Nadine Machkovech

Nadine Machkovech is committed to boosting self-worth and inspiring change with her
authentic storytelling. With over a decade of experience, she motivates others to embrace
their unique journeys, own their stories, and lead rich lives filled with intention and meaning.
As the Executive Director of RISE TOGETHER, a 501c3 nonprofit based in Appleton, WI,
Nadine is dedicated to preventing youth substance abuse and enhancing mental well-being.
Her impactful work and commitment to self-care, service, and inspired living profoundly
affect audiences nationwide, motivating them to reach their full potential.
Outside of her professional life, Nadine loves traveling and exploring new adventures,
whether hiking, cooking, or enjoying great food and music. She values these moments with
her life partner, Anthony, and their son, Aidyn.

Kelly Northlee

I’m passionate about the power of storytelling and community connections. Born in Fond du Lac, I spent several years on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, where I built successful businesses using social media to engage and connect with people. After returning home in 2022, I launched Fondy Famous, a platform dedicated to sharing the stories of local businesses, nonprofits, and the people who make Fond du Lac special. Through Not Your Average Marketing, I take that same passion for storytelling and help businesses and brands amplify their voices. I believe that building real connections—both online and in- person—is the key to a thriving community.

Sara Mercer

The first thing you need to know about Sara is that she loves spending time with her husband, two boys, family, and friends. She enjoys playing games, being outdoors, traveling, and working out. After being diagnosed with both Lyme disease and thyroid cancer in her 20’s, she quickly understood her life‘s purpose: She is on a mission to inspire, educate, and empower people to thrive and not simply survive. Sara earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education with a minor in Mathematics from UW-Oshkosh before becoming a classroom teacher. She spent eight years in the classroom before switching roles to the Wellness Coordinator for the Neenah Joint School District. Sara is also a certified Positive Intelligence coach, a certified 200 Hour yoga instructor, and a certified Integrative Nutrition Health coach. She is passionate about coaching teams and individuals as well as speaking on holistic wellness topics and mental fitness. Sara has co-created and facilitated a girls’ EnlighTEENment and Confidence in Christ Camp with Ali Starr from Tashi Deley. She has led small group coaching and has worked with clients on a one-on-one basis as well. Sara has had the opportunity to lead sessions for the Neenah Joint School district, the Boys and Girls Club of the Bay and Lakes Region, as well as Oconto’s Girls Leadership Conference. She likes to use a bio-individual, supportive, and engaging approach to help people enhance self-awareness, exceed their goals, and build a sustainable lifestyle.

Sherri Valitchka

Sherri Valitchka is a certified Dignify Coach with three decades of experience in corporate branding and communications. In the words of Roy E. Disney, “It is not hard to make a decision once you know what your values are.”
In addition to team building and 1:1 coaching of women, she is passionate about mentoring and
coaching young people. Finding our “why” means uncovering our purpose and our true essence. Sherry applies the tools of leading self within the Dignify assessment tool, and the practical mental fitness exercises of Positive Intelligence to combat the negative self-talk that can hold us in a place of anxiety and fear.
Sherri is enthusiastic about empowering young women to live joyfully, with greater self-awareness and
confidence. When we understand ourselves, it is next-level to understand and accept others, how they
are wired, and what motivates them.

Ali Starr

Hello there, my name is Ali Starr! I “get to” work for an organization called Tashi Deley (Ta-She De-lay).  It is a Tibet greeting that means “I honor the greatness within you.” Prior to Tashi Deley, I served as the Vice President of Culture Development at Verve, a Credit Union in Oshkosh, WI. Verve is where I found my passion for inspirational, interactive keynotes and culture enhancement + transformation.

I am honored to say that I was a part of a team that knew culture was vital to healthier, happier, more engaged team members. We knew that the more engaged culture we had the better financial performance we would obtain…WIN! WIN! An engaged team and driving great results are important to any small business or large organization. During my time there I am proud to say that being intentional about a culture paid off. This was proven through my last year at Verve and our Gallup team member engagement score, 34-1. This is 7 times greater than Gallup’s average. I want all organizations to have a thriving culture. So I felt called to start Tashi Deley! 

Prior to creating Tashi Deley and working at Verve, I was the principal at Lourdes Academy Elementary Schools in Oshkosh and I also had the pleasure of coaching their High School girls’ varsity basketball team, the Lady Knights! I have also worked for the NBA, NCAA, NBC. Throughout all of my different careers, one thing has remained constant; when people in leadership positions make their people the priority, everyone wins! 

In 2016, I was honored to be named a Finalist in the CUES Next Top Credit Union Executive Competition in Savannah, Georgia. More recently, I shared one of my messages via a TEDx Talk. I received a bachelor’s degree in Radio, TV, Film and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership. When I am not speaking or enhancing cultures I enjoy: golfing, basketball, fishing, creating arts/crafts and, last but not least, dance parties with my children Penelope – (“PJ”, 5) Vincent – (Vinny, 9).

Through my experiences, I have discovered that serving one another is key to fostering an exceptional team culture. I truly believe when you take care of your team, your team will take care of your customers, and the results will follow. I would love to see all organizations continue to “get better at getting better” through the development of the company’s greatest resource…its people! 

My leadership style is one of self-awareness, self-discovery, empowerment, candor, and unconditional love. I firmly believe leading yourself is the top priority and a lifelong journey, not a destination. I take pride in serving those around me by modeling the way and inspiring others to do the same.    

If you feel I could be of service to you, your small business and or large organization I would love to see what is possible!  Please click one of the buttons below or reach out to me personally at:

ali@tashideley.us

Laken James