All Experts

<p>Vezzani noticed a gap in the corporate gifting market and created Sugarwish, a revolutionary gifting platform that makes good on its promise to deliver happiness, using a sweet and innovative approach. Sugarwish is a rapidly growing, Denver based gifting company with a unique “recipient picks” feature, and digital-to-physical delivery model. </p><p>Previous to co-founding Sugarwish in 2012, Vezzani was Vice President of Business Development at Razor Technical Staffing based in Denver, CO. Razor Technical Staffing was named one of the fastest growing companies in Colorado and was on the Inc 5000. Vezzani started her career as an Account Executive for Washington Mutual in Seattle where she was consistently one of the top performers in the company. </p><p>Sugarwish is included in Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Companies in America, and Elisabeth has been named one of the Top 100 Women of Impact by Entrepreneur magazine 2021.</p><p></p>

<p>Mary Tobias is a Chicago chef and holistic health coach. She received her degree in culinary arts from Kendall College and has worked for an array of Chicago restaurants including Top Chef Stephanie Izard’s Girl &amp; the Goat, Grant Achatz’s Michelin-starred Roister and for Matthew Kenney Cuisine at vegan hotspot Althea. Inspired by all aspects of the culinary industry, Tobias enrolled in a nutrition program focusing on integrative and holistic health to further diversify her experience with food and health. As a lifelong ice cream lover on a personal health journey, she was inspired to begin her own entrepreneurial business and create a functional dessert that was not only delicious, but good for you and guilt free. Her unique and delicious Vegan Ice Cream Bars became GLOW Superfood and her passion project turned business venture has changed the way people think about dessert, health, indulgence, incorporating superfoods into one&#x27;s lifestyle and the beauty of plant-based eating. In March 2023, her continued passion to offer Chicagoans Vegan Friendly options as well as a comfortable, inviting place to enjoy them, led her to open Lincoln Cafe and Market, where she not only makes and sells GLOW superfood, but supports and sells many of Chicago’s local food entrepreneur’s products as well. </p><p>When Tobias is not concocting her next dessert masterpiece she enjoys yoga, cycling, live music, spending time with her family and truly connecting with others. You can also find her volunteering at the CHicago Help Initiative, a food pantry that serves hot meals as well as supplies guests with a lunch for the following day. She is also part of the Good Food Accelerator in Chicago and involves herself in various Chicagoland Entrepreneurial opportunities. </p><p></p>

<p>When Jess lost both of her parents, there was a heavy realization that tomorrow isn’t a guarantee and seemingly small moments are precious. The big dreams she was chasing no longer fit and didn’t allow time to enjoy the small things that made her happy.</p><p>.</p><p>That&#x27;s when she decided to participate in life in a totally different way. So she set out to create a smaller dream—one that would allow her to prioritize happiness and focus on the things she love. Her small dream came to life as she built a brand doing something she enjoyed, with people she loved, in a setting that inspired her.</p><p></p><p>She now makes beautiful jewelry that delights her as much as the people she make it for. When she let go of her big dreams for a small one, she started to enjoy her life, together and truly happy.</p>

<p>For the last decade, Rebekah has demonstrated a history of success in ecommerce, digital marketing and operations. She started as a principal consultant assisting small businesses reach their customers.</p><p>Later she joined Arricor as COO and helped launch large-scale AI projects for some of the top brands in the world, like Getty, UPS, AT&amp;T and others.</p><p>Rebekah grew up in Minneapolis but has spent the last few years in Seattle.</p>

<p>Mackenzie Jorns, founder of Protea™ is on a mission to make skincare more approachable and accessible for all. Her passion for holistic medicine manifested following a late stage lymes disease diagnosis where she experienced side effects from eczema to neurological trouble. Empowered by the experience and in awe of the powers of Eastern medicine, she launched a line of skincare products to help others with their skin health through natural ingredients. Jorns’ humanitarian spirit, cultivated through volunteer work as a teen and adult, inspired her to extend the brand mission to those in need. With every product purchase, Protea donates thoughtfully curated SkinConfidence™ Kits to women in homeless shelters.</p><p></p><p>Fair skinned but the daughter of an African American father and a Caucasian mother, Mackenzie has always struggled to have her true identity seen. As a biracial person who presents white, no one would think to ask about her heritage and would be shocked to learn of her African American roots. This feeling of not being fully seen has followed Mackenzie since childhood and presents itself in many areas of her life, including her beauty and skincare routine. It’s proven difficult to not only find products to fit her olive undertones, but she struggled finding an esthetician that knew how to care for her unique mixed skin and asked the right questions to create a care plan unique to her. Mackenzie&#x27;s siblings, all with various skin tones, experienced similar issues. Recognizing a hole in the skincare industry, Mackenzie created a more efficient approach by introducing Protea’s Skin Support Consultation platform, an esthetician-match service and virtual consultation scheduling process to connect you with estheticians that specialize in various skin ailments, treatments and skin tones.</p>

<p>Anne Ruozzi is the co-founder and CEO of Therapy Clean. In 2010, Anne Ruozzi and her partner, Jim Dudra, founded their first company, Eco Touch, a line of eco-friendly car care products. From there, they repurposed the brand’s proprietary machinery and formulas to create Filling Factory, a private label automotive cleaning products company. Seeing a need for eco-friendly and effective cleaning products in the home space, Anne used the profits from Filling Factory to found Therapy Clean. They launched their Stainless Steel Cleaner on Amazon in October 2017 where it has grown to become the best-selling plant-based cleaner on Amazon. </p><p>Guided by the company’s mission to provide safe, effective and enjoyable-to-use (who would have thought!) home cleaning products, in 2022 Therapy Clean expanded their footprint into brick-and-mortar with retail placement across the country in Meijer, CVS and Target, with a total retail footprint of over 1,000 stores. </p>

<p></p><p>Genevieve Dolan is the founder and CEO of Vieve’s Leaves. After graduating from the College of Charleston, Genevieve began her career in a Client Service role at a finance firm in Chicago. After learning all things numbers and spreadsheets, she continued into an operations role at an automotive startup. Craving creativity and energy, Genevieve then began working with one of Chicago’s finest event planning firms, All Things Party. The nature of the job’s long hours paid off, as Genevieve became highly skilled in managing client expectations, small business administration and having a critical eye for detail. In 2020, after a combination of professional burnout and the impacts of the pandemic on the events’ industry, Genevieve turned her attention to Vieve’s Leaves after successfully incorporating hemp-derived products into her daily routine. To date the brand has grown to include multiple products available online and in various retail locations around the country. </p><p></p><p>Whether it’s managing a big event, volunteering at her local hospital (Shirley Ryan Ability Lab), chairing a non-profit auxiliary board (MetroSquash) or leading her team as CEO of Vieve’s Leaves, Genevieve has learned the meaning of leadership and management, and even in the toughest of situations, always finds a way to encourage positivity for herself and those around her.</p><p></p>

<p>Our busy lives don&#x27;t always make space for the rest and relaxation we need.</p><p>I founded This Is J with the mission to bring more comfort into people&#x27;s</p><p>lives. Shedding the weight of the day as you change into your favourite</p><p>pair of PJs is a feeling we strive to replicate with every product we make.</p><p>Our vision is to provide comfortable, stylish, and ethically made products</p><p>that you can feel good in and good about. Our products are designed,</p><p>milled, dyed, printed, cut, sewn, and packaged in Canada. Our handmade</p><p>process ensures high quality products crafted from the best materials</p><p>available. We illustrate and print our own fabrics to create the distinct</p><p>This Is J look.</p><p>This Is J evolved from necessity - a headband to keep your hair out of your</p><p>face, a scarf that doubles as an oversized shawl, a pair of pajamas stylish</p><p>enough to wear outside the bedroom. Functionality, style, and comfort</p><p>continue to be the pillars of the This Is J brand.</p><p>Thank you for being a part of our comfort journey for the last 19 years.</p>

<p>Our busy lives don&#x27;t always make space for the rest and relaxation we need.</p><p>I founded This Is J with the mission to bring more comfort into people&#x27;s</p><p>lives. Shedding the weight of the day as you change into your favourite</p><p>pair of PJs is a feeling we strive to replicate with every product we make.</p><p>Our vision is to provide comfortable, stylish, and ethically made products</p><p>that you can feel good in and good about. Our products are designed,</p><p>milled, dyed, printed, cut, sewn, and packaged in Canada. Our handmade</p><p>process ensures high quality products crafted from the best materials</p><p>available. We illustrate and print our own fabrics to create the distinct</p><p>This Is J look.</p><p>This Is J evolved from necessity - a headband to keep your hair out of your</p><p>face, a scarf that doubles as an oversized shawl, a pair of pajamas stylish</p><p>enough to wear outside the bedroom. Functionality, style, and comfort</p><p>continue to be the pillars of the This Is J brand.</p><p>Thank you for being a part of our comfort journey for the last 19 years.</p>

<p>Sue serves as Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Brutus Broth, Inc. Sue is a graduate of St. Lawrence University and has a strong background in marketing and business. Before launching Brutus Broth, Sue co-founded and served as President of Ilios Dairy Brands, LLC, a dairy company focused on offering an innovative and natural alternative in the dairy segment. The Ilios’ Greek Yogurt Butter was lauded as a “Top New Products” by Supermarket Guru in August 2012 and as a “Rising Star” in Specialty Foods Magazine in November 2012. Prior to launching Ilios, Sue spent 10 years as a fundraising and strategic marketing professional in a variety of non-profit organizations. She focused on major giving ($10,000+), endowment gifts and planned giving. She played a key role in securing gifts from Individuals, Foundations and Corporations as well as handling all Media Relations.</p>

<p>A graduate of Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration, Kim serves as the Co-Founder and President of Brutus Broth, Inc. She has a diverse background in strategy, marketing, finance and nonprofits. Previously, she was Vice President of Strategic Planning for The Leading Hotels of the World, a luxury hotel company with approximately 500 hotels in 90 countries. Kim oversaw the Company’s overall strategic direction as well as the Company’s ancillary businesses. She was also responsible for sourcing and evaluating new business opportunities and subsequently launching those businesses, which added strategic value to the company. During her 7-year tenure at Leading, she was instrumental in delivering over a 400% increase in shareholder value.</p>

<p>Bethany Ratliff, Founder and CEO of Croptuck, is no stranger to innovation and creative problem-solving. With a background in personal finance and years of experience working with small startups, she always had a passion for finding ways to make people&#x27;s lives easier and more efficient.</p><p>Bethany had always been a fan of hacks and tools that helped her get the most out of life. As a busy professional, she was constantly looking for ways to save time and make everyday tasks more manageable, extending even to styling her clothes. One day, while trying to diy crop a shirt for a night out, she found herself struggling with bulky belts and makeshift solutions that just wouldn&#x27;t work. There were also the countless times that she would get the perfect french tuck simply to have to redo it every time she went to the bathroom.</p><p>Frustrated by the lack of options available to her, Bethany knew there had to be a better way. She began tinkering with different designs and prototypes until she finally came up with the perfect solution: Croptuck.</p><p>Croptuck is a simple yet effective tool that allows anyone to easily and effortlessly tuck and crop their clothes for the perfect fit. Bethany&#x27;s experience in personal finance helped her keep the price point low and accessible, while her startup background allowed her to successfully launch the product into the market.</p><p>Through Croptuck, Bethany has been able to combine her passion for innovative solutions with her desire to help people feel confident and comfortable in their own skin. Her journey is a testament to the power of hard work, perseverance, and creative problem-solving. By founding her business, Bethany has created a brand that empowers people to express themselves through fashion in a way that feels authentic and comfortable.</p>

<p>I&#x27;m a filmmaker and entrepreneur, passionate about outdoor adventure and committed to sustainable design. Over the years working and playing out in the elements, I saw a real need for more versatile, stylish apparel made specifically for hot, buggy climates. </p><p></p><p>After a decade producing and directing documentaries and brand films through my production company Fresh Media, I launched Pang Wangle to start making the clothes I wished I could find. We partner with Insect Shield® to infuse odorless and effective bug repellent into our clothes and accessories. The protection lasts 70+ washes and its EPA approved for the entire family. And we&#x27;ve built a sustainable supply chain for our high performance, lightweight fabrics. </p><p></p><p>/paNG waNGlə/ </p><p>verb 1. To go along cheerfully despite minor misfortunes.</p><p></p><p>Pang Wangle is a vintage American phrase that reflects our optimistic approach to enjoying the outdoors – despite those little bloodsuckers - with the right clothes and the right attitude. Global warming is expanding insect habitats, and vector-borne diseases are on the rise. It&#x27;s time to adapt.</p><p></p><p>In 2022, I launched Travel Itch: A Pang Wangle Podcast, where I interview experienced travelers about some of their most memorable experiences and location. Find it wherever you get your podcasts.</p><p></p><p>Before Pang Wangle, I founded Fresh Media, an award-winning video production company creating non-fiction branded content for a long list of clients. I also produced and directed two feature films: Reconstructing Creole (2007) won Best Documentary Feature at the Los Angeles DV Film Festival and All Over But to Cry (2009) won an Emmy and airs in the UK on PBS America after spending 3 years on The Documentary Channel.</p><p></p><p>As an Adjunct Professor of Visual Communication at Tulane University, I&#x27;ve taught about the history and theory of visual communication in a variety of cultural contexts. I have also taught Political Communication at Tulane, and Feature Writing and Communication Writing at Loyola University. </p><p></p><p>Collaboration and innovation feed my curiosity. What&#x27;s next? Something good.</p>

<p>Canadian-born of Czech parents, raised in both Europe and Canada, fluent in five languages with a Ph.D. from Stanford University (U.S.), Dr. Barbara Paldus considers herself a global citizen. As a scientist, she believes in data and biotechnology.</p><p>She draws on her experience in the biotech industry to drive the industry forward and is currently focused on Codex Beauty Labs, a Silicon Valley based company that has proven clinical results and is founded on sustainability, from formulation to packaging.</p><p>Barb holds over 40 US patents and is an investor and serial entrepreneur, having started companies like Picarro, which detects greenhouse gas for climate change and Finesse Solutions, which specializes in biotechnology equipment for vaccines, cancer therapeutics and cell therapy.</p>

<p></p><p>Cindy Nichols is an inspiring entrepreneur and the Founder of The Wordy Traveler, a book subscription service that takes avid readers on a literary journey around the world. Her passion for travel, philanthropy, and literature has been the driving force behind the success of The Wordy Traveler.</p><p></p><p>Before founding The Wordy Traveler, Cindy traveled the world as a photographer capturing unique images of people and landscapes. Her desire to explore and learn about the world&#x27;s diverse cultures led her to launch The Wordy Traveler in 2017, an innovative book subscription service that aims to share the world&#x27;s stories with avid readers.</p><p></p><p>The Wordy Traveler is a mission-driven company that partners with non-profit organizations to promote literacy and education around the world. Each subscription box shipped provides life-saving nutrition for two children and/or pregnant women acros the globe.</p><p></p><p>Cindy believes that through The Wordy Traveler, readers can broaden their minds and deepen their understanding of the world, one book at a time. Her dedication to philanthropic causes and her love for traveling and reading are truly inspiring. Cindy&#x27;s vision continues to inspire a global community of readers who want to explore the world and understand its people, all through the power of literature.</p>

<p>Born in Barranquilla, Colombia | Coffee is a big part of her Colombian heritage and family memories growing up | Bachelor&#x27;s Degree in Economics | First and only inmigrant of her family in the US | Became a US Citizen in 2021</p>

<p>Kenyé, a professional Graphic Designer with over 15+ years of experience in the field turned to skincare formulation and founded Skin Flo. Originally from North Carolina and now living in Texas with her family, Kenyé has a passion for sustainable and organic body care that helps the skin and the environment. After struggling to find safe and effective body care products during her own pregnancy, Kenyé decided to create her own bath, body care, and aromatherapy line, Skin Flo, to help other moms find high-quality and safe products. Her dedication to using organic and sustainable ingredients ensures that each product is not only effective but also gentle on the skin and the environment.</p><p>When not busy in the lab formulating new products, Kenyé enjoys spending time outdoors, cooking, and making memories with her family. With her commitment to sustainability and crafting non-toxic products, Kenyé is making waves in the body care industry and helping moms everywhere feel confident in the products they use.</p>

<p>From modest beginnings to a certified green printing powerhouse to the creator of the Syrapinot™, meet Joan Escover – the inspiring force behind Idyll Time Wines! </p><h2>She Passed the Bar, but Chose Print</h2><p>In the beginning of her career, Ms. Escover worked for an accountant who had a printer as a client. </p><p></p><p>“I hated accounting, and the printer would ask me to work for him every time I returned his balance sheets,” said Ms. Escover. “When the printer asked me to help him with sales, I accepted the job, and also enrolled at Santa Clara University to pursue a law degree.”</p><p></p><p>Joan&#x27;s leap of faith paid off, and by the time she graduated—amidst the first big downturn in the economy in 1989—she was earning more at the print shop than the top-earning law students she graduated with. She decided to follow her passion for print, and she founded what would become a $7 million-printing company, JP Graphics, Inc. </p><h2>Green Print Solutions Powered by Solar</h2><p>Joan&#x27;s dedication to eco-consciousness extends from offering 100% recycled paper options to the installation of led lighting, to running her shop and store on solar power! </p><p></p><p>They recycle plates, re-fill inks, and reuse whatever they can. Her unique skill in maximizing press sheets while minimizing waste ensures each project meets top quality standards while reducing their carbon footprint. </p><p></p><p>Today her 36,000 sq ft shop employs over 40 people, and they print everything from pharmaceutical folds and packaging to brochures and perfect bound books. The team specializes in handling everything in-house, from design to mailing and deliveries. </p><p></p><h2>But What About Wine?</h2><p>In 2019, this enterprising entrepreneur also founded Idyll Time Wines! Taking her families estate grown wines mainstream thanks to the search for a great blend and the power of print.</p><p></p><p>With her deep love of print technology, Joan expertly leveraged JP Graphics&#x27; diverse capabilities to create one-of-a-kind, artisanal labels and packaging for her wine enterprise. Talk about multitasking! </p><p></p><p>Joan is an incredible female founder making waves in two distinct industries, all while championing environmentally friendly practices, and successfully raising 4 boys!</p><p></p><p><strong>JP Graphics Memberships and Certifications Include:</strong></p><p>National Cohort 10KSB Alumni</p><p>Inner City Capitol Connections Program Alumni</p><p>Bay Area Green Business — Recyclable. Renewable. Sustainable</p><p>Certified Small Business Department of General Services, State of California</p><p>Supplier Diversity Certification Women and/or Minority owned business (WBE)</p><p>Visual Media Alliance (VMA) Member</p>

<h2>South Asian Female Founder</h2><p>Operations and chemical engineering; 4x startup operator; Previously at Quince, GrowSquares, and Exxon Mobil; Chicago Booth MBA</p>

<h2>Hispanic Female Founder</h2><p>12 years in consumer marketing; 4x startup operator; Previously at Red Bull, Curology and 1-800 Contacts; Chicago Booth MBA</p>

<p>Allie is the modern day &quot;Renaissance Women&quot;, having worked multiple jobs from the age of 16, she now holds the titles of PR Consultant, fit model and entrepreneur. Working endlessly for the last decade of her life, Allie has devoted time to perfect her definition of wellness and self care. </p>

<p>The story of LACSON RAVELLO begins with strong family roots in the garment industry. Kristina Lacson McConnico was born to Filipino parents and descended from a long line of dressmakers and fashion designers—grandmothers, aunts, and cousins. Upon establishing her own brand, she incorporated her surname, Lacson, and her grandmother’s maiden name, Ravello. For her, this family name captures the heritage and values that define her clothing line—a tradition of strong craftsmanship and quality materials, combined with a modern and design-driven approach.</p><p>Originally from St. Louis, Kristina knew at a young age that she wanted to follow her family’s path in the fashion world. A skilled visual artist during her teenage years, she moved to Los Angeles to attend Otis College of Art &amp; Design. Early exposure to leaders and icons in the fashion industry had a profound influence on her evolution as a designer.</p><p>After college, she relocated to San Francisco and worked as a designer for large retailers such as Gap Inc., Bebe, and Target Corporation—in addition to building her expertise as a design consultant for smaller fashion labels and startups. Her two decades of industry experience have led her around the world numerous times, from production facilities in Asia to buying and research trips in Europe and all over the U.S. This global perspective followed Kristina as she created the LACSON RAVELLO brand. Her dedication to being a citizen of the world while keeping a relaxed California sensibility continues to inform her life and her work.</p><p>Kristina currently lives in Oakland with her husband John of Bespoke Watch Projects and their cats Coco and Clementine. She is also a breast cancer survivor and thriver.</p>