Who’s That Girl

Lori Holt is an executive-level general manager and operational excellence leader. She is a natural problem solver with more than twenty years of experience in finance, accounting, information technology, and business/customer integrations. She has led multi-disciplinary teams to build solutions that integrate diverse perspectives. Lori has been routinely tapped to stabilize and manage large-scale transformations, guide complex restructurings, and lead teams through change. Lori transitioned from The Executive Leadership Council (ELC) in Q4 of 2023, where she served as Chief Operating Officer. In this role, she was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the [...]

  Emma Hutchens serves as Chief People Officer at Impossible Foods, and is uniquely skilled in driving business results through team member engagement. Emma joined Impossible Foods in February 2024, bringing over fifteen years of human resources experience. She is a recognized leader in organizational design, change management, developing innovative people strategies, and designing frameworks and programs that engage people and drive business growth. Prior to Impossible Foods she held Chief Human Resources Officer positions at Heaven Hill in Louisville, KY and Stoli Group in New York, NY. She started her career at Brown-Forman, [...]

Kathy Knotts serves as the Grants Officer for the Gheens Foundation, one of Kentucky’s largest independent private foundations.  Kathy helps to oversee approximately $8 million in grants annually in the greater Louisville area, supporting public urban education, human and social services, quality of place, and the arts.  The Foundation has distributed over $165,000,000 in charitable grants since its inception.  This role provides a unique opportunity to get to know hundreds of people who are working daily, and with heart, to improve lives in Louisville. Kathy came to The Gheens Foundation in 2014 after serving [...]

Carly Johnson After earning her bachelor’s degree in music from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia in 2007, Carly Johnson returned to her hometown of Louisville, where her career as a jazz musician quickly took root. Teaming up with the renowned guitarist Craig Wagner, the pair formed a jazz vocalguitar duo that would go on to release their debut album, It’s Pretty Standard, a record that brought them immediate recognition. By 2014, they had clinched the Louisville Music Award for Jazz Artist of the Year, solidifying Carly’s position in the local music scene. [...]

Charla Young FOUNDER OF POWER TO EXHALE  Charla Young is a Mississippi native and a visionary leader who has made a significant impact through her passion for communication, advocacy, and empowerment. She began her career with a foundation rooted in education, graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi with a degree in Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Spanish and English. Starting out as a DJ at a local radio station, Charla quickly rose to prominence in the media world. A pivotal moment in her career came when her coverage of a major plane [...]

Shahrzad Javid KENTUCKY KERBY MUSEUM, EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT #image_title Shahrzad Javid is a dynamic connector and a powerhouse in the realms of hospitality, tourism, and events. As the Executive Assistant at the iconic Kentucky Derby Museum, she brings organizational finesse and a fervent passion for creating memorable experiences. At the heart of Louisville's most celebrated event, Shahrzad's role is more than just a job—it's her calling to share the city's charm and excitement with the world. A true social enthusiast, Shahrzad thrives on the vibrant Louisville scene, actively engaging in various local organizations [...]