Our Speakers
Discover their incredible stories
Our 2026 That's What She Said Columbia Cast.
With special thanks to our official portrait photographer, Sarah Jane Photography.
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!
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 2027 That's What She Said Columbia Speakers
Rasha Abousalem
Rasha Abousalem is a humanitarian aid worker with more than 12.5 years of field experience, having worked at more than 50 refugee camp sites around the world.
She grew up in New Jersey and New York City, where she earned her B.A., focusing her studies on refugees and human rights. She later earned a Master's degree in International Relations from Harvard University.
Since 2015, Rasha has called Columbia, Missouri, home. She also taught at the University of Missouri for two years. Fluent in Arabic, she continues to work as a humanitarian aid worker, traveling primarily to conflict-affected regions to provide assistance to people impacted by violence and displacement.
Dr. Nikki Carter
Dr. Nikki Carter believes that some of life's most meaningful chapters begin after we think the story is already written. As the Director of Belonging and Community Impact at MU Health Care, she creates pathways that connect youth and employees to meaningful careers in healthcare through education, workforce development, and community partnerships.
Nikki holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Missouri, along with graduate degrees in business and human resources development.
Guided by the belief that every pathway changes a life and that every life changed strengthens a community, she is a wife, a mom, a proud "Noni," and a self-proclaimed professional peace protector!
Ashley Inez Cole
Ashley Inez Cole is the owner and operator of La Bruja CoMo, a Latin fusion food business rooted in culture, connection, and community.
An Air Force veteran, entrepreneur, and mental health advocate, Ashley has called Columbia, Missouri, home since 2012. Her service in the United States Air Force shaped her leadership and deepened her commitment to supporting the veteran community. Ashley earned her bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Stephens College in 2025, where she was selected as a commencement speaker.
For the past three years, she has served as the studio manager at Lore Tattoo Studio, helping cultivate a creative and welcoming space within Columbia's North Village Arts District. Drawing from her experiences with PTSD, grief, and resilience, Ashley is passionate about breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, especially among veterans, and normalizing honest conversations about seeking support.
She is a proud Afro Latina mother of two who strives to use her voice, work, and personal story to help others feel seen and less alone.
Monica R. Naylor
I am a "Townie!" I was born and raised in Columbia. Upon graduation from Hickman High School, I enrolled in and graduated from Stephens College with a degree in Education in 1975 and began my teaching career at Blue Ridge Elementary School. In 2001, I earned my Master of Arts in Education.
After twenty years of being a classroom teacher, I became the Multicultural Coordinator for the Columbia Public School District, retiring in 2005.
My husband of 47 years, Tony Naylor, is also a retired educator.
My community involvement includes serving on the Planning Committee for Columbia's Activity and Recreation Center, member of Phi Delta Kappa, Delta Kappa Gamma, former Human Rights Commissioner, former member of the Board of Directors of Boys and Girls Club, former member of The Mayor's Race Relations Task Force, former member of Columbia Values Diversity Board, member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., current member of When she Votes, Love Columbia (Career Next Steps).
Dr. Arminta Phelps
Dr. Arminta Phelps is a chiropractor, entrepreneur, wife, mom, and longtime member of the Columbia community.
She is the founder and owner of Achieve Balance Chiropractic, which she opened in 2008 with a mission to help people and families live healthier lives naturally. Over the past 18 years, Arminta has grown her practice while staying deeply committed to serving Mid-Missouri, giving back to local organizations, and mentoring the next generation of female chiropractors and young professionals. Achieve Balance is truly a family affair - her husband and her mom both work alongside her at the practice, making the lines between work and family wonderfully blurry at times.
At home, she is mom to two kids, ages 18 and 5, which means she is simultaneously navigating the worlds of young adulthood and kindergarten. When she can get away, Arminta loves hiking, especially in the Tetons and seeing live music. She treasures her roles as a wife and mom and believes some of life's greatest growth happens in the messy intersection of family, career, faith, leadership, and simply figuring things out as you go.
Stacie Pottinger
Anastasia "Stacie" Pottinger is a nonprofit leader and fundraiser whose career has always centered on trust, vulnerability, and authentic human connection.
For nearly two decades, she was an internationally recognized fine art and portrait photographer, best known for 100: What Time Creates, a celebrated series of portraits of centenarians. In 2019, she shifted into nonprofit leadership and fundraising, first as Director of Development at Ragtag Film Society and now as Chief Development Officer at Voluntary Action Center, where she supports emergency basic needs services for Boone County residents. Honored with the Make It Happen Award (2021) and named to the inaugural class of On Fire Over Fifty, Stacie continues to blend artistry and empathy in her work to strengthen her community.
She lives in Columbia, Missouri, with her wife, Linda, two dogs and a cat. Though her professional focus has shifted to community impact and philanthropy, she continues to explore photography as a personal practice, another way of holding space for people, stories, and moments that matter.
Symonne SPARKS
Symonne Sparks is a multidisciplinary artist, educator, and arts professional whose career spans performance, music direction, programming, and cultural engagement.
She holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and a Master of Arts in Theatre and Performance Studies from the University of Missouri. As a singer, songwriter, actor, and playwright, Symonne has performed with True/False and on many other stages from the Kennedy Center to multiple appearances with the Kansas City Chiefs. Her work has continued to evolve beyond performance, allowing her to contribute to projects across music, theatre, film, education, and other creative spaces.
Symonne also serves on Columbia's Commission on Cultural Affairs, supporting the city's vibrant cultural landscape. Across each facet of her career, she is drawn to work that brings people together, makes room for meaningful stories, and uses creativity to foster connection, curiosity, and lasting impact.
Linda Vandepopuliere
Linda Vandepopuliere grew up in Columbia, MO - a product of Columbia Public Schools and the University of Missouri. With a degree in Elementary Education, her true passion for working with younger children became apparent during a summer gig at a daycare. This kick started a 33 year career as an early childhood educator.
Now retired, she enjoys expanding her native plant garden and creating eclectic art. Happily married, she is a mom to two grown sons who continue to fascinate and amaze her.
Past Shows
2023 That's What She Said Columbia
Featuring Barbara Buffaloe, Dr. Tashel Bordere, Natasha Harris, Jina Yoo, Dr. Meredith Shaw,Valerie Ninichuck, Dr. Nicole Monnier, Mary Ratliff, Mary Anne McCollum, & Taylor Freeman
2024 That's What She Said Columbia
Featuring Vicky Riback Wilson, Ranjana Hans, Elizabeth Herrera, Augusta Cooper, Jean Plumley, Rebecca Miller, Ellery Miller, Erica Dickson, & Adonica Coleman
2025 That's What She Said Columbia
Featuring Valerie Shaw, Ana Garcia, Dr. Linda Helmick, Greta Gunderson, Ava Gunderson, Erica Pefferman, Shaunda Hamilton, Rochara Knight, & Ayako Tsuruta
2026 That's What She Said Columbia
Featuring Robin Schweitzer, Euphénie Andre, Dr. Elaine Cheong, Barbra Horrell, Audra Sergel, Mary Wilkerson, Alejandra Gudiño, T’Keyah Thomas, & Holley Pering
Get Tickets
Are you excited to hear the powerful stories of our next cast? Join us on Saturday, April 10th, 2027 at 7:00 PM at Missouri Theatre for an experience you won't want to miss!
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The contents, experiences, and opinions shared by the speakers in the show are their own and do not reflect the views of The She Said Project or She Said Columbia, LLC.
The She Said Project upholds that every woman has a right to be heard.