Women in Leadership Business Panel – June Monthly Breakfast

Join us for our June Monthly Breakfast as we spotlight the strength, insight, and leadership of local women in business. This inspiring panel will feature accomplished business leaders sharing their real-world experiences, lessons learned, and perspectives on leadership, growth, and success.

Before the program begins, explore our Women-Owned Business Showcase, where you’ll have the opportunity to connect with and support outstanding women entrepreneurs in our community.

Start your morning with meaningful connections, valuable insights, and a celebration of women making an impact in business. You won’t want to miss it!
 

Panelists:
Ali Collins leads community engagement and marketing at Meyers Funeral Chapel. She serves as Vice President of Downtown Blue Springs, Chair of Young Professionals for the Blue Springs Chamber, Community Service Chair for Blue Springs Rotary, and Co-Director of the Jake Cavanaugh Foundation. Ali believes leadership is about showing up consistently, building relationships, and serving others with intention. 

 
Tara Lavelle is an experienced business manager with a demonstrated history of working in the insurance industry. She is skilled in customer service, personnel management, sales, and strategic planning. She has a Bachelor's degree focused in Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, from WGU Missouri.  She is a Chamber Champion, has served on the Chamber’s Board of Directors and many committees. 


Theresa Garza, a U.S. Navy veteran, is the Founder and CEO of Infinite Strategic Partners where she leverages her public-sector experience, policy expertise, and community-centered approach to help clients navigate complex civic systems and design strategies that create measurable, lasting impact. A former Jackson County Legislator and current Raytown Alderman, she brings decades of experience navigating policy, public affairs, and regional collaboration. She previously served as a regional manager for governmental affairs at Spire and currently serves on the boards of LINC, the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation Regional Advisory Board, and the Greater Kansas City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.


Twila Gregg has been a successful banker and has served as President/CEO for Bank of Jacomo, Bank 21 and currently is the owner, President/CEO of America’s Community Bank.  She has a bachelor’s degree from Rockhurst University.  She believes an important quality of a leader is to be fair.


Valarie Paris is the CFO/COO of Durvet, Inc.  In her 24 years at Durvet, Valarie has advanced from leading a team of one to building and leading a team of over 50.  She is passionate about leading others by bringing out belief in their potential.  Valarie’s debut book, “Be Her Biggest Fan,” extends her impact by encouraging confidence, leadership, and personal growth as marked by her daughter’s journey to playing college softball.


Panel Moderator:  Mary Jo Goettling with Kreismann Bayer, an independent insurance agency serving Missouri and Kansas since 1894.  For the last 6 years, Mary Jo is an active member with the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce.  She serves as part of the Legislative Affairs Task Force and IDEA Exchange Task Force and volunteers with Fall Fun Festival.