Conference Speakers

Meet the Voices Leading the Future of Connection, Systems, and Drastic Growth

Toni Harris Taylor

Founder and Host of VNC 2026

Toni Harris Taylor is an award‑winning entrepreneur, marketing and sales coach, keynote speaker, and networking expert known as The Networking Queen™ and The Coach That Connects™. With more than 20 years of experience helping business owners grow through intentional relationships and strategic networking, Toni empowers entrepreneurs to Show Up, Be Up, Follow Up and Blow Up their businesses.

As the Founder and Host of the Viral Networking Conference (VNC) 2026, Toni brings her bold, high‑impact approach to an event designed to help sponsors and attendees alike expand their reach, build meaningful connections, and accelerate growth. She is also the Founder of Drastic Franchise Matchmakers, Executive Director of Multicultural Franchise Connectors, and the owner of a Network in Action franchise—each platform focused on creating opportunities for business owners to connect, collaborate, and succeed.

Toni’s passion for connection and community extends beyond coaching and franchising; she is an international bestselling author, speaker, and former talk show host who has inspired thousands with her message of taking drastic action for drastic results. As host of VNC 2026, Toni curates an experience that not only showcases sponsors but creates space for transformative networking that leads to real business outcomes.

Jennifer Hughes Hernandez

Senior Loan Officer & Founder, Loan With Jen

Jennifer Hughes Hernandez is a nationally recognized Senior Loan Officer and top-producing mortgage professional with over 28 years of experience in residential lending. Based in Houston, Jen has built her business entirely on trust and referrals, helping more than 4,600 families achieve their homeownership goals through personalized guidance, clear communication, and unwavering integrity.

As the founder of Loan With Jen and host of the educational YouTube channel @LoanWithJen, Jen empowers homebuyers, realtors, and industry partners with straightforward, no-nonsense mortgage insights that make complex decisions simple. In 2024, she took the TEDx stage to share the guiding principles behind her success: do the right thing, show genuine care, and build trust in every relationship.

Jen’s dedication to transparency and education has made her a trusted leader in her field—and a valued partner and sponsor for the VNC 2026 conference.

Monique Carlisle

Founder of Midasweb

Monique Carlisle is an educator, business strategist, and founder of Midasweb, a company dedicated to helping small business owners grow through practical coaching and smart use of AI. With more than 20 years of experience across education and business development, Monique is known for helping entrepreneurs turn big ideas into clear, workable strategies that support sustainable growth.

Through Midasweb, Monique partners with business owners to strengthen operations, improve decision-making, and confidently integrate AI tools that save time and increase impact. At her core, she is a teacher—skilled at breaking down complex topics, asking the right questions, and helping clients build on what they already do well.

Monique’s work centers on clarity, resilience, and real progress, making her a trusted guide for entrepreneurs ready to grow with intention in an evolving business landscape.

Sam Knight

Owner, Cafe 33 & Founder, Café 33 Hospitality Solutions

Sam Knight is the driving force behind Cafe 33, a business dedicated to empowering restaurateurs and hoteliers from concept through grand opening and beyond by providing high-quality hospitality and kitchen equipment and consulting support. Under Sam’s leadership, Cafe 33 helps food and beverage entrepreneurs streamline operations, scale their concepts, and build outstanding guest experiences.

With a passion for hospitality and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by café and restaurant owners, Sam brings practical insight and strategic guidance to every partnership—making him a champion for small-business success and a proud sponsor of VNC 2026.

Star Bobatoon. Esq.

Keynote Speaker | Presentation Coach | AI Consultant
Founder, Own Your Stage Training & Coaching

Star Bobatoon, Esq. is a dynamic communication expert, keynote speaker, and AI consultant who helps business owners and leaders turn their message into influence, income, and impact. With over 30 years of experience, she blends her background as an employment attorney and performer with world-class training, including working alongside motivational icon Les Brown and leading his speaker training program.

Star is known for helping clients use AI to gain clarity, strengthen their messaging, and show up with confidence—on stage, on camera, and in high-stakes conversations.

Andrea Hancock

Lifestyle & Systems Strategist | Founder, The Systems Sanctuary™

Andrea Hancock is a respected Lifestyle & Systems Strategist dedicated to helping entrepreneurs build sustainable, thriving businesses without sacrificing well‑being. Drawing from her own journey of overcoming burnout, Andrea founded The Systems Sanctuary™ — a holistic framework that streamlines, simplifies, and automates both business operations and daily life so leaders can grow with peace and purpose.

Andrea’s approach centers on the belief that a business you enjoy is a business you can sustain — and she works closely with founders to create structure, clarity, and systems that support long‑term success, not exhaustion. As a sponsor of VNC 2026, Andrea brings a powerful voice for balanced leadership and intentional growth to the community.