Our Speakers
Discover their incredible stories
Each year at That's What She Said Columbia, we feature a diverse lineup of women from our community with stories that are as unique as they are. Stories that will inspire you, empower you, move you, & maybe even make you laugh!
We are excited & honored to announce the incredible cast for TWSS Columbia 2025 in January 2025! Stay tuned!
If you are interested in sharing your story from the stage at a future show, we invite you to submit an interest form letting us know a little bit more about yourself and your story.
Meet our 2024 That's What She Said Columbia Speakers
Adonica Coleman
Adonica Coleman is the owner of A2D Events, established in Columbia Missouri in 2011. The company specializes in corporate, fundraising, virtual, and community events. She is also the owner of the newly established company The COMO 411, a digital media company anchored by a daily talk show focused on the Columbia community. Her community work includes serving as a board member at Granny's House, The BOLD Academy, The Chamber of Commerce, and REDI. She worked as a part time business coach with the Missouri Women's Business Center from 2020-2022. Adonica is the chair elect for the Chamber of Commerce for the upcoming 2024-2025 year. She is a wife of over 21 years and the mother of four daughters. She is passionate about her family, her business, and the community, and loves connecting people through networking.
Augusta Cooper
My name is Augusta Cooper. I originate from the Glasgow, MO region, and have migrated to the big village of Boonville, MO. I have been involved with music officially since the age of 11, so about 15 years. I have been taking professional lessons for about three years and you can now see me perform regularly around mid-Missouri. I was homeschooled from 12 years of age and up, and I am the youngest of four girls!
Erica Dickson
I was born Terre Haute, IN. I came to Columbia, MO in 2002 to attend the University of Missouri. I finished my collegiate education at Columbia College where I obtained a Bachelor of Arts in psychology, with minors in sociology and education. I returned to obtain my Master of Arts in Teaching. I have been in Columbia, MO since (with a short time away back in Indiana). I am heavily involved in the community and doing my best to impact necessary change.
Ranjana Hans
I was born and grew up in the Northern part of India. I received a degree in sociology and education, then did a three year program in electronics engineering. I worked as a Junior Engineer for 10 years in the Punjab Communication Department in India.
I moved to the United States in 2003 with my two children and husband, relocating to Columbia in 2016. Currently, I work as an Advisor for the vocational rehabilitation team at Job Point here in Columbia. I have participated in a variety of community events, educational presentations, and my business Raw Roots Turmeric has been featured in the Columbia Missourian, COMO Magazine, KOMU news, KOPN radio, Buy Missouri news, etc.
Elizabeth Herrera
I am the daughter of Dominican immigrants, hailing from the vibrant town of Lajas, Puerto Rico. With an undergraduate degree in anthropology, my academic focus lies in women and gender studies, while my graduate degree is in non-profit administration. As a passionate advocate for causes that propel women forward, I've dedicated myself to empowering and uplifting women in various aspects of life. Balancing my advocacy work with motherhood, I am a proud mom of two wonderful sons. Since 2016, I have made Columbia, Missouri my home, contributing to my community and championing the causes I hold dear.
Ellery Miller
Ellery Miller is a native of Columbia, Missouri and was in second grade when her mom and grandmother started Peggy Jean's Pies. Now 18, Ellery has worked in every single aspect of small business. She's most famously known for her Pie of the Month art she creates for PJP. She's also responsible for the company Instagram, all merchandising in both stores, and the PJP Tik Tok. It isn't uncommon for her to convince Jean to do a Tik Tok that later earns millions of views. She's the most creative person at PJP! She plans to attend college in the fall of 2024 to focus on Interior Design.
Rebecca Miller
Rebecca Miller is a native of Columbia, Missouri, a graduate of Hickman High School, and attended the University of Missouri for both undergraduate and for her juris doctorate. Rebecca practiced law for 12 years until her mother convinced her running a pie shop together would be fun. Thankfully, she wasn't wrong and PJP will celebrate its 10th anniversary in April 2024. Rebecca is married to Jason, has a 21 year old son - Hayden - who is a junior at Mizzou, and an 18 year old daughter - Ellery - who is a senior at Rock Bridge High School. The entire family works at PJP. The Millers live on seven acres south of Columbia with their Old English Sheepdog, Bud. Rebecca's mother lives across the road on her own seven acres, often prompting the joke that they live on Co-Dependency Circle.
Jean Plumley
Jean is a native of Broseley, deep in the bootheel of Missouri. She moved to Columbia in the 1970s when her husband was transferred to Columbia and she never left! Jean tried a lot of careers, from managing a wig shop to working as a successful mortgage broker in the 1980s. Nothing ever felt right until she and her best friend, Peggy Day, decided to open Peggy Jean's Pies in 1994. They enjoyed a successful 10 year venture until Peg became ill and passed away. In 2014, people were STILL asking Jean to reopen PJP and that's exactly when she said to Rebecca that working together and making pies might be fun. She loves that her daughter, son-in-law, and grandkids are working to carry on a craft her own mother taught her so may years ago.
Vicky Riback Wilson
After being born and raised in Columbia, I left for over 11 years to attend the University of Pennsylvania (BA, English); serve as a teacher in the Peace Corps; and live and work in Indonesia. Upon returning, I worked at the University in various capacities and served as a State Representative for 8 years, among other endeavors.
Past Shows
2023 (Inaugural) That's What She Said Columbia
Featuring Mayor Barbara Buffaloe, Dr. Tashel Bordere, Natasha Harris, Jina Yoo, Dr. Meredith Shaw,
Valerie Ninichuck, Dr. Nicole Monnier, Mary Ratliff, Mary Anne McCollum, & Taylor Freeman
Are you excited to hear the powerful stories of our next cast? Join us on Saturday, April 12th, 2025 at 7:00 PM at Missouri Theatre for an experience you won't want to miss!
