The Greater Irvine Chamber’s 2025 ASPIRE: A Half-Day Power Conference inspired, challenged, and equipped professionals from across Orange County with actionable tools for leadership growth and organizational impact.
Held on Nov. 20 at The Westin South Coast Plaza, the conference featured interactive breakout sessions, expert-led discussions, a photo booth that captured memories of the event, and recognition of 17 outstanding Aspiring Leaders under 40 who are making significant contributions to their organizations, industries, and communities.
2025 Aspiring Leaders Honorees
- Amber E. Hemphill, MSN, MBA, RN, CNOR, Director, Perioperative Services, City of Hope Orange County
- Andrew Fahmy, Executive Director for United for Financial Security, of Orange County United Way
- Ari J. Leon, MBA, PMP, Project Manager, Parker Aerospace
- Bianca Carranco, Director of Development and Communications at Project Youth OC.
- Brittany Sweet, Territory Manager for Orange County and Las Vegas, BTL Industries, INC.
- Hillary Ahluwalia, Assistant to the City Manager, City of Irvine
- Jennifer Huang, Marketing & Communications Manager, Sunstone
- Johnny De Frange, Director of Social Enterprise, Working Wardrobes
- Lauren Becker, M.S., Director, Braille Institute
- Lindsay Zdilor-Stanley, Brand Experience Supervisor, Kawasaki Motors Corporation
- Lindsey Poker, Corporate Counsel, Banc of California
- Madelyn Garcia, Development and Executive Assistant, Pretend City Children’s Museum
- Mary Garcia, Director for the Center for Emeriti & Retirees, UC Irvine
- Nicole Morrison, Director of Marketing & Communications, Goodwill of Orange County
- Rebekah Robeck, Co-Founder, Let's Be Kind
- Sabrina Li, Esq., Founder and Managing Attorney, Law Offices of Sabrina Li
- Sean McReynolds, Director of Legislative and Government Affairs, Transportation Corridor Agencies
Interactive Learning and Professional Development
This year’s ASPIRE experience guided participants through three themed tracks — CONNECT, DEVELOP, andADVANCE — designed to meet leaders where they are in their careers:
- Early-career aspiring managers
- Mid-career managers
- Senior-level leaders
Each attendee participated using a custom Action Plan Workbook, engaging in reflection and peer accountability activities to translate insights into real-world progress.
Breakout Session Facilitators
- Greg LeFever, Professor, MBA Program, Concordia University Irvine, led CONNECT, focusing on building authentic professional relationships, crafting a personal “power statement,” and cultivating meaningful first-, second-, and third-level connections.
- Dave Coffaro, President & CEO of the Greater Irvine Chamber and author of Leading from Where You Are, led DEVELOP, helping participants explore how to make the most of their time, distinguish effectiveness from efficiency in their work, and make a greater impact in their organizations.
- Chris Rosenberg, Founder of The Meridian Advisory Group, led ADVANCE, guiding attendees through reflection, goal-setting, and accountability partnerships to sustain leadership growth into 2026.
Keynote and Closing Sessions
Rosenberg also delivered the keynote address, The Leadership Growth Ladder, challenging attendees to rethink how they lead, collaborate, and unlock their full potential in today’s evolving workplace.
Closing the conference, Colin Diaz, Founder of Focus on Win 360, presented Build & Maintain Momentum for Operational Excellence, empowering attendees to transform inspiration into execution through 30-60-90-day action plans and peer accountability.
The event was emceed by Rebecca Hall, Founder, President & CEO of Idea Hall.
Presenting Sponsor City of Hope Orange County, a Diamond-Level Leaders Circle partner of the Greater Irvine Chamber, was represented by Michelle Meyer MSN, MBA, RN, CCRN, Associate Chief Nursing Officer.
View the 2025 ASPIRE Digital Program.
View the 2025 ASPIRE Event Pictures.
For information on becoming a sponsor for ASPIRE, contact events@irvinechamber.com.
