2025 Annual Conference
Focusing on the idea that small actions can lead to significant positive outcomes, centering on community-led initiatives, grassroots movements, and the role of local efforts in creating a healthier society.
Registration is OPEN exclusively for KPHA Members and Student Members until November 1, 2024, for $375. Registration for non-members and non-member students will open on November 2, 2024; The non-members conference rate is $450 and the student rate is $175.
Keynote Speakers
Charles Booker
Charles is a lifelong Kentuckian, born and raised in the West End of Louisville where he and his wife Tanesha have raised their 3 daughters. After earning his B.S. and JD from the University of Louisville, Charles went on to dedicate his life to public service. He has fought for equity and justice in every level of government, including being elected to the Kentucky House of Representatives in 2018 as the youngest Black Kentucky state legislator in nearly 90 years. As a legislator, Charles fought for issues such as commonsense gun safety, lower prescription drug prices, voting rights, racial equity, criminal justice reform, environmental justice, workers' rights, fairness and human rights for all. Charles rose to national prominence in 2020, following an improbable, people-powered run in the Kentucky U.S. Senate Democratic Primary. In 2022, Charles led his historic grassroots movement in another run for the U.S. Senate, becoming the first Black Kentuckian to receive a major party nomination for the office. Charles is the author of the memoir From the Hood to the Holler, and is featured in the award-winning documentary also entitled From the Hood to the Holler. Building on his vision of empowering voices in all communities, Charles founded Hood to the Holler, a people-centered organization focused on building coalitions across urban and rural divides to strengthen democracy and end generational poverty. Charles continues his service by leading organizing and coalition efforts as Kentucky State Director of Faith Based & Community Initiatives in the office of the Governor.
Jess Pettitt
For nearly 20 years, Jess has educated, supported, and challenged diverse audiences to guide them to success. As a professional speaker, Jess’s expertise earned her the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation from the National Speakers Association, a designation held by fewer than 800 people worldwide. As a facilitator, she provides the frameworks for open, welcoming, and productive conversations.
Jess offers motivational keynotes, in-depth workshops, or deeper-dive group interactions. She can also frame an entire conference as emcee, working closely with your meeting professional. Cussing filters are optional, but today’s current events and hot topics are not! Combining humor with adult learning with highly engaging content, participants walk away focused and confident in their role to make change now.
Her social justice and diversity curricula, as well as her publications, books, and resources, are used nationwide by organizations like the Department of National Intelligence, PayPal, American Counseling Association, Southwest Airlines, PowerTools for NonProfits, Saber Healthcare Group, and many more.
Jess’s background uniquely qualifies her to educate employers on how to build welcoming, productive, and innovative teams. The ability to communicate, listen, learn, take responsibility, and acquire and retain talent and resources will lead to (and maintain) a more inclusive—and dare we say fun!—workplace environment. This has a direct impact on your bottom line now.