Building Ideas

As Founder and President of Leadership Exceleration (LE) and author of The Ascending Leader, Diane Egbers engages with clients and guides our consulting team to provide all aspects of Leadership Development, Executive and Team Coaching, and High Performing Teams. Diane founded and serves as Board Chair of a nonprofit called Grant Us Hope. In three short years, the organization has created positive change in the culture of 60+ Ohio schools, impacted countless young lives to promote mental wellness, and garnered national attention. www.lei-consulting.com www.grantushope.org

Holly is the Vice President for Athletics at Transylvania University - the first college in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. This Louisville native is responsible for 27 NCAA sports and activities that include 420 student athletes. Prior to her tenure at Transylvania, Holly was at the NCAA where she served as Assistant Director of Championships, where she was responsible for managing nine Division 1 and Division 3 championships. She also previously served at the University of Louisville as Assistant Athletic Director for Championships & Student Development and as an instructor and volleyball coach at Lindsey Wilson College. www.transysports.com

Julian and Chris are the Founding Principals of Studio NYL, a Colorado based Structural Engineering and Facade Design firm that has earned the trust and respect of architects around the world for delivering truly innovative design-led solutions that exceed the conventional. Founded in 2004, Studio NYL's vision is rooted in the founders' belief that all architectural design can be elevated through the inventive use of structures and façade systems that enhance rather than limit design. It is this passion for raising design standards through the "artful use of structure" on every project—whether humble or grandiose in scope—that drives their distinctively poetic approach. www.studionyl.com

Steve Estepp is the Superintendent of Mariemont City Schools, an elite & high performing public school district just east of Cincinnati, Ohio. This central Ohio native had dreamed of a career in broadcast journalism, but ultimately pivoted to enter education as a result of the profound impact of mentors and teachers on his life. In addition to his role leading the District, this graduate of Grove City High School and The Ohio State University is active in his community including the local Kiwanis Club, and as a volunteer EMT for the Terrace Park Fire Department.

Evans Nwankwo is CEO and Founder of Megen Construction - a national construction firm based in Cincinnati. He was born and raised in Nigeria as one of 13 children, fled with his family to a rural village during a civil war, emigrated to America and graduated from Texas A&M. He is passionate about the impact of education to change lives, the importance of design and construction on the built environment, and giving back to his community both here in the United States and in his home village in Nigeria. www.megenconstruction.com www.nuwayfoundation.org

Matt Earman is Director of Parks & Recreation for the City of Dublin, Ohio - a fast growing "community of choice" in Central Ohio and the Columbus metropolitan region. This native of Northern Virginia graduated from Virginia Tech, served many roles in a large Parks Conservation District outside of Washington, D.C. and been instrumental working with Dublin City Councils and Administrations to develop innovative parks and recreation amenities in one of the premier communities in the Midwest. www.dublinohiousa.org

Dawn Stewart is the Director of Athletics for Otterbein University. She is a former student-athlete with a 20+ year career in collegiate athletics having served at the University of Dayton, Captial University, and now at her alma mater - Otterbein. In 2016 she was named as one of four Division 3 "Under Armour Athletic Directors of the Year." She has been active with the National Association of the Collegiate Directors of Athletics, and been instrumental in expanding the size and influence of Athletics at Otterbein. www.otterbeincardinals.com

John Jaskiewicz is an Architect and President-Elect of the Cincinnati Chapter of the American Institute of Architects - founded in 1870 and one of the oldest in the United States. www.aiacincinnati.org

Julie Cromwell is CEO and President of Julie Cromwell Associates - a structural engineering design practice based in Cincinnati. She left a career-track leadership position in a well established company to start the first woman-owned Structural Engineering firm in the history of the region. She is active as an adjunct professor at the University of Cincinnati College of Engineering, a mentor to young professionals promoting diversity in STEM career pathways, and a passionate coach of youth soccer. www.juliecromwell.com

Terry Rupert is a former student athlete, educator, coach, Vice President & Director of Athletics at Wilmington College, and been involved nationally with the NCAA. He previously served at Salisbury University, Utah State, Eastern Michigan University, and West Virginia Tech. www.wilmingtonquakers.com