority and organizational influence.

Brand Amplification

Gain visibility across digital programs, event signage, social media, websites, and general session slides — before, during, and after the event.

Lead Generation

Premium tiers include post-event attendee contact lists, giving you the opportunity to continue conversations long after the summit ends.

Thought Leadership

Presenting Partners gain exclusive speaking access — moderate or join a breakout panel and position your brand as an industry authority.

The HR & Benefits Summit

Converge Workforce Partners unifies the critical components of the modern workforce ecosystem - HR, employee benefits, compliance, and advisory services - into a single, strategic platform that supports organizations at every stage of growth. We aim to design and deliver high-impact workforce-related programs and events, including an annual conference with a broader vision to serve as a centralized hub where businesses can access integrated solutions such as employee benefits guidance, online learning, HR templates and document libraries, employment law resources, and employee assistance services. By converging these services into a single, accessible platform, we aim to simplify how organizations manage and invest in their people while enhancing operational efficiency, compliance, and employee experience. Through this approach, Converge Workforce Partners positions itself not just as a service provider, but as a trusted partner helping organizations build stronger, more resilient, and future-ready workforces.

Max Attendees
Intimate, high-quality audience of HR and benefits professionals

Sponsorship Tiers
Premier, Gold, and Silver levels to fit your goals

Event Sponsorships
Premier, Gold, and Silver levels to fit your goals

Exhibitor Options
Premier and Standard exhibitor placements available

Why Sponsor the
HR & Benefits Summit?

This event is your direct pipeline to HR decision-makers, benefits administrators, and talent leaders actively seeking solutions. Whether your goal is brand awareness, lead generation, or thought leadership, our tiered sponsorship and exhibitor packages are designed to deliver measurable value.

Targeted Audience

Connect directly with up to 100 HR and benefits professionals — qualified buyers with real purchasing authority and organizational influence.

Brand Amplification

Gain visibility across digital programs, event signage, social media, websites, and general session slides — before, during, and after the event.

Lead Generation

Premium tiers include post-event attendee contact lists, giving you the opportunity to continue conversations long after the summit ends.

Thought Leadership

Presenting Partners gain exclusive speaking access — moderate or join a breakout panel and position your brand as an industry authority.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Meet the Organizers

The HR & Benefits Summit is co-produced by two seasoned professionals whose combined expertise in HR consulting and employee benefits creates a uniquely integrated conference experience.
Originally from Cameroon and raised in New York City, Edgar Ndjatou is a DC-based workers' rights advocate passionate about creating efficient workplaces that value fair treatment, trust, and open communication. He specializes in assisting organizations in making competent HR decisions, strategizing innovative policies and procedures, and navigating difficult situations through alternative dispute resolution.

Edgar Ndjatou

Owner, Officium | HR Consultant
Chris Farmer is the founder of Integral Benefits Group, a health and life insurance agency dedicated to delivering high-impact employee benefits solutions with a service-first approach. With extensive experience in health insurance, Medicare, and group benefits, Chris has built his organization around a simple but often overlooked principle: exceptional service drives better outcomes for both employers and employees.
Read More

Chris Farmer

Founder, Integral Benefits Group

Agenda & Speakers

7:30 AM Exhibitor Set-Up
8:30 AM Registration Opens, Breakfast & Networking
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM Opening Session
Olufunmilayo (Funmi) Hall Emcee
10:15 AM - 11:00 AM Panel One: Edgar Ndjatou & Christopher FarmerThe Total Employee Experience: Where HR Strategy and Benefits Strategy Meet
Exploring how HR practices and benefits design work together to improve retention, compliance, employee engagement, and workforce stability.
11:00 AM - 11:15 AM Break
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM Panel Two: Richard M. Volin & Erin LairdDoing More With Less: Delivering Competitive Benefits on a Tight Budget
Focusing on practical strategies employers can use to deliver meaningful benefits, manage costs, improve communication, and strengthen workforce outcomes in challenging economic environments.
12:15 PM - 1:30 PM Lunch & Networking
01:30 PM - 02:30 PM Panel Three: Sara Evans, Kelly Lynn Burchell, Ruvi Makuni & Stephanie BidleOne Strategy, Not Two: Integrating Benefits Design with HR Practices Across Life Stages and Generations
Examining life-stage workforce planning, women's health and menopause, mental health, pay transparency, career mobility, and retention through a combined HR and benefits lens.
02:45 PM - 03:00 PM Break
03:00 PM - 04:00 PM Panel Four: Wendy Jeffries, Natasha Nazareth and Melissa GutierrezDoing Good Business: Building a Corporate Responsibility Program That Fits Your Budget
Exploring how organizations of all sizes can create meaningful community impact, strengthen employee engagement, support workforce development, and build stronger employer brands through practical and affordable corporate responsibility initiatives.
04:00 PM - 05:30 PM Networking Reception

Why Participate

This event is more than just visibility; it is a strategic opportunity to:

  • Connect with organizational decision-makers
  • Amplify your brand across event signage, digital materials, and marketing channels
  • Generate high-quality leads through direct engagement and post-event follow-up opportunities
  • Position your organization as a thought leader, including speaking opportunities for select partners

We would welcome the opportunity to discuss sponsorship opportunities, exhibitor participation, and potential panel involvement.

Sponsorship & Exhibitor Opportunities

Available opportunities include:

  • Presenting Partner ($2,500)
  • Gold Sponsor ($2,000)
  • Silver Sponsor ($1,500)
  • Exclusive Event Sponsorships (Breakfast, Lunch, Reception)
  • Exhibitor Opportunities ($1,250–$1,500)
  • Brand Visibility Opportunities ($200–$1,000)

Sponsors receive varying levels of visibility, networking access, exhibit opportunities, and recognition throughout the event and associated marketing efforts.

Sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities are limited and expected to fill quickly, particularly for presenting, exclusive, and premier visibility opportunities.

Premier
Sponsorship Level

Top Tier
Limited to 6

Presenting Partner

$2,500

The only sponsorship tier eligible for speaking participation. Serve as a Moderator or Panelist for one breakout session and position your brand at the center of the conversation. This is the highest-visibility partnership available at the summit.
  • Opportunity to moderate or join one breakout session panel
  • Three complimentary registrations
  • Premium logo placement on website, agenda, and signage
  • Half-page ad in the digital program
  • Logo recognition on general session slides
  • Recognition from the podium
  • 4 social media shoutouts
  • Premium exhibit table placement
  • Post-event attendee contact list included

Exclusive
Speaking Access

Speaking participation is exclusively reserved for Presenting Partners. Secure one of only 6 available slots before they're gone.

Only 6 Presenting Partner slots available. First-come, first-served.

Secure Presenting Partnership

Core Sponsorship Levels

Our Gold and Silver sponsorships offer exceptional brand visibility and attendee engagement opportunities at accessible price points. Both tiers include exhibit table access and strong logo placement across all major event touchpoints.

Gold Sponsor

$2,000

Strong presence and brand recognition throughout the event experience.
  • Two complimentary registrations
  • Quarter-page ad in digital program
  • Logo on website and event signage
  • Standard exhibit table
  • Verbal recognition during conference
  • 3 social media shoutouts
Become a Gold Sponsor

Silver Sponsor

$1,500

A cost-effective entry into sponsorship with solid visibility and on-site presence.
  • Two complimentary registrations
  • Logo on website and signage
  • Quarter-page ad in digital program
  • Exhibit table
  • Recognition during event
  • 2 social media shoutouts
Become a Silver Sponsor

Neither Core Sponsorship level includes a speaking opportunity. Upgrade to Presenting Partner for speaking access.

Event-Specific Sponsorships

Exclusive Visibility Opportunities
No Speaking Privileges
Own a defining moment of the summit. Each event-specific sponsorship is 100% exclusive — only one organization per event element. These high-impact opportunities deliver maximum brand exposure at the moments attendees are most engaged and receptive.
Exclusive

Lunch Sponsor

$2,500

  • 3 complimentary registrations
  • 2-minute welcome acknowledgment before lunch
  • Logo on lunch signage and slides
  • Premium exhibit table
  • Half-page ad in program
  • 3 social media shoutouts
Claim Lunch Sponsorship
Exclusive

Reception Sponsor

$3,500

  • 3 complimentary registrations
  • Welcome toast acknowledgment
  • Logo on bar signage and cocktail napkins
  • Premium exhibit table
  • Half-page ad in program
  • 3 social media shoutouts
Secure Reception Sponsorship
Exclusive

Breakfast Sponsor

$2,000

  • 2 complimentary registrations
  • Logo on breakfast signage
  • Recognition from podium
  • Quarter-page ad in program
  • Exhibit table
  • 2 social media shoutouts
Reserve Breakfast Sponsorship

Exhibitor Opportunities

Secure your place on the exhibit floor and put your products, services, and team directly in front of HR and benefits decision-makers. Exhibitor spots are limited — don't wait to reserve your table.

Premier Exhibitor

$1,500

Limited to 4
  • Premium table placement on the exhibit floor
  • Two complimentary registrations
  • Logo featured on event website
  • Listing in digital program
  • 1 social media shoutout
Reserve Your Booth

Standard Exhibitor

$1,250

Limited to 6
  • Exhibit table on the floor
  • One complimentary registration
  • Listing in program and website
  • 1 social media shoutout
Secure Reception Sponsorship

Combined, only 10 exhibitor spots are available. Premier slots (4) and Standard slots (6) are expected to fill quickly — secure yours early.

Brand Visibility Sponsorships

No Exhibit Table
No Speaking
Pure Brand Presence
Not ready for a full exhibit commitment? Our Brand Visibility options are perfect for organizations that want to establish presence, build awareness, and get in front of the right audience — at a fraction of the cost. Ideal for vendors exploring the market or building long-term brand recognition.

Visibility Sponsor

$1,000

Logo on website sponsor page, in digital program, on sponsor slide, and recognition in one marketing email to all registered attendees.
Boost Your Brand Visibility

Brand Listing

$500

Entry-level visibility. Logo placement on website sponsor page, included in digital program, and name listed on the sponsor slide. No registrations included.
Get Listed Today

Quarter Page Ad

$200

Entry-level digital presence. Quarter-page advertisement placed in the official digital program distributed to all attendees. No registrations included.
Place Your Ad

Sponsorship Comparison at a Glance

Use this overview to quickly identify the package that best aligns with your goals, budget, and desired level of engagement at the HR & Benefits Summit

General Admission Pricing

Maximum Occupancy: 100 Attendees
Attendance is capped at 100 professionals, ensuring an intimate, high-quality experience. Encourage your clients, partners, and team members to register early — the first ticket tier sells out fast.

$150

Regular Rate

Standard registration once early bird tickets are sold
out.
Get Your Ticket

$185

Onsite Rate

Tickets will be available at the venue on event day until capacity is reached.

$200

Final Tier

Late registration rate as the event approaches
capacity.
Secure Your Spot

$160

Group Rate

Per person for groups of 3 or more. Great for teams attending together.
Book Group Tickets

Sponsorship packages include complimentary registrations — your team attends at no additional cost when you partner with us.

Sponsorship packages include complimentary registrations — your team attends at no additional cost when you partner with us.

Secure Your Sponsorship Today

Spots at the HR & Benefits Summit are strictly limited — especially at the premier and exclusive event tiers. We'd love to partner with your organization and help you make the most of this unique opportunity to engage with the HR and benefits community.

Reserve Early

Speaking slots, event-exclusive sponsorships, and premier exhibitor tables are first-come, first-served. Don't miss your preferred tier.

Get in Touch

Contact our sponsorship team to discuss which package best meets your goals, or to ask about custom visibility options.

Confirm & Commit

A signed agreement and deposit locks in your sponsorship tier and secures all benefits listed in your selected package.

The HR & Benefits Summit is where vendors and HR professionals meet, connect, and do business. Your investment doesn't just buy visibility — it builds relationships.

View Sponsorship Packages

Get in touch with us

Contact Form

Name
© 2026 Copyright. Convergeworkforce.com

Natasha Nazareth

Natasha Nazareth co-founded Nazareth Bonifacino Law Benefit LLC, Maryland’s first Certified B CorporationTM law firm. She has 28 years of experience as a practicing attorney with a focus on corporate & business law, employment law, and education law.

Natasha provides astute general counsel services to a variety of purpose-driven small- to mid-market businesses, independent schools and colleges, and nonprofits with an emphasis on governance, operations, contracting, business transactions, crisis/risk management, growth, and market innovation as well aligning leadership, talent, and operations for optimal performance. She excels in conflict resolution and is a senior mediator for North Carolina state government and universities.

Natasha served as General Counsel to a University of North Carolina system campus as well as the Bullis School in Potomac, MD. She taught as an Adjunct Law Professor at North Carolina Central University School of Law. In 2019 her career transition from in-house roles to private practice was highlighted in the Maryland Bar Journal.

In 2024, Natasha was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Bar Association for her significant lifetime distinction, exceptional achievement, and distinction in an exemplary way. She is viewed by her peers as epitomizing the ideals of the legal profession and of solo and small firm practitioners. Under her leadership, Nazareth Bonifacino Law received the coveted Reisman Award for Excellence in Client Service from Clio, the world’s leading provider of cloud-based legal technology. Natsha has been featured in multiple legal news outlets for her deep impact on the legal profession and personal mission to use law as a force for good in creating a more just, equitable, and regenerative economy. In 2025, she became a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation, a global honorary society reserved for1% of American lawyers whose careers demonstrate outstanding dedication to the highest principles of the legal profession, advancing justice and strengthening the rule of law.

Natasha has been honored as a Fellow of the Maryland Bar Foundation in recognition for her demonstrated dedication to the welfare of her community, the administration of justice, and the objectives of the state bar. With the Maryland State Bar Association, she currently serves on the Board of Governors (Treasurer; Executive, Audit, Investment, and Budget & Finance Committees). She led the Editorial Advisory Board of the Maryland Bar Journal through its transformation into a modern print and digital magazine which reflects the wide diversity of the organization’s 19,000 members. Natasha also serves on the Maryland Access to Justice Commission, Audit Committee of the American Bar Association, the Maryland Office of the Attorney General Law Firm Advisory Council, and the Judicial Nominations Committee of the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Maryland. Her past bar leadership includes the Business Law Section Council of the MSBA, the Long Range Planning Committee of the Maryland Women’s Bar Association, the Boards of the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Maryland and the North Carolina Association of Women Attorneys, and the Attorney Grievance Committee of the North Carolina State Bar. In 2023, Natasha was named a “Woman Making History” by the Montgomery County (MD) Commission for Women.

Natasha gladly shares her expertise and growth mindset through her publications and teaching of client workshops and continuing education credits for lawyers and HR professionals. She is the lead author of the Business Organizations Chapter of the Practice Manual for the Maryland Lawyer (Fifth Edition). In 2020, during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, she published a Strategic Perspectives feature for Wolters Kluwer “Counseling the small business owner on re-opening for business.” Natasha is a sought-after speaker on law firm innovation, including the responsible adoption of AI to expand access to legal services and improve lawyer quality of life.

Outside of the law, Natasha enjoys yoga, cooking, long walks with her family and dogs, and travel.

Natasha’s guiding principles are service, simplicity and satisfaction. Whether you hire her to explore new ventures, resolve a conflict, or optimize your operations, she will quickly build a relationship with you, listen carefully, and understand your needs.
Erin Laird

Erin Laird

Erin Laird is a healthcare executive with more than 20 years of experience leading strategy, operations, and growth across health plans, value-based care, behavioral health, and provider organizations.

She currently serves as Director, ACA Individual at CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, where she leads strategy and performance for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Individual business serving more than 170,000 members across Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia. In this role, she oversees product strategy, market growth, and initiatives to expand access to affordable coverage, including emerging distribution channels such as Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs).

Prior to joining CareFirst, Erin held executive and senior leadership positions at Mind 24-7, LTC ACO, Genesis HealthCare, and Cigna Healthcare, where she led initiatives spanning value-based care, Medicare Advantage, quality improvement, population health, and operational transformation.

Erin earned an Executive MBA from Loyola University Maryland and a bachelor's degree in Economics from Columbia University, where she was a Division I student-athlete.

Richard M. Volin

Principal

Volin Employment Law, PLLC

Rich Volin helps company owners protect their business through strong, compliant contracts and respectful personnel practices that reduce the risk of dispute. He also helps individual employees navigate important career choices, guiding them through new employment agreements, separation agreements, restrictive covenants, and myriad workplace rights. Rich works with clients to amicably resolve disputes whenever possible, including through informal negotiations, mediation, or arbitration. When formal proceedings are necessary, he zealously represents clients in state and federal courts in Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. He is a University of Michigan alumnus and received his J.D. from The George Washington University Law School.

Stephanie Bidle

Stephanie Bidle is an energetic speaker, award-winning coach, and leadership development consultant dedicated to helping individuals and organizations build stronger leaders, drive meaningful growth, and create lasting impact. As the founder of The Simplicity Secret, Stephanie works with leaders at every level to develop the skills, mindset, and presence needed to lead with confidence and purpose.
With a Master's Degree in Human Resources Management and certifications in SHRM-SCP and CCP, Stephanie brings deep expertise in people strategy, leadership development, and organizational growth. Her TEDx Talk, Redefining Success: The Journey to Fulfillment, challenges individuals to move beyond traditional metrics and align their life with their values, strengths, and what truly drives impact.
A recognized leader in the HR community, Stephanie has served as Past President of Frederick County SHRM, a member of the Maryland SHRM State Council, and Past Chair of the MDSHRM Conference Committee. She has been recognized as the Best Personal Development / Life Coach by Sass Magazine and is a sought-after speaker and trainer for organizations looking to develop high-performing, purpose-driven leaders.
Known for her dynamic style and practical approach, Stephanie equips leaders with actionable tools to show up more powerfully, communicate with confidence, and inspire the people around them.

Olufunmilayo (Funmi) Hall

Business Development Specialist | DC Health Benefit Exchange Authority
Licensed Health & Benefits Professional

Olufunmilayo (Funmi) Hall is a seasoned health and benefits professional with more than 30 years of experience helping individuals, families, and businesses navigate the ever-changing world of health insurance and employee benefits. As a Business Development Specialist with the DC Health Benefit Exchange Authority, Funmi is passionate about expanding access to quality, affordable healthcare while building meaningful partnerships throughout the community.
Throughout her career, Funmi has earned a reputation for delivering personalized guidance with integrity, compassion, and professionalism. She believes that health insurance is more than a policy—it's peace of mind. Her approach focuses on educating and empowering clients so they can make informed, confident decisions that protect both their health and financial well-being.
Funmi works with individuals under age 65, Medicare beneficiaries, families, entrepreneurs, and employers to develop benefit strategies tailored to their unique goals, workforce, and budget. Her expertise includes individual and employer-sponsored health insurance, Medicare, life insurance, dental and vision coverage, and ancillary benefits, including GAP and supplemental plans.
Known for her warm, relationship-driven approach, Funmi is committed to making the insurance experience approachable, understandable, and stress-free. Whether she is assisting a first-time enrollee, supporting a growing business with employee benefits, or educating community members through workshops and outreach events, her mission remains the same: to provide trusted guidance, exceptional service, and lasting solutions that help people protect what matters most.
Funmi is honored to serve her community and is dedicated to building connections that create healthier individuals, stronger families, and more resilient businesses.

📅 Event Date Update

Please note that the HR & Benefits Summit has been rescheduled.

New Event Date: September 29, 2026

The event was previously scheduled for July 23, 2026. If you've already registered, your registration remains valid. We look forward to seeing you in Washington, DC!
Kelly Lynn Burchell

Kelly Lynn Burchell

Principal, Burchell Law PLLC

Kelly Lynn Burchell is the founder and Principal of Burchell Law PLLC, a Washington, D.C.-based law firm focused on serving as a trusted legal partner to small and mid-sized businesses. Since beginning his legal practice in 2004, Kelly has built more than two decades of experience helping organizations scale strategically, mitigate risk, and address complex legal challenges before they become obstacles.
As outside general counsel, Kelly advises clients across a range of service industries on the legal issues that shape day-to-day operations and long-term growth. His practice encompasses labor and employment law, business formation and corporate structuring, LLC and corporate governance, joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, tax planning and structuring, intellectual property matters, and contract negotiation.
Before founding Burchell Law PLLC, Kelly served as a partner at several Washington, D.C.-area law firms and acted as General Counsel for police labor committees. He earned his LL.M. in Taxation from Villanova University and is licensed to practice law in Maryland (2004), the District of Columbia (2005), Virginia (2015), and Nebraska (2024).

Wendy Jeffries

Wendy is a facilitator, coach, and strategist specializing in nonprofit board governance, capacity building, and leader support. She has 25 years of experience in education and non-profits. She is currently the CEO and Lead Consultant of Spark Solutions Consulting, helping nonprofits & charter schools thrive with actionable solutions and expert guidance that bridges the gap between planning and doing. Her superpower is turning complexity into clarity.
She has a track record of success in leading teams, designing and implementing high quality programs, implementing best practice, and facilitating organizational growth. Wendy was the founding Executive Director for nine years of TasteWise Kids, a Baltimore City non-profit teaching food literacy skills and empowering kids to build healthy eating habits. She has also led impact measurement & program development for national & international projects. Wendy is an experienced educator, including teaching in Baltimore City Public Schools, writing curriculum, and developing learning content for both youth and adult learners. Wendy is personally and professionally committed to racial equity and inclusive environments. She has experience working with diverse stakeholders in Baltimore City, nationally and internationally.
Wendy is a Licensed Consultant with the Standards for Excellence®, a nationally recognized program providing consulting services to nonprofits committed to the highest level of ethics and accountability in nonprofit governance, management, and operations. She earned a Certificate of Nonprofit Board Consulting from BoardSource and was trained in the SOAR framework for leading transformative conversations. Wendy has also trained as an Interim Executive Director with the Support Center (NYC).

Melissa Gutierrez

Founder Hearts LLC

Melissa’s deeply rooted passion for volunteering spans over three decades with community service experience in Albuquerque, New Mexico and the DMV. Through volunteering, Melissa saw that people from marginalized groups experience greater difficulties when seeking employment. Enter Hearts LLC; we meet people exactly where they are by volunteering in local jails, working with non-profits and resource fairs to provide an individualized workforce development education experience that empowers participants to think big.
It doesn’t stop there, Melissa educates businesses on the benefits of fair chance hiring to bridge these two worlds together. With over 10 years of Human Resources experience, Melissa founded Hearts LLC to align her creativity and passion for giving back with the inspiration sparked by education. Melissa holds two BAs and a Masters Degree in Education from The George Washington University.

Ruvi Makuni

Stress Management Coach and Workplace Wellbeing Strategist

Ruvi Makuni is a Stress Management Coach and Workplace Wellbeing Strategist dedicated to helping organizations cultivate healthier, more resilient workplaces. With a holistic approach to employee wellbeing, she empowers professionals to recognize the early signs of stress, prevent burnout, and develop sustainable strategies that allow individuals and teams to thrive. Ruvi believes thriving workplaces are built not only on productivity, but on the wellbeing, resilience, and humanity of the people behind the work.
A unique aspect of Ruvi’s work is her use of the Stress Management Assessment, which helps individuals uncover how stress is showing up physically, mentally, emotionally, and behaviorally. This awareness creates a foundation for meaningful change, allowing employees and leaders to address stress proactively before it impacts health, engagement, retention, and overall performance.
Drawing from her expertise in stress management, corporate wellness and behavior change, Ruvi partners with individuals and organizations to create practical, approachable strategies that support resilience, balance, and a more human-centered workplace culture. Her mission is to transform the way we approach workplace wellbeing—moving beyond simply managing stress to creating environments where people can truly flourish.

Sara Evans

Founder & CEO, Sara G. Evans Career Consulting

Sara Evans is an organizational psychologist, certified leadership coach, and founder of Sara G. Evans Consulting. With more than 25 years of experience across corporate, government, and nonprofit sectors, she helps leaders and organizations navigate growth, transition, and change with confidence and clarity.
Sara works with leaders exploring career transitions, executives seeking to elevate their leadership capabilities, and organizations focused on strengthening talent, communication, and organizational effectiveness. Through executive coaching, leadership development, facilitation, and consulting, she helps clients identify opportunities, build capability, and achieve meaningful results.
Known for combining strategic insight with practical guidance, Sara helps individuals and organizations move beyond immediate challenges to create lasting impact, stronger leadership, and healthier workplace cultures.

Edgar Ndjatou

Owner, Officium | HR Consultant

Originally from Cameroon and raised in New York City, Edgar Ndjatou (ja-too) is a DC-based workers' rights advocate who is passionate about creating efficient workplaces that value fair treatment, trust and open communication. In his work, Edgar specializes in assisting organizations in making competent HR decisions, strategizing innovative policies and procedures,establishing business operations that benefit both employers and workers, and navigating difficult situations through alternative dispute resolution.
Before founding Officium, Edgar practiced employment law for nine years and co-managed his own firm. As a lawyer, Edgar represented employees and employers in various sectors, and provided counsel to minimize litigation risk by ensuring compliance with federal, state and local employment laws. He leverages this knowledge and skillset to educate the public on workers' rights and leads advocacy efforts in support of employees and their wellbeing.
This diverse range of experience provides Edgar with a holistic perspective and approach that allows him to successfully serve clients in a variety of industries in the public, private and government sector, including charter schools, professional tutors, construction firms, restaurants, IT companies and other business
owners.
In his free time, Edgar enjoys listening to podcasts, watching sports, and keeping up with current events in politics and beyond.

Chris Farmer

Founder, Integral Benefits Group | Employee Benefits Specialist

Chris Farmer is the founder of Integral Benefits Group, a health and life insurance agency dedicated to delivering high-impact employee benefits solutions with a service-first approach. With extensive experience in health insurance, Medicare, and group benefits, Chris has built his organization around a simple but often overlooked principle: exceptional service drives better outcomes for both employers and employees.
Chris specializes in helping businesses design and implement benefits strategies that are not only cost-effective but also easy for employees to understand and use. He is known for bridging the gap between complex insurance products and real-world application, ensuring that HR leaders feel supported and employees feel confident in their coverage decisions.
Through hands-on guidance, education, and ongoing support, Chris and his team prioritize long-term relationships over transactional interactions. His work is rooted in the belief that employee benefits should enhance retention, improve satisfaction, and ultimately serve as a meaningful investment in people, not just a line item on a balance sheet.
At the core of everything Chris does is a commitment to service, accountability, and empowering organizations to better care for their workforce