MEET YOUR SPEAKERS
Gary Romano
President & CEO, Civitas Strategies
Gary Romano, CEO of Civitas Strategies, a prominent management consulting firm, boasts a diverse background in public policy, science and engineering, nonprofit fundraising, and program development. With a track record of achievements, he has achieved notable milestones and made significant contributions in the lives of millions of families and children that uplift marginalized populations and promote business stability. In 2009, he founded Civitas Strategies, growing it from a one-person firm to a team of 20. Gary's visionary leadership addresses challenges faced by small businesses and his work has helped to stabilize businesses nationwide. He is a recognized speaker, award recipient, and author. His publications include Small But Mighty: Changing the World Through Consulting, Lean Recruitment, and his newest book, Finding Your North Star, which details his approach to strategic planning honed in over 35 years of practice. Committed to social causes, Gary serves on nonprofit boards and mentors small businesses, embodying integrity and ethics in his pursuit of positive global impact.
Jerletha McDonald
National Family Child Care Consultant, Founder-CEO ADFW Family Child Care Network
Jerletha McDonald is a social entrepreneur, a family childcare business consultant, and a national speaker. Jerletha has a bachelor’s degree in Child Development and Family Studies with a minor in Early Childhood Intervention from Stephen F. Austin State University. She owned and operated a family childcare center, Nurturing Gifts Infant and Toddler Center, for 15 years. Jerletha is the founder of the Arlington DFW Family Child Care Network. Jerletha has 20 years of experience in Early Care Childhood Education. Jerletha is the former Senior Manager of Membership and Volunteer Affairs for the National Association for Family Child Care.
Jerletha has a special interest in the economic development of women of color in the field of early care in education with a primary focus on Family Child Care. Jerletha works with family childcare entrepreneurs to become regulated operations forming a sustainable business models and financial plan. Jerletha has conducted trainings on business mindset, marketing, family childcare startups and much more. Jerletha has given presentations and keynotes addresses at local, state, and national events. Jerletha is a subject matter expert for the National Center for Quality Assurance and Family Child Care Communications Consultant for NAFCC.
In April of 2016, Jerletha was recognized by the Grand Prairie NAACP as one of the Most Influential Women in Business. In 2018, Jerletha was appointed to Gov. Greg Abbott's Early Learning Council representing family childcare providers in Texas. In 2020, Jerletha received the North Texas Early Childhood Leadership Award from Child Care Associates. She has received numerous awards and recognition for business, leadership, and childcare excellence.
Elizabeth Everett
Deputy Director/Public Policy Manager, First Five Nebraska
Elizabeth Everett joined First Five Nebraska in 2019 to lead the organization’s policy and lobbying team. Prior to moving to Nebraska, she worked on Capitol Hill for Senator John McCain as part of his office staff and in support of his work on the Senate Armed Services Committee. Elizabeth is Vice President of Civic Nebraska, a member of the Lincoln Community Foundation’s Mission Investment Committee, and a member of the Leadership Nebraska Advisory Council. She holds a B.A. in political science from Vanderbilt University and an M.B.A. with a concentration in global management and a certificate in responsible management from George Washington University.
Ashley Keithley
Enrolled Agent, Better than Yesterday, LLC
Ashley is a licensed EA (Enrolled Agent) and has a bachelor’s degree in Accounting with a CPA focus. Prior to starting her own accounting firm in 2021, she used to work for a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) firm for several years – doing a range of professional tasks (i.e. taxes, government audits, bookkeeping & financial advising, payroll, etc.). Ashley has been specializing in taxes for almost 10 years. Over the course of those years, she has handled many childcare providers’ tax returns. Ashley is especially familiar with the childcare provider industry since her mother has been the owner of her own childcare business for 29 years!
Jennifer Baumann
Social Media Influencer and Child Care Business Owner, The Playschool
Meet Jennifer Baumann, a wife and mother of three adult children, as well as a proud grandmother of three. She is a seasoned veteran in the Early Childhood field with a rich history of 25 years of experience. With a passion for nurturing young minds, Jennifer has dedicated her career to creating enriching and engaging learning experiences for children as well as sharing that knowledge with other educators and parents. Jennifer holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and is currently pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education at Chadron State College, thanks to the Nebraska T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship program. She is dedicated to furthering her education and expertise in the field. Embracing a philosophy centered on play-based and child-led learning, Jennifer advocates for the importance of outdoor play and hands-on experiences in a child’s education. As a recent influencer on TikTok with a strong following of 78,000 followers, she is known for sharing innovative and creative ideas in the child care industry. Her unique approach to play-based programs and child-led activities has inspired a community of educators and parents alike.
D.M. Whitaker
Author, Speaker, Publisher, Water Rocks Publishing
D.M. Whitaker, is an acclaimed children's book author, columnist for the Omaha Star, publisher, and branding and marketing adjunct professor at Metro Community College.
D.M. spent almost 10 years in the community social service field helping children of all ages in foster care, residential care, and the education system attain adequate resources, skills, and education to be successful. In 2019, she stepped out and fulfilled her long-time passion for writing children’s books and educating others. With 7 picture and chapter books, and almost 20 journals and coloring and activity books in just 3 years, she has captivated readers of all ages through her stories and writing workshops.
D.M. owns a publishing and branding agency, Water Rocks Publishing, which empowers new and established authors, speakers, and businesses to publish and brand their stories and businesses for impact, profit, and legacy. She is the proud wife of Minister Brandon Whitaker, and mother to her boys, Brandon “Duce” Whitaker, II, and Elisha Whitaker, whom she delightfully homeschools. She loves serving with her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority, Inc., blogging, traveling, creating content, baking, and outdoor adventures with her family.