Media & Information

Esteemed specialists working in the fields of media education, digital media, multimedia and radio services

Chevron (Commander A9)

Chevron (Commander A9)

Chevron is a gray wolf, gamer, and event host from New Jersey. He works with several VRChat-based convention groups like the Furality Online Xperience, TailBass, Misho's Feeshquarium, Lords of Floof, WaterWolf, Projekt Community, and xCirrex Media to create events and bring people together for fun nights, games, friendship, and great times. He hosts Thursday VRChat Games alongside NoxTheSergal and Scottish Gamer every week (which are often attended with full instances), as well as in-person gatherings monthly. He passionately embraces VRChat and its rave and convention scene, especially with Furnal Equinox, CozyCon, Projekt Community, WaterWolf, and the Furality Online Xperience. You'll find him most often sharing photos on his art galleries to help promote his favorite events and organizations. Furrydelphia, Furnal Equinox, and Anthro New England's first ever VRChat Meet-and-Greets and Intro Panels were co-hosted by TJCoyote, Chief, Chevron, Lilithe Lotor, mBlade, and members of the Fluffy Fur Friends. Motivated by the TailBass and Furality VRChat portals, Chevron is now working to set up VRChat portals and meets at other in-person conventions.

He serves as a Photographer for the Furality Online Xperience, operator for the Operations Department for WaterWolf, Events Host for Projekt Community, and a tournament co-host for xCirrex Media events.

Chevron's love and passion for Furnal Equinox motivated him to cosplay as "Badgie" (Virtual Furnal Equinox 2021's unofficial mascot made of nothing but attendee badges) at the in-person convention in 2022. He reprized his role in-person in 2023 and 2024, and also attends other conventions as "Badgie" who is often referred to as "Attendee Man."

Chevron first attended Furnal Equinox in March 2021 over VRChat. The experience was so enjoyable that he dared to compared his experience at Furnal Equinox to Furality 2000 (November 2020). This motivated him to attend the in-person Furnal Equinox convention for the first time in March 2022. The trip was a first of many for Chevron: His first time in Canada, first time using Lyft, and first time public suiting and marching in a fursuit parade. Chevron has now added Furnal Equinox to his list of yearly attended conventions.

A lifelong player of EVE Online, Mechwarrior, Armed Assault III, Halo, Command & Conquer, and Dance Dance Revolution, Chevron holds a particular appreciation for older games of the late 1990s-early 2000s, such as the first Ghost Recon (2002) and Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. His first video game was Mario on the original Game Boy when he was five years old. His admiration of cyberpunk and all things futuristic is on full display with his Illumi Cyberwear LED visor. His fursuit was made by Sarahcat. Outside of the fandom, he works in the IT industry as a cybersecurity administrator and is (jokingly) addicted to Mountain Dew.

Chevron's ultimate goal is to bring people together for fun and great times. He embraces the future with open arms and is eager to dive right into all the fun that can be had together with friends and the fandom.

Chevron is a gray wolf, gamer, and event host from New Jersey. He works with several VRChat-based convention groups like the Furality Online Xperience, TailBass, Misho's Feeshquarium, Lords of Floof, WaterWolf, Projekt Community, and xCirrex Media to... Show more

Marina Hrvacanin

Marina Hrvacanin

I spent fifteen years mastering how people actually consume content. I build stories that sell to the distracted, from scroll-stopping social lines to large-scale e-commerce campaigns.

I study what catches the eye, what keeps it, and how language can make brands feel current without chasing trends.

I speak about writing for new audiences and new media, where attention is short, expectations are high, and authenticity alone isn’t enough.
My topics explore how to translate human behavior into clear, relatable communication that cuts through noise and earns response.

I spent fifteen years mastering how people actually consume content. I build stories that sell to the distracted, from scroll-stopping social lines to large-scale e-commerce campaigns. I study what catches the eye, what keeps it, and how language... Show more

Jesimiel Williams

Jesimiel Williams

Hi, I’m Jesimiel Williams. I’m an innovative Creative with experience in Design, UX and Content Development and Marketing. In 7 years, and through possibly hundreds of visuals, interfaces and written content, I’ve learned to craft interactions toward consumer-centric values, and as such have developed an understanding of consumer trends and how to optimize experiences and stories to drive adoption and growth for tech products. I’ve worked and consulted for brands in AI, Telecoms, Mobility, Edtech and many other spheres in Africa, Europe and the US including Lara.ng, Stutern, Chess in Slums Africa and many others, whilst also building a product for accessible Mental Health for Africa called Uncloudy.

Hi, I’m Jesimiel Williams. I’m an innovative Creative with experience in Design, UX and Content Development and Marketing. In 7 years, and through possibly hundreds of visuals, interfaces and written content, I’ve learned to craft interactions toward... Show more

Ramit Paul

Ramit Paul

As a Senior Manager at Protiviti, I leverage my 12+ years of experience in ERP consulting to deliver hands-on application expertise to key stakeholders. I am a Microsoft MVP (Business Application) and a Certified Scrum Master (CSM), with a proven track record of implementing Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations solutions across diverse industries.

I am passionate about streamlining business processes, enhancing service innovation, and enabling customer value. I have successfully led and contributed to multiple projects involving finance, operations, supply chain, and retail modules, using agile methodologies and Six Sigma tools. I am also skilled in Microsoft products and business analysis, and I constantly seek to expand my knowledge and skills in the rapidly evolving field of Microsoft Dynamics 365.

As a Senior Manager at Protiviti, I leverage my 12+ years of experience in ERP consulting to deliver hands-on application expertise to key stakeholders. I am a Microsoft MVP (Business Application) and a Certified Scrum Master (CSM), with a proven tra... Show more

S. David Ramirez

S. David Ramirez

S. David Ramirez, CFEE, is an award-winning marketing technologist based in San Antonio, Texas. He is the founder and principal consultant of SDMRamirez, LLC, a micro-agency serving events, entrepreneurs, and ecosystems across North America. He is a subject matter expert, speaking about marketing and technology at top-tier conferences like Adweek Magazine's Social Media Week North America, the Hospitality and Finance Technology Professionals conference, and the Meeting Professionals International World Education Summit. He serves on the faculty for the National Event Management School and the Texas Event Management Institute. He is a board member of the International Festivals and Events Association Foundation. Mostly, he's a nerd; talk to him about anime, craft beer, and science fiction.

S. David Ramirez, CFEE, is an award-winning marketing technologist based in San Antonio, Texas. He is the founder and principal consultant of SDMRamirez, LLC, a micro-agency serving events, entrepreneurs, and ecosystems across North America. He is a ... Show more

Erica Hakonson

Erica Hakonson

Erica Hakonson is the CEO and Founder of Maven Collective Marketing, the leading Marketing Partner for Microsoft Partners. CEO and Founder of Maven Collective Marketing, Hakonson has guided her team to over 160 industry awards, earning accolades such as PR Daily’s B2B Agency of the Year and MarTech Outlook's Top Digital Marketing Company. Celebrated for championing women in tech, Erica has been honored as the Female Entrepreneur of the Year and recognized among the 2024 Top 50 Women We Admire in Marketing and Tech, also featuring in The Globe & Mail. With nearly two decades of expertise in tech, Erica’s leadership has positioned Maven Collective as a forefront of digital marketing innovation.

Erica Hakonson is the CEO and Founder of Maven Collective Marketing, the leading Marketing Partner for Microsoft Partners. CEO and Founder of Maven Collective Marketing, Hakonson has guided her team to over 160 industry awards, earning accolades such... Show more

Afroz Syed

Afroz Syed

President of the Society for Multiple Sclerosis Patients in Pakistan with 12+ years of experience in Website Promotion, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Online Marketing, and Web Copywriting

Specialties include: SEO, Search Engine Optimization, Online Marketing and Promotion, Traffic Building to Websites, Web Copywriting, Content Writing and Creation, Blogging, Link Building, Keyword Research, and Competitor Analysis.

President of the Society for Multiple Sclerosis Patients in Pakistan with 12+ years of experience in Website Promotion, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Online Marketing, and Web Copywriting Specialties include: SEO, Search Engine Optimization, O... Show more

Kamal Rawat

Kamal Rawat

With expertise spanning SEO, content marketing, PPC, and social media, I help brands elevate their visibility, skyrocket organic traffic, and drive measurable engagement. Whether it’s optimizing site structure, crafting high-impact content, or building performance-driven campaigns, I believe in strategies rooted in data and designed for results.

With expertise spanning SEO, content marketing, PPC, and social media, I help brands elevate their visibility, skyrocket organic traffic, and drive measurable engagement. Whether it’s optimizing site structure, crafting high-impact content, or buildi... Show more

Julia Redner

Julia Redner

Julia has been an active member of the Microsoft community for more than 15 years. She began her career at knk with a dual study program in Business Administration (B.Sc.) at the FH Nordakademie. After graduating, she built up and now leads the marketing department of the internationally operating knk Group.

Together with her team, Julia is responsible for marketing and communication across all product lines of the knk Group: knkMedia based on Microsoft D365 Business Central, knk365 for Media Sales based on D365 for Sales, knk365 Marketing Automation based on D365 for Marketing, and VM Media Manager. In addition to product marketing, her responsibilities include employer branding.

Beyond her leadership role in marketing, Julia is passionate about team development and organizational culture. As a facilitator, she has supported implementation teams on their path to self-organization and regularly guides teams in achieving clarity and results in their meetings.

Julia has been an active member of the Microsoft community for more than 15 years. She began her career at knk with a dual study program in Business Administration (B.Sc.) at the FH Nordakademie. After graduating, she built up and now leads the marke... Show more

Lizzi Pittman

Lizzi Pittman

Lizzi's career in client services encompasses a wide variety of projects across multiple disciplines: video & media production, traditional & digital advertising, and app & website development. As a Sr. Project Manager, Lizzi manages projects from discovery to delivery, with a focus on collaborative and compassionate leadership.

Lizzi's career in client services encompasses a wide variety of projects across multiple disciplines: video & media production, traditional & digital advertising, and app & website development. As a Sr. Project Manager, Lizzi manages projects from di... Show more

Ilya Burkin

Ilya Burkin

Ilya Burkin is the Global Marketing Director at ADB SAFEGATE, leading the company’s transformation from a hardware provider to a connected solutions partner for airports worldwide.

With a background spanning brand strategy, digital transformation, and creative storytelling, Ilya spearheaded ADB SAFEGATE’s collaboration with CBS News for the Economy 4.0 documentary — a landmark project that combined marketing, engineering, and purpose-driven communication.

He speaks on topics including B2B storytelling, brand innovation, marketing ROI, and the intersection of technology and creativity in industrial sectors.

Ilya Burkin is the Global Marketing Director at ADB SAFEGATE, leading the company’s transformation from a hardware provider to a connected solutions partner for airports worldwide. With a background spanning brand strategy, digital transformation,... Show more

Calypso Hernandez

Calypso Hernandez

Calypso is a versatile professional with a unique background in theatre, education, and tech. After years of experience in theatre and teaching, Calypso recently transitioned into the tech industry, working with innovative startups where she applies her skills in communication, design, and collaboration to fast-paced, high-growth environments. This blend of creative and technical experience has equipped Calypso with a deep understanding of how to foster constructive feedback, empower teams, and drive continuous improvement. Calypso also thrives on building strong, connected communities. She brings a fresh perspective on collaboration, communication, and community building in both creative and tech spaces.

Calypso is a versatile professional with a unique background in theatre, education, and tech. After years of experience in theatre and teaching, Calypso recently transitioned into the tech industry, working with innovative startups where she applies ... Show more

Anupriy Kanti

Anupriy Kanti

Anupriy Kanti is a UX Design Leader and Content Strategist with over 14 years of experience designing for B2C and B2B products across various domains. He has led multidisciplinary teams in design agencies like Think Design and FoxyMoron, as well as high-growth unicorns such as Zeta and Infra.Market — where he built and scaled content design functions from the ground up.

Anupriy’s work intersects with systems thinking, storytelling, and UX clarity. He is known for developing frameworks and playbooks that make information architecture and content strategy accessible to cross-functional teams. As a design mentor and a frequent speaker across design communities, he employs metaphor-rich thinking to translate abstract ideas into practical tools and playbooks.

When he is not building design systems or advocating for content-informed UX, you will find him conducting mythological-prehistory walks in Bengaluru or decoding cosmic stories from deep time.

Anupriy Kanti is a UX Design Leader and Content Strategist with over 14 years of experience designing for B2C and B2B products across various domains. He has led multidisciplinary teams in design agencies like Think Design and FoxyMoron, as well as h... Show more

Chewie XO

Chewie XO

Chewie is a dynamic force in the worlds of marketing, gaming, and blockchain innovation. As a seasoned marketing strategist, Chewie crafts compelling narratives that bridge traditional strategies with cutting-edge digital ecosystems. A veteran semi-pro gamer, Chewie has a deep history in gaming having managed e-sports teams and running a large gaming community in the past, dominating leaderboards or driving community growth.

Chewie is the co-founder of @OnChainBrits, a vibrant collective championing on-chain culture and British blockchain enthusiasts. In the kitchen of crypto creativity, he collaborate on @ChewieTech_xo whipping up innovative strategy solutions driving UX and functionality. Chewie is also a proud member of @AvaxTeam1 on the Avalanche network where he promotes decentralised finance and Web3 adoption.

With a knack for community-building and a passion for pixels-to-protocols, Chewie isn't just playing the game he is rewriting the rules.

Chewie is a dynamic force in the worlds of marketing, gaming, and blockchain innovation. As a seasoned marketing strategist, Chewie crafts compelling narratives that bridge traditional strategies with cutting-edge digital ecosystems. A veteran semi-p... Show more

Richard Essangabasi

Richard Essangabasi

Richard Essangabasi, known as The Content Chef, he is the Marketing Lead & Growth Strategist at Bitsave Protocoll and also a Creative Director and Co-Founder of Orex Prime, an innovative onchain media company transforming Africa’s entertainment landscape through decentralized storytelling.

As Content Lead at Sandbox Africa and Creator at Base West-Africa, he drives compelling narratives with global impact. A four-time award-winning filmmaker and cinematographer, He serves as the 2024 Uyo Theatre and Film Festival Curator/Director.

He previously spearheaded marketing at ILabs, advancing AI chatbot adoption for SMEs, and led the For the Love of DeFi community at Akwa Ibom State University, where he studies computer science and graduated from KAP Film Academy a Nigerian film brand popular for their master piece (Anikulapo).

He has spoken at Figma Config, DevFest Eket, Base Onchain Summer Lagos, ETH-Enugu, and Web3 Lagos Conference will Facilitating and being in attendance of many more like Onchain festival, Oncahin Summer by TheFow, ETH-Accra, etc. Passionate about cinematography and motion graphics, he inspires African creators to shine globally.

Richard Essangabasi, known as The Content Chef, he is the Marketing Lead & Growth Strategist at Bitsave Protocoll and also a Creative Director and Co-Founder of Orex Prime, an innovative onchain media company transforming Africa’s entertainment lands... Show more

Tracy Lee

Tracy Lee

Tracy is the CEO and Chief Technologist at This Dot Labs, a consultancy focused on helping leaders achieve their most ambitious digital initiatives through technology leadership and engineering talent.

She is also a Github Star, Google Developer Expert, Microsoft MVP, RxJS Core Team member, and a frequent keynote speaker at conferences.

You can find her on Linkedin at /in/tracyslee, on Twitter @ladyleet or at thisdot.co

Tracy is the CEO and Chief Technologist at This Dot Labs, a consultancy focused on helping leaders achieve their most ambitious digital initiatives through technology leadership and engineering talent. She is also a Github Star, Google Developer E... Show more

Astrid Ruppin

Astrid Ruppin

Diplom-Soziologin und Betriebsinformatikerin
2002 - 2014: Consultant für die Bereitstellung von Websites und die Einführung von Intranets und IT-Trainerin
Seit April 2014 bei WBS GRUPPE als Digital Experience Managerin
- Projektteam Einführung eines Social Intranets
- Interne Kommunikation
- Projektleitung Einführung Microsoft 365 im Unternehmen
- Microsoft 365 Cloud Navigator

Diplom-Soziologin und Betriebsinformatikerin 2002 - 2014: Consultant für die Bereitstellung von Websites und die Einführung von Intranets und IT-Trainerin Seit April 2014 bei WBS GRUPPE als Digital Experience Managerin - Projektteam Einführung ein... Show more

John Elbing

John Elbing

John Elbing helps brands stop sounding like everyone else. As a business storytelling expert and author of Storybuilding: Your Brand From Their Standpoint, he guides marketing and leadership teams to flip the script—from pushing messages to building stories people actually care about. Drawing on his work with startups, corporates, and nonprofits, John blends strategy, storytelling, and sharp humor to help organizations stand out, connect, and convert. His sessions are lively, practical, and rooted in real-world experience—whether you need to rally a team, realign a brand, or rethink the story you’re telling the market.

John Elbing helps brands stop sounding like everyone else. As a business storytelling expert and author of Storybuilding: Your Brand From Their Standpoint, he guides marketing and leadership teams to flip the script—from pushing messages to building ... Show more

Rasagy Sharma

Rasagy Sharma

Hi, I’m Rasagy Sharma. I love making data meaningful, and I’ve spent 12+ years leading design teams & building data-heavy products.

I currently head the design team for DataLabs at Capital One, and was earlier heading the design team at Gramener. I’ve designed apps & data visualizations at large orgs like Microsoft & Barclays, and been one of the first designers at early-stage startups like Sundial, Mapbox (Data team) & Capillary Technologies.

In my free time, I love to make sense of knowledge through sketchnoting, create art using data & code, and support design communities through speaking, teaching & volunteering. I’m an Adjunct Assistant Professor at IDC, IIT Bombay, and I regularly teach for NID’s M.Des. in Information Design program (my alma mater).

I’m currently diving deep into design leadership & knowledge management, and I’m passionate about data visualization, cartography, creative coding & sketchnoting.

Hi, I’m Rasagy Sharma. I love making data meaningful, and I’ve spent 12+ years leading design teams & building data-heavy products. I currently head the design team for DataLabs at Capital One, and was earlier heading the design team at Gramener. ... Show more

Rocky Mar

Rocky Mar

Coach Rocky Mar (she/her) helps Drupal teams turn training into Tuesday habits that ship. An Amazon bestselling author and Founder & CEO of Smart Life Investments, she teaches a 90-day, manager-led playbook of EI micro-skills, crisp standups/1:1s, and a lightweight delivery scorecard—tool-agnostic and community-first. Her sessions emphasize inclusive leadership, psychological safety with accountability, and responsible use of AI as a practice partner for feedback, reviews, and onboarding. Attendees leave with open templates they can use next sprint to raise velocity, improve first-time-right, and reduce burnout.

Coach Rocky Mar (she/her) helps Drupal teams turn training into Tuesday habits that ship. An Amazon bestselling author and Founder & CEO of Smart Life Investments, she teaches a 90-day, manager-led playbook of EI micro-skills, crisp standups/1:1s, an... Show more

Lauren V. Davis

Lauren V. Davis

Lauren V. Davis is a speaker and business strategist who helps entrepreneurs, small and medium business owners, and organizations grow with practical, actionable strategies. Audiences leave her sessions with proven tools they can apply immediately to strengthen visibility, attract loyal customers, and build personal brands that create lasting impact.

Lauren’s entrepreneurial journey began at age 19 when she opened a brick-and-mortar record store that grew into a iconic community hub for 15 years. During that time she built a non-for-profit to help local businesses market themselves in her community. She hosted conferences that rivaled national scale gatherings and knows what it takes to pick a good speaker, and provide a memorable experience. She will take an unforgettable hands-on approach to your audience.

Lauren's real-world experience taught her how to build customer loyalty, create marketing systems that work long-term, and see beyond one-hit-wonder tactics. Today, as a marketing and business strategist, she brings that same real-world perspective to the stage, equipping professionals with strategies that drive sustainable success in branding, marketing, and business growth.

As the founder of Lauren Davis Creative, she has guided speakers, authors, coaches, and entrepreneurs in establishing personal brands that generate consistent engagement and long-term clients. Her work has been featured in Reader’s Digest, Huffington Post, and across global top-rated podcasts. She also hosts The Real Personal Branding Podcast, rated as a top 2% podcast worldwide, where she interviews thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts about building authentic visibility.

Event organizers book Lauren because she delivers more than inspiration—she delivers outcomes. Her presentations are engaging, accessible, and designed for immediate action. Whether delivering a keynote, leading a workshop, or facilitating a mastermind, Lauren ensures audiences walk away with strategies they can implement right away.

Popular topics include:
Building a personal brand that attracts opportunities
Creating a marketing strategy without overwhelm or burnout
Using social media to connect with the right audience
Growing visibility and impact through authentic branding
Practical systems for long-term business growth

Lauren speaks at conferences, association meetings, masterminds, and corporate events across Rockford, Chicago, Northern Illinois, and nationwide. She is equally effective in virtual formats and in-person events, tailoring content to the needs of each audience.

Audiences benefit by gaining:
Clarity in their personal brand and marketing approach
Tools to create immediate traction with customers and clients
Frameworks for social media and marketing that are simple to implement
Confidence to communicate authentically both online and on stage
Long-term strategies that build community, visibility, and loyalty
Lauren knows how to talk to everyone, from well-established associations to low-tech, blue-collar communities and will meet your audience where they are.

Associations, small and medium businesses, and leadership groups turn to Lauren when they want a speaker who delivers actionable insights with relatable energy. Her background as a business owner and strategist allows her to connect with audiences who want practical solutions, not just theory.

When you book Lauren V. Davis as your marketing speaker, your audience will leave with the clarity, confidence, and strategies they need to take their brand and business to the next level.

Keywords: marketing speaker, business coach speaker, personal branding speaker, workshop facilitator, entrepreneur speaker, small business speaker, association conference speaker, mastermind facilitator, social media speaker, Rockford IL, Chicago, Northern Illinois, nationwide speaker.

Lauren V. Davis is a speaker and business strategist who helps entrepreneurs, small and medium business owners, and organizations grow with practical, actionable strategies. Audiences leave her sessions with proven tools they can apply immediately to... Show more

Railey Molinario

Railey Molinario


Railey Molinario is a two-time TEDx-selected international speaker, media personality, and the Founder of RI (Relationship Intelligence™)—the revolutionary framework redefining how we lead, connect, and thrive. From corporate boardrooms to global stages, Railey delivers transformative keynotes on the future of AI and human connection, emotional intelligence in business, and the relationship education the world has been missing.

Featured in Forbes, BBC, Yahoo Finance, and Fox59, Railey is recognized for blending actionable strategy with compelling storytelling. Her work equips leaders and organizations to prevent burnout, cultivate high-performance cultures, and build meaningful lives through emotional clarity and aligned relationships.

Railey Molinario is a two-time TEDx-selected international speaker, media personality, and the Founder of RI (Relationship Intelligence™)—the revolutionary framework redefining how we lead, connect, and thrive. From corporate boardrooms to global s... Show more

Tim Pietrusky

Tim Pietrusky

is a dx engineer at Runpod building agents, a co-organizer of JSConf Budapest / CodePenDay Germany, a mentor, an international speaker, a generative artist, a vj for dnb parties & a series-founder

the most important part of his life are his two daughters (7, 8) <3

is a dx engineer at Runpod building agents, a co-organizer of JSConf Budapest / CodePenDay Germany, a mentor, an international speaker, a generative artist, a vj for dnb parties & a series-founder the most important part of his life are his two d... Show more

Thimo Buchheister

Thimo Buchheister

Since 2017 Organizer and Speaker of a monthly happening .Net Meetup
Speaker on local events

2004 - 2019 CTO of All about Ashley GmbH
2017 - 2019 CTO of Xircuit GmbH & Co. KG
Since 2019 CEO of ThreeB IT GmbH

Since 2017 Organizer and Speaker of a monthly happening .Net Meetup Speaker on local events 2004 - 2019 CTO of All about Ashley GmbH 2017 - 2019 CTO of Xircuit GmbH & Co. KG Since 2019 CEO of ThreeB IT GmbH Show more

Santiago Bustelo

Santiago Bustelo

Pionero de UX en Argentina. Fundador de Kambrica, consultora de UX estratégico. Desde 1996 ha trabajado en más de 1000 proyectos para más de 40 industrias. Fue docente en 11 universidades y orador en más de 30 conferencias en 24 países. Creador de Experience Decisión Making, sistema que integra teoría de la decisión a los procesos de UX. Mentor de profesionales que quieren dar el salto de ejecutores a líderes.

Pionero de UX en Argentina. Fundador de Kambrica, consultora de UX estratégico. Desde 1996 ha trabajado en más de 1000 proyectos para más de 40 industrias. Fue docente en 11 universidades y orador en más de 30 conferencias en 24 países. Creador de Ex... Show more

Vontavius Hurd

Vontavius Hurd

Vontavius Hurd is an award-winning marketing strategist, licensed real estate agent, and creator of the Presence to Profits Blueprint™ framework. He helps entrepreneurs, business owners, real estate pros, and organizations grow strategically so they stay relevant and never become extinct. When he’s not speaking, he runs his marketing agency, sells out impactful webinars and workshops, and partners with brands as a lifestyle and travel influencer. Off the clock, you’ll probably find him gaming or streaming.

Vontavius Hurd is an award-winning marketing strategist, licensed real estate agent, and creator of the Presence to Profits Blueprint™ framework. He helps entrepreneurs, business owners, real estate pros, and organizations grow strategically so they ... Show more

Nadiia Kuzmenko

Nadiia Kuzmenko

Based in Bulgaria, I am Nadiia Kuzmenko, an experienced editor, publishing agent, and ghostwriter dedicated to bringing clarity and creativity to every project I undertake. With a strong background in editing, proofreading, writing, translating, ghostwriting, and publishing, I help authors and businesses craft compelling narratives that resonate with their audience and meet high professional standards.

My passion lies in transforming ideas into polished and publish-ready content. I work closely with clients to understand their unique voice and goals, ensuring every piece I handle is meticulously refined and tailored for maximum impact in the marketplace. Whether you need a thorough edit or complete ghostwriting services, I am committed to delivering quality work that elevates your message and advances your professional objectives.

Based in Bulgaria, I am Nadiia Kuzmenko, an experienced editor, publishing agent, and ghostwriter dedicated to bringing clarity and creativity to every project I undertake. With a strong background in editing, proofreading, writing, translating, ghos... Show more

James Kaminsky

James Kaminsky

James Kaminsky is a senior editorial director and digital content strategist who has overseen editorial teams for leading names in the media industry. His professional experience covers both print and digital publishing, and he has directed content strategy for Maxim, Playboy, Rolling Stone, Men’s Journal, Realtor.com, and Homes.com.

James was raised in Westport, Connecticut. He attended Boston University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Film and Broadcast Journalism. While still a student, he contributed to the university newspaper and completed an internship at The Boston Globe, which provided him with valuable early newsroom experience. After graduating, he moved to New York and began his career in business publishing, steadily progressing through editorial ranks to become editor-in-chief at Act III Communications. In that position, he guided teams focused on content that spanned entertainment, business, and technology.

As his career advanced, he shifted toward consumer magazines and freelanced for several respected publications. This eventually led to senior editorial roles at Men’s Journal and Conde Nast Sports for Women, where he helped develop editorial strategies and launch new initiatives—his time at Men’s Journal involved shaping the magazine’s direction. At the same time, at Conde Nast, he gained experience with new publication launches.

In 1999, James Kaminsky joined Maxim as executive editor, contributing to the publication’s rapid rise in the United States. He later became an editorial director at Playboy, where he played a pivotal role in evolving the brand and updating its journalistic approach to appeal to a new audience.

He continued to take on leadership roles at Wenner Media, working with both Rolling Stone and Men’s Journal to strengthen content offerings and expand digital efforts. Returning to Maxim, he helped steer the magazine through changing industry dynamics.

James then took on editorial leadership at Life Reimagined for AARP. He went on to serve as Senior Editorial Director at Realtor.com for more than eight years, building a digital news operation from the ground up. His latest position at Homes.com involved directing content about luxury real estate in New York.

Today, James Kaminsky enjoys cycling, hiking, and films. He now works independently as a consultant and writer, bringing his editorial expertise to a range of projects and clients.

James Kaminsky is a senior editorial director and digital content strategist who has overseen editorial teams for leading names in the media industry. His professional experience covers both print and digital publishing, and he has directed content s... Show more

Denise Zubizarreta

Denise Zubizarreta

Denise Zubizarreta is a cultural strategist, arts leader, and digital resilience advocate working at the intersection of creative expression and social impact. As Director of Business Development and Communications at the New Mexico Local News Fund, she supports sustainable, equity-driven journalism while championing the voices of underserved communities.

With a background in nonprofit leadership, military service, and interdisciplinary art, Denise brings a unique perspective to conversations about cybersecurity, media representation, and cultural preservation. Her work focuses on making complex systems—like digital security and public infrastructure—accessible to small orgs, artists, and mission-driven teams.

She is also an engagement director at Latina Media Co and co-host of the Latina Unpacked podcast. Whether she’s curating an art show, building out a CRM, or training nonprofit staff on digital safety, Denise is all about connecting the dots between creativity, justice, and real-world systems change.

Denise Zubizarreta is a cultural strategist, arts leader, and digital resilience advocate working at the intersection of creative expression and social impact. As Director of Business Development and Communications at the New Mexico Local News Fund, ... Show more

Mena Darré

Mena Darré

Mena is a certified Hello Seven Business and Mindset Coach and a proud graduate of the Goldman Sachs Black In Business Program. Based in St. Louis, she’s a branding photographer, strategist, content creator, and coach on a mission to help entrepreneurs grow their brands and show up like the experts they are.

After three years of teaching in the classroom, Mena made the bold leap into full-time entrepreneurship in 2017. These days, she blends her background in education with her creative skills to coach, photograph, and guide business owners as they build brands that actually sell.

With 8 years of experience as a branding and lifestyle photographer, Mena has worked with major names like Getty Images, Airbnb, Design Essentials, and the American Heart Association. She’s helped countless clients from boutique owners to political figures launch campaigns, boost their visibility, and confidently claim their space in their industries.

Her creative reach also extends into the education space, where she creates social media strategies and video content for institutions like Marian Middle School and Washington University, helping them tell authentic stories and stay connected with their communities online.

Mena’s work has been featured in Forbes, Black Enterprise, St. Louis Magazine, Ladue News, and many more. Whether she’s behind the lens or leading a branding strategy session, she brings energy, intention, and results.

Mena is a certified Hello Seven Business and Mindset Coach and a proud graduate of the Goldman Sachs Black In Business Program. Based in St. Louis, she’s a branding photographer, strategist, content creator, and coach on a mission to help entrepreneu... Show more

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