The Face of Community & Business: Recent Episodes
TFOCB Studios
Our mission to add value to people's lives begins with a new approach to community. Through our platform and podcasts we're able to feature professionals who have a desire to help and connect with others on a meaningful level.
Connect with them as they share their stories of successes, failure, hardships and triumphs. It's real, it's vulnerable and it's the dialogue needed to build meaningful relationships and communities.
In the latest episode of the TFOCB Podcast, we delve into the life and career of Alex Filin, a seasoned Mortgage Lender with Vybe Mortgage, whose journey is nothing short of inspirational. Alex's narrative is a compelling blend of leadership, mentorship, and personal growth that resonates with anyone striving to make a significant impact in their professional and personal life.
His story is a testament to the power of transformation through persistent self-improvement and learning. "I've always mentored somebody," Alex shares, emphasizing the intrinsic desire to give back that has guided his path from the sports fields of his youth to the boardrooms of today.
His professional ethos is deeply intertwined with his personal experiences. A former athlete, Alex brings a unique perspective to his role not just as a lender but as a coach in the mortgage sector. He draws parallels between the discipline required in sports and his current vocation. This philosophy underscores his approach to mortgage lending—meticulous, committed, and always aiming for improvement.
The episode beautifully captures Alex’s dual roles as both a practitioner and a mentor. He discusses the nuanced balance required to nurture and challenge his mentees, reflecting his deep understanding of individual needs. "Know your personnel," he advises, suggesting that effective mentorship is rooted in personalization and empathy.
Alex's commitment to leadership extends beyond professional advice, delving into the introspective challenges of self-management. He stresses the importance of self-reflection, a theme that recurs throughout his narrative. "Look in the mirror," he asserts, illustrating his method of self-accountability that has kept him grounded and focused.
Furthermore, Alex’s discourse is peppered with insights into the emotional landscape of leadership. He discusses the delicate art of balancing ambition with personal life, particularly as a family man. The anecdotes he shares about his upbringing and the stark contrast to his current life in America highlight a resilience that is both humbling and inspiring. His tales are a reminder of the diverse paths to success and the common challenges we face in striving for excellence.
One of the most poignant moments comes when Alex discusses the transformative impact of mentorship on both the mentor and the mentee. "I learn so much from them as they're able to learn from me," he explains. This mutual exchange of knowledge and experience is what he believes to be the cornerstone of effective coaching.
In addition to professional growth, Alex does not shy away from discussing the personal aspects of his life that influence his professional demeanor. His honest recount of the challenges he faces and overcomes, especially in raising his daughter in a world vastly different from his own childhood experiences, adds a layer of relatability that enriches his narrative.
This episode does more than just chart the career of a mortgage lender; it offers a blueprint for personal development and leadership that transcends industry boundaries. For anyone looking to inspire or be inspired, to lead or be led, Alex’s journey through mentorship, self-reflection, and disciplined leadership provides a valuable roadmap. His story is a powerful reminder that our greatest challenges can forge our most profound skills, transforming not just our careers but our characters.
In the latest episode of The Face of Community & Business Podcast, we delve into the journey of Ward Powell, a seasoned Wealth Advisor with a passion for financial empowerment and a penchant for life's deeper philosophies. This episode offers a treasure trove of wisdom and actionable advice, perfect for anyone eager to explore wealth strategy and personal development through the lens of an experienced professional.
Ward's career pivot from education to financial services is not just a change in profession but a testament to his commitment to impacting lives. His mission is simple yet profound: find money that people are unknowingly and unnecessarily losing and help them save it.
His approach to wealth management, however, is what truly sets him apart. Ward starts by listening—an essential, yet often overlooked skill in financial advising. He seeks first to understand his clients’ desires and goals before crafting a strategy that aligns with their aspirations.
One of Ward's most compelling insights is on the concept of money placement. He challenges the traditional safety net of savings accounts, especially when they swell into the hundreds of thousands. "That's not a good place to park your money," he asserts, highlighting the potential pitfalls of sticking with the conventional wisdom during unpredictable economic times. His perspective on financial safety is shaped by the harsh lessons of the 2008 financial crisis, enhancing his advisory with layers of caution and foresight.
Beyond financial advice, Ward shares stories of personal resilience and discipline. Raised in a humble setting, his drive to help others was kindled early on. His tale of being a young boy eager to help elderly neighbors across the street paints a vivid picture of his innate kindness and sense of duty—traits that have evidently guided his professional and personal life.
Ward's journey is also one of profound self-discovery and challenge. He discusses engaging in intense personal trials, such as a 40-day fast and rigorous meditation retreats, to test and expand his mental and spiritual boundaries. These experiences, he explains, have reinforced his belief in the human capacity to overcome obstacles and achieve great things. "There are no walls that you can't go through if you want to bad enough," Ward shares, delivering a powerful reminder of the resilience and potential within each of us.
For those inspired by Ward's narrative and seeking to make significant life changes, he suggests starting small—a lesson he learned transitioning to veganism over two decades ago. Incremental changes, according to Ward, are the foundation of lasting transformation. This approach can easily be applied to financial habits, where small, consistent adjustments can lead to substantial long-term benefits.
Ward's story culminates in a vision for the future centered around continued learning and helping others. His plans to focus on specific sectors like dental and executive financial advisement show his commitment to refining his expertise and maximizing impact.
This episode does more than just outline strategies for financial wellness; it serves as a beacon of motivation for anyone looking to enrich their lives and the lives of those around them. Ward's combination of financial acumen and life wisdom provides listeners with the tools to not only manage their wealth but also to lead a more thoughtful and deliberate life. His closing thoughts remind us that, regardless of our current challenges, growth and improvement are always within reach.
In the latest episode of "The Future of Community & Business," we delve into the life of Alex Iniguez-Mercado, a high school student whose narrative redefines resilience. Alex's journey isn't just a story; it's a beacon of hope, a testament to the power of positivity, and a roadmap for turning adversity into opportunity.
Born into a blend of Mexican and Puerto Rican heritage, Alex's life in Chicago has been anything but ordinary. His tale weaves through the struggles of homelessness, the loss of a sibling, and the challenges of growing up in a less-than-ideal environment.
Yet, amid these trials, Alex's spirit remains unbroken, his dreams undimmed. He candidly shares, "It's gonna be hard for right now, but there's always light at the end of the tunnel."
Alex's aspirations are as diverse as his experiences – from launching a clothing brand aimed at helping underprivileged kids to carving a niche in the automotive industry, inspired by his grandfather's influence. His vision for his clothing line resonates with his altruistic heart, "I want to provide clothing for kids that are not able to afford nice clothes."
His automotive dreams are equally poignant, sparked by childhood memories and fueled by a newfound passion for drifting, discovered through social media. Alex recalls the moment that changed his trajectory, "I downloaded TikTok... and there was this guy in this purple car sliding it. I was like, whoa, what is this?"
But Alex's story isn't just about dreams; it's about the gritty, everyday reality of turning those dreams into something tangible. His narrative is peppered with life lessons about responsibility, resilience, and the importance of role models – his sister being a prime example. "She taught me business always needs to be handled first," he reflects.
In a world where negative influences are rampant, especially among youth, Alex stands out. His ability to sift through the chaos and hold onto his morals is noteworthy. He advises, "You just have to put your hand out and say no. I'm not gonna sit here and feed off your negativity."
Alex's involvement with Somos Arte, teaching kids to paint and draw, adds another layer to his multifaceted personality. His journey from photobooth boy to future artist is as inspiring as it is surprising.
Alex's story teaches us that our circumstances don't define us. Instead, our response to those circumstances does. His life is a reminder that with the right mindset, support, and a dash of courage, it's possible to turn the bleakest situations into stepping stones for success.
In the latest episode of "The Future of Community & Business," we dive deep into the life and dreams of Kamilah Nolen, a college student whose narrative transcends the boundaries of music and personal growth. Nolen, a vibrant presence with a passion for sound engineering and DJing, embodies the spirit of resilience and authenticity.
Hailing from Illinois, Nolen's journey is not just a chronicle of a young musician but a testament to the power of personal truth and perseverance.
Her story begins in the suburbs of Brookfield and Broadview, where she discovered her love for music production in elementary school. Nolen shares, "I started making beats in fifth grade...it was about expressing myself, finding a rhythm in the chaos."
Nolen's narrative is a beacon of inspiration, highlighting the importance of embracing one’s identity. She recalls how music, particularly 90s hip hop, served as a lens to view the world, shaping her perspective and fostering a deep sense of empathy and understanding. "Music taught me about my environment, emotions, and more importantly, about being true to myself," she reflects.
The essence of Nolen's message lies in the concept of 'glam hop' - a unique blend of hip hop culture with a touch of glamour, emphasizing authenticity and resilience.
It's a movement encouraging self-acceptance and harnessing one's inner light for positive change. "Glam hop is about being comfortable in your own skin," Nolen asserts, "It's about using your voice and platform to make a difference."
What sets Nolen apart is her profound understanding of the impact of social perception and her advocacy for self-reliance and inner strength.
She advises, "Care less about others' opinions...it's about what you bring to the table, not what others think you should." This message is a clarion call for the youth, urging them to chart their own paths based on personal conviction rather than societal expectations.
Nolen's story is not just about music; it's about the journey towards self-discovery and the relentless pursuit of one's passions. She stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration, a reminder that authenticity and hard work pave the way for true success.
In a recent episode of The Event Producers Network, host Estefania Galvan sat down with event producer Ashley Wolve to delve into the world of event production and tap into Ashley's wealth of knowledge and experience. The conversation was nothing short of inspiring, as Ashley shared her personal story and provided valuable insights for anyone looking to unleash their creativity.
One of the key takeaways from the episode was the importance of building a great team. Ashley emphasized the need to surround yourself with individuals who complement your strengths and fill in the gaps where you may be lacking. "You have to have people that complete certain aspects of you that could be lacking," she explained. Trusting and leaning on your team is crucial in achieving success in the event production industry.
Ashley's journey in the field of event production has been filled with exciting moments, but one of the most memorable was the Future Gallery project with Art Basel.
Despite the challenges they faced, Ashley and her team accomplished remarkable feats in a short amount of time. Their success not only opened doors for future collaborations but also showcased the changing landscape of the creative industry.
Reflecting on the industry's evolution, Ashley acknowledged the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced event producers to explore new avenues such as virtual and web three experiences. However, she believes that the industry is now entering a renaissance period, akin to the modern-day Roaring Twenties.
Events are becoming more elaborate, flamboyant, and immersive, aiming to tap into all the senses of attendees. Ashley envisions a future where stepping into an event is like entering a new world, captivating and overwhelming in the best possible way.
Throughout the episode, Ashley shared valuable lessons that event producers and individuals in any creative industry can benefit from. She highlighted the importance of taking time for oneself and nurturing personal relationships, as event production can become an all-consuming endeavor. "Allow yourself to have those times.
Allow yourself to take a step back and focus on yourself and focus on your family and focus on your friendships," Ashley advised. Balancing work and personal life is crucial for long-term success and overall well-being.
This episode of The Event Producers Network offered a glimpse into the fascinating world of event production through the eyes of Ashley Wolve. Her journey, experiences, and insights provided valuable lessons for event producers and creatives alike. As you navigate your own path, remember Ashley's words of wisdom: "Keep going. Allow yourself to have those times. Experience life, not just create platforms for others to experience life." With determination, a great team, and a touch of flamboyance, you can unleash your creativity and make a lasting impact.
In the latest episode of "The Face of Community and Business Podcast," we had the privilege of delving into the world of permanent makeup through the incredible story of Vero Perez. A master in her craft, Vero not only shared her journey as a permanent makeup artist but also unveiled a deeper message that transcends beauty itself.
Vero's path to becoming a renowned artist was not without its challenges. She navigated through trials and tribulations, staying true to her passion and persevering against all odds. Her dedication and unwavering belief in herself propelled her to heights of success that seemed unimaginable.
As Vero narrated her story, one could feel the immense power of her words. She emphasized the importance of believing in oneself and the impact it can have on our lives. "All you need is for someone to tell you, 'I believe in you,'" Vero expressed passionately. Her journey serves as a reminder that with determination, support, and a touch of faith, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve greatness.
Beyond the surface level of her profession, Vero's artistry resonates on a much deeper level. She views her work as a means of empowering others, enabling them to embrace their natural beauty and boost their self-confidence. Her vision extends far beyond the strokes of her brush; she aims to inspire women to embrace their unique stories and celebrate their individuality.
Vero touched upon the significance of community and the influence it can have on our lives. She highlighted the need for support systems that foster growth and belief in one another. "We all have the same kind of beliefs. We all have the same kind of goals, or aspirations to be more," Vero affirmed. It's a powerful reminder that the people we surround ourselves with can shape our mindset, goals, and ultimately, our success.
Vero's profound spiritual connection also played a pivotal role in her journey. She described spirituality as her driving force, deeply rooted in her belief in God and the universe. This newfound spirituality brought her peace, allowing her to break free from relationships that no longer served her growth. By aligning her beliefs and habits, she found a harmonious balance between her spiritual self and the demands of the business world.
As we reflect on Vero's story, there are valuable lessons we can incorporate into our own lives. Firstly, it's essential to believe in ourselves, recognizing the potential within us to achieve greatness. Secondly, we should surround ourselves with a supportive community that shares our values and aspirations. Lastly, embracing our spirituality can provide us with a sense of peace and guide us through life's challenges.
Vero Perez's journey as a permanent makeup artist goes beyond enhancing beauty; it's a testament to the power of self-belief, community, and spirituality. Her story encourages us to embrace our unique paths, find strength in our personal stories, and be the best versions of ourselves. As we uncover the artistry within us, we can inspire and uplift others, creating a community of influence that adds value to the world.
Vero's remarkable journey as a permanent makeup artist serves as an inspiration to all. Through her story, we learn the importance of self-belief, supportive communities, and the harmony between spirituality and personal growth. As we reflect on her words, let us embrace our own unique paths and empower others through our artistry, both inside and out.
Sarah Fraggis, the CEO of FilterLESS Era, is on a mission to help women and men discover the natural practices that can slow down the aging process without expensive cosmetic procedures. Fraggis knows the struggle of being a busy single mother and set out to develop the highest quality products that are elegant yet affordable. Her skincare line delivers real, tangible results, satisfying clients across the country and now internationally.
Fraggis' journey to success is not without obstacles. She faced numerous challenges as a single mother, but her determination to provide for her family fueled her to start her own business. She wanted to create a product that would help others who faced similar struggles. Her passion for natural skincare, combined with her background in the beauty industry, led her to develop a line that was both affordable and effective.
"Everyone deserves to feel beautiful, and that shouldn't come at a high price," Fraggis said.
FilterLESS Era's skincare systems are designed to provide effective and natural results. The products are made with high-quality ingredients, free from harmful chemicals and additives, making them safe for all skin types. The company's focus on natural ingredients has garnered positive testimonials from customers who have seen real results.
Fraggis' journey is not only inspiring, but it also provides valuable lessons for those looking to start their own business or pursue their passions. Her story is a testament to the power of determination, hard work, and the willingness to take risks.
"Starting a business is never easy, but it's important to believe in yourself and your ideas," Fraggis said. "If you have a passion for something, pursue it with everything you have."
Fraggis' advice is applicable to any industry or career path. Whether you're starting a business or looking to climb the corporate ladder, believing in yourself and your ideas is crucial. Fraggis' passion for natural skincare is evident in her products, and it's what sets her apart from competitors in the industry.
Sarah Fraggis and FilterLESS Era are revolutionizing the beauty industry with their affordable and effective natural skincare products. Her story is a reminder that with hard work, determination, and a passion for your craft, anything is possible. As Fraggis said, "Never give up on your dreams, and always believe in yourself."
Have you ever found yourself staring blankly at a wine list, unsure of what to order or even where to start? Wine can be intimidating, but Level 4 Sommelier Evie Olson is here to help demystify the world of wine and share her journey to the top of her profession.
Olson's journey began as a server in a restaurant where she was first introduced to the art of pairing food and wine. She fell in love with the complexity and nuance of wine and decided to pursue it as a career.
After years of studying and working in the industry, Olson achieved the coveted Level 4 Sommelier designation, making her one of the most knowledgeable and skilled wine experts in the world.
One of the key takeaways from Olson's story is the importance of persistence and hard work in achieving your goals. Becoming a Level 4 Sommelier is no easy feat, and Olson had to put in countless hours of studying and tasting to reach the top of her profession.
But through her dedication and passion for wine, she was able to achieve her goals and is currently pursuing the title of Master Sommelier.
Another lesson from Olson's story is the importance of curiosity and a willingness to learn. Despite her extensive knowledge and expertise, Olson is always eager to try new wines and expand her palate. She encourages others to do the same and to not be afraid to ask questions and seek out new experiences.
In addition to sharing her personal story, Olson also offers practical tips for those looking to learn more about wine. She emphasizes the importance of understanding your own preferences and tastes, as well as the basics of wine regions and grape varieties. She also encourages listeners to experiment with food and wine pairings to discover new flavor combinations.
Evie Olson's story is one of perseverance, curiosity, and a passion for excellence. Whether you're a wine connoisseur or a novice just starting to explore the world of wine, her insights and expertise are sure to inspire and inform.
So the next time you find yourself staring at a wine list, remember the lessons of Evie Olson and take a chance on something new – you just might discover your new favorite wine.
Have you ever found yourself staring blankly at a wine list, unsure of what to order or even where to start? Wine can be intimidating, but Level 4 Sommelier Evie Olson is here to help demystify the world of wine and share her journey to the top of her profession.
Olson's journey began as a server in a restaurant where she was first introduced to the art of pairing food and wine. She fell in love with the complexity and nuance of wine and decided to pursue it as a career.
After years of studying and working in the industry, Olson achieved the coveted Level 4 Sommelier designation, making her one of the most knowledgeable and skilled wine experts in the world.
One of the key takeaways from Olson's story is the importance of persistence and hard work in achieving your goals. Becoming a Level 4 Sommelier is no easy feat, and Olson had to put in countless hours of studying and tasting to reach the top of her profession.
But through her dedication and passion for wine, she was able to achieve her goals and is currently pursuing the title of Master Sommelier.
Another lesson from Olson's story is the importance of curiosity and a willingness to learn. Despite her extensive knowledge and expertise, Olson is always eager to try new wines and expand her palate. She encourages others to do the same and to not be afraid to ask questions and seek out new experiences.
In addition to sharing her personal story, Olson also offers practical tips for those looking to learn more about wine. She emphasizes the importance of understanding your own preferences and tastes, as well as the basics of wine regions and grape varieties. She also encourages listeners to experiment with food and wine pairings to discover new flavor combinations.
Evie Olson's story is one of perseverance, curiosity, and a passion for excellence. Whether you're a wine connoisseur or a novice just starting to explore the world of wine, her insights and expertise are sure to inspire and inform.
So the next time you find yourself staring at a wine list, remember the lessons of Evie Olson and take a chance on something new – you just might discover your new favorite wine.
Danny O'Donoghue, a successful real estate broker, is a firm believer in building and nurturing relationships as the key to success in business. His story is one of perseverance, hard work, and dedication to his craft.
Danny began his career in real estate as a young man, fresh out of college. He started at the bottom, working as an assistant to a top real estate broker. It wasn't easy, but he was determined to learn everything he could about the business. He knew that if he wanted to succeed, he had to be willing to put in the time and effort.
Over the years, Danny worked his way up the ladder, learning the ins and outs of the real estate business. He developed a reputation as a hard worker and a reliable broker, someone who always put his clients' needs first. He also understood the importance of building relationships, both with his clients and with other professionals in the industry.
Danny's philosophy is simple: success in real estate is all about relationships. He believes that building trust and establishing a rapport with his clients is the key to closing deals. He also knows that maintaining relationships with other professionals in the industry is important for referrals and future business opportunities.
Danny's success is a testament to his philosophy. His business is built on a foundation of trust and mutual respect. He takes the time to get to know his clients, to understand their needs and goals, and to guide them through the often-complicated process of buying or selling a property.
Danny's story offers several valuable lessons for aspiring professionals and entrepreneurs. First and foremost, success in any industry requires hard work and dedication. Danny worked tirelessly to build his business and establish his reputation as a top broker.
Secondly, relationships are key to success in business. Danny's success is a direct result of his ability to build and maintain strong relationships with his clients and with other professionals in the industry. Aspiring professionals should focus on developing their relationship-building skills, as they will be critical to their success.
Finally, it's important to remember that success takes time. Danny's journey to success was not easy, and he encountered many obstacles along the way. But he persevered, and his hard work paid off in the end.
Eric Boss is a name that is synonymous with the most memorable parties in Chicago. As a nightlife promoter, he is known for his ability to create unforgettable experiences that keep people coming back for more. In this episode of "The Face of Community and Business," Eric shares his personal journey and the secrets behind his success.
Eric's career in nightlife began when he was just 19 years old. He started out as a club promoter in his hometown of Chicago and quickly realized that he had a knack for bringing people together. As he gained more experience, he began to develop his own unique style that set him apart from other promoters.
One of the key lessons that Eric shares is the importance of building relationships. He emphasizes the need to connect with people on a personal level, rather than just treating them as customers.
By taking the time to understand their interests and preferences, Eric is able to create events that are tailored to their needs.
Another important aspect of Eric's success is his attention to detail. He believes that the little things matter and that it's the small touches that make a big difference. From the music selection to the lighting and decor, Eric pays close attention to every aspect of the event to ensure that it exceeds his guests' expectations.
But perhaps the most valuable lesson that Eric shares is the importance of persistence. He explains that success doesn't come overnight and that it takes hard work, dedication, and a willingness to learn from failures. Eric has faced his fair share of challenges over the years, but he has always remained focused on his goals and continued to push forward.
Eric Boss is a true master of his craft. His ability to create unforgettable experiences is a testament to his passion and dedication.
By building relationships, paying attention to detail, and staying persistent, Eric has become one of the most successful nightlife promoters in the business. Whether you're an aspiring professional, entrepreneur, or community leader, there are valuable lessons to be learned from Eric's story.
Jennie Raymer is a mortgage lender and our most recent member to join the lineup of Podcast Co-Hosts on The Face of Community & Business. Jennie talks about her upbringing in Gurnee, Illinois, where she was born to parents who were both teachers.
Despite not having a lot, Jennie grew up surrounded by love, music, and spiritualness, which has had a profound impact on her life.
Jennie's journey to self-awareness started when she began acknowledging who she wanted to be and taking accountability for her actions. She wanted to be more than just a good person in words but in deeds. This realization has been the driving force behind her passion and has helped her become the woman she is today.
Jennie has been in the mortgage and business industry for many years, having started in the auto industry and worked her way up. She understands consumer loans and has extensive experience in the residential mortgage sector. Jennie's journey has not been without challenges, particularly in male-dominated industries.
She had to learn how to be unapologetically herself, speak her mind, and choose the words she wanted to say. Jennie has overcome the challenges she faced and has become more resilient and able to navigate uncomfortable waters.
Jennie talks about the difference between men and women's work experiences, particularly as a mother of three. Jennie's journey is a testament to the power of self-awareness and determination. She has shown that it is possible to be successful in a male-dominated industry while still being true to oneself.
Jennie's story is a source of inspiration and motivation for anyone looking to break into any industry. Her advice to young women is to be unapologetically themselves, to speak their minds, and to choose the words they want to say.
She encourages young women not to allow others to dictate who they should be based on their perception. Jennie's story is a reminder that one's upbringing and past experiences can shape one's present and future.
Jennie's story is a powerful reminder that determination, resilience, and self-awareness are key to achieving success in any industry. Jennie's journey is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and the willingness to be true to oneself. Her story is an inspiration to anyone who is looking to break into any industry and is a reminder that with the right mindset, anything is possible.
Jaymi Block, the newest co-host on The Face of Community and Business, has an inspiring story that put her on a path towards a career in real estate; after a car accident changed her course.
She is a mother of four and has an impressive career, with several business partnerships. In this episode, Jaymi talks about her journey and the spiritual awakening that led her to a deeper understanding of life.
Jaymi grew up in the southwest suburbs and had never left the area until recently. She moved to the city, where she felt she belonged, but love brought her there, and now she focuses on self-love. Jaymi believes that everything we go through is part of the journey and happens for a reason.
Jaymi is a deep conversationalist and prefers to have conversations that are not superficial. She is on a spiritual journey that began when she was a child, as she was brought up in a conflicting religious background.
Jaymi believes that her spiritual journey started from pain, and she began asking questions about life's purpose and what we are here for. She understands that spirituality can mean different things to different people, and it is becoming more prevalent in today's society.
Jaymi and the host of the podcast, Jenny, connected on a deeper level, as they both went through breakups and were trying to understand themselves and life from a different lens.
Jaymi's story is an inspiration to anyone who is going through difficult times and looking to come out on the other side stronger and more aware. Her focus on self-love and spirituality is a testament to her strength and resilience.
As a co-host of The Face of Community and Business Jaymi brings a unique perspective and experience to the table, and her interviews are sure to be insightful and inspiring.
In this episode of "The Face of Community and Business Podcast," attorney Mark Grzymala joins the host to discuss his journey from being a high school radio DJ to practicing law and advocating for human rights.
Mark is a passionate music enthusiast and wonders how he ended up in law instead of pursuing a career in broadcasting. Mark explains that while he enjoyed being a DJ, he saw it as more of a fun hobby and believed that a career in law would allow him to help people, which is also a passion of his.
Mark's passion for advocacy began in college when he majored in political science and became interested in international relations and security issues. He went on to law school, where he focused on human rights law and worked on a case involving human trafficking.
Since then, he has continued to work with a focus on providing assistance and value to his clients and has been involved in advocacy efforts in his community.
Mark's passion for helping others may have been influenced by his upbringing as the oldest of three siblings. Mark agrees, saying that he always felt responsible for looking after his younger brother and sister and making sure they were safe.
Throughout the episode, Mark emphasizes the importance of pursuing one's passions, whether it's music or law or anything else. He believes that doing what you love is key to finding fulfillment in life and encourages others to follow their passions as well.
As the newest co-host on the podcast platform, Mark is excited to interview others and get to know the community of influencers. He sees it as an opportunity to learn from others and share their stories with a wider audience.
Mark's journey from high school DJ to human rights advocate and attorney is a testament to the power of following one's passions and pursuing a career that aligns with one's values. His dedication to helping others and his enthusiasm for music and advocacy make him a valuable addition to our Influencer Society™.
Discover the story of Ramiro Muñoz, a real estate developer from Mexico and his journey through college, architecture, and real estate.
Ramiro Muñoz is a man of many worlds. Born in Mexico, raised in northern Indiana, and educated in Miami and Rome, Ramiro has lived in Chicago for the past 14 years. He has always had a passion for architecture, engineering, and art, and his education allowed him to pursue these interests. However, after entering the workforce, he quickly realized that his dream of designing beautiful buildings was not quite as fulfilling as he had imagined.
Despite this realization, Ramiro has built a successful career in property management and real estate development. His hard work and determination have been inspired by his parents, who embody the values of work, faith, and sacrifice.
Ramiro's grandfather was also a significant influence on him. A patriarch of the family, he was a successful real estate developer who instilled in his children and grandchildren a love for the land and a strong sense of family.
Ramiro's roots run deep, as his family comes from a small town in Mexico that is known for its natural hot springs and Mexican healers. This magical place is where Ramiro learned about the power of spirituality and how it can heal both the body and the soul.
Ramiro has been blessed with the ability to adapt to many different worlds, from the red state of Indiana to the blue state of Illinois, from the University Club to the mountains of Mexico.
Ramiro's respect for Bruce Lee has also influenced his life. Lee's famous quote, "empty your mind. Be formless. Shapeless be like water," has stayed with Ramiro, reminding him to be flexible and adaptable to all of the different worlds he encounters.
Ramiro Muñoz is a man who has lived a life full of diversity and challenge. He has learned the importance of family, faith, and hard work, and he has used these values to build a successful career in the world of real estate.
He has the unique ability to adapt to different worlds, and he uses this skill to bring different perspectives to the table in his business dealings and personal life. Ramiro's life story is a testament to the power of determination, hard work, and the values instilled in us by our families.
Zachary Koran joins us on The Face of Community & Business Podcast to discuss the start of his business, Dwellish, which partners with landlords to design, stage, and host Airbnb properties.
He and his girlfriend began the business this summer and have already gained almost five properties under their management. Dwellish takes care of the design and staging of the properties to make them Airbnb-ready and handles the hosting and management of the rentals.
They are planning to add more in the near future, particularly as the spring market approaches and travel to Chicago, where they are based, becomes more popular.
Zach also opens up about the impact of his recovery from substance abuse and his relationship with his son. He attributes the tools he has gained from recovery with helping him grow exponentially in all areas of his life, including as a father.
He is able to be more honest, less reactive, and better able to understand and be supportive because of the skills he has learned in recovery. He also discusses the importance of addressing emotions and creating connections in the brain that help individuals want to address them, rather than running from them.
Zach advises others who are struggling with substance abuse and trying to be responsible parents to seek out support and recovery resources.
Tune in to hear more on how Zach has grown with the experiences he’s gone through both personally and professionally and the wisdom gained from them.
On this episode of the Face of Community & Business Podcast, Alicia Dale discusses her childhood growing up in the Brighton Park neighborhood of Chicago to her career in ghostwriting. She comes from a family of five children, with her father immigrating to the United States from Lithuania in the 1950s.
Alicia and her siblings grew up in a hardworking family, with both her mother and father working. The family values centered around work, school, and family. Alicia mentions that she started working at a young age and that the women in her life, including her mother, godmother, and aunt, were all working women.
“We all did it because there was an economic need for sure. There was money for school, but there wasn't money for anything extra.If there was something that was extra, we were expected to find a way to do it; and we did.”
Alicia discusses the transformation of the publishing industry and the various options available to authors today. She has chosen to focus on writing for leaders, lawyers, and changemakers, and defines a changemaker as someone who is in it for the long haul and works to build something new over time, rather than just causing change and then moving on. She talks about the importance of tenacity and experiencing failures in order to achieve success.
“As you work with successful people, you see that overnight success is a myth.Ten years is about right and it takes time to build something new, it takes tenacity and it takes lots of failures and rebuilding.
I've experienced it myself and, and I enjoy hearing stories of people who are doing good things.”
Tune in to hear more about Alicia and her journey into ghostwriting and her new venture in Podcast Hosting on The Face of Community & Business.
Abby Torres grew up taking care of others from an early age. Her parents, new in a country in which they didn’t speak the language, would rely on Abby to translate for them in matters of life and even finance. It’s no surprise that she’d find her calling in the mortgage lending business. “I remember my dad just saying, ‘I have to go to the bank.’ Every Saturday was the day we’d go to the bank. He would always take me with him and have me ask about this loan or about this and that. I was only like 10 or 11 and I didn't understand a lot of the stuff, but I just wanted to make sure that my parents weren't taken advantage of. It was a lot of learning for me and I had to mature very quickly.”
Now the mother of two young boys, she’s made a home for herself in Chicago, but keeps close to her Mexican roots. Though she was born in the United States, she is deeply connected to her heritage. Something she shares with her children to help them understand who they are.
Yet more than her upbringing or roots, it’s how she views life that is the most meaningful to her. The lessons she shares with her kids are the same advice she shares with others.
“I try to tell my kids that your day is determined by your attitude. Sometimes my oldest one will fight me on certain things, then he gets mad and I'm like ‘You know, you choose that attitude and you choose to have that, your day will be determined by it.”
Navigating life can oftentimes be difficult and frustrating, but as Abby points out, it’s about having the right people in your life to keep you grounded and above all honest about yourself.
“We're all bound to have bad days when stuff happens. There are days when you have insecurities. I've had my many insecurities, and I still do, but that's something that I have to learn to overcome. Your partner, your friends, family, whoever it is for you, I think there always has to be that one person who's going to call you out on stuff. I don't think we all have that person where you're like ‘You did not just tell me this,’ but you love that person for telling you the truth.”
Tune in to hear more about Abby, her journey, family and the way she has found success in real estate, relationships and life.
Anya Rivtis is a Real Estate Broker with Jameson Sotheby's International Realty with a story that many American immigrants can identify with. Now also a TFOCB Podcast Host, she joins us to share her journey and she gained the confidence to create new experiences for herself. Born in Ukraine, she and her family migrated to America in the late 1980’s when she was 6 years old - migrating through Austria, then Italy, and finally Chicago. Leaving Ukraine so young, she only has little memories that have stayed with her - like being at her grandmother’s unique house and playing with her brother and friends at the park across from her childhood home. She attended a Russian/Jewish school, only speaking Hebrew for the first three years in the U.S. Not learning English means not making many friends.
Though Anya eventually learned English while attending American schools, communication was still hard - jokes, mannerisms, and how you express yourself have cultural differences.
But awkward moments helped shape her, and she overcame these cultural differences when moving back to the city in her late 20’s. That’s when her confidence came out and Anya learned how to stand on her own two feet and walk into new places by herself.
Her advice on making friends: “just have fun.” Not everyone is going to appreciate you or be your best friend, so follow your heart and be genuine. Show them who you really are and the rest will follow. People who need to be in your life and respect you will be in your life.
It took her a while to get out of her shell, but being in the city and building her confidence helped her meet new people no matter where she goes. That opens the door to networking and connecting people from all walks of life. She’s building a network of people, growing her business along the way
Anya also shares her thoughts on the war in Ukraine, and what she’s done to aid her home country. With the help of the United Nations Women’s League of America, she has been able to raise funds and ensure they go directly to the women and children in Ukraine.
Connect directly with Anya to donate through the United Nations Women’s League of America.
The Vice President of Tax & Beyond [a full service accounting firm providing a wide range of services to individuals, closely held corporations and nonprofit entities], Paola Meinzer is no stranger to overcoming adversity. Yet, in meeting Paola you’d never know that through her positive attitude on life. “I was raised pretty much by my dad, but then he passed away when I was 12. So, that's where all of the challenges through life started shaping who I am today. I always saw you have two options: the glass is either half empty or the glass is half full. So I was being a very positive person and this placed me in a position to start traveling the world.” When asked about where she drew her inspiration from, to create a positive outlook for herself, Paola is the first to express her gratitude for her faith. “I really started to get to know God and believe in Him and, and the promises that He had made to my life. I'm very thankful for that because that has shown me and kept me on the right path in life, and also to be very helpful and very positive. If we put our mind to whatever we want, have the right attitude and have the right beliefs and believe in a bigger thing than us. And for me, like I said, it's God.” Those beliefs led Paola to experience different cultures in her travels to other countries. It’s also what taught her to connect with others in a meaningful way. Leading her to create beautiful friendships wherever she goes. She took those experiences and found an opportunity for herself to use those skills when working for a Fortune 500 company. It was during that time that Paola began to grow her professional network and develop relationships within the community. She goes on to share how, despite loving the experience, she felt something was missing for her. “I was out there doing a lot of community outreach, being involved with different organizations and growing my network, which is very important. Every time I attended these events I was wondering like, okay, so I love this. I'm meeting all these people, but I think that we're missing something. We need a space that is catered for us ladies, Latinas who are like-minded. We need a space where we can come together to really feel welcome; feel like we belong. We love to feel we belong.” It was from that point that Paola set the wheels in motion to create L.E.E.N. or Latinas Executives and Entrepreneurs Network. With the help of other Latina Executives and Entrepreneurs, LEEN creates opportunities for Latinas to come together through social events and gatherings. Tune in to hear more about Paola, her journey, and the powerful network she’s created for Latina Executives and Entrepreneurs.
Carlos Gaytan, world-renowned chef, sits down with us on a special episode of The Face of Chicago Business to share his story. Carlos came from humble beginnings growing up in a small town in Mexico called Huitzuco, the inspiration for his current restaurant masterpiece in Chicago’s Gold Coast, Tzuco. Growing up in such a small town, it was difficult to dream big. There weren’t many examples of success. For Carlos, he didn’t always know he wanted to cook but he started washing dishes in a hotel to break into the hospitality industry. “Then from thereI tried to get to another restaurant early so I could learn to prep meals and things like that. So I was the first one there and the last one to leave.” An incredibly hard worker, Carlos learned so much from growing up his hometown and from his mother, his biggest inspiration. It’s these flavors that he strives to bring to Chicago and his cuisine. Like many chefs, Carlos was French trained and spent many of his early years cooking French cuisine to the point where he was running a French bistro, Bistrot Margot, that had become the best French restaurant in the icty for three years in a row. This laid the foundation for his two-time Michelin Star winning restaurant, Mexique. Fusing French and Mexican cuisines, Mexique was incredibly popular in its heyday, making Carlos the first Mexican-born chef to be awarded a Michelin Star. “Now we have six different chefs,” Carlos tells us. For Carlos, being an entrepreneur has always been about family. “I just want to have a business so that I can help my family. That I can make sure my kids can go to college and I can help my wife and everything.” After a decade of success with Mexique and a successful restaurant in Mexico that is still thriving, he’s moved on to start a new venture here in Chicago, Tuzco. And this is all merely a brief synopsis of an impressive resume. What’s even more impressive is the man himself and his story of success and blessings. Tune in to this episode of The Face of Chicago Business Podcast to hear more about Carlos Gaytan and the beautiful soul behind the award winning cuisine.
The Face of Chicago Business had the pleasure of sitting down with Alexandra Sossa. Alexandra is the Executive Director of FLAP, the Farm Worker and Landscaper Advocacy Project. FLAP is an organization committed to improving working conditions and opportunities for low-income workers and their households in the cannery, farming, greenhouse, landscaping, meat, nursery, packinghouse, poultry, restaurant, and snow plowing industries. Originally from Medellin Colombia, she’s been in Chicago since 2000. Growing up on a coffee farm, both of Alexandra’s parents had careers in law. Her father was an attorney who was always fighting for workers’ rights and representing farm workers. Meanwhile, her mother was a prosecutor working to defend low-income workers. This inspired Alexandra to pursue a similar career and she graduated from the Medellin University School of Law. After law school, she worked at the Attorney General’s office during the time of Pablo Escobar’s reign in Medellin. With her whole family in the business of protecting the law, it was an incredibly dangerous time. Alexandra shares how she had witnessed Escobar’s men separate the men from the women at a bar, killing all the men on the spot. Having a passion to fight for workers’ rights and knowing that would get her killed in Colombia, Alexandra moved to Spain where she had the opportunity to work with the Mexican Embassy. From there, love brought her to Chicago following her new husband who was studying in the city at the time. “Many people moved to the United States looking for the American dream. And my American dream was to be able to do something that I enjoy. To be able to fight for human rights. I grew up under the philosophy and the statement that you can be successful in life and you can try to carry on those who are not as successful.” She notes that Illinois is much more welcoming to the immigrant community than most other States. Tune into this episode to hear more about Alexandra’s incredible story, how she came to find FLAP and more about the work they’re doing on The Face of Chicago Business Podcast.
Chef Noah Zamler, currently the chef at The Press Room in West Loop, joins us on this episode of The Face of Chicago Business Podcast. Noah grew up in Southeastern Michigan in a small town called Beverly Hills. The youngest of three children in a Jewish and Italian family, Noah’s exposure to cooking and food came at an early age. “That passion really just came from my family. On one side it's a big Jewish family and on the other side, it's a big Italian family. So everything centered around cooking and eating. My earliest memories are being in my grandma's kitchen and helping her make cannelloni or holding out pasta to dry on my arms.” When Noah was only 11 years-old, his father passed away. Two years leading up to his passing, his father went blind and Noah and his siblings needed to grow up quickly. As he puts it, it was his “first stint” at making food for other people. Seeing what his family was going through, he wanted to find something he could do to ease the burden on everyone else. “I thought to myself, what's one thing that I can do that would take something off of everyone's plate? So I started making school lunches for my brother and sister.” By the time he was 14, he needed a job so he showed up at a restaurant to demand one. “You're going to give me a job. And they said, well, you're 14. You're not going to work here. And I said, well, I'll come into work tomorrow and if I don't do a good job, then you can tell me and I'll be out of my way. And I guess I did a good enough job that they let me keep coming back.” Since then, Noah has followed his passion for food. Growing up in the Detroit metro area, he shares how he was exposed to the farm to table movement early on. “What Detroit has that Chicago doesn't, is that there's so much open land in the city limits. So what started to happen is these urban farmers would come and buy up city lots and start farms. So the farm to table concept in the city became this, ‘you're not even going outside of the city, you were going down the street.’” It resonated with him how they were building communities of different chefs and different restaurants along with the farmers. It’s become a passion of his especially as he sees so many supply chain issues in the restaurant industry, Listen to this episode of The Face of Chicago Business Podcast to hear more about Noah’s story and his journey in the restaurant industry.
Angela Cox joins us on this episode of The Face of Chicago Business Podcast to tell us more about her story. Angela grew up in Peoria, IL, home of Catepillar, Inc. during a time when there was a lot of tension between Union Workers and management. Angela’s father was a UAW (United Auto Workers) working for Caterpillar and she recounts how at one point, her parents were raising four children on a $60/week strike salary. “It was a real indelible mark on my understanding of work, work ethic and loyalties and all kinds of things like that, growing up in that environment.” Angela discusses her journey of understanding her own internal wiring and how she’s now helping others with her company, Three Kindnesses, better understand their own wiring. “Wouldn't it be great if we all knew we all had our own sort of operating manual to go: ‘actually, that's not going to work for me because of these reasons.’ We don't have that. So, I think that part of the vision that has come to me and that's driving Three Kindnesses now is, can we just help people better understand their own wiring?” Along that journey, Angela has earned three English degrees (Bachelors, Masters, and P.h.D.) and has taught countless people in the classroom. Her goal was to become a college professor and a writer. You’ll have to tune in to find out where she ended up but as she eloquently quotes Douglass Adams: “I may not have gotten where I wanted to go but I ended up where I needed to be.” Listen to this episode of The Face of Chicago Business Podcast to hear more about Angela’s story, get into the discussion of empathy and how our brains are wired, and how she’s taken lessons over the years to apply those teachings to all aspects of her life. https://www.tfocb.com/tfocb-podcast/angela-cox
On this episode of The Face of Chicago Business Podcast, Odell Mitchell sits down with us and tells his story of growing up in the Illinois suburbs of St. Louis to an Entertainment Attorney in Chicago. Odell grew up in a family that was creatively focused. His father was a photographer for the St. Louis Post Dispatch, his sister went to Columbia College in Chicago to study music, while his mom has always been into dancing, painting, singing, etc. For Odell, it didn’t hit him until he was a teenager. At that point, he went on to study music business in college and became an artist himself. This laid the groundwork for his success as an Entertainment Attorney protecting his clients. “I'm the one who has the passion to make sure these things are done right and in the service of people's values so that it's still enjoyable, but also something that people see, etc. It is very much a place of advocacy and protection, both of the arts and the people who are proponents of them.” Odell shares his experience of being an entrepreneur and gives insight into what has helped him on his journey: “One of the things that I often talk to people about in my work and just in general, is being able to move in a way that is connected to your values. That's one of the things that really helps drive an entrepreneurial experience. If you know why you're moving in a certain direction or why you're drawn to things or why you're repelled by things, then it's not reactive.” Tune into this episode to hear more of Odell’s wisdom and about his experiences on this episode of The Face of Chicago Business Podcast.
Stephanie Welter is a Chicago girl through and through. Growing up in Jefferson Park with her siblings and neighborhood friends, everything about her upbringing, according to Stephanie, was pleasant. Her mom had a saying that always seemed to bring everything into perspective: “I know a bad day and this ain’t one.” “She completely formed my mindset, which I call the deathbed theory. It's everyday I picture if I was on my death, I would look back on today and, I’d just want one more normal day. One more day of my toddler crying and getting syrup on my good couch, you know?” Stephanie has taken this positive approach she’s learned from her mom and applies it to all aspects of her life. Everyone has challenges, but for Stephanie it’s about maintaining empathy but not letting emotion control her and always coming up with a plan. She also shares the beautiful story of how her and her husband came together. From growing up together as kids in the Northwestern side of Chicago never thinking they’d ever end up dating, to getting married, having kids and creating a beautiful life together. As a person who has dealt with anxiety and panic attacks, Stephanie shares her own personal journey of how she’s been able to constantly remind herself in those moments to take a step back and shift her mindset in that moment. She calls her process identifying her three gorillas: black, blue, and pink or as she translates it: worry, guilt, and dopamine. “If you give it a name, it takes away its power, but I gave it more than a name. I made them into gorillas.” Tune in on this episode of The Face of Chicago Business podcast to hear more about Stephanie’s story from family, to her career journey, to her advice on how to manage the tough things in life.
True unsung heroes are few and far between and Edgar Montiel is toward the top of the list. Growing up in Cicero as the oldest of five boys in a low income family, Edgar and his brothers found their after-school safe haven in the Boy’s Club of South Cicero. Currently the last standing Boy’s (only) Club under the Boys & Girls Club umbrella, it still only charges families $10 a year for their kids to be members. As someone who benefited greatly from the club as a youth, Edgar now is the CEO helping to give countless kids the same safe haven experience he coveted when he was their age. A neighborhood that’s often plagued with drugs and gang violence, the Boys Club of South Cicero gives them an opportunity to get their homework done, play sports with their friends, and participate in a variety of activities under the supervision of safe adults. The eldest son of a Mexican family, Edgar often had a lot of responsibility and restrictions put on him growing up. But, ever the explorer, as soon as he got the chance to try something radically different, he decided to attend SIU six hours away from home. The experiences he’s had both as a student and travelling the world by himself since has uniquely equipped him to support the kids he works with and their families. “How can we get help in every aspect? You know, it's not just here at the Club. We're going to help you with your application, this and that. We're going to keep in touch when you're in school. We send care packages to students at different campuses. It's for them to understand that we're still there for them. It doesn't end when you turn 19 years old.” On this episode of The Face of Chicago Business Podcast, hear more about Edgar’s stories from solo adventures to helping the youth of Chicago and learn how you can get involved and help the Boys Club of South Cicero. https://www.tfocb.com/tfocb-podcast/edgar-montiel
From a small town in Albania to Chicago, Andis Combi shares his story as an Eastern European immigrant turned businessman. Moving to Chicago from (at the time) communist Albania when he was 13 was no easy transition for Andis. Culturally, he talks about how the openness of Albanians made him very receptive to learning and understanding the culture of the U.S. However, there was still so much for him to learn and at the time, business was the furthest thing from his mind. He went from wanting to live a life in the Criminal Justice world based on what he would see on TV to finding a true passion for technology. Andis was bitten by the entrepreneurial bug and started taking risks and achieving success by following his passions. One of the most important things to him, though, is giving back: “When you come from a place where you don't have anything and when you've been poor and you learn what it takes to achieve certain levels of success, it's a different satisfaction that you get when you give to people.” For Andis is not about handouts but about giving people the opportunity to achieve whatever their dreams are. “We just want to provide a resource or a path for someone that doesn't necessarily have that Ivy league school experience or that fatherly figure at home.” Learn more about Andis’ story, how he marries his love of technology and real estate, and how he’s helping mentor the future generation of entrepreneurs on this episode of The Face of Chicago Business Podcast.
Cory Warfield’s incredible story begins with witnessing the St. Helens volcano eruption from Oregon at the age of two. Knowing from an early age he wanted to "be a boss," he immediately told his family he didn't want to live there anymore. That brought the Warfield family to Chicago in 1980. Traumatic life events in his teens led Cory to the streets of the West Coast where he was homeless for a few years starting at the age of 18. Over the next few years, his life was riddled with living off of scraps and run-ins with the law that eventually led to his ‘wake up’ call. After getting the crap kicked out of him, enough was enough. Working his way up from dishwasher to Sommelier over the course of a few years, Cory then went onto manage a celebrity hot-spot steakhouse in downtown Chicago. Only five years ago he waited on his last table to start his first tech company. Since then, he has helped raise over 15 million dollars and continues to not only build up his own companies but also help others build theirs. Corey’s story is one of fierce determination and humble inspiration.
Calvin Boyd may be a Michigan native but he knew from a very young age that he was destined to move to Chicago one day. After graduating from Michigan State University with his Doctorate of Law in 2015, Calvin realized that dream and established himself as an attorney in the Chicago Legal Network. He has worked across various firms over the years eventually starting his own, Boyd Law LLC in 2017 specializing in Employment, Real Estate, and Entertainment law. Over the past year or so, one of the most important aspects of his life has been his spiritual journey. For Calvin, that journey reflects itself in every aspect from work to family. In order to provide ethical counsel, he feels you need to be in that realm of connecting with your spirituality. In his personal life, it has brought him closer than ever to his 4-year-old son,Caleb, allowing him to be truly present and it has given him a deeper understanding of his son. When he works with people, he leads with his multi-faceted personality. In his words, he’s not “just an attorney.” The sentiment he echoes to everyone he meets is: “Be true to yourself and the things that are meant for you will be there for you.” Throughout his years so far as an attorney, one thing that has changed the most for him is his definition of wealth. While it was once defined by how much money he could make, he now creates his wealth by the impact he makes and the legacy he’s leaving behind.
After growing up in Johannesburg, South Africa, living in the UK and across the US, Rene de Coning and her family settled in Chicago. As the first one in her family to obtain a college degree, Rene is not only financially supportive but she’s the emotional, cultural, and spiritual glue that holds them all together. From humble roots, she has dedicated her life to supporting others on their journey to live their very best life. She’s currently the President and Owner of MustardSeed Insights, Inc. putting all her years of acquired knowledge from Corporate positions to work by coaching others in life and leadership. She’s a Certified Professional Coach and works on in-depth leadership programs through a collaboration with LMI-Chicago. Rene offers pro bono coaching for those who can’t afford it and is constantly blown away by the successes her graduates share with her after they finish her program. After her own kids graduated from school and left home, she and her husband, excited to start the next chapter as empty-nesters, moved into a beautiful 4-story townhouse while she was busy building two businesses and taking classes to get her coaching certification. Right after moving into their home, her husband suffered a devastating fall, fracturing his C2 vertebrae and was paralyzed from the waist down. The emotional and physical challenges have been overwhelming but through their combined passion, drive, and optimism, her husband continues to improve his dexterity. And throughout it all, Rene continues to provide her utmost support to others on their journey of discovery and growth and build her business. Rene will be the first to tell you she is blessed beyond measure.
Growing up in Evergreen Park, IL in the 70’s, Francine Poole’s daily life consisted of racial discrimition. She often found herself fighting boys at her school who tried to make it difficult for her to receive an education. Flash forward to today and Francine now owns and is the CEO of a business in the same town that discriminated against her during her youth. She has her company, Empire Property Management Solutions, and is a Licensed Real Estate Broker working on opening up her own brokerage this year. When she’s not working on either of those things, she is the Private Receiver for the City of Chicago Department of Buildings, Vitality coach for Women Entrepreneurs on Social Media, and is the Chairperson and Founder of the Non Profit, The Giving Hands Organization Inc. The latter helps women with workforce readiness, resume preparation, and clothes for job interviews . That doesn’t include the laundry list of certifications she holds and her recent appointment as a West Pullman neighborhood representative of the Chicago Association of REALTORS®’ Diversity committee, “the 77.” After going through a lifetime of her own struggles and obstacles, through everything she does, Francine wants to help others with their plans in entrepreneurship.
Being raised by parents who gave back to their congregation and community, Joy Decker was destined for a life of service. In high school, she volunteered for a service project helping children with significant disabilities that Joy credits as having a significant impact into where she is in her career, working with people with disabilities. Early in her career, Joy worked on bringing awareness to the mission that individuals with disabilities are people, first and foremost. Finding early that most were unfamiliar with or maybe even scared of others with disabilities, Joy says it’s still one of her greatest obstacles to overcome today. Her goal is to change the hearts of those in our community towards opportunities working with the kids, or volunteering on service days, that truly change the lives of those they’re helping. After working with other agencies throughout her career Joy was looking for a new challenge. What drew her to Esperanza was the sense of family she got from everyone there. Esperanza has since added additional services and now serves adults in their adult day program. They continue their learning, independent living skills, and offer vocational training. In addition, they work with artists with disabilities to curate their art at different exhibitions. Whatever art is sold goes directly to the artists themselves. It’s also been a great way for Esperanza to connect with the community and introduce them to the services they provide. "Esperanza Community Services began as a school in 1969, created in response to the lack of services available to students whose learning needs were not being met in traditional classrooms. Our founder, Guadalupe Reyes, was driven to help her son Bobby, whose developmental disabilities were caused by spinal meningitis. Guadalupe Reyes made Esperanza School a place where students with developmental disabilities found a solid foundation of education, support, and encouragement upon which they could grow." Esperanza’s annual gala, scheduled for May 10, 2021 will once again be virtual, but extending to a week-long celebration that includes raffling off a new Peloton. Registration is now open.
Shannon Sutton, a real estate broker at Baird & Warner, not only was a finalist for Chicago Agent Magazine’s Rookie of the Year 2019, she’s a current member of her company’s Chairman's Club. Impressive as her numbers are in only two short years, Shannon is the first to tell you that it took a lot of tough self-work to get here. Several years ago, she found herself stuck in a job that made her unhappy while simultaneously struggling through a difficult break up. After finally turning to a therapist and spending a few years working on herself, Shannon got to a place where she felt brave and whole enough to leave her job, travel for two months, and dive into the next chapter: real estate. Going through a rebirth into a new life, Shannon found a way to marry her passion for design with her newfound hunger for growing her real estate business. She consults with her clients as they search for and customize a home, designs her own marketing materials, and curates her social media presence. Shannon brings her love for helping others find the comfort and security of their own homes to her work with Habitat for Humanity. She volunteers at their West Pullman site. With this new life she’s building, the message she wants to encourage others to do is to challenge their own self-perceptions and let go of the things that aren’t feeding them anymore.
Orland Park native, Jennifer Hernandez is a self-made woman. Growing up in Chicago’s Southwest suburbs, Jennifer started hanging out with a rough crowd as a teenager and was kicked out of school. By the time she was 20, she was a mom to a baby girl, Destiny, and knew that she wanted to create a better life for her and her daughter. With grit, determination, and a lot of hustle, Jennifer set off to make her way despite being faced with adversity. Jennifer found herself trying to establish her career in various male-dominated industries from the car business to mortgage. At one point she worked in a community that was made up of people from a different ethnic background. She face discrimination from the neighborhood and the company she worked for at the time. No matter what life threw at her, though, she never gave up. Currently, Jennifer is a branch manager at her own Loan Depot location, committed to keeping her clients informed throughout the loan process, answering questions, and eliminating as much hassle as possible. In her free time, she sits on the board of The Love, Unity, & Values Institute and mentors the youth of the Chicago community.
A proud military brat, Carmen Urban lived in several places growing up before her family settled in Chicago. The baby of the family by at least 15 years, Carmen and her siblings came from humble beginnings and learned the value of hard work and determination. She finished her first year of college at Hampton University but could no longer afford to go. Even with student loans, it wasn’t enough to cover tuition. After doing her research, Temple University in Philadelphia seemed like the perfect fit. They had a much better financial assistance program and gave students the opportunity to study abroad. However, she still faced the issue of money; Carmen couldn’t even afford the cost of moving. This did not come easy without financial struggles for Carmen. She had to take a semester off and work hard in order to afford the remainder of her college years. Not letting this stop her or bring her down, she quickly created a strategy. The thought of not graduating on time with the rest of her classmates barely crossed her mind, because for Carmen, there was no alternative. Putting her nose to the grind, she graduated on time and with honors. After college, she found her groove for the first 10 years of her career in the financial industry as a licensed investment consultant, compliance officer, and investigator at the Chicago Board of Trade. Once she and her husband started their family, Carmen stepped down from that role and started her own pageant company: Midwest Natural Pageants. She traveled around the Midwest providing a stage for children to gain confidence, naturally showcasing their talents in front of large groups. It wasn’t until she went through the process of buying her own home that she fell in love with Real Estate and knew that’s where she had to be. Carmen services the Chicagoland area and beyond. She’s a member of the Saint Charles Chamber of Commerce, and serves on the board as Secretary for Women’s Council of Realtors. More than anything, she wants her clients to know that she’s a woman of her word. She delivers on her promises and takes pride in the quality of service she provides. Once you’re her client, you are her family for life.
Northwest Suburban native Nsenzi Salasini is passionate about helping small businesses succeed. It wasn’t always easy. After graduating from the University of Iowa, he ventured off on his own to start his own business. The first two failed but he didn’t give him. He knew there was a way. Through his hunger and research, he discovered online advertising and began to hone his craft as a digital marketing strategist. That drive and focus led to High Demand Marketing, his digital marketing company that he founded in his mom’s basement. Since its inception, he has taught over 20,000 entrepreneurs how to leverage online advertising to accelerate their growth. As a millennial and marketer, Nsenzi recognizes the power of social media when it comes to customer acquisition. He wants to empower his clients to garner that power to help them achieve their aspirations. Digital marketing aside, his primary goal is first and foremost to inspire the general public to aim higher and keep chasing the dream they desire.
Many people go through life not truly realizing what makes them happy and how they can turn that into a profession. Heather Bennett knows how that feels and decided to write a book about it based on decades of her own experiences. “Fun and Fulfilling Careers One Question at a Time” (on Amazon) was born from a passion of Heather’s to help people find the work they love so they can in turn give back and make the world a better place. A marketing strategist and personal branding coach, Heather is dedicated to helping businesses and professionals use social media marketing to build strong brands for their personal brand and their company’s brands. Her foray into social media came from a long and arduous recovery from ACL knee reconstruction. She used that time to earn her Social Media Specialization from Northwestern University. Always a person to take adversity and turn it into opportunity, she decided to leverage her capstone at Northwestern to work on a project that directly helped the nonprofit FHSR (the Foundation for Speech Rehabilitation). It’s an organization near and dear to her heart. They were there for her and her family when her youngest child was identified as DEAF and continue to support them today. A positive energy wherever she goes, Heather spends her time helping others whether it be with marketing their personal brands or serving on the Board of various nonprofit organizations to help uplift an often overlooked community.
Mike Wieczorek strives every day to over deliver value in every interaction he has so that he can leave people a little happier as a result. Putting his desire to see others happy into a profession, he found himself working in the mortgage industry. Today, he is the Vice President of Stonehaven Mortgage providing custom-tailored mortgage solutions to his clients. When he’s not helping hundreds of families find the right mortgage solution, he is hosting for Chicago on CNBC’s Financing the American Dream.
Chantill Fisher Greer is the type of person who never takes ‘No’ as an answer. A high achiever, Chantill has had far from an easy life. Growing up in a domestic violence, drug and alcohol addicted household, she didn’t face great odds of making it out of the “hood.” However, she put her nose to the grind and hustled her way out of the hood and into a successful career with Keller Williams Elite. In her real estate career she was able to cap with Keller in less than a year. She has turned difficult real estate situations into positive experiences and has helped countless people find their dream home. After going through her own struggles as a youth, she recently began donating to the South Suburban Family Shelter for Domestic Violence to help others who are going through similar situations she knows too well.
Nick Van Gorp knows that persistence is the key to having it all. Growing up in Schererville, IN with a learning disability, Nick was bullied to the point that he was concerned for his physical well being. During his freshman year in high school, he goofed off quite a bit and was almost kicked out. After realizing his dream of going into business, he turned his attention and motivation to getting into one of the best business schools in the country. He was told by the head of admission that there was less than a 1% chance he’d be accepted and that he would have to take the most difficult pre-requisite classes. Without a second thought, Nick put his head down teaching himself economic theories and accounting strategies. After seven months of hard work, he received that infamous call welcoming him to the Kelley School of Business. Since graduating from college, he’s risen up the ranks in the world of Real Estate boasting accomplishments such as Top Producer and Rising Star. Nick spends as much time as he can mentoring up and coming realtors helping them expand their business. The rest of his time is dedicated to Ronald McDonald House. After living there himself for his sister when they were younger, the community is near and dear to his heart. However, you won’t hear him talking about it often. As he learned from a Real Estate tycoon some time ago, “do everything in silence” but in Nick’s case, with the utmost persistence and perseverance.
Scott Frauenheim, the youngest of seven children, found himself in his small hometown in New Jersey in 2008 on a quest to find himself. After visiting a friend in Chicago and falling in love with the city, he took a leap of faith and made the decision to leave his large, close knit family. He quickly built up his confidence and friendships and faced one of the most difficult times of his life coming out to his friends and family as a gay man. Since that moment, everyone in his life has been incredibly supportive and he has fallen in love with our great city so much, he can’t see himself ever leaving. Throughout his journey of finding himself, one thing always rang true for Scott: he has a passion to teach young minds. He credits his strong draw to education and sense of community to his parents. They modeled what community, faith, relationships and success look like. While his mom is a female entrepreneur, his dad spent over 52 years as Vice Principal, Athletic Director, and Football coach at their hometown school. Following in his dad’s footsteps, Scott is now the proud CEO of a non-profit Charter School Management Organization, Distinctive Schools. He manages and oversees nine schools, five of which are in Chicago. The organization was designed to bring educational innovation and choice through a strong equity lens and strong staff/student and community culture. They serve historically marginalized communities specifically for grades Pre-K through 9th. A true people person with a deep sense of loyalty, nothing makes Scott happier than giving back to his community, whether that community includes his 30+ nieces and nephews, or the thousands of kids Distinctive Schools support. When he’s not busy managing all nine locations, he’s finding opportunities to volunteer, join advisory and fundraising boards, lead community service opportunities, and donate financially to students and families during difficult times.
A serial entrepreneur, Xavier Hernandez has been a hustler since the beginning. It hasn’t been an easy road for him as he’s tried his hand in various jobs and industries, losing his father to cancer along the way. Throughout all the ups and downs, he has always held on to his creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. HIs latest venture is BTEC Studios, “a social-entrepreneurship launch pad for people to prosper and succeed in the innovation economy.” BTEC does everything from curating videos and photography for brands and individuals to providing education on 3D printing or showing students how to grow their own sustainable urban gardens. Xavier is a true Chicagoan constantly finding creative ways to give back to the community that raised him. Most recently, he teamed up with an LA-based shoe designer to design his own line of Men’s footwear. He modeled his designs after his own Mexican heritage contemporizing the utility of the ancient Mayans. Both a multifaceted and multi-cultural individual, Xavier finds ways to showcase his Japanese roots as well. Xavier has his hands in many different jars from non-profits to for-profits but regardless of whatever project he’s working on at the time, he’s focused on helping others with innovating their processes through technology, workforce development, and economic development. One of his latest achievements has been learning how to pivot quickly, survive, and thrive during a Political-Covid Pandemic. Anyone who has or will have the pleasure of working with Xavier, he wants them to know that “No matter what life throws at us, as long as I’m in the boardroom, on the basketball court or on the battlefield, we are winning game 7."
Chrstine Gerling is a health coach focused on leading people to their optimal health that lasts a lifetime. After struggling with her weight all of her life and finding herself merely surviving, Christine eventually found Optavia that helped her transform her habits for lifelong success. She went from feeling hopeless that it was impossible to change her trajectory in life but has now gone from the mom on the couch to the mom on the run and more importantly from merely surviving her life to truly thriving. While she saw such great success personally and professionally after becoming a coach for Optavia herself, the real test came when her husband suffered a mental breakdown. A nurse during the COVID-19 pandemic facing both stress of the job and paralyzing fear of the disease left him spiraling. Christine locked into the habit tools she used in coaching to help the person she loved most. Her husband did drop 70 pounds but it wasn’t until he dove into the head and heart work that his health transformation truly reached his mentality. Through this experience, Chrstine leared so much about the many depths of health that are possible when people decide they are ready for a change. Christine today leads a team of coaches that have helped over 400 people smash their health goals. They teach others that it’s not about the number on the scale but the true transformation of their habits, mental health, and overall life. When she’s not helping others live their best life or wrangling her little boys, she spends her time in her Church community leading a small group of women growing in their leadership.
Kevin Davenport is a serial entrepreneur and author. A few years ago, Kevin had an investor for his mobile app. After putting in his two weeks notice at his job with nothing but high hopes for the future, he discovered that the investor was a fraud and had bad intentions. Due to this misfortune and other obstacles in his life at the time, Kevin found himself at age 29 moving in with his mom, sleeping on the floor of her one bedroom apartment. With his faith still tact, Kevin prayed and put all of his struggles down on paper. Once a kid diagnosed with ADD and Dyslexia, he now is a published author that sold over 1,400 copies in his book’s first year. He used his own challenges in life as motivation for starting his Non-Profit, The Ideal Candidate. It’s a nonprofit training academy that connects diverse talent to corporate partners. Since its inception, Kevin and the organization have won numerous awards including the Mayors Award of Excellence from the City of Aurora. It’s only been a couple of years since sleeping on the floor of his mom’s one bedroom apartment and Kevin has a successful nonprofit and his mobile app is finally launching March 1st, 2021. Carrying on his mom’s vision and legacy, Kevin is continuing to bring education and literacy to candidates seeking to find the right opportunities for them.
Born in Bulgaria, Nikoleta Morales immigrated to the U.S. alone at the age of 15. After accepting a scholarship to study in Fryeburg Academy, Maine, she moved to Chicago in 2009 and has called our city home ever since. Over the past decade, Nikoleta has proven herself over and over again in the field of journalism. She’s currently a freelance entertainment journalist for Cultured Focus Magazine and has interviewed a variety of A-list celebrities including Rene Zellweger, Marc Anthony, Mike Tyson, Eva Longoria, etc. She’s also in the process of editing and publishing her first memoir. Throughout her life, she’s overcome several eating disorders, depression, toxic relationships, immigration struggles and being a single mom. She turns the adversity she’s faced into motivation to help others improve their own life circumstances. Practicing meditation every day and focusing on a healthy lifestyle helps give her the perspective and spiritual healing that keeps her thriving in every aspect of her life. She spreads that healing to others through her volunteer work and mentoring young women journalists.
Jennifer Crowley left a 20-year career in the wine industry to find her true path helping others change their lives for the better. She took the lessons she learned as an executive and became a Certified Life Coach and Business Leadership Consultant. She’s inspiring change and helping small business owners become good leaders and create healthy cultures of success. Jennifer recently finished writing a book to inspire, prepare, and empower women to make changes in their lives. She includes step-by-step instructions to help them easily add healthful mental and physical practices and approaches to their lives. Currently, she’s working with a company to help her self-publish her book which should be available this Spring. Striving to be both a consultant and a coach to her clients, she instills in them the importance of summoning their inner strength to move beyond being stuck and put together plans of action to make important life changes. In doing so, she holds them accountable as they embark on their journeys. Jennifer takes her expertise and volunteers her coaching services to women who are motivated to make changes but have limited income.
Michigan native Tony Mattar first touched down in Chicago as a young student at Northwestern University. After completing his degree in Economics, he joined the Chicago Real Estate world learning as much as he could about the business as he rose up the ranks. In 2019, he and his business partner opened up their own Real Estate brokerage firm. He’s passionate about empowering his clients through education and invested in mentoring his growing team. Beyond the world of Real Estate, Tony invests his time in his other love: fitness. After his tenure as a college swimmer (and qualifying for the 2012 Olympic Trials) he transitioned to high intensity interval training and Olympic lifting. He found the best way to marry his two passions by creating a Charity organization in 2018 called The Men of Chicago Real Estate. Every year he puts together a swimsuit calendar of agents in Chicago to raise money for LGBTQ initiatives in the city.
Kaitlin Armor is on a mission to empower the salon industry. Chicago suburb native, Kaitlin now is the Salon Manager for Salon 1800 in Lincoln Park. It’s a full’-service salon with a team of 40 employees that she coaches to provide excellent services and achieve high goals. She wants to see the younger generation graduating from cosmetology schools enter into a career field with higher motivation, higher commitment, and higher salary expectations. Her dad serves as her inspiration, coaching and motivating her from day one to be a good businesswoman with strong values. It’s safe to say that her dad was successful in teaching her these skills. While Kaitlin was working at Nordstrom before Salon 1800, she set a company-wide record for the highest-grossing sales event in a seven-day period. When she’s not managing the salon and coaching her 40 person team, Katilin works with Direct Effect Charities. She organizes her staff to participate in Letters for Santa and their Backpacks drive. Despite the fact that this year those drives cannot happen, they’re still giving back and doing a gift card drive during the holiday season.
John Choi’s parents, like many before them, immigrated to the U.S from Seoul, Korea in 1976 to give their sons a better life. Since then, John has carved his way graduating from the University of Illinois and receiving his Masters in 2018 in Financial Planning from The American College. Over the years, he’s worked his way up in the finance industry currently serving as CEO & President of Ephiphany Capital. His current professional focus is providing tax-efficient retirement planning solutions while at home he’s busy raising three children to become responsible adults who make a positive impact on society. When he’s not juggling financial planning or duties at home, John thoroughly enjoys serving at his Church in the children’s ministry and volunteering to feed the homeless at a local shelter.
Born in Mexico City, Mexico, Ernestina Perez came to the United States with her family in search of greater opportunities. She’s spent most of her life in the U.S. as an undocumented immigrant, graduating from UIC in 2013 and with her Masters in Counseling from Northwestern in 2015, finally receiving her US Citizenship the same year. Regardless of her citizenship status, Ernestina has always been focused on her goal of helping others with their mental health. In 2019 she founded Latinx Talk Therapy, a speciality mental help group providing culturally competent and bilingual counseling services to the Latinx community. Ernestina has a profound belief in the capacity for self-growth in the Latinx community, one that is historically underserved. In addition to mental health care services she also provides immigration evaluations, helps create jobs for the community and is involved in philanthropy. She’s a walking example of how anyone can be inspired to believe they can accomplish their goals.
Aldo de Martinez and his family immigrated to the United States from Mexico City, Mexico when he was in elementary school. They settled in Aspen, Colorado finding work in the hospitality industry. Aldo didn’t know a word of English at the time and struggled to assimilate into a new culture and language. After a visit to Chicago as an adult, Aldo immediately fell in love and relocated to our great city. He eventually found his way into Real Estate and began sharing what he learned over the years with his clients. At one point, after acquiring ten residential properties, he lost everything after trusting the wrong people. He ended up on the street with his single mom, his sister, and her son without a car or a place to stay. He only had a suitcase that he inherited after his dad passed away that he didn’t open for ten years. When he finally did, he discovered broken gold that he was able to trade in for $3,200. That money wasn’t much but it was enough for him to bounce back stronger than ever. Aldo works hard for his clients because he knows first hand what it’s like to lose everything and have to rebuild from the ground up. Furthermore, he knows what it’s like to be Mexican, LGBTQ, and an immigrant in America trying to pave the way for success. He’s still building his empire but it’s safe to say that thus far, he’s found a piece of his own American dream along the way.
Ohio born turned Chicago resident, Hayden Humphrey describes himself best: a Success Coach and Professional Trainer, out to document and uplift the human experience. Deeply committed to healing his relationship with himself, Hayden takes his own learnings and shares them with others so they can benefit as well. He wasn’t always an entrepreneur out to share his wisdom to help others grow better. Hayden spent the beginning of his career acquiring many accolades such as being a part of the Business Leadership Program at LinkedIn. After realizing one day that he felt stuck and unsatisfied, he spent time breaking up his own limiting beliefs and took a jump. Now as a professional Coach and Trainer, he is focused on helping others do the same and jump into a life of their own design. Outside of his private coaching practice, he consults with leaders in the personal development and healing industries to uplift their brand authority and thought leadership. When he’s not busy with that, he is working on his own conscious clothing company, Life Apparel, that spreads love and supports mental health by donating 10% of profits to mental health advocacy organizations. Hayden takes his passion for helping, healing, and uplifting others and applies it to numerous volunteer opportunities. He gives his time at Bottom Line, Year Up, and 1871 mentoring and teaching young professionals skills like Interviewing, Public Speaking, and LinkedIn for Job Seekers.
Splitting her time between Peoria, IL and Chicago, Sarah MccSpedon is a force to be reckoned with. She graduated with an MBA in Finance from Fordham Gabelli’s School of Business while working for MTV Networks obtaining many accolades for her work. After almost a decade, she moved on to more local ventures as a Managing Partner for Pops Champagne. Somewhere in there she also found time to create her own online guide for North Shore’s Food, Fun, and Festivities called The NoSh Guide. With a combination of a true entrepreneurial spirit and a goal to bring out the best in everyone, she pivoted her focus to the world of boxing. Sarah became a franchise owner for Mayweather Boxing and Fitness in May 2020 and is quickly expanding beyond just a regular boxing gym to include programming for inner city kids through the Gloves over Guns initiative. She’s determined to provide a space for individuals from any walk of life looking to get healthy. She measures her success by helping others become the best they can be.
Born and raised on Chicago’s south side, Natalie Carpenter started her career in Real Estate as a means to afford the furniture she wanted. Throughout her 30+ year career, exclusively with Coldwell Banker, she has seen both her community and industry change drastically for women and minorities - and she’s proud to have been a part of that change. As a managing broker, Natalie coaches men and women to launch and grow their real estate businesses and live exceptional lives by training, mentoring, and coaching them towards success. Taking a page from her own mentor’s playbook, she’s been a staunch advocate for her brokers and truly cares about their business growth and development. As a result of her effort, Natalie has been recognized with several awards throughout her career: Rookie of the Year, Top Sales Awards, Diamond Society, President’s Circle Award, Chairman’s Circle Award, Phenomenal Woman Award from the Expo for Today's Black Woman, 2020 Managing Broker of the Year Award for Large Real Estate Offices, and most recently promoted to District Vice President. Natalie draws inspiration from her family and strives to make her son proud. She has always encouraged him to shine and embrace his greatness. She knows how much it means to him to see her living her best life and enjoying every minute of it. When Natalie is not busy mentoring her brokers, she donates her time and money to nearly 30 housing-related charities, participates in community efforts to improve the quality of life for senior citizens and is currently organizing a business professionals development group for high school juniors and seniors to mentor those wishing to pursue entrepreneurship.
Celi Velazquez grew up in Franklin Park, IL. With a rough upbringing and a mostly absent father during her young adulthood, Celi could have gone down many different paths in her life. Finding bodybuilding in her late teens, she has transformed her love for fitness and wellness into a platform. Using social media, she gives back to her followers by providing them with content and information for them to grow spiritually, mentally, and physically. She became a full-time entrepreneur at 18-years-old and is now the CEO of her personal brand, a sponsored athlete and Influencer. Not only is Celi focused on building her own brand, she helps other businesses grow as well through marketing and support through her platform. She wants people to know where she comes, her struggles, and that if she can do it, so can they.
A self-proclaimed Leadership Coach, Marketing Shark, and Business Strategist Megan Robinson boasts an impressive resume. Originally a West Coaster from Portland, Oregon she’s hopped around making her mark at various companies developing and implementing successful lead generation and marketing strategies. Settling down in Chicago with several lifetimes worth of business acumen, Megan co-founded and is acting Principal at E Leader Experience providing Millennial Leadership Coaching programs designed to help “emerging” leaders develop self-leadership skills. Starting out with 0 clients, within the first year she was able to achieve 90% of her previous salary. Megan’s success is due in part to her genuine investment in the success of others around her. She’s passionate about and for them holding them to the same standards she holds herself to.
Born and raised in the Maywood/Bellwood area, Sharon Ringier is on a mission to help every female entrepreneur she can through her company, I’m Possible Women’s Empowerment Collaborative, Inc. Their vision is to create value, make a difference, and empower entrepreneurial women. After going through her own set of struggles on her business journey, Sharon is dedicated to helping other female entrepreneurs realize their full potential by creating solutions and delivering high quality resources and tools. By gaining their confidence and clarity, they can live a more productive and vibrant life while monetizing on their strengths, passions and expertise. She also is focused on providing educational experiences that make everyone feel elevated, educated, and empowered. I’m Possible stems from the famous and powerful Audrey Hepburn quote, “Nothing is impossible, the word itself says, I’m Possible.” Sharon knows and sees the stress, the self-doubt, the imposter syndrome that so many female business owners and entrepreneurs go through. The collective she’s creating is providing what Sharon dubs as “Sister Synergy”: your idea plus my idea equals a totally enhanced idea that could change the trajectory of how women do business. I’m Possible WEC has been rapidly growing over the last two years and there is still so much to come. In between managing the movement she’s created, Sharon volunteers for various organizations across the Chicago community. In her own words, “wherever my heart leads me is where I go!” On the sidelines you’ll find her sons and husband rooting for her. They’ve watched her journey through the good, the bad, and the ugly. They know better than anyone who much it means to Sharon to be successful in helping others, especially female entrepreneurs.
A United States Marine Veteran and Virginia native, Raleigh Wilkins made Chicago his home a number of years ago. In and out of foster care as a youth with little direction, Raleigh found a home in the Marine Corps and along his way, discovered his inner warrior. Now he works with at-risk youth and transitioning military to navigate through life successfully by embracing their own inner warrior. In addition to his countless hours of mentorship, Raleigh runs a successful business, Sales Platoon, through which he teaches people the art and science of sales and makes the complex world of business development accessible to a wide audience. Through everything he does, both professionally and personally, Raleigh teaches that there is an untapped potential within us all and that transformational change is possible for anyone.
Sabrina Schottenhamel lives by the power of two hands and one voice to support and educate her clients. A young child who struggled with school and shyness, Sabrina found her purpose when she started massage school. After finding the gift of touch, things started to open up for her and she became more confident. A child of entrepreneurs, she followed in her proud parents footsteps quitting her job two weeks after her wedding and creating Be Touched Massage. It is a company where her and her dedicated team of massage therapists bring the spa to their clients allowing them to relax in the comfort of their own homes. Through her involvement and experience with the Woodridge Toastmasters’ Club (where she won Best Speaker in 2016), Sabrina started speaking to a larger audience furthering her message of self care and promoting her healing services. As she continues to bring her voice and her healing hands to others, she’s also excited to get more involved with her community and giving back to those in need by donating and delivering meals.
Brenda Swauger has been bringing confidence to the boardroom in the form of luxury custom tailored garments for over two decades. Starting out her career with national and international brands like Louis Vuitton, Coach, and Paul Stuart, she eventually started her own business as a custom stylist over 20 years ago and continues to build her empire. She’s taken her expertise from the boardroom to the classroom teaching Fashion Business courses at both Columbia College and IADT. A caring and devoted family woman, Brenda has set her dreams and goals high continuing to crush them year after year.
Vanessa Hammer will be the first to tell you that a good education, hard work and hustle will get you anywhere you want to go. Moving to Chicago for a job after law school, Vanessa quickly rose up the ranks winning Illinois Rising Star for Attorneys in both 2012 and 2013. After a move back home to Texas with her son where she also won the Texas Rising Star accolade in 2017, she returned to Chicago to settle into Family Law at Hoffenberg and Block, LLC. She’s been named an Illinois Super Lawyer every year since 2018 and when she’s not helping families navigate the legal system, she’s mentoring high school students, judging essay writing contents and mock trial competitions, and she provides pro bono legal services. Vanessa wants to teach others to not be afraid of their own power and to not be afraid to ask for the things that they want or need.
Roni Bolton is one of the best examples of how life can be an amazing journey that takes you places you never could have expected. A Chicago native, Roni, an ambitious young woman, was already a Director of Promotions in insurance at the age of 23. After that she found herself in the beauty industry holding leadership roles in both marketing and business development. Always striving to advance her career, she began taking night classes to earn her MBA while her mother, battling breast cancer at the time, helped Roni, a single mom, by taking care of Roni’s young daughter. Although her mom unfortunately passed before her MBA was completed, Roni knows she’s beaming down at her prouder than ever. By the age of 34, Roni pivoted once again answering a calling to become a Registered Nurse. She now owns PSRx Body & Skin focused on aesthetics and also, as a mental health advocate, hosts Coffee Hip Hop & Mental Health. Her goal is to normalize therapy and help her patients understand that confidence first begins from the inside, aesthetics are just an enhancement. More than anything, she wants people to know that it never hurts to try something new and saying ‘yes’ to opportunities can truly transform your life.
Michael Reeder is passionate about business. A Chicago area native and accounting wiz, he purchased two small CPA firms, merged them into one and became a managing partner at the young age of 28. He went onto become a shareholder a few years later at 32 and built a business franchise consulting firm from the ground up. He is on a mission to provide business advice as much as he can to anyone in his network. As passionate as Michael is about business, he's equally devoted to learning about and incorporating healthy lifestyle habits. Whether it's taking cold showers, meditating, or intermittent fasting; he's committed to make the sometimes difficult choice to optimize his life the best way he knows how. It's paid off for him, too. Within less than one year, Michael managed to lose nearly 80lbs and turn his life around. https://www.tfocb.com/tfocb-podcast/michael-reeder
Moving to Chicago at 18, Katrina Roddy has always been a hustler with the mindset of an entrepreneur. She has spent over 30 years in the insurance industry educating and advising individuals on their personal insurance. One of her favorite parts about this has been getting to work with Seniors. Katrina genuinely enjoys talking to Seniors in her community and hearing them regale her with stories from their own lives. While educating them on the healthcare system has been her main priority, she’s found that what truly helps them most is being a good listener. After working in the corporate world for such a long time, Katrina realized she was ready to leave it all behind to start something of her own. Connecting the various parts of her past with her passion for helping and connecting with others she now focuses on coaching other entrepreneurs who have left the corporate world and are now left navigating their new lives. A new author, you can find her book https://www.amazon.com/Steal-Your-Skills-Corporate-Professional-ebook/dp/B089N96225 (Steal your Skills from Corporate) on https://www.amazon.com/Steal-Your-Skills-Corporate-Professional-ebook/dp/B089N96225 (Amazon). As an Accountability Coach, Katrina doesn’t only teach her clients how to use their corporate-taught skills in their own entrepreneurship but she’s also there for them to help them through the huge changes in their lives. Always on the grind, she lives by the same lesson she has taught her son, London: learning never stops.
United States Marine Corps Veteran and South Side native Jesse Nuñez is a self-proclaimed “regular guy.” In his words, he hasn’t had any advantages in life but he has taken risks and made the most out of opportunities presented to him. Anyone who has met Jesse can attest that that has paid off. For over a decade, he has served as the Creator, Executive Producer, Director and Host of The Man Card Crew, a Chicago based home improvement show geared toward an Alpha male demographic. A true entertainer and event promoter, Jesse also founded Elite Amateur Fight League (EAML) MMA where he provides opportunities for local fighters to compete on a televised MMA promotion to build their name and brand to become a legitimate professional athlete. To Jesse, chasing his dreams is a tribute to his father, someone who always had great ideas, but was always told to work for someone else to provide for his family. Jesse knows it makes his father ecstatic to see him making the most out of his own ideas and opportunities.
By way of Colombia and Louisville, Kentucky, Maria Puche planted her roots in Chicago three years ago. After graduating Summa Cum Laude from the University of Louisville, Maria began her career at PricewaterhouseCoopers as a senior consultant working on major IPOs. A desire to empower the black and brown communities of our diverse city coupled with Maria’s passion for financial literacy and independence led her to begin teaching individuals how to save, grow, and protect their money. She provides free literacy seminars and workshops to help enable these historically disenfranchised communities to advance their lives and financial freedom. Her personal mission is to empower 1 million families with financial literacy and as Co-Host of Escuela de Finanzas, a weekly Facebook Live event, she is well on her way.
Brandon Burrell always tells his team, “if you’re hungry, go eat.” A South Side native, he is no stranger to the hustle. After receiving a Bachelor’s Degree from Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University, Brandon found his passion consulting with aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners. Taking what he’s learned as an Agency Owner and licensed insurance agent with PHP Agency, he consults other like-minded, hungry individuals by day, and mentors young adults by night. He finds opportunities to partner with different minority-based community initiatives to speak and guide the youth. Brandon strives to teach others that nothing comes to those who sit and wait; you can accomplish anything if you never take “No” as a final answer.
Stephanie Pineda lights up any room she walks into. One might say she embodies the Los Angeles sunshine from where she was born and raised and has brought that glow with her to Chicago. Having worked in the hospitality industry for over six years, Stephanie found a new family in the staff at Hampton Social. They’ve helped her settle into the Windy City and grow her new life. When she’s not spending time there or with her son, AJ, Stephanie hits the books at Cosmetology School at John Amico School of hair design. An open book and beautiful soul, Stephanie is inspired to help others through various tough situations by spreading messages of positivity, hope, and encouragement through her social media platforms. Most importantly, she shares her own stories of hardships, abuse, and the many painful moments she has experienced in the hopes that by sharing her story, she can help others cope and learn how to overcome their own hardships. She strives to teach others to never give up and never stop pursuing their dreams. Life is tough, but we have to find ways to continue to learn and grow.
Lauren Najar grew up in Northwest Indiana graduating from Purdue Calumet in 2010. Shortly after celebrating this milestone in her life, she lost both of her parents. Catapulted into post-graduate life navigating this massive loss, she found herself in Chicago working in the financial industry. For the past ten years, she has worked in retail banking while battling and surviving cancer twice. Throughout the immense hurdles Lauren has overcome, she’s learned how to build a strong mindset to pursue what she truly wants to do in life. Thus, she created Lauren Najar Business Coaching hosting in-person and online meetups and workshops for women entrepreneurs locally in Chicago. Due to her work teaching and empowering women, Lauren has been featured in four various Apple podcasts and she’s contributed to Thrive Global, Medium and other online publications. All through her journey, the one thing Lauren never doubts is that her parents, gone long before she began building her own business, would be incredibly proud to see their daughter pursuing her passion.
Jen Coffel is the CEO of Engaging Speakers, a successful business coach, a philanthropist, and a https://jencoffel.com/about/books/ (best-selling author of four books). She has been featured on Inc.com, ABC News, and the Chicago Tribune. Jen has been mentored by speaking icons like Jack Canfield, Nick Vujicic, and Sandra Yancey, and has spoken on stage to over 10,000 people. With two decades of business experience, Jen built her first four businesses to six-figures each, all in under a year and all in different industries. She has now helped over a thousand entrepreneurs build their businesses, with many reaching six-figure and seven-figure revenues. Jen has an innovative and down to earth speaking style audiences love. Her speaking topics include: “5 Secrets to Transform Your Business Into a $100k Profit Center" and “Leveraging Speaking to Get All the Clients You Want in Half the Time.” In her previous career, she developed the largest team in Illinois for a billion-dollar direct sales company, personally generating over $25 million in sales and raising over $1 million in donations for nonprofits. But she is most proud of founding her own international nonprofit, Handing Hope, which brings comfort and smiles to children battling cancer in twelve states and three countries around the world. Jen resides outside of Chicago with her four incredible teenagers: Madison, Luke and Lindsey (twins), Abby, and of course the family dog “Raider.” She stays active between speaking engagements spending time in nature with her family, reading every book she can get her hands on, and serving in her faith-based ministry, “Beautifully Transparent.”
Originally from Centralia in Southern Illinois, Greg DeKalb has become quite the mover and shaker in Chicago focused on launching start-ups. After receiving his B.S. from Eastern University and an MBA from DePaul, Greg followed his entrepreneurial passion creating his own company, AppointmentsIQ, an on-demand sales and recruitment firm aimed at humanizing the process and encouraging engagement amongst decision makers. Together with his long-time friend, Tony Paoella, he co-founded Tony P's Networking Events planning and executing energetic networking experiences all over Chicago that give professionals an opportunity to meet and make meaningful connections. Proven to be wildly successful, even if you haven't met Greg personally, chances are you've been to a Tony P event. While expanding the reach and depth of Tony P's to other networking groups like Green in Chi, he's also been busy scaling his solutions thus far nationwide by building a proprietary SaaS Digital Marketing Platform technology. While he's not busy launching start-ups or spending time with his kids, Greg makes it a priority to give back to the Chicago community. He's currently a board member for St. Jude's Global Warriors and A Boy and His Dream Foundation. A big believer in the values that were instilled in him by his parents, Greg is committed to serve as an inspiration to his own kids reminding them to stay true to themselves, stay focused, and always create.
Amy Valdivia grew up on the South Side of Chicago to Mexican-born parents. Watching her dad strive to raise three strong, independent daughters inspired Amy to never give up her South Side spirit. After graduating from UIC with dual degrees in Criminal Justice and Psychology, she realized life in the police force wasn’t for her. Taking the knowledge she learned from school and coupling it with her street smarts gained from growing up in a rough neighborhood, she applies her hustle to every thing she does in life. Currently working as a vendor for Christian Dior, Amy’s passionate about meeting and connecting with people wherever she goes. When she’s not traveling from store to store, she spends time on her real estate investment portfolio. She loves flipping houses and brings in her keen eye for design and detail with every property she works with. Amy preaches that you only live one life and you should never hesitate to do what makes you happy. Somewhere in between being a busy mom and a business woman, she also dedicates time and money to helping alleviate the homeless crisis in Chicago.
Bouncing back and forth between Chicago and Mexico until he was eight-years-old, Octavio Duran grew up with parents who worked as hard as they could to give him opportunities for a better life. Not one to take that for granted, Octavio seized those opportunities and has risen through the ranks to become a very successful personal-injury attorney owning his own practice. After having been named a Rising Star by SuperLawyers for the last five years and receiving multiple awards, he now serves as the President of the Young Lawyers Section of the Chicago Bar Association. Giving back to his community in the best way he can is toward the top of Octavio’s priority list. In his spare time he donates to the Northside Latin Progress (a non profit representing Latino day-laborers) and volunteers through the Chicago Bar Association by donating gifts to elementary students, setting up wills for seniors and first responders, and raising money for legal aid. He wants people to take inspiration from his own life and the struggles he’s been through. And most importantly, he strives to share knowledge to people in his community about their rights and what to do if they are even injured.
Jenny Bustillo was born in El Salvador during the Salvadorian civil war. Her parents, wanting a better life for their kids, took Jenny and her siblings to San Francisco where she grew up and had her son. Eventually, a job took the two of them to Chicago where they have called home for almost a decade. While Jenny boasts an impressive career thus far in Real Estate, currently a broker with Compass, what’s even more incredible about her story is how she gives back to her community. Not only does she hand out food to the homeless people in Chicago’s Loop area, she sponsors people she meets on the street and gets them a room for 2-3 days a month. For a long time, she volunteered at Make-a-Wish foundation granting wishes for kids of all ages facing terminal illnesses. If that weren’t enough, she sponsors a couple of kids around Christmas time getting them gifts from their Christmas list or buying teen home supplies for kids who have turned 18 and aged out of foster care. With a combination of a big heart and savvy real estate skills, Jenny Bustillo is not just a realtor. She looks out for those around her, especially for her clients, often establishing lasting friendships with those she helps in real estate and beyond.
A Navy veteran and Decatur, IL native, Jack Farrell is a happy family man who is ridiculously driven. After years of winning numerous sales and recruiting awards for his individual personal production and team production as a manager, he decided it was time to launch his own venture. "I've been wanting to start this business since 2014 and whenever I was sitting down just talking to my girlfriend about it, she was like what's stopping you? And I didn't have an answer." Jack recently started QuickRecruit, LLC that specializes in Recruiting and Sourcing for the Mortgage industry. He’s dedicated to finding the right people for the right jobs and making sure it’s a mutually beneficial fit. When he’s not working on building his own business, he focuses his time and energy on supporting organizations that impact the lives of children and veterans. "My third son has autism, so I've done a lot of stuff with Autism Speaks. Also, there's a fantastic organization that I'm going to supporting more and more of, after I get through the building phase of my business, and that's Open Heart Magic."
Mario Gil Jr. will be the first person to tell you that even roses grow from concrete. Originally from one of Chicago’s toughest neighborhoods, the Austin area, he wants people to know that they don’t have to be a negative product of their environment. Graduating high school early at 16, Mario went on to college to better his future. Determined to be independent and not rely on student loans or grants, Mario immediately went to work in order to fund his education. That inspired him to expand upon his work ethic experimenting with different careers and professions. Today, he helps educate families about growing wealth and protecting their assets through his work with Farmers Insurance and Pearson Realty Group. Whether it’s as a volunteer CPR instructor with the American Red Cross or giving donations to various organizations that are near and dear to his heart, Mario strives to give back wherever he can.
Born in Moroleón, Guanajuato, Mexico, and raised in Joliet, IL, Karina Villafuerte is one of the truest beacons of light you’ll ever meet. For someone who had a difficult time finding her path after high school, Karina boasts a laundry list of accomplishments. After receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Karina was able to start her journey with the Girl Scouts of America working her way to become the first Innovation and Inclusion Specialist. From there, she’s spent nine years in non-profit leadership most recently finding a place at Instituto del Progreso Latino as an Employment Specialist for their Career Pathways team. Beyond her instrumental work in the office helping people find employment opportunities, Karina founded a community project called Warm Souls helping the countless homeless in our Chicago area. They collect hundreds of essential winter items and personally deliver these items to shelters and communities all over. The personal delivery is the part that is so important to Karina. It allows her and her volunteers to have conversations with these people and give them the opportunity to tell their stories and be heard. This past year they were able to pack 120+ Warm Soul packages delivered throughout February. Giving back for Karina doesn't stop there. She also is an independent financial advocate serving her community members, at no cost, by providing financial education, resources/connections, and guidance that can change their lives for generations to come. She measures her success by the dreams, goals, and opportunities she helps shape for other’s bright futures.
10 years ago, today, Asta Malciute decided to follow her heart from her home country of Lithuania to Chicago. While the relationship she came here for did not work out in the end, she decided to make Chicago her home and hasn’t looked back since. After spending several years in logistics, Asta felt her true purpose calling her. She decided to start her own business as a holistic transformational coach helping women unleash their true potential by discovering their own vision and what they stand for. While she is also actively involved in real estate and a rental property business, Asta’s true goal is to wake people up so that they can stop merely existing and start living their best lives. She wants people to know that they don’t need to wait for a horrible “wake-up call” and that all they need to do is decide and go for what they want in life. In addition to spreading her mission, Asta spends her time as a board member of the Lithuanian City of Chicago Club which is committed to service the Chicagoland Lithuanian community with a range of charity and educational projects. She also mentors young Lithuanian professionals globally. Her biggest achievements, though, can’t be found on a resume. Asta feels most accomplished when she sees that she has facilitated breakthroughs and when she has truly made a difference in someone’s life.
Immigrating from Thailand to Chicago in order to further their schooling, Myra Nimchaiyong’s parents always stressed to her that true freedom of mind and body comes mainly from education. In keeping with her upbringing, Myra has been determined to improve her real estate skills at every step of the way. After completing a variety of designations in the business, she is on her journey to accomplish the esteemed Certified Commercial Investment Member designation (CCIM). The essential CCIM skill sets incorporate the knowledge of financial analysis, market analysis, user decision analysis, and investment analysis for commercial investment real estate. It is a mark of extreme competence and commitment. That combined with her extraordinary interpersonal skills building partnerships for life and her relentless ability to provide the best service showcases Myra’s unique real estate knowledge portfolio that few possess. After 15 years in the Chicagoland market, she’s recently taken her talents to Compass, a technology driven real estate company, where she plans to continue forging her path. In addition to real estate, Myra is passionate about helping others who cannot help themselves and those who seek out help to excel in life. As someone who has built a flourishing professional career without graduating from college, Myra knows the power of tenacity and hard work and she wants to pay that forward.
A South Side Chicago native, Mercedes Burgos has faced many trials and tribulations and adversity thus far in her life. However, after speaking with Mercedes for five minutes, it’s clear that she is someone who will take lemons and create a lemonade empire. A mother of four and a young grandma of one, she boasts a BA in Criminal Justice, an MBA, and a Master’s in Human Resources Management. She somehow found time along the way to write and publish a children’s book: “Meenah the Mystical Princess of Zantel.” Today she is a full-time Realtor and part-time model. She’s passionate about working with her Real Estate clients in both residential and commercial real estate and sharing her own story of surviving abuse in the hopes of helping others. In her spare time she spends her time serving on various chamber boards and volunteers with a wide variety of organizations.
Salvador Cicero is a true modern-day Renaissance Man. Born in California but raised in Mexico, Salvador quickly rose up the ranks of a diplomatic career. As a practicing attorney and a diplomat, he has done everything from helping release an inmate from death row to running an award-winning Ecuador anti-human trafficking project and so much in between. He shares his expertise through his academic writings and currently teaches at John Marshal Law School. Through countless awards, honors, and achievements in his diplomatic career, he decided to leave that behind in order to be a father to his daughter. As his daughter has grown up, she looks up to Salvador to show her what success is through his own actions, motivating him every day. In his spare time, when he’s not playing music, Salvador volunteers his time in various organizations including Catholic Charities and the Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois, he mentors young lawyers, and he represents some people pro-bono.
Immigrating from Mexico to Chicago at 13-years-old, Sarit Rodriguez possesses a determination and drive that has laid the foundation for her successes. Her inspiration comes from her mother. A woman who is the eldest of 14 kids and the mother of three daughters, Sarit’s mom has made countless sacrifices in order to see her girls succeed. Her strength not only went unnoticed, but Sarit has embodied the power of the matriarch within herself along her journey. While Sarit received her B.S. in Human Health and Physical Therapy it was a long road to get there. As an immigrant in the United States, Sarit remembers how she had to pay three times the amount as other students to receive her education. Working multiple jobs to afford to go to school, she eventually finished her degree and went on to receive a certification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine and a license in Orthopedic Manual Therapy from Illinois. She worked for over a decade in the sports medicine industry all the while developing her own bodywork technique called SapTherapy TMS™. It’s an effective way to relieve chronic pain and body stiffness. She is now the managing partner at SapTherapy Physical Rehab & Wellness. An active member in the community advocating for the workforce, Sairt wants others to know that you create your own success from within. With her background in sports medicine, she promotes the idea of functional body health wherever she goes. She preaches that when we nurture a healthy body our mind clears to access an infinite amount of opportunities for success.
Born in Mississippi but raised in Decatur, IL, Rishawn Boone is on a mission to give all of his clients more than they expect. Passionate about community and helping others, Rishawn is a Real Estate Broker who finds his greatest career fulfillments from helping his clients achieve their goals. He seeks those who aren’t looking for a “regular realtor” because he strives to deliver the unexpected. Rishawn’s success isn’t only measured by the growth of his referral base but he’s also won numerous awards such as “Top 10 Reasl Estate Agent Award” by the American Institute of Real Estate Professionals and the “Best of Zillow Award”, among others. Outside of work, Rishawn and his wife are fiercely passionate about children. He donates a percentage of every commission check he receives to a scholarship fund that is given away every October to financially stricken college students. Knowing first hand what it’s like to be faced with burdens and obstacles in life, Rishawn wants to teach the younger generation that a rose can grow through concrete. It just takes perseverance and patience.
A South Side native, Diana Gutiérrez is a familiar face to most Chicagoans. As the current morning news reporter and anchor for Chicago’s WCIU ‘The Jam’, Diana welcomes her viewers each weekday morning with a friendly smile and a passion for storytelling. She’s a first generation Mexican-American and college graduate who has achieved so much in the journalism industry, at a young age. Within only two years in the industry, Diana made the jump to the number three market. Beyond the newsroom, Diana is focused on shedding light on stories that help Latinos and people of color, as well as helping other aspiring journalists through her own experiences. She sets aside time daily to answer questions from viewers in her community. Diana is the Vice-President of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists- Chicago Chapter and an Executive Board member of the Daisie Foundation focusing on children and mothers in impoverished neighborhoods in Chicago. Her journey thus far has been far from easy, but once her dad told her “pudes tirar la toalla o secarte el sudor con ella” (you can either throw in the towel or wipe your sweat with it), she never looked back. More than anything, she wants to teach others that no dream is too big. In fact, she advises people think about their goals and dreams and dare yourself to dream bigger.
Making his home in Chicago by way of Oklahoma and California, Emmanuel Lopez is the current Mid-West Regional Manager for BetterWorld Technology. Through his work, he has been helping businesses and nonprofits nationwide connect and collaborate securely with Voice, Data, and IT solutions. Emmanuel utilizes his passion for networking to create positive outcomes for all the organizations he works with. His incredibly supportive family had a huge impact on him growing up and helped lay the foundation of the man Emmanuel has grown to become. A stage-four cancer survivor, he gives back his time serving on the Associate Board of the Gateway for Cancer Research helping bring revolutionary medicine to those in stages one and two of various types of cancer. He promotes positivity and kindness wherever he goes because he knows full well how a bright perspective can be a game changer.