Kentucky Keynotes
Brian Hernandez, Jr.
American Jockey, 2024 Kentucky Derby Winner
Tuesday, July 29, 2025
9:15am-10:15am
Brian Hernandez, Jr., is a highly respected American jockey known for his consistent performance, strategic riding style, and major victories in some of the sport’s most prestigious races. Born on November 3, 1985, in Lafayette, Louisiana, Hernandez grew up in a racing family and began riding professionally in 2003. He quickly made a name for himself and earned the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Apprentice Jockey in 2004 after an impressive season with 243 wins.
Hernandez’s career highlights include winning the 2024 Kentucky Derby aboard Mystik Dan, edging out the competition in a thrilling photo finish. Just one day earlier, he captured the Kentucky Oaks with Thorpedo Anna, becoming only the eighth jockey in history to win both the Derby and the Oaks in the same weekend. He also secured a win in the 2023 Preakness Stakes riding Rombauer, further cementing his reputation as a top-tier rider. Over his career, he has amassed more than 2,300 wins and consistently ranks among the leading jockeys in North America.
Known for his calm demeanor and strong finishing ability, Hernandez excels at conserving a horse’s energy for a perfectly timed stretch run. He often partners with prominent trainers such as Kenny McPeek and Ian Wilkes. Off the track, Hernandez is a devoted husband and father, living in Kentucky and maintaining a reputation for humility and professionalism within the horse racing community.
Lisa Zangari
President & CEO, Zangari Consulting Group
Tuesday, July 29, 2025
1:45pm-2:45pm
Lisa Zangari is a CEO coach and leadership strategist with over 20 years of experience guiding Fortune 500 companies and mission-driven startups through bold transformation. As the President and CEO of Zangari Consulting Group, she empowers leaders to navigate complexity, cultivate high-performing teams, and drive meaningful change.
A former management consultant based in New York City, Zangari has shaped strategy and culture for some of the world’s most iconic brands such as American Express, Citi, Coca-Cola, Disney, Hasbro, and Target. She was recently recognized as one of Louisville’s “Top 15 Executive Coaches” and her approach challenges leaders to think bigger, lead smarter, and elevate those around them.
Damaris Phillips
Chef and Television Personality
Thursday, July 31, 2025
9:15am-10:15am
Damaris Phillips is a Kentucky-born celebrity chef and television personality renowned for her modern interpretations of southern cuisine. She gained national recognition by winning season nine of “Food Network Star” in 2013, which led to her hosting the popular series “Southern at Heart” for five seasons. Phillips has since co-hosted several Food Network shows, including “The Bobby and Damaris Show” alongside Bobby Flay, and “Southern & Hungry” with Rutledge Wood. Beyond television, she authored the cookbook “Southern Girl Meets Vegetarian Boy,” reflecting her creative approach to blending traditional southern flavors with vegetarian cuisine. A graduate of Jefferson Community and Technical College with a degree in culinary arts, Phillips continues to inspire audiences with her engaging personality and innovative cooking style.
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