Keynote Speakers
Marques Ogden
Marques Ogden is a former NFL player, who is originally from Washington DC., who currently resides in Fuquay-Varina NC. He is now an inspirational keynote speaker. He's also the founder and CEO of Ogden Ventures LLC, five-time best-selling author (Sleepless Nights; The Success Cycle), business coach and consultant and the podcast host of Get Authentic With Marques Ogden; although his journey didn't come easy or without unrelenting adversity.
After retiring from football, Marques pursued a career in construction and contracting. At 27, he founded a construction company with fast growth but eventually went bankrupt, losing almost two million dollars on one project in 90 days. He pulled himself together during his darkest hours and got a part-time job as a custodian.
Marques rose to the top again with hard work and determination, using his struggles as inspiration to blaze his own trail forward. Now, he shares his powerful story to help others learn how to fail forward and achieve success in their lives. Marques' story and insights as a thought leader have been featured in top publications such as USA Today, Forbes, News Nation, Cheddar News and Authority Magazine. As a speaker, he's landed jobs with over 80 Fortune 500 companies and over 20 Fortune 100 companies like Amazon, Goldman Sachs, Intel, JPMorgan Chase and Home Depot.
Marques hopes to continue reaching new levels in his professional career and positively impacting as many people's lives as possible through doing what he loves; speaking on stage and sharing his experiences and knowledge with others. He loves to share his wisdom and insight with others, to help them elevate in their lives! He is the father of two amazing daughters Ava 21, and Farah 11.
Traci Adedeji
Traci Adedeji, CPCU, ARM, API, AIDA, A-CSPO is Vice President of Advisory Services at Litmus, an innovative InsurTech platform that blends data-driven risk analysis, coverage optimization, and claims coaching to help individuals and advisors make smarter insurance decisions. She is also the founder and president of Positive Paradigm Group, an insurance-focused consultancy providing coaching, education, and professional development.
An underwriter by training and a licensed multi-state insurance broker, Traci brings over 30 years of experience in underwriting, technical training, and talent development across personal and small commercial lines. She made history as the first Black female President of The Institutes CPCU Society Leadership Council in 2024 and was recognized as a 2024 Elite Woman by Insurance Business America.
Traci’s leadership extends across the industry and the community. She has served as president of the Rhode Island CPCU Society Chapter, sits on the board of the Boston Chapter of the National African American Insurance Association, and is board president of New England Basecamp, a nonprofit supporting educators with innovative professional development.
Passionate about insurance education, risk management, and the power of technology to transform the industry, Traci has led numerous workshops on regulatory compliance, diversity and inclusion, and customer experience. She is a dedicated mentor who believes that helping students and young professionals discover their unique “superpowers” is the first step toward building the next generation of insurance innovators.
Originally from Newark, NJ, Traci attended Rutgers University and now lives in Attleboro, MA.
Dr. Tonya M. Evans
Dr. Tonya M. Evans is an international legal scholar and fintech strategist with over two decades of experience at the intersection of law, finance, and technology. She serves on the Board of Directors of Digital Currency Group, one of the world’s leading digital asset investment firms, where she provides oversight on governance, compliance, and risk strategy. A former tenured professor of law at Penn State Dickinson Law, Dr. Evans has advised central banks, regulators, and financial institutions on blockchain, crypto, and Web3 policy. She contributes regularly to Forbes, hosts Confidently Crypto on SiriusXM, and, through her firm Advantage Evans Academy, delivers training and advisory solutions to help policymakers and professionals navigate the opportunities and risks of the evolving digital economy.