IMA Endorsed Speaker Directory

Dr. Catherine Cordova is Director of Academic Planning and Retention at the University of Pittsburgh’s David C. Frederick Honors College and a recognized leader in mentoring, curriculum innovation, and community engagement. A former IMA President and certified mentoring consultant, she designs and delivers impactful mentoring programs worldwide and advances research on peer mentoring and leadership.

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With over 30 years of experience and a portfolio of 30+ angel investments, Andrey Kostyuk, Ph.D. brings a rare blend of academic rigor and entrepreneurial insight to every venture. A PhD economist, mentor, and co-founder of AAlchemy Ventures Limited, he is dedicated to fostering innovation, collaboration, and social impact across the global startup ecosystem. 

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Laura Lunsford, Ph.D., is a recognized expert in mentoring, coaching, and leadership development who bridges research and practice to help organizations build stronger, evidence-based mentoring programs. A Fulbright Scholar, author, and sought-after speaker, she brings decades of experience advancing mentorship in higher education and beyond. 

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Ellen H. Reames, Ed.D., is a professor of Educational Leadership at Auburn University and an architect of high-impact leadership programs—expanding cohort pathways, launching distance options, and pioneering the Australia Leadership Experience. A prolific scholar and grant leader (including a U.S. Department of Education rural turnaround initiative), she develops partnerships and mentoring frameworks that elevate K–12 leadership practice.

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Linda Searby, Ph.D., is a lifelong educator and mentoring advocate whose career spans K–12 teaching, school administration, and higher education leadership. A prolific author and Fulbright Specialist, she has shaped the mentoring field through her research, publications, and national program design work—most recently co-developing Alabama’s statewide principal mentoring program. 

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Linda Searby, Ph.D., is a lifelong educator and mentoring advocate whose career spans K–12 teaching, school administration, and higher education leadership. A prolific author and Fulbright Specialist, she has shaped the mentoring field through her research, publications, and national program design work—most recently co-developing Alabama’s statewide principal mentoring program. 

Click here to learn more about Linda