In a world full of challenges sometimes what we need most is to know that our peers face the same problems we do. This breakfast series is geared at letting you take a peek behind the curtain, and see that we all have a story that can inspire others.

We’d like to introduce you to our remaining 2024 speakers!

• August 27 – Jill Wright, Assistant to the President at Mercy Academy and a national presenter for Down Syndrome of Louisville

  • Jill Wright is a successful 23 year old college student and is employed by Mercy Academy, a local high school. Jill began working under the direction of Amanda Simmons in the Theatre Department in 2019. This year, she expanded her duties at Mercy by becoming the Assistant to the President.
    In June of 2023, Jill was one of the Presenters at the National Down Syndrome Convention in Orlando, FL. She taught self-advocates with Down syndrome confidence building exercises using theatre games. In 2022, Jill’s beauty graced the cover of The Jeffersontown Magazine. They featured a story about her great life, especially her volunteerism. In 2020, Jill was honored with the “Citizen of the Year” award from Down Syndrome of Louisville.

• December 10 – Whitney Austin, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Whitney Strong. 

  • Whitney, a survivor of a mass shooting in Cincinnati, founded Whitney/Strong with her husband to end gun violence through common ground, responsible gun ownership solutions. Under her leadership, the organization has executed several initiatives such as securing the first hearing on gun safety legislation in Frankfort in over a decade, distributing over 12,000 gun locks, training over 1800 people in neighborhoods impacted by gun violence, and lobbying for the passage of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the first piece of federal gun safety legislation in 28 years. Whitney was previously a VP at Fifth Third Bank for 15 years, where she launched the first omnichannel digital lending application. She resides in Louisville, Kentucky, with her family, and enjoys traveling, musical theater, and outdoor activities.

All events are held in-person from 8:30 – 10:00 AM at the The Arterburn located at 310 Ten Pin Ln. St. Matthews, KY 40207.

We have the following sponsorship opportunities available. If you’re interested reach out to AmandaH@stmatthewschamber.com.