Meet the women who will bring “The Heart of a Champion” to life at the SHINE Women’s Summit! Our emcee, panelists and keynote speaker reflect the strength, determination and heart of women who make a difference on and off the field. Like the Sisters of Notre Dame, they recognize the power of encouraging others and helping them reach their potential. Their stories remind us that being a champion goes beyond personal achievement. It means being in someone else’s corner, too.
Get to know our inspiring lineup below, then reserve your seat to join us!
This Year's Speakers
2026 Emcee
Joining us as our emcee this year is Kristian Brown, award-winning 13abc anchor and Toledo native whose dedication to sharing women’s stories and serving her community helps others SHINE! We are thrilled to welcome Kristian to facilitate our panel discussion and lead the Keynote Conversation with Zia Cooke.
Kristian Brown is an award-winning journalist and an integral member of the 13abc news team, where she has worked since 2002. She anchors the 5:30 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. newscasts alongside Lee Conklin, as well as 13abc’s Emmy-nominated 7:00 p.m. newscast.
Her professional journey began as a reporter at KTVE in Monroe, LA, before she returned to her hometown of Toledo. There, she briefly worked as a reporter for WTOL before joining 13abc. A proud alumna of the prestigious E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University, Kristian holds a degree in Broadcast Journalism. She is also a proud graduate of Saint Ursula Academy. Throughout her career, she has covered a wide array of significant news stories, including devastating tornadoes and other severe weather events. In 2002, Kristian contributed to 13abc’s Emmy-winning coverage after deadly tornadoes ripped through the region.
Kristian’s dedication to her craft and community has been recognized with numerous accolades. In 2011, she was inducted into the Ohio School Boards Association Media Honor Roll for her impactful education reporting. She received the Northwest Ohio Black Media Association Media Achievement Award in 2009 and Toledo’s coveted 20 Under 40 Award in 2007. Her story, “Hip Hop Math”, earned both a Telly Award and an Associated Press Award.A committed member of the National Association of Black Journalists and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Kristian is a leader in her industry and a passionate community supporter. She frequently speaks to girls’ and women’s groups about personal development and positive choices. Her community involvement includes serving on the Blessings with Disguise Board of Directors and previously serving on the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Ohio Board of Directors.
In 2024, Kristian received the Drum Major for Justice Award from Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, for her extensive service to the Toledo community. The previous year, she was honored by the Toledo Chapter of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. for her efforts in highlighting women’s stories in the community. In 2021, to celebrate her 20 years in broadcasting, she was immortalized in Toledo history by signing a bun at the original Tony Packo’s on Front Street.
The Toledo native’s accolades also include being named a 2016 Freedom Fund Honoree and receiving the 2018 Lifetime Membership Award from the Toledo Chapter of the NAACP for her unwavering commitment to community service.
Kristian and her husband, Tirrell, are proud parents of three children: their son, Isaiah and twin daughters, Laila and Lauren.
2026 Panelist
At this year’s SHINE Women’s Summit, “The Heart of a Champion,” Sister Jenny Zimmerman will bring her lifelong love of sports and her experiences as an athlete, athletic trainer, coach and Sister of Notre Dame to our panel.Sports have been part of Sister Jenny’s life for as long as she can remember. Growing up in Defiance, OH, she played almost every sport possible. In high school alone, she competed in five sports: volleyball, basketball, swimming, track and softball.
Her athletic career continued at the University of Toledo, where she competed on the track team in shot put, discus and hammer throw. As Sister Jenny puts it, she simply “loved to throw heavy objects!” Unfortunately, a knee injury and subsequent surgeries brought her time as a collegiate athlete to an end.
Sister Jenny earned her bachelor’s degree in exercise science with a concentration in athletic training. After college, she worked as a high school athletic trainer before moving into industrial athletic training at General Motors in Defiance. There, her work included physical therapy, personal exercise programs, incentive programs and ergonomic assessments to help address and prevent injuries in the factory.
After entering the Sisters of Notre Dame in 2004, Sister Jenny continued to find ways to bring together athletics, wellness and ministry. She used her medical background while serving as a chaplain at St. Vincent Medical Center from 2006 to 2009. From 2010 to 2015, she served as a strength and conditioning coach at Notre Dame Academy while also working in campus ministry and teaching freshman theology for two years. Her approach focused on something that continues to fascinate her today: the connection between body, mind and spirit.
Throughout her experiences, Sister Jenny has had a special connection to young adult ministry, leading retreats, hosting young adult events and offering spiritual mentorship while accompanying young adults through the joys, questions and challenges of their faith journeys.
Her passion for health and wellness has also extended to her fellow sisters. Over the years, Sister Jenny has taught exercise classes, organized several Wellness Walks, joined the SND Toledo Region Wellness Committee and helped countless sisters with exercise programs, injury prevention and assessments.
Sister Jenny also holds a master’s degree in theology and is a certified spiritual director. Today, she serves as activities director at the SND Center in Whitehouse, OH, along with other admin responsibilities, including one of her more fun-loving titles, “Shenanigans Coordinator.”
Whether she is working with an athlete, accompanying someone on their faith journey or bringing a little fun to the SND Center, Sister Jenny loves building relationships. Her background allows her to speak the same language as athletes while exploring the powerful connection between physical, mental and spiritual well-being.
And as for being a Sister and an athletic trainer? Sister Jenny is convinced she is the only religious sister athletic trainer, a fact she is sticking to until someone proves her wrong!
2026 Panelist
2026 Panelist
2026 Keynote
The post SHINE Women’s Summit Speakers appeared first on Sisters of Notre Dame U.S.A..