Speakers

Lindsey Barry is the creative force behind Barry Fresh Designs and a skilled branding professional with a background in both graphic design and marketing. With an A.A.S. in Graphic Design and a B.A. in Marketing, she blends artistic talent with strategic thinking to help businesses craft clear, cohesive brand identities. At rConnect, Lindsey plays a key role in elevating the visual presence of the community—designing customized branding, unique promotional products, and marketing materials that reflect the spirit and professionalism of its members. Known for her eye for detail and passion for helping others stand out, Lindsey ensures that everything from rConnect’s print materials to its digital presence makes a strong and lasting impression.

Raphael Botsyo Nkegbe (born 2 July 1979) is a Paralympic athlete from Ghana competing in T54 wheelchair racing events at international track and field competitions. He has made four appearances at the Paralympics after competing at the 2004, 2008, 2012 and 2020 Summer Paralympics.

Nicholas Allard is a filmmaker-turned-community builder who founded Theta State Studios in 2016 after earning his film degree. Inspired by early creative experiments and the rise of digital storytelling, he pivoted to strategic video content—producing everything from commercials to long-form brand narratives. As rConnect’s co-founder, Nick leverages his expertise in multimedia and events to craft engaging experiences that spark collaboration and spotlight local innovators. His philosophy—“clear is better than clever, and done is better than perfect”—underpins every rConnect program, ensuring each gathering delivers practical insights and lasting connections.

Shawn Lloyd is the driving force behind rConnect and a seasoned mortgage professional with over 15 years of experience in client advocacy, program matching, and team leadership. A graduate of Barrett Financial Group’s rigorous training pipeline, he’s held roles ranging from teller to team leader, advising families across all 50 states on tailored financing solutions. Known for his integrity-driven approach and passion for community-building, Shawn launched rConnect to create a space where Spokane’s entrepreneurs and professionals can learn from one another, forge genuine relationships, and accelerate their growth.

Looking for an inspiring speaker? Meet Paula Smith, the third-generation owner who transformed operations and significantly boosted revenue over the past five years. Join us at rConnect's Journey to Growth event to gain her straightforward insights on system design and business success.

Looking for an inspiring speaker? Meet Kenny Smith, the owner and head coach who empowers leaders to break free from mediocrity and unlock their true potential. Join us at rConnect's Journey to Growth event to experience his energizing insights and bold vision for success.