events calendar

Major Tax Shakeup Incoming

Congress is rewriting the tax code—again. What’s changing? Who’s paying more? And how can smart business owners stay ahead?

Join Aldo Aprile, CPA and Tax Strategist, for a no-fluff breakdown of the new tax bill—what’s in it, what’s not, and what you need to do now to protect your profits.

One Big Tax Bill. Big implications. Bigger opportunities. Don’t miss it.

Speaker Bio:

Aldo Aprile is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in Arizona since 2004. He brings over two decades of experience working with business owners in the construction, real estate, and service industries.

As the founder of Aprile CPA, a boutique tax planning firm based in Phoenix, Aldo specializes in helping business owners and high-net-worth individuals save $30,000 or more each year through proactive, strategic tax planning—not just filing returns.

When he’s not working with clients, Aldo enjoys cooking, grilling, and traveling.

This talk will dive into the incredible impact of networking on one’s career journey, emphasizing its crucial role in both career advancement and job placement. It will explore practical activities using platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram, offering ways to make the most out of networking even with limited time. The speaker will share insights on the true essence of power networking, breaking down its sources and urging attendees to leverage their unique life experiences.

Throughout the presentation, personal anecdotes will be sprinkled in, stressing the importance of purposeful networking and emphasizing quality over quantity in conversations. The talk will touch on the significance of storytelling, active listening, and recognizing one’s self-worth in the realm of networking. As the session wraps up, it will provide insights into unconventional networking, highlighting the value of mentors and sponsors, and encouraging attendees to find networking approaches that align with their personality. Overall, the talk provides practical tips, statistics, and a blend of humor and authenticity to inspire effective, interactive, and purposeful networking.

Speaker Bio:

LaGina R. Harris is a dynamic entrepreneur and founder of The Us Space, where she creates innovative solutions for business owners through tailored workspaces and ongoing education. A passionate advocate for equity, mental health, and amplifying women’s voices, she co-founded Melanin Minds and serves as the Creative Director of LaRae Infinity: Media. LaGina is also deeply committed to nonprofit work, sitting on boards and organizing initiatives that drive equitable change. A sought-after speaker, business mentor, and judge for pitch competitions, she actively builds sustainable ecosystems and fosters generational collaboration in Houston and beyond.

You don’t need a big budget to grow—you need loyal customers. As a UX and product strategist who’s worked with powerhouse brands and scrappy small businesses alike, Shawnda Williams show you how to turn everyday customer interactions into lasting, repeatable growth.

Loyalty isn’t just about stamps, coupons, or points—it’s about building real relationships that keep people coming back. In this session, we’ll explore how to elevate familiar tactics like punch cards and promo codes into experiences that spark emotional connection, increase customer lifetime value, and generate organic, word-of-mouth momentum.

Whether you’re just getting started or ready to scale what’s already working, you’ll walk away with practical, digital-friendly strategies to turn repeat customers into superfans—and your business into a brand they’ll stick with.

Speaker Bio:

Shawnda Williams is a seasoned UX and product strategy leader with over 20 years of experience designing award-winning digital experiences for global brands like Apple, Microsoft, REI, and Zappos. As Founder of Southern Fried Concepts, she specializes in loyalty strategy, user-centered design, and customer experience innovation for modern retail. Her cross-industry expertise, from defense to DTC, is rooted in a strategic, human-centered approach that drives measurable business impact.