SPECIAL EDITION: BUSINESS 2019
Vol 1 1 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
#bts
We snapped hundreds of photos to prepare the KNOW 2019 Books...and we had a whole lotta fun doing it!
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STATISTICS ON WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES women employ more than
9 MILLION people
37%
1.6 trillion 0
10
20
30
OF WOMEN EARN MORE THAN THEIR HUSBANDS
40
50
60
70
80
WOMEN FIRMS GENERATE
IN SALES
more than
OF ALL BUSINESSES ARE OWNED AND OPERATED BY WOMEN
11.3 40% MILLION firms are owned by women
SOURCE: AMEX OPEN / WOMENABLE
2020 3
the WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM PHOENIX
COLLECTION
DESIGN & LAYOUT: EMMA CATARINO DESIGNS
We are a collection of highly successful, authentically driven women.
PUBLISHER: SARAH BENKEN
COLLABORATION We collaborate to support one another & build clout that inspires & motivates the advancement for all women.
CONNECT: @THE.KNOW.WOMEN @THEKNOWWOMEN
SUBSCRIBE:
COMMUNITY
WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
We support our local & global communities by actively searching for ways to pay it forward. MANTRA
Lift & Rise Follow The KNOW Women for more information: Publications for the latest information. www.theknowwomen.com @the.know.women @theknowwomen hello@theknowwomen.com 4 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
ASHEVILLE
from the
FOUNDER AND CEO
Launched in 2017, The KNOW Women began as a way to bring more attention to dynamic women doing remarkable things in the Phoenix metro. We knew there were an outstanding number of women impacting the community and making big strides in their industries. Our goal was to get those women out from behind their computer screens and into the public eye. Thus, we created the KNOW Book, a carefully curated publication that would feature vision-led women in a glamorous and authentic style. As the momentum grew and we recognized the need for more, we launched our Collaborative around the women featured in our KNOW Book. Our mix & mingles soon ensued and we witnessed incredible things happening. We saw our women doing business with each other, creating friendships, supporting each other, collaborating on projects together, and so much more. What started as a fun project to spotlight women, has turned into a full-blown movement. The KNOW Women has expanded beyond its birthplace of Phoenix, Arizona; its aim is to launch in every major city across the United States and Canada.
Sarah Benken FOUNDER AND CEO
2020 5
table of contents 8 ASHEVILLE
107 PHOENIX
17 CALGARY
146 RALEIGH
44 CHARLOTTE
164 ST. PETE | CLEARWATER
71 EDMONTON
175 TAMPA
92 LOS ANGELES
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ASHEVILLE
2020 7
CHRISTY MILLER CHRISTY MILLER CONSULTING Asheville native Christy Miller is no stranger to the motorsports industry. Growing up in a racing family she was destined to eventually have a career in the racing world. With 15 years as an entrepreneur Christy combined her passion for racing and marketing to create Christy Miller Consulting. A consulting firm specializing in the MotorsportsPerformance industry. One side of her firm she coaches racers from as young as 7 years old up to adult how to market PHOTO CREDIT: STUDIO 828 PHOTOGRAPHY
christy@christymillerconsulting.net 8 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
christymillerconsulting.com
themselves from branding to acquiring sponsors and social media. This is done through an online program she created, Motorsports Marketing Academy. The second side of her business she works with businesses in this industry to build strategies to help them reach their target market through sponsorships, digital marketing and promotions. Christy currently manages her sons racing career and marketing as a mother-son team working hard to achieve his dream of one day racing in the higher levels of NASCAR. A racing family built on a family legacy they are working to continue. @Christy Miller Consulting
LISA ZAHIYA COACHING WITH LISA ZAHIYA
Lisa Zahiya is an internationally known life business coach, speaker and dancer. She owns Studio Zahiya, a boutique dance studio, which is the five time winner of “Best Place to Take a Dance Class in Western North Carolina.” She combined her entrepreneurial ability with her experience as a corporate marketing executive and MBA to launch Lisa Zahiya Coaching, where she helps small business owners grow successful business and create a life they love.
Lisa is also an in-demand speaker. In 2018 she was the keynote speaker at Creative Mornings Asheville and did a popular TEDx talk, “Let’s Have a Party.” She has taught workshops on body image and self-love across the country.
She has served as adjunct faculty at the University of North Carolina, Asheville, Warren Wilson College and Western Carolina University. She serves as an Ambassador for lululemon Athletica, Asheville. She lives in downtown Asheville and strives to make her businesses as interesting and dynamic as the city around her.
PHOTO CREDIT: STUDIO 828 PHOTOGRAPHY
lisa@lisazahiya.com
www.lisazahiya.com
@lisazahiya 2020 9
TRACEY GREENE-WASHINGTON Tracey Greene-Washington is the President of Indigo Innovation Group, a consulting firm dedicated to serving as a strategic thought-partner, advisor and consultant to philanthropic and nonprofit organizations committed to accelerating change through systemlevel approaches, equity, and strategic collaboration. In addition to this role she is the Founder of CoThinkk, a social change philanthropy committed to shifting the economic mobility, health, education, and leadership narrative of communities of color in Western NC through strategic investments, network-building, and civic discourse. With a nineteen-year career track record of tackling complex social issues, she’s gained a reputation as a passionate, innovative leader that is committed to partnering with organizations/communities to be more impactful by targeting systemic change, taking risk and accelerating efforts at the intersection of community economic development, health and education. In addition, she is a board member of the NC Early Childhood Foundation, EducationNC and NC Center for Public Policy Research and holds an MSW from USC.
@MsCoThinkk @CoThinkk Tracey.Washington@cothinkk.org 10 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
PHOTO CREDIT: STUDIO 828 PHOTOGRAPHY
GENEVIEVE RACKHAM Genevieve Rackham is a money manifesting boss babe running a successful multiple 6 figure coaching business helping people unlock their brains around money and scale their businesses to 6 and 7 figures with law of attraction and manifestation principals. She believes money and business gets to be fun, easy, and fully supported by the Universe. Her work is centered in alignment, becoming your best self, releasing self-sabotage, and manifesting what you want out of life so that your business can be sexy, fun, easy, AND profitable. In just three years, Genevieve went from penniless and unhappy to owning her own quarter of a million dollar business at the age of 23. Some results her clients have gotten from her signature courses and 1:1 coaching include: manifesting several 6 figure scratch off ticket winnings (twice), signing 10 million dollar clients, growing their businesses to 6 and multiple 6 figures.
PHOTO CREDIT: STUDIO 828 PHOTOGRAPHY
genevievelightworker.com
@genevieverackham 2020 11
Kudzu Brands is 100% female owned full-service branding and marketing agency that helps growing businesses become memorable, profitable and sustainable brands. They are known for an easy, supportive process that combines strategic business guidance with expert brand design and management. Since opening their doors in 2010, they have helped hundreds of businesses in the region and beyond tell their stories and make a
bigger impact in the market. Kudzu Brands offices are located in the Montford area of downtown Asheville, across from the Asheville Chamber of Commerce. Come by for a cup of coffee anytime! If you are looking for a better way to tell your story or to stand out in your business niche, they may just be the right partner for you!
PHOTO CREDIT: STUDIO 828 PHOTOGRAPHY
MURPHY FUNKHOUSER CAPPS AND HEATHER JOHNSON Kudzu Brands 828.357.8350
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www.kudzubrands.com
info@kudzubrands.com
LAURA JUAREZ PURE POTENTIAL
Laura Juarez is a business strategist and consultant as well owner and entrepreneur of multiple companies, yoga instructor, and overall, lover of life. After a 25 year corporate career, she birthed Pure Potential with the vision of helping women access their potential and courageously step into it through their work in the world.
Their services begin with the unwavering belief that you are called to work at the intersection of your genius and your passion. They become an extension of your team as you crystallize an actionable strategy to make and monetize your unique impact. They also champion your personalized well-being formula as your health and happiness are not necessary or reasonable sacrifices on your path.
They believe passionately that your work matters, and so do you. Pure Potential exists to help you build a business and life that thrives.
www.laurajuarez.com laura@laurajuarez.com @purepotentialwithlaura PHOTO CREDIT: STUDIO 828 PHOTOGRAPHY
2020 13
CARLEY LEE LONG LIVE SIMPLE
As Creative Director and Founder of Long Live Simple, Carley Lee incorporates a strategic atmosphere for a variety of clients. With over ten years of design and marketing experience, Carley has gained professional knowledge from her positions at Ally Financial, Lowe’s Corporate, and companies such as Weight Watchers, INBOUND Conference, and others. Each opportunity has enhanced her skill set and led to her true passion— working one-on-one with clients and their teams. This dream became a reality with the creation of Long Live Simple—a company where her team personally builds customized branding experiences for businesses and entrepreneurs while keeping simplicity in the forefront. Carley’s designs are easily recognized by her minimal approach, hand-drawn lettering, and unique, custom icons. When she’s not in her studio or behind a laptop, she’s most likely traveling to other cities, gardening in her backyard greenhouse, or hiking the Blue Ridge mountains.
PHOTO CREDIT: STUDIO 828 PHOTOGRAPHY
longlivesimple.com 14 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
carley@longlivesimple.com
828.747.7327
JENNY GREER FARES SOUND MIND CREATIVE A creative force to be reckoned with, Jenny Fares has been an active player in Asheville’s artistic community for over 15 years. Jenny is a mover, shaker, and all around crowd rouser. She is a graphic designer, brand consultant and illustrator. Jenny started her career working for some of Atlanta’s top ad agencies, designing for Coca-Cola, M&M Mars, UPS and more. She left the big city for the relaxed pace of Asheville in 2002, and opened Sound Mind Creative in 2004. While building a national client base, Jenny works with many of Asheville’s most loved brands and is known as the “logo queen.” She was honored to be named Best of Graphic Design in WNC by Mountain Xpress readers in 2012 and 2013. Find her illustrations everywhere from a 3000sqft mural painted on the road to a New Belgium Art Globe Beer Glass. Visit her funky studio, open Saturdays 11-4:00pm in the Cotton Mill Studios, River Arts District. Jenny@soundmindcreative.com
PHOTO CREDIT: STUDIO 828 PHOTOGRAPHY
soundmindcreative.com
@soundmindcreative 2020 15
Laura Webb, CFPŽ is President and founder of Webb Investment Services, a locally owned, wealth management and investment consulting practice that has been empowering successful individuals, particularly women, in Western North Carolina since 1995. One of Laura’s greatest passions is to help inspire women to take control of their money, because she believes that women who are active in their finances have more influence and control over their own lives. Laura is definitely a woman to know! She actively supports her community and is an advocate for women, especially women in business. She is a speaker and the author of articles about women, power and money. Laura was awarded the 2018 Trail Blazer Award for her dedication to WomanUP, and the Raymond James Woman of Distinction Award for 2017. Laura believes in working hard and playing hard, her two favorite things are exploring new places in the world and spending quality time with family and friends.
PHOTO CREDIT: STUDIO 828 PHOTOGRAPHY
LAURA WEBB Webb Investment Services | Asheville Woman UP www.webbinvestmentservices.com
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laurawebbcfp
@WebbInvestmentServices
CALGARY
2020 17
ANGELA MERZIB BE BOLD BRANDING AGENCY Angela Merzib launched Be Bold Branding to build confident, competition-proof brands for industry disruptors. She sees brand positioning as a contact sport - you’ve got to make emotional contact with your target market to succeed. A memorable brand packs a punch, and as a certified brand strategist, kickboxing instructor, and former roller derby competitor, Angela lands a punch with style. Angela has spent years pushing past design trends to create campaigns as fresh and innovative as the businesses she serves. She’s an entrepreneur with personal experience in the pain points of business owners. She’s a seasoned designer and strategist with the professional knowledge and creative chops to take on the most daunting brand challenges. She’s a wife and mother who’s pulling off a balancing act like an Olympic gymnast, and she can do it all in heels or on wheels. PHOTO CREDIT: MIKO PHOTOGRAPHY
beboldbranding.ca 18 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
@beboldbranding
beboldbranding
SANDRA EASTON COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE LEASING
Never to shy away from a challenge, Sandra Easton stepped into the Calgary Commercial Real Estate Industry on a dare and has been gaining notoriety ever since. Sandra got into the Real Estate Industry 14 years ago in Northern Alberta. She did things differently right from the start and was the recipient of numerous Provincial and International awards for production and service. She is passionate about creating community for Business Owners and hosts regular events‌ mostly just for women, and usually involves some type of delightful shenanigan. Sandra works with all types of Tenants in the Retail, Office, Industrial and Medical Industries, helping make the complicated details of Leasing simple and understandable, all the while bringing her fierce negotiations to the table. Sandra Easton was just an average kid who started negotiating to get out of household chores. Now, finding creative solutions to complicated issues is her absolute passion in life.
sandraeastonyyc @yycvip sandraeaston PHOTO CREDIT: SKY BLUE PHOTOGRAPHY
2020 19
strong emphasis on community, creativity and collaboration and loves partnering with clients who share this vision.
KAYLA BROWNE / BOLD WORKSHOP ARCHITECTURE Kayla Browne is an architect, creator, and connector. From a young age, Kayla was driven towards a potential for change which took her around the world seeking out challenging opportunities to create. After becoming a certified architect and working for various esteemed firms, Kayla followed her quest for originality and founded BOLD Workshop Architecture. The firm works on a variety of building typologies but is most proud of their recently completed residence, slice house (pictured). BOLD’s work places
BOLD is currently co-creating with Sturgess Architecture, an offering that pairs international award-winning experience with fresh, innovative thinking. Always passionate about equality in architecture Kayla is among the founders of the Calgary chapter of Building Equality in Architecture. Kayla is also active in the fashion and design community via theNEATblog.com, which is founded on being raw, unfiltered and authentic.
PHOTO CREDIT: SARAH KNORR
@bold.workshop 20 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
boldworkshop.ca
kayla@boldworkshop.ca
LISA GAREAU CANDY EVENT CONSULTING
When founding Candy Event Consulting in 2008, Lisa Gareau began her work of supporting event planners by “Making Their Teams Stronger”. Since then it has been her joy to empower in-house and do-it-yourself event planners to plan events that better express the purpose of their businesses, organizations, or groups. Together with her hand-picked, diverse team of pros, Lisa supports Candy clients with deepdive event strategy sessions, end-to-end event planning and promotion services, and a welcoming place to grow a strong network of planning peers through interactive workshops and group masterminds. A natural mentor with over 30 years of experience, Lisa continues to share her lessons learned by creating and publishing Moments Magazine – Event Planning Ideas + Inspiration, instructing students in the Event Management Program at Mount Royal University, and speaking to business and community groups as an event industry expert. Lisa loves living near the Canadian Rockies in Calgary, Alberta – a favourite family playground.
candyconsulting.ca lisa@candyconsulting.ca 403.804.0895 PHOTO CREDIT: SKY BLUE PHOTOGRAPHY
2020 21
EMMA PORTSMOUTH ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE, CALGARY SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION A former NCAA athlete and passionate sports fan, Emma is quickly making a name for herself on the business side of the sports industry. After initial success working with the Arizona Coyotes and Florida Panthers, Emma returned to Calgary where she spent the majority of her childhood. As a Group Sales Account Executive with Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation (CSEC), Emma is helping grow ticket sales for Calgary’s most prominent sports franchises: the Flames, Stampeders, Roughnecks, and Hitmen. In just 18-months Emma has developed new business and partnered with a range of clients across Southern Alberta. Her exemplary service, innate ability to build meaningful relationships, and creativity in designing fun and memorable experiences for her clients, led to her being named Rookie of the Year for 2018 in the CSEC Sales Department. To make your next sporting experience unforgettable, Emma is your go-to-girl in Calgary for everything professional sports.
Direct: 403.777.2161 eportsmouth@calgaryflames.com Cell: 972.854.1652 PHOTO CREDIT: SARAZIN PHOTOGRAPHY
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Megan’s life has gone to the dogs. Out of her desire to drive change in the dog care and training industry, she founded dogma training. It consists of two behaviour and education centres, and dogma Academy, which offered the first of its kind dog training apprenticeship in Canada. Dogma helps dogs be successful in our families and busy human world. It leads the industry through its standards, programs and promise that every decision made ensures the well-being of each dog in their care. A mentor and active volunteer, Megan is on The Association of Professional Dog Trainers Board and was the first Canadian to be Chair in 2018. She is also the President of The Guinniss Foundation; named after dogma’s canine co-founder to help terminally ill pets. Life is too short to not do what we love, so Megan strives to inspire and encourage others to follow their dreams.
PHOTO CREDIT: SARAZIN PHOTOGRAPHY
MEGAN STANLEY dogma training dogmatraining.com
@dogma_megan
megan@dogmatraining.com
2020 23
Michelle is passionate about the financial industry and about people. She treats everyone with dignity, kindness and respect. Her integrity is one of the most important things to her. You can expect her to treat your money the same way she treats her own. She has 20 years of experience working in several facets of the industry. She started on the trading floor in 1999, then ran the new issues desk for Central Canada for one of the biggest discount brokers in Canada, In 2004, she found her place as an Advisor and has helped generations build their wealth. Her other passion is helping severe child abuse survivors obtain service dogs. As a survivor she wants everyone to have the opportunity to thrive, not just survive. She is in the process of getting a service dog herself and setting up her charity Constant Companions for Invisible Warriors. Michelle is originally from BC, but Calgary is her home.
PHOTO CREDIT: PAMELA BERYL PHOTOGRAPHY
MICHELLE BLUNDELL-DUNKERLEY F55F michelle.blundelldunkerley@f55f.com
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403.462.1745
@blundelldunkerley_yyc
LESLIE KRAATZ FEDERAL METALS, INC.
Born to be a Scrap Dealer, Leslie is the third-generation owner of Federal Metals Inc, founded by her Grandfather in 1950. Federal Metals is a Calgary based metal recycling facility that assists businesses and Calgarians with their metal recycling needs. Overcoming the bias that being female is a detriment in the scrap industry, Leslie has smashed the male dominated barriers and turned her femininity from a liability to one of Federal Metals greatest assets. As an ambassador for Scrap Dealers across Alberta, she works alongside Government, Police and security of Power companies to help mitigate copper theft. She belongs to CARI (Canadian Association of the Recycling Industry) and sits on the Women in Recycling Council of ISRI (Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries). Leslie is also co-founder and an owner of CRO Software Solutions (software designed specifically for waste and recycling industry), Executive Director at Thirsty Naturals Inc and was crowned Mrs. Calgary 2015.
403.816.6777 federalmetals.ca lkraatz.federalmetals@gmail.com PHOTO CREDIT: PAMELA BERYL PHOTOGRAPHY
2020 25
TASHA FISHMAN FISHMAN’S DRY CLEANING
Tasha operates Fishman’s Personal Care Cleaners with her husband Sheldon who’s family founded the company in 1945. In this historically toxic industry, carcinogenic solvents and environmental pollutants are still the norm. Impacted by generations of cancer in their family, they had a deep desire to find a new and non-toxic way of conducting business. They took a leap of faith into uncharted territory and have become the only %100 solvent free wet cleaner in Calgary and the largest in Canada. Tasha describes the ‘Wet Cleaning’ movement similar to the Organic Food Movement. She understands that people want to ingest and be surrounded by clean and safe products and that consumers are savvy enough to look for them. Last year they won a global nomination for best practices and placed 18th overall in the world! This year they plan to win and present their new repurposed energy technologies in Frankfurt.
PHOTO CREDIT: MIKO PHOTOGRAPHY
@fishmansyyc 26 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
fishmans.ca
403.228.6995
C
Caitlin Cooke and Brittney Pickett co-founded Glass Cliff Divas as best friends turned business partners and they immediately started turning heads. Cait’s drive, and determination is something that motivates others daily. Her expertise includes: marketing strategy, digital advertising, google analytics, graphic design, project management, and social media marketing. Brittney evokes feminism and inspires others through her passion to make a difference. Her expertise includes: copywriting, editing, marketing strategy, business development, process development, customer service, and communication strategy. Together, a full service digital marketing agency tackling everything from social media and advertising to websites and design. The duo has made it their mission to create a socially responsible business, and help others do the same. In 2019 the Divas launched the female focused social impact community, BOSSI Women to bring business game changers together. Through a like-minded community, women learn, grow and succeed through collective experience and genuine connection. PHOTO CREDIT: SARAZIN PHOTOGRAPHY
CAITLIN COOKE & BRITTNEY PICKETT Glass Cliff Divas Inc @glasscliffdivas
gcdsocial.ca
hello@glasscliffdivas.ca
2020 27
ASHLEY WOLFE GSL GM CITY
Ashley Wolfe is the President of the Wolfe Automotive group, comprised of five General Motors Franchises located in Edmonton (Wolfe Cadillac, Westgate Chevrolet, Western GMC Buick), Calgary (GSL GM CITY), and Canmore (Wolfe Canmore). Ashley is a fourth-generation owner and operator in the automobile business. In an industry historically dominated by men, Ashley is one of only a handful of women that operate an automotive dealership, let alone an automotive group. Ashley holds a Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies from Arizona State University and she’s a graduate from the National Automobile Dealer Academy. In addition to a business owner Ashley is an avid pilot, outdoor enthusiast, and mother of two small boys. Ashley has a passion for a healthy lifestyle and tries to be as active as possible with her family, working daily to achieve a balance between her career and life at home.
PHOTO CREDIT: SKY BLUE PHOTOGRAPHY
awolfe-autodealer 28 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
@smashly1982
awolfe@gslgmcity.com
Originally, born in Ottawa, Ontario, Kim moved to Alberta in 1999. Kim is a proud wife and mother of 3 busy boys. An entrepreneur at heart, Kim focuses her time as the Principal Consultant of HR Factor and the Labour Relations Officer for Bow Valley College Faculty Association. Kim provides hire to retire services, labour and conflict resolution practices to organizations across Alberta. Kim analyzes business practices to assist leaders in transforming challenging employee issues into “Brand Ambassadors”. Kim is also the Founder & CEO of PROFHYL Athletics. A social medial app for athletes who wish to connect with like-minded athletes, coaches and recruiters to advance their athletic career. Kim’s success as an HR leader and entrepreneur is thinking outside the box. The hotter the mess, the more determined Kim is to be successful. When Kim is not putting out fires or working on new business ventures, you can find her on the sidelines cheering on her boys.
PHOTO CREDIT: PAMELA BERYL PHOTOGRAPHY
KIM SMITH HR Factor | PROFYHL Athletics kim-smith-58305657
hrfactor@icloud.com
profyhl@gmail.com
2020 29
DENISE YEE HOW TO BE A RED | MULBERRY MAVEN Denise is the creator and founder of two small Calgary businesses. She truly believes that success is a blend of balancing both her analytical and creative skills to never stop growing. “How to be a RED” blog is an ode to her experiences being a daring, female, spicy, RED personality. Her brutal honesty and bold nature have led to monumental learning moments. Introducing vulnerability by sharing personal stories, she is expanding her current online platform to public speaking engagements, workshops and mentorship. Mulberry Maven is a boutique décor company founded in late 2015 and specializes in floral design, calligraphy and event coordination. The true passion and current focus is expanding her workshop series to share her love and expertise with a community who is asking for opportunities to get creative. The common threads that weave through both businesses include growth, collaboration, community and slaying sacred cows. PHOTO CREDIT: SARAZIN PHOTOGRAPHY
@living.red 30 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
howtobeared@gmail.com
howtobeared.com
Infusion Coworking is a supportive coworking and incubator space a stone’s throw from the Calgary Tower. The goal is to foster creativity by developing a unique culture and community, and by using the dedicated team’s own experience in the world of startups and business to help execute incredible ideas in Calgary and accelerate change. KRISTEN MACKAY – COFOUNDER Kristen is the shining voice of Infusion! She’s passionate about connecting with the different businesses that fill the space and finding collaboration opportunities hidden in the community. Her background in the oil field and as Canadian Pacific Railway’s Service Design Analyst gives her a special perspective on how thing can operate more efficiently. HEBA ELASAAD – VP of Innovation + Digital Strategy Heba is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and digital specialist, focused on early stage tech startups. With almost a decade of story-telling and consulting experience, her work as a writer, photographer, and content manager is international. She was instantly drawn to Infusion’s mission to support innovation and loves being able to give her expertise to the incredible ideas in the community. PHOTO CREDIT: MIKO PHOTOGRAPHY
infusioncoworking.ca
info@infusioncoworking.ca
@infusioncoworking 2020 31
JENNY PAUL BUSINESS COACH
Through her blog and coaching programs, Jenny helps female entrepreneurs start and scale businesses they’re passionate about. After attending law school and joining a top-tier firm, she felt unfulfilled and knew she wanted to be her own boss. She took a leap of faith and in a short amount of time, built one of Alberta’s most innovative legal recruitment companies. With a background in corporate law and practical experience scaling a company, Jenny brings a unique perspective to her coaching practice. In addition to providing tactics and strategies for business growth, she places a strong emphasis on developing an entrepreneurial mindset and avoiding burnout. Jenny’s signature coaching program, Six Figure Blueprint, opens for enrollment a few times a year. Check out her website for more information. You can also catch her on Instagram where she shares daily tips and inspiration to create the life and business you imagine.
PHOTO CREDIT: SUNLEY PHOTOGRAPHY
@livelongandhustle 32 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
livelongandhustle.com
hello@livelongandhustle.com
MICHELLE SCHURMAN As a former journalist and one of Calgary’s most connected public relations professionals, Michelle helps her clients get noticed through well-researched and targeted multi-channel media campaigns. Operating as a solo business owner, Michelle enjoys working directly with Calgary entrepreneurs and startup founders. Using valuable insights from her media career, Michelle designs custom PR campaigns that deliver results, handling strategy, implementation and execution in a seamless fashion. She’s led successful campaigns for a variety of clients including startups, health, fashion, travel, real estate, B2B and non-profits. A transplanted Maritimer, Michelle has been in Calgary for more than a decade and loves the entrepreneurial spirit that exists here. Michelle is a passionate advocate with Ovarian Cancer Canada and is the Chair of Calgary’s Lady Ball Gala which raises funds for critical ovarian cancer research. She’s also a wife and mom of three girls.
PHOTO CREDIT: SKY BLUE PHOTOGRAPHY
michelleschurman.com
@consulting_ms
michelle-schurman-94a1222b 2020 33
KIM HAYDEN / IN-HOUZE PRODUCTIONS | KIM TALKS | EXP REALTY Kim Hayden is an award-winning Real Estate Agent and Media Producer with a unique approach to building business. Guided by her passion for family, Kim has worked alongside her husband Doug for over 20 years and recently welcomed their son Dexter Hayden to the team. Always aware of the opportunities, trends and changing landscape, Team Hayden is proud to have been the first team in Canada with EXP Realty, a global community of agents and partners transforming the real estate experience.
Whether connecting communities through the creation of groups like McKenzie Towne Moms & Tots, hosting events like Stampede on High Street, or interviewing hundreds of entrepreneurs and celebrities for her podcast Kim Talks, Kim strives to find insight and build value for her clients and the greater community. She also runs a successful production company called In-Houze Productions which produces Kim Talks. With her eye for presentation and an ear for client care, Kim elevates each interaction and transaction to a new level.
PHOTO CREDIT: SMITHFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY
kimhayden@shaw.ca 34 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
PRODUCTIONS INC
teamhayden.ca
403.891.4732 2020 35
ELLEN PARKER PARKER PR
Ellen Parker is the Founder of PARKER PR, a public relations firm in Calgary, Alberta. PARKER PR is a group of communication professionals with a proven track record of helping businesses thrive through creating and implementing communication strategies. Prior to founding PARKER PR, Ellen worked in New York City for the Institute for Children and Poverty and for boutique PR firms representing a variety of celebrities, hotels, small businesses and restaurants. In Canada, Ellen worked for the Alberta government, the Calgary Food Bank and the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. Ellen has acquired extensive experience building strong networks with stakeholders in government, corporate, and non-profit organizations. Ellen sits on the Board of Directors for Dress for Success and she is one of Avenue Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40. She volunteers for the Brenda Strafford Centre and is the co-chair of the Hillhurst School parent council. Ellen is happily married with two boys. PHOTO CREDIT: SARAZIN PHOTOGRAPHY
ellen@parkerpr.ca 36 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
parkerpr.ca
The Pioneer Event Corporation’s Director of Operations and VP, home of The Pioneer and The Garret event venues, Jenna Kopperson, is a seasoned events strategist and planner with more than 15 years of experience and endless passion for her craft. Jenna has a unique ability to navigate events of every shape and size, with intuition and care backing her extensive expertise. Jenna launched her career in events as Operations Manager with a local entertainment and restaurant group, where she ran overall management and led booking for social, corporate and all largescale live musical acts. Jenna today? She is connected, driven and dialed-in to the nuances of event planning and venue procurement. Acting as your champion from day one, Jenna has a unique ability to help guide your event vision. Sophisticated, yet bold. Supportive, yet innovative. The Pioneer is a true reflection of Jenna’s ever-growing impact in the booming events space which she has created and built as a labour of love.
PHOTO CREDIT: SKY BLUE PHOTOGRAPHY
JENNA KOPPERSON The Pioneer & The Garret jkopperson@thepioneeron8th.com
587.319.2838
@thepioneeryyc
2020 37
Renee is a travel professional, travel writer, Family Travel Specialist and Disney Vacation Planner Extraordinaire! Renee left behind the corporate world of the food industry to enter the world of entrepreneurship as a self-employed travel advisor, specializing in family travel. As a global ambassador for travel, Renee inspires parents to invest in their family with travel experiences and helps them plan and book epic vacations for unforgettable memories. Travel is the best education a parent can give their child and the experience and memories they gain will be far more valuable than anything money can buy. As a travel writer, Renee takes her personal experience of a destination, resort and travel supplier to provide up-to-date travel advice and tips, which is what prompted her to write her first book, a Disneyland vacation planning guide to introduce first-time visitors to Disneyland. Renee is also mom to 2 crazily energetic and hilariously goofy kids who join her in their annual research trips to Disney!
PHOTO CREDIT: SARAZIN PHOTOGRAPHY
RENEE TSANG Renee Tsang Travel reneetsangtravel.com
38 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
@reneetsangtravel
lifeistooshorttostayhome.com
KATE NORRIS* B.A., CHS™ SUN LIFE ADVISOR Kate is a holistic Sun Life advisor helping business owners and families across Calgary and Airdrie achieve their long-term goals. She has spent the last 5 years in the financial services industry since moving from rural Ontario in 2014. Kate recently made the move to Airdrie to help better serve the community and be more involved locally. Kate has a diverse background in Psychology and Business, and she is consistently furthering her knowledge in her industry. Always working toward new designations to best serve her clients. With transparency, integrity, and expertise, Kate is a life-time partner to help you solidify your financial future. Relationships and referrals drive her success. As Benjamin Franklin once said, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail”. With the support of Kate Norris, create a road map designed to help support your family and build-out the legacy you want to leave behind. Build for retirement. Protect your family. Protect your business. Dream big! *Mutual funds distributed by Sun Life Financial Investment Services (Canada) Inc. Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada is a member of the Sun Life Financial group of companies. © Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, 2019.
PHOTO CREDIT: SARAZIN PHOTOGRAPHY
403.470.8832
kate.norris@sunlife.com 2020 39
TAYA DE BAAT & LYNNETTE PARENT TAYLYNN BUSINESS SOLUTIONS INC.
Working with businesses for over 15 years this mother/daughter team is devoted to supporting businesses on their journey to share their passion. The TayLynn Business Solutions team helps you relieve stress, increase motivation, and rekindle passion for your business by making better decisions with complete and accurate financial snapshots. We’ve worked with over many business owners just like you to create processes and gain clarity from a financial perspective. Whether you’re in need of a total bookkeeping clean up or someone to take over maintenance, TayLynn Business Solutions has a package to fit your vision. Get back to your passion while we support your bookkeeping needs. What’s your passion?
taylynnbusiness.com info@taylynnbusiness.com 403.474.0614 PHOTO CREDIT: MIKO PHOTOGRAPHY
40 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
TANNIS DYRLAND TRAVEL WITH TANNIS - THE TRAVEL AGENT NEXT DOOR
For Tannis Dyrland travel is not only a way to escape but also one of the most freeing experiences. Cultures and information from outside of the everyday is what took her from a career in Psychology to a career in travel. It has now been well over a decade and although her travels have expanded to include 60 countries, one thing that still motivates her is the ability to create experience. 5 years ago she started a team of women who came from all backgrounds, but the one thing they had in common was balance. They wanted to escape the confines of an external office and create a working environment that was conducive to income as well as family and health. Fast forward to today, they have become one of the most successful teams within the franchise across Canada. Proving to be strong female travel leaders and curators of custom travel.
tannis.thetravelagentnextdoor.com tdyrland@ttand.com @travelwithtannis PHOTO CREDIT: JENNIFER CHABOT PHOTOGRAPHY
2020 41
BOBBIE RACETTE FOUNDER & SHE-EO OF VIRTUAL GURUS
Recently named Woman Entrepreneur of the Year, Prairies Region at the Startup Canada Awards, it is easy to see that Bobbie works incredibly hard, continually lifting the spirits of those around her. She is a natural leader, committed to helping people pursue happiness. Bobbie is the Founder and She-EO of Virtual Gurus, a Talent as a Service Solution platform that matches its users with the perfect North American Remote Assistant/Freelancer by using matchmaking algorithms. Named by Forbes as one of 19 Innovative Tech Startups to Watch, Virtual Guru’s clients include Fortune 500 executives, startup entrepreneurs and small business owners. Seeing the value in what Virtual Gurus offers, The Business Development Bank of Canada awarded Virtual Gurus the Emerging Growth Award in 2018. Born and raised in Saskatchewan, Bobbie is a Cree-Metis woman committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. She shares her passion by mentoring First Nations Youth who have expressed interest in technology and business. In her downtime, Bobbie enjoys learning photography, reading, spending time with her family and thinking about new ventures. PHOTO CREDIT: SKY BLUE PHOTOGRAPHY
587.897.1301 42 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
1.888.504.4449
bobbie@thevirtualgurus.com
Authentic. Tenacious. Motivating. Gisele Kreuger, Founder and Creator of The Winner Will. Gisele has over 35 years of experience in competitive sport as an elite athlete and coach. She distilled her athletic experiences along with her career as a seasoned high school teacher, guidance counsellor and coach to create her business, The Winner Will. Through her unique, holistic approach to training, she helps student-athletes overcome physical, mental and emotional obstacles so that they can radically transform their athletic performance and excel in all areas of their lives. Gisele’s personal life has displayed remarkable resilience. As a breast cancer survivor, she is an individual who relishes life’s challenges as an opportunity to grow. Gisele’s unrelenting positive attitude, encouraging spirit, and unique gifts inform her approach to her life and her work each day. Gisele and her husband live in Calgary, and together they enjoy life with their two adult daughters, sons-in-law and grandchildren.
PHOTO CREDIT: SARAZIN PHOTOGRAPHY WARDROBE STYLIST: YALDA KAZEMI - STYLESTEEM
GISELE KREUGER The Winner Will thewinnerwill.com
gisele@thewinnerwill.com
@thewinnerwill
2020 43
THE CONCORD CONCORD PACIFIC DEVELOPMENTS INC.
THE CONCORD, a luxury riverfront property located in prestigious Eau Claire. In tune with the unique and beautiful outdoor environment, this Arthur Erickson inspired residential development is destined to become a focal point for the city. THE CONCORD leaves no details unattended when it comes to amenities including; Elite 24 hour concierge service, a club level state-of-the-art fitness facility, garden view indoor pool that opens out to the summer sun terrace and elegant Grand Ballroom equipped with a catering kitchen for events of scale. For those who enjoy the outdoors, at the heart of THE CONCORD is a stunning water feature garden which converts into a private skating rink in winter with Zamboni. The ultimate car lover experience includes heated garage entry, automated carwash and a wide selection of oversized private garages. THE CONCORD redefines luxury living by offering amenities beyond imagination.
PHOTO CREDIT: JOEL KLASSEN
738 1 Ave SW, Calgary 44 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
403.266.0038
theconcord.ca
CHARLOTTE
2020 45
ARDEN MCLAUGHLIN DEFINITA: PUBLICITY & MARKETING
Arden McLaughlin created Definita: Publicity & Marketing for the person or company who wants to tell a story effectively and for a specific purpose. A storyteller at heart, Arden lives for the moment when her clients see their product’s in an entirely new light through their work with her. She encourages her clients to dream big while also providing practical day-today tasks to ensure their dreams are met. Arden is the publicist who works alongside her clients – she doesn’t seek her own glory; she seeks the glory of the people she represents. She frames your story and tells it to the audiences who will respond to it. When she isn’t creating magic for her clients, Arden can be found working out, reading, or gabbing with girlfriends somewhere around Charlotte.
PHOTO CREDIT: DANI NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY LOCATION CREDIT: KENT YOUNGSTROM STUDIO
@arden_mclaughlin 46 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
arden@marketingdefinita.com
arden@theknowtribe.com
WEWORK CHARLOTTE / ASHLUND DUNAWAY | TEAM WEWORK CHARLOTTE WeWork is changing the way people and companies work with over half a million members worldwide across six continents and 100 of the globe’s fastest growing cities. Spanning one-third of the Fortune 500 companies to grassroot nonprofits, our members are empowering employees, fueling innovation, and uplifting communities. Whether you’re an established enterprise or growing startup, discover WeWork spaces in Charlotte, North Carolina that will inspire your people’s most meaningful and impactful work: The RailYard South End, 128 South Tryon Street, and 615 South College Street. PHOTO CREDIT: DANI NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY
WeWork Charlotte: wework.com/l/charlotte
WeWork Private Events: elizabeth.ruth@wework.com 2020 47
Beth Ann Reisinger may be a corporate recruiting maven by day and a sparkly sorority woman by night. She is driven to bring change through serving others. Whether it’s helping her clients land their candidate or partnering across the board room table, Reisinger brings thought leadership to each and every discussion. Reisinger embodies the definition of Servant Leadership in the philosophical and practical application of each aspect of her life. Identifying women who will make a notable difference in the culture of the workforce is integral to her success. Empowering young women to lift each other up is what drives Reisinger to give of her time and talent for Phi Mu. Reisinger is blessed to work for Bank of America, an employer who supports her passion projects. To say it simply, when we can tie passion and practicality together, that is when we harness our power. PHOTO CREDIT: DANI NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY
BETH ANN REISINGER Bank of America | Phi Mu beth.a.reisinger@bofa.com
48 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
beth-reisinger-4001675
@bethr1852
Briana MacIntyre serves as the CEO of The Logos Group and Co-founder of 33Voices. The Logos Group is a diversely owned company dedicated to simplifying technology, risk, and security. Logos empowers clients to Rise Above Reaction helping them regain control, transform operations and maximize information use. She holds undergrads from UNCC and an MBA from MIT. Her own personal challenges have guided her.. She is a founding board member of the Charlotte expansion of Shelters to Shutters and Co-founder of 33Voices, an evolving non-profit focused on strategies for families in distress. She seeks to lift others up, sharing hers and others voices to provide emotional and financial support to break the cycle of abuse and homelessness forever. “The only way we can make a change is to let the fire burn, let it recreate who we are. Once the flames subside, as we rise above the ashes of what we were, we become who we were meant to be…a voice for someone else under fire” — Briana PHOTO CREDIT: DANI NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY
BRIANA MACINTYRE The Logos Group and 33Voices bmacintyre@logosgrp.com
thelogosgrp.com
@phoenix.33
2020 49
CAMERON WAGNER GMR MARKETING
Years ago, Cameron Wagner found herself at a race track on a 100-degree day in July and wondered how she managed to find a career that was as fast-paced and fun as the cars speeding around the track. Since then, she has gone on to become Chief Client Officer at GMR Marketing, a global experiential agency that works with some of the world’s top brands on sports, music and lifestyle programs. GMR is in the business of making memories that change how people think, feel and behave. That work has taken Cameron across the globe and she has seen firsthand the power that experiences can have in bringing together people of all cultures and backgrounds. However, while she travels intensively, nothing makes her more proud than to introduce people to her hometown of Charlotte and all that it has to offer. In addition to a business leader, Cameron is also a wife, mom and community supporter.
PHOTO CREDIT: DANI NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY
1435 West Morehead St., Suite 190, Charlotte 50 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
704.295.6366
cwagner@gmrmarketing.com
Carla loves connecting with entrepreneurs and learning about innovative ideas in the Queen City. Being a trademark and copyright attorney, she recognizes how hard it is to a build a business. As an integral part of her practice, she uses her legal expertise to federally register brands and content. Her goal is to leave her clients feeling confident, secure and protected. Outside of her legal work, she has a passion for education. As a former Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools teacher, you’ll find her volunteering in our local schools as she currently serves on the Board of Directors for GenOne Charlotte, a non-profit that prepares high achieving students to be the first member of their family to attend college. She also serves as a mentor for two students in the program. At home, she cherishes spending time with her husband and three year old son, awaiting the arrival of their new baby girl. PHOTO CREDIT: DANI NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY
CARLA CLEMENTS Wagner Hicks PLLC carla.clements@wagnerhicks.law
704.705.7942
831 East Morehead St., Ste 860, Charlotte
2020 51
CASSANDRA SHUCK BUSINESS GROWTH STRATEGIST + SERIAL ENTREPRENEUR
On paper, Cassandra Shuck is a business growth strategist helping women around the world create aligned, profitable and scalable businesses. In action, she is a serial entrepreneur. Cassandra is the founder of Tola Marketing + Creative, a full-service digital marketing agency, the co-founder of Milkin’ Cookie, a lactation support cookie company and host of the Align. Profit. Impact. Podcast. Her love and expertise for finding creative and innovative solutions has led her to start and grow eight successful businesses, four of which are still operated by her today, and to support hundreds of entrepreneurs around the globe in growing their own empires in the process. She currently runs all of her businesses from her home just outside of Charlotte, North Carolina, only working about 25 hours a week while raising her 2-year-old daughter Diana.
PHOTO CREDIT: DANI NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY
hello@cassandrashuck.com 52 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
cassandrashuck.com
@cassandrashuck
ELIZABETH LEVENTIS ARROW & BOW WEALTH ADVISORS Elizabeth Leventis is the president of Arrow & Bow Wealth Advisors. She co-founded the firm with her husband, Jason, based on three core values: education, simplicity, and collaboration. Throughout her tenure as a wealth advisor, Elizabeth has developed and refined a process that enables clients to have a clear, panoramic view of their financial picture. She combines creative thinking with systematic processes to simplify and cut through the clutter in a highly commoditized industry, delivering high-impact service. As a member of the Million Dollar Round Table and a sought-after financial planner and speaker, Elizabeth empowers women to make sound, informed financial decisions. She enjoys traveling to new places and exploring the great outdoors in her RV with her son, husband, and two dogs. Elizabeth joins the KNOW Book + Tribe to connect with a like-minded group of powerhouse women because she believes in the power of the pack. For her, collaboration is more important than competition. PHOTO CREDIT: DANI NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY
ELIZABETH LEVENTIS Arrow & Bow Wealth Advisors arrowbowwealth.com
e.leventis@arrowbowwealth.com
980.201.2873
2020 53
SALES IN A
NEW YORK MINUTE tm
JENNIFER GLUCKOW GITOMER SALES IN A NY MINUTE
After successfully climbing the corporate ladder, working 10-15 hour days, corporate politics and unfulfilled promises caused Jennifer to break physically and mentally, and it was just the break she needed. Growing up in an entrepreneurial family, and having graduated from one of the best business schools in the nation, Jennifer left corporate America to fulfill her entrepreneurial dream. Along the way she became a master salesperson, author, speaker, certified yoga teacher, and sales coach. In her membership group, Passion to Profit, and her elite coaching group, Fast Track to Freedom, Jennifer focuses on confidence, mindset and unparalleled sales training strategies that drive female entrepreneurs business success. Jennifer co-hosts the Sell or Die podcast with her husband Jeffrey, and her own segment, Women Crush Wednesday. She has written a bestselling book entitled Sales in a New York Minute, and spends her downtime with her King Charles Cavaliers, husband, and family.
@jeninanyminute 212.951.1151 jennifergitomer.com PHOTO CREDIT: DANI NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY
54 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
HANNAH KAY HERDLINGER THREAD TALK Throughout her professional career, Hannah Kay Herdlinger has created opportunities for growth and change. From serving as scheduler and mentorship program leader for US Senator Mark Pryor to starting the first political office of Facebook in D.C. to serving as Head of Operations for Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In organization, Hannah Kay has an impressive resume. She is also a domestic violence survivor and advocate for all survivors. Because of her diverse experience and personal passion to end domestic violence, Hannah Kay created Thread Talk, a Certified B Corporation which creates high-quality blankets and other cozy items to fund domestic violence shelters across the country. The mission of Thread Talk is to empower women and support victims of domestic violence across the country. Hannah Kay is a powerful public speaker, a contributor to positive change, and a University of Georgia 40 Under 40 recipient. She’s excited to join the KNOW Tribe and to join forces with the incredible women in Charlotte and beyond.
PHOTO CREDIT: DANI NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY
hannahkay@threadtalk.com
threadtalk.com
@threadtalkstrong 2020 55
JENNY MELROSE
Jenny is a former reading specialist who “retired” from her teaching career when her blogging income far exceeded her salary. Through hard work and dedication, her lifestyle blog, The Melrose Family, became regularly sought out by nationally recognized brands such as Neutrogena, Smuckers, Glad, Costco, Stanley Steamer, Sara Lee and many more. She is a content strategist that helps entrepreneurs better understand their messaging and unique position in the online space. Now, she’s combining her passion for teaching with her extensive experience of creating strategic content for online business owners via JennyMelrose.com and her podcast, Influencer Entrepreneurs with Jenny Melrose, as well as her annual conference in Charlotte, NC for female entrepreneurs.
jenny@jennymelrose.com jennymelrose.com @jenny_melrose PHOTO CREDIT: DANI NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY
56 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
Jenny Zobel Miller is a traditional marketer by trade. She has worked in corporate America for over 20 years, mostly at The Coca-Cola Company, but when the opportunity arose to own a metal fabrication shop, she couldn’t say no. Jenny grew up with 2 brothers, so competing in a male dominated industry was less of an intimidation and more of a fun challenge. Also, owning a business meant learning so much more than her marketing background provided. She and her husband, Josh, acquired Threadline Products, Inc in 2017. Threadline services large distributors and steel fabricators throughout the Southeast and beyond, providing critical construction elements such as anchor bolts, sag rods, misc. steel and rebar. Threadline’s products can be found on many Charlotte construction sites. While her husband manages the day-to-day operations, Jenny collaborates on company vision, leads marketing and invests a lot of time on how to give back to the Charlotte community through partnerships with organizations like Brookstone Schools. Jenny has lived in Charlotte since she was 12 and loves raising their 3 boys here.
PHOTO CREDIT: DANI NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY
JENNY ZOBEL MILLER Threadline Products, Inc. threadlineproducts.com
704.527.9052 x101
jenny@threadlineproducts.com
2020 57
KELLY BARNHARDT MATTHEWS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Kelly Barnhardt is Executive Director of the Matthews Chamber of Commerce. Prior work experience involved local government and commercial real estate for over 15 years. Kelly’s active within the community sitting on the Board of the RedBrick Partnership and Matthews Human Services Council. She is on the Matthews Economic Development Advisory Committee, a member of the Matthews Rotary club and a member of CREW Charlotte where she serves on the Authentic Leadership committee. Achievements include being a prior Bizwomen Mentor from 2016 to 2018 and past winner of the Charlotte Business Journals 40 Under 40 in 2015, a 50 Most Influential Women 2017 Honoree and a 2018 Charlotte ATHENA Service Leadership Award nominee. Kelly recently completed her Master’s Degree in Nonprofit Management which will help her start a new nonprofit venture soon. She’s been married for 20 years to her husband Stuart and is busily raising two teenage boys.
barnhardt.kelly@gmail.com kbarnhardt@matthewschamber.org @kellybarn1275 PHOTO CREDIT: DANI NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY
58 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
KRISTEN DANIELLE RILEY FOUNDER OF SHE E.O.
Kristen Danielle Riley, is the founder of She E.O. (She Empowers Others) A women’s empowerment organization founded in Charlotte NC. She E.O. focuses on the whole woman! From being wives, or moms, or corporate women, we wear many hats! We also believe that our success doesn’t have to come at the expense of our marriage, children or mental and physical health. She E.O. holds an annual brunch called The Movement Brunch where we promote the power of working better together with other women. It’s a movement! By day, Kristen is a Director in the grocery industry, Kristen received the Top women in Grocery award, from Progressive Grocer. Recently, Kristen received the 40 under 40 award from, Winston Salem State University. Kristen is also the Author of a self-help book titled From Journey, Not Arrival. Kristen will be launching her new organization at the beginning of 2020, where she will focus on leading corporate workshops as well as motivational speaking. @she.eoinc sheeobiz@gmail.com sheeopower.com PHOTO CREDIT: DANI NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY
2020 59
LAPRONDA I. SPANN, MS LAIN CONSULTING, LLC
LaPronda I. Spann, MS, serves as Owner and Chief Visionary Architect of Lain Consulting LLC, an award-winning certified Minority and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise dedicated to taking your small business from surviving to thriving. She specializes in diversity certification support services, supplier growth planning, program development, and government contracting. In the last six years, Lain Consulting has secured more than $2 million in grants and contracts from foundations and local and state government for local and regional businesses! LaPronda is excited to join the KNOW Tribe to grow her network with other superstars who are heading in the same direction – upward and onward. She KNOWs growth happens when you get comfortable being uncomfortable in places and with changes that challenge you to be more and do more. She finds comfort in knowing that the KNOW Tribe is a start to this new chapter in her life and business. lainconsultingllc.com 60 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
704.966.7622
PHOTO CREDIT: DANI NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY
lapronda@lainconsultingllc.com
LAURIE TURNER WBE, SBE, DBE HIREQUEST DIRECT Laurie Turner, franchise owner for Hirequest Direct (formerly Trojan Labor) a nationally recognized temporary staffing service providing “the right people at the right time”. In 2012, Laurie became a franchise owner and started with 2 locations and currently owns 9 locations. Laurie’s locations are in Charlotte, Fayetteville, Greensboro, and Wilmington, NC; Myrtle Beach, Florence, and Rock Hill, SC; Roanoke, VA; and Reno, NV. Laurie’s offices service a wide variety of clients including construction, warehousing, janitorial services, special events, and hospitality. Laurie and her team set themselves apart from their competition with their commitment to customer service by building relationships for a lifetime. She is a proud member of NAWIC, ABC and AGC. Laurie resides in Charlotte, NC with her husband Todd. They have 3 children; a daughter who is a graduate of the University of Alabama, a son attending University of Redlands, and a daughter attending University of South Carolina. They enjoy traveling, golfing, and spending time with friends and family.
PHOTO CREDIT: DANI NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY
laurie.turner@hirequestllc.com
@hqdirectlala
hirequestllc.com 2020 61
Lindsey A. Easterling is a family law attorney with more than a decade of experience in collaborative resolutions, custody agreements, and litigation. Lindsey sits at the helm of Easterling Law, a fully staffed family law firm in the greater Charlotte area that’s been in operation since 2015. The goal at Easterling Law is two-fold: for every family to avoid litigation whenever possible AND to assist each family in settling their case with equal parts empathy and dignity. After experiencing the impact of her parents’ painful and litigious divorce, and now living a successful custody arrangement within her own blended family, Lindsey understands firsthand the emotions associated with family law matters and aims for amicable and equitable resolutions at every turn. Easterling Law staff empathizes with the unique family dynamics of each case knowing that they will require a custom action plan and approach. They help families transition from the title of Husband and Wife while remaining Mom and Dad forever. PHOTO CREDIT: DANI NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY
LINDSEY A. EASTERLING Easterling Family Law 2526 Plantation Center Dr., Suite B, Matthews
62 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
980.272.1365
easterlingfamilylaw.com
LO MYRICK Are you living intentionally? Are you in alignment with your core values in your personal and professional worlds? How can you maximize time and resources in your business? While these questions are seemingly unconnected, Lo believes their answers serve as a foundation for a well-rounded life and successful business. When we live intentionally and are in alignment with our core values, we’ll be more fulfilled, confident, and productive. Once this baseline is established, we can get really innovative and efficient in our businesses. Her experience with multiple start-ups (including MONAT Global), a Fortune 50 company (GE), and as a trained life coach have given her this unique perspective on how we can live more authentically and grow our bottom line. Lo is a business consultant, speaker, and shares tools to help others grow – her #whiteboardingwithLo sessions are an experience you will never forget! Whether in a professional or personal setting, her key strength is being able to turn problems into solutions and ideas into reality with a strategic, focused plan.
PHOTO CREDIT: DANI NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY
hifriend@lomyrick.com
lomyrick.com
@lomyrick 2020 63
MCKENZIE CUNNINGHAM SurSHE McKenzie Cunninham is the founder and creator of the first for women, by women subscription box named SurSHE. SurSHE provides women with a dose of encouragement, spark of empowerment, and sprinkle of “I get you” in every subscription box delivered to the doorstep. SurSHE, a play on sursee (an unexpected gift) was created by McKenzie because she wants to lift female entrepreneurs onto a higher platform by showcasing their products through the subscription box, which is tailored around the women receiving it. Southern Hospitality weaves its way into every aspect of SurSHE. From the strength of the creator to the power of the products and services, when you open a SurSHE box you will feel the positive energy of every woman who has contributed to your unexpected gift.
PHOTO CREDIT: DANI NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY LOCATION CREDIT: LANE-BRADY MANOR
mckenzie@surshe.com 64 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
surshe.com
@shopsurshe
NICOLE PETERNEL REIN COMMUNICATIONS
Nicole is the CEO of Rein Communications, a strategic public relations agency headquartered in Charlotte. She spent the majority of her career in Chicago, working on both the client and agency side in nearly every major industry. She’s represented wellknown brands including the NFL, Kenmore, McDonald’s, Hewlett-Packard and Red Bull. After relocating to the Queen City and having her second child, Nicole struggled with striking a balance between meeting the responsibilities of a full-time executive and being a mother and wife. She co-founded Rein Communications with the belief that working women should support and empower each other to also pursue their passions. Assembling an all-female team and offering flexible working terms, she enables each of them to live life without apology, while growing in their individual ambitions. Nicole now enjoys both working and all the other things she values: social activism, practicing self-care and her family. PHOTO CREDIT: DANI NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY
2108 South Blvd., Suite 211, Charlotte
info@reincommunications.com
704.448.1177 2020 65
SARAH R. PARIS, CSRIC™, AIF® DHG WEALTH ADVISORS
Sarah R. Paris is a financial advisor, women’s advocate, and volunteer extraordinaire. With 20 years of industry experience, she creates the space for women to understand their financial past, present, and future with a personalized, high-touch approach and a commitment to providing financial clarity and peace of mind. Service is at the heart of what she does, and her promise, along with all of DHG Wealth Advisors, is to serve her clients with passion and care. Sarah does this by combining her deep knowledge of investing with compassion and empathy for women in various stages of life. Sarah’s passion also extends to serving the Charlotte Metro community at large – she currently serves on the boards of Urban Ministry Center and Leadership Charlotte, and she is a member of the Women’s Impact Fund and Women Executives. She is a source of comfort, expertise, and joy for all she serves as she inspires everyone she encounters to grow into their best selves.
sarah.paris@dhgwa.com 828.989.5330 @srp811 PHOTO CREDIT: DANI NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY
66 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
SHELL RICHARDSON ELEGANT CONNEXIONS
Shell has always had a heart for seeking and creating meaningful connections. Her passion for people has been a constant through her career in hospitality and event planning and through her work in the community as an active member of Know Charlotte and board member of Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont. In 2015, Shell opened her business, Elegant Connexions, an event space and planning business in Concord, N.C. that connected people through hosting meaningful celebrations and meetings. Now she is bringing her passion of networking and connecting people by evolving Elegant Connexions to a business coaching service that creates relationships through community, business networking and growth opportunity to help people realize their dreams.
shell.l.richardson@gmail.com shell@elegantconnexions.com elegantconnexions.com PHOTO CREDIT: DANI NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY
2020 67
TERRIE REEVES EMPOWER HEALTH AMERICA | TRAIN FOR LIFE® Terrie Reeves is the founder of Empower Health America, a research and evidence-based health advocacy company. She focuses her time and energy on Organization Development Consulting, Public Speaking, Coaching, and facilitates Train For Life® Empowerment Workshops and Retreats to inspire individuals, teams and organizations to THRIVE. To inspire positive change, Terrie created the Train For Life® assessment, a self-reflection tool and the Train For Life Method, a holistic coaching model. Both invite individuals to take inventory of their life and help guide them through the change process. Terrie believes that you can only achieve in your life what you can envision in your mind. Her company’s mission statement reflects the philosophy and intention behind her work, “to transform lives, communities, organizations, and the world by encouraging self-study and empowering mindful action.” “Light up the world, not by doing a job but by making a difference.” – Terrie Elizabeth Reeves PHOTO CREDIT: DANI NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY
treeves@ehamerica.com 68 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
empowerhealthamerica.com
704.200.4459
TRACI SHANKS WELL WRITTEN GIFTS Traci Shanks would tell you founding Well Written Gifts in 2017 wasn’t the outcome of a lifetime of planning, but rather a result of too little time. After buying six white towels for her niece’s wedding gift because she ran out of time to find and buy something more unique, she decided to build a company to fill that need. Leaning heavily both on graphic design experience and business skills she’d learned while a student at Duke’s Fuqua School of Business, she built a portfolio of designs for personalized engraved cutting boards and barware which she and her husband launched through their online store: Well Written Gifts. Traci set out to create a gift buying experience that made it as easy to purchase a gorgeous personalized gift as it was to buy towels at Target. Two years later, customers in 49 states & 18 countries have worked with WWG to create beautiful and personal gifts for those they care about.
PHOTO CREDIT: DANI NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY
wellwrittengifts.com
wellwrittengifts.etsy.com
traci@wellwrittengifts.com 2020 69
EDMONTON
70 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
BROOKE RIOPEL 35LTD DESIGN
It’s natural for a professional creative to constantly experiment in mediums. For Brooke, creative diversity is simply a part of her business structure. She has years of experience as a graphic designer and a love for handmade crafting. 35ltd gives her a platform to express her creativity in digital and handmade creations. From knitting, crocheting, and embroidering to graphic design and laser-cutting, Brooke thrives within the local maker community. Working with like-minded makers is a valuable part to her business as she continues to strengthen her creative talents. She loves being able to work with other businesses and entrepreneurs to help others continue to do what they love.
PHOTO CREDIT: AMY’S EYE PHOTOGRAPHY
www.35ltd.com
info@35ltd.com
IG: @35ltd 2020 71
ANDREA BAILEY-BROWN B.ED. MBA BAILEY BROWN CONSULTING Andrea Bailey Brown- is a former teacher turned award-winning entrepreneur. She has a French major and a German minor in Education from the University of Alberta. While she was completing her degree she bought her first business and ventured into entrepreneurship. She is a multi franchise owner with Jiffy Lube and has generated revenues over 20 million since ownership. She has bought, built, scaled, and sold businesses since 1989. In 2017, she completed her MBA (Masters in Business Administration) at Royals Road University and received the Eric C. Douglass entrepreneur in Residence Award. She was also awarded the Rosalind Smith Business Award from the National Black Coalition of Canada for exceptional service for owning and running a business. Combining her knowledge from all her endeavours, she started Bailey Brown Business Consulting. As a Profit Creator™ she helps entrepreneurs to double sales and increase profitability in their business so that they can become financially independent.
Andreabaileybrown.com andrea@andreabaileybrown.com 780-994-7065 PHOTO CREDIT: AMY’S EYE PHOTOGRAPHY
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Florence Murota is the Founder of Brighter Financial Solutions. She believes that all women have the strength as a positive force to build a family, home and community. Women who can lead and nurture other women will create success building each other up. Being a mother, an immigrant, and a woman of a visible minority, Florence has never believed in barriers. When many would stop in their tracks and dare not to dream, she tackles her challenges head on. With that philosophy in mind, Florence aims to educate and empower her clients to overcome their own challenges too. She believes in helping others understand that when tackled individually, their obstacles and challenges may seem insurmountable but when they connect with the community around them, they’ll find the knowledge and support to make their dreams a reality.
PHOTO CREDIT: JINSEI PHOTOGRAPHICS
FLORENCE MUROTA Brighter Financial Solutions 780-739-7070
Florence@bfsolutions.ca
bf-solutions.ca
2020 73
DEZ MELENKA THE CREATIVE HIVE
Dez Melenka is passionate about the dreamers, doers, and people putting Edmonton on the map. She was an anchor and reporter with the News for more than a decade and is shifting her career to be in the heart of what’s happening in the community. In a world that’s constantly growing and changing, there are always new stories to tell and new opportunities to be involved with. Dez co-founded The Creative Hive...the first coworking, studio and event space in West Edmonton. This new adventure allows her to continue telling dynamic stories, but also start getting actively involved in how they unfold. It’s a space where local businesses can come together. The atmosphere revolves around giving people a supportive place to create, plan, and succeed. Dez is thrilled to host all types of creatives and witness as stories come into being, moments are made, and a community can thrive.
info@thecreativehive.ca 780-996-7510 PHOTO CREDIT: JINSEI PHOTOGRAPHICS
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DANIELLE PILON DANIELLE’S SOS FINANCIAL: ACCOUNTING & BOOKKEEPING Danielle Pilon founded Danielle’s SOS Accounting, Bookkeeping & Financial Services with a sincere commitment to excellence. She’s an energetic, passionate woman who fell in love with doing taxes for a living. Not only does she specialize in small business accounting, she’s ready to help in emergencies too with short-term assistance or lengthy arrangements. Her team consists of skilled professionals with experience servicing businesses, educational organizations and independent professionals in diverse capacities. Together, they’re able to offer a wide knowledge base and skills. Danielle’s SOS strives to give businesses an advantage so owners can feel confident running them. They offer small business tax preparation, GST filing, personal income tax preparation and full cycle accounting and bookkeeping. With so many valuable services, she pushes her company and herself forward to continue to deliver simple yet excellent client experiences.
PHOTO CREDIT: JINSEI PHOTOGRAPHICS
www.daniellesosbookkeeping.com
FB: @DanielleSOSBookkeepingServices
IG: @daniellesoservices 2020 75
LAURIE FENSKE, PFP, ECPC, PCC FENSKE STRATEGIC COACHING, INC
Laurie is the woman that goes all-in, whether it’s for her family, her business, her friends, or her shoe collection. She holds herself proudly to a high standard and is committed to establishing, achieving, and surpassing her own goals, professionally and personally. By holding herself accountable to reach her own goals, she’s been able to provide sincere motivation and guidance for others too. Laurie thrives on connecting with people. Her passion and drive is impossible to ignore and she brings it into every relationship she has with the hope that it will push people to grow into their best selves.
laurie@fenskecoaching.com www.fenskecoaching.com 780.263.8445 PHOTO CREDIT: JINSEI PHOTOGRAPHICS
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JAIME HARDY DOMINION LENDING CENTRES MAXIMAL MORTGAGES THE MORTGAGE GAL Jaime is a Mortgage Broker and Partner with DLC Maximal Mortgages, she has been providing professional mortgage services for over 15 years and she’s your go to gal for everything mortgage related in the Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan and Edmonton area. She strives to bring her clients the best mortgage solutions and she’s especially known for her personal approach and understanding personality. Jaime aims to exceed the expectations of her clients and works closely with them to find solutions that help them achieve their goals. The sky is the limit when it comes to her career. She hopes that her honesty and hard work will be an example for her daughter, young girls, and women.
780-902-8696 jaime@themortgagegal.ca FB: TheMtgGal PHOTO CREDIT: JINSEI PHOTOGRAPHICS
2020 77
THE FOUNDRY ROOM EVA TAMAYO & JODY SEREMET
Eva Tamayo and Jody Seremet are the women behind Foundry Room. Since 2015, Foundry Room has been a highly coveted venue for intimate weddings, unique corporate events, and photography sessions. The large windows, exposed beams and brick walls make the modern industrial venue extremely sought after. This year, they have moved to a larger venue in the Oliver Exchange building to allow them to properly cater to their growing clientele and serve their local entrepreneurial community. Together with their expanding team, they strive to provide downtown Edmonton with a unique character space that caters to a variety of events. Their vision is to be an outstanding provider of events and services to the Edmonton community.
foundryroom.com @foundryroom 780-905-9380 PHOTO CREDIT: NICOLE DANIELLE PHOTOGRAPHY
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Barbara Bird Day is the founder and CEO of imaginations&concepts which specializes in creating understated elegant and unique environments for her clients. She has been the recipient of many awards in her Industry. She feels nothing is more rewarding than giving back to the community. By supporting, encouraging, educating and empowering women and many non profit organizations and consistently paying it forward by doing what you can, with what you have, and where you are. She is the Greenlight Awareness Society Co Chair, for the awareness and the prevention of Human Trafficking and Prostitution. She is heavily involved in the Arts community while sharing her knowledge and support for other organizations.
PHOTO CREDIT: JINSEI PHOTOGRAPHICS
BARBARA BIRD DAY imaginations&concepts www.imaginationsandconcepts.com
azul@shaw.ca
www.barbaraday.ca
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Formerly a Registered Nurse and Healthcare Executive, Kristen Edmiston believes in engaging the hearts and minds of others. Her professional career has taken her from the front line to the board room and now into a thrilling rollercoaster ride as a multiple business owner and entrepreneur. Kristen is the owner of K. Edmiston & Associates Inc. (KEA Consulting) - a consulting firm in Edmonton that works with clients in both the public and private sectors; specializing in meeting facilitation, strategic planning, leadership coaching, motivational speaking, workplace culture, and training for teams. Kristen is currently expanding her business to also include services for individuals seeking one-on-one coaching, mindset support, strategy partnership, and advising for small businesses.
Kristen is also the owner Kemba Designs Inc. and designs a variety of styles of handcrafted artisan jewelry. Her business is about so much more than pretty accessories as every piece has meaning, holds a story, or
carries a message for the person who wears it. Her mission is threefold: Beauty through story, freedom through imagination, and kindness through action.
Additionally, Kristen is the Co-Founder of “A Circle of Angels”, a-pay-it-forward project that she and her sister launched in 2015. Through the sales of their handmade crystal angel charms, they have donated thousands of dollars to various charities in Canada. They also host many different events to promote “pay-it-forward” acts of kindness in the community. In addition to her other volunteer activities, Kristen is also on the Board of Directors for The Angels Anonymous Connection – a registered Canadian charity that helps to grant a final wish for terminally ill adults and their families.
Throughout all her personal and professional pursuits, Kristen is passionate about helping others follow their joy and recognize the value of the journey, not just the destination.
KRISTEN EDMISTON, MBA, BSCN K. Edmiston & Associates Inc. | Kemba Designs Inc. | A Circle of Angels www.keaconsulting.ca
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www.kembadesigns.com
www.acircleofangels.com
PHOTO CREDIT: JINSEI PHOTOGRAPHICS
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Dawne is a leader in developing strategies to propel people towards achieving their academic and learning goals. Her learning clinic is dedicated to assisting all ages of students in all types of environments. She works passionately with her clients to tackle challenges they may be facing and provide them with the foundational skills, abilities and strategies to overcome them. With over 30 years of experience in learning environments and as an Educator, Learning & Reading Specialist, Dawne continues to work towards assisting individuals to become aware of how to learn and develop the skills they need to follow their dreams. She’s inspired by the opportunities and possibilities that life has to offer, and provides creative insights into the potential areas of attention and learning that clients require in order to achieve their goals and dreams.
PHOTO CREDIT: JINSEI PHOTOGRAPHICS
DAWNE ROY, B.ED., M.ED.(ED. PSYC.), M.ED.(LITERACY) Learning Bridges 16 Mission Avenue. St. Albert, AB / T8N 1H4
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(780) 458-5228
Fax: (780) 458-3505
I am a Lead Planner with one of the largest brokerages in Canada. I have been a broker for 17 years and prior in the Financial services industry for 22years. I currently mentor a team of 7, and am also involved in mentoring in a Facebook group, called Women in the Mortgage Industry (WIMI). I am heavily involved with Team Diabetes and the Canadian Diabetes association since 2006, raising over 40000.00 and running in half and full marathons around the world, Currently working on my 7th event, running a full marathon in Barbados, 5 days after my 60th Birthday. I am also Vice President of my local Business Networking International (BNI) Chapter here in St. Albert.
PHOTO CREDIT: NICOLE DANIELLE PHOTOGRAPHY
CAROL MCCAFFREY Mortgage Architects www.mortgagesbycarol.com
carolmcc@telusplanet.net
780-721-1953
2020 83
ARTI VERMA MIXXIMIZE
Community over competition is a ruling value at Mixximize. When Arti co-founded her company, she believed strongly that people were more likely to succeed if they helped others in their journeys too. From that belief, Mixximize was created. As a networking platform built to connect people with business professionals, it emphasizes the need for fostering a strong community. The core of Mixximize’s philosophy is to support noble causes. Arti is proud to stand behind a company that encourages their networking community to support initiatives that specifically matter to them. With her extensive experience in business and as a philanthropist, Arti hopes to grow the Mixxmize network and propel their success forward to give back to the community.
www.mixximize.com arti@mixximize.com 780-221-4049 PHOTO CREDIT: NICOLE DANIELLE PHOTOGRAPHY
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KATIE DOOLEY PAPER LIME CREATIVE
Katie Dooley is the Founder of Paper Lime Creative, a branding and design agency in Edmonton, AB. Her love of design and art took shape at a young age, and since then, she’s been soaking in as much knowledge about art, business, and design as she can. This year, Katie attended the Adobe 99U Conference in New York, NY to satisfy a long-time dream and bring back fresh design concepts and trends for her clients. Katie’s passion and talent for design have made her a first choice for businesses looking to amplify their branding. However, it’s her vibrant personality and relatability that people love most about her. She can make a deep connection and lasting friendship in a matter of minutes! Better yet, she takes the time to listen to people’s unique stories and goals to deliver stand-out work. It’s one of many reasons why Paper Lime Creative is known as a collaborative design agency.
780-691-4700 www.paperlime.ca katie@paperlime.ca PHOTO CREDIT: NICOLE DANIELLE PHOTOGRAPHY
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LORI POWER Employee group benefit plans are a significant investment for any business owner on behalf of their employees, regardless of the size of the company. As a driven entrepreneur, with more than two decades of experience as a Benefit Specialist, Lori knows each plan has to reflect the uniqueness of the client being represented. “In the clients best interest” is the foundation of success for MP Benefits Inc. This is a passionate pursuit for Lori, allowing her to connect with people regardless of industry or size. As an author and public presenter, Lori’s main concern is making a different and creating change, through education and public awareness. Building long-term, trusting relationships, Lori is able to advise clients, and implement customized, sustainable solutions to protect the financial future of the human capital of the corporation—the employees.
PHOTO CREDIT: NICOLE DANIELLE PHOTOGRAPHY
780-984-9945 86 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
lori@mpbenefits.com
www.mpbenefits.com
CATHERINE VU PRO-ACTIVE IT MANAGEMENT INC.
In a male-dominated industry, Catherine’s move to pursue her own IT management company was a risk in itself. She co-created Pro-Active Computer Solutions in 1997 to further her career as a community-driven professional. Then in 2003, she broke out on her own. She transformed the original computer solutions company into Pro-Active IT Management Inc. where she could serve her clients, from small businesses to medium sized businesses, with the best services tailored to their needs. Catherine’s company has served as Technology Guides for over 15 years helping her clients to leverage their technology in a way that improves efficiency and productivity. For 1-50 person teams, they are there when you need them and you only pay for what you need.
As a proud Edmontonian (right down to loving the Edmonton winters), Catherine has become a leader in her industry. She uses her success and influence to pay it forward and regularly works with fundraisers and charitable events to support the community she loves.
780-414-0339 support@proactiveit.ca www.proactiveit.ca PHOTO CREDIT: JINSEI PHOTOGRAPHICS
2020 87
CRYSTAL LUCIER, PBA, ICIA PREFERRED TAX SOLUTIONS
Crystal Lucier is here to make life easier for small business owners. She created Preferred Tax Solutions to offer affordable, professional, and convenient solutions for her clients. For over 18 years, Crystal has worked in both Industrial Accounting offices and her own private Accounting Firm. She has also owned and run multiple other businesses. With her professional experience, she understands the importance of quality financial services and solutions specific to a business’ needs. Crystal has always been passionate about business and it drives her to help owners gain knowledge and feel in control. She works closely with her clients, getting to know them and their business, to be able to offer the best service possible. Working with Crystal is an empowering experience and she strives to always bring value, knowledge, and understanding to her clients.
crystal@preferredtax.ca www.preferredtax.ca 780-231-9734 PHOTO CREDIT: NICOLE DANIELLE PHOTOGRAPHY
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ANGELA RICHARDSON & BOBI-RAE MILLER RICHARDSON MILLER LLP Angela and Bobi form a powerful team to approach accounting and tax services with the best interest of their clients in mind using expertly tailored strategies. They value developing personal connections and get to know
their clients as people. It gives them the ability to advise and design solutions that deliver results. They have years of experience in public practice and have honed in on their professional passions. Angela strives to make entrepreneurial dreams come true and works tirelessly to help others and empower them to achieve their goals. Bobi is dedicated to working closely with business owners
to strengthen the financial side of their operations. Her appreciation of living a full life applies equally to her career and she believes in taking the time needed to help businesses make the most of their opportunities to exceed their full potential. Their collaborative approach is completed by their compassion and they are proud to offer personalized experiences for each and every one of their clients. PHOTO CREDIT: JINSEI PHOTOGRAPHICS
#209, 16504 – 118 Avenue NW Edmonton, AB T5V 1C8
587-805-3335
www.rmllp.ca 2020 89
KAITLIN TYMKO KAESPO CREATIVE MARKETING & DESIGN
Kaitlin is the creator behind KAESPO, a brand dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and small businesses succeed creatively. It launched eight years ago with a focus on graphic and web design and has grown into a full scope marketing service for brands that want to stand out.
KASSIE HARVEY TALL WHITE LATTE Kassandra Harvey, better known as Kassie or by her business name Tall White Latte. Coffee fuelled event planner and Beauty Advisor. With a diverse background, Kassandra loves working in the community hosting and planning events and workshops with local businesses and kick-ass groups in the Edmonton. Taking clients as both a Beauty Advisor, freelance makeup artist, and running workshops, her goal is to empower women by giving them the skills and knowledge to feel confident in their beauty routine.
780-938-3400 kaespocreative.com IG: @kaespo IG/FB @tallwhitelatte PHOTO CREDIT: AMY’S EYE PHOTOGRAPHY & JINSEI PHOTOGRAPHICS
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tallwhitelatte@gmail.com www.tallwhitelatte.com
LOS ANGELES
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CHARLEY KING BLUEBELL EVENTS Charley is an award winning international destination wedding and event designer/planner to the stars. Originally from England and a trained Dancer, Singer and Actress. She starred in many musicals in London’s West End, straight out of school at 16. She then moved to America and landed her first movie CHICAGO and then went to Broadway with the Mel Brooks musical The Producers. Charley was also in the Soap Opera As The World Turns and then in 2007 she decided to add a whole new career and train to be a wedding/ event planner and in 2010 opened her own company Bluebell Events . With TV and Radio appearances and her work regularly featured in high profile magazines, she was also delighted to be named Best Wedding Planner 2018 by California Wedding Day Magazine. Charley is a huge animal lover and you can often find her and her rescue pups McKenzie MacDaddy and Beau scoring flea markets and escaping to the beach in Malibu. PHOTO CREDIT: JENNY QUICKSALL
IG: @Charleybluebell 92 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
www.bluebellevents.com
310-770-2898
AMY WEBBER PAIDEIA MEDIA
I am the Owner and Founder of Paideia Media, an inclusive, female-led digital consulting company for finely curated video content. I have been creating content in the digital space for over a decade and have been fortunate enough to be consistently recognized for my outstanding work including multiple Emmy nominations. I work together with both large reaching internationally recognized brands as well as bespoke companies, experts, influencers and celebrities to infuse their unique characteristics and messaging into beautifully crafted and impactful digital content.
By infusing my client’s SEO and analytical information into the content from the start, I am able to create videos and social posts that speak to an existing consumer base as well as reach and cultivate new followers while ensuring that the videos created emphasize messaging that helps my client stand apart and creates the maximum impact in a saturated space.
paideiamedia.com 302.981.1108 PHOTO CREDIT: LIN MARTY PHOTOGRAPHY
amy@paideiamedia.com 2020 93
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Gina Wade is the President and founder of Gina Wade Creative, a full-service event design and production company that creates unique, innovative, impeccably designed experiences for their impressive list of clients. Gina Wade Creative’s marketing division works with a variety of brands, event venues and hotels to expand their brand platform and increase their revenue & sales. Gina is a well-known and respected leader in the world of special events, sales & marketing. An expert in event design, concepts & production, she is known for her creative ideas, client relationships & attention to detail. Gina and her team have designed, produced and managed events for Vanity Fair (including the Vanity Fair Oscar Party), Netflix, Hulu, InStyle Magazine, Fox Searchlight, Tom Ford, Rachel Zoe, Bravo, Givenchy Beauty, Fresh, the Telluride Film Festival, the International Documentary Association, and many more. Gina has appeared on “Entertainment Tonight”, “Good Day LA” and “My 13 News” as an expert in event production, style & trends. She was also a regular cast member on the Style Network’s “The Big Party Plan Off”. Her website, blog and social media outlets are dedicated to event tips, entertaining advice and beautiful photography from some of her favorite events. Her dedication to her work, innovative concepts, seamless execution and commitment to her clients are just a few of the features that make Gina Wade a true standout to her colleagues and clients alike. Gina lives in Los Angeles with her husband, two children and two pugs.
PHOTO CREDIT: OGRAPHR.COM
GINA WADE Gina Wade Creative info@ginawadecreative.com
424.235.0745 Main Line
www.ginawadecreative.com
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Heather Strofs was most recently the Vice President at The Oprah Winfrey Network in Los Angeles on the Ad Sales Team with over 15 years of sales and leadership experience across the New York, Chicago and West Coast Markets. She collaborated with clients to create custom solutions that allowed advertising partners to reach their consumers in a unique and impactful way across linear, digital and social platforms. She moved to LA for the inception of the network in 2011 bringing on launch partners and continued to create innovate solutions across the studio, tech and auto landscapes. Prior to OWN Heather worked in New York across the Discovery Inc. Portfolio. A Boston native, Heather has grown to love the California Coast and has started new roots in Santa Monica with her husband and two young boys. Heather most recently accepted a job at Tubi in which she will be the VP of the West Coast leading the sales team.
PHOTO CREDIT: LIN MARTY PHOTOGRAPHY
HEATHER STROFS
Heather.strofs@gmail.com 96 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
IG: @heatherstrofs
FB: Heather Pettersen
JENNIFER THOMAS JENUINE CONVERSATIONS
Jennifer Thomas is a certified Sommelier with over 20 years of experience in sales, hospitality, training and education. After mentoring others she decided to combine her extensive sales background, problem solving skills and ability to develop creative, strategic solutions to start her own company called “Jenuine Conversations.” It is a coaching firm that works with women to help them create the tools to take the next leap in their career, despite how unknown it may be. She provides women an opportunity to be architects of their own career and offers guidance to help them recognize ways to make sure their goals and actions are aligned with what speaks to them. In 2019 she is launching “Jenuine Events”: a series of events such as wine tasting, dinner with strangers, building the ultimate mind map and more. Jennifer has always felt our stories make us unique and she strives to help women find their voice to share them with the world.
PHOTO CREDIT: LIN MARTY PHOTOGRAPHY
www.jenuineconversations.com
jennifer@jenuineconversations.com
IG: @jenuine_conversations 2020 97
Let’s face it. Life is all about relationships. Relationships with our kids, parents, friends, co-workers, and the hardest one of all - our romantic relationship. If you’re struggling through a break-up, want to get your man back (at any stage of your relationship, even if you’re still in it and just feeling disconnected!), have difficulty communicating with your partner and simple discussions turn into arguments, or CANNOT understand your Man, I can help. I was that girl. I’m not anymore. And you don’t have to be either. Hi I’m Jesyka and I am a Woman’s Relationship Coach. The tools I teach will change your relationship and the way you show up in the world. With me, you’ll find an easier, way to get the relationship you want. It’s not always easy to change long-ingrained patterns of behavior and thinking - that’s why I’m here. You don’t have to do it alone.
PHOTO CREDIT: MARLIES HARTMAN | WWW.MHARTPHOTO.COM
JESYKA SAMBORSKI Coach Jesyka Jesyka@coachjesyka.com
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www.CoachJesyka.com
IG @coachjesyka
MONY REVEL 200 PROOF STAFFING
Mony Revel is the owner and founder of 200 PROOF, an event staffing agency designed to supply catering, bartending, and promotional staff aimed to make any event or production a total immersive experience. Her fashionforward staffing agency launched in 2004 after she worked in the most exclusive venues in the country and saw a need for a quality of service that had not existed at the time.
Now 15 years later, Mony has developed a niche market where clients can hand-select engaging and knowledgeable staff in any area to fulfill services ranging anywhere from greeting and check-in to mixology to serving a multi-course dinner and able to execute any size or type of event imaginable. In addition to 200 Proof, Mony successfully manages a second business and a household of three. She is a breast cancer survivor and a leader in the event industry while currently expanding her brand into the top cities all over the country with no plans of slowing down!
310-659-8012 www.200proofstaffing.com mony@200proofstaffing.com 2020 99
Kelli Tennant is the host of The Platform Podcast + creator of The Journey Within healing series. As an autoimmune warrior herself, Kelli helps women heal their physical and emotional pain through Functional Medicine, Ayurveda and spiritual development. She has authentic conversations with the leading voices in wellness, alternative medicine and personal growth to give women the tools to heal and create the life they’ve been longing for. Kelli’s natural ability to hold space and guide women to become their best selves has changed thousands of lives across the country.
PHOTO CREDIT: MEGAN O’SULLIVAN PHOTOGRAPHY
KELLI TENNANT The Platform hello@thisistheplatform.com
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@kellimtennant
www.thisistheplatform.com
Endlessly enthralled by beauty products and rituals, some of Nicci’s earliest memories include doing her friends’ makeup and watching her mom get ready for date nights with dad. Nicci began her career working for Benefit Cosmetics while in college. As time went on, she came to realize that she could have a fun, successful career in beauty while making a positive impact on others. During her time in corporate beauty, she worked for several brands including MAC Cosmetics, Nordstrom and ck Calvin Klein Beauty. In 2009, she made the move into a new sector of the cosmetics business. She joined the medical aesthetics industry, taking a role with Allergan, the maker of Botox, as the Business Development Manager in Beverly Hills. An aesthetics bar specializing in cosmetic microtreatments, Alchemy 43 brings a new perspective to the cosmetic injectables space; celebrating self-care, white glove service and natural-looking outcomes. Clients receive a 3D consultation with state-of-theart technology and are treated by extensively-trained, licensed medical pros in a chic, uplifting space that makes you want to stay a while. In her free time, she loves wine tasting, working out, and getting lost in an independent film. PHOTO CREDIT: OGRAPHR.COM
NICCI LEVY Alchemy 43
(310) 905-8727
info@alchemy43.com
@alchemy43 2020 101
NICOLE LEVINE AND CHRISSY KLING
Two sisters uniting their passion for forging relationships with strategic marketing know-how, Chrissy and Nicole have built one of the most unique agencies known for connecting brands, celebrities, and consumers. With deep-rooted experience in the fashion, celebrity, wellness and marketing worlds, they are redefining traditional product placement and branding with Good Carma Studio. With Nicole coming from many years of experience at a below the line agency, a talent branding division was born only enhancing their offerings to become a full service team. Today, they are recognized for creating brand and product placement-focused campaigns based on authenticity and longevity. These sisters have learned not only to put family first with their close partnership, they have learned to create an energy space where Good Carma Studio knows how to bring stars and brands together. Tastefully sharing it with consumers through strategic traditional and social media placement in partnership with today’s leading brands, talent and their PR colleagues.
IG: @goodcarmastudio www.goodcarmastudio.com PHOTO CREDIT: MOLLY MCCAULEY | @MOLLYANDCOPHOTO
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SERENA S. OVERHOFF FOUNDER, SERENA OVERHOFF & PARTNERS, LLC Serena Overhoff founded her boutique consulting firm, Serena Overhoff & Partners, LLC, in an effort to unearth ‘impact’ opportunities by connecting business and community leaders. Specifically, Serena is interested in how alternative investments can intersect with philanthropic initiatives and educational missions to create meaningful social impact. With 20 years of experience in relationship management, Serena works with a broad network of asset managers, hospitality specialists and nonprofit owners to align business opportunities with community goals. Driving her business forward is the unwavering philosophy of “doing good, doing well and giving back.” Serena is well-known among her global network as a conduit for meaningful and profitable connections, and she attributes her success to a longtime philanthropic career with her alma mater, the University of Southern California (USC). On a more personal note, Serena is also passionate about contributing to future generations by preserving the innovative public artworks of her father, Jacques Overhoff, a Dutch/American artist.
www.serenaoverhoff.com serena@partners.com PHOTO CREDIT: LOS ANGELES MUSIC CENTER
2020 103
Nikki Kirk is a commercial real estate and technology executive based in Los Angeles, CA. The first half of Nikki’s career was spent at two of the largest providers of commercial real estate services in the world, working in business development, marketing, and operations. Nikki’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to pursue the opportunity to open the West Coast office of a rapidly growing real estate technology firm, CompStak. CompStak is now a leading technology company widely recognized in the industry. Nikki leads the West Coast team and is an integral part of the firm’s growth. Nikki resides in Venice Beach – the heart of the technology industry in Los Angeles. Nikki’s interests include music, health, and wellness. Nikki donates her time to a variety of philanthropic efforts with a particular interest in the ASPCA and other animal rescue organizations.
PHOTO CREDIT: OGRAPHR.COM
NIKKI KIRK CompStak IG: @NikkiPappadato
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Nikki@CompStak.com
www.CompStak.com
WARNER LOUGHLIN WARNER LOUGHLIN TECHNIQUE
Born and raised in the mountains of NC, Warner’s journey has taken her from an actress on the stages of New York, to the film and TV industry of LA where she is widely regarded as the most influential acting coach of our generation. Her goal was to approach the art of acting in a completely nontraditional way. One in which the artist is nurtured and allowed unbridled creativity through imagination, rather than tortured by recalling tragedies from their own past. She holds a firm belief in giving actors and other artists “wings” instead of “weights.” To that end, the technique she pioneered is now the mainstay of not only countless Oscar, Emmy, Tony and Grammy winners and nominees, but by notable writers, directors and even Disney Animation. Praises for her technique from actors such as Amy Adams, Ryan Reynolds, Kyra Sedgwick and many more can be found in her best selling book and Indie Award winner, “The Warner Loughlin Technique: An Acting Revolution.”
office@warnerloughlin.com warnerloughlin.com PHOTO CREDIT: LIN MARTY PHOTOGRAPHY
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PHOENIX
106 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
DESIRAE OUTCALT Desirae Outcalt is a veteran banker of 19 years in the valley of the sun. She moved to Phoenix in 1998 and was immediately in love. Not needing to work right away she decided to start her philanthropic career by volunteering at Sandra Day O’Connor Elementary School helping children with reading disabilities. Since then she has become a founding member of Suns Charities 88, a TGen Ambassador, Barrow Beyond member, regular Junior Achievement volunteer, supporter of Big Brother Big Sisters of Central Arizona and American Heart Association and most recently the Co-Chair of the Sponsorship Committee of the American Heart Association’s annual gala an Evening of Hope.
“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”
Aesop
linkedin.com/in/desiraeoutcalt 480-225-6644 IG: @desirae.o
PHOTO CREDIT: IT’S ELIZABETH MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY
2020 107
VICKIE GARCIA, CFP® AMERIFLEX FINANCIAL SERVICES
Vickie Garcia is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional. Being part of the financial industry since 1993, Vickie has become an experienced advisor in helping clients as they face the complexities of their financial journey. “Helping my clients make decisions that can shape their future is a privilege – and a responsibility I take very seriously.” Along with running her practice Vickie launched the Scottsdale chapter of a female centric networking group in 2018 for The W Source™. The group provides women a place to collaborate and help each other grow professionally by providing quality resources for clients and connections to local professionals. Securities and advisory services offered through SagePoint Financial, Inc, member FINRA/SIPC. AmeriFlex Financial Services and SagePoint Financial, Inc are separate entities. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standars Inc, owns the certification marks CFP® and Certified Financial Planner™ in the U.S.
480-990-9100 vickie.garcia@ameriflex.com www.ameriflex.com 1490 S Price Road, Suite 107 PHOTO CREDIT: IT'S ELIZABETH MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY
108 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
Chandler, AZ 85286
TYLER BUTLER Tyler Butler brings electric energy to everything she is committed to. She thrives when rallying people together to make a positive difference. Tyler is driven by her passion to impact change and to make the world around her a better place through altruistic actions. She believes magic is something we make and that leadership is not a position or a title, it is an action and example. Tyler’s work as a corporate social responsibility practitioner is world renowned as she has created and led global giving programs for Microsoft and many other international tech leaders. She is also the innovator of the philanthropic programs shared by the world’s largest domain registrar. Her firm, 11Eleven Consulting, has continued this tradition of activating efforts to better society through their work with a plethora of global companies. Tyler is often cited as a subject matter expert and her expertise has been included in media sources such as Forbes, U.S. News and World Report, AMA, 3BL Media and more. IG: tylerjbutler | 11elevenconsulting | givinginstyle | brandstakingstands PHOTO CREDIT: IT’S ELIZABETH MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY
tyler@11elevenconsulting.com
www.11elevenconsulting.com
www.givinginstyle.net 2020 109
ALISSA SERIGNESE VICE PRESIDENT, ASU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Alissa Serignese is the Vice President for the ASU Alumni Association. In that role, Alissa leads engagement programs; directs signature events including Founders’ Day and Sun Devil 100; fosters student engagement through the Medallion Scholarship Program and the Student Alumni Association; and oversees the expansion of the alumni association’s chapter network that connects nearly 500,000 Sun Devils through its 170 groups across the globe. Previously she served as the Vice President of Communications and Events for the Tempe Chamber.
Alissa’s community involvement includes serving as a Tempe Ambassador, and she previously served on the Board of Directors for the Mill Avenue Merchants Association and the City of Tempe Sponsorship Review Commission. She is a graduate of Tempe Leadership and also completed the Institute for Organization Management, a program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Alissa received her bachelor’s degree from ASU’s Hugh Downs School of Human Communication and her master’s degree from ASU’s Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College.
Alissa.Serignese@asu.edu www.linkedin.com/in/alissaserignese/ PHOTO CREDIT: IT'S ELIZABETH MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY
110 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
IG: @sundevil_lissa/
Amy Winski has been Financing Commercial Real Estate since 1986. Her knowledge of the lending industry is widespread, encompassing Financial and Market Analysis, Underwriting, and Regulatory Compliance. She is the Director of Commercial Forum for SAAR, and a member of ACMLA, NAPMW, AREAA, AIME, WCR-Scottsdale, and LAI, a global land economics society. Amy holds an Arizona Mortgage Banker’s license, Arizona Mortgage Broker’s license, Real Estate Sales Person’s license, and Insurance Licenses. She is the mother of twins, Ally & Brandon, who completed their Master’s Degree in Biomedical Diagnostics. She and her husband, Brian, work together at AmeriCapital and have been married since 1982. Four dogs, two of them rescues, complete their family. Giving back is important to Amy, volunteering with many charities over the years, including VALLEYLIFE, where she was volunteer staff for the 2017 Legacy of Love Gala, Co-Chair for the 2018 Gala, and will Co-Chair the 2019 Gala.
PHOTO CREDIT: IT'S ELIZABETH MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY
AMY WINSKI AmeriCapital Companies
amy@1amcap.com
(480) 991-1777
www.amcap-online.com 2020 111
MELISSA KIRK CIO BILLING TREE Melissa serves as the Chief Information Officer (CIO) for BillingTree, a payments technology company providing tech innovation and merchant services for biller direct markets. Melissa has acted as a catalyst for change, transforming BillingTree from a sales/marketing company to a forwardthinking technology company. Through cultivating an environment of thoughtful change and growth, Melissa has built a technology team from scratch, developed a processing platform to diversify BillingTree’s business while maintaining redundant, compliant IT infrastructure for our clients and staff. Melissa is passionate about leading innovation and transformation, while championing end-to-end quality as an agent of best practice in the ever-changing world of technology, data security, risk and compliance. Melissa passionately supports diversity and equality in the workplace, and in early 2018 spearheaded a Women in Leadership program at BillingTree. Through this program Melissa works closely with colleagues across the BillingTree organization as well as with other influential leaders, outside of BillingTree, to inspire women at all stages of their career development to reach for the stars and challenge themselves to grow into our next generation of strong, successful women leaders.
2800 N. 44th St. | Suite 1100 Phoenix, AZ 85008 602.443.5970 PHOTO CREDIT: IT'S ELIZABETH MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY
112 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
www.mybillingtree.com
JENA GRIBBLE BLUSH CACTUS Jena Gribble is the owner and creative force behind Blush Cactus Boutique Design Studio. Her studio offers curated graphic design, branding, and an abundance of creative production services guaranteed to help clients show up confidently in a world that is more visually aware and competitive than ever before. With more than 12 years of experience in design and art direction in both the digital and print spaces, Jena is devoted to helping clients get clear on their values and branding. This helps them craft incredibly authentic, high-end brand experiences for their own customers. In addition to client services, her blog, podcast, and online shop are focused on giving purpose-driven business owners the organizational tools, tips, and pep-talks they need to kick more ass and succeed at creating meaningful businesses and lives.
PHOTO CREDIT: IT'S ELIZABETH MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY
cactusblush.com
jena@cactusblush.com
podcast: The Art of Getting Your Sh*t Together bit.ly/TAGYST 2020 113
KATHY FOSTER COLLIERS INTERNATIONAL
Kathy Foster is a seasoned real estate executive driven by client service and a holistic strategy approach. With over 25 years of both managing in-house corporate real estate and global tenant brokerage, Kathy brings a wealth of knowledge to her clients. Kathy currently is a Senior Vice President of Corporate Solutions at Colliers International advising a wide range of clients on their global real estate needs. She has a Master’s in Commercial Real Estate with CoreNet, was 2015 Top Woman in Business in Phoenix, awarded Commercial Real Estate Broker of the Year by the AZ Journal of RE and Business in 2017 and recently was named 2019 People to Know in Commercial Real Estate by AZRE. Kathy’s service focus and unique perspective bring a different and more comprehensive approach. Combined with her understanding of workplace strategies and corporate facilities, all roads lead to Kathy as the one to go to for any organization’s real estate needs. kathy.foster@colliers.com Mobile +1 602 295 4042 PHOTO CREDIT: IT'S ELIZABETH MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY
114 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
MICHELLE CHEVERIE DIVERSIFIED PARTNERS
Michelle Cheverie, has been serving Commercial Real Estate Clients in the Valley for over 13 years. Personable and knowledgeable she has experience in retail leasing and purchasing, investment properties and development projects. Michelle is regularly tasked with seeking creative solutions to the client’s, and the industry’s, volatile dynamics.
Prior to Real Estate, Michelle led a national sales and marketing team, working with several Fortune 500 companies. She has experience in international business, conducting trainings and sales presentations abroad.
Originally from Canada, her family raised her in the hospitality industry from an early age. It was through this experience, she learned the true value of diligent work and the importance of nurturing an entrepreneurial spirit.
Personally, Michelle finds enjoyment in her involvement with different charities including, The Phoenix Suns Charites 88 and The American Cancer Society. A great passion of hers is travelling the world to spend time experiencing other cultures.
Michelle@Dpcre.com (602) 391-9901 7500 E. McDonald Drive, Suite 100A Scottsdale, AZ 85250
PHOTO CREDIT: IT’S ELIZABETH MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY
2020 115
Megan Duffy & Shelby Guddeck are professional interior designers, with a combined 29 years of experience in architecture, design, and construction. For the last 3 years this sister duo has been bringing their expertise and knowledge to DLR Group by growing an interiors practice for the Phoenix Office, training and mentoring younger designers, and working with a wide range of clients to bring their design visions to life. Both sisters received Bachelor of Science
degrees in Interior Design; Megan from Arizona State University, and Shelby from Oklahoma State University. The sisters agree that working together has been the highlight of their careers, thus far. Their favorite mantra is “Go Slow, to Go Fast”. In a real estate market that requires speed , it is important to take the time to understand our clients’ needs to create a truly unique design that fits the budget, schedule, and exceeds the client expectations. PHOTO CREDIT: IT’S ELIZABETH MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY
SHELBY GUDDECK + MEGAN DUFFY DLR Group mduffy@dlrgroup.com
116 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
sguddeck@dlrgroup.com
www.dlrgroup.com
ASHLEY RICHARDS E SQUARED MARKETING
Ashley Richards is a type A driven business owner. She is passionate about helping small to medium-sized businesses reach their audience and target market through social media and digital marketing initiatives. With over 13 years of experience in marketing along with a Bachelors Degree in Marketing from University of Phoenix, Ashley has the experience and the passion to bring her clients success in the online world. Additionally, Ashley is the co-founder of Desert Moms Blog, a local blog in the valley focusing on high quality, relatable information for Moms. Outside of her career, you can find this Arizona native enjoying hikes with her husband Brandon, and their two adorable kids, Ellie and Eli.
ashley@esquaredmarketing.com IG: @AshleyRichardsAZ PHOTO CREDIT: IT’S ELIZABETH MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY
esquaredmarketing.com 2020 117
With 25 years of events, marketing and promotional experience, Amy Corben has gone from the corporate world to owning her own small business here in the valley. As a marketing director for The Irvine Company in Newport Beach, she oversaw annual budgets exceeding $1.5 million dollars and a portfolio that included Fashion Island and the Irvine Spectrum Center as well as neighborhood, community and power shopping centers. She later relocated to Arizona with her family and took on the role of Sr. Community Relations Specialist in Community Relations for Cox Communications in Phoenix. Amy helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for Cox Charities among other responsibilities including large and small-scale events. As a small business owner, she has had the opportunity
to work with a wide range of clientele……The City of Tempe, The City of Surprise, Arthritis Foundation, Debbie Gaby’s Charities, Gigi’s Playhouse, Governor Doug Ducey’s Inauguration, The Joe Niekro Foundation, NASM, Phoenix Public Library, Phoenix Parks Foundation, and Scottsdale Fashion Week just to name a few. She has helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for charitable causes and campaigns. While concentrating on serving the nonprofit community, Amy has also managed numerous and successful corporate and private patron events throughout the valley. This proud Sun Devil has been married to her college sweetheart Jeff for 23 years and is mom to Jack (16), Alex (14) and their mini Goldendoodle, Daisy (5).
AMY CORBEN EMP Management
(480) 206-6654 118 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
www.empmanagement.net
empevents04@gmail.com
PHOTO CREDIT: IT’S ELIZABETH MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY
2020 119
Getting Aligned to what matters... High performers understand that natural ability is never enough. Guidance and coaching are required. Internationally published, Mount Everest trekking, fitness professional, and breakthrough leadership coach, Allyson Mallah, is the CEO of Everest Edge Enterprises, a management-consulting firm committed to disrupting status quo and developing an edge for the leaders and organizations they serve. Everest Edge specializes in leadership development programs, individual and team coaching, and career transitions. Her clients say, “Allyson has helped my company with rapidresult improvements and has helped me develop leadership abilities that maximize effectiveness!” and “I’ve transformed my business, relationships, and personal fulfillment by improving my competency as a leader.” Allyson’s passion is helping others develop the strategy, discipline, and accountability for success while maintaining personal fulfillment. She is dedicated to giving back and currently does philanthropic coaching work for the Navy Seals and serves on the American Cancer Society Committee.
PHOTO CREDIT: IT’S ELIZABETH MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY
ALLYSON MALLAH Everest Edge Enterprises 760.502.6865
120 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
www.e3aligns.com
info@e3aligns.com
SHATHA BARBOUR CEO HERA HUB PHOENIX Have you ever walked into an office and think this is exactly where I want to be? Shatha Barbour has created that with Hera Hub Phoenix in the Biltmore area! Hera Hub is a spa-inspired workspace for women business owners, entrepreneurs and professionals. A beautiful place to have an office, a work desk, or just meet with clients in a professional, chic environment. The space also doubles as a living art gallery for local female artists and an event space in the evenings and weekends. Shatha connected her corporate healthcare experience, non-profit and community work in creating this landing space and launching pad for women. Hera Hub Phx is where women can focus on their goals, development, business, and ultimately their clients. She herself has a busy life with 3 kids, her business, and an active nonprofit board member. All of this has earned her the NAWBO Young Professional of the Year Award, the WEF Award and many more.
PHOTO CREDIT: IT'S ELIZABETH MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY
www.herahub.com/phoenix
2111 E. Highland Ave Ste 240
480-999-1615 2020 121
Caroline Conner is a strategic Human Resources executive recognized for creating and maintaining Homeowners Financial Group’s unparalleled award-winning image. Over the course of 12 years serving the growth and development of the company’s HR and Marketing Departments, Caroline has overseen the internal and external branding efforts spearheading over 85 community awards including Fortune’s Best Workplaces and Inc. 5000’s Fastest Growing Companies.
She is heavily engaged in the community and serves on the Board of Directors for Gabriel’s Angels, Blue Door Ball Committee for Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale and is Co-Chair for Care Fund’s Desert Sky Gala. She spends time as a speaker and panelist for various Workforce Development groups and was named as a “Top 30 Business Leaders In Their 30s” from AZ Business Magazine and Judith Krebs, PHR Memorial Volunteer of the Year Award Nominee from AZ SHRM. PHOTO CREDIT: IT'S ELIZABETH MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY STYLING BY: RISA KOSTIS FROM RISTYLE CONSULTING
CAROLINE N. CONNER, SPHR Culture Architect & HR Expert, Building an Employer of Choice Reputation
IG: @CarolineNConner 122 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
Caroline@CarolineConner.com
linkedin.com/in/carolinenconner
JAN BRACAMONTE FOUNDER & PRESIDENT, J. LAUREN PUBLIC RELATIONS & MARKETING Jan Bracamonte is the principal of J. Lauren, the West Coast lifestyle and luxury-brand public relations, social media and digital marketing firm. Her professional experience includes representing some of the world’s top major brands along with leading local and national companies in the fashion, retail, hospitality, entertainment, culinary and high-end residential real estate industries. Jan brings a breadth of experience to her boutique firm that encompasses the creation and execution of high-level public relations campaigns; brand and key-message development; media relations with local, regional, national and international top-tier outlets; strategic campaign development; grassroots and influencer marketing; ROI-focused social media efforts; event planning; spokesperson media training and crisis communications. With its headquarters in Tempe, and clients along the West Coast from Los Cabos, Mexico to Seattle, J. Lauren is built on vision and versatility. In her personal time, she chases around two tiny humans, Oliver, 4, and Jack, 1, and is in constant search of the best thing she ever ate.
JLaurenPR.com Social: @JLaurenPR PHOTO CREDIT: IT'S ELIZABETH MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY
2020 123
Laurie Brednich is an HR professional with over thirty years of experience. In 2015, she started HR Company Store as a way to bring transparency into the HR industry and simplify the vendor selection process for the over one million HR professionals in the U.S. today. HR Company Store is a rating and review site (an Angie’s List for HR), that helps HR professionals quickly and easily find the perfect vendor partners. Laurie likes to call herself an “almost mid-century entrepreneur”. She’s a Jersey girl at heart who started HR Company Store at the age of 46 here in Phoenix and has successfully grown the company into the One Stop HR Shop. She is excited about helping the HR industry and being able to give back to her second home here in Phoenix. Laurie has the love and support of her husband Michael and her two fur-babies Freddy and Frankie.
PHOTO CREDIT: IT'S ELIZABETH MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY
LAURIE BREDNICH HR Company Store www.hrcompanystore.com
124 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
www.linkedin.com/in/hr-company-store-6247b1b7/
Twitter: HRCompanyStore
Monique’s high energy and East Coast tenacity has influenced her building deep roots in the Valley. As the Founder of The Kempington Group, an energized, progressive, national scope recruiting firm, Monique operates her business through openness, humility, deep networks, community involvement and a sense of humor! Monique continues to expand her involvement in the community as a female executive. Together, her and a Phoenix Title I school created the BE Empowered BE Fearless program! Through applications and interviews, 10 selected girls are involved in workshops where Monique and her inspirational group of women discuss life influencing topics. This initiative is an honor to fulfill! At just 19 years old, Monique lost her mother to cancer. She has vowed to commit her volunteer time to that cause, by Chairing the American Cancer Society’s Evening of Hope Gala, 2019 and involvement with TGen. Personally, she hopes her community involvement will be a life-long influence on her teenage son and an honor to her mother’s memory! PHOTO CREDIT: IT'S ELIZABETH MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY
MONIQUE PORRAS The Kempington Group monique@kempingtongroup.com
602-595-0550
www.kempingtongroup.com
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DR. SHARON LAMM-HARTMAN // INSIDE OUT LEARNING Dr. Sharon is CEO of Inside Out Learning (IOL) an award-winning leadership, team, and organizational development consulting company. With 25+ years of experience, a Doctorate from Columbia University, and a Masters from Cornell, Dr. Sharon leads IOL to transform companies, teams and people to become better than their past best. Sharon was also a co-founder of Central Phoenix Women. IOL helps clients get promoted, improve organizational health, and win billions in new business.
size companies. IOL creates lasting change by building Intensity, Frequency, & Duration into our Coaching, Authentic Presence, Team Development, Presentation Skills, & Organizational Culture Change programs. IOL is a member of the Women’s President’s Organization, and is WBENC and WOSB certified. IOL has been featured in The New York Times, MORE and Oprah’s, ‘O’ magazines, and Dr. Sharon’s book The Authenticity Code will be published in 2019.
IOL has designed and delivered over 2500 global training programs for Fortune 500 (including Boeing, Virgin & GE) and mid to small
PHOTO CREDIT: IT’S ELIZABETH MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY
www.insideoutlearning.com 126 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
480-822-9939
sharon@insideoutlearning.com
NICOLE JOHNSON Whether she is crafting strategic insurance solutions as a Vice President at Lovitt & Touché or volunteering her time to numerous nonprofit organizations, building community is at the heart of everything Nicole Johnson does. Since joining Lovitt & Touché in 2011, the insurance executive has built a book of business of more than $1,000,000, something colleagues with twice the experience achieve, while maintaining a high profile in the community and being a dedicated wife and mother. Nicole’s success is due in part to her unwavering commitment to building genuine, long-term relationships with those around her. Family is the center of Nicole’s life. When she’s not working or volunteering, the Chandler resident can be found spending time with her husband and two sons. PHOTO CREDIT: IT'S ELIZABETH MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY
njohnson@lovitt-touche.com
602-904-1184
www.linkedin.com/in/nicolepjohnson/ 2020 127
Raised by parents who struggled with drug addiction, Carrie lived a childhood filled with setbacks, heartbreak and challenges. At 13, her parents left her and her three siblings to live alone. Carrie started working as a teenager to help support her remaining family. At the young age of 20, she became a single mother to a beautiful daughter.
Carrie’s path would be different than her parents. She kept moving forward and invoked survival. She eventually found a job as an administrative assistant with LGE Design Build. She continued climbing over the course of 15 years eventually becoming C.A.O. and partner in business ventures.
Carrie Garcia could have been a statistic. Instead, she’s a leading force for one of the Valley’s top commercial design build firms — and a proud mother as well. Her combination of perseverance, empathy, life experience and professional experience differentiate her in her field and make her an ideal woman to connect with in the Valley business community.
PHOTO CREDIT: IT'S ELIZABETH MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY
CARRIE GARCIA LGE Design Build 740 N. 52nd Street // Phoenix, AZ 85008
128 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
www.lgedesignbuild.com
carrieg@lgedesignbulid.com
PHOTO CREDIT: IT'S ELIZABETH MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY
LEEAH MURRAY // MERAKI & CO Leeah Murray is the Creatologist™ at Meraki & Co; a Digital Marketing Agency providing High Vibe Marketing + Branding for purpose driven brands + heart centered, visionary entrepreneurs. Also a Reiki Master and energy healer at Mystical Meraki, she’s fused her energy work & technical know how and designed an intuitive process that brings clarity for brands and professionals who have a mission to help, and people to serve. Her talents lie in being able to take very technical tools & methodologies (such www.merakiand.co
as web design, programming, and marketing strategies) and blend them with intuitive abilities to energetically shift awarenesses + remove limiting beliefs. The result is a more aligned digital presence that attracts what is in the client’s highest good. Leeah is passionate about guiding and inspiring entrepreneurs and professionals to get clear and intentional with how they’re showing up, so they can live a purposeful, fulfilling and authentic life.
www.mysticalmeraki.com
leeah@merakiand.co 2020 129
MEGAN K. MAYHALL, CIC RISK MANAGEMENT + PRIVATE CLIENT ADVISOR Megan Mayhall is a Risk Management and Private Client Advisor at MJ Insurance, with over a decade of experience. Megan works to protect financially successful families with extremely complex risk profiles, requiring creative solutions both nationally and internationally. In addition, Megan consults private and public companies on their property & casualty insurance and risk management programs while working closely with the Executive Team and Board of Directors. She strongly believes in building long-term and trusting relationships to best advise clients, be creative and tailor solutions to their unique risks. A third generation Arizona Native, Megan is an Alumni of Arizona State University. She is actively involved in the community through her volunteer work Co-Chairing the 2018 and 2019 ICAN’s dreamBIG gala. Megan looks forward to her growing involvement with the ICAN organization with her recent appointment to the Board of Directors. Outside of MJ, Megan loves spending time with her husband and two young boys.
linkedin.com/in/meganmayhall/ megan.mayhall@mjinsurance.com www.mjinsurance.com 130 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
PHOTO CREDIT: IT'S ELIZABETH MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY
MELISSA BERGER PACIFIC OFFICE AUTOMATION Melissa is on the cutting edge of technology at Pacific Office Automation. Her main focus is helping corporations improve business processes to increase their bottom line with office equipment such as copiers, printers, wide format plotters, VOIP phone systems and IT services. Melissa works with C level executives to provide them the tools to make their business technology not only efficient but effortless. With almost 2 decades in the industry she also finds time to teach her sales executives the newest technologies and how to be an entrepreneur. Melissa is a mentor to each and every team member. In her free time she enjoys hot yoga and hiking as well as supporting many local AZ charities. Although she started in the industry selling copiers, Melissa is definitely an original!
PHOTO CREDIT: IT'S ELIZABETH MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY
melissa.berger@pacificoffice.com
480-321-8965 2020 131
Born and raised in Tucson, Arizona, Deidra Viberg is proud to call herself a native. Deidra attended Arizona State University and received her bachelor’s degree in business and communication. Shortly after college, she started her career at ON Media, formerly Programs for the Arts. For the past 11 years she has been instrumental in growing the company, starting in sales and now acting as chief operating officer. ON Media is a local publishing company that connects the business community to the arts, culture and philanthropy, by way of sophisticated, quality print publications in Phoenix and Tucson. These include arts programs, museum guides, The Red Book and other specialty publications. In addition to her significant accomplishments, Deidra dedicates her time giving back to the community and organizations she is passionate about. Recently, she served on the board of Scottsdale Leadership after graduating in the program’s Class 29. She is co-founder of The Red Dress Cocktail Party, which gives back to research to support women’s heart health. Over the years she has been involved with Go Red For Women, Suns 88 Charities, Executive Women International, Fashion Group International and VOS 20-30 Club. Deidra is currently looking for the next organization to which she can make a commensurate contribution. Deidra’s extensive success in business and philanthropic endeavors is due to her tireless drive, creative mind and attention to detail.
DEIDRA VIBERG ON Media
dviberg@onmediaaz.com 132 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
onmediaaz.com
602.445.7162
PHOTO CREDIT: IT'S ELIZABETH MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY
2020 133
TRISHA LARSON FINANCIAL ADVISOR NMLS# 1470299 CA INSURANCE LICENSE : 0L82200 Trisha Larson is a Financial Advisor with Morgan Stanley Wealth Management and has been twice named a Pace Setter for the global firm. Working with Morgan Stanley’s team of investment experts, Trisha’s enthusiasm about the financial markets and helping clients create a uniquely tailored, comprehensive financial plan is shown through her service focused, entrepreneurial approach. The Firm enables Trisha to use that approach to help successful business owners and business executives achieve their long term financial goals and supplement their immediate liquidity needs. Growing up in small town Minnesota helped Trisha develop the guiding values of hard work and integrity that are now the pillars of her client centered business. Aside from her profession, Trisha is passionate about the Arizona community and is a member of The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Vinnies Advisory Board, Special Olympics Arizona’s Executive Leadership Committee and Suns Charities 88 Advisory Board. In her spare time, Trisha quenches her competitive spirit by running marathons, hiking through Arizona and downhill skiing.
14850 North Scottsdale Road, 6th Floor | Scottsdale, AZ 85254 Direct: +1 480 368-6524 Trisha.Larson@morganstanley.com 134 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
PHOTO CREDIT: ELIZABETH MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY
VANESSA HALL AND STACEY ROUSE Performant Scout was launched in 2015 by partners Vanessa Hall and Stacey Rouse to take advantage of their passion and deep experience in the executive search industry. The firm places candidates across North America in the Agribusiness and Food & Beverage Manufacturing field. Vanessa and Stacey have created a unique culture built on strong market research, extensive people networks and a customer approach that makes Performant Scout an extension of its clients’ business. They provide the invaluable service of identifying experienced top talent that make for a seamless culture fit. What sets them apart is that they listen, they care, they are flexible, and they have a big picture mind-set for the partnership. As foodies themselves, they know all about great taste! Vanessa and Stacey are creative, collaborative and customize their process to fit diverse clients’ needs. They are very proud of the business they created and the many companies they’ve helped to grow.
PHOTO CREDIT: IT'S ELIZABETH MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY
3104 E. Camelback Road #716 Phoenix, AZ 85016
www.performantscout.com
602-663-9464 2020 135
DR. LAURA BUSH Dr. Laura Bush is founder and CEO of Peacock Proud Press, a nonfiction book writing and publishing business. With a Ph.D. in English from Arizona State University, she taught literature and writing courses for over 20 years before resigning from the university to reinvent herself as a business owner in 2012.
Entrepreneurs, speakers, coaches, and memoirists from around the world hire Dr. Bush and her team to write, edit, and publish high quality, bestselling books, so authors can achieve the financial benefits of increasing their visibility and differentiating themselves as experts in their industry.
A native of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Dr. Bush operates Peacock Proud Press from her hometown in the summer and from Mesa, Arizona in the winter. Every February, she holds “Book in a Barn,” a premier book writing retreat at the Historic COD Ranch in Oracle, Arizona, just two hours south of Phoenix.
laura@laurabushphd.com www.peacockproud.com Phone: (480) 696-1327 136 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
PHOTO CREDIT: IT’S ELIZABETH MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY
The Powerhouse Women event and online community were born out of the belief that women are designed to create, and that when women get into action around their big ideas, the world works better (because it does!) Founder Lindsey Schwartz is a wellness entrepreneur and best-selling author of Powerhouse Woman: How to get out of your own way, fulfill your unique purpose, and live a powerful life. After seeing numerous women in her life stop short of pursuing their own entrepreneurial dreams because of fear and self-doubt, she saw the need for more honest conversations about the ups & downs of entrepreneurship in order to show women that they don’t have to have it all together to get started. From there, the Powerhouse Women community and annual event were born, with the motto that we’re not meant to do business (or life) alone!
PHOTO CREDIT: IT'S ELIZABETH MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY
LINDSEY SCHWARTZ Powerhouse Women powerhousewomen.co
hello@powerhousewomen.co
IG: @powerhouse_women
2020 137
SHERRI SWAN
Sherri is an insurance broker with over 20 years of experience specializing in the needs of families, professionals, and small business owners. She is also a founding partner of San Marcos Insurance Group, an independent brokerage agency in Chandler, Arizona. Along with her partners, she started the agency in 2010, and through much hard work and dedication has seen the business thrive. With access to multiple insurance carriers, Sherri specializes in providing personalized insurance options to individuals and families as they grow and change. Her goal is to work closely with her clients over several generations, covering grandparents down to their grandchildren. Central to this goal is her desire and ability to build long-lasting relationships with her clients.
PHOTO CREDIT: IT'S ELIZABETH MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY
www.sanmarcosinsurancegroup.com 138 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
602-362-3360
480-899-6633
TIFFANY SHARP SHARP CONSTRUCTION, LLC
Often referred to as “Superwoman” by those closest to her, she’s a successful entrepreneur, a loving mother of two, a supportive wife, a caring sister, and a loyal friend. Driven by her passion for life, she builds meaningful relationships, dedicates her time where it’s needed most, and insists that failure is just a stepping stone on her path to success. She’s an Iowa native with a major Midwest work ethic. She founded Sharp Construction, LLC in 2017, a woman owned commercial construction business located in Phoenix, AZ. She’s also the qualifying party holding a KB1 Commercial Construction License for her firm. Tiffany is so open to new ideas, so accepting of the ambiguity inherent in risk, and so sure that the world is basically a friendly place. She thrives within her leadership role determined to continue and grow her business as a strong capable female in a male dominated industry.
PHOTO CREDIT: IT’S ELIZABETH MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY
4455 E. Camelback Rd. // Suite D-150 // Phoenix, Arizona 85018
480-825-4444
www.sharpconstruction.com 2020 139
TERI DAVIS // SIERRA SIGNS Decades ago, it was rare for a woman to start her own business. Like many “mompreneurs”, Teri Davis decided to start her own business. It began in 1986 as a way to take control of her career while still being able to be there for her children. Today, over 30 years later Sierra Signs’ has worked with hundreds of businesses, municipalities and contractors throughout Arizona. It is one of the few female-owned sign companies in a male-dominated industry. Her talent, hard work, and dedication produced elated clients and great stories of success. Supported by her staff of skillful professionals, Sierra Signs has catapulted to become highly recognized in her industry. The journey from an education focusing on the elements of sign painting and design, to one inspired by entrepreneurship, Teri knows that her success was only due to her willingness to take a risk and seize the opportunity in front of her. Teri encourages other woman to take risks and boldly move forward with their entrepreneurial ideas. TeriD@SierraSignsAZ.com 140 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
480-835-0168
PHOTO CREDIT: IT'S ELIZABETH MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY
www.sierrasignsaz.com
KELLY POTTS SMALL DOG PR
Kelly Potts is the owner of Small Dog Public Relations, a boutique public relations and social media firm based in Phoenix. Her agency is dedicated to helping Arizona-based businesses and brands - the small dogs - have a big bark.
With a background in agency, corporate and government settings, she specializes in developing earned media strategies, growing brand awareness and managing social media. Her client roster spans multiple industries, including beauty, hospitality, food and beverage, real estate and law.
The PR maven is also an obsessed dog mom, animal advocate, freelance writer and brunch enthusiast.
PHOTO CREDIT: IT’S ELIZABETH MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY
www.smalldogpr.com
Kelly@smalldogpr.com.
@smalldogpr 2020 141
TERESA STRUNK STRUNK INSURANCE GROUP Exceptional service. That’s what sets The Strunk Insurance Group apart from their competitors. “Our people are our biggest asset”, says Teresa Strunk, Vice President. The team at “SIG” is driven to be the best in the business by implementing uniquely customized benefit plans and insurance products for individuals and employer groups. “Our goal is to provide unparalleled, personalized customer service that exceeds our clients’ expectations. By providing employee education, plan design analysis, superior products, over 60 carrier relationships, online benefit tools, HR and compliance resources and above all, excellent customer service, The Strunk Insurance Group is able to ease the burden felt by employers in regards to their employee benefits program”, Teresa states. Teresa is also heavily committed to community service. She is currently Chair-Elect for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona Board of Directors, and serves on Phoenix Children’s Hospital’s Beach Ball Committee. Her greatest joys are her two young daughters, Maggie and Rachel. Teresa is married to Casey Strunk, and together they enjoy traveling, food & wine with friends, and attending social & charity events in the Valley.
tstrunk@strunkgroup.com (602) 978-4414 Strunkgroup.com 142 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
PHOTO CREDIT: IT’S ELIZABETH MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTO CREDIT: IT'S ELIZABETH MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY
Wendy McClellan is the founder and CEO of Structure for Success, an HR consulting firm that puts the human back in Human Resources. Structure for Success works with businesses that don’t have their own HR team, assisting them with hiring and employee support. With more than 25 years’ experience in executive leadership, Wendy’s forte is hiring the right person for the right job and turning employees into managers, and managers into leaders. She removes uncertainty from the workplace, and believes that strong relationships and communication are the keys to
successful leadership. To pay it forward, Wendy serves on the GCU Honors College Advisory board, and recently served on the boards of the Women’s Enterprise Foundation and the National Association of Women Business Owners. Wendy regularly speaks on leadership, communication, personal empowerment, employee support, and business development. She is a Kolbe-certified consultant and an instructor at ASU’s Lodestar Center.
WENDY MCCLELLAN Structure for Success, LLC
480.773.3064
wendy@structure4success.com
www.structure4success.com 2020 143
JESSICA LOPEZ U-HAUL INTERNATIONAL Jessica Lopez is the Chief of Staff for U-Haul International, the iconic Phoenixbased moving and storage company serving DIY customers since 1945. She is renowned for her dependable smile and upbeat, positive persona inside the halls of U-Haul, though it’s her ambitious approach to enhancing work culture that has helped transform Company policies. Four years ago, she formed a Wellness Department and an international U-Haul Active Day. Currently, she is working to expand the corporate campus to include a fitness and conference center – all in the name of happier, healthier Team Members. Jessica oversees 13 departments and strives to honor the legacy of her fellow female leaders in the industry, including U-Haul co-founder Anna Mary Carty Shoen. Jessica resides in Tempe with her husband and high school sweetheart, Anthony. They are the proud parents of their son, Jaylen, who is a 23-year-old student at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at ASU.
jessica_lopez@uhaul.com 144 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
www.uhaul.com
www.linkedin.com
RALEIGH
2020 145
If you Google “best logo design,” chances are you’ll run across the work of Julie Hammer Jensen and the talented, all-women team at 90 Degree. Before founding 90 Degree in 2011, Julie spent a number of years in the traditional advertising agency World. The “trauma” from those experiences led Julie to start what she calls “a different brand of agency.” 90 Degree, is now an awardwinning brand development and digital marketing agency that specializes in helping businesses identify and refine key elements of their marketing. Julie holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of North Carolina, Greensboro and lives in Raleigh. She enjoys martial arts, singing, horseback riding, volunteering for animal rescues, and spending time with her husband, David, daughter, Cecelia and two pugs, Winston and Rita.
PHOTO CREDIT: REVOLUTION STUDIOS
JULIE HAMMER JENSEN 90 Degree Design julie@90degreedesign.com
146 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
90degreedesign.com
919.747.4479
BECKY WILLIAMS & ZAHIRA FLOYD ATHENA OF THE TRIANGLE An experienced business and people leader, Becky Williams specializes in helping individuals and organizations identify and execute leadership practices to achieve their strategic goals. After a 38 year career at LORD Corporation she launched REALM Leadership, an executive coaching practice. Zahira Floyd is the past President of Connected Women of NC a non-profit organization dedicated to women’s career development and growth. She is a Change Management leader with almost 20 years in experience in organizational change, marketing and communications with roles in the IT industry. Together they serve as part of the ATHENA of the Triangle Board of Directors. They have combined their talents to focus on launching ATHENA Emerging Leaders for women seeking to develop and deepen leadership skills. Their goal is to execute a relevant, repeatable program to help identify and build upon leadership principles and achieve greater career success in leadership roles and strengthen their networks.
PHOTO CREDIT: F8 PHOTO STUDIOS
athenaemergingleaders@gmail.com
anthenatriangle.org/emerge
919.824.0590 2020 147
NICOLE GREEN AVE STAFFING
Nicole “Nikki� Green is a mother to four wonderful kids. She has a big heart for people which is highlighted in the success of her business. Her niche recruiting firm, Ave Staffing, is now in the twilight of its fourth year and has seen amazing growth with each passing year. What started as a niche legal professional recruiting firm for the greater Raleigh area, has now grown to include engineering professionals in more than a dozen states across the nation. Her personalized approach to recruiting has been extremely successful and rewarding. She begins each day excited to help complete strangers progress and succeed in their careers; and assist her clients find complementary talent to help grow their businesses. While the financial rewards are appreciated, the relationships and fulfillment gained from helping others succeed is priceless! PHOTO CREDIT: REVOLUTION STUDIOS
avestaffing.com 148 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
@avestaffing
ave-staffing
Dejah Moser is the founder of Éclat Social, a boutique Social Media Management Agency. The name was inspired from Éclat, the French word for brilliance. Dejah has a passion for locally owned businesses and seeing them thrive, especially those led by women. She discovered her calling after seeing businesses struggle to implement an effective social media strategy and harness the power behind it. Éclat Social provides assistance by managing this aspect, which allows owners to focus their attention on where it’s needed most. Social platforms increase brand awareness by allowing businesses to connect directly with customers, all while boosting leads and sales. Éclat Social has proven results such as doubling follower growth and reaching five figure viewership in the span of a few months. Each unique campaign focuses on building a trusting relationship with the target audience through organic growth. This strategy is based on engagement, customer care, aesthetic images, and creative content.
PHOTO CREDIT: ROSE TRAIL IMAGES
DEJAH MOSER Éclat Social @eclatsocial
hello@eclatsocial.co
eclatsocial.co
2020 149
PHOTO CREDIT: REVOLUTION STUDIOS
150 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
MOYA FOSTER, PHD, MBA CROWN AND SCEPTER ENTERPRISES, LLC
Dr. Moya Foster is the owner of Crown and Scepter Enterprises, LLC. She is a licensed psychologist holding an MBA with vast experience in managed care. While working full-time in the healthcare field over the past 12 years, Dr. Moya enjoyed cultivating events, hosting meetup groups, working with an event coordination team, and even “moving the crowd� as a DJ. Dr. Moya created Crown and Scepter driven by her interest in creating unique social and networking opportunities for diverse professionals, business owners, and entrepreneurs as well as a desire to enhance the lives of youth. She identifies and creates events and services appealing to her local network to generate revenue of which a portion is contributed to organizations supporting youth in foster care. In addition to promoting, designing, and coordinating events/workshops with business owners in mind, Dr. Moya consults with event professionals, coaches, speakers, and others on ways to enhance the quality of their products and services, and to grow their networks while having fun. She also lends time and talent to youth organizations in addition to the financial contributions generated through her social enterprise. Dr. Moya believes that when we work hard, we should play hard for balance and regards socialization as self-care. Keep an eye out for her events in the Raleigh-Durham area when seeking opportunities to network in fun and unique ways.
1 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh @crownandscepter_org_ crownandscepter.org
2020 151
EMMA CATARINO / EMMA CATARINO DESIGNS Emma Catarino is the lead designer and owner of Emma Catarino Designs, and has been in business for 15 years. Her passion has always been publication design, and working with other women, so when the opportunity to design the KNOW books came across her desk, it seemed like a match made in heaven. Over the years, she has worked on a multitude of publications, including Wake Living magazine, the ACC Sports Journals, Weekend Gardener, in addition to several books. Her love of art and all types of design enriches her as a designer. She loves using her talents as a designer to help local charities, and recently designed several pieces for a local food bank. Serving others and volunteering have always been important, and she’s grateful to be able to use her creativity to help others.
PHOTO CREDIT: ROSE TRAIL IMAGES
When Emma isn’t at her desk, you can find her cooking, working out, hiking, or spending time with her family and her pup, Batman. As a single mom, she is dedicated to her children, and does her best to model a strong work ethic for both of them
LOCATION CREDIT: FIRST STREET TAVERN
@emmacdesigns 152 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
emmacatarino.com
info@emmacatarino.com
CARLI MCCAFFREY HOUSEWIVES IN THE CITY – RALEIGH HOUSEWIVES
Carli is originally from Ohio and proud to call Raleigh home the last 12+ years. By day, she works at SAS Institute and by night Carli runs Housewives in the City – Raleigh Housewives. She is also a mom to an amazing beautiful boy and dedicated family member. In her free time, she loves working out, sports, traveling, crafting, attending area events, spending time with family, and last but not least shopping! What is Housewives in the City – Raleigh Housewives? It is a social media and event planning business that hosts monthly Girls Night Outs. Carli shares fashion, beauty, fitness, food, travel, and mom tips as well as area events on many social media sites. She advertises businesses on social media sites and at monthly events. Their monthly events throughout the triangle are FREE for anyone to attend and are a great place to network, eat, drink, and shop!
@ralhousewives carli@housewivesinthecity.com housewivesinthecity.com/raleigh PHOTO CREDIT: F8 PHOTO STUDIOS
2020 153
KELLY SULLIVAN RUTA KELLYRUTA.COM
Kelly Sullivan Ruta is a seasoned psychotherapist turned Mindset Expert for ambitious female entrepreneurs who have the audacity to believe they can change the world and the courage to try. Kelly believes that women are being called to rise and lead from the fierce feminine like never before in modern history. She seeks to positively impact thousands of women worldwide by teaching them to create personal mastery so they are confident, brave and in COMMAND because a relentlessly courageous woman is an unstoppable force of nature. Kelly is a hardcore introvert, chocolate aficionado and lover of all things beach. When she isn’t working, Kelly is hanging with ride or die besties or her husband and two sons, often on the baseball field but preferably with a good book, a glass of red and her toes in the sand. PHOTO CREDIT: ROSE TRAIL IMAGES
info@kellyruta.com 154 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
kellyruta.com
kellyrutamentor
JACKIE LOCKLEAR LOCKLEAR ROOFING
Started over 35 years ago by Jackie Locklear’s father John, Locklear Roofing is now one of the largest female owned roofing companies in the country. Over the past 23 years Jackie Locklear has assembled a team of over 70 including her son Joshua, now making it three generations providing quality, turnkey roofing services. The Commercial, Gutter, and Re-Roof divisions are handled from a 10,300 square foot building and warehouse in Holly Springs, NC. To know Jackie is to know she values her family heritage and believes in giving back to the community at large. While investing time and attention making sure her 3 granddaughters and family understand that business facilitates the important things in life, she serves on the Board at the Frankie Lemmon Foundation, donates to Wake Habitat, and supports Operation Coming Home allowing wounded veterans to realize home ownership. Jackie Locklear is a perfect example of women leading other women by example. Locklear Roofing – “ Roofing is our Heritage and Quality is our Tradition” PHOTO CREDIT: F8 PHOTO STUDIOS
locklearroofing.com
jackie@locklearroofing.com
Jackie-Locklear 2020 155
Melissa Ternes is a financial empowerment coach, and CEO of Master Your Money Now. Having advised millionaires and multiple six-figure earners, she’s learned that no one is immune from financial stressors! Melissa is most passionate about helping successful women get out of the all-too-common money traps of paycheck to paycheck living, juggling money while growing a business, and not having enough to invest. She shows women how to go from making money to building wealth, without the pain of deprivation and restriction. Melissa’s lived that story herself. She’ll tell you she tried over 150 times to stay on a budget before she mastered money! Now, with her signature program, “Aligned Money Life,” Melissa has guided hundreds of women on how to completely transform their relationship with money. Her clients become money-savvy, confident, and powerful – ready to keep wealth, grow their businesses, and live the lives they’re dreaming about. Melissa is based in Raleigh, and when she’s not out speaking, she’s seeking an adventure on the “pretty blue water” of Belize with her husband and adventure companion, Wayne. PHOTO CREDIT:ROSE TRAIL IMAGES
MELISSA TERNES Master Your Money Now melissa@masteryourmoneynow.com
156 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
masteryourmoneynow.com
masteryourmoneynow
ADINA SAFTA - AVP, BUSINESS BANKING / PNC BANK An immigrant daughter of Romanian parents, Adina was brought to the US at age 10 and has been blessed with the greatest opportunity; travel to different places leading her to finding her true passion and purpose; helping businesses succeed financially. Doing what you love, believing in yourself, and never giving up on your dreams has always been the key to her happiness and professional brand. For the past 13 years, Adina has spent the greater part of her career in leadership and currently business banking working with entrepreneurs within different industries and revenue sizes. Adina takes pride in her ability to build relationships through learning about the business, its owner/s, goals, and future needs. Currently, a PNC Women in Business Advocate, Co-Chair of Athena of the Triangle, Member of the Raleigh Chamber YPN, on the Leadership Team for PNC’s “Grow up Great”, and other groups. “People can feel Passion, so always be sure to live every day with Passion!” Adina PHOTO CREDIT: REVOLUTION STUDIOS
919.609.9917
adina.safta@pnc.com
adina-safta-04309562 2020 157
SONYA TIEN TIEN LAW FIRM, PLLC | JAX & OLIVIA
Super attorney Sonya Tien founded Tien Law Firm, PLLC to be a powerful voice for injury victims. She stands up to the nation’s largest insurance companies, and has personally resolved hundreds of cases and won millions of dollars for her clients. She began her legal career representing Fortune 500 Companies at top international law firm Fried Frank in New York City. Sonya earned her business degree from UNC-Chapel Hill, her law degree from Columbia Law School, and 18 scholarships. Sonya and her female team made international headlines in her women’s rights pro bono case with an unprecedented victory against the FDA and DHHS that helped millions of girls, noted by CNN, MSNBC, NBC, ABC, WSJ, TIME, and USA Today. Outside of the courtroom, Sonya is the Founder and CEO of Jax & Olivia, a brand and store named after her kids, that features classy, sassy, and trending clothing, accessories, toys, and decor.
tienfirm.com 919.348.7727 jaxandolivia.com PHOTO CREDIT: REVOLUTION STUDIOS
158 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
LORI VALENTI WEBB / PROPERTY PLAYBOOK
Lori Valenti Webb landed 5 national Miller Lite commercials while living in Los Angeles 15 years ago. With her earnings, she invested in properties in Austin and Raleigh. This brought her to the Triangle, where she started in Multifamily and became Broker-InCharge of Property Specific- a boutique Real Estate Firm. She has been the Marketing Director for multiple Real Estate companies. Her experience spans marketing, advertising, and branding multimillion dollar assets. She started her company, Property Playbook, to handle marketing for Multifamily, Student Housing, Realtor Offices/Teams, and Business Owners. She has an innate knowledge of sales/ marketing and how to grow a business. Property Playbook offers Event Planning, Public Relations, Social Media, Website/Blog Development, Consulting and more. Lori is an energetic, driven creative. She was featured on HGTV for her beach renovation. She’s been highlighted in Apartment Therapy and Units Magazine. She is inspired by women leaders and loves to support and propel talented women in business. PHOTO CREDIT: ROSE TRAIL IMAGES
propplaybook.com
@propplaybook
lori@propplaybook.com 2020 159
SAHAR SULTAN THE BUSINESS GIRL FRIDAY
If you have ever read the Robinson Crusoe novels, you may have heard of a “Girl Friday”, a term that was coined in a time when women office assistants took on a large variety of tasks and were an executive’s go-to girl who could accomplish anything. Raleigh native and founder of The Business Girl Friday, Sahar Sultan was lovingly given the name “Girl Friday” by her very first client, and mentor, Charles H. Wilkinson, Jr. an Entrepreneur and Oil and Gas Investor. Today, Sahar is the Girl Friday and go-to financial professional for businesses across North Carolina. Sahar’s passion for empowering financial growth for clients is apparent from her nontraditional approach to her work. She is not your typical business financial professional that you see once a quarter, or even once a year. With Sahar you have a vital extension to your team! From accountant to CFO she covers all of the bases with impeccable style, business savvy and grace.
919.588.4570 sahar@thebusinessgirlfriday.com thebusinessgirlfriday.com PHOTO CREDIT: IMAGES BY AMBER ROBINSON
160 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
PAIGE FELDMANN THE LAW OFFICE OF PAIGE FELDMANN, PLLC
Paige Feldmann founded The Law Office of Paige Feldmann, PLLC in 2018. Paige wanted to be an attorney for as long as she can remember, but she took the long road to reach her goals. She spent her 20s traveling and earning an esthetician license before staking ground in Raleigh and enrolling in law school. After realizing she loved the human interaction she received in a criminal courtroom, she combined her entrepreneurial spirit with her passion for constitutional rights to start her own firm. Now practicing criminal defense, Paige believes that kindness should always come first -- she aims to calm her clients as much as possible and ease any tension they may have regarding their court case.
hello@paigefeldmannlaw.com 919.747.3244 paigefeldmannlaw.com PHOTO CREDIT: REVOLUTION STUDIOS
2020 161
HEATHER CHANDLER WHOLE BRAIN ESCAPE
Heather Chandler is a woman in tech. During her 23-year career in video game development, including 3 years as Senior Producer on Fortnite, she’s led teams at Epic Games, Electronic Arts, Ubisoft, and Activision. She’s published several books and articles on game production and has lectured at game development conferences around the world. In 2019, Heather decided to combine her love of games, her passion for team-building, and her entrepreneurial dreams to launch Whole Brain Escape. This is an escape room in the Triangle that features four real-life adventure games in a 3,000 square foot facility that has already served hundreds of businesses and families. Heather is a strong advocate of STEM education, and is committed to providing opportunities for students of all ages to get excited and engaged with technology. She was recently chosen to be an American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) If/Then Ambassador, a program to support, encourage, and inspire girls’ interest STEM. PHOTO CREDIT: REVOLUTION STUDIOS
heather@wholebrainescape.com 162 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
wholebrainescape.com
ST. PETE | CLEARWATER
2020 163
JACKIE “JB” BARON / DIRECTOR / ABILITY NETWORK For over 20 years, Baron has mentored women and men to take the helm of their own career paths. She frequently speaks at events promoting women and cultural diversity in technology. In her own career, Baron is a passionate champion of customer experience with her Success & Support teams for ABILITY Network. ABILITY, an Inovalon company, is a leading information technology company helping healthcare providers and payers simplify administrative and clinical complexity by enabling data-driven improvements in healthcare.
Baron has served on the board of directors for the Pinellas County Urban League, receiving their President’s Award. She was also recognized as one of CRN Magazine’s “Power 100 Women of the Channel.” She currently chairs ABILITY’s Tampa events committee, offering support to our military, the St. Petersburg Free Clinic and the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. Baron resides in St. Petersburg with her husband, Richard, and their two dogs.
PHOTO CREDIT: GRACE STUDIO
877.340.5610 164 WWW.THEKNOWTRIBE.COM
abilitynetwork.com
Butler Square 100 N. 6th St., Suite 900, Minneapolis
Conscious Accounting was founded in 2016 by Rebecca Freedman, an accountant and business consultant, who has a passion for making accounting fun and approachable for business owners. Rebecca and her team prioritize empowering business owners to feel confident and comfortable with their finances. Conscious Accounting’s focus is in teaching clients how to use financial reports as a powerful tool to make business decisions and understand the tax implications of those decisions. Rebecca has a unique ability to break down tax and accounting topics in a way that is easily digestible and less overwhelming. Conscious Accounting supports business owners and entrepreneurs by filing their tax returns, forming corporate entities, implementing budgets & forecasts, analyzing profitability, and keeping them organized financially. Conscious Accounting also offers concierge CFO services for clients who not only want to have their past and present finances in order, but also want to have a strong grasp on their financial future. Rebecca’s mission is to instill the belief in her clients that they can start from nothing and build something incredible.
PHOTO CREDIT: JESSICA FREDERICKS PHOTOGRAPHY HAIR & MAKEUP: BAE BEAUTY BAR
REBECCA FREEDMAN, CPA Conscious Accounting conscious-accounting.com
@consciousaccounting
rebecca@conscious-accounting.com
2019 165
BROOKE BOYD HYPE
Brooke Boyd is the founder of Hype, a creative communications agency in St. Petersburg. Hype is a boutique outfit that employs a full team of creatives in brand development, graphic design, PR, social media, campaigns, video production/photography and web design.
Brooke has acquired numerous accolades, including “Business Woman of the Year” in 2014 at the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce’s 15th Annual Iconic Women of St. Petersburg – Celebrating Women with Vision Awards. She was also named “Business Woman of the Year” in 2016 by the Tampa Bay Business Journal in their marketing category. Brooke has been featured in INC. Magazine, Business Observer Florida, and the Tampa Bay Business Journal, among others, for her business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit. While she is proud of these accomplishments, she and her husband count themselves most thankful for their daughter, Jackson, and twin sons, Perry and Jennings.
PHOTO CREDIT: CHRISTINA JONES PHOTOGRAPHY
hypegroup.net 166 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
@hypegroup
727.623.9085
TRACY WEST VALSPAR CHAMPIONSHIP PRO LINKS SPORTS COPPERHEAD CHARITIES Tracy West is the tournament director for the PGA TOUR’s Valspar Championship. She leads the strategic and overall management efforts for this professional golf tournament, played at Innisbrook Golf Resort. The event is the largest signature sporting event in Pinellas County, annually attracting over 130,000 patrons, 250 corporate partners and 2,000 volunteers. She is co-founder, EVP and partner of Pro Links Sports since 1993 and assists with oversight of the PGA TOUR’s Wells Fargo Championship and various other company projects; and has been involved in management of 50+ pro tournaments throughout her career. West serves on the board for the PGA TOUR Tournament Advisory Council, Habitat for Humanity Pinellas and West Pasco, The First Tee of Tampa Bay, Clearwater Chamber of Commerce, Tampa Bay Sports Commission, Ruth Eckerd Hall, and BB&T Local Advisory Board (Pinellas County). West has an MBA in Marketing from Michigan State University and a B.S. Finance & Economics from Lake Superior State University.
727.942.5566 valsparchampionship.org @valsparchamp
PHOTO CREDIT: KIMBERLY PHOTOGRAPHY
2020 167
JAMIE VAN CUYK SMALL BUSINESS EMPLOYEE MANAGEMENT
Jamie Van Cuyk is a respected leader with over ten years of leadership experience. She has a track record of managing high-performing teams and educating business owners and leaders.
Through consulting, Jamie helps small business owners and their front-line managers learn how to attract, hire, and retain the loyal and reliable employees needed for business growth, stability, and success. She also helps to build trust, improve delegation, and increase employee productivity.
From helping companies learn how to hire their first employee to improving established teams, Jamie’s goal is to have each staff member be seen as a valuable asset who positively impacts the company’s bottom line.
JamieVC@JamieVC.com JamieVC.com 727.433.7439 PHOTO CREDIT: GRACE STUDIO
168 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
JOANNA GUTIERREZ WINTERS WINTERS GLOBAL SOLUTIONS International security professional, entrepreneur, human rights activist, transformational leader. Joanna has over 15 years experience working in various US government agencies. She advises foreign governments and organizations on effective multi-agency coordination. Her experience and desire to create impactful change led her to create Winters Global Solutions, a boutique firm focused on guiding organizations in reaching their vision and overcoming challenges through leadership, teambuilding, strategy development, conflict resolution, and intelligence/operations. During her career, she became keenly aware of human trafficking atrocities and now also leads The FREE Network, a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to ending slavery and supporting victims and survivors. Additionally, she created Yummy Globe to connect her passion for food and community. Joanna believes a world of peace begins with each of us. She pursues this vision through the different organizations she leads. A PhD candidate in Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies, Joanna is committed to helping others create positive, impactful change. Wintersglobalsolutions.com Freenetwork.us Yummyglobe.com
PHOTO CREDIT: JESSICA FREDERICKS PHOTOGRAPHY
2020 169
PHOTO CREDIT: JESSICA FREDERICKS PHOTOGRAPHY
170 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
PEYTON SAMARDZICH STATION HOUSE
With a passion for interior design and a Juris Doctor from Stetson University College of Law, Peyton Samardzich has a unique background as Controller and Head of Operations and design for Gianco Companies, a multifaceted business she owns with her Husband that includes boutique lifestyle cowork, hotels, mixed-use real estate assets, and investments. Besides being a stepmom, her most rewarding passion project has been the creation of Station House, a cowork, event, and mixed use real estate project in downtown St. Pete. After much back and forth on what the circa 1911 building should be, the concept of Station House was born. Over the past 5 years, Peyton has led the expansion of Station House to the 600 Block of Central Avenue with the newly completed Station House Arcade, as well as Hyde House coming this fall to South Tampa’s Hyde Park Village. Peyton, originally from Dallas, has been a Tampa Bay resident since 1997. Having lived in St. Pete for the past 20 years, she now lives with her husband and stepdaughter in South Tampa.
Stationhousestpete.com info@stationhousestpete.com @stationhousedtsp
2020 171
JILLIAN ORR, CPA WARREN AVERETT Jillian Orr is a Senior Manager in Warren Averett’s audit division. She has more than ten years of public accounting experience. She is passionate about helping her clients and businesses in the Bay Area develop efficiencies, improve internal controls, and make smart business decisions. Jillian specializes in the Manufacturing & Distribution industry as well as Employee Benefit Plans and is the leader of the Tampa audit department. She has extensive experience serving clients in a wide variety of industries with revenue ranging from $10 million to $200 million. Warren Averett is one of the largest accounting firms in the Southeastern region. Warren Averett offers depth and experience in a variety of industries and services beyond traditional audit services, such as HR Solutions, Finance Team Support and Risk, Security and Technology. Additionally, Warren Averett provides comprehensive tax services and planning to ensure our clients employ sophisticated strategies that make the most of business opportunities. Jillian was born and raised in Clearwater, Florida and lives with her husband, Hunter, and beautiful daughter, Palmer. Jillian can be found serving her clients and community all across the Bay Area.
Jillian.orr@warrenaverett.com 813.386.6322 PHOTO CREDIT: SYNTHIA THERESE PHOTOGRAPHY
172 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
warrenaverett.com
MARY WILLIAMS YOUR FIRST IMPRESSION AUTHORITY Mary Williams is the Founder of Your First Impression Authority. As a business strategist, executive coach and professional etiquette expert, she helps businesses and universities teach rising stars the social and business etiquette skills necessary to stand out, preparing them to become the leaders of tomorrow. She is particularly passionate about inspiring women to ensure they develop the executive presence and mindset required to accelerate their professional growth and achieve their career aspirations whether it’s starting a new business or shattering glass ceilings. With more than 30 years of leadership experience Mary understands the complexities of navigating in business today. She is most proud that during her tenure with a multi-billion dollar company, every single team member she coached earned a promotion. Mary has made it her mission to bring a different kind of business training to anyone who wants to reach their full potential and accomplish their highest goals.
734.546.4559 marywilliamsfia@gmail.com marywilliamsfia.com PHOTO CREDIT: SYNTHIA THERESE PHOTOGRAPHY
2019 173
TAMPA
174 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
STACY E. YATES MEDIATOR AND ATTORNEY AT LAW Experienced Litigator. Compassionate Leader. Tireless Advocate. Multi-Tasker. (AKA Mom). Stacy Yates, attorney and mother of two, balances her fast-paced litigation practice with advocating for the rights of children, women, and the under represented. A certified mediator, she thrives on formulating solutions to complex and contentious cases. Known for her aggressive, yet compassionate, litigation and mediation styles, Stacy earns the respect of even her biggest adversaries. As a passionate supporter of public education, Stacy actively participates in political campaigns of candidates fighting for ALL the children of Tampa Bay. Stacy is a proud member of The Athena Society, Girl Scout Leader, Advocacy Committee Chair for her PTA, member of two Gasparilla Krewes, and ardent supporter of many organizations including Tampa Metro YMCA and Ruth’s List of Florida. You can find Stacy advocating for her clients in the courtroom, resolving conflict in mediation, serving the community, or chasing her kids around the soccer field.
@tampalawstacy stacyestes@gmail.com stacy-yates-5b263b1b PHOTO CREDIT: HOWIE MAC PHOTO
2020 175
ALICIA WALDNER ADVENTURE MARKETING Alicia Waldner is known as a “Serial Entrepreneur.” At 23, she founded and currently runs several companies, volunteers with community programs, mentors hopeful professionals, and somehow still finds time to travel the world - all while relentlessly chasing her goals. Her first entrepreneurial success, ADventure Marketing, offers job security and appreciation to the team she calls family. Since the beginning, Alicia’s main priority has been manifesting an environment that focuses on employee growth and fulfillment. Alicia documents her life through social media to further her inspirational reach. She has a passion for traveling, but her grind never stops. She emphasizes that while she’s exploring the wonders of the world, she’s constantly meeting new people, gaining vast experiences and forming new, genuine bonds that fuel her company and entrepreneurial passion. Her motto has always been, “I wanted to bridge the gap from college student to employee.” She lives up to that principle every day.
PHOTO CREDIT: LUXE LIGHT IMAGES
alicia.waldner@adventuremarketinginc.com 176 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
813.938.6629
@aliciawaldner
Have you ever felt successful, yet stifled, unfulfilled, and unsure what to do next? Bria Sullivan, of B. Sulli Coaching knows exactly how you feel, having felt this way during her 16-year career climbing the corporate ladder at companies including Amazon and Nestlé Waters. Her journey of self-discovery revealed a passion and purpose for inspiring and empowering others to be who they were designed to be, thereby maximizing their fulfillment and joy. Bria focuses on inspiring clarity and igniting change in her clients, personally and professionally. One of Bria’s clients described her as “…my coach, my cheerleader, my compass to a whole new life.” As a Certified Professional Coach and Success Principles Trainer, Bria offers coaching, speaking, and workshops for individuals and organizations. Oxford Exchange is her happy place, she feels closest to God in nature and is active in her church and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
PHOTO CREDIT:HOWIE MAC PHOTO
BRIA SULLIVAN B. Sulli Coaching bsullicoaching.com
Email: bria@bsullicoaching.com
Instagram: @bsullicoaching
2019 177
Known for her uniquely creative concepts and flawless attention to detail, Zoë Gallina, AAF, sets the standard for experiential custom designs serving as the Vice President and Creative Director of Botanica International Design & Décor Studio and Style House Rentals.
built. Zoë has been professionally trained by the Association of Certified Professional Wedding Consultants and is certified by the American Academy of Floriculture. She is at the helm of Tampa Bay’s leading event industry and contributes her design services to large charitable organizations and social events.
At the tender age of eight, Zoë won a design competition hosted by the American Floral Society. This proud and defining moment foreshadowed her leading role in continuing the legacy her father
Zoë’s skills have taken her across the country and even Canada for event design production where her clients fall in love with her kind demeanor, cutting-edge creativity, and passion for all things beautiful. PHOTO CREDIT: ASHLEE HAMON PHOTOGRAPHY
@botanicadesign 178 WWW.THEKNOWTRIBE.COM
@stylehouse
info@botanicaflorist.com
HEATHER HOLLAND EDGILITY
Heather co-founded Edgility in 2016 to address one of America’s most complex industries – Healthcare. Today, onethird of every dollar spent on healthcare is wasted, costing the U.S. $1T annually. Provider fatigue is increasing, and many technologies haven’t met cost saving expectations. In addition, Heather’s experience with multiple healthcare organizations across the country exposed her to the toll illness and hospitalization have on the patient, the family, and the providers. A Master’s degree in Entrepreneurial Design provided Heather the foundational discipline and a venue for solving complex problems. She resigned from her comfortable career at a Big Four consulting firm in San-Francisco to start Edgility. Edgility’s Artificial Intelligence-based cognitive platform reduces waste through superior operations management, diminishes provider fatigue, and returns The Joy of Practicing Medicine® by eliminating lowvalue workflows from high-value assets. As a Tampa native, Heather is proud of the growing Startup eco-system in Tampa.
heather@edgility.io @heatherh3671 edgilityhealth.com PHOTO CREDIT: HOWIE MAC PHOTO
2020 179
JENNIFER Q. IRIZARRY-FOUNTAIN COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE BROKER
Jennifer is a Commercial Real Estate Broker with a strong emphasis on advising, consulting, and managing acquisition properties for clients’ investment portfolios. Additionally, Jennifer devotes a significant amount of her time to working with like-minded businesswomen in mentorship and finding the perfect commercial space for their growing and expanding businesses. Jennifer has been incredibly fortunate to have worked with countless successful women-owned companies, as well as assisting investors in procuring and selling some of the most recognizable and historic buildings in the Tampa Bay area. Her educational background includes business consulting, working as a paralegal, property management, and years of entrepreneurial experience. Jennifer is known for her impeccable ethical standards, attention to detail, and thorough knowledge of the market. Business owner, mentor, wife, and mother, Jennifer believes unequivocally in giving back to her community. She has and continues to serve on charitable committees across Tampa Bay.
jqirealty @tampacommercial 813.391.4970 PHOTO CREDIT: LUXE LIGHT IMAGES
180 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
From dodging bombs in Beirut to dealing with bullies in the boardroom, it’s no surprise Tami is passionate about her company’s threat detection technology. Featured in USA WEEKLY, TBBJ and TBBW Magazine as a company to watch, Entropy’s groundbreaking VLF magnetic field smart sensors alert users of severe weather, lightning, drones, tunneling and tornadoes. Utilizing her background in advanced technology development and product conceptualization Tami’s team is winning government contracts and commercial partners. SWAAY Magazine said it best. “Fitzpatrick’s story is so intense, fascinating and astonishing that you’ll surely wonder if you’re reading a movie script. But, the story of this entrepreneur is real and incredibly true.” This single mom is dedicated to her three children, mentoring others, panel speaking and is the founder of Mindful Business Women. Member: Greater Tampa Chamber, US Women’s Chamber. Served: Florida SBDC State Board, Florida Chamber Board of Governors and Small Business Council Chair. PHOTO CREDIT: HOWIE MAC PHOTO HAIR & MAKEUP: JESS WALDROP
TAMI FITZPATRICK Entropy Technology Design, Inc tfitzpatrick@entropydesigns.com
nimbus4.com/entropy
813.358.2468
2019 181
DEBORAH LOWRY & LAURIE LUPCHO CORE CONCEPTS Core Concepts, one of Tampa Bay’s premier social, corporate, and non-profit event planning companies! Our dedicated, talented event planning team produces unforgettable events. Capabilities are endless with an eclectic mix of backgrounds representing the hospitality industry, special event/wedding planning, fundraising, gourmet catering/bar service, marketing/advertising and graphic design experience. With a dynamic team of over 50 years combined experience we help create your unforgettable event. Debbie is from Los Angeles, CA, living overseas in Japan and England several years of her life. She had the opportunity to travel many different countries experiencing different cultures and a wonderful array of food; attributing to her ability developing unique menus and entertain various cultures. She’s worked in the hospitality industry her entire career starting as a night club promoter and manager, to contemporary marketing supervisor for Anheuser Busch then owning Mangroves, one of the most popular restaurant-lounges in Tampa for 17 years; a restaurant that helped build the face of Howard Ave’s entertainment district. She’s planned events for over 22 years with a knack for putting the client at ease by creating opulent and remarkable events. Laurie left the corporate world for building her own brands and focusing on her passions. Event planning opens her creative abilities bringing clients vision to life. A knack for flavors, ingredients and food pairings she finds passion in building menus combining flavors to create a client’s unique experience. Laurie has years of experience working in FOH and BOH with major corporations like Pepin Distributing, Levy for the NFL Buccaneers, Front Burner Brands putting on intimate dinners to 5,000-person RNC convention events. Skilled in Business Operations, Training/ Development, Sales/Marketing, Relationship Building, and Leadership. Combined expertise in integrated health/nutrition from extensive history in restaurants and patient care. Event creator, food-blogger, with a knack for health and wellness. info@coreconceptstampa.com @coreconceptstpa coreconceptstampa.com
182 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
PHOTO CREDIT: S&S HENDLEY PHOTOGRAPHY
2019 183
JESSICA REED DIACE DESIGNS, INC.
Diace Designs founder, Jessica Reed, takes pride in her firm as the best-kept secret behind global brands. She is a known marketing and design expert in the hospitality, aviation, and healthcare industries, with a special focus on airport concessions. When she entered the aviation industry as a creative professional five years ago, the stakes couldn’t have been higher. She had just bid on— and won—a project for a global restaurateur that has a presence in more than 120 airports worldwide. With no time to spare after being awarded the contract, Jessica got her first taste of what is now her agency’s specialty: delivering high-stakes projects on unbelievably tight turnarounds. Jessica’s career soared to new heights as she went on to make her clients hundreds of millions of dollars by leveraging the expertise of her stellar, hand-selected creative team. In February 2019, Diace Designs celebrated eight years of success driven by Jessica’s tenacious pursuit of excellence; her drive to consistently exceed client expectations is what continues to make Diace Designs the agency of choice for so many organizations. Today, Jessica lives happily in Tampa with her husband, Michael, and their dog, Cooper. When she’s not at home enjoying the Florida sunshine, she’s traveling the world seeking out new experiences and inspiration to bring back to her clients.
PHOTO CREDIT: MIR SALGADO PHOTOGRAPHY
jessica@diacedesigns.com 184 WWW.THEKNOWTRIBE.COM
diacedesigns.com
813.350.7902 2019 185
MAIKEN KNIGHT STEFANY EVENTFEST, INC. Some say events run in her blood... and maybe they do. A Tampa native, Maiken Stefany was born into a multi-generational family of event planners. She now works alongside her father, brother and EventFest team to make some of the cities greatest events come to life. Founded in 2008, EventFest specializes in multidimensional events, festivals and parades. Maiken is best known for her role as Project Manager of the Children’s Gasparilla Parade and Tampa Pig Jig, noting her favorite part of event management is the opportunity to create lifelong memories for her clients and event guests. In 2015, Maiken won the Florida Festivals & Events Association Emerging Leader Award. She currently serves as a Board Member and Auction Chair for FFEA, Board Member for the VooDoo Chef Foundation, and as a Hospitality Committee Member for both the Outback Bowl and Gasparilla Bowl. Outside of work she can be found spending time with her fiancÊ Kevin and their two pups, Macy and NOLA. PHOTO CREDIT: HOWIE MAC PHOTO
maiken@eventfest.com 186 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
813.251.4336
@m_stefany
JESSICA KENDALL HORNOF FIRST CITRUS BANK
For Jessica Kendall Hornof, finance is more than just numbers; it’s about people. As EVP, Chief Retail Banking Officer at First Citrus Bank, Jessica leads the bank’s deposit division, where she manages strategic deposit growth, improves the client experience, and empowers associates to become trusted advisors to their clients. Jessica feels a deep, personal commitment to developing the potential of both her clients and her colleagues. For nearly twenty years, Jessica has been helping individuals, businesses, and families in Tampa Bay become financially secure and economically successful. In the community, Jessica serves as the Treasurer of the Board of Directors for the Judeo-Christian Health Clinic, Inc. and is a member of the Nominating Committee of The Junior League of Tampa, Inc. Jessica lives in Carrollwood with her husband and two children. First Citrus Bank was established in 1999 and is headquartered in Tampa, Florida. First Citrus serves businesses and individuals through a range of tailored financial solutions. Member FDIC.
firstcitrus.com jkendall@firstcitrus.com 10824 North Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa PHOTO CREDIT: HOWIE MAC PHOTO
2020 187
Melissa, VP Operations, and former Chief Compliance Officer, is a 12-year veteran at J.W. Cole, an independent, full-service Broker Dealer and Registered Investment Advisory firm that supports over 500 Advisors nationwide. She has been a part of the local Financial Services community for two decades. J.W. Cole recognized early on that women go about discovering and becoming the best version of themselves in a much different way than their male counterparts and, in 2013, Melissa was instrumental in launching the “Women of J.W. Cole,� a networking and educational forum where collaboration, not competition, is key! Melissa continues to foster and chair this important initiative that is near and dear to her. In an industry where on average only 15% of Financial Advisors are female, the Women of J.W. Cole make up 24%, something the firm and Melissa are very proud of! Outside of her profession, Melissa loves running, and is constantly striving to be an exceptional wife and mother of her 2-year-old son.
Securities offered through J.W. Cole Financial, Inc. member FINRA / SIPC. Advisory Services offered through J.W. Cole Advisors, Inc. PHOTO CREDIT: LUXE LIGHT IMAGES
MELISSA MITA ROBINSON J.W. Cole Financial melissa.robinson@jw-cole.com
188 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
813.935.6776
melissa-robinson-95063110
JENNIE ROBLES INTERSECTION FAITH LIFE WORK Jennie Robles is passionate about equity in the workplace and leveraging values to motivate and inspire success. After 10 years in HR on Wall Street, Jennie’s diversity and inclusion advocacy and reputation for delivering candid constructive feedback compelled her to become a Certified Professional Coach and launch her firm. Intersection Faith Life Work is an executive coaching and diversity consultancy. We deliver strategic data-driven solutions to bridge the representation gap of women, Black, and Latinx professionals in leadership and executive positions. Core values are a defining feature of great organizations and talent. Our approach recognizes that value alignment and early access to executive coaching enhances workforce engagement, productivity, and business impact. Intersection FLW assists organizations by identifying opportunities to maximize the development, retention, and trajectory of talent. We partner with professionals to identify and navigate solutions to achieve success and collaborate with faith-based organizations to design curriculum that intersects themes of faith, life, and career.
instersectionflw.com jennie@intersectionflw.com @intersectionflw PHOTO CREDIT: S & S HENDLEY PHOTOGRAPHY
2020 189
REKHA RAJAN-WILSON PHYSICIAN PARTNERS OF AMERICA
While she came from a family of physicians and was raised by an entrepreneurial father, Rekha knew she was destined to break the mold and follow an unconventional path. With a law degree from Florida Coastal School of Law, litigation was never an option. Instead, Rekha created a career that she loves in a familiar industry, as the Vice President of Compliance and Risk Management, with Physicians Partners of America (PPOA). In her role, Rekha is able to protect healthcare practitioners and see that they provide the best patient care. In early 2019, Rekha was integral in establishing a business relationship in India for PPOA to expand the back-office revenue cycle management. In an attempt to increase quality so that the practice remains patient-focused, this has proven to be the best solution. She hopes to introduce this to other local healthcare groups. Rekha lives in South Tampa with her husband, Brandon, and two children, Meela (3) and Rowin (1).
550 N. Reo St., Suite 303, Tampa 813.549.2134 ext 4379 rrajan@physicianpartnersoa.com PHOTO CREDIT: HOWIE MAC PHOTO
190 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
KELLY ROSS / MORGAN AUTOMOTIVE GROUP Kelly Ross’s career in the automotive industry began in1985 when she took a position as a nighttime receptionist. Always seeking growth, opportunity, and responsibility, she rose to the CFO of Morgan Auto Group—one of the country’s largest dealer groups, and has served there for ten years. She oversees 37 dealerships and is the Managing Partner/President of Morgan Insurance Services. Kelly is active in the Florida Automotive Dealer Association, NADA, and founded Charity Polo Classic, a not for profit that
has raised over $1.5mm for local charities. One of the few females in a traditionally male run industry, she is passionate about investing in others, developing those around her, and providing opportunities to employees with drive and ambition. When not working, Kelly spends time with her family, traveling and cheering on FSU and the Washington Redskins. Above all, she treasures opportunities to encourage her colleagues to be their best.
PHOTO CREDIT:HOWIE MAC PHOTO HAIR & MAKEUP BY CROWN & MANE
813.317.4564
kross@morganautogroup.com
3031 North Rocky Point Dr. West, Suite 770, Tampa 2019 191
BROOKE PALMER KUHL RSBP EVENTS+PR Brooke Palmer Kuhl is the creative mastermind behind r.s.b.p. Events +PR. With the exquisite taste she inherited from her mother, and an entrepreneurial spirit instilled by her father, she has dabbled in event planning since she was a toddler. Brooke has committed the last seventeen years pursuing philanthropic endeavors with organizations including the Florida Aquarium and the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. Brooke handles high profile clients, public relations, and foundation events for athletes and celebrities, and manages many hospitality and lifestyle clients. Her repertoire also includes planning high-end weddings, charitable and social events. Her professional accolades include being named a finalist for the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s 2009, 2010, and 2016 Businesswoman of the Year. In 2017 she was Named 40 under 40 by the Business Observer. Recently she was named to the board of the TBBCA. Married with 3 pups, she remains active with the occasional equestrian lesson and enjoys great bourbon -- all while trying to save the world from its event and grammar mishaps.
PHOTO CREDIT: HOWIE MAC PHOTO
hello@rsbpevents.com 192 WWW.THEKNOWTRIBE.COM
727.528.9544
rsbpevents.com
GABBY SORIANO STRATEGIC PROPERTY PARTNERS, LLC
Gabby Soriano serves as the marketing manager for the real-estate development company Strategic Property Partners behind Water Street Tampa, which includes the newly opened Sparkman Wharf, in downtown Tampa. With a focus on marketing, events, and social media, Gabby has the exciting role of conceptualizing, implementing, and promoting community events that take place at Sparkman Wharf and throughout the district of Water Street Tampa. As a Tampa native, she feels proud to play a role in helping to evolve the City of Tampa and creating opportunities for her community to gather, socialize, and connect. She is also an active volunteer for the Humane Society of Tampa Bay and Tampa Pride.
waterstreettampa.com 615 Channelside Dr., Tampa 813.993.0100 PHOTO CREDIT: HOWIE MAC PHOTO
2020 193
MANDI CLAY ESQ. THREE THIRTEEN LAW, PLLC
Mandi Clay has been an attorney practicing in Florida since 2006, representing individuals and companies in all types of civil litigation. During that time, she has been extremely active in the community, focusing on her passions for women’s empowerment, civil rights, and mental health issues. In 2019, Mandi opened her own firm – Three Thirteen Law, PLLC. Her practice focuses on unlawful discrimination, disability issues, and assisting other entrepreneurs with building their businesses. Mandi’s business model allows her to support her family while pursuing social activism and developing a robust public speaking record. Mandi’s passion for mental health is borne of experience. At age 18 she attempted to end her life by overdosing on sleeping pills. She candidly shares her story with teens and adults alike. Her goal is to explain how it feels to live with mental illness, so that people can recognize it in themselves and help others. PHOTO CREDIT: MIR SALGADO PHOTOGRAPHY
mandi@threethirteenlaw.com 194 WWW.THEKNOWTRIBE.COM
@mandiclay3
@mandi_esq
As Employee Benefits Consultants with USI Insurance Services, Erin Sprague, Candace Cruz, and Lindsey Baskind bring a breadth of expertise to Tampa Bay employers. Their focus is implementing unique strategies and benefits platforms for middle market employers with 100+ employees. Candace, Erin and Lindsey deliver highly customized solutions with financial impact by leveraging The USI ONE™ Advantage- a proprietary software platform integrating analytics, a vast internal network, and a strategic planning process. USI is the 5th largest independent
insurance agency in the country, offering Employee Benefits, Commercial, Personal Lines, and 401K Planning. USI is breaking barriers by utilizing the expertise (20+ years combined industry experience) of these three millennial women in what is traditionally a male-dominated industry. As long time Tampa residents and graduates of the University of South Florida, all three women are actively involved in the community and are passionate about bettering businesses in the Tampa Bay community.
PHOTO CREDIT: MIR SALGADO PHOTOGRAPHY
ERIN SPRAGUE, CANDACE CRUZ, LINDSEY BASKIND USI Insurance 813.639.3000
usi.com
2020 195
LIA BEATTY TÉLIA AGENCY
Lia Beatty is the owner and founder of Télia Agency – a full-service marketing agency headquartered in Tampa, focusing on perfecting its client’s brands and digital presence. Her passion for everything branding, marketing and business development has allowed her to build a successful career of her own, while creating winning brands for others. Lia has had the pleasure of working alongside national brands such as Kendra Scott, Mercedes, Neiman Marcus, and CoolSculpting, as well as local clients such as Mease Manor, Children’s Medical Center and Hyde Park Cosmetic Surgery Center. All it takes is one conversation with Lia about her business and the industry to see her passion shine through, and you’ll understand why her clients become her friends!
lia@teliaagency.com @teliaagency 813.863.1070
196 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
PHOTO CREDIT: S&S HENDLEY PHOTOGRAPHY
2019 197
MELISSA MULL VETERAN COMPANIONS, INC.
In her twenty years of military service, Melissa has traveled the globe, deployed to war zones, and served at the pentagon, just to name a few of her Air Force adventures. Recently returning to Tampa to retire with her husband, Brandon, she knew her commitment to serve was not over. Frustrated by the lack of quality and safe homecare her grandfather, a 23-year Navy Veteran, needed after his dementia diagnosis, Melissa set out to create her own homecare model to ensure Veterans and their families have access to the safe, trusted, dignified, and honorable homecare they deserve and allows them to stay in their own homes as long as possible. And so was born, Veteran Companions. Veteran Companions purposefully hires Veterans and military spouses as caregivers to provide our homecare services with a sense of camaraderie only we who have served can understand. We take care of our own! PHOTO CREDIT: HOWIE MAC PHOTO
veterancompanions.com 198 WWW.THEKNOWTRIBE.COM
melissa@veterancompanions.com
813.436.0639
index
CITY
NAME
BUSINESS
PAGE
ASHEVILLE
Christy Miller
Christy Miller Consulting
8
ASHEVILLE
Lisa Zahiya
Coaching With Lisa Zahiya
9
ASHEVILLE
Tracey Greene-Washington
Cothinkk & Indigo Innovation Group
10
ASHEVILLE
Genevieve Rackham
Genevieve Light Worker
11
ASHEVILLE
Murphy Funkhouser Capps and Heather Johnson
Kudzu Brands
12
ASHEVILLE
Laura Juarez
Pure Potential
13
ASHEVILLE
Carley Lee
Long Live Simple
14
ASHEVILLE
Jenny Greer Fares
Sound Mind Creative
15
CALGARY
Laura Webb
Webb Investment Services / Asheville Woman Up
16
CALGARY
ANGELA MERZIB
Be Bold Branding Agency
18
CALGARY
SANDRA EASTON
Blackstone Commercial Real Estate
19
CALGARY
KAYLA BROWNE
Bold Workshop Architecture
20
CALGARY
LISA GAREAU
Candy Event Consulting
21
CALGARY
EMMA PORTSMOUTH
Calgary Flames
22
CALGARY
THE CONCORD
Concord Pacific Developments Inc.
44
CALGARY
MEGAN STANLEY
Dogma Training & Pet Services Inc
23
CALGARY
MICHELLE BLUNDELL-DUNKERLEY
F55f
24
CALGARY
LESLIE KRAATZ
Federal Metals, Inc.
25
CALGARY
TASHA FISHMAN
Fishman's Dry Cleaning
26
CALGARY
BRITTNEY PICKET & CAITLIN COOKE
Glass Cliff Divas Inc.
27
CALGARY
ASHLEY WOLFE
Gsl Gm City
28
CALGARY
KIM SMITH
HR Factor | Profyhl Athletics
29
CALGARY
DENISE YEE
How To Be A Red & Mulberry Maven
30
CALGARY
KRISTEN MACKAY & HEBA ELASAAD
Infusion Coworking
31
CALGARY
KIM HAYDEN
In-Houze Productions
34-35
CALGARY
JENNY PAUL
Live Long + Hustle
32
CALGARY
MICHELLE SCHURMAN
Michelle Schurman
33
CALGARY
ELLEN PARKER
Parker Pr
3A368
CALGARY
JENNA KOPPERSON
The Pioneer And The Garret
397
CALGARY
RENEE TSANG
Renee Tsang Travel
38
CALGARY
KATE NORRIS
Sunlife Financial
39
CALGARY
TAYA DE BAAT & LYNNETTE PARENT
Taylynn Business Solutions
40
CALGARY
TANNIS DYRLAND
Travel With Tannis- The Travel Agent Next Door
41
CALGARY
BOBBIE RACETTE
Virtual Gurus
42
CALGARY
GISELE KREUGER
The Winner Will
43
2020 199
CITY
NAME
BUSINESS
PAGE
CHARLOTTE
ARDEN MCLAUGHLIN
Definita: Publicity & Marketing
46
CHARLOTTE
ASHLUND DUNAWAY
Wework
47
CHARLOTTE
BETH ANN REISINGER
Bank Of America & Phi Mu
48
CHARLOTTE
BRIANA MACINTRYE
The Logos Group
49
CHARLOTTE
CAMERON WAGNER
Gmr Marketing
50
CHARLOTTE
CARLA CLEMENTS
Wagner Hicks Pllc
51
CHARLOTTE
CASSANDRA SHUCK
Cassandra Shuck
52
CHARLOTTE
ELIZABETH LEVENTIS
Arrow & Bow Wealth Advisors
53
CHARLOTTE
HANNAH KAY HERDLINGER
Thread Talk, Llc
55
CHARLOTTE
JENNIFER GLUCKOW GITOMER
Sales In A Ny Minute
54
CHARLOTTE
JENNY MELROSE
CHARLOTTE
JENNY ZOBEL MILLER
Threadline Products, Inc.
57
CHARLOTTE
KELLY BARNHARDT
Matthews Chamber Of Commerce
58
CHARLOTTE
KRISTEN DANIELLE RILEY
Founder Of She E.o.
59
CHARLOTTE
LAPRONDA SPANN
Lain Consulting Llc
60
CHARLOTTE
LAURIE MARTIN TURNER
Hire Quest Direct
61
CHARLOTTE
LINDSEY EASTERLING
Easterling Family Law
62
CHARLOTTE
LO MYRICK
CHARLOTTE
MCKENZIE CUNNINGHAM
Surshe
64
CHARLOTTE
NICOLE PETERNEL
Rein Communications
65
CHARLOTTE
SARAH R. PARIS
Dhg Wealth Advisors
66
CHARLOTTE
SHELL RICHARDSON
Elegant Connexions
67
CHARLOTTE
TERRIE REEVES
Empower Health America & Train For Life
68
CHARLOTTE
TRACI SHANKS
Well Written Gifts
69
EDMONTON
BROOKE RIOPEL
35ltd. Design
71
EDMONTON
ANDREA BAILEY
Bailey Brown Consulting
72
EDMONTON
FLORENCE MUROTA
Brighter Financial Solutions
73
EDMONTON
DEZ MELENKA
The Creative Hive
74
EDMONTON
DANIELLE PILON
Danielle's Sos Financial: Accounting & Bookkeeping
75
EDMONTON
JAIME HARDY
Dominion Lending Centre | Maximal Mortgages
77
EDMONTON
LAURIE FENSKE
Fenske Strategic Coaching, Inc
76
EDMONTON
JODY MARAJ & EVA TAMAYO
The Foundry Room
78
EDMONTON
KRISTEN EDMISTON
K. Edmiston & Associates Inc.
80-81
EDMONTON
BARBARA DAY
Imaginations & Concepts
79
EDMONTON
DAWNE ROY
Learning Bridges
82
EDMONTON
KAITLIN TYMKO
Kaespo
90
EDMONTON
CAROL MCCAFFREY
Mortgage Architects
83
200 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
56
63
CITY
NAME
BUSINESS
PAGE
EDMONTON
ARTI VERMA
Mixximize
84
EDMONTON
KATIE DOOLEY
Paper Lime Creative
85
EDMONTON
LORI POWER
Mp Benefits Inc.
86
EDMONTON
CATHERINE VU
Pro-Active It Management Inc.
87
EDMONTON
CRYSTAL LUCIER
Preferred Tax Solutions
88
EDMONTON
ANGELA RICHARDSON & BOBI-RAE MILLER
Richardson Miller Llp
89
EDMONTON
KASSIE HARVEY
Tall White Latte
90
LOS ANGELES
AMY WEBBER
Paideia Media
93
LOS ANGELES
GINA WADE
Gina Wade Creative
94-95
LOS ANGELES
CHARLY KING
Bluebelle Events
92
LOS ANGELES
HEATHER STROFS
Heather Strofs
96
LOS ANGELES
JENNIFER THOMAS
Jenuine Conversations
97
LOS ANGELES
JESYKA SAMBORSKI
Coach Jesyka
98
LOS ANGELES
MONY REVEL
200 Proof Staffing
99
LOS ANGELES
KELLI TENNANT
The Platform
100
LOS ANGELES
NICCI LEVY
Alchemy 43
101
LOS ANGELES
NICOLE LEVINE & CHRISSY KLING
Good Carma Studio
102
LOS ANGELES
SERENA OVERHOFF
Serena Overhoff & Partners, Llc
103
LOS ANGELES
NIKKI KIRK
Compstak
105
LOS ANGELES
WARNER LOUGHLIN
Warner Loughlin Studios
105
PHOENIX
DESIRAE OUTCALT
PHOENIX
VICKIE GARCIA
PHOENIX
TYLER BUTLER
PHOENIX
ALISSA SERIGNESE
Arizona State University Alumni Associa-Tion
110
PHOENIX
AMY WINSKI
Americapital Companies
111
PHOENIX
MELISSA KIRK
Billing Tree
112
PHOENIX
JENA GRIBBLE
Blush Cactus
113
PHOENIX
KATHY FOSTER
Colliers International
114
PHOENIX
MICHELLE CHEVERIE
Diversified Partners
115
PHOENIX
SHELBY GUDDECK & MEGAN DUFFY
Dlr Group
116
PHOENIX
ASHLEY RICHARDS
E Squared Marketing
117
PHOENIX
AMY CORBEN
Emp Management
118-119
PHOENIX
ALLYSON MALLAH
Everest Edge Enterprises
120
PHOENIX
SHATHA BARBOUR
Hera Hub Co-Working
121
PHOENIX
CAROLINE CONNER
Homeowners Financial Group
122
PHOENIX
JAN BRACAMONTE
J Lauren Pr + Marketing
123
107 Ameriflex Financial Services
108 109
2020 201
CITY
NAME
BUSINESS
PAGE
PHOENIX
LAURIE BREDNICH
HR Company Store
124
PHOENIX
MONIQUE PORRAS
The Kempington Group
125
PHOENIX
SHARON LAMM-HARTMAN
Inside Out Learning
126
PHOENIX
NICOLE JOHNSON
Lovitt & Touche`
127
PHOENIX
CARRIE GARCIA
Lge Design Build
128
PHOENIX
LEEAH MURRAY
Meraki & Co
129
PHOENIX
MEGAN MAYHALL, CIC
Mj Insurance
130
PHOENIX
DEIDRA VIBERG
Onmedia Publications
132-133
PHOENIX
MELISSA BERGER
Pacific Office Automation
131
PHOENIX
TRISHA LARSON
Morgan Stanley
134
PHOENIX
VANESSA HALL
Performant Scout
135
PHOENIX
LAURA BUSH
Peacock Proud Press
136
PHOENIX
LINDSEY SCHWARTZ
Powerhouse Women
137
PHOENIX
SHERRI SWAN
San Marcos Insurance Group
138
PHOENIX
TIFFANY SHARP
Sharp Construction
139
PHOENIX
TERI DAVIS
Sierra Signs
140
PHOENIX
KELLY POTTS
Small Dog Pr
141
PHOENIX
TERESA STRUNK
Strunk Insurance Group
142
PHOENIX
WENDY MCCLELLAN
Structure For Success
143
PHOENIX
JESSICA LOPEZ
U-Haul International, Inc.
144
RALEIGH
JULIE HAMMER JENSEN
90 Degree Design
146
RALEIGH
BECKY WILLIAMS & ZAHIRA FLOYD
Athena Of The Triangle
147
RALEIGH
MOYA FOSTER, PHD, MBA
Crown And Scepter Enterprises, Llc
150-151
RALEIGH
NICOLE GREEN
Ave Staffing
148
RALEIGH
DEJAH MOSER
Éclat Social
149
RALEIGH
EMMA CATARINO
Emma Catarino Designs
152
RALEIGH
CARLI MCCAFFREY
Housewives In The City - Raleigh Housewives
153
RALEIGH
KELLY SULLIVAN RUTA
Kellyruta.com
154
RALEIGH
JACKIE LOCKLEAR
Locklear Roofing
155
RALEIGH
MELISSA TERNES
Master Your Money Now
156
RALEIGH
ADINA SAFTA
Avp, Business Banking | Pnc Bank
157
RALEIGH
SONYA TIEN
Tien Law Firm, Pllc | Jax & Olivia
158
RALEIGH
LORI VALENTI WEBB
Property Playbook
159
RALEIGH
SAHAR SULTAN
The Business Girl Friday
160
RALEIGH
PAIGE FELDMANN
The Law Offices Of Paige Feldmann, Pllc
161
RALEIGH
HEATHER CHANDLER
Whole Brain Escape Room
162
202 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
CITY
NAME
BUSINESS
PAGE
ST. PETE | CLEARWATER
JACKIE BARON
Ability Network
164
ST. PETE | CLEARWATER
REBECCA FREEDMAN
Conscious Accounting
165
ST. PETE | CLEARWATER
BROOKE BOYD
Hype
166
ST. PETE | CLEARWATER
TRACY WEST
Pro Links Sports, Copperhead Charities
167
ST. PETE | CLEARWATER
JAMIE VAN CUYK
Small Business Employee Management
168
ST. PETE | CLEARWATER
PEYTON SAMARDZICH
Station House
170-171
ST. PETE | CLEARWATER
JILLIAN ORR
Warren Averett
172
ST. PETE | CLEARWATER
JOANNA GUTIERREZ WINTERS
Winters Global Solutions
169
ST. PETE | CLEARWATER
MARY WILLIAMS
Your First Impression Authority
173
TAMPA
STACY E. YATES
TAMPA
ALICIA WALDNER
Adventure Marketing
176
TAMPA
BRIA SULLIVAN
B. Sulli Coaching
177
TAMPA
ZOE GALLINA
Botanica, Style House
178
TAMPA
HEATHER HOLLAND
Edgility
179
TAMPA
JENNIFER Q. IRIZARRY-FOUNTAIN
Commercial Real Estate Broker
180
TAMPA
TAMI FITZPATRICK
Entropy Technology Design, Inc
181
TAMPA
LAURIE LUPCHO, DEBORAH LOWRY
Core Concepts
182-183
TAMPA
JESSICA REED
Diace Designs
184-185
TAMPA
MAIKEN KNIGHT STEFANY
Eventfest, Inc.
186
TAMPA
JESSICA KENDALL HORNOF
First Citrus Bank
187
TAMPA
MELISSA MITA ROBINSON
J.w. Cole Financial, Inc.
188
TAMPA
JENNIE ROBLES
Intersection Faith Life Work
189
TAMPA
REKHA RAJAN-WILSON
Physician Partners Of America
190
TAMPA
KELLY ROSS
Morgan Auto Group
191
TAMPA
BROOKE PALMER KUHL
RBSP Events
192
TAMPA
GABBY SORIANO
Strategic Property Partners, Llc
193
TAMPA
MANDI CLAY, ESQ
Three Thirteen Law, Pllc
194
TAMPA
LIA BEATTY
Télia Agency
196-197
TAMPA
ERIN SPRAGUE, CANDACE CRUZ, LINDSEY BASKIND
Usi Insurance Services, Llc
195
TAMPA
MELISSA MULL
Veteran Companions, Inc.
198
203 WWW.THEKNOWWOMEN.COM
175
#bts
We snapped hundreds of photos to prepare the KNOW 2019 Books...and we had a whole lotta fun doing it!
2020 204
SPECIAL EDITION: BUSINESS 2019 The KNOW Book: Business Section is an annual compilation publication that recognizes all of the women featured in the KNOW Book’s Business section for 2019. Every woman featured in the KNOW Book has been vetted through peer-review. Because our mission is to showcase the best and brightest, the only way one can claim their slot is through invitation. Those featured in the KNOW Book are proven leaders, high producers, and rising stars.
ASHEVILLE | CALGARY | CHARLOTTE | EDMONTON | LOS ANGELES | PHOENIX | RALEIGH | ST. PETE | CLEARWATER
The KNOW Book is produced by KNOW Tribe, LLC. and published annually. The women featured in this issue have been vetted by their peers and are known leaders in their industry. For consideration in an upcoming volume of KNOW, go to www.theknowwomen.com, and complete a nomination form.
Bring the KNOW book to your city! Copyright 2020 KNOW Tribe, LLC., all rights reserved.
hello@theknowwomen.com | www.theknowwomen.com 2020 205