Speakers _
Andrea Metcalf
[ Fitness Expert, Celebrity, Author, Host & Speaker ]
Andrea Metcalf is one of the America's leading fitness experts, celebrity trainers, and fitness entrepreneurs. She is one of the most respected and in-demand fitness trainers, workout expert, public speaker, nutrition coach and all-around health and fitness guru.
Let Andrea help inspire your audience with small changes that produce big results!
Speakers are local and nationally known entrepreneurs and experts in their fields.
This panel provides entrepreneurs with advice to help them find success in starting their own businesses.
Deb Lilly
[ CHIEF EVENTEUR ]
Entertaining & design expert and author, Debi Lilly believes in elegant and easy design ideas for all.
She is on a one woman mission to inspire, educate, and share her twenty years of celebrity party planning and stylist tips, tricks and DIY designs to elevate celebrations for any occasion, everywhere, coast to coast. These and more of her stylist secrets are shared in her book and magazine, “A Perfect Event”.
Debi was recently named Best Wedding Planners 2015 in the US by Martha Stewart Weddings, Top Event Innovator 2014 by Biz Bash, Top Pinterest Expert 2015 by Refinery 29.
Bela Gandhi
[ Founder and Director - Smart Dating Academy ]
Bela Gandhi is a dating/relationship expert, founder of Smart Dating Academy and a weekly media correspondent. She is a regular on the Steve Harvey Show, and frequently appears on the TODAY Show, ABC, NBC, Fox, CNN, WGN, Essence, Glamour, JET, Redbook, Men's Health and more.
Erica Beth Levin
[ CO-FOUNDER AND CEO | Cheeky Chicago ]
Erica Bethe Levin is the Co-Founder and CEO of CheekyChicago.com. Having launched in 2008, it is now Chicago's largest online magazine for the cosmopolitan woman. Erica is now humbled and excited to be running Reserve in the Chicago market, a digital concierge app by the Co-Founders of Uber and Foursquare, backed by Google Ventures and more. She is a proud member of Northwestern University's Council of 100, a hand selected group of Northwestern's most successful female graduates who come back to campus to mentor female students and young alum.
Kymberlee Kaye Raya
[ CEO | Big Shot Marketing & Founder of Fly Girl Dance & Fitness ]
Kymberlee is the CEO of Big Shot Marketing and the Founder of Fly Girl Dance & Fitness. She offers over a decade of digital marketing expertise and will showcase her high-energy personality at our expo - speaking on how to explode on social media and make your mark!
Mandy Fayne
[ Co-Founder | The Jolly Oak ]
In 2012, Jolly Oak began as a dream over coffee between two moms, Kim Strauss and Mandy Fayne. Both avid bakers, they wanted to work for a business that inspired healthy and delicious eating with wholesome and real ingredients for a busy lifestyle.
Jolly Oak’s journey began in their kitchens with a family granola recipe. This blog shares their real life recipe adventures.
Diane Primo
[ Chairman and CEO at IntraLink Global ]
Diane Primo is the founder and chairman of IntraLink Global (ILG) a next generation marketing and content firm, creatively interlinking content strategy, social media and technology. Prior to founding ILG, she led some of the top product marketing organizations in the country where she pioneered new products, processes and systems. These include Ameritech, SBC and CDW, as well as brands in the Quaker Oats portfolio. While she has headed integrated myriad marketing practices on both a large and small scale, it has always been with technology at the core of her efforts.
Laurie Dimakos
[ Lovely Dove Productions ]
In 1999, I was fortunate to start my sports marketing career in the world of figure skating. After the Nagano Olympics, I began working with Olympic Athletes organizing professional tours and clinics around the United States and promoting Champions on Ice tours.
In 2001, I left the skating business to start a career in the event planning and marketing, working with ISM (International Sports Management), connecting corporate executives and athletes at high profile sporting events. In 2003 after earning the title of Vice President of Sports Marketing, I was recruited to start a high profile client portfolio in Los Angeles for Stirling Sports and Entertainment Group. This gave me the opportunity to build a large athlete network, working with the Los Angeles Lakers, Peter Jacobson, The Golf Channel, PGA Tour Players, and many current and retired NBA and NFL athletes.
Summer Jackson
[ TV Segment Producer & Reporter; Adjunct Instructor; Event Host; Spokesperson ]
Summer Jackson is a Segment Producer/On-Air Talent at You & Me This Morning on WCIU-TV Chicago.
Beth Rosen
[ Creative Director at Women Driving Excellence ]
Beth K. Rosen is a leading edge Social Media strategist whose versatility and expertise in media and the promotional arts allows individuals and companies realize their full potential on Twitter, Facebook as well as through podcasting and blogging. Beth draws upon her vast experience as a radio, film and commercial producer to structure, implement and maintain highly focused and beneficial Social Media campaigns for businesses.
Dawn Jackson Blatner
[ National Food & Nutrition Expert ]
Dawn is the Author of The Flexitarian Diet (McGraw-Hill, 2009), Chicago Cubs Nutrition Consultant, Fitness Magazine Advisory Board, Co-Author Counseling Overweight Adults (ADA, 2009) and Retrofit Weight Loss Advisory Board.
Janet Mandell
[ CHICAGO-BASED FASHION BLOGGER & FOUNDER OF LUXURY DIAPER BAG LINE MIA BOSSI.]
Janet Mandell is a Chicago-based fashion blogger and founder of luxury diaper bag line Mia Bossi. She started Fashionaholic in 2012, where she shares her personal style and fashion finds. Janet's edgy, high-fashion style has attracted readers in the Windy City and worldwide. Janet has collaborated with brands such as Jimmy Choo, Topshop and Tiffany & Co.
Marlene Franke
[ Owner | Marlene Atelier ]
The passion to craft impeccably made custom garments has been in Marlene Franke’s soul since the age of 7 years old, when her mother would take her to a weekly sewing group in New Jersey to create suits and dresses together.
In January of 2014, Marlene bid adieu to the accounting world to purse her passion full-time and has never looked back. She has since dedicated her time to perfecting her craft and has studied pattern making and the art of true tailoring with a Savile Row master tailor. Today, Marlene designs and crafts each garment herself.
Anupy Singla
[ Author and Journalist ]
Cookbook author and journalist Anupy Singla is fast becoming one of the country’s foremost authorities on Indian food and cooking. She is the author of three books. Her latest, Indian For Everyone, which was released in October 2014, is a compilation of the most popular Indian recipes outside of India. From Spinach Pakoras to Aloo Gobi, Tandoori Chicken, and even key desserts - it's all in there. The recipes are authentic but then show you how to make them healthier, lighter, and even vegan and Gluten Free (GF).
Jane Monzures
[ Television and Radio Personality ]
Jane is a major market television and radio personality. Currently, she is the host of “Living Healthy Chicago” on WGN TV. Jane is a DIY features expert on several local news programs such as; FOX’s “Good Day Live” and WCIU’s “You & Me This Morning”. Jane also contributes her whip-smart personality to the weekly “FIVE on FIVE” feature in the RedEye newspaper.
Jane plunged into the world of couture with her own clothing line, JEM-Stone Design; check out her Etsy store. She developed and currently writes for SHOESGUYSFOOD.com and founded the LIVE. LOVE. LIFE. Foundation; an organization dedicated to raise awareness and funding for brain donation and degenerative brain disease research.
Susan Templeton
[ Founder | Stafford Wells Advisors ]
Susan Templeton is the founder and Managing Partner of Stafford Wells Advisors, a financial planning and investment advisory firm serving women, families and individuals going through divorce. Stafford Wells is based in Oak Brook and has offices in Chicago. Susan has been in the investment industry for twenty years and managed four investment firms, two of which she founded. Susan is a nationally known speaker on personal finance and recently co – authored a book titled “The Book for Entrepreneurs’ by Entrepreneurs” on the topic of financial planning and protecting ones assets.
Marsha Collins-Mroz
[ Global Real Estate Broker ]
Its business as usual for Marsha with real estate brokerage in Illinois and Florida, but due to the overwhelming demand for personalized consultation and advocacy on a grander scale, she now heads up a very hands on niche for national and international clients.
She is a global real estate expert and has the expertise to manage clients across the globe. She is a sought after expert and speaks on a variety of real estate topics.
Traci S. Campbell
[ Social Entrepreneur, Public Speaker, Author, and Radio Host ]
Traci S. Campbell is a social entrepreneur, public speaker, author, radio host, IT consultant and founder of two organizations, the C.H.A.M.P. Community Project and the Beauty In / Beauty Out (BIBO) Awards. The C.H.A.M.P. Community Project is a 501(c)(3) organization which aims to provide mental and emotional support education to single parents and their children and teens. The BIBO Awards seek to recognize dynamic women demonstrating leadership in their communities and celebrate “real role models”.
Catherine Aldana
[ Operations Director | AIR Aerial Fitness Studios ]
Catherine Aldana is a 500 Hour Certified Advanced Yoga Teacher in Chicago, Illinois. She is the Operations Director of the nationwide chain of AIR® Aerial Fitness studios and a widely sought after Aerial Yoga Teacher Trainer. Her purpose in life is to inspire integrative health and well-being through the transformative power of beauty, grace, and ease.
Mischaela Advani
[ New Media Technologist, Fashion & Lifestyle Blogger, Fashion Historian and Fashion Entrepreneur ]
She started boutique luxury consignment business Haus of Labels in 2010, and moved designer labels across continents with clients from Miami to Moscow. As the Editor of Big City Blonde, a fashion and lifestyle blog for chic urban femmes, Mischaela has worked with multiple global brands including Shiseido, Clairol, Herbal Essences, Benefit and Veuve Clicquot to create engaging, witty, and aspirational content. By profession she is a technologist and works for a global software company to empower communications professionals to make data driven decisions. Prior to this role, she worked as a social media analytics consultant working with brands like DKNY, Tiffany & Co, Patek Philippe. Mischaela sits on the Board of Directors for the Chicago Fashion Foundation and is a passionate expert on the intersection of fashion, media, and technology.
Maris Callahan
[ Director of Public Relations | Name.Kitchen ]
Maris Callahan is the director of public relations for Name.Kitchen, powered by Donuts Inc, an online hub that celebrates the art and science of naming. Previously, she owned a public relations consulting business and is also longtime food blogger. Maris regularly appears on local morning shows including CBS, WCIU and WGN, where she shares tips about cooking and entertaining.
Jill Motew
[ President/Founder | Zemas Madhouse Foods ]
Jill Motew is committed to using food as fuel for her whole family. A mom of five and self-taught nutritional cook and baker, she developed a line of gluten free baking mixes filled with good for you ingredients called Zemas Madhouse Foods. Zemas Mixes come in seven different flavors to bake up your favorite pancakes, pizzas, muffins and more. Jill’s hobbies include spinning, weight lifting, yoga and eating. On the side, Jill has established a Therapy Dogs International Chapter in Highland Park, IL, a pet-therapy group, focusing on visiting centers, camps and programs for disabled kids and young adults.
Marcie Wolbeck
[ Local Development Director | Cultural Care Au Pair ]
Marcie Wolbeck has proven herself as a local childcare expert, offering her childcare tips and strategies for work/life balance on WGN, FOX and NBC. A mom to 3 boys, host mom to a Mexican au pair and Local Development Director for Cultural Care Au Pair, she can be found at any event where moms and families are! Cultural Care Au Pair is the leading au pair agency for families looking for an affordable, flexible and intercultural childcare option.
Natalie Monterastelli
[ Executive Director | Bubbles Academy ]
Natalie is the Executive Director of Bubbles Academy, early childhood arts enrichment center and preschool, in Lincoln Park. She is passionate about pioneering new approaches to education and arts-based business. Her background as a musical theatre performer, improviser and educator has helped her to greet situations with flexibility and an open mind -- and definitely shapes her approach to parenting her infant daughter, Mira. Natalie has led improvisation workshops around the country and enjoys cultivating community while helping families find joy and humor in everyday life.
Shay Moinuddin, MHA, BSN, RN, CANS
[ Practice Manager/Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist at The Few Institute ]
Shay Moinuddin is a highly sought after skin care expert, who has over 10 years of experience in aesthetic medicine.
She is a Master Injector and has an extraordinary amount of experience injecting the most popular FDA-approved dermal fillers and neurotoxins on the market today. Shay is considered an anti-aging expert and uses combination modalities such as radio-frequency, ultrasound energy and laser therapy to give patients the ultimate in aesthetic enhancement. Shay is considered one of the top beauty experts in her field and prides herself on providing patients with safe and effective treatment options that preserve their natural beauty.
“As a skin care expert and practicing registered nurse, I know first-hand how important it is to have patient treatments performed by highly trained medical staff. Leaders and innovators in the field of aesthetic medicine offer a full spectrum of medical-grade cosmetic services and have proven technologies that provide the results patients want. However, patient safety must always be a priority, with the goal of providing patients with both safe and effective treatments that allows them to look and feel their best.”
Shay has a Bachelors of Science in Nursing, Masters of Science in Healthcare Administration and is a licensed Registered Nurse.
Brenda Arelano
[ Hair and Makeup Expert ]
Brenda Arelano has over 20 years of experience in hair and makeup. Having owned her own Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio and Boutique, Brenda excels in all facets of image enhancement. Using her skills in makeup and hair styling, she has worked with virtually every major television station in the Chicagoland area, including WMAQ (NBC5), WLS (ABC7), WBBM (CBS2). She has been the on set makeup artist for countless news programs
Lisa Payne
[ Nationally Recognized Fitness Writer & Celebrity Personal Trainer ]
Lisa Payne is a nationally recognized fitness writer and celebrity personal trainer, (having trained such clients as Jesse Spencer of NBC’s Chicago Fire). Her passion for building strength and confidence in others motivated her to start her own company, Lisa Payne Fitness in 2009. Now, she is a national fitness expert for Fitness Republic and is a spokesperson for Kate Hudson’s athletic clothing line Fabletics, ASICS America, LARABAR and ActivMotion Bar. She has been seen on CW’s Reluctantly Healthy with actress Judy Greer, Yahoo! Screen, ABC 7 Chicago and NBC 5 Chicago. She has also been featured in Women’s Health magazine, Prevention, Well+Good, Fab Fit Fun and Today’s Chicago Woman magazine. Her writing contributions include: Livestrong, Fitness Republic, Today’s Chicago Woman magazine, Cheeky Chicago, Fabletics and ActivMotion Bar.
Sharareh Drury
[ Award-Winning Journalist | Womensforum.com ]
Sharareh is an award-winning multimedia journalist in Chicago, and is currently the Editorial Director for WomensForum.com. She also is the creator and author of food blog OneGirlManyPlates.com.
Over the years, Sharareh has reported, produced and overseen coverage of breaking news, investigative stories and lifestyle pieces. Before coming to WomensForum, she reported for E! News, helped launch and manage content for youth-focused startup RIZZARR.com, and hosted live web shows on Spreecast.
She’s both passionate and writes often about entertainment, pop culture, food, travel and style.
Deanna L Nord
[ Principal | Nord Strategy Group ]
Deanna Nord, principal of Nord Strategy Group is a leader, writer, and creative strategist in the areas of marketing and communications, social marketing, healthcare, and corporate social responsibility (CSR). Deanna utilizes her more than 20 years of marketing and communications experience in the nonprofit, corporate, and government sectors to consult for individuals, nonprofits, small businesses and multinational corporations.
Deanna has worked most of her career in emerging technologies and markets. She’s been recognized for programs she’s led with awards from the Business Marketing Association, the Medical Marketing Association and others, She has served in executive roles within marketing and government agencies, and technology companies working with organizations such as AT&T, Abbott Laboratories; Fujitsu; Johnson & Johnson; Medtronic; Inc.; 3M Corporation; and government agencies including the Minnesota Trade Office; the Michigan Department of Commerce Manufacturing Development Group; and the Minnesota Department of Economic Development.