PRESS ENTER

2017 Speakers

2017 SPEAKERS

October 25, 2017   |    8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
700 Beta Banquet & Conference Center

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speaker
Jacquie Chakirelis
Founder Online Platform Institute,
Market Manager Aviatra Accelerators, Inc.

9-9:45 a.m. | Wakeup Session: Top Ways Female Entrepreneurs Can Drive Business Growth Through Social Media Marketing
Jacquie Chakirelis is a strategic business and brand development executive with proven success in launching and accelerating digital media startups. Jacquie has earned five Society of Professional Journalist awards for work on women’s and children’s health and two Addy awards. While at Gannett Digital, she collaborated on the roll out of the national social network MomsLikeMe.com that led to over 80 online communities across the country. As a former Digital Director with Advance Local, a subsidiary of Advance Publications, Jacquie led the strategy teams for client partners including Content Marketing Institute and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Currently, she serves as the Market Manager for Aviatra Accelerators Inc., an organization devoted to empowering and supporting women-owned businesses. She hosts a weekly podcast called PlatformFM featuring digital media experts and entrepreneurs sharing their expertise on digital marketing and building successful online platforms.

speaker
Maureen Kyle
TV Anchor,
WKYC

10:00 a.m. | Pivots & Pathways - Facilitator
Maureen Kyle's coverage of Northeast Ohio has earned her Emmy Awards and Nominations. Currently, Maureen is part of Channel 3 News Today starting at 4:30 am. Every morning, she brings Northeast Ohio overnight headlines from across the world. Because she's a busy mother of two toddlers, Maureen has also launched a blog and YouTube channel that focuses on work-life balance advice. Maureen started her career at WAVE in Louisville, Kentucky as a reporter, fill-in anchor, also moonlighting as a part of the weather team. But she truly got her start in journalism through broadcast radio at WFUV in New York City, where she covered the 9-11 terrorist attacks and its aftermath on the city.

speaker
Heather Ettinger
Founder,
Luma Wealth Advisors

10:00 a.m. | Pivots & Pathways
Heather Ettinger has devoted more than 25 years to the financial services industry. She specializes in helping clients and their families create strategic financial plans to guide them through life transitions, such as the loss of a spouse, divorce and job changes. She is widely recognized for her unwavering dedication to helping other women build their financial acumen and philanthropic legacy. Heather co-authored two studies about women and their unique needs entitled “Women of Wealth: Why Does the Financial Services Industry Still Not Hear Them?” and “Women of Wealth: What Do Breadwinner Women Want?” Heather has been featured in many publications including The Wall Street Journal, Barron’s and Bloomberg and is a frequently-requested speaker for both industry associations and company women’s initiatives.

speaker
Marianne Frantz CWE, DWS, FWS
Advanced Sommelier, President,
American Wine School

10:00 a.m. | Pivots & Pathways
A Certified Wine Educator, Marianne Frantz holds a Diploma in Wine & Spirits from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) of London as well as advance sommelier qualifications. Currently, she is involved in a Education Technology graduate program at Wright State University with a focus on Instructional Design. In 2001, Marianne founded the American Wine School which offers professional wine certification courses in Cleveland, Chicago, and Pittsburgh. Marianne also produces food and wine events and conducts wine seminars for various clients. Over the past 20 years, she has produced culinary events across the U.S. and in France with the world's top chefs and wine makers including Julia Child, Robert Mondavi, Jacques Pipin, Emeril Lagasse, Kevin Zraly, and more.

speaker
Tonya Kinlow
President,
UGottaEat

10:00 a.m. | Pivots & Pathways
Tonya Kinlow is the Founder of UGottaEat (UGE), a startup that brings together friends and family to socialize, share food, and improve overall health by giving access to homemade and fresh made foods. Tonya is a finance executive with over 26 years of vast corporate experience. Tonya excels at collaborating, bringing financial clarity to strategic decision making and authentic leadership. She consistently mentors and coaches to all levels, and has worked on Diversity & Inclusion Initiatives throughout her career. Tonya is also a vocal advocate for the Disabled after her children were in a car accident 7 years ago, leaving her son a quadriplegic. The UGE social mission is dedicated to raising awareness around mindfully feeding our bodies (eating), social engagement in our communities (sharing), and eliminating waste and hunger around the world (loving).

speaker
Anjua Maximo
Founder,
The Electric Life &
Co-Owner GrooveRyde

10:00 a.m. | Pivots and Pathways
Anjua Maximo is a Certified Life & Movement coach and co-owner of GrooveRyde, Cleveland’s premier boutique fitness studio. She specializes in guiding women to create a positive and powerful connection to themselves mentally, physically and spiritually with her signature Pure Mvmnt 6-Week Series and The Electric Life coaching program. Anjua knew she wanted to use when she was learning to create classes and events that would empower women. This passion led her to pursuing her certification in Life and Leadership Coaching from one of the nation’s top coaching academies. By blending her love of movement and belief in its healing benefits with her love for personal development, she has created an outlet for women to discover their own unique expression in the world.

speaker
Mary Wilson
Investment Analyst,
Jumpstart, Inc.

11:00 a.m. | A Guide to Capital: What you Need and Where to Go to Get It!
Mary J. Wilson is an investment analyst at JumpStart Inc, a nonprofit which provides services such as coaching, mentorship and workshops to diverse and ambitious entrepreneurs. At JumpStart, MJ evaluates high tech high growth seed companies for investment out of their three funds totaling $40M. Previously, MJ has worked for non-profits focused on inner city neighborhood development and rural minority entrepreneurship. She graduated from Duke University with a degree in Public Policy and Psychology and was a four-year varsity student athlete.

speaker
James Simon
Partner, Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs

11:00 a.m. | An Entrepreneur’s Checklist for Mitigating Risks
James Simon advises and represents businesses, public sector and non-profit clients on both routine and sensitive matters and high risk decisions. His practice is focused on helping clients resolve real estate, governmental relations, corporate and nonprofit governance and business issues. He structures complex multi-use commercial projects, represents clients before numerous state and local agencies and elected officials, coordinates legal aspects of affordable housing transactions and represents clients in commercial real estate matters of all sizes and varieties.

speaker
Kristen M. Kraus
Partner,
Dworken & Bernstein,
Co. L.P.A.

11:00 a.m. | An Entrepreneur’s Checklist for Mitigating Risks
Kristen Kraus joined Dworken & Bernstein upon graduation from law school in 2001. Her practice is focused in the area of labor and employment litigation where she handles a variety of matters including age, race and gender discrimination, pregnancy discrimination, violations of the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act, sexual harassment claims, retaliation claims, whistleblower claims, breach of contract claims and unemployment claims, as well as reviewing and negotiating non-compete agreements, severance agreements and employment contracts. She has extensive experience in handling civil jury trials in both state and federal court. She has litigated cases in nearly every county in Northeast Ohio, as well as the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. The remainder of her practice is focused on representing victims of personal injury, as well as those injured in workplace accidents, both at the Industrial of Ohio and at the trial court level.

speaker
Cynthia Kula
CPA/PFS, CFP®, Director of Tax,
Walthall CPAs

11:00 a.m. | An Entrepreneur’s Checklist for Mitigating Risks
With more than 40 years of public accounting experience, Cindy Kula has spent the majority of her career concentrating in taxation. Regularly assisting clients with tax, financial, and estate planning, Cindy also oversees quality control for her company’s tax department. She specializes in partnership and corporate tax law. Cindy is a frequent speaker to and writer for industry, business, and community groups and trade associations. One word that describes Cindy is ... conscientious.

speaker
Dante Boccuzzi
Owner,
Dante

12:30 p.m. | Cooking Demonstration
Dante Bocuzzi began his culinary training at 14 while working in local Cleveland restaurants. In 1991, he graduated from the CIA and began his career at Charlie Palmer’s New York acclaimed restaurant, Aureole. He spent three years working in Italy, France, and England, learning techniques in award-winning restaurants. He also spent time in Hong Kong, Japan and Taiwan exploring influential Eastern culinary traditions . In 1997, Boccuzzi returned to the states to head Silks in San Francisco. His three year tenure at Silks resulted in two James Beard nominations for Rising Star Chef of the Year. Boccuzzi then moved to Milan, Italy to become the executive chef at Nobu/Milan. In 2002, he returned to Aureole as executive chef and, under his leadership, Aureole earned its first Michelin star in 2006. Boccuzzi returned to Ohio in 2007 and opened DANTE, moving the location to the hot restaurant row in Tremont in 2010. His dreams continue to become a reality with the opening of Ginko, featuring traditional style sushi and modern Japanese cuisine; DC Pasta Company in Strongsville, Ohio; DBA Akron—adding rock n’ roll to his coveted modern American style cuisine; Dante Next Door ,featuring traditional Italian cuisine; Coda, a live music venue, Dante’s Inferno, hand crafted pizza in Progressive Field; and Northside Speakeasy, a craft cocktail bar.

speaker
Lisa Pucci Delgado
Personal/Private Chef,
Owner,
What's for Dinner by LPD,
TV Personality

12:30 p.m. | Cooking Demonstration
Lisa Pucci Delgado literally grew up in the restaurant industry as both of her parents are CIA Culinary graduates and owned and operated several restaurant and catering businesses. She held management and operations positions at the new Hilton Columbus, PF Chang's China Bistro and Aladdin’s Eatery. When she started her personal chef business in 2006, she became active in Rural Action, an organization promoting local economic and environmental growth. She has competed in many competitions including Masterchef. Recent awards include “Best of New American” on Cleveland’s Hotlist and “Best of Customer Service” for 2015 and 2016 on Thumbtack as wellas running the cooking demo school for Vintage, Ohio. Lisa is a regular guest chef on the Fox 8 morning show and New Day Cleveland.

speaker
Chris Hodgson
Partner/Chef,
The Driftwood Group

12:30 p.m. | Cooking Demonstration
A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu, Chris, 27, was the mastermind behind Cleveland's first-ever food truck. He founded a second truck before opening his premiere brick-and-mortar restaurant, Hodge's. In 2011, Chris and his teammates were the runners-up on The Great Food Truck Race.

speaker
Douglas Katz
Owner/Executive Chef,
Fire Food & Drink

12:30 p.m. | Cooking Demonstration
Douglas Katz is the owner and executive chef of fire food and drink at historic Shaker Square, CEO/Chef of Fire Spice Company, Chef/Partner of Provenance, Provenance Cafe, and Catering By Provenance at the Cleveland Museum of Art. For over a decade, Chef Katz has been celebrated for his unwavering support of local farmers and food artisans. In 2014, the prestigious James Beard Foundation nominated him best Chef of the Great Lakes Region. He is a national and international advocate for a food system that is sustainable, healthful and local. Chef Katz has served as President of Cleveland Independents, an organization of 90 locally owned restaurants, which nurtures and promotes local independent restaurants. He was named a Champion of Sustainability in 2011, by the group Entrepreneurs for Sustainability. Chef Katz is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and holds a B.S. from the University of Denver School of Hotel and Restaurant Management.

speaker
Melissa Khoury
Co-Owner,
Saucisson

12:30 p.m. | Cooking Demonstration
Melissa Khoury has built her culinary career working at sustainable restaurants. She developed an appreciation for farm-to-table cooking during stints in Orlando, FL & Atlanta, GA, before returning to her native Ohio roots in 2010. In 2012 a new adventure presented itself as executive chef at Washington Place Bistro. While gaining momentum at Washington Place true passion came to fruition in 2013 When Saucisson artisan cure meats and sausage was born. With focus on local, sustainable farms Saucisson strives to provide handmade artisan products. In March of 2017 Saucisson opened a brick and mortar in historic Slavic Village.

speaker
Scott David Kuhn
Founder and CEO,
The Driftwood Group

12:30 p.m. | Cooking Demonstration
Following his childhood dreams, Scott Kuhn attended the University of Akron’s culinary program while working in local restaurants and finished his degree in management. In 2007, he joined the Driftwood Restaurant Group reestablishing the Welshfield Inn in Burton, Ohio and opening 87 West, located in Crocker Park . In 2010, he opened Washington Place Bistro and Inn, in Little Italy. In 2012, Scott and partner, Chris Hodgson, launched Driftwood Catering and the next year, he launched Cibréo Italian Kitchen, Green Rooster Farms, and Bin 216, all in Playhouse Square. Washington Place Bistro was featured on Food Network’s Unique Eats, which spotlights America’s most exciting and revolutionary restaurants. Scott was named one of Cleveland Magazine’s Most Interesting People, January 2014 and Ernst and Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year in 2015.

speaker
Bridget Thibeault
Owner/Chef, Luna Bakery and Cafe

12:30 p.m. | Cooking Demonstration
Bridget Thibeault, chef/owner of Luna Bakery & Cafe in Cleveland Heights, OH, began her career in advertising in Chicago. A love for cooking and creativity led her to a degree from the Cooking & Hospitality Institute of Chicago. Bridget moved to NYC to become a food stylist. Flour Girl, her custom cake and dessert business, was launched as a creative side business. She returned to Chicago in 2004 to work at a culinary consulting firm doing recipe and menu development, testing, writing, product ideation and food styling. In 2006, she relocated to her hometown of Cleveland, Ohio where she worked as pastry chef at Fire Food & Drink while growing her Flour Girl business and freelancing as a culinary consultant, food stylist and baking instructor. In 2011, Bridget opened Luna Bakery & Café, a cozy European-style pastry shop & café, located in a historic building in Cleveland Heights. The neighborhood embraced Luna and by early 2016 Luna completed a 2nd expansion, adding 35 more seats.

speaker
Jessie Baginski
President/CEO,
Leadership Lake County

1:15 p.m. | Positive Workplace Culture - Supporting Other Women in Business - Facilitator
Dr. Baginski joined Leadership Lake County in January 2012 with over 35 years of experience in communications, marketing and management in public, private and nonprofit organizations. She has served as an adjunct faculty member for Cleveland State University’s College of Education teaching Social Issues in Education at both the undergraduate and graduate level, and graduate courses in Adult Learning and Development. She was formerly the Director of Development for Society for Rehabilitation, a nonprofit rehabilitation agency for children and adults with disabilities and Laketran’s first Director of Public Relations and Marketing, She has been a long-standing and active member in the Mentor Chamber of Commerce, the Lakeland Youth Summit, the Ohio Governor’s Council on People with Disabilities Youth Leadership Forum, the Lake County Education and Workforce Alliance.

speaker
Nancy Brown
President & Founder,
Ladies & Gentlemen Salons

1:15 p.m. | Positive Workplace Culture - Supporting Other Women in Business
As a Lake and Cuyahoga County business owner for over 42 years, Nancy is president of Ladies and Gentlemen Salon and Spa in Mentor and Legacy Village in Lyndhurst Ohio. She is also president of Brown Aveda Institutes in Mentor and Strongsville, Ohio, co-owner of the Aveda Store in the Summit Mall and the Casal Aveda Institute in Austintown, Ohio. Nancy is a passionate supporter of environmentalism, programs to assist those in need and service to her community. She is committed to providing education for those interested in the Salon and Spa industry as a career. Graduates from Brown Aveda Institutes which began in 1997 now exceed 4000. When asked what has made this business grow over the past 42 years she replies “Our staff, partnership with my husband Ed Brown and the support of our family, friends and guests.”

speaker
Lorraine Schuchart, APR
Founder/CEO,
Prosper for Purpose

1:15 p.m. | Positive Workplace Culture - Supporting Other Women in Business
Lorraine Schuchart, APR is the founder and CEO of Prosper for Purpose, the boutique public relations, branding and fundraising firm founded on the philosophy of 'do well by doing good.' In 2016, Prosper earned the prestigious B Corp Certification, verifying the firm meets the highest standards of social and environmental performance, public transparency and legal accountability, and works to use the power of markets to solve social and environmental problems. The firm’s list of clients include artists and entrepreneurs, international nonprofits and some of the fastest-growing companies in the country. Lorraine speaks at local events and international conferences. She runs on solar power and caffeine.

speaker
Vanessa Tey Iosue
President,
Burges & Burges Strategists

1:15 p.m. | Positive Workplace Culture - Supporting Other Women in Business
Vanessa Tey Iosue has built a reputation for winning difficult issues and creating strategies to achieve the most challenging goals. She uses her in-depth experience in designing and completing research to help shape communications campaigns and ballot requests throughout Ohio. As a featured presenter for Ohio School Board Association and Buckeye Association of School Administrators, she has helped countless smaller school districts customize strategies to fit their unique communities. Since joining Burges & Burges Strategists in 2000, Vanessa has worked on all types of client projects, from grassroots organizing to leading major campaigns for elected officials and long-range planning for large organizations. Vanessa is a certified focus group moderator and is well versed in school and library funding.

speaker
Flashstarts

3:00 p.m. | Pitch Competition
Judged by Renee DeLuca Dolan, President, Contempo Communications and FlashStarts execs – Charles Stack, CEO and Shannon Lyons, COO. Watch 5 of Northeast Ohio’s most promising female entrepreneurs pitch their companies for a chance at the grand prize: Design Services from Contempo Communications ($5000 value), 1 Year Reserved Desk Membership at StartMart and $1,500. Listen to entrepreneurs pitch and meet the women whose innovative ideas are taking Cleveland by storm. Teams can apply through this link: https://goo.gl/forms/zYH4WVShP6IbWJtB2

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