#ACELing2026 ~ Leading Without the Title: How Emerging Leaders Build Real Influence

Leading Without the Title: How Emerging Leaders Build Real Influence

Leadership does not begin with a title—it begins with action, influence, and the ability to create meaningful impact. At the 2026 ACELing In Leadership Conference, “Leading Without the Title: How Emerging Leaders Build Real Influence” explores how professionals build credibility, trust, and influence long before stepping into formal leadership roles. This engaging panel will highlight how emerging leaders drive initiatives, collaborate across teams, and create results through expertise and relationships. Panelists will share personal experiences and practical strategies for increasing visibility, advocating for themselves, and positioning themselves for future leadership opportunities.

Meet the Panelists:

Kenny Ho is an Associate Corporate Counsel at Carvana, LLC, where he manages the company’s external litigation portfolio, including consumer disputes, commercial litigation, general liability, insurance matters, and regulatory investigations. He works closely with business leaders to mitigate risk and protect company interests. Beyond his professional role, Kenny is a board member of the Arizona Asian American Bar Association and a graduate of Valley Leadership Accelerate Class 1 and the State Bar of Arizona’s Bar Leadership Institute Class 12. He is actively involved with ACEL and Lambda Legal. Outside of work, Kenny enjoys martial arts, exploring Phoenix’s food scene, and writing his music blog.

Justine Pangallo is a Senior Analyst of Employee Experience at Southwest Gas, where she leads enterprise-wide engagement, listening strategies, and employee experience initiatives. A proud Filipina-American leader, Justine brings a diverse background spanning talent acquisition, sales leadership, and operations. Throughout her career, she has built programs, led cross-functional teams, and advised executive leaders across industries including technology, hospitality, and energy. Justine has developed her leadership through influence—building trust, driving results, and creating opportunities for others before holding a formal leadership title. She currently serves as a Board Advisor for Ascend Las Vegas, supporting AAPI professional advancement.

Sumit Sharma is the Senior Director of System Service Line Administration at Banner Health in Phoenix, Arizona, where he provides strategic leadership for service line operations, performance improvement, and enterprise initiatives. With more than two decades of leadership experience, Sumit has held progressive roles across healthcare and global organizations, including leading process engineering and operational transformation initiatives across the Americas region for Fortune 500 companies. He serves as an AAPI Executive Sponsor at Banner Health. Outside of his professional role, Sumit is the author of four books on leadership and strategy and is passionate about developing leaders through mentorship, community engagement, and service.”

Pranjit Biswas is an Enterprise Solutions Architect at AWS, speaker, mentor, and thought leader who believes leadership begins long before receiving a title. With 18 years of experience, he has led complex initiatives, influenced executive decisions, and driven organizational change through technical expertise, collaboration, and relationship-building. Passionate about learning and community engagement, Pranjit shares insights on leadership, innovation, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation. He is committed to helping professionals increase visibility, advocate for their ideas, and develop confidence to lead at every stage of their careers. His work reflects the belief that leadership is defined by impact and the people we inspire.

Dani Thao is a Marriage and Family Therapist, Life Coach, entrepreneur, and proud daughter of Hmong refugees. Her leadership journey has been shaped by navigating spaces where she was often the first or only, overcoming imposter syndrome, building her personal brand, and stepping into leadership with authenticity. Through her work, Dani helps others reconnect with their purpose, embrace their stories, and recognize their inherent value. She believes healing is not about changing who we are, but remembering who we have always been. Her mission is to empower others to lead with confidence, authenticity, and self-belief.

Leadership Starts Before the Title

Leadership is not defined only by position or authority—it is demonstrated through initiative, courage, collaboration, and the ability to inspire others. The next generation of leaders is already creating impact through their actions, relationships, and commitment to making a difference.

Join us at the 2026 ACELing In Leadership Conference for an inspiring conversation on how emerging leaders can build influence, elevate their voices, and lead with purpose—regardless of title.

2026 ACELing In Leadership Conference

Theme: Shaping What's Next: Influence. Innovation. Impact.

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