Step Up & Lead with Ukeme Awakessien Jeter

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06/04/2025

Step Up & Lead with Ukeme Awakessien Jeter

WIL Luncheon Registration Is Now OPEN

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Join us for an unforgettable afternoon dedicated to championing women in hospitality.

When: June 26th | 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Where: Vitria on the Square | 14 E 15th Ave 2nd Floor, Columbus, OH 43201

Lead Boldly - Register Now

This year’s theme, Move Her Forward: The Key to Fearless Leadership, sets the stage for bold conversations, inspiring stories, and actionable insights. Hear from powerful voices in the industry, gain tools to lead with confidence and clarity, and connect with like-minded professionals who are shaping the future of hospitality.

It’s more than a luncheon—it’s your launchpad for fearless leadership and meaningful growth.

Meet Our Keynote - Ukeme Awakessien Jeter

If you’re looking for a straight path to success, Ukeme Awakessien Jeter isn’t your blueprint, she’s your breakthrough. A trailblazer, she has lived in eight cities across four countries and built a career defined by bold pivots and fearless leadership.

From manufacturing plants to boardrooms to city hall, Ukeme’s path has been anything but conventional. She started her career as an engineer, became a partner at a big national law firm, and made history as the first person of color elected to the city council in her city’s 103-year existence. Today, she leads as Mayor and Council president.

When she’s not shaping policy, she’s shaping minds. As Assistant Dean for Global Perspectives at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, Ukeme prepares the next generation of legal leaders to thrive in a globalized world.

She’s the award-winning author of IMMIGRIT, a powerful book about identity, grit, and reimagining leadership through the lived experience of an immigrant. Her words have appeared in Fortune, Fast Company, and HR Brew, and her impact has earned her a spot on Columbus CEO Magazine’s Future 50 list, the title of “HerStory” Maker from the Urban League, and recognition as a 2025 Columbus Monthly Inspiring Woman.

Known for her warmth, wit, and tell-it-like-it-is wisdom, Ukeme speaks across the country on cultural intelligence, leadership, and reminds ambitious humans that success doesn’t have to follow a script. Her talks leave audiences laughing, inspired, and ready to take the next bold step even when the path ahead is uncertain.

A proud Nigerian immigrant, Ukeme now calls Upper Arlington, Ohio, home, where she’s raising her two children and a COVID-era dog who’s never known a world without constant company at home.

Click here to learn more about Ukeme.

Your Leadership Lineup

Leading with purpose, speaking with impact.

Join a dynamic panel of hospitality professionals and our expert moderator as they dive into honest conversations about leadership, growth, and moving the industry forward—together.