Experts

Stephanie Kriebel is a visionary business leader whose innovative spirit and can-do attitude are hallmarks of her success. Since co-founding OMG! Pretzels in 2014, her business and operations strategies have more than tripled the company. As CEO, Stephanie practices straightforward and transparent communication and leads by example – hard work, strong goals, and big dreams. She is leading the charge in changing the narrative around the role snack products play in our lives. Prior to starting OMG! Pretzels, Stephanie was an award-winning educator and program developer. She focused her knowledge on immigrant integration to enhance health, workforce development, and racial equity. Stephanie, MS, CHES®, is also accredited by the California Council for Adult Education (CCAE), Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE), American Public Health Association (APHA), and Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE). Stephanie is proud to be a female business owner and is committed to encouraging others in their ventures. As a wellness expert, she appreciates the importance of strong support networks and enjoys developing relationships with like-minded business leaders.

Stephanie has a track record of 15 years in entrepreneurship, she has expertise in building Sales and Go To Market teams, with experience ranging from startups to public companies. In her last role, Stephanie joined the founding team of a FinTech company, eventually leading to a successful IPO. Besides running Blue Cove Preserves, she is an angel investor and advisor.

Stephane Jean-Baptiste is a visionary entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and business strategist who has made a significant impact in the beauty industry. As the COO and Co-Founder of Kreyol Essence, he has revolutionized the way natural beauty products are created and marketed. With a passion for celebrating Haitian culture and empowering local farmers, Stephane has built an eco-luxury brand that has gained international recognition. His creative direction and storytelling abilities have been instrumental in shaping the brand's narrative and connecting with a global audience. The social business connects its sales to economic development and improving the environment in Haiti and has launched nationwide with select retailers such as Ulta Beauty, QVC, Whole Foods Market and Urban Outfitters. Kreyol Essence was recently featured on ABC’s Shark Tank and was named 2020 Best Beauty Brand by the prestigious Beauty Independent. Refinery29 has called Kreyòl Essence one of the Most Exciting & Cool Indie Beauty Brands.

Stacey Feeley, is a seasoned entrepreneur dedicated to creating a cultural shift in how consumer goods are used, driven by sustainable and environmental initiatives. She has launched and scaled several startups focusing on environmental and social initiatives, successfully lead multiple funding rounds through different platforms, ventures and strategic financing, as well as lead 2 successful acquisitions. In addition to her entrepreneurial endeavors, Stacey is deeply committed to social responsibility, driven by equitable access and giving back to the community. She firmly believes in the power of entrepreneurship as a force for positive change.Stacey is currently the co-founder and CEO of GoSili®, a consumer product company that produces silicone tableware as a replacement to plastic.  The brand has built a social movement away from toxic and unsustainable plastic wares by providing the alternative to them. Over the last 17 years, Stacey has been the powerhouse behind GoSili, creating a cultural shift in the marketplace away from the overuse of these “throw away” plastics. Her determination and dedication have played a crucial role in building the brand that continues to make a difference for human health and the planet.

Snehee Chaplot is a visionary entrepreneur, food scientist, and the founder of Gallivant Ice Cream. With over 15 years of experience in food safety and innovation, Snehee brings a unique blend of expertise and passion to the culinary world.Born and raised in India, Snehee's early exposure to diverse flavors and culinary traditions sparked her curiosity and ignited her love for food. She pursued her academic interests in food science, earning a degree in Food Technology and furthering her studies in Food Safety.Throughout her career, Snehee has been driven by a desire to create food products that not only tantalize the taste buds but also prioritize health and well-being. Her journey with Gallivant Ice Cream began as a personal quest to develop a frozen treat that would cater to her dietary needs while offering a delicious indulgence for others.Drawing inspiration from her Indian heritage and a passion for global cuisine, Snehee embarked on a mission to revolutionize the frozen dessert industry. Through meticulous research and experimentation, she perfected the art of crafting mawa ice creams, infusing Ayurvedic principles of dairy farming and processing to create a truly unique and tummy-friendly treat.Snehee's dedication to quality, innovation, and sustainability has propelled Gallivant Ice Cream to new heights, earning recognition for its commitment to excellence in taste and nutrition. As a leader in the field of food innovation, Snehee continues to inspire others with her creative vision and unwavering dedication to crafting culinary delights that delight the senses and nourish the body.

Sloane Gibney Grossberg is the founder of and sole designer for shortyLOVE bags. A Jersey girl always and forever, she’s devoted to her husband and two children, stays close to her sisters, walks her dogs daily, and falls hard for a smart, stylish bag — that’s why she designs them for a living!

Simon Hill, a scientific advisory board member at 38TERA, is a dedicated physiotherapist and nutrition scientist committed to simplifying health and nutrition information. Initially focused on optimal athletic performance, his career path shifted after his father's heart attack, drawing his attention to the role of nutrition in disease prevention. This change led him to earn a Master of Science in Human Nutrition at Deakin University.Simon authored the bestselling book “The Proof is in the Plants,” which advocates a plant-rich diet based on current research. The book debuted as the #1 non-fiction book in Australia, reflecting its significant impact. Additionally, Simon hosts the popular podcast “The Proof,” which has surpassed 40 million listens. The podcast features experts who translate complex research into practical advice on nutrition, sleep, exercise, and relationships. Simon also hosts retreats, teaching attendees how to live a science-based lifestyle that promotes health, happiness, and longevity. Together, his book, podcast, and retreats aim to empower individuals and combat misleading trends in the wellness industry.At 38TERA, Simon collaborates with Dr. Will Bulsiewicz to direct innovation, formulation and science communication. They focus on creating supplements that support a diverse gut microbiome, ensuring these products are easily integrated into daily life for better health through trusted solutions.Through his work with 38TERA, his podcast, and longevity retreats, Simon Hill continues to empower people to live healthier, longer lives by providing reliable, scientifically-backed health and nutrition information.

Simone Kendle, Chief Executive Officer of Wove, the venture-backed revolutionary online custom jewelry company, known for its unique approach in helping couples design their dream engagement rings and fine jewelry pieces.Simone, with her most recent tenure as co-founder and CMO at the beauty-tech start-up Parfait, has seamlessly blended her robust corporate and entrepreneurial leadership skill set throughout her career. During her 8-year tenure at Capital One, she ascended through various pivotal roles, marrying strategic customer experience analysis, team leadership, and operational efficacy across her corporate journey. Simultaneously, her entrepreneurial spirit thrived; she established a compassionate hair company supporting women battling cancer and co-founded an educational platform to support the growth of blossoming social media influencers. Ultimately, her venture into tech materialized with the co-founding of Parfait, a computer-vision and AI-powered wig customization platform.A graduate of The Wharton School with an MBA focused in Marketing, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Simone possesses not just profound knowledge but a capability to intertwine it with practical experiences. This has resulted in a leadership style that harmoniously blends innovative, customer-oriented market strategies and business growth objectives.

Simon Atri, CEO of Tequila Travesuras, brings years of experience in the tequila industry, known for creating standout products and brands. As a tequila expert, he has profound knowledge of production, distribution, and marketing. Simon is also a passionate entrepreneur, mentoring other leaders through his platform, PUM P'ARRIBA. He has successfully founded companies like One Event Place and SY76 Investments. Committed to community support, Simon focuses on education, social justice, and environmental sustainability.

Shivani Vyas is a residential interior designer who shares her knowledge of various design methods, like whole-room furnishing and décor, space planning, 3D renderings, 2D floor plans, and color consulting. Shivani is also an expert writer who covers interior design, decorating, and home improvement. She's written for Better Homes & Gardens, Gather, The Spruce, My Domaine, Domino, Martha Stewart, and Atlanta Magazine. She has 5+ years of industry experience. She was also listed as one of Fixr's Top 123 Interior Design Experts in 2023. Currently, Shivani is completing her residential interior design certification through the Rhode Island School of Design and works as a full-time designer in Macon, Georgia.

Shirley Leigh-Wood Oakes is the Founding Partner and CEO of Mezcal Campante, an independent spirits brand alongside her partners Luca Longobardi and José Luis Bustamante. With a rich background in brand development across various premium and luxury sectors, including technology, automotive, hospitality, and spirits, Leigh-Wood Oakes brings a wealth of expertise to the table. Driven by her passion for craft beverages and a profound interest in the intricacies of their production, Leigh-Wood Oakes was captivated by the world of agave spirits after delving into its techniques, history, and her family's affinity for Mexico. Collaborating with her partners, Campante emerged as a culmination of years of research, embodying the timeless qualities of traditional artisanal mezcal. Leigh-Wood Oakes set two fundamental goals for Campante: it had to deliver exceptional smoothness and unparalleled drinkability. As a leading female partner, Leigh-Wood Oakes is paving the way for female consumers and empowering women within the spirits industry.

Shirley Leigh-Wood Oakes is the Founding Partner and CEO of Mezcal Campante, an independent spirits brand alongside her partners Luca Longobardi and José Luis Bustamante. With a rich background in brand development across various premium and luxury sectors, including technology, automotive, hospitality, and spirits, Leigh-Wood Oakes brings a wealth of expertise to the table. Driven by her passion for craft beverages and a profound interest in the intricacies of their production, Leigh-Wood Oakes was captivated by the world of agave spirits after delving into its techniques, history, and her family's affinity for Mexico. Collaborating with her partners, Campante emerged as a culmination of years of research, embodying the timeless qualities of traditional artisanal mezcal. Leigh-Wood Oakes set two fundamental goals for Campante: it had to deliver exceptional smoothness and unparalleled drinkability. As a leading female partner, Leigh-Wood Oakes is paving the way for female consumers and empowering women within the spirits industry.