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/

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/

Nicci Roach is an educator and curator of clout who excels at considering the whole person. She has a unique talent for diversifying rooms—domestic and international—with equipped leaders through curated educational ecosystems. Her teachings, research, and service facilitate enhanced equity, influence, and leadership.

Nicci has served in various capacities within higher education, making significant contributions towards DEIAB, change management, organizational development, and leadership development. She is the founder of covenant exCHANGE, llc, a trusted partner in learning and development consulting. She also launched CLOUT Inc., a nonprofit research and strategy organization that provides evidence and tactics to support upward mobility, retention, and equity for those from underrepresented populations. Her insights are also shared through radio and television programming.

A lifelong learner, Nicci has completed studies at Webster University, Cornell University, and Harvard University. She is now completing a doctoral dissertation at Missouri Baptist University.

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicci.roach.smile

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

Website: http://cloutconnext.org

Email: NNRoach@gmail.com

Founder, Build-A-Bear Workshop
CEO, Clark-Fox Family Foundation
Inspirator, the Delmar DivINe™

Maxine Clark is the Founder of Build-A-Bear Workshop®, a teddy-bear themed retail- entertainment experience. In 2004, Build-A-Bear became a public company traded on the NYSE. Today there are nearly 500 Build-A-Bear Workshop stores worldwide and over 250 million stuffed animals have been sold world-wide. In 2022, Build-A-Bear celebrated its 25th anniversary. In 2025 Maxine was inaugurated into the International Toy Hall of Fame.

Maxine stepped down from her CEB (Chief Executive Bear) position in 2013 to start her next act– to help unleash the potential of women and minority entrepreneurs and to use her entrepreneurial skills to create platforms and places that give access to more St. Louis families. Her latest venture is the Delmar DivINe™—the transformation of a neighborhood eyesore, the historic St. Luke’s Hospital in the St. Louis West End, into a multi-use real estate development opened in late 2021.

Maxine is an Emeritus member of the Build-A-Bear Workshop Board of Directors and a recent past member of Footlocker, Inc. Board of Directors. Maxine is also an Emeritus member of the Washington University Board of Trustees and an Emeritus member and former Chair of Goldfarb School of Nursing. She now serves on the boards of Arch Grants, Operation Food Search, PBS national and Nine PBS boards. In 2017 Maxine was named to the Missouri Public Affairs Hall of Fame and in 2015 was named Women of the Year by the Greater Missouri Leadership Foundation.

Maxine is a graduate of the University of Georgia and holds an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Washington University in St. Louis and St. Louis University and an Honorary Doctor in Human Letters from the University of Missouri St. Louis and The A.T. Still School of Dental Medicine and an Honorary Associates degree from St. Louis Community College.

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

Website: https://clarkfoxstl.com/

Ajay Patel is the Executive Chairman of PRI Global (Programmer Resources International, Inc.), a leading IT solutions and services provider. With over 25 years of leadership experience in the technology and staffing industry, he has been instrumental in scaling PRI Global into a trusted partner for Fortune 500 companies across Financial Services, Healthcare, Retail Tech, and Manufacturing.

Before becoming Chairman in 2023, Ajay served as CEO of PRI Global for over two decades, overseeing the company’s strategic growth, business development, and expansion into global markets. His expertise spans business analysis, technical recruiting, resource management, and the software development life cycle (SDLC).

Ajay has a deep passion for AI and its transformative potential. Under his leadership, PRI Global is at the forefront of responsible AI adoption, ensuring that AI-driven solutions are implemented ethically, securely, and with strong governance. He believes that AI should not only drive cost savings and revenue growth but also enable the re-deployment of resources for greater efficiencies, enhanced user experiences, and business process optimization. His vision is to leverage AI to create meaningful change—not just in industries but also in the communities we live and operate in.

Prior to PRI Global, Ajay held key roles at AT&T, where he contributed to project management and technology-driven initiatives.

Ajay holds an advanced management certification from the Kellogg School of Management and a degree from DeVry University-Illinois. His leadership philosophy is rooted in innovation, talent development, and leveraging technology to drive business transformation.

He continues to be a visionary leader, shaping the future of IT services through a combination of people, process, and technology-driven innovation.

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

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

Dr. Jana Haywood was inducted into the St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame in 2018. She has been inducted into the Lutheran North High School Hall of Honor twice; once individually and the other with the 1997-1999 State Track and Field Championship Teams.

Jana was an outstanding student and athlete while at Lutheran North High School in St. Louis, MO. While attending, she competed at the varsity level in three sports: cross-country, basketball and track. She was a member of a three-peat women’s track & field state championship teams (set a state record in the high jump), quarterfinals in state basketball, and advanced to the state championship for two years in cross-country. Jana was the metropolitan area-scoring leader in basketball multiple seasons. She was also the St. Louis Post-Dispatch Student Athlete of the Year.

Jana continued her athletic career at Saint Louis University with a four-year scholarship in basketball. She was co-captain of the team in 2003 and 2004. While she was playing at SLU, the women’s team advanced for the first time to the WNIT. Her basketball skills took her around the world: Puerto Rico, Italy, Spain and France.

She graduated from Saint Louis University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Human Resources. She continued her education at Fontbonne University with a Master of Arts in Education and Special Education. She also received a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from Lindenwood University. She culminated her studies earning a Doctor of Education in Leadership from Maryville University.

Jana started her career in education in 2005 in the St. Louis Public School District. Her Lutheran education instilled numerous core values with service being foundational. She found success by sharing her personal experiences as she shifted her focus from sports to eliminating barriers that negatively impact students’ academic success, specifically those that disproportionately impact underserved and underrepresented communities. She presents at the Beyond Consequences Trauma-Informed Schools local and national conferences and serves on the advisory council for the Crisis Prevention Institute stressing the importance of de-escalation techniques that exclude restraint and seclusion of students with self-care as the anchor strategy.

She has worked as a teacher, athletic director, assistant principal and principal. In 2020 she was selected as the Enterprise Holdings Secondary School Leader of the Year. In 2021 she accepted the position as Principal of Ritenour High School in St. Louis County. Today she is the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources in the Ferguson-Florissant School District. She also serves as an Adjunct Professor in the School of Education at Saint Louis University.

Dr. Jana Haywood is author of Move Without the Ball, a self-help book for people of all ages who are ready to take their lives to the next level during periods of transition. Jana co-founded Illumine Solutions Group, a coaching and consulting company with her husband to ignite, inspire and empower people as they pursue their personal goals.

Jana is a member of Washington Tabernacle MB Church. She serves on the Julia B. Hattitude Scholarship Fund Committee. She has served on numerous boards in the St. Louis region. Her husband is Carl Hayward Jr. and together they have three children; Carl, Jaila, and Jordyn.

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jana-haywood-edd-15a20429

Website: http://www.illuminesolutionsgroupisg.com

Email: janarhaywood@illuminesolutionsgroup.com

Michelle Charbonnier is a therapist, content creator, and Executive Director of the Missouri Network for Opiate Reform and Recovery (MoNetwork). With over nine years of experience holding space for individuals in recovery, Michelle brings a compassionate, and holistic approach to guiding others toward healing and personal transformation.

As a partner at Sovereign Collective LLC, she collaborates to create programs focused on self-empowerment, resilience, and value-driven living. She also founded Thriving Beyond Recovery, a empowerment program designed to help individuals align their core values with their actions, fostering self-awareness and inner peace.

Michelle’s journey in recovery, combined with her professional expertise, makes her a dynamic and inspiring speaker. Her work emphasizes harm reduction, integrity, and resilience—principles which resonate deeply with women seeking empowerment and growth.

With a passion for creating safe spaces and fostering authentic connections, Michelle’s insights and experiences offer a roadmap for women navigating their own transformative journeys.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle–charbonnier-cradc-7662b51b/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michelle.charbonnier.71

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellecharbonnier13/

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

Michell Stockmann

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

Elroy Waters

Elroy! AI strategist and author of The White-Collar Guide to AI Survival

Elroy Waters is a pioneering voice in AI upskilling and professional development, currently serving as an AI Strategist and Content Developer for one of the world’s largest nonprofits. After transforming his own career through AI expertise, he authored “The White-Collar Guide to AI Survival,” helping professionals navigate and thrive in the AI era. His journey from exploring AI’s potential to becoming an influential voice in the field demonstrates the power of embracing technological change. Waters brings a unique perspective on making AI accessible and practical, drawing from his experience competing against thousands of applicants to land his dream role through AI expertise. His approach to AI education emphasizes practical application over technical complexity, helping others develop “AI-mindedness” – a critical skill for professional success. A dedicated father and husband, Waters is passionate about preparing future generations for an AI-driven world.

Email: elroy@elroywaters.com

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/elroy-waters/

Marianne Biangardi is a Business Development and Client Service Leader for UHY Advisors. Her main roles are in brand visibility, lead generation, client relations as well marketing for the firm. Her clients and connections are predominantly in the Manufacturing, Distribution, Construction and Not-For-Profit industries. She has a gift and passion for connecting people and was recently nominated as one of the “Top 100 People to Know to Succeed in Business” – From the St. Louis SBM. Marianne is an international bestselling author in the Owning Your GRIT anthologies. She is an active member in the American Subcontractors Association Midwest Council, SITE Improvement, The Association General Contractors, The Employee Community Partnership Council at Fontbonne University, G.R.I.T. Community, and was recently elected to the board of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC). Marianne has a passion for helping others and goes out of her way to do so when she can. Her talents include building strategic partnerships and maintaining client relationships.

Marianne Biangardi joins UHY today as a Sr. Associate, Marketing and Business Development. Marianne will support the St. Louis and Kansas City and Houston offices. Marianne has been married to her husband Matt for over 20 years, she is a mom of three kids Zoey (15) Claire (13) Ronin (10). She also has enjoys spending time with her pets, 2 cats and her German Shephard. She enjoys fitness, walking and listening to podcasts although she spends most of her time currently driving her 3 kids to their sporting events and activities. She is also an avid sports fan and her favorite teams to follow are the St. Louis Blues Hockey and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Maria Berra is the Business Development Lead and Account Executive at Spoke Marketing, where she specializes in helping companies humanize their brands and drive meaningful business growth. With over two decades of experience in teaching, marketing, and design, Maria has a proven track record of building authentic customer connections and crafting impactful strategies.

Holding an MFA from Fontbonne University, she has also shared her expertise as a Marketing Director at Acropolis Technology Group and Sansone Group. She was a design instructor at St. Louis Community College, ITT Technical Institute, and Ursuline Academy. Maria’s background in education and storytelling equips her with the unique ability to communicate brand values effectively, fostering client success through creative and strategic solutions.

HR Whisperer: HR Director by day and I moonlight as an HR consultant by night, unravelling the
mysteries of the corporate world one employee issue at a time. If you have workplace drama, I’ll sift
through it like a detective solving a juicy mystery novel.
Recovering Attorney: In my past life, I proudly bore the title of attorney, battling it out in courtrooms
and boardrooms. But I’ve seen the light! I’ve transitioned to a new, exciting phase in my life. Now, I
help others navigate the legal landscape, steering them clear of the pitfalls and landmines I once
braved. Consider me your legal guide through the treacherous terrain, having survived the trenches
and emerged wiser and, dare I say, with a slightly more humorous outlook on life.
Mom of Four: But wait, there’s more! In my superhero cape (or, more accurately, my “Mom jeans”), I
wrangle not one, not two, but four mini-humans who insist on calling me “Mom”.They’ve taught me
more about negotiation and diplomacy than any law school ever could. Globetrotting Foodie: When
I’m not arguing cases or parenting, I’m jet-setting around the globe in search of the world’s most
delectable delicacies. My passport might as well be a food journal with stamps, and my heart
belongs to every street food vendor, Michelin-starred restaurant, and hole-in-the-wall eatery.
Proudly Neurodivergent: Beneath it all, I’m a neurodivergent warrior. My brain works in wonderfully
unique ways, and I embrace it with open arms. Think of me as the Picasso of thinking, with a canvas
of brilliant ideas that might zigzag, swirl, or loop-de-loop – but always with a dash of brilliance.
So basically, in my multifaceted world, I’m a legal luminary turned legal guide, an HR sorcerer, a
mom to a formidable quartet, a global epicurean explorer, a neurodivergent pioneer, and a
recovering attorney with tales to tell and wisdom to share!

Email: thephoenixgroupstl@outlook.com

Tom Woodcock

President, Seal the Deal

Author Tom Woodcock is nationally known as one of the most dynamic sales trainers and consultants in the country. He routinely speaks to thousands of sales personnel and business owners concerning the sales skills necessary to compete in this intensely challenging business climte. His personal success in sales is well documented and highly regarded. His latest book; “You’re Not Sellin’, They’re Buyin’” is comprehensive in developing the proper sales skills, persona and methodology to rise above the competition. His video series can be used as an individual or corporate training program. He’s been featured on CNN and in USA Today as well as dozens of media outlets across the country.

Tom is extremely entertaining in his approach and well studied in the dynamics that occur in pricing, quoting and developing customer brand loyalty. His high energy approach combined with practical applications can bring results immediately after his seminars. His corporation, Seal the Deal, is sought after by trade associations, contractors, corporations, suppliers, construction expos and publications regularly. He currently writes for 4 publications,has 20 regular contractor clients and speaks to in excess of 10,000 construction industry professionals a year.

Tom turned a Caterpillar rental territory from 2.5Mil to 10Mil in revenue in 18 months while raising net margins by 2%! He also trained 325 sales reps for a 750Mil nationwide equipment firm. In his first sales position at 19 yrs of age he took a 150K sales territory to 2.5Mil in 1 year. His customized training programs hit areas targeted for improvement head on. He understands the ins and outs of the sales world.

Email: admin@tomwoodcocksealthedeal.com

Phone: 314-775-9217

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-woodcock-86b0b09/