All Experts

<p>Sarah Falcon is the founder of Falcon Consulting. She has nearly 15 years in marketing, content and e-commerce experience working with independent businesses, startups, and non-profits. A creative pragmatist, she develops agile, economical, and individualized paths for growth. </p><p>Her e-commerce and marketing consulting includes designing and developing website, creating and implementing marketing strategies, and day-to-day marketing execution. By creating brand-specific and impactful user experiences, her marketing is focused on creating deeper brand engagement for sustainable growth. </p><p>Her work has directly generated millions of dollars in offline and e-commerce sales revenue and created hundreds of thousands of leads. As the founder of Falcon Consulting, she works with a team of trusted experts to provide exceptional, custom service. </p>

<p>As the owner and founder of Complexions Spa for more than 35 years, Denise Dubois, has three decades of experience as a clinical esthetician and wellness expert. The Complexions team works in conjunction with DeLuca Plastic Surgery in Latham, NY and local dermatologists to develop post-surgical healing treatments, as well as programs for acne care and age management.</p><p>Denise Dubois firmly believes in “pampering with a purpose,” and goes to great lengths to ensure that every client who steps through Complexions’ doors, leaves feeling refreshed and ready to take on tomorrow.</p><p>She started her career as an esthetician in 1985 after graduating from the Catherine E. Hinds School of Esthetics—the first accredited esthetics school in the country—where she received the Merretta Gotham Hinds Award for highest achievement. </p><p>She has since continued her training and holds several advanced certificates in the following areas of expertise:</p><ul><li>Dermatologic Skin Care</li><li>Medical Esthetics</li><li>Medical Lasers</li><li>Lymphatic Drainage</li><li>IIN Health Coach</li><li>Nutritional Skincare</li><li>Herbology</li><li>Cidesco Diplomat</li></ul><p>She is the recent author of Living Beautifully: Creating A Holistic Lifestyle. This book takes a comprehensive look at healthy living in the modern era, including nutrition, activity, fresh air and nature, relationships, work, de-stressing, self-care, and professional treatments.</p>

<p>Patricia Davis is the creator and owner of several companies, including sntHOME Interior Design, Silver Needle &amp; Thread Custom Sewing, TAG Custom Bridal, CATA (Consumers Against Toxic Apparel), and The Jacksonville Organic Business Directory. She is also the Textile Verifier for The Pure Integrity Seal Certification Program and Co-Founder of the Live Happy, Be Pure Sustainable Wellness Home Project. Her company CATA was the pilot business used by The Green Team Project (LEEDS) to define a Sustainable Workplace Designation 4 Leaf Accreditation (the highest) in 2015.</p><p></p><p>Ms. Davis is a Clay County Chamber of Commerce member, USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council), Partner with Cotton Leads (Sustainable Cotton Program), and many other groups and organizations.</p><p> </p><p>When it comes to textiles for fashion or home, Patricia has over forty-eight years of experience. Her career spans years of working for the fashion industry in upper management, design, visuals, sales, and production. Her most recent career choice ended in 2020 due to Covid was in Interior Design. When the company closed, she decided to open her own retail Interior Design Showroom and combine all her companies in one space creating a one-stop location for all things creative, fabric, and design.</p><p></p>

<p>Dan is the chief operating person at Small Axe Peppers. A graduate from The NYU Gallatin School of Individualized Studies with a degree in Social Entrepreneurship. Dan has been leading the expansion into other markets while continuing to fuel operational efficiencies of our expanding range of products.</p>

<p>John has diverse background holding leadership positions in a series of organizations from larger established Governmental entities to startups. Currently in addition to founding a world class hot sauce firm, John and his partners, spend a fair amount of time creating and preserving affordable housing in the NYC metro area . He is a board member of the NYS Gaming Commission as well as NFP Santa Angel’s. His love of gardening was sparked when his older daughter decided to forgo her chance at becoming the next Jackie Mitchell, gardening become the substitute activity for the weekends. He graduated from both college and grad school in reasonable time frames, an occurrence many of his elementary school friend’s still doubt.</p>

<p>Jacob Pechenik is a passionate entrepreneur who’s built a career around questioning and improving industry status quo. Upon graduating from MIT with a BS in Chemical Engineering, Jacob founded and led TechTrader, an early web-based B2B supply chain platform, followed by the development and launch of YellowJacket Software, a peer-to-peer derivatives trading platform supporting a broad spectrum of segments (from weather and energy to agriculture) in 2004. In 2011, he set his sights on the film industry, founding Venture Forth, a film, finance and production company focused on high-quality and impact-driven independent films. His dedication to innovation and socially constructive disruption led to the co-founding in 2017 of The Farm Project, a Public Benefit Corporation on a mission to transform our food system, and Lettuce Grow, an altruistic initiative that aims to reconnect people with their food. Today, Jacob remains committed to delivering healthy, sustainable harvests to every home and enabling Americans to have healthier connections with our planet.</p>

<p>Nick Cutsumpas, aka Farmer Nick, is a “plantrepreneur” who is passionate about all things green. As a full-time plant coach, urban gardener, and landscape designer, Nick’s mission is to leave the earth greener than when he found it - giving people the knowledge and confidence they need to create their own green spaces in the pursuit of environmental action and social justice.</p><p>Nick has more than 150 clients in New York + California and has been featured in the NY Times, Vogue, Food Network, Business Insider, and Goop and the Netflix original series &quot;The Big Flower Fight”. He is a Lettuce Grow ambassador, encouraging and supporting people to grow and eat more fresh food at home; a host on Netflix’s Instant Dream Home, and author of Plant Coach: The Beginner’s Guide To Caring for Plants and the Planet.</p>

<p>In addition to Founding Idyll Time Wines, Joan Escover is the President of JP Graphics, a certified, woman-owned, and certified green printing company with over 40 employees. </p><p>In the begining of her career, Ms. Escover worked for an accountant who had a printer as a client. “I hated accounting, and the printer would ask me to work for him every time I returned his balance sheets,” said Ms. Escover. “I took a leap and accepted the job, and also enrolled at Santa Clara University to pursue a law degree.”</p><p>While working for this printer, Joan soon understood the value of print and began selling print products while attending law school, amazing herself at how quickly she excelled. By the time she graduated—amidst the first big downturn in the economy in 1989—she was earning more than the top-earning law students she graduated with. Ten years later, she became the President and key salesperson of her very own printing company, JP Graphics.</p><p>“We do about $7 million in sales. It’s a unique shop as we cover the whole realm of printing—digital, offset, large format, mailings…all under one roof,” she said.</p><p>Using her innate ability to maximize a press sheet with little waste, Ms. Escover ensures each product she puts forth meets the highest standards of quality required, while reducing their carbon footprint, with a shop that&#x27;s pwoered by solar. </p><p>Joan&#x27;s love of print technology has enabled her to fully utilize the company’s capabilities for her Idyll Time Wines. Offering everything from specialty craftsman-type materials to unique rush digital jobs of die-cut lables and print-on-demand cardboard gift boxes. </p>

<p>Orville Kolterman, MD, became the chief Medical Officer of Pendulum in 2014. Dr. Kolterman is an internationally respected diabetes expert that has been involved in advancing diabetes care for nearly 50 years. He successfully brought four GLP-1 drugs from research trials to market as the Chief Medical Officer at Amylin Pharmaceuticals. He’s held the role of Adjunct Processor of Medicine at the University of California, San Diego for over 20 years, and is a past President of the California Affiliate of the American Diabetes Association.</p><p>Dr. Kolterman completed his residency training in Endocrinology at Stanford University, his MD at the Stanford School of Medicine, and his BA at the University of Kansas.</p>

<p>John Eid is the Chief Science Officer and co-founder of Pendulum. John has led technology development teams for over two decades in diverse areas that include advanced microscopy, single molecule detection and analyses, automated data acquisition systems, biophysical systems modeling, and genome sequencing applications. </p><p></p><p>Prior to co-founding Pendulum, John was a principal scientist at Pacific Biosciences. John completed his postdoctoral research at the Roland Institute at Harvard University, received his PhD in Biophysics and Computational Biology at the University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign and his BS in Applied and Engineering Physics from Cornell University.</p>

<p>Jim Bullard is Chief Technology Officer and co-founder of Pendulum. Jim has over a decade of experience leading technical teams in biostatistics and computational biology, and has a passion for experimental design and programming languages.</p><p>Prior to co-founding Pendulum, Jim served as a senior staff scientist at Pacific Biosciences. He completed his Ph. in Biostatistics at the University of California, Berkeley and his BA in Computing &amp; Information Systems at Northwestern University. </p>

<p>Colleen Cutcliffe is the Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Pendulum. Colleen has more than 25 years of experience leading and managing biology teams in academia, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology. </p><p></p><p>Prior to co-founding Pendulum, Colleen was the senior manager of biology at Pacific Biosciences and a scientist at Elan Pharmaceuticals. Colleen completed her postdoctoral studies at Northwestern’s Children’s Memorial Hospital. Colleen received her PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from John Hopkins University and her BA in Biochemistry from Wellesley College.</p>

<p>Born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela by Armenian parents, George Duran is a chef and entertainer. Duran proudly joins the Toufayans as a spokesperson ready to talk pita, naan, wraps, bagels and pitettes as well as all things Amernian-food inspired. </p><p>Author of Take This Dish and Twist it, known for his Food Network show Ham on the Street and most recently host of TLC’s Ultimate Cake Off. He’s appeared as a guest on NBC’s Today Show, CBS This Morning, Fox and Friends, The Wendy Williams Show, the Dr. Oz Show, The Nate Berkus Show and many others. </p><p></p>

<p></p><p>Luka Cosmetics was created by our founder Katherine Lugo in 2008 after years of struggling with acne and sensitive skin. She was searching for makeup that she and her clients could wear without further aggravating their skin issues. When she realized there was nothing really out there that could successfully cover imperfections and contained clean ingredients she knew she had to create a line that would fulfill this need. She embarked on a quest to study and learn natural formulation, and with the help of Ayurvedic chemists she was able to achieve the coverage, performance and finish she was looking for with safe and natural ingredients. From the beginning it was important that all of our formulas were created in the US, were Cruelty Free and were naturally formulated. </p><p></p><p>Katherine is a multifaceted Beauty Expert, Celebrity Make-up Artist, Formulator, and is fluent in 3 languages. She has been sought after by many Female Fortune 500 CEO’s for years to help them elevate their beauty image. Katherine has helped tens of thousands of women internationally with transforming their makeup routines and is extremely passionate about uplifting and empowering them to bring their best self forward. Her experience with natural formulating has also led her to work closely with other brands that are looking to clean their ingredient lists. </p><p></p><p>Luka Cosmetics mission is to create the most high-quality Natural and Organic Make-up and skin care. We offer formulations that are lightweight, high-performance and ideal for all skin types. We strive to make beautiful products that take the worry and guess work out of your daily beauty routine. Luka Cosmetics are effective, practical and versatile. </p><p></p><p>We are:</p><p></p><p>Phthalate Free</p><p>Sulfate Free</p><p>Paraben Free</p><p>Cruelty Free</p><p>Gluten Free</p><p>Non-GMO</p><p>Made in the US</p>

<p></p><p>A fashion industry vet, Rachel has worked in apparel for nearly years, first cutting her teeth at Authentic Brands Group in 2004. From there she worked her way through the industry— eventually becoming Oscar de la Renta’s Head of Product, after years of learning her craft at Ralph Lauren, The Row, and Ralph Rucci. The pandemic sparked a new entrepreneurial chapter for both Rachel and her team— the March 2020 launch of their non-profit ‘Garment District for Gowns,’ aimed to help under- served healthcare workers, led to the eventual formation of their company ‘Goldatech,’ which manufactures uniforms, medical, and surgical apparel for state agencies and the Department of Defense (U.S. Air Force and U.S. Coast Guard). Rachel&#x27;s team were the first awardees of Empire State Development&#x27;s Covid Retooling Grant out of 40,000 applicants, and was awarded the 2021 NYS MWBE Innovation Award. Rachel has now launched Welles, an ESG-focused scrubs company on a mission to reset technical performance and environmental accountability standards. </p>

<p>The former Head of Knitwear for Oscar de La Renta, Christian Dior, Carolina Herrera and Vera Wang brings 10+ years’ experience and expertise in fiber science, fabric construction and design to the team. Having developed apparel for many VIP clients such as Vice President Kamala Harris, worn on the eve of the 2021 Presidential inauguration, Alexandra has a keen understanding and attention to quality control, with a focus on fabrics and fibers. Alexandra has spearheaded the development of Welles’ proprietary materials and components, as well as implemented key sourcing &amp; sustainability strategies and management systems. At the height of the pandemic, Alexandra mitigated and diverted severe supply chain disruptions of raw materials caused by Covid-19, allowing GOLDATECH to fulfill large volume contracts without delays. Formerly from the UK, Alexandra is a graduate of Central Saint Martin’s University, London.</p>

<p>I started my professional journey as a medical student, spent 20 years in e-commerce and marketing, and now proudly serve as CEO of Nolah Technologies. While unconventional, I believe my career path has uniquely positioned me to push the boundaries of the mattress industry as Nolah’s CEO and co-owner. </p><p></p><p>The brand’s name, Nolah Technologies, resonates with my personal mission to improve the way people sleep based on the latest medical research using the latest technology. Leading Nolah’s operations and product development, I’m as involved in marketing and branding as I am in product development. Every day, I have the opportunity to put my medical background, marketing acumen, and technical expertise to work, pursuing solutions to the sleep problems that keep people up at night. </p><p></p><p>Between medical school and partnering with Nolah’s co-founders, I sunk my teeth into the technical side of business. With 12 years of experience as an e-commerce and marketing director, I went on to help over a dozen brands launch or expand their online platforms as an advisor. </p><p></p><p>Along the way, I held on to the fascination with biology and chemistry that had originally inspired me to attend medical school. I researched and developed now-patented gene-based health software and a natural beehive pesticide. I’ve also helped formulate products like sleep supplements and multivitamins.</p><p></p><p>At Nolah, I now tap into these passions and my own medical history while developing new products and improving our existing mattress designs. I believe modern mattress technology must be informed by present-day sleep habits and human anatomy every step of the way. </p><p></p><p>I also believe that one’s work environment is as critical to physical health and mental wellness as a good nights’ rest. As Nolah’s CEO, I have the opportunity to foster a workplace that puts the team’s health and happiness first. With a primarily remote team and many parents among our ranks, my partners and I strive to run the company with family-friendly policies and flexibility.</p>

<p>Michaela Clauss is a California native, born and raised in Lake Tahoe. She is an accomplished Personal Chef, Nutritionist, and Owner of, Cleverly Nourished. She writes monthly recipes for Elaine Wellness with creative and inspiring ways to use collagen.</p><p></p><p>She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, California. Clauss has developed and taught farm-to-table cooking classes for families and children, as well as, nutrition and healthy lifestyle education programs for newly migrated mothers in low socioeconomic areas for The Center for Solutions Through Research in Diet and Exercise(STRIDE). She was also the Project Coordinator for STRIDE’s Family Health Research department researching healthy lifestyle programs for families in the time surrounding pregnancy. </p><p></p><p>Upon relocating to the Bay Area she managed a cooking school where she organized and executed weekly cooking classes and corporate team-building events for many local and Fortune 500 companies in Silicon Valley. Then making a shift back to her nutrition roots she opened her own nutrition-focused Personal Chef business, Cleverly Nourished.</p><p></p><p>Michaela now lives in Kelseyville, CA, and has a 2-year-old son and baby on the way. She&#x27;s usually in the kitchen, but when she&#x27;s not she&#x27;s cuddling her animals, getting a workout in, or traveling to visit family and getting back to her small-town roots.</p>

<p>Dr. Esposito is a naturopathic physician and certified Functional Medicine doctor with additional degrees in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. His personalized style incorporates the art and science of medicine to solve complex issues utilizing the foundations of P4 medicine - Prediction, Prevention, Personalization and Participation. In addition to advising as a peer reviewer for medical journals, he has authored medical textbook chapters in The Textbook of Natural Medicine 5th Edition, Integrative Sexual Medicine, and Healing in Urology. He has developed education modules for the Board of Certified Nutrition Specialists to educate health professionals specifically on urological conditions, gut health, male and female hormone dysfunction, hypogonadism, exercise, men’s health and sexual dysfunction. Dr. Esposito completed his medical training as a medical intern at New York University Integrative Urology Center. He holds a position as adjunct professor at New York University.</p>

<p>Co-founder and Managing Partner, Chris Peck is a lifelong entrepreneur bringing decades of knowledge and business expertise to Remedy+. After graduating from Yale University, Peck, along with two other partners, established a successful insurance brokerage company that after 21 years, merged with 23 other firms to launch a large-scale national company.</p><p>Peck’s world changed after undergoing severe physical and personal stress. Trying alternative, natural forms of pain relief, he was introduced to CBD. Having personally experienced the benefits of natural remedies, Peck made it his mission to not only share the benefits of this holistic approach, but create his own line of products to combat various ailments of everyday life. His path led him to co-found Remedy+ where the mission continues to be helping others on their own journey to optimal wellness.</p><p>An avid outdoorsman, Peck can be found surfing, golfing, practicing yoga, or any other sport that keeps him active. He lives in Darien, CT with his wife and two teenagers, and lives and breathes his motto: “You Only Live Once.”</p>

<p>Dr. Daniel Wallerstorfer, the CSO and Co-founder of Rootine and is a molecular biologist, geneticist, and has a doctorate in biotechnology. Previously, Dr. Wallerstorfer founded Novogenia in 2009 and has grown it to one of Europe’s top lifestyle and genetic diagnostics and innovation laboratories as well as a global pioneer in preventive genetic diagnostics (IPO in 2021) Today, Dr. Wallerstorfer is considered a leading expert in genetics, nutrition, and preventative diagnostics. In addition to being a successful serial entrepreneur, he is an author, speaker, and advisor to other well-known companies within the field. Dr. Wallerstorfer received both his bachelor’s in molecular biology and his PhD in biotechnology at the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom.</p><p>Quote from Daniel: “After completing a PhD in the field of biotechnology in the United Kingdom, I realised human medical genetics was mostly utilized for damage control purposes rather than prevention measures. My goal is to innovate to find approaches focused on the prevention of genetic and chronic diseases.&quot;</p>

<p>Sarah Morgan is a modern-day inventor, author, speaker, formulator and clinical nutritionist. Known for her innovative ideas that connect science to everyday life, she delivers impactful, science-based solutions for common health problems. Sarah is the founder of Even, a medical company focused on improving the quality of life of medication users by addressing medication induced nutrient depletions (M.I.N.D.).</p><p>Using food and nutrients to optimize gene expression, Sarah has helped thousands of individuals with complex health issues. For more than 15 years she ran a clinical practice in Denver, enabling individuals, communities and corporations to achieve their health and wellness goals. Sarah wrote Buddies In My Belly: a story about probiotics to teach children about the microbiome. She also holds several patents including nutritional adjuvants for vaccines designed to improve vaccine response by priming and guiding the immune system.</p><p>Sarah is married to her best friend and champion, Matt, and finds her inspiration from her daughter. Sarah earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire. She holds a Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition from the University of Bridgeport. She is committed to a lifestyle of learning and can be found regularly sifting through the latest scientific publications.</p>

<p>Elaine has worked in the wellness industry as a Certified Pilates Instructor for the past 16 years. Nine years ago she developed Hashimoto’s and guttate psoriasis which took her on a health journey of finding the answers to put her autoimmune illnesses into remission. Radically changing her diet reversed her symptoms of fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, and dry skin. </p><p>Supplementing with collagen gave her a whole new head of hair and glowing skin. Coming out on the other side of this gave her an unshakable belief in the profound interconnectedness of health and beauty. In 2015 she launched a collagen water with no previous beverage industry experience. In 2019 she relaunched with powdered collagen under the new name, Elaine Wellness. </p><p>In 2022 she launched The Midlife Blueprint, a program to help women in perimenopause and menopause understand the intersection of food, exercise, and mindset and how they can thrive in midlife. Empowering women to understand how they can care for their bodies during this powerful transition is Elaine&#x27;s passion. </p>

<p>jessica drake is an award-winning wicked pictures™️ adult performer, writer, activist, educator + the creator of the “guide to wicked sex”</p>

<p>The creator of StrongBoard Balance® and StrongBoard MINI®, Mike Curry is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and Biomechanics Method Corrective Exercise Specialist with over 25 years experience. He is passionate about education and takes pride in generating quick, long-term results for his clientele, which includes a host of professional athletes, Hollywood celebrities and renowned physicians. With the ultimate goal of helping others live their best life, the products Mike brings to market make working out fun, while utilizing MULTI SPRING TECHNOLOGY™ to improve balance and stability, while strengthening the core and stabilizing muscles and increasing neuropathic communication. </p>

<p>Alison Cayne founded Haven’s Kitchen in 2012 as a Manhattan cooking school. Now, Haven&#x27;s Kitchen is known for its fresh, squeezable sauces that make anything you cook at home taste better. The top-rated sauces are vegan, gluten-free, keto-verified, non-GMO and kosher. Cayne’s goal has always been to give home cooks a sense of confidence and joy – making them feel like champions in their kitchens. In 2020, Cayne closed the popular cooking school and transitioned to a test kitchen for the rapidly expanding sauce company. It was the end of an era with an unexpected upside, Cayne and the Haven’s Kitchen team could now offer a decade’s worth of recipes, tips and tricks for free online. Education is one of the foundations of Haven’s Kitchen and now they could offer it to everyone.</p><p></p><p>Now Haven’s Kitchen’s line of six squeezable sauces opens up a world of delicious possibilities, whether used for marinating meat, tossing salads, or simply drizzling on anything. Cayne has a MA Food Studies from NYU Steinhardt.</p>

<p>Dawn Winklemann, M.S, CCC-SLP, is a Speech-Language Pathologist, Feeding Specialist, specializing in infant swallowing. Dawn is the inventor of several feeding products, including the award-winning ezpz Tiny Cup &amp; Tiny Spoon (for infants) as well as the Mini Cup &amp; Straw-Training System, Mini Utensils, and Mini Feeding Set (for toddlers), She has over 25 years of experience teaching parents, therapists, and caregivers how to feed children of all abilities. Dawn’s areas of expertise are baby-led weaning (BLW), picky eating, and feeding children with medical or special needs. She is the co-author of the book Making Mealtime ezpz, which has been highlighted on The View and Shark Tank. Her blogging and product design skills are widely sought-after by pediatric brands seeking expert medical advice.</p>

<p>By education I am a political scientist and specialist in PR. However, knowledge and experience in my present profession I gained at most prestigious academies in London such as Vidial Sassoon, SANRIZZ and in Poland preparing models for fashion shows and photo sessions. </p><p>My inspiration to discover the mystery of an ideal composition - combining shapes and colours- comes form the observation of nature, the complexity of the forest and flowers. </p><p>I believe the most important thing is the natural beauty that shown in the right way gives strength and helps to discover the true source of feminity, sensitivity and uniqueness in each of us. My work is a continuous inspiration for me as each individual client is a completely new, unusual story and unique beauty which I bring out thanks to professional colouring suited to the client&#x27;s personality and her complexion as well as individually chosen hairstyle.</p><p></p><p>The choice of colour and hairstyle is an important part of a person and her image, that is why in my work I put a strong emphasis on healthy and well-cared-for hair by using high-quality, organic cosmetics. I talk to my clients a lot and this way I recognize their needs and expectations which helps me to co-create the beauty of each one. </p>

<p>Tom Kurz is a seed/growth stage company executive operator and investor with 25 years of experience building and advising organizations in technology, entertainment and consumer goods. After receiving a Bachelor’s Degree from Tulane University and an MBA from Suffolk University, Kurz began his career at Lehman Brothers before moving into the world of venture capital.</p><p>As Co-founder and Managing Member of Remedy Products LLC, Kurz has led the company in research, product development and digital initiatives. Today, he drives manufacturing, marketing and sales operations across six states and has established himself as a product and brand innovator within the industry.</p><p>Previously Kurz organized Basin Sports LLC to advise investors on acquisition and equity growth opportunities in professional soccer within the United States (MLS, NASL, USL) and abroad (Bundesliga, Serie A, EPL). Kurz has also served as the Venture Capital Manager for Eagle Ocean Transport Inc. where he led the financings and helped launch several tech start-ups including Silicon Alley Telecom/Eureka Broadband, one of the original BLECs responsible for bringing broadband to major office buildings in New York and Los Angeles. During this period, Kurz also co-founded Themis Group, where he served as Chairman and CFO, transforming the company into a six-time Webby award-winning publisher of the Escapist and a globally recognized brand in the world of online games.</p><p>A man of varied talents, Kurz enjoys cooking, mixing music and playing competitive soccer and tennis. He currently resides in New Canaan, CT with his wife and three children where Monday night hotdogs are a recurring ritual during football season.</p>

<p>Michael Mitzman is a Brooklyn-based designer and art director. Prior to joining Earthfoam as its creative director, Michael worked with Rivian to design the first generation version of their mobile app.</p><p></p><p>Originally from Indianapolis, Michael moved to New York in 2010 and spent much of his early design career working with iris NY creating digital experiences and campaigns for a variety of clients. Moving on from there he started what would turn into a 7-year freelance career working with a wide range of agencies and clients, taking on projects where he can mix creativity and technology to create richer systems and experiences. In his free-time, he enjoys being disappointed by the Indiana Pacers, figuring out new ways to lovingly annoy his wife, and taking long evening strolls with his dog, Pork Chop.</p><p></p>

<p>After graduating with a degree in Science and Information Technology, Sri Lanka native Januka Karunasena worked for IBM Storage Solutions before transitioning into the natural rubber sector where he has managed international business development for over 18 years. Together with Karl Shevick, CEO and Founder of Earthfoam and Sleep On Latex, Januka worked to develop the world’s biggest Organically Certified (GOLS) small holder rubber farming group in Sri Lanka and became the world’s first Fair for Life Certified centrifuge latex and foam rubber manufacturer. With his manufacturing experience of foam rubber, Januka focuses on producing superior quality organic and sustainable latex foam rubber for Earthfoam.</p>

<p>Ezra Shevick is the COO of Earthfoam, a sustainable sleep brand that raises the standards of quality, comfort, durability, and transparency within a misunderstood category. With a background in Business Administration, Ezra has collaborated with his brother Karl on several entrepreneurial ventures. After graduating from Chico State he worked as a Front End Supervisor at Whole Foods for two years. In 2013, he helped Karl launch Sleep On Latex, a foam mattress company that they continue to run together today, where he oversees the warehouse operations and systems. </p>

<p>Karl Shevick is the CEO and Founder of Earthfoam, a sustainable sleep brand that raises the standards of quality, comfort, durability, and transparency within a misunderstood category. An entrepreneur at heart, Karl got his start in the contract sewing industry where he gained manufacturing expertise and was connected with suppliers that first introduced him to latex foam and its merits. In 2013, he officially founded Sleep On Latex, a foam mattress company that he continues to run with his brother, Ezra. After years of building industry connections and a transparent supply chain, Earthfoam combines a pure design and ethically and environmentally-focused production to deliver on its promise of giving customers the sleep dreams are made of. </p>

<p>Jamie Banks spent many years as Design Director of Ready-to-Wear and Swimwear for iconic brands such as Kate Spade, Shoshanna, and Milly. She is a working mom of three young kids – she gets the struggle.</p><p></p><p>Her passion is designing for real women, and inspiring confidence through product. Like any good relationship, she believes that clothing should feel effortless and uplifting.</p><p></p><p>Jamie founded Change of Scenery because she wanted sophisticated, tasteful, and uncomplicated pieces and could not find them: Breezy dresses you can throw on between making breakfast for the family and checking email. Swimwear that makes you feel excited to head to the pool with your kids in tow or off to the beach with friends.</p><p></p><p>She has high expectations for her swimwear—and thinks you should, too.</p>

<p>Danielle ‘Danz’ Edmond</p><p></p><p>Danielle Edmond was born and raised in Waterford, a community in St. Catherine, Jamaica. To the naked eye, it would seem like an impoverished beginning, but it never felt like that for her. Danielle was raised and lived with her mother and grandmother where she went to church each Sunday, got good grades in school, was an athlete and a signed model. </p><p>She was signed by a local model agency Pulse, and served as Co-Captain for Jamaica&#x27;s national Basketball Team before migrating to New York for college. </p><p></p><p>While in college, the nickname Danz stuck because she loved dancing. Though she studied Healthcare Management and Marketing at Monroe College, modeling opportunities led her to South Africa and Zimbabwe, where she was introduced to the illustrious world of event planning in Johannesburg. </p><p></p><p>At 20, Danielle ditched the fashion scene to partner with Dr. Gwenzi (her mentor) in event planning in Joburg. A noteworthy event that she managed was the Lutan Fiyah concert in Zimbabwe. She served as consultant to various events in Harare, Zimbabwe and Johannesburg, South Africa. Realizing her knack for planning and strategizing, Danielle went on to establish her business Danz Distributors, LLC in 2013 which is the parent company of Stay Golden Cosmetics and uQueen Organics. </p><p></p>