Mich Hancock

CEO of 100th Monkey & Co-Founder and License Holder of TEDxStLouis

Mich Hancock is the founder and CEO of 100th Monkey, a digital marketing agency that began in 2010. With over 30 years of experience as a marketing professional, Mich understands the strategic planning required for business growth. She has been drawn to the online environment, energized by the ever-fluid and ever-changing pace of the digital world. Her expertise is creating, developing, and managing active and engaging presences for both B2B and B2C clients.

Mich is also the Co-Founder and License Holder of TEDxStLouis, an innovative and thought-provoking organization that brings TED Talk experiences to St. Louis. TED and TEDx talks have become the gold standard in presenting, and Mich has helped numerous speakers and clients TED-ify their talk.

On her popular MichMash Podcast, she interviews TEDx speakers, movers, and shakers. Listeners tune in to her unique, positive, and intriguing podcasts to learn new ways to positively impact their lives and communities by leveling up their kindness.

A sought-after stage presence, Mich emcees TEDxStLouis events, the Be Heard Women Leadership Conference at St. Louis University and more.

She craves meaningful connections with amazing people; if that’s you, start the conversation with her on LinkedIn.

Email: mich@100thmm.com

Website: https://100thmm.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michhancock/

Emmy Award-winning speaker, producer, radio and television host Jade Harrell is a master of interpersonal communication. Thousands of person-to-person interviews and decades of committed work in radio, television, and media production have afforded Jade the opportunity to positively impact the lives of people all over the world. Her voice reverberates globally through multiple platforms of strictly positive programming. She has the unique ability to connect with people of diverse backgrounds, circumstances and environments. Her mission is to make a lasting, tangible, positive impact in the world and add value to the life of each person she encounters.

Delux Magazine has named her one of St. Louis’ 50 Most Intriguing Women, Power 100 and Social Influencers. Jade has been presented with the What’s Right With the Region! award, inducted into the Grace Hill Women’s Business Center’s Wall of Fame, profiled in the St. Louis Business Journal, spotlighted for Cortex People, celebrated in the St. Louis American and frequently engaged as a KSDK-Channel 5 featured speaker. She is an on-air host and producer with STL-TV and HEC-Media.

With her company, RareGem Productions, Jade has established a proven track record of excellence. Clients include PrepareSTL, Alive and Well Communities, The St. Louis Regional Health Commission, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Siteman Cancer Center, Express Scripts, SBA, United Way, Beyond Housing, Grace Hill Settlement House, St. Louis Community Credit Union, Edward Jones, Midwest BankCentre, BioSTL and CET.

As a TEDx and keynote speaker, Jade strives to inspire and unify her audience toward a winning purpose. She is consistently hired as a speaker, facilitator, moderator, and emcee.

Jade is a Denver native and a Hampton University alum. Jade and her husband Christopher are parents to five children.

Email: harrellj@umsl.edu

Phone Number: 314-922-2185

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jade-harrell-3955b019/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JadeHarrellRareGem

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrsjadeharrell/

Jeree Hanavec

Executive Vice President of Global Supply Chain Operations at World Wide Technology

Jeree Hanavec is a seasoned leader in the realm of global supply chain operations, currently serving as the Executive Vice President at World Wide Technology. With a career spanning over 32 years, Jeree has amassed a wealth of experience and expertise in supply chain management, making her a distinguished figure in the field.

At World Wide Technology, Jeree spearheads a dynamic team of over 3,500 professionals spread across the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific regions. Her leadership extends to providing comprehensive support to numerous Fortune 500 companies, offering strategic guidance in areas such as planning, procurement, technology integration, warehousing, and logistics services.

Driven by a deep-rooted passion for nurturing talent and fostering growth, Jeree is dedicated to the development and mentorship of supply chain professionals within the organization. She believes in aligning her team with global objectives and cultivating a culture of excellence that resonates throughout the company.

Jeree’s leadership philosophy is anchored in the values of technology, innovation, and creativity, which are pivotal in driving the industry forward. However, she also places significant emphasis on the intangible yet invaluable aspect of organizational culture. As a mentor, coach, and leader, she takes pride in championing the importance of culture and its profound impact on fostering collaboration, resilience, and success within the workforce.

With a relentless commitment to delivering world-class supply chain solutions, Jeree remains steadfast in her mission to empower clients to achieve their business objectives. Her strategic vision, coupled with her unwavering dedication to cultivating talent and nurturing a vibrant organizational culture, positions her as a driving force behind World Wide Technology’s continued operational success in the global arena.

Email: jeree.hanavec@wwt.com

Website: http://www.wwt.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeree-hanavec-8473343/

Keira Emerson

Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, St. Louis Blues / Enterprise Center / Stifel Theatre

As an unpaid intern with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2007, scheduling a meeting with the club’s new COO was a nerve-wracking proposition for Keira Emerson. After three seasons with the team and with graduation near, she hoped to land a full-time job that would allow her to put her math and writing skills to work.

Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, St. Louis Blues / Enterprise Center / Stifel Theatre
The new boss, sports industry veteran Dennis Mannion, hired Emerson as the club’s first dedicated business intelligence professional. The role launched Emerson’s career as a difference-maker, first for the Dodgers and now with the St. Louis Blues.

Emerson put the Blues in prime position to capitalize on their Stanley Cup championship in 2019. The club generated record revenue during the 2021-22 season and scored its highest-ever season-ticket renewal rate at 95% for the 2022-23 season. Emerson has helped close new corporate deals, with sponsorship revenue up 50% since the Cup-winning season, and led a massive effort to deepen the club’s knowledge of its fans via a range of touch points.

Just like the break Mannion gave her with the Dodgers, Emerson relishes the opportunity to provide young women with opportunities in sports.

Kristy Jackson

Executive Director, Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) at Harris-Stowe State University’s Anheuser-Busch School of Business.

Kristy Jackson is a dynamic leader whose combination of entrepreneurial and education experience makes her the perfect fit as the founding Executive Director of the Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) at Harris-Stowe State University’s Anheuser-Busch School of Business. At the CIE she leads innovation and the facilitation of partnerships to enhance Black and Brown scholars as well as community members. In the start-up year of the CIE, she launched new entrepreneurial programs including two early-stage accelerators and a facilitator training program.

Kristy is a #1 best selling author of books that inspire and educate readers to dream bigger and actively pursue their goals. As the creator of the trademarked Bizperation brand and founder of SheCan Connect women’s professional faith and business network, Kristy is recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration as a National Emerging Leader, St. Louis Small Business Magazine’s 100 St. Louisans to Know, Greater Missouri Leadership Foundation Alumnae and founding Director of the TEDxStLouis Ambassador Program. Committed to professional growth as a lifelong learner, on top of her degrees, Kristy has also completed several certifications. She has been seen or heard on local and national media platforms including TEDxST.Louis Women, St.Louis Public Radio, Venture Cafe, Fox 2, and Small Business Majority.

Kristy is a sought out consultant, coach, author, and professional speaker with more than 20 years of experience creating purpose driven projects, developing district-wide curriculum, facilitating training and empowering a variety of start-up, corporate, nonprofit, and higher education clients to dream and launch. Known as the G.P.S. Coach, driving entrepreneurs toward solid goals, purpose & solutions, Kristy has a relatable style and catalyzes action.

The source of Kristy’s inspiration is her faith; and this quote by Nelson Mandela: “It only seems impossible until it is done.” When she is not working, she loves to travel and enjoy great food with family and friends. Her husband James, two daughters, Kelsie and Jada keep her laughing and grounded.

Email: JacksonK@hssu.edu

Website: https://linktr.ee/hssucie

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dkkdj

Stephanie Grise

Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, Midwest BankCentre

Stephanie joined Midwest BankCentre as its Chief Strategy Officer. In this new facilitative and results-oriented role, Stephanie serves as the CEO’s trusted liaison and works cross-functionally to help translate strategy into action, jumping in to move things forward wherever necessary. Stephanie also serves as president of the Rising Together Foundation. Before joining Midwest BankCentre, Stephanie spent almost 20 years practicing law, with nearly eleven years as corporate counsel for U.S. Bank’s community development finance business line, and in private practice for almost nine years before that. Outside of work, Stephanie is honored to chair the board of ArchCity Defenders. Stephanie lives within smelling distance of Donut Drive-In with her college sweetheart, their two wonderful children, and their dog. She enjoys spending time with friends and family.

Email: sgrise@midwestbankcentre.com

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniegrise

Nico Marie

YouTuber, Black Yogi Nico Marie

St. Louis native who is a youtube influencer. The term “self-care” is often used to describe the small ways people can temporarily assuage negative emotions or situations, but its practice can make a significant impact on a person’s mental and physical health, says St. Louis native and yoga instructor Nico Marie McNeese.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic impacted daily life around the world, the number of people experiencing anxiety or depression has gone up. According to a recent survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation, 90% of adults in the United States believe the country is struggling with a mental health crisis.

McNeese knows all too well about the burden that can weigh down on one’s mental well-being. Social distancing measures meant she could no longer teach in person, so McNeese went to social media to reach her students. First, she started posting short videos on her Instagram account. She later started a YouTube channel — Black Yogi Nico Marie — to make her yoga videos more accessible.

In three years, McNeese’s YouTube audience has grown to over 100,000 subscribers.

Email: yogawithnicostl@gmail.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yogawithnico/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yogawithnico/

Gabriella Ramirez

She has been recognized as a thought leader in social innovation and entrepreneurship and was named one of the Top 100 people to know in St. Louis to succeed in business in 2017. In 2021 Gabriela was recognized as a Top Business Mentor and in 2023 she was recognized as a Woman of Achievement, Most Influential Woman in Business, Esperanza Award Recipient, Woman of Distinction, and a Woman Who Makes St. Louis Great. She has appeared on St. Louis Public Radio, featured in the STL101 Speaking Series and on various panels on food entrepreneurship, and was recognized as a Diversity Champion by the MO Department of Transportation and a Diversity and Inclusion Champion by the St. Louis Council of Construction Consumers. September 29th is officially recognized as Gabriela Ramirez-Arellano Day!

Gabriela sits on several boards and is trying to conquer her fear of networking and speaking in public. She is not a native St. Louisan but moved to the city in 2016 and hit the ground running.

Garrett Sheppard

Founder and CEO of Hard to Love Inc

Garrett Sheppard is the Founder and CEO of Hard to Love Inc. He has experience in public speaking, marketing, and fundraising. He is a certified Life Coach specializing in confidence building and motivation, helping people rebuild themselves from the inside out through resilient recovery fitness. He is excited to be on the committee for Iowa Network of Human Trafficking to help them bring awareness and reduce the number of victim’s state and nationwide. He has a CPR and first aid certification, while also working towards his personal training and group fitness certifications, as well as completing his degree.

Garrett is a recovering addict who spent six months in Boonville Correctional Center in late 2019. The past two years have been the happiest and healthiest years of his life and is appreciative of everyone who has believed in him and been there to support him as he grows and develops. LOVE IS THE ONLY THING THAT IS GOING TO CHANGE THE WORLD.

Email: garrettsheppard1312@gmail.com

Website: http://Noeticmediaagency.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/garrett.sheppard.3/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokenapart_strongertogether/

Pamela C. King

Founder/Owner, Pamela C. King Consulting, LLC

Pamela C. King is an inspirational speaker, executive coach, business consultant, and bold goals strategist who thrives as a trailblazing black woman, breast cancer warrior, sexual assault survivor, and Iraq veteran with disabilities. With over 25 years of dynamic leadership and entrepreneurial experiences, she’s persevered as a guiding light through personal adversity, career setbacks, and business reboots. Pamela serves as a catalyst of success for ambitious women with an entrepreneurial spirit and shows them how to become unstoppable in their life, business, career, and community.

Pamela’s love of learning fuels her passion for continuous growth. She has a Master of Arts in Education and Innovation with a Graduate Certificate in Online Teaching and Learning as well a Bachelor of Science in Management/Human Resource Management. She is also a Certified Personal and Executive Coach and is credentialed through the International Coaching Federation as an Associate Certified Coach. Pamela has also been certified as an Extended DISC Facilitator, Master Resilience Trainer, Victim Advocate, and is a proud alum of FOCUS – St. Louis Women in Leadership.

A passionate advocate for equity and change, Pamela currently serves on Starkloff Disability Institute’s Board of Directors and her leadership efforts were featured in the esteemed St. Louis Magazine’s article ’35 St. Louisans Working to Build Equity & Change Across the Region.’ Pamela’s resilience is illuminated by her determination to thrive and unwavering commitment to inspiring others to live their values and embrace life’s challenges, while striving to achieve their bold goals. Pamela King is an overcomer but she’ll be the first to tell you, “It takes more than strength!”

Email: pam@pckingconsulting.com

Website: https://www.pckingconsulting.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelaking4success

Facebook: https://facebook.com/pamelacking4boldgoals

Instagram: https://instagram.com/pamelacking4boldgoals

I run one of the most popular YouTube channels for affirmations and positive self-talk with 1 million views every month. Nearly 10,000 people tune in daily to listen to my voice for a boost of positivity and encouragement. The videos feature affirmations on abundance, success, confidence, gratitude, relationships, health, and more.

I monetize that audience through the YouTube Partner Program and various offerings outside of YouTube. I feel blessed to impact so many people around the world and make a nice living doing it.

I also run a YouTube Mentorship Program and offer Channel Optimization Audits. I especially enjoy working with people who run heart-centered businesses (such as mindset and manifestation coaches, energy workers) and creative entrepreneurs (musicians, authors, artists, etc).

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbakerstl/

Lauren Lakebrink is the youngest of three siblings and a proud graduate of SIUE, where she earned a B.S. in Speech Communication with an emphasis in public speaking. With a career spanning twenty-five years, Lauren’s professional journey has been a testament to her unwavering commitment to personal and professional growth. Lauren specializes in both virtual and in-person training program development and facilitation.
At the core of Lauren’s success lies her tenacious ability for self-growth. The LMC method consists of learning how you learn, make mistakes, and clarify your communication. This transformative approach is underscored by a powerful quote that reshaped her perspective: “The exercise you do is the best exercise.” This sparked her passion to identify there is no correct or simple answer in self-discovery. Through the LMC method, Lauren empowers individuals to discover what resonates best for them, fostering their own shimmer inside. Communication, in her eyes, remains the cornerstone of every triumph.

Email: Lauren.Lakebrink@gmail.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-lakebrink-677b6314

Facebook: www.facebook.com/lauren.commerford.5

Michell Stockmann

Founder/CEO of Women Empowering Women | CEO of TechKnow Solutions | Chief Marketing Officer of Vacation Creations | Co-Owner of Fantastick Pops

Chef Brian Duffy

Chef, Dad, Consultant, On-Air Personality

Born and raised in Philadelphia, PA, Chef Brian Duffy had his first experiences in the kitchen as a young child with his big Irish-Italian Family. Those experiences introduced him to culinary life, and led him to study at Philadelphia’s The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College. Culinary school may have taught him technique, but it was those Sunday nights cooking with his family where he developed his passion.

After graduation, Chef Duffy worked under James Beard Award winning Chef Jean Marie LaCroix at The Four Seasons in Philadelphia. From there, he partnered in opening restaurants for employers & even a few of his own (CBD & his Consulting firm DEG have been involved in over 100 restaurant & venue openings) It was during this time that Duffy began to travel & create the experiences that would shape the next stages & steps in his career & life.

In the Meantime, Duffy formed “Duffified Experience Group,” a consulting firm with the realization that most of the smaller restaurant and bar operators that are out there needed someone who spoke their language & worked the way that they do. Through this firm, Duffy has been able to work and oversee restaurants, bars and nightclubs around the globe. On and off camera, Chef Duffy works with restaurants across the country updating their concepts, menus and coaching. His proven success has made him one of the most in-demand restaurant, and hospitality consultants across North America and overseas

Duffy is perhaps most recognized from his abundant television appearances on the wildly popular Spike TV series Bar Rescue, where he tours the country (sometimes on his Harley) reforming failing bars and restaurants with his “tell it like it is” style. His most recent show “Opening Night” follows Chef Duffy through HIS 7-day process of opening a restaurant & the roadblocks that come along the way. Duffy made his national on- camera debut over 17 years ago on the Food Network and has appeared on countless networks & streaming platforms.

Currently Duffy has collaborated with Ugly Brother Studios (Duffy Brothers) to launch the highly anticipated “World Chef” platform, an interactive portal for Foodie’s that pair the world’s best chefs with an interactive platform & shoppable celebrity chef content. Chef, having his hands in multiple levels of business is also the Creator & Host of “Duffified Live” a talking & travel show with an over-the-top approach to eating, drinking, and experiences. His Current Love of BBQ & Travel have exploded after winning the Coveted “Barn Smoker” event in Dallas during the summer of ’23.

When he isn’t with clients, taping or traveling, he is working on his classic entrepreneurial spirit, continuing to write his first book or hanging out with his family and friends in the suburbs of Philadelphia.

Chef Duffy has his own line of signature spices, “Duffified Spice” as well as a line of t-shirts, kitchen aprons, hats, and chef-driven Grills & Smokers which are all available on his website at www.duffified.com.

Email: chefduffy.assistant@gmail.com

Website: https://chefbrianduffy.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chefbrianduffy/

Pooja Arshanapally

Pooja Arshanapally is the owner of The Content Repurposer, where she helps authors use their books content and repurpose it into different mediums. She has assisted authors in transforming their books into speeches, podcast scripts, webinars, and more. She want to help expand the ideas on the author’s page and provide more opportunities by changing the format in which the content is consumed.

Email: hello@thecontentrepurposer.com

Website: http://thecontentrepurposer.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pooja-arshanapally/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecontentrepurposer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.content.repurposer/

As the owner of Matchbox Design Group, we have been providing the most compelling design and graphic services to establish and enhance the digital brand of various companies for over 17 years. I have a passion for creativity and innovation, and a commitment to delivering designs that command attention and are reinforced with marketing ideas that win business. I work with my clients closely to understand their business, create amazing work, and build strong relationships.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentfeldman/