Events

MVHRA - Dayton Dragons Event 2026

JOIN MVHRA FOR AN EVENING OF NETWORKING AT DAY AIR FIELD (FORMERLY FIFTH THIRD FIELD)

MVHRA members (and a guest) are invited to attend a Dragons Baseball game on April 8, 2026.

Due to the popularity of this event - tickets purchases are limited to two tickets - a MVHRA Member plus guest! Note: your guest may be a minor. Online ticket purchases only!

Members only; no cost for the tickets.

When:Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Where: Day Air Ballpark, 220 N Patterson Blvd, Dayton, OH 45402 (formerly Fifth Third Stadium)
Who’s Invited: MVHRA Members and one additional Guest per Member
Game Time: 7:05pm versus the Lake County Captains


We will be in the Dragons Lair which is an open air space that has free food and nonalcoholic beverages.

The event is sponsored by Gallagher Benefit Services and Payroll Partners

Game time is 7:05pm

April 14 2026 Luncheon - In Person Only

"Mastering Workplace Politics," with Andi Zavakos

Schedule:

• 11:15 to 11:30am – in person registration
• 11:30am – 12noon – in person lunch
• 12:00 – Speaker presentation

Session Description: As we progress in our careers, one of our strongest desires is to have more influence over what happens at work. You may be an amazing performer, but having technical expertise and a strong work ethic can only take you so far. To influence decision-making in your organization, it is essential that you understand the increasing role that workplace politics play as you ascend the career ladder. EVERY organization is political, and a failure to recognize that and to operate successfully within political environments can make a difference for each of us. In this high-energy, interactive session, you’ll assess your current political skill, explore various workplace politics scenarios, and create an action plan for your future career.

Speaker Bio: Dr. Andrea "Andy" Zavakos is a seasoned human resources executive, educator, and consultant with a diverse career spanning military service, corporate leadership, and higher education. She began her professional journey in the U.S. Navy as an electronics technician and trainer while earning her B.A. in Psychology from Chaminade University in Honolulu. After her honorable discharge, she completed an M.B.A. in Total Quality Management from Dowling College while working full-time in HR at Swingline Staplers in New York. Andy returned to the Dayton region in 1992 and held leadership roles in both small businesses and large corporations before joining the University of Dayton in 2013 as the Assistant Vice President of Human Resources. She holds a Ph.D. from Antioch University and maintains dual certifications as a Global and Senior Professional in Human Resources (GPHR, SPHR) through HRCI. Since 2015, Andy has also served as a professor at the University of Dayton’s School of Business Administration, teaching courses in strategy, organizational behavior, cross-cultural management, and global business. In addition to her academic and administrative work, she runs a boutique HR consulting practice, supporting select clients with strategic and operational HR solutions.

Credits: This program is being submitted for approval of recertification credits by the HR Certification Institute (HRCI) and for SHRM Professional Development Credit (PDC).

Note:

By registering for this event, I authorize and permit MVHRA to use, reproduce, and/or publish photographs that may include me, with or without identification. I understand and agree that photos with me in them may be used in various media without compensation to me. I waive any damages or claims and release MVHRA from any and all liability arising from its use of photos of me.

May 12 2026 Luncheon - In Person Only

"Framework for a Sustainable Mentorship," with Lesli Beavers

Schedule:

• 11:15 to 11:30am – in person registration
• 11:30am – 12noon – in person lunch
• 12:00 – Speaker presentation

Session Description: This presentation dives into the essential elements of establishing and nurturing effective mentoring programs. Designed for professionals looking to enhance employee development and organizational culture, attendees will gain practical insights and strategies to build sustainable mentorship frameworks. Through real-world examples and interactive discussions, this session equips participants with the tools needed to create impactful relationships that drive individual and organizational success. By the end of the presentation, attendees will be empowered to initiate or enhance mentoring initiatives that foster talent retention, professional growth, and a thriving workplace environment.

Speaker Bio: Lesli Beavers is the Associate Director of Leadership Programs at the University of Dayton Center for Leadership, where she leads a team of Assistant Directors responsible for the Center’s flagship certificate programs: Emerging Leader, Supervisory Leadership, and Women Lead. With a passion for leadership development, Lesli is committed to cultivating strong leaders who positively impact their teams, organizations, and communities. Lesli brings over eight years of experience in workforce development and training, with a proven track record of working across industries and technical skill areas. She holds multiple professional certifications, including Everything DiSC Trainer, Korn Ferry 360 Coach, Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt, and HCI Human Capital Strategist (HCS). A graduate of the National Council for Workforce Education’s Workforce Professionals Academy, Lesli also holds a B.A. in Political Science from West Virginia Wesleyan College.

Credits: This program is being submitted for approval of recertification credits by the HR Certification Institute (HRCI) and for SHRM Professional Development Credit (PDC).

Note:

By registering for this event, I authorize and permit MVHRA to use, reproduce, and/or publish photographs that may include me, with or without identification. I understand and agree that photos with me in them may be used in various media without compensation to me. I waive any damages or claims and release MVHRA from any and all liability arising from its use of photos of me.

June 9 2026 Luncheon - In Person Only

"Government Affairs," with Matthew Bakota

Schedule:

• 11:15 to 11:30am – in person registration
• 11:30am – 12noon – in person lunch
• 12:00 – Speaker presentation

Session Description: TBA

Speaker Bio: TBA

Credits: This program is being submitted for approval of recertification credits by the HR Certification Institute (HRCI) and for SHRM Professional Development Credit (PDC).

Note:

By registering for this event, I authorize and permit MVHRA to use, reproduce, and/or publish photographs that may include me, with or without identification. I understand and agree that photos with me in them may be used in various media without compensation to me. I waive any damages or claims and release MVHRA from any and all liability arising from its use of photos of me.

August 11 2026 Luncheon - In Person Only

"Strengthening Executive Presence for Leadership Success," with Kay Fittes

Schedule:

• 11:15 to 11:30am – in person registration
• 11:30am – 12noon – in person lunch
• 12:00 – Speaker presentation

Session Description: Leaders who master key skills find they move up in their organization more quickly. Plus, their employees have confidence in their leadership; are more apt to remain with the organization; stay motivated and inspired. The good news is that an Executive Presence can be learned. In this interactive program, you will walk away with 3 C’s to develop a commanding presence:

• Credibility Enhancement
• Communication Enhancement
• Composure Enhancement

Speaker Bio: Kay Fittes is the founder and CEO of High-Heeled Success, LLC, a company she established in 1990 to empower women to achieve greater success and confidence in their personal and professional lives. Drawing on her background as a therapist and facilitator in the mental health field, Kay blends deep psychological insight with proven business acumen to deliver impactful training, coaching, and presentations. Her signature framework guides women in developing powerful esteem, communication, and presence. A dynamic speaker and seasoned trainer, Kay has delivered over 2,500 seminars, workshops, and keynotes to nearly 100,000 women throughout her career. She holds a degree from the University of Tennessee and is an Advanced Toastmaster, Certified Trainer, and credentialed in Leadership Training. Kay is an active member of professional organizations including the National Speakers Association, American Society for Training and Development, National Association for Self-Esteem, Association of Female Executives, American Association of University Women, and eWomenNetwork. She is also a former Vice President of the Ohio Council for Self-Esteem and past Area Governor for Toastmasters International. In addition to her speaking and coaching work, Kay serves on several advisory boards, continuing her commitment to the development and advancement of women across all sectors.

Credits: This program is being submitted for approval of recertification credits by the HR Certification Institute (HRCI) and for SHRM Professional Development Credit (PDC).

Note:

By registering for this event, I authorize and permit MVHRA to use, reproduce, and/or publish photographs that may include me, with or without identification. I understand and agree that photos with me in them may be used in various media without compensation to me. I waive any damages or claims and release MVHRA from any and all liability arising from its use of photos of me.

September 8 2026 Luncheon - In Person Only

"Embracing Accountability," with Filomena Nelson

Schedule:

• 11:15 to 11:30am – in person registration
• 11:30am – 12noon – in person lunch
• 12:00 – Speaker presentation

Session Description: Accountability is serious business. Nothing wastes more time and money and creates more frustration than a lack of accountability. It has a direct and observable impact on results and morale. For those reasons, in today’s workplace, the concept of accountability has taken center stage as a vital business concern. When employees take ownership of the success or failure of tasks, projects, or initiatives, then a more productive environment of trust, alignment, communication, and accountability can be created. Work with hands-on tools and relevant, contemporary examples, which will dramatically help you and your team embrace and demonstrate more accountability for expected deliverables.

Speaker Bio: Filomena Nelson is a highly respected business coach, facilitator, and organizational development consultant with over 25 years of experience driving transformative growth for individuals, teams, and organizations. With deep expertise in communication skills and leadership development, Filomena is known for her ability to cultivate strong, adaptive leaders who thrive in today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving work environments.
A skilled strategist and trusted advisor, Filomena has partnered with organizations across industries to build high-performing teams, enhance collaboration, and develop leadership pipelines that support long-term success. Her facilitation style is both engaging and results-oriented, grounded in adult learning principles and informed by her academic foundation—a Master of Education (M.Ed.) and postgraduate studies in Instructional System Design.
Whether coaching executives one-on-one or guiding teams through large-scale change initiatives, Filomena brings insight, empathy, and a clear-eyed focus on measurable outcomes. Her passion lies in helping professionals unlock their full potential and equipping organizations with the tools and mindset needed to lead with confidence and resilience.

Credits: This program is being submitted for approval of recertification credits by the HR Certification Institute (HRCI) and for SHRM Professional Development Credit (PDC).

Note:

By registering for this event, I authorize and permit MVHRA to use, reproduce, and/or publish photographs that may include me, with or without identification. I understand and agree that photos with me in them may be used in various media without compensation to me. I waive any damages or claims and release MVHRA from any and all liability arising from its use of photos of me.

October 13 2026 Luncheon - In Person Only

"From Conflict to Conversation," with Diane Egbers

Schedule:

• 11:15 to 11:30am – in person registration
• 11:30am – 12noon – in person lunch
• 12:00 – Speaker presentation

Session Description: Conflict is inevitable, but effective leaders transform it into opportunities for collaboration and trust. This keynote helps leaders shift from confrontation to connection by providing mindsets and strategies to navigate difficult conversations with confidence and control. Through practical frameworks and real-world examples, attendees will learn to manage emotions, ask purposeful questions, and communicate intentionally—turning workplace tension into trust-building and problem-solving opportunities.

Speaker Bio: Diane Egbers is the founder and CEO of Leadership Excelleration, a consulting firm with over 25 years of experience in helping organizations, teams, and executives improve performance and develop talent. Her firm is known for its customized approach, which includes talent assessment, strategic planning, and implementation, all delivered by a team of experienced servant leaders. In addition to her professional work, Diane is also a recognized community leader. She founded and served as board chair for Grant Us Hope, a nonprofit that has served over half a million students in Ohio by focusing on teen suicide prevention. Her contributions to both business and the community have earned her multiple accolades, including being named a "Most Powerful Leader" by Cincinnati Magazine from 2021 to 2024 and receiving the prestigious Kent Clapp CEO Leadership and Pillar Awards in 2022. She holds a Master's in Executive Human Resources Development from Xavier University and a Bachelor's in Business and Economics from the University of Cincinnati. She is also the author of "The Ascending Leader."

Credits: This program is being submitted for approval of recertification credits by the HR Certification Institute (HRCI) and for SHRM Professional Development Credit (PDC).

Note:

By registering for this event, I authorize and permit MVHRA to use, reproduce, and/or publish photographs that may include me, with or without identification. I understand and agree that photos with me in them may be used in various media without compensation to me. I waive any damages or claims and release MVHRA from any and all liability arising from its use of photos of me.

November 10 2026 Luncheon - In Person Only

Legal Update with Matthew Bakota

Schedule:

• 11:15 to 11:30am – in person registration
• 11:30am – 12noon – in person lunch
• 12:00 – Speaker presentation

Session Description: TBA

Speaker Bio: TBA

Credits: This program is being submitted for approval of recertification credits by the HR Certification Institute (HRCI) and for SHRM Professional Development Credit (PDC).

Note:

By registering for this event, I authorize and permit MVHRA to use, reproduce, and/or publish photographs that may include me, with or without identification. I understand and agree that photos with me in them may be used in various media without compensation to me. I waive any damages or claims and release MVHRA from any and all liability arising from its use of photos of me.

December 8 2026 Luncheon - In Person Only

"Your Best Year Yet," with Lori Tingle

Schedule:

• 11:15 to 11:30am – in person registration
• 11:30am – 12noon – in person lunch
• 12:00 – Speaker presentation

Session Description: In this transformative session, participants will discover how to prioritize what truly matters in life, enabling them to achieve meaningful success both professionally and personally. By mastering a proven 3-step process, attendees will gain clarity, focus, and a greater sense of peace and balance. Throughout the workshop, they will identify and define their key life Roles, set powerful Annual Goals aligned with their values, and develop actionable Weekly Maps to keep progress on track. Additionally, participants will learn to calculate their unique Productivity Quotient—an insightful metric that measures effectiveness and helps optimize their time and energy. This session equips individuals with practical tools and strategies to create a focused, purpose-driven life where achievement and fulfillment coexist.

Speaker Bio: Lori Tingle is a certified professional coach, dynamic trainer, and founder of the Dimensions of Delight coaching program. Since 2011, she has delivered customized training and coaching to corporations, schools, small businesses, and individuals—helping high achievers find greater balance and fulfillment in work and life. Lori facilitates impactful workshops on productivity and performance, with popular topics including Time Management, Delegation, Burnout, Work-Life Balance, Digital Wellness, and DiSC. She is also certified to lead courses based on The Energy Bus, The Power of Positive Leadership, The Power of a Positive Team, and Do What Matters Most. Through her coaching, Lori empowers professionals who are thriving at work but seeking more joy and connection outside of it. Her signature approach emphasizes mindset, self-care, and positivity to improve overall quality of life and relationships. Lori holds a B.A. in Education from Georgetown College with an emphasis in Chemistry and French. She is a graduate of Coach U, a Certified Professional Coach through the Center for Coaching Certification, and a Certified Women’s Business Enterprise through WBENC.

Credits: This program is being submitted for approval of recertification credits by the HR Certification Institute (HRCI) and for SHRM Professional Development Credit (PDC).

Note:

By registering for this event, I authorize and permit MVHRA to use, reproduce, and/or publish photographs that may include me, with or without identification. I understand and agree that photos with me in them may be used in various media without compensation to me. I waive any damages or claims and release MVHRA from any and all liability arising from its use of photos of me.