Spring 2022 - 1
SPRING 2022
magazine photography SARAH HOAG PHOTOGRAPHY
from the
PUBLISHER
Our very first KNOW Magazine is finally here! When we dreamed up the idea of publishing a quarterly lifestyle magazine to feature the stories, lives, and accomplishments of the women of KNOW, we had no idea our plans would be derailed for two whole years. This issue was initially planned for release in May 2020. But as the pandemic rocked our entire world, we found it best to hold this gem until timing was better. Set with a fashion-forward modern vibe, KNOW Magazine will be centered around storytelling, offering an in-depth look into more than just the bios of the women that we feature in our Books and membership. The women will come alive through the pages. They will inspire you through their stories. They will enlighten you through their knowledge share. Think of this new publication as the glue that holds our ecosystem together, bringing us into one room. In this inaugural volume of KNOW Magazine, you’ll read about 100 women we selected for our first-ever 100 Women to KNOW in America award. Yes – another first! Our first award where 100 women will be honored in a gala award dinner celebration on May 17th at the close of Summit. Additionally, you’ll get a peek into some of our other sections, particularly our style section, where you’ll meet fashion designer Ruby Farias who will wow you with her gorgeous designs. Our team and I hope you enjoy reading our first ever KNOW Magazine.
CAT FORD-COATES creative director MYRA RAY editor ERIN DANIELS publisher SARAH BENKEN contributing writers ALISON STINE CARMEN COUSIN KIRSTEN STEELE ANGIE NIELSEN connect @theknowwomen subscribe theknowwomen.com hello@theknowwomen.com
Cheers,
Sarah Benken
Publisher of KNOW Magazine
Spring 2022 - 2
©2022 Know Women, LLC. all rights reserved.
CONTENTS
STYLE & BEAUTY 45
15 CULTURE 4
SCENE See the
next-level experiences put on by KNOW Women across the country
7 LEADING LADY A Woman to KNOW:
Letitia Frye; Author, Speaker, and America’s Auctiontainer
SOCIETE 9 HAPPENINGS Be in the KNOW
10
about all events happening in May, June and July!
ENHANCE YOUR
BRAND Build your brand in six steps with Carmen Cousin
12 PROTECT YOUR ASSETS Learn from
Alison Stine about the importance of having a plan in place to protect your assets
FASHION Check out unique, one-of-a kind designs created by Ruby Farias that you need to have in your closet!
48 What’s In Your Bag? See what Afi
Maita, Fashion Stylist and Digital Creator, carries around in her Chanel “CC” Camera Bag!
NEWSWORTHY 15 SPECIAL FEATURE Meet the 100
Women to KNOW in America: Top Female Entrepreneurs, Executives, Leaders, and Philanthropists of 2022
FOOD & BEV 43
COCKTAIL Celebrate
44
FOOD Bacon Jam -
the springtime with an Arizona Sunset: A cocktail designed by ROXX Vodka
Experience the deliciousness of bacon jam. A recipe shared by Chestnut Fine Foods & Provisions
45
Spring 2022 - 3
CULTURE scene
Above: Bubbly Brunch & Shop (Tampa Bay) Below and right: Volume 5 Launch Event (Phoenix)
Below and bottom right: Bubbly Brunch & Shop (Tampa Bay)
Spring 2022 - 4
CULTURE scene
Women to KNOW in North Carolina Reveal Event (Charlotte)
Spring 2022 - 5
CULTURE leading lady
Article images by Sarah Hoag Photography | Cover image by Cat Ford-Coates
Spring 2022 - 6
A WOMAN TO KNOW
LETITIA FRYE Frye invests her time into every cause she supports, to truly understand the mission and bring those very real and raw feelings into an auction. By Erin Daniels Speaker, Author, and America’s Auctiontainer, a name given to her by Alice Cooper, Letitia Frye has progressed the world of auctioneering beyond what was before imaginable. She pairs her commitment to helping others with a unique auctioneering style and takes it across America, where she helps raise hundreds of millions of dollars for non-profits and those that need it the most. We sat down with Letitia for this interview and quickly realized her incredible story not only showcases how she has overcome extreme adversity, but also how she uses her past to fuel her passion for philanthropy and create a life-changing impact. Frye hadn’t always wanted to be an auctioneer and describes it as “God’s joke on Letitia.” In her former life, she owned a clothing store, was married to a wealthy man, and had
attended many auctions while they were together. However, it wasn’t until one of her theater friends from USC needed her to model for an auction one night, that the trajectory of her entire life changed forever. I went to go to this event and the auctioneer that she had arranged to do it didn’t come. She said, “I’ve seen you do this before in theatre. Go play an auctioneer for me, please, you can do this.” So, I took that experience of what I’d seen and I’m like, You know what? Sure, why not? I’ll never forget what I sold. I sold a trip to Hermosa Beach, a flat-screen TV, a go-kart, and a puppy. The entire direction of my life changed on a dime that night. People began asking her for business cards. Her modeling agency was getting calls asking for ‘the auctioneer.’ Soon after, Letitia was on her way to auctioneering school in
Spring 2022 - 7
Billings, Montana. She says this set in motion a series of events that would forever change her life. “But slowly as auctioneering started, I was getting divorced. I was going to lose my children’s clothing store. Everything fell apart, everything. But in hindsight, I would say that everything wasn’t falling apart. Everything was shattering so that the truth of my life could take place. You have to die to be born. Things have to burn to the ashes, for the Phoenix to rise”. The beginning of her auctioneer career wasn’t the easiest, but on a trip to Haiti to support orphans, she discovered her true talent after having an epiphany with her former mentor, Foster Friess. Friess and his wife had been giggling in the corner during the auction and at the end announced they were going to match the $280,000 that was raised. Letitia thanked them but also asked what they were giggling about. “Foster Friess says, ‘It’s God’s money. God changed me, gave me money, and charged me with giving it away but I use it to challenge other people to give.’ He said, ‘But Leticia, God’s given you something for sure, you know.’ And I said, ‘Well, that’s easy for you to say. You have money.” At this time, Letitia was making under $30,000, auctioneering for $100 a day, and trying to “get her life together.”
“It had dawned on me because I was already mentoring a woman that worked at Circle K and I was mentoring another woman. And suddenly I went, ‘Oh my…I have talent!’ And, it’s not mine. I should be giving it away. So, that’s how I started mentoring. For the past 18 years, I’ve had about 52 female mentees and 4 male mentees.
It’s something I do free of charge, just out of passion and love.” In addition to mentoring, Frye invests her time into every cause she supports, to truly understand the mission and bring those very real and raw feelings into an auction. Whether it be volunteering as a camp counselor for LGBTQ+ youth that are battling suicide, or sitting beside someone as they receive an ALS diagnosis, Letitia emphasizes that it isn’t just an auction; it’s someone’s entire life that is changing. “Phoenix Children’s Hospital has a camp called Camp Rainbow that is free to all children in the state of Arizona that are treated there for cancer. I went for one year; I stayed ten. I went to do the One N Ten day camp; I stayed eight years. I went to do hospice volunteering and training; I stayed for five. I became a big brother, big sister to understand that program; I stayed for eight years.” Letitia’s giveback is incredible. Her impact through volunteerism and mentorship is felt in everything she touches, including between the pages of her book, No Reserve, which reveals her full gut-wrenching story and gives readers 11 strategies to ‘remove the reserve’ from what’s holding us back. Change your life ~ grab a copy of No Reserve on Amazon today.
“It had dawned on me [that mentorship was my gift to give] because I was already mentoring a woman that worked at Circle K and I was mentoring another woman. And suddenly I went, ‘Oh my…I have talent!’
Spring 2022 - 8
CULTURE happenings
05/19 6pm EST SWFL Vol 1 Reunion! Catch up with the ladies from Volume 1 of KNOW SWFL 05/24 12pm EST North Carolina Connection Call Calling all North Carolina based members! let’s meet online, pass some connections and share some referrals 05/26 6pm EST KNOW Asheville Girl’s Night Out We’re mixing and mingling with the women of KNOW Asheville. Grab your lady friends and join us for bites & sips 06/08 3pm AZ/6pm EST KNOW Global Connection Call We’re talking about midyear goals ~ open for Global and Elite members to meet and connect digitally
06/12 6pm EST Sarasota Vol 3 Launch Event Presented by BMW of Sarasota and Lamborghini of Sarasota, we’re celebrating the launch of KNOW Sarasota Volume 3 06/16 10am AZ/1pm EST KNOW Elite Connection Call Connect with Sarah, our KNOW founder for an intimate call about strategy and scaling your WOB ~ elite status members only
06/23 3p MST | 4p CST KNOW E-Commerce Connection Call Calling all e-comm brands! This digital meet up is for you to discuss Q2 initiatives 07/07 3pm AZ/6 EST KNOW Global Connection Call We’re sharing referrals and offering solutions to your current needs ~ open for Global and Elite members to meet and connect digitally
07/19 9am AZ/12p EST KNOW Elite Connection Call Connect with Sarah, our KNOW founder for an intimate call about staffing & business development for your WOB ~ elite status members only 07/28 3pm AZ / 5pm CST KNOW Mid-Region Connection Call Calling all members from Phoenix, Boise, Wisconsin, Illinois and middle America! Let’s hear what’s in store for Q3
Your membership grants you... MAJOR CONNECTIONS WITH KNOW GLOBAL + ELITE STATUS Your membership grants full access to local in-person events and digital meet-ups. Take advantage of one of our biggest member perks and meet likeminded women in your neighborhood and across the globe. Get involved and start fostering relationships today!
Use the calendar above for the next quarters large format events, or browse the latest upcoming happenings on the website: theknowwomen.com
Access your member portal and registration links at: | members.theknowwomen.com Contact membership@theknowwomen.com for questions related to your membership Spring 2022 - 9
SOCIETE enhance your brand
Define Your Brand
IN 6 STEPS
Spring 2022 - 10
SOCIETE enhance your brand
Y
ou will hear me say this over and over and over again…. Branding is a process. Branding is more than your logo, website, or tagline. Branding is complex and can be overwhelming, sometimes causing frustrations because it is the foundation and pulse of your business. Branding is how you promote the essence of your product or service to your customer. For your brand to be effective it must resonate with your customer not only through logic but most importantly through emotion. Your brand must be memorable and have a lasting effect on customers for them to want to know more about what you offer. Are you wondering where to start? Don’t worry. I am here to break it down for you by providing the building blocks of a successful brand. Below I share the 6 building block questions that your brand must answer to be strong and resonate with your target consumer:
1. WHAT IS YOUR VISION? Your brand vision statement is the ideas behind the brand that helps guide the future of your brand. It answers the question, “What do you want to achieve in the future?” and “Who do you want to become?” The brand vision is something to strive for to look forward to. It gives you focus and serves as a motivating factor.
2. WHAT IS YOUR MISSION? Does the brand mission statement answer why your brand exists? It is the driving force behind your business and why you started your business. Your everyday decisions will be guided by your brand mission. It tells your customers what you do, why you do it, who you do it for, and how you do it.
3. WHAT ARE YOUR VALUES? Your brand values are what you stand for and how you will behave in the marketplace. Customers are looking for a reason to connect to a brand. Your values are what a customer can relate to and provide authentic engagement.
4. WHAT IS YOUR PRODUCT/SERVICE OFFER? What is your product or service? How does it work? How does it benefit customers? You must be able to describe why your products and services are needed in the market and what type of problem you are solving for your target audience.
5. WHO IS YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE? Your target audience is those people who are interested in or have a need for your product or service. They are a particular group of consumers within the predetermined target market. They are the consumers whose problems you are solving.
6. WHAT IS YOUR UNIQUE SELLING POSITION? Consumers want to know what makes your brand different and why they should choose you over a competitor. Be careful to not make the mistake of attempting to be everything for everybody. Developing a strong unique selling proposition lets you stand apart from your competitors and allows you to focus your time and energy on creating things that resonate with your target audience. Incorporating these questions into your brand-building will enable you to establish a strong foundation for your business. These building blocks allow customers to develop a deeper level of trust in your brand and be more likely to choose you over your competitor.
By CARMEN COUSIN The Brand Life High Performance Coaching
Spring 2022 - 11
SOCIETE protect your assets
d e d n u o R l l e W CREATE A
PLAN
It’s not what you make, it’s what you keep. The more you make, the more you spend. We often hear phrases like those, but have you taken the time to dive deeper into your financial situation? How can we keep and protect more of our assets? Well, it all starts with having a plan in place. I suggest using professionals to make sure you are protected from a liability standpoint, inflation standpoint, and legal standpoint. A good team of advisors may include an Attorney, Accountant, Bookkeeper, Financial Advisor, Insurance Agent, Banker, and Loan Officer. At least annually, consider reviewing your Insurance coverages to make sure your family and business are protected. We do not need to be over insured, but we most definitely do not want to be underinsured. Review your investment and retirement plan to make sure you are saving and accumulating funds for the long-term, pay yourself first! Time is money, Albert Einstein once said “Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it; he who doesn’t, pays it.” Review your expenses and taxes to make sure you are living within your means and taking advantage of tax deductions and tax-favored investment accounts. Most importantly, ensure your business is set-up properly from a legal standpoint and seek out guidance to prepare for future changes in the business structure, ownership, leadership, and future sale of the business. Ensure diversification in your assets. We do not want all our eggs in one basket. It is important to keep enough in liquid assets for emergency savings - normally 3-6 months of our expenses. It is also important to invest in assets that will accumulate and provide upside potential to, at the very least, keep pace with inflation. We all have unique situations, but it is important to create a customized plan for you and your family/business, as well as take the time to review frequently and make changes accordingly. A good team of advisors can help offload some of the risks and help you to feel more confident and prepared. Spring 2022 - 12
By ALISON STINE Financial Advisor and Owner of Stine Wealth Management
Spring 2022 - 13
Spring 2022 - 14
NEWS WORTHY special feature
100
WOMEN TO KNOW IN AMERICA A once-in-a-lifetime honor, 100 Women to KNOW in America, presented by Morgan Auto Group, is a recognition that showcases the most influential, achieved, and honorable women across the United States. Following a nomination and interview process, the 100 selected female entrepreneurs, executives,
creatives, and philanthropists have not only grown their dreams, but have created boundless opportunities for the next generation of female leaders. These women exemplify what it means to be high-achieving and dutiful. We are very proud to introduce to you the very first class of 100 Women to KNOW in America.
Spring 2022 - 15
100
WOMEN TO KNOW
JAMIE KERN LIMA
Jamie Kern Lima is a New York Times bestselling author, American entrepreneur, billion-dollar business success story, champion of women, philanthropist, culture-shifter, and highly sought-after keynote speaker. She Co-Founded IT Cosmetics from her living room, grew it into a top-selling makeup and skincare brand, then sold it to L’Oréal for $1.2 Billion, in their largest US acquisition to date, making Jamie the first female CEO of a brand in L’Oréal’s 100+ year history. Jamie is passionate about inspiring and mentoring entrepreneurs, building businesses, making a difference in the lives of women and girls, and giving back in a big way. As a passionate speaker, Jamie loves sharing her stories of inspiration, underestimation, overcoming self-doubt, rejection, and never giving up. Her love of her customers and remarkable authenticity
and belief eventually landed her on the Forbes America’s Richest Self-Made Women list. She’s the author of the new book Believe IT: How to Go From Underestimated to Unstoppable, an instant New York Times bestseller, USA Today bestseller, #1 Wall Street Journal bestseller, #1 Amazon bestseller, #1 Publisher’s Weekly bestseller and #1 Barnes & Noble bestseller. She’s a mother of two and an active investor, speaker, and thought leader who is passionate about inspiring and elevating women. She’s also an active philanthropist who has donated over $40 million in product and funds to help women face the effects of cancer with confidence. She’s also donating 100% of her author proceeds for Believe IT to Feeding America and Together Rising. Learn more at BelieveIt.com Webb is currently writing her second book and resides in Los Angeles with her partner Adrian and their four children.
WE ASKED JAMIE... What is the best advice you have received?
What is women’s empowerment to you?
“God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called.” I love this reminder that you have everything you need, right now, inside of you to accomplish your calling, your purpose and your dreams!
Unlearning many of our learned belief systems, and getting into alignment with our true selves, our true power and our inner knowing. And helping inspire and encourage each other to do the same!”
JamieKernLima.com Spring 2022 - 16
100
WOMEN TO KNOW
AIMEE WERNER
Aimee Werner founded Whish in 2007 with her husband, Jesse. Whish is a high-performance, all-natural skin care and body care brand with over 100 products. Whish manufactures and fulfills the entire line out of their Scottsdale, AZ corporate facility. Aimee oversees many facets of the Whish including new product development, sales strategy, supporting key customers, and all aspects of marketing for the brand. Prior to founding Whish Aimee worked as a Distribution Channel Manager for various semiconductor companies and directly managed over $40M in sales. Prior to that, she worked in Distribution as a Product Manager and Supplier Manager. She has also worked as a Salon and Day Spa Manager. Aimee has a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Westminster University.
ALEXANDRA STAPLETON-SMITH Alexandra Stapleton-Smith has turned her passion for crafting into a 7 figure startup. Just 5 years ago, she started The Hedgehog Hollow blog and YouTube channel as a crafter sharing tips and tricks. She is now the Owner and CEO of Maker Forte, a craft supplies company whose foundation is based on collaboration and building up others. She wants the tools and tips provided by Maker Forte to encourage everyone to be able to say “I’m a Maker too!” Alexandra is passionate about data and enjoys helping others learn how to master their metrics and grow their business. Maker Forte makerforte.com
Whish whishbody.com
ALLISON IMRE From a young age, Allison knew she was destined for a career in communications and eventually trained under the same coach as Paul Rudd and Jason Sudeikis. After graduating from the University of Kansas, she lived in the Virgin Islands, San Diego, New Orleans, Lake Tahoe, Colorado….finally making her way to Sarasota in 2004. For more than a decade, she pursued a career with iHeart Radio. In April of 2017, Allison purchased Grapevine Communications. Now in its 20th year, Grapevine’s revenue has exploded by over 400%. Allison and her husband, David, are parents to two brilliant children, Rip and Ryan. She is a leader, cancer survivor, snappy dresser, and Fantasy Football champion! Grapevine Communications grapeinc.com
ALYSSA RHOADS Alyssa is an award-winning Event Planner/Producer with 16 years of experience. Through her company Eventing Tampa Bay, she has worked with some of the largest companies and nonprofit organizations including the PGA Tournament’s Valspar Championship, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, and Tampa Bay Business & Wealth Magazine to name a few. Alyssa also took on the role of Executive Director of the CEO Council of Tampa Bay, a membership organization made up of over 220 of Tampa’s most accomplished CEOs, Entrepreneurs, and executive leaders. Alyssa is a breast cancer survivor and an active member of the community. She currently serves as a Copperhead and the Founder of the Mommy & Me High Tea. Eventing Tampa and CEO Council of Tampa Bay eventingtampabay.com Spring 2022 - 17
100
WOMEN TO KNOW
AMY FAZACKERLEY
AMY WALBERG
Amy Fazackerley is CEO and CoFounder of Lay-n-Go, LLC. The company designs and manufactures innovative organizational solutions for life, play, and travel. Amy has been awarded four U.S. Utility Patents for her invention and distributes her products to leading retail companies domestically and internationally. As a women-owned business, Amy has been featured on national TV shows like MSNBC’s Your Business, Fox and Friends, and Good Morning America. She is also a qualified guest host for QVC and is very active with Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), Women Presidents’ Organization (WPO) and Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO/DC). In 2021, Amy won the Enterprising Women of the Year Award, from Enterprising Women Magazine, an annual tribute to the world’s top women entrepreneurs.
PRESS Premium Alcohol Seltzer was founded by Amy Walberg in 2015 from the most powerful inspiration sparked by personal passion—with a little nudge from necessity! As a single professional, Amy did her share of international travel in search of rich culinary and cultural experiences. Then she became a mom: equally rewarding, but a very different kind of adventure. Amy didn’t want to give up her celebratory time with friends—but she was looking for an alternative to higher ABV cocktails. Amy developed the beverage she wanted to drink, from her perspective as a woman in a maledominated industry that was not particularly responsive to its women customers. PRESS is available in 48 states and is a top 10 brand in the hard seltzer category!
Lay-n-Go, LLC layngo.com
PRESS Premium Alcohol Seltzer enjoypress.com
Spring 2022 - 18
ANGELA GARMON
ANN MEYERS DRYSDALE
Angela Garmon is an award-winning business owner. She is the Founder and CEO of ARG Coaching & Consulting Group, a strategic change management consulting firm that supports diverse teams nationwide. In 2021, Angela also started an Arizona-based nonprofit focused on bridging the disparity gaps for minority and women-owned businesses. The nonprofit was awarded a grant of close to half a million dollars to develop and launch a program that supports twenty black businesses statewide. Her mission, to create parity and cultivate an ecosystem that is equitable for all businesses to thrive, drives her passion to see other women and minority executives succeed.
Ann Meyers Drysdale is a trailblazer in women’s basketball and has been in the sports broadcasting industry for over 40 years. She is the first woman with a full athletic scholarship to UCLA, the first woman to sign an NBA contract after signing with the Indiana Pacers in 1979, and is a member of the inaugural 1976 U.S. Olympic Women’s Basketball Team. She is now the vice president of the Phoenix Suns and Mercury, where she has 3 WNBA titles and several Hall Of Fame awards. Ann is also the author of “You Let Some Girl Beat You? The Story Of Ann Meyers Drysdale.
ARG Coaching & Consulting Group LLC angelargarmon.com
Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury
100
WOMEN TO KNOW
ANNA M. FIGUEROA
ANNETTE WHITE-KLOSOSKY
In 2008, after decades as an executive in the broadcast media industry, Anna founded Vantage Communications to become a more effective marketing partner for her clients. From the beginning, Vantage Communications has been an integral part of the success stories of many clients such as Sun Health & Dental, Vitamalt, Fonti di Crodo, Lorina, Hartwall’s Original Long Drink, Our Virtual Office, the International Rescue Committee, Amor en Acción and Directorio Democratico. Anna is proud to lead a team of professionals that are not only the best at what they do, but also excellent human beings who contribute generously to their communities.
Annette White-Klososky, is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Future Point of View and owner of The Women’s Executive Board. Annette is a consultant and executive coach specializing in Adaptive Culture, High-Performance Coaching & Executive Peer Advisory Boards. Annette is also a contributor for Entrepreneur Magazine and for Forbes where she is a member of the Forbes Technology Council. She has Co-Chaired the Women On Boards event for Oklahoma and Chairs the Women Presidents Organization for Oklahoma City, Omaha, and Kansas City. She hosts a podcast, LeaderSpotlight, where she features leaders and entrepreneurs and tells the behind the scene story of their success.
Vantage Communications vantage-communications.com
Future Point of View fpov.com
APRIL SIMPKINS April is the Chief Human Resources Officer for Totalhr and the Founder of Thrive Recruiting & Development. April received an invitation to The Business Journal Leadership Trust which allows her to share her expertise with leaders nationwide. She has led Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) initiatives for several years. In 2020, she received the Unsung Hero Award from Greenville SHRM for her exemplary leadership in DEI. April has received many awards and honors for her business acumen including the 2020 Women In Business Achievement Award from the Charlotte Business Journal, and in 2016, April was named one of Charlotte’s 50 Most Influential Women by Mecklenburg Times.
BARBARA HEMPHILL Barbara Hemphill, aka” Paper Tiger Lady,” started her career in the organizing industry in 1978 with a $7 ad in a New York newspaper and has developed world-class expertise to help individuals and organizations to tame the chaos and clutter that keep them from being effective, calm, and ultimately free. Productive Environment Institute productiveenvironment.com
Totalhr Totalhr.net
Spring 2022 - 19
100
WOMEN TO KNOW
BONNIE LUCAS
Bonnie’s company, Law Enforcement Specialists, provides off-duty police officers for security. It was founded in 1994 and serves 42 states and 10,000 officers nationwide. Last year, Bonnie introduced 5 bills into legislation benefiting police. She hosts a US Constitution learning class, has a 501C3 benefiting police, sponsors Arizona Blue Heat, a police softball team, and plans to start a pilot program introducing young children to police where they learn to trust, respect, and can rely upon the police. Bonnie mentors other womenowned businesses by serving as Forum Chair for WBECWest and is an AMCA board member. Most important are her faith and family. Law Enforcement Specialists offdutypoliceofficers.com
BROOKE MULTACK FOLEY Committed to clarity, Brooke Foley helps businesses achieve dependable, repeatable, and scalable revenue. As the Chief Clarity Officer of Jayne Agency, a 100% WBENC-certified, bold, creative brand consultancy specializing in strategic planning, storytelling and sustainable brand platforms and serves diverse businesses and Fortune 100s. Previously, Brooke served as an award winning Executive Creative Director at global advertising agencies, including DDB, Ogilvy and Razorfish. Known for topics of branding, women leadership, ESG, supply chain diversity, Brooke is a 2020 Enterprising Woman of the Year Winner and publishes regularly. Brooke is a “cut to the chase” keynote speaker and sits on multiple boards. Jayne Agency, LLC jayneagency.com
CAMERONE ELISE PARKER Camerone Parker is a distinguished Supermodel, actress, philanthropist, and author. Camerone has walked runways for top designers such as Vera Wang, Badgley Mischka, and Giorgio Armani, has been seen on billboards nationwide, and has appeared in over 400 magazines. Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis early in her career, and spending her time on and off runways advocating for patient health and treatment, Camerone recently suffered a catastrophic Widowmaker heart attack requiring emergency heart surgery followed by three additional heart attacks and surgeries all within a year. Camerone turned her suffering into a monumental tell-all book, A Model Patient. Locally, Camerone has helped raise millions of dollars for many Arizona charities. Her enthusiasm is contagious, “The best medicine around – is to give”. SAG-AFTRA imdb.com/name/nm9113648/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1 Spring 2022 - 20
CARRIE PEELE Carrie is the founder and CEO of Mako Documents, a division of a multimillion-dollar medical laboratory. She is also the founder and CEO of Jade Lending, a capital fund supporting women and/ or minority entrepreneurs in established businesses seeking working capital to achieve growth potential. Carrie’s passion is all about paying it forward. She was the founder of Athena of Triangle; the win is to empower women as strong leaders in either multinational corporations or their own business ventures through the ATHENA Leadership Model. Mako Documents makodocs.com
100
WOMEN TO KNOW
CELINÉS TORIBIO
Dominican-born Celinés Toribio is an actor, producer, influencer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Her TV career includes stints as a host or reporter for Univisión’s Fuera de Serie, Primer Impacto and El Gordo y La Flaca. In 2002, she became the first woman to host a TV show produced by Major League Baseball when she anchored Sabor a Beisbol for ESPN Deportes. Her film credits include roles alongside Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Tracy Morgan, Edward James Olmos, and OZUNA. She co-wrote, starred, and executive produced “Maria Montez,” a movie about one of Hollywood’s first Latina actresses. Toribio is also a passionate philanthropist who, in 2007, founded Latino Youth and Communication Arts (LYCA), an NYC-based empowerment center for young girls. Esencia Films celinestoribio.net
CHEF LISA DAHL
Chef Lisa Dahl is one of the country’s leading female chefs and restaurateurs who has pioneered the culinary scene in Sedona, Ariz. for the past 20 years. Dahl is the executive chef and CEO of four outstanding restaurants in Northern Arizona’s red rock country where she has earned international acclaim for Dahl & Di Luca Ristorante Italiano, Cucina Rustica, Pisa Lisa and her newest, most buzzed-about addition, Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill. Dahl recently announced two new restaurants coming to the Sedona area in early 2019, Butterfly Burger, a “couture burger lounge”, and a second Pisa Lisa location. Chef Dahl has been featured on The Food Network, Travel + Leisure, USA Today, The New York Times, Wine Spectator, Travel Channel, Huffington Post, MSN.com and Marie Claire, to name a few. Dahl Restaurant Group dahlrestaurantgroup.com
CONNIE RAMOS-WILLIAMS Connie is a visionary business marketing leader who provides creative ideas and innovative solutions that deliver measurable results. She is the founder, president, and chief marketing officer of CONRIC pr + marketing, an award-winning creative agency that provides strategic branding, digital marketing, public relations, advertising, and website development services to more than 150 businesses in 35 states. Connie is passionate about the community and serves in leadership roles for many nonprofit organizations. She has served on The Florida Bar’s 20th Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee, chairs The BIG Backpack Event, and mentors budding entrepreneurs and students who dream to one day open a business of their own. CONRIC pr + marketing conricpr.com
CRYSTAL MWAURA Crystal Mwaura is what most would call a serial entrepreneur. She has founded and scaled two trucking companies (Affluent Logistics & Transportation and Pinnacle Freight Solutions) from zero to multimillion dollar corporations making them some of the fastest-growing companies on the East Coast. Crystal is also the Founder and Principal Agent of Alpha & Omega Insurance Group based out of Raleigh, NC. The company was founded back in 2014, but she has been in the insurance industry helping people for over 15 years. In 2021, Crystal decided to venture into the area of Healthcare and keeping people safe at home and became a founding member of Heavenly Sent Home Care Services which provides personal care services to seniors. Pinnacle Freight Solutions pinnaclefreightsolutions.com Spring 2022 - 21
100
WOMEN TO KNOW
DAISY EXPÓSITO-ULLA
Daisy Expósito-Ulla, Chairman/CEO of d expósito & Partners and American Advertising Hall of Famer, is a luminary in Multicultural Communications. A voice for diversity and inclusion and a pioneer in Hispanic and Culture Marketing, Daisy is consistently recognized as one of the most influential Latinas in the United States. She has received numerous creative and professional awards including the Matrix (NYWICI) and The Carnegie Corporation’s Great Immigrant: Pride of America honor. She currently serves on various industry boards, among them the Advertising Educational Foundation (AEF), the 4 A’s, and the Nielsen External Advisory Council. She is the founder, former president, and now board member of the Culture Marketing Council (formerly AHAA). Additionally, she serves on the board of the Repertorio Español Theater.
DANAY ESCANAVERINO Latina serial entrepreneur, Danay Escanaverino, is the CEO of LunaSol Media, a boutique digital agency that connects brands to multicultural consumers. A Cuban immigrant, Danay’s passion for the “American Dream” and her love of digital marketing fuels her work and has earned her multiple awards and a reputation as a marketer and speaker who delivers results. She is a proud mami of 2 fantastic young men and a philanthropist on a mission to lead by giving. LunaSol Media lunasolmedia.com
d expósito & Partners newamericanagency.com
DAPHNEY MICHELLE SMITH Daphney Michelle Smith, a Hagerstown Native, is the Founder and CEO of Broker Builders Solutions LLC. Broker Builder Solutions partners with Benefits Brokers, employers, and health insurance carriers to implement and maintain enrollment technology, also providing a Data Validation Platform that streamlines auditing large sets of data within excel files. Daphney is also the Founder of Women Who Uplift, a non-profit organization that focuses on mentorship to help women overcome adversity and use those lessons to transition into better versions of themselves. Daphney resides in North Carolina with her dog Gizmo, occasionally visited by her three children and granddaughters who live nearby. Broker Builder Solutions, LLC brokerbuildersolutions.com womenwhouplift.com Spring 2022 - 22
DEANNA SINGH Forbes describes Deanna as “a gifted communicator...a champion for marginalized communities and an inspiration to all those who want to be agents of change in their work, lives, and society.” Deanna is the Founder and Chief Change Agent of Flying Elephant, an umbrella organization for four social ventures. Through their work in the spheres of DEI, healthcare, children’s literature, and leadership, these four varying companies are united in their mission to shift power to marginalized communities. Deanna is an award-winning author, educator, business leader, and social justice champion who speaks to over 50,000 people annually, giving audiences the tools and courage to imagine, activate, and impact the world as agents of change. Uplifting Impact upliftingimpact.com
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WOMEN TO KNOW
DEBBIE ESPARZA
Debbie Esparza has been an advocate for women, girls and People of Color, her whole life. Her personal commitment to YWCA’s mission to eliminate racism and empower women began roughly 25 years ago as a donor, volunteer, former national board member and now as CEO of YWCA Metropolitan Phoenix. Debbie brings a diverse leadership perspective to this role, with her experience in banking, consulting, entrepreneurship, academia, and more than 20 years in non-profit executive leadership. Her viewpoint is always focused by a lens of race and gender. Blending all of her intersections and lived experience for the benefit of our community, these days her purpose is to disrupt and dismantle the systemic barriers that perpetuate social and racial inequities, misogyny and injustices. As a woman who leads with her heart, she puts her personal philanthropy towards LGBTQ+ issues and services for women and girls.
DEBORAH BATEMAN
Deborah Bateman epitomizes achievement, determination, and kindness, professionally and personally. Her career saw her rise from bank teller to executive while never losing the grounded perspective and touch that makes her a valued friend and mentor. Committed to developing others and helping them reach their personal and professional goals, Deborah speaks from her heart when relating her own life experiences to those that value her counsel. Currently, Deborah serves as the Vice Chairman of the National Bank of Arizona Board of Directors. In addition, Deborah is a professional and certified Executive Coach and Leadership Mentor, a best-selling author, and a frequent speaker. National Bank of Arizona nbarizona.com
YWCA Metropolitan Phoenix YWCAAZ.org
DOTTI GROOVER-SKIPPER Dotti Groover–Skipper has facilitated expert programming to impact positive policy change in tobacco, alcohol, gambling, substance abuse, addiction, and sex trade and has helped develop numerous sustainable community coalitions. She is the founder of HeartDance Foundation, which serves men, women, and children engaged in the sex industry and exploited through labor or sex trafficking. In Washington, DC, she has operated to mobilize and train clergy and faith communities to engage in issues of addiction, human rights, and social justice. Groover-Skipper continues to present at numerous National Conferences on anti-trafficking strategies and has received numerous awards for her tireless anti-trafficking efforts.
DR. LESLIE DILLARD Minister, Motivational Speaker, Best Selling Author, Soldier, and Financial Broker, Dr. Leslie Dillard thrives in fighting the fights that must be fought. Whether as a minister tackling Women’s Issues, speaking to or writing on difficult subjects, or helping families build generational wealth, Leslie is always ready to fight the good fight! God First Productions LLC authorlesliedillard.com
HeartDance Foundation, Inc heartdancefoundation.org Spring 2022 - 23
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WOMEN TO KNOW
DR. RUBYE HOWARD BRAYE
DR. SHARON LAMM-HARTMAN
Across a 30-year career, Dr. Braye has traveled around the world supporting women in the military, education, and the public and private sectors. As an award-winning, solutions-oriented professional certified executive coach, she has supported executives in creating organizations where employees and clients thrive. Her specialty is the resolution of conflicts for improved communications and relationships. She has been described by clients and colleagues as one who makes a difference in our world. When not working, she enjoys family and friends. She also finds pleasure in reading, dining, traveling, and touring art and battleship museums.
Dr. Sharon Lamm-Hartman is an award-winning global executive and presentation coach, leadership development consultant, speaker, writer, and educator. She is the CEO and founder of InsideOut Learning, Inc., a company specializing in leadership and personal development. Inside Out Learning is an active member of the global Women’s President Organization which only 3% of women-owned businesses meet their requirements for membership. Dr. Sharon has coached thousands of CEOs, executives, and entrepreneurs worldwide. Her book The Authenticity Code is a WSJ and USA Today bestseller and recently received the prestigious 2022 Axiom GOLD business book award for Best Business Fable.
Wu Li Turtle Corp. wuliturtle.com
Inside-Out Learning insideoutlearning.com
DR. TRACY L. SPENCER-SANDOLPH
ELENA SOTOMAYOR
Dr. Tracy Spencer-Sandolph is the Founder/CEO of Restoration & Purpose for Women, and Restoration & Purpose Training Academy, a retired Army Sergeant Major with 32 years of service, and a Certified Victim Advocate for abused victims/survivors of domestic/sexual violence. She’s committed to serving the community by transforming the lives of those impacted by domestic/ sexual violence and homelessness. Her personal experience, leadership, and mentoring are the perfect recipe for serving an underserved community. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated. Dr. Spencer-Sandolph enjoys spending time with her husband, Wayne, Patreaus, family, and friends.
Senior Level Brand Experience and Strategic Alliance Executive with demonstrated leadership skills, proven success in strategic ideation and a proven track record for orchestrating National Tour and Experiential Partnerships for live entertainment campaigns. As a leader she can recognize growth within entertainment, experiential, and branded content space. For the past 10 years, Elena sits on the board of directors at Maestro Cares Foundation started by Global Star Marc Anthony and Producer Henry Cardenas. MCF helps disadvantaged children and communities in Latin America and the U.S by creating healthy, safe environments through orphanages, schools, community centers supporting their academic dreams.
Restoration & Purpose for Women, Inc restorationandpurpose.org
Cardenas Marketing Network Inc. cmnevents.com Spring 2022 - 24
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WOMEN TO KNOW
ERIN ELIZABETH DOWNING
Erin Elizabeth Downing is a Writer, Coach, Speaker, Wellness Expert, and Author. Her education includes Certificates in NUSHU Group Facilitation, Plant-Based Nutrition, Pilates, and Kundalini Yoga. She utilizes the teachings of her book, Kundalini Yoga Demystified, as well as her degree in Plant-Based Nutrition to aid her clients in healing from the inside out. Erin currently resides in Los Angeles, CA. When not writing or speaking about health, wellness, and Kundalini, Erin uses her Interior Design degree to manage commercial real estate projects. Erin Elizabeth Downing LLC erinelizabethdowning.com
FLORENCE DESIREE NGOLLO
Florence Ngollo is the owner of Fresh Coat Painters of Cary. Born in Cameroon and raised in France and Belgium, Florence’s background includes working in accounting and finance for big corporations in Belgium for seventeen years. In 2017, Florence moved to the U.S. and opened a Fresh Coat Painters franchise in Cary, North Carolina. After a major setback, the easiest thing would have been to go back to Belgium where she had family, friends, and a strong community, but she stayed and is now a successful business owner. Fresh Coat Painters of Cary provides residential and commercial painting, interior/exterior painting, deck staining, popcorn/wallpaper removal, and a wide range of painting-related services. Fresh Coat Painters of Cary freshcoatpainters.com/cary
FRANNY TACY Franny Tacy, CEO of Franny’s Farmacy, called a “Trailblazer” by Fox and a “Pioneer in Hemp” by NBC is the visionary of Franny’s Farmacy. With the heart of the business on her farm in Asheville NC, Franny Tacy became the first female hemp farmer in 2017. Since then, the entrepreneurial business leader has built verticallyintegrated CBD businesses utilizing a farmer network and manufacturing over 80 proprietary CBD products, maintaining distribution, growing wholesale & e-commerce platforms, while franchising as multi-state operators of dispensaries in six states.
GAIL TRAUCO CEO and Founder of The PharmaKon LLC, Gail Trauco, R.N., BSN-OCN has spent four decades helping patients navigate the healthcare system. Trauco leads a team of allied professionals leveling the clinical trial playing field with a high tech, decentralized patientcentric approach to help millions break through roadblocks to the best possible health care. The PharmaKon LLC thepharmakonllc.com
Franny’s Farmacy frannysfarmacy.com
Spring 2022 - 25
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WOMEN TO KNOW
GRACI MCGILLICUDDY
Graci has been a committed child advocate since 1986 after reading an article about an 18-month-old baby who died after being brutally abused. Unable to comprehend the atrocity, ending the cycle of child abuse became Graci’s life’s calling. Graci joined the Board of Directors of the Child Protection Center in 1987, whose mission is the prevention, intervention & treatment of child abuse. She is a co-founder of Embracing our Differences which uses the transformative power of art to educate and inspire to create a better world. Graci created the All Star Children’s Foundation’s TraumaInformed Campus of Hope & Healing to build brighter futures for children in foster care through innovation, science, and compassion. All Star Children’s Foundation allstarchildren.org
HARRIET MILLS
Since pursuing her dreams to grow her business by bringing art and creativity to new communities looking for a fun alternative to a typical night out, Harriet and her team co-founded her franchise company, Wine & Design and grown it to one of the nation’s leading Paint and Sip companies with over 80 units! Harriet and Wine & Design have been recognized both locally and nationally through awards and notoriety such as The Triangle Business Journal’s 40 Under 40, ABC’s Shark Tank, the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and Yahoo Finance. She has used her position in her local community and through Wine & Design to partner with Project ALS to raise money and awareness for the disease. Wine & Design wineanddesign.com
IRIS PHILLIPS
IRIS Y. MARTINEZ
Iris Phillips, Founder, President, and CEO of Grace Federal Solutions, LLC, is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in project management, business development, human resources management, and healthcare service administration. Grace Federal Solutions is a professional service company that provides healthcare and information technology consulting solutions and services to government agencies, healthcare organizations, and universities. A recognized leader in healthcare and digital transformation focused on delivering projects and services that include a wide range of strategies, with a high-touch, low-cost methodology that results in a high level of customer satisfaction.
On November 3, 2020, Clerk Iris Y. Martinez made history when elected as the first Latina Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, the largest of 24 judicial circuits in Illinois as well as one of the largest unified court systems in the world. On January 8, 2003, she was sworn in as the first Latina elected to the Illinois State Senate, representing the people of the 20th Legislative District. She is currently the 4th Congressional District State Central Committeewoman for the Democratic Party of Illinois, and Chairwoman of the Hispanic Caucus for the Democratic National Committee.
Grace Federal Solutions, LLC gracefederalsolutions.com
cookcountyil.gov/all-people/iris-martinez
Spring 2022 - 26
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WOMEN TO KNOW
ISABEL BUCARAM
Isabel Bucaram is the Director of VIP Planning Production, PR and Marketing liaison for CNN en Español. Her duties include programming, marketing, distribution, advertising, licensing activities and events, to build and strengthen relationships with key members of the media, and opinion leaders. As the VIP Planning Producer, Bucaram has played a critical role in planning news stories and A+ personalities since 2010 Bucaram has received several awards such as the Proclamation of the City of Miami. Mayor Francis Suarez proclaimed the day of October 10, 2019, as “The Day of Isabel Bucaram in the City of Miami,” CNN en Español cnnespanol.com
JACKIE LOCKLEAR
Jackie Locklear is the owner of Locklear Inc. DBA Locklear Roofing, a 2nd generation roofing company since 1970. The company based in Holly Springs installs residential and commercial roofing throughout North Carolina. Ms. Locklear is one of the largest 100% women-owned roofing companies in the US. Ms. Locklear is involved in many community charities such as Hero Home, Habitat for Humanity, Rebuilding Homes Project and Operations Coming Home. Locklear has received many accolades throughout her career. She was awarded the Contractor of the Year Award by Pulte Homes, NCIEDI Success Award, and the Vendor of the Year by Meritage Homes. In 2012, Ms. Locklear was recognized as Woman of the Year by National Association of Professional Women. Locklear Inc locklearroofing.com
JANE MONREAL
JANINE FIRPO
Jane Monreal is the weekend evening anchor and investigative reporter at WCNC Charlotte. She moved from Fort Myers, where she was the evening anchor and investigative reporter at WFTX. Her work there garnered her an Emmy nomination. She was also recognized by the Florida Association of Broadcasters. While in Southwest Florida, she anchored wall-to-wall coverage of Hurricane Irma, fieldanchored the high-profile murder case of Dr. Teresa Sievers, and covered stories from a COVID-19 long-hauler’s tale of survival, to following the growing concerns of human trafficking. Jane served on the food bank Board, volunteered for Make a Wish, and has served as emcee for countless nonprofits.
Janine Firpo is a seasoned valuesaligned investor and social innovator, with a long history of working at the intersection of women and their money. From the early years of Apple Computer to senior positions with Hewlett-Packard, the World Bank, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Janine has always found herself making an impact. In 2017 she left a successful 35-year career in technology and international development to focus on how women can create a more just and equitable society through their financial investments. Her book, Activate Your Money: Invest to Grow Your Wealth and Build a Better World, was a collaborative effort with almost 150 women.
WCNC Charlotte hwcnc.com
Co-Founder, Invest for Better investforbetter.org
Spring 2022 - 27
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WOMEN TO KNOW
JASMIN ESPADA
Jasmin Espada is an award-winning entertainment PR Strategist, publicist, and producer. She founded Espada Public Relations, the Number One Multicultural Entertainment Public Relations Firm in Hollywood. Espada’s impressive list of clients includes some of the top names in entertainment starring in award-winning shows such as Selena: The Series (Netflix), Ozark (Netflix), and Greys Anatomy (ABC) to name a few. Espada was responsible for bringing the first independent camera crew inside a California Prison and was the first publicist from her country, Puerto Rico, to become a member of the TV Academy. Espada sits on the National Advisory Board of City National Bank and on the Board of Directors of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York City. Espada Public Relations espadapr.com
JENNA BIANCAVILLA
Jenna Biancavilla, is not your father’s wealth advisor. She is an award-winning entrepreneur defined by resiliency, ambitiousness, and life experiences that taught her to persevere through obstacles. As the founder of Pearl Capital Management, a wealth management firm advising on $150 Million of assets under management, she declares they are relentlessly on a mission to professionally support, educate, and uncompromisingly help every client align their use of capital with their personal goals and philanthropic values. As the leader of Geneva Financial’s Arcadia Team, she shares that they are bringing back humanity and compassion to the lending industry. Jenna spends her free time selflessly volunteering, holding board positions, and giving to charitable causes in her community. Pearl Capital Management pearlcapitalmanagement.com
JUANICE OLDHAM
JUDY PEARSON
Juanice Oldham is the founder and CEO of Forefront Development; a general contracting and development firm specializing in commercial construction and land development in Arizona. To Juanice, “construction is all about the people, building projects that communities can enjoy for generations and curating a positive experience for my clients.” Juanice and her team built Forefront from the ground up and is now managing over $20 million in contracted work. She is also the 2022 KNOW Board President and founding member of KNOW Cares: a nonprofit focused on serving women and young girls by creating leadership opportunities, mentorship/education programs, and raising funds to build schools in remote areas of the world.
Judy Pearson is a best-selling author, with four books and millions of published words to her credit. An accomplished presenter and speaker, she believes that helping is healing. She founded A 2nd Act, an organization that supports and celebrates women survivors of all cancers as they give back to the world around them. Judy has been featured in the National Cancer Research Progress Report, was named one of Chicago’s Most Inspirational Women, a finalist for the Arizona Healthcare Leadership Awards, named a Warrior with Hope and a Phoenix Healthcare Hero. Judy and her husband live in Phoenix, AZ.
Forefront Development forefrontdevco.com
A 2nd Act a2ndact.org
Spring 2022 - 28
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WOMEN TO KNOW
ALLI WEBB
Alli Webb is an N.Y. Times Bestselling Author, Canopy President and Co-Founder of Drybar, Squeeze and Becket + Quill. After spending 15 years as a professional hairstylist, Webb left the hair industry in 2005 to start a family, but after being a stay-at-home mom for 5 years, Webb decided to find a way to continue pursuing the creative side of hairstyling at a new-mom pace. She began offering affordable in-home blowout services to her mommy friends, which quickly expanded into a mobile operation by 2009. In 2010, Webb opened the first Drybar in Brentwood, CA. 10 years later and over 150+ locations across the U.S., Webb’s Drybar has exploded into a nationally recognized and highly sought-after brand. Webb diversified the Drybar brand, creating a line of products and tools sold at popular retailers such as Nordstrom, Sephora,
and Ulta. Webb has been on the cover of Inc Magazine’s “How I Did This” issue, named the “100 Most Creative People in Business” by Fast Company, featured on Fortune magazine’s “40 Under 40” list, Marie Claire’s “Most Fascinating Women” and recently Inc. magazine recognized her as one of “The 100 Women Building America’s Most Innovative and Ambitious Businesses.” Webb appeared on season 10 of ABC’s Emmy nominated hit show “Shark Tank” as a guest shark in 2019. Webb has joined forces with the Canopy team as President, LA-based jewelry designer, Meredith Quill, to build a new brand now known as Becket + Quill, and Squeeze, an innovative massage concept that lets you book and pay online, as co-founder. Webb is currently writing her second book and resides in Los Angeles with her partner Adrian and their four children.
WE ASKED ALLI... What is the best advice you have received? Don’t let perfect stand in the way of progress.
What is women’s empowerment to you? Women standing up and speaking up for themselves and each other - collaboration over competition.
Drybar drybar.com Spring 2022 - 29
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WOMEN TO KNOW
JY MAZE
Jy’Juan Maze (better known as Jy) is the President of Maze Freight Solutions. She has been in transportation and supply chain management for over 10 years. Her sales success with large and small companies, along with the lack of diversity in the industry, led to the founding of Maze Freight Solutions in 2017. The company, which emphasizes integrity, quality, and superior customer service, has experienced phenomenal growth since its inception. Maze Freight Solutions mazefreightsolutions.com
KARINA BORGIA-LACROIX Karina, better known as “The Title Girl,” is the owner of Borgia Consulting and American Real Title, which have been in operation in our community for over 13 years with the recognition of being a 100% female and minorityowned business. Karina is the recipient of countless awards for her outstanding achievements in her field and for making innumerable contributions to society. She has been featured in numerous workshops, classes, seminars, magazines, and podcasts around the country, where she has shared her expertise and experience as a business owner and how she has overcome adversity. American Real Title americanrealtitle.com
KELLY ROSS Kelly is the CFO of the 2nd largest automotive group in the world and also the owner of a fully comprehensive insurance company. At the age of 17, being a single mom this industry gave her an opportunity to reach limits without a formal education. Kelly is an active member of many industry and community organizations. She is a current member of the Florida Automotive Dealer Association, and the National Automotive Dealer Association as well as a past member of the South East Toyota Controllers Association. She volunteers for the Children’s Cancer Center, the Helping Hands Fund, she is the founder and president of Charity Polo Classic, and the founding board member and treasurer for KNOW CARES. Morgan Auto Group/Morgan Insurance Services morganautogroup.com mymorganagent.com Spring 2022 - 30
KRISTEN SHROYER ONEHOPE empowers its customers to share wine and give hope to the people and causes that matter most to them. To date, ONEHOPE has donated over $8 Million to 30,000+ local nonprofits though their innovative distribution model powered by 10,000+ independent consultants. Since launching ONEHOPE in 2007, Kristen has helped grow the brand from zero to 1.5 million bottles a year - making it one of the top 250 wineries by volume in the United States. Recently, the company opened its flagship state of the art winery in Rutherford, the heart of Napa Valley. Kristen resides in her hometown of Scottsdale with her husband, Brad, and two young daughters. ONEHOPE onehopewine.com
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WOMEN TO KNOW
KRISTINA GUERRERO
Kristina Guerrero is an internationally recognized pop culture expert having been a host and correspondent for E! News. She’s interviewed some of Hollywood’s biggest stars including George Clooney, Tom Hanks, and Julia Roberts, just to name a few. As the first Latina host for E! News, she used her platform to encourage other Latinas to pursue their dreams no matter their circumstances. In 2016, Kristina moved to Phoenix, Arizona to host the syndicated lifestyle show The List, which airs in close to 50 markets across the country. Kristina hosts live events and is a public speaker -- sharing her experience of rising from poverty to pursuing and realizing her dreams.
KRISTINA MADDEN Kristina owns Madden Therapy Solutions, Tampa Bay’s premiere pediatric therapy practice, offering speech and feeding therapy, occupational therapy, lactation counseling, nutrition services, and pediatric sleep consulting. She is passionate about providing the absolute highest level of customized care to her patients and has curated an incredible team of therapists and female leaders to further that mission. Madden Therapy Solutions maddentherapysolutions.com
Host on The List thelisttv.com/about-the-hosts/
LAKENDRIA ROBINSON LaKendria is the Founder + CEO of The Orenda Collective, which provides solutions to organizations seeking to establish a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace culture and community. LaKendria works to eliminate barriers that prevent underserved populations from thriving and the restrictions that prevent organizations from serving them. Previously the Director of Business Connect for the Super Bowl LV Host Committee, LaKendria connected local diverse businesses to contract opportunities for the BIG GAME! She was also the Inaugural Director of the Tampa Bay Chamber’s Minority Business Accelerator program. LaKendria lives in Tampa Bay with her husband William, daughter, Skylar, and son, Eli.
LAURA WEBB Laura Webb, CFP® is President and Founder of Webb Investment Services, a wealth management and investment consulting firm that has been providing support to successful individuals, particularly women since 1995. She loves being an advocate for women and hosts HerTwoCentsPodcast that is helping normalize the conversation around money with women. Webb Investment Services and HerTwoCentsPodcast webbinvestmentservices.com hertwocentspodcast.com
The Orenda Collective theorendaco.com Spring 2022 - 31
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WOMEN TO KNOW
LAURIE MARTIN
Laurie Martin is celebrating her 10th anniversary as Franchise Owner for HireQuest Direct, a locally-owned, nationally recognized staffing company. In 2012, Laurie became a franchise owner with two locations and currently holds eight locations Charlotte, Fayetteville, Greensboro, and Wilmington, NC; Florence, Myrtle Beach, and Rock Hill, SC; and Roanoke, VA. Laurie’s offices service a wide variety of clients, including construction, warehousing, janitorial services, special events, and hospitality. Laurie’s team set themselves apart from their competition with their commitment to customer service by building relationships for a lifetime. Laurie is a proud member of ABC, AGC, and NAWIC
LEASHA WEST
Leasha West is the CEO of West Financial Group and America’s most trusted voice in retirement planning. She is a decorated Marine Corp veteran and Columnist for the American Bar Association. West holds two Master’s degrees in Finance and Business and is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame. West Financial Group
HireQuest Direct hirequest.com
LETICIA HERRERA Leticia Herrera is President of ECI. ECI is a professional, fullservice industrial, construction, and commercial maintenance firm providing comprehensive cleaning, maintenance, and restoration services. Her professionalism and persistence have catapulted ECI to a prestigious level working for highly respected institutions such as the Museum of Science & Industry, the Shedd Aquarium, and the Oriental Theater, to mention a few. A dynamic woman with a commitment to her Latino heritage, Ms. Herrera mentors other minority and women entrepreneurs and is an advocate for the advancement of youth. She is currently on the board of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Woman’s Business Development Center, and the Mexican American Chamber of Commerce. ECI Spring 2022 - 32
LETITIA FRYE Known as America’s Auctiontainer, Letitia Frye has been captivating audiences around the globe for over 18 years , and has raised over $500 million dollars for charity. A former professional model, combined with years in the non-profit sector, help to create Letitia’s signature brand of style & passion in all she does. A published author of the critically acclaimed book, No Reserve, Letitia speaks to audiences across the country on living a life without limitations. A fierce advocate for women empowerment, and a single mother to two amazing children, Letitia Frye lives to inspire others and embrace life at every turn. Letitiafrye.com
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WOMEN TO KNOW
LINETTE MONTAE
CEOs call Linette Montae during periods of Rapid Growth & Rapid Change. With multiple advanced degrees, a gift for systems thinking, and three decades of optimizing infrastructures, Linette is a leading authority on Profitable Performance Improvement for small-mid size companies. In addition to being a national speaker and awardwinning results strategist, Linette Montae served two years on the Forbes Coaches Council, authored two books, and been seen in various media. When not at Legacy Influencer®, leading High-level Executive Roundtables and exquisite VIP Experiences for women, Linette may be serving as President at Profitable Empires or shopping for shoes (not necessarily in that order).
Lisa Gilmore is the founder of Lisa Gilmore Design. From the beginning, Lisa coined her style “liveable glamour.” She is spreading that mission: to fill more homes with liveable glamour. Above all, Lisa is an artist; she finds inspiration everywhere, whether biking around town, traveling to cool, new spots, or browsing fashion boutiques. Lisa has become passionate about helping other creative business owners realize that it is normal to make mistakes and learn along the way. Her story has helped numerous other entrepreneurs to build better businesses. She has been featured in publications, such as Architectural Digest, Florida Design, and Aspire Magazine. Lisa Gilmore Design lisagilmoredesign.com
Profitable Empires linettemontae.com
LISA H. THOMAS “I was meant to empower women, but not in conventional ways,” says Lisa H. Thomas, CEO, who believes and drives the vision of The P3 Group, “Powerful women leading profitable businesses for a better performing world.” Host of The P3 Power Boost Radio Show, and Past President of the Board of Directors of NetWorth, a professional women’s organization, Lisa is a 25-year veteran in business, executive leadership, and performance coaching and consulting. Lisa is a featured columnist and business strategist, appearing on Affiliate NPR, WFDD, The Cary News, Fox 8, and numerous NBC affiliate stations. The P3 Group, Inc. thep3group.com
LISA GILMORE
LISA WESTER Lisa Wester is a dynamic, innovative, and strategic business development leader who has achieved tremendous success in her career spanning over 25 years. Lisa is a Senior Marketing Executive at Labcorp and helped spearhead the launch of the Women’s Empowerment Network (WEN) employee resource group at Labcorp’s global headquarters in Burlington, North Carolina. Lisa designed the WEN charm bracelet as a way to connect members globally. Lisa is a North Carolina native, lives in Raleigh, and is a graduate of East Carolina University. Spending time with her amazing family – husband, Al; daughter,Taylor; and son, Davis – is what she enjoys the most. LabCorp linkedin.com/in/lisaawester
Spring 2022 - 33
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WOMEN TO KNOW
LIZA SANTANA
LOIS GAMERMAN
Liza Santana has been working in public relations, marketing, branding, promotions, media, advertising and events for over two decades and has provided public relations and marketing counsel to a number of corporations, South Florida based non-profit organizations and internationallyrecognized events. A published writer, Ms. Santana contributes to several publications focusing on food, spirits, travel and social events.
Lois Gamerman is the Founder, President & CEO of Soft Stuff Distributors, the Premier WomanOwned Specialty Food Distributor in the Mid-Atlantic. Lois is committed to not only growing her business, but to helping other women grow theirs too! SSD is an award-winning, 33-year young organization that sells the most ontrend products in the food world. Lois is married to her partner Bob and has 2 amazing sons.
Creativas Group Public Relations Branding & Events creativasgroup.com
MARILYN SANTIAGO
Soft Stuff Distributors, Inc. gosoftstuff.com
MARNI SAWICKI
Marilyn Santiago, a powerful influencer, mentor, and creative thinker has built a stellar career at the intersection of entrepreneurial spirit and community. Marilyn currently owns two companies, Sunshine Integrated Solutions and Creative Architectural Resin Products. With Sunshine Integrated Solutions, she leverages her expertise in branded content, marketing, and public relations to help her clients foster deeper connections with the Hispanic community. CARP services the construction industry by designing, manufacturing, and installing resin-based architectural elements that assimilate the look and texture of natural materials. Given her notable work and contributions to the community, Marilyn now sits on several boards of local and national organizations.
Elected in 2013, as Cape Coral, FL’s first woman mayor, she served the state’s then 8th largest city until 2017. She was awarded the “Elected Women of Excellence Award” from the National Foundation of Women Legislators, two Home Rule Hero Awards through the Florida League of Cities, and the “Ally for Equality” award from HRC’s Equality Florida. Mayor Sawicki collaborated to bring about lasting change on issues surrounding affordable housing, racial inequality, small business incentives and much more. Marni is currently the General Manager of a large 769,801 sq feet regional shopping center sitting on 60 acres in Portage, MI.
Creative Architectural Resin Products Sunshine Integrated Solutions carpusa.com
floridamayors.org/marni-sawicki
Spring 2022 - 34
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WOMEN TO KNOW
MARTHA ESTELA TOVIAS
MARY CANTANDO
Martha Estela Tovias is a professional Hispanic businesswoman, and a seasoned entrepreneur, who over the last 15 years has built several privatelyowned companies - i.e. Protect 1 Tile Inc., the first & only Latina owned title company in the State of Illinois, Café Rumba, a Latin-fusion restaurant in downtown Chicago, Mediterranean Imports Inc., an international import & export company based in Italy and most recently, Tovias Title & Trust Inc., a boutique full-service title company that provides a wide variety of title services throughout the State of Illinois. In addition, Martha is a co-founder of L.E.E.N The Latina Executive & Entrepreneur Network, and the founder of The Ladies of L.E.E.N Golf Society.
Mary Cantando started, led and expanded multimillion-dollar businesses for 30+ years. An internationally acclaimed author, speaker and consultant, she’s written seven books and hundreds of magazine articles and has been featured in countless TV and radio shows. Mary founded the Woman’s Advantage® Forum to help women with small businesses grow to the million-dollar level. As an Envoy of the US State Department, she helped women in developing countries start microbusinesses. Mary was inducted into the inaugural class of the North Carolina Woman Business Owners’ Hall of Fame. Her favorite role is mother, grandmother, and self-proclaimed “high-maintenance wife.
Tovias Title & Trust, Inc. usaleen.com
Woman’s Advantage® Forum womansadvantage.com
MAUREEN ANDERS Maureen is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of AR Workshop, a popular graphic design, DIY blog, and online shop for party printables. Their popular DIY blog column, “The Ruff Draft” was a source of unique DIY and inspiration to followers around the world. With the success of the blog, they took a leap of faith and opened their first brick-and-mortar DIY workshop in 2016. Their DIY-loving audience quickly embraced the AR Workshop® concept and begged for ARW to come to their towns. With scale in mind, the company offered franchises and 3 years later, AR Workshop expanded to more than 140 franchise locations in 31 states across the country! AR Workshop arworkshop.com
MELISSA DIGIANFILIPPO Melissa DiGianfilippo is co-owner and president of public relations at Serendipit, where she leads all of the firm’s clients’ public relations and communications efforts. Under Melissa’s direction, Serendipit clients have achieved millions of dollars in positive press coverage across international, national, and local media outlets including CNN, Nancy Grace, and USA Today to name a few. Melissa is also the co-creator and host of Will It Stick?, a weekly podcast that highlights bold brands, creative campaigns, and marketing moments in history that whether they flourished or failed, got the world’s attention. Melissa served as the Marketing Chairperson on the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Phoenix Connect Board, and on the board of Entrepreneur Organization (EO) in Arizona. Serendipit serendipitconsulting.com Spring 2022 - 35
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WOMEN TO KNOW
MELISSA SUTTON
Melissa Sutton is a professional fundraiser holding a degree in pre-med biology from the University of Utah, a two-year post-graduate certificate in nonprofit management from Arizona State University, and an SBA MBA. Melissa is the Immediate President of the Drowning Prevention Coalition of Arizona and the National Drowning Prevention Alliance. She is the Vice President of Water Smart Babies and an aquatic expert for Maricopa County’s Child Fatality Review Team. Her paid gigs are with the companies she has founded or co-founded: Abundance Journey Consulting and Active Kids Global. She is still pursuing her life-long dream of being an Olympian and speaks around the globe about how to become a superhero. Abundance Journey Consulting abundancejourney.com
MOLLY GOLDSTON Molly Goldston is the founder and Executive Director of Saving Grace Animals for Adoption. She rescues and provides care to animals from the most desperate situations through a non-profit business. Saving Grace offers community and purpose to many women while providing a successful adoption service to families and a second chance to animals in need. Saving Grace Animals for Adoption savinggracenc.org
MERCEDES SOLER
Mercedes Soler co founded Solmart Media, a Spanish radio and digital media company. Solmart’s core mission is to help entertain, inform, educate and elevate our underserved community. Our 2FM and 1AM radio stations reach 9 counties and about 400,000 listeners. Mercedes oversees editorial content, community outreach, advocacy, productions for non-profits, internship mentoring, marketing and H.R. Prior to this, she spent more than 25 years as a Spanish language news broadcaster working as an international correspondent for Univision and an anchor for CNN Español. She’s the recipient of 5 Emmy Awards, 1 Peabody and 1 GLAAD award among many other accolades. Solmart Media LLC solmartmedia.com
MONICA ROUSSEAU Monica’s childhood dream was to work on Capitol Hill. She obtained degrees in Political Science, Economics, and Education, but life had a different path. She’s the owner of Realty ONE Group Pivot (which opened its second location in 2021), a mother of five inspiring children, and some have called me a “badass.” She may not fully agree with that label, but she does push the envelope, believing that there is always a way and doesn’t take no for an answer. Monica’s goal is to use her success to lift others, especially women, to their fullest potential. Realty One Group Pivot pivot.myrealtyonegroup.com
Spring 2022 - 36
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WOMEN TO KNOW
PAM SOWDER
Pam is the best-selling author of Rich Girl, Poor Girl. Pam reached the pinnacle of business success by co-founding a multi-million dollar global network marketing company. She knows what it takes to succeed at the highest level and why so many women fall short, having mentored thousands of women over two decades. She shares her journey in her book and what pitfalls prevent women from reaching their dreams. Pam, along with her daughter Kaye Dixon, are now building Haute Market, an app that will offer unparalleled efficiency and ease to brands and buyers in the fashion industry. Haute Market richgirl.com
PAT BONDURANT
Pat Bondurant is President and CEO of the Bondurant Racing School, globally recognized as ‘the expert authority on driver training and safety.’ One of Pat’s favorite quotes is, “Behind every strong person is a story that gave them no choice.” Captain of several teams, tv/runway model who had aimed for a career in fashion, but her destiny turned left and pointed to the polar opposite side of the career spectrum — the all-male-dominated industries. She led successful careers in aerospace, architecture, television, cars, investing, and now, owning the undisputed #1 racing school in the world. Pat Bondurant has chaired, volunteered, and donated her time and resources to help raise millions of dollars to literally hundreds of charities. Bondurant Racing School bondurantracingschool.com
PATRICIA A. HARRIS Patricia Alston Harris is a Retired US Army Combat Veteran of the Persian Gulf War. She is the Founder and Executive Director (In-kind) of Women Veterans Support Services, Inc. (WVSS). Elected Department Commander of NC in June 2013, Ms. Harris has the distinction as the first woman veteran and the first African American to serve in the position. Since 2008, WVSS has been specializing in crisis management with Homeless, Domestic Violence, and Sexual Violence in-crisis women veterans and exceptional cases of male parent veterans with daughters. They also provide other support services. This organization has served over 1000 veterans and families. Women Veterans Support Services, Inc. wvss-nc.org
RACHEL CANNON Rachel Cannon is an entertainment executive, entrepreneur, mentor, accomplished television actress, writer, and producer. With an acting career in Los Angeles that spans 20 years with over 80 network television credits, Cannon has been featured on iconic television series like “Big Bang Theory,” “Two and a Half Men,” “Mad Men,” and for 6 years she played Deidre on ABC’s hit comedy, “Fresh Off The Boat.” Combining her on-set experience with a strong entrepreneurial spirit, Cannon launched Prairie Surf Media in 2020 and serves as Co-CEO. She is determined to bring more creative opportunities for film and television to her home State, leveraging Prairie Surf Studios, their film studio that boasts 1.3 million square feet of production space in downtown Oklahoma City. Prairie Surf Media prairiesurf.com
Spring 2022 - 37
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WOMEN TO KNOW
REBEKAH BARNEY
RISA GOLDMAN LUKSA
Owner and President of The Alzada Company in Southwest Florida, REBEKAH A. BARNEY is a real estate developer with more than 20 years of experience in both residential and commercial development. Her previous work includes the $190M historic renovation of Colt Gateway in Hartford, CT; more than 20 development projects in The Bronx, NY; and most recently, two high-rise condo developments on the riverfront in historic Downtown Fort Myers. In addition to serving on many boards, committees, and councils, Rebekah is an active community volunteer and fundraiser. Her recent service includes the SWFL American Heart Association, the Lee County Pace Center for Girls, Fort Myers Hope Hospice Shine Committee, Golisano Children’s Hospital of SWFL, and Ronald McDonald House Charities of SWFL.
Risa Goldman Luksa is Founder and President of Goldman Marketing Group, a professional consulting firm specializing in medical marketing and business development exclusively in the healthcare space. Risa has been working in medical marketing, sales, and business development for 20 years, including leadership roles in business development, operations, product management, pharmaceutical sales, medical education sales and publishing. Risa has been published in dozens of medical publications and lectures at medical conferences around the United States and internationally. Her biggest joy in life is being the mother to 2 beautiful children (Devi - 5 and Axton - 3).
The Alzada Company alzadaco.com
Goldman Marketing Group goldman-marketing.com
RYANN HALO
SHERREL SAMPSON
Ryann Halo is the founder of Salon Halo, a 7-figure company known for its culture of growth, teamwork, community involvement, advanced education, and professional and personal development program. Salon Halo has received many industry awards and accreditations including being named one of the Top 200 Salons in North America. Ryann never intended to work in the beauty industry, but she reluctantly went from honors student to high school dropout due to circumstances beyond her control. At 16, she signed up for Paul Mitchell School of Tampa and turned that potential setback into an opportunity by starting Salon Halo at just 21 years of age. Ryann is currently working as a mentor both in Salon Halo and offering consulting services to other entrepreneurs.
Sherrel Sampson is the Founder & CEO of Canviiy®, an innovative, organic-based health & wellness brand. Canviiy has official partnerships with Moffitt Cancer Center®, USF Health®, Tampa International Airport® and Orlando International Airport®. Canviiy has been featured by renowned media outlets including Forbes, Allure, Vogue, ESSENCE, Black Enterprise, AspireTV, and Cosmopolitan. Canviiy products are available retail locations including CVS, Sally Beauty and JCPenney Stores. Sherrel is an active member of The Florida Bar Statewide Advertising & Solicitation Grievance Committee and serves as a Board Member of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and The Orenda Foundation.
Salon Halo, Halo Consulting & EDU salon-halo.com
Canviiy, LLC. canviiy.com
Spring 2022 - 38
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WOMEN TO KNOW
SHIRLEY VINCENT
Shirley Vincent has founded five successful multi-million dollar businesses globally. She currently serves as the CEO of Netrocon Digital, a Digital Marketing and Technology firm that enables its clients to enhance their digital presence, branding, and engagement via Creative content creation, digital content distribution, and technological automation services. Shirley has been named Enterprising Woman of the year, CEO of the year by Go Global, Woman business owner of the year by NAWBO, and Company of the year by SVUS in the Gold category. Her passion has led her to co-found Synergy4WBO, a 501 c(3) non-profit committed to empowering minority and women-owned small businesses to be equally profitable, successful, and sustainable compared to their non-minority counterparts.
TAMI FITZPATRICK
Tami Fitzpatrick is the founder and CEO of Entropy Technology Design. Entropy is a Florida certified Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB), government contractor, and owner of NIMBUS™ VLF (Very Low Frequency) magnetic field threat detection technology that provides advance warning and protection against severe weather as well as manmade threats. Tami is also the Visionary Founder of Accelerated Consciousness. Ms. Fitzpatrick’s professional background includes 25 years of experience in small corporate management, international trade, advanced technology development, product conceptualization, and global business. Entropy Technology Design and Accelerated Consciousness entropytechnologydesign.com accelerated-consciousness.com
Netrocon Digital netrocondigital.com
TERESA RODRIGUEZ Fifteen-time Emmy Award-winning journalist, Teresa Rodríguez, is the spokesperson of Univision’s corporate initiative “Univisionarios.” For over 20 years, she was co-anchor of the weekly newsmagazine program, “Aquí y Ahora,” (Here and Now). She is the recipient of a George Foster Peabody Award and a Silver Angel Award for Excellence in Media. She was named to the 2013 Power Women list by New York Moves Magazine and was recognized by The Hollywood Reporter for having one of the top 10 highest Q scores for Spanish-speaking U.S. Latinos. Teresa was recognized as “Journalist of the Year” at HPRA’s National ¡Bravo! Awards. Teresa joined Univision in 1982 as co-anchor of the national newscast, becoming the first woman ever to host a national primetime Spanish language newscast in the U.S.
TERESA SANDE Teresa Sande is the CEO and founder of Mirror Mirror Strategies, a talent consultancy and coaching firm focused on creating top-of-theirgame leaders. She is also an imposter syndrome expert, speaker, and the author of “Find Your Fierce: Interrupt Imposter Syndrome and Own Your Success”, available on Amazon or at www.teresasande.com. Mirror Mirror Strategies teresasande.com mirrormirrorstrategies.com
Univision Network Spring 2022 - 39
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WOMEN TO KNOW
TERRI KLAUBER
As an Advisory Board member for the past 12 years, Terri Klauber helped create and has chaired “Cooking For Wishes” for Make-A-Wish Southern Florida. She also works with Easterseals, The Child Protection Center, The All Star Children’s Foundation, and more. Terri and her husband Michael co-founded the All Heart Fund and the legendary “Safari Sarasota” events – helping to build seven digital learning schools in some of the most rural areas of South Africa – giving thousands of people chances to learn technology skills and help them enter today’s digital world. Terri and her husband have hosted over 40 International food & wine trips as part of their Gulf Coast Connoisseur Club. Terri also is the Michael’s on East Director of Community Engagement. Michael’s On East bestfood.com
THERESA HARRISON
Theresa Harrison is a cancer survivor, entrepreneur, speaker, mentor, author, and community servant. She is the Founder and President of GEORGE STREET Services, Inc. which provides cybersecurity, digital services, software engineering, IT, and management services. An advocate and mentor to small, minority, and women-owned businesses, Theresa is most excited about assisting with the development of strategies to successfully launch their companies while improving operations. Theresa volunteers with: Just A Kind Note, International, Founder; Hood College, Board of Trustees; Truist Bank, Advisory Board; Woman to Woman Mentoring, Board Member; Frederick County Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., to name a few. GEORGE STREET Services, Inc. georgestreetinc.com
TSI-TSI-KI FELIX
VENUS GINÉS
Tsi-tsi-ki Félix is a multi-awardwinning journalist and international speaker on a variety of subjects. She is currently the face of Univision San Diego prime-time newscasts. Tsi-tsi-ki has been the host of “PoliticaYa”, a national politics show from Washington DC and has twice been a speaker at TED Talks on topics such as immigration, Freedom of the Press, and personal adversity. She has hosted Noticiero Univision and Despierta America newscasts, and her work has been recognized with multiple Emmy Awards for investigative series. Born in Michoacán Mexico, Tsi-tsi-ki has strong roots in its name meaning “flower” in Purépecha, a strong pre-Columbian civilization that continues to thrive today.
Venus Ginés is a 27-year breast cancer survivor who survived cancer for the second time in 2017 founded Día de la Mujer Latina (DML), Inc. in 1997, as a national non-profit organization that celebrates its signature Health Fiestas in 40 states, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic which provides the medically underserved Latina community with culturally and linguistically proficient health education and early detection screening for chronic diseases. Venus has trained over three thousand Promotores/Community Health Workers (P/CHWs) nationally and in Latin America and is a State-Certified Instructor.
Univision San Diego
Día de la Mujer Latina diadelamujerlatina.org
Spring 2022 - 40
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WOMEN TO KNOW
VICKI MAYO
Entrepreneur, public servant, child advocate, wife, mother...suffice it to say that Vicki Mayo has been on a mission of making a difference in the lives of a broad spectrum of people. That mission has most recently led her to found Touchpoint Solution, a cutting-edge tech company that brings the “TouchPoints “ to the masses. TouchPoints are wearable devices that alleviate stress in as few as 30 seconds. Additional applications include enhancing focus, improving sleep, and mitigating the side effects of sensory processing disorder. TouchPoint Solution thetouchpointsolution.com
VICTORIA ROBERTS
Victoria A. Roberts has always had a talent for transforming spaces into captivating experiences. She is committed to finding perfect, defining elements that set each event apart. Victoria was designing events even throughout her teenage years, as she knew early on that she wanted to be an event planner. This passion eventually led to her launching VAR Events in 2011. Since then, Victoria has built a portfolio of stunning weddings, receptions, dinner parties, and events to mark any occasion. She’s even helped guys plan the perfect engagement day. From lavish to simple, from off-beat to traditional, Victoria answers each client’s unique hopes and dreams. She listens intently and uses her expertise to transform your vision into an unforgettable event. VAR Events varevents.com
VIRGINIA MADUENO Virginia is President of IMAGEN LLC, Managing Partner of SanGuard Growth LLC, Managing Partner of LVS Enterprises, Investor and Advisor to Alterna Card Services, and Vice Chair of the California Delta Stewardship Council. She is a former Councilmember and Mayor of Riverbank CA, candidate for California State Assembly, candidate for US Congress, and graduate of NHLI at JFK School of Government Harvard. IMAGEN LLC imagenpr.com
WHITNEY BROWN Whitney has over a decade of experience in both Master Planned Development and Business Operations. Her love for community engagement and planning prompted her to branch out on her own to help organizations use their talents to not only further the success of their own businesses, but also the success of their community. Her firm works with companies across North America, helping them make an impact on communities around the world. Whitney is also the Founder of Immeasurably More Haiti, a small consulting firm that offers free planning and development services for organizations in Haiti. IMC imcteam.org
Spring 2022 - 41
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WOMEN TO KNOW
XIMENA VALERO
Ximena Valero, LA-based designer born in Mexico City, has been a visionary for the fashion industry since she was a young child. At the age of 24, she accepted an offer to move to New York City and work as a designer assistant for Victoria’s Secret. While in the Big Apple, she co-founded New York Fashion Group, a fashion studio. Ximena Valero has presented her collections around the world and has dressed a multitude of supermodels and celebrities. Her major contribution to the fashion industry is called Transformable Fashion, her Multiwear clothing brand that is transforming women worldwide. Ximena Valero Brands ximenavalero.com
YVONKA HALL
Yvonka M. Hall, MPA is a prominent community leader in Cleveland and serves on numerous boards and committees. She is the Executive Director at Northeast Ohio Black Health Coalition. Yvonne holds a BA in Political Science from Notre Dame College and an MPA from Texas Southern University. Recently, she was recognized by both the Ohio Senate and House and the United States Congress for her work in the African-American community. She is a 2019 John Marshall High School Alumni Hall of Fame inductee. The 1974 murder of her mother, Yvonne Boston Hall, dramatically changed her life; her childhood promise to use her life to help others has lead to the creation of cutting-edge programs and impacted thousands of people’s lives. Northeast Ohio Black Health Coalition neoblackhealthcoalition.org
Spring 2022 - 42
FOOD & BEV cocktail
sunset
ARIZONA
This light & refreshing poolside sipper highlights ROXX Vodka with tropical notes of Brazilian passion fruit, tantalizing Mango, orange forward Italian Aperitif, encompassed with bright citrus & subtle pepper spice. Inspired by an exotic escape, this cocktail is easy to drink and simple to replicate, whether you’re making one cocktail for yourself, or enjoying with friends. Entertaining a large group? Serve this cocktail in a large format punch bowl! Multiply your ingredients by the number of servings you wish to make and build over ice. Stir to dilute instead of shaking with ice. Make it bubbly by adding sparkling wine!
How to Build Your Arizona Sunset ROXX Cocktail In a cocktail tin, add... • 1-2 muddled Jalapeño Slices (optional, for added spice) • 1 1/2 oz ROXX Vodka • 1/2 oz Aperol Aperitivo • 1/2 oz Passoa Passionfruit Liqueur • 3/4 oz Re’Al Mango Syrup • 1 oz Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice • 3/4 ounce Pineapple Juice
By Angie Nielsen of ROXX Vodka | roxxvodka.com
Steps 1. If made spicy, lightly muddle your jalapeño slices with a cocktail muddler or the end of a wooden spoon. 2. Prepare your glass with Tajin rim by taking a lime wedge and rimming 1/2 of the lip with citrus, gently roll onto a plate with Tajin & fill your glass with fresh ice. 3. Combine all ingredients in your cocktail tin and fill to the brim with ice. 4. Shake your tin thoroughly for 8-10 seconds total. Strain your cocktail into your glass. 5. Garnish with Jalapeño slice and enjoy! Spring 2022 - 43
FOOD & BEV recipe
bacon jam By Kirsten Steele of Chestnut Fine Foods & Provisions
Made by slow cooking the ingredients, this combination of crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and brown sugar creates the perfect balance of sweet and savory. This versatile jam can be served on toast with eggs, or added to your favorite burger to bring in an extra dynamic flavor.
INGREDIENTS • • • • • • •
1 pound bacon 1 onion, caramelized 5 cloves garlic 1/2 cup brown sugar 2 cups cold brew 1/2 cup maple syrup 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
DIRECTIONS 1. Chop & cook the bacon until it is crispy, drain the fat. 2. Remove bacon and caramelized onions and garlic together. 3. Add bacon cooked. 4. Add brown sugar, cold brew, maple syrup and balsamic vinegar to the pot and reduce until a sticky jam consistency.
Spring 2022 - 44
STYLE & BEAUTY fashion LOCATION CIVANA RESORT & SPA PHOTOGRAPHER SARAH HOAG PHOTOGRAPHY MUA LEIAH SCHEIBEL HAIRSTYLIST S.L.TRENDS DESIGNER RUBY FARIAS DESIGNS ALL DESIGNS ARE CUSTOM AND MADE TO ORDER ONLINE AT RUBYFARIASDESIGNS.COM OR CALL 602.295.5244
MODEL: SAMANTHA INGRAM GROTHUSEN CREAM EMBELLISHED COAT: $895 CREAM PALAZZO PANT: $275 TEXTURED CREAM EMBROIDERED LACE HALTER: $175 CLUTCH: $65
Spring 2022 - 45
STYLE & BEAUTY fashion
MODEL: DORINE MARK PETAL CREAM CAPE : $595 SHEER MUSTARD DRAPED GOWN $495 EMBELLISHED GOLD SANDALS $175 Spring 2022 - 46
STYLE & BEAUTY fashion
MODEL: DORINE MARK TEXTURED CREAM EMBROIDERED LACE DRESS WITH PEARL HEM EMBELLISHMENTS: $695 TEXTURED CREAM EMBROIDERED STRING PURSE $125
MODEL: SAMANTHA INGRAM GROTHUSEN EMBROIDERED HIGH WAISTED CREAM LACE PALAZZO PANT: $375 CREAM BODY SUIT: $85 FAUX FUR & EMBROIDERED CREAM LACE JACKET $375 FAUX FUR HAT: $65 Spring 2022 - 47
STYLE & BEAUTY
s ' t a h W BAG? fashion
in your
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When Afiniki Maita, CEO of Afi Like Taffy and Partner of The Power of 3 Consulting, isn’t styling and transforming the closets of women across The Valley, you can find this Digital Creator at all of the newest hotspots in town! We were dying to see what Afi carries around with her in her Chanel ‘CC’ Camera Bag as she stays on the go! 1. Bag- Chanel, Green Lambskin Diamond ‘CC’ Camera Bag Mini, $7,195.00 2. Card Holder- Chanel, Classic Card Holder, Light Pink 3. Lipstick- Anastasia Beverly Hills, Liquid Lipstick, shades Naked and Lolita 4. Hand Lotion-Beloved, Pineapple and Papaya Hand Lotion 5. Insulin Pump- The t:slim X2 Insulin Pump 6. Fruit Snacks-Welch’s Fruit Snacks 7. Compact Mirror 8. Sunglasses- The Lifestyled Co., Bonnie Sunglasses, Ivory
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AFI MAITA
Style Advisor CEO of Afi Like Taffy Original Photography by CAT FORD-COATES 5
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