Tammi Pickle is VP/ Partner of Elite Connections, a family owned matchmaking agency that helps busy professionals make quality introductions for the past 26 years. Tammi personally meets and matches all of her clients and her BA in Psychology allows her to understand, relate and help people throughout the dating process. Tammi is passionate about her family, helping clients, and giving back to her community.
www.eliteconnections.com
Omaima Doghmi is a Los Angeles-based content creator, influencer, engineer, and drone pilot with over 350K followers across social media. With a sharp eye for storytelling and a problem-solving mindset, she crafts engaging content that blends lifestyle, travel, and technology. Her authenticity has resonated with audiences, leading to unique opportunities, including being cast as a standby for Netflix’s Squid Game: The Challenge reality T.V. show. Whether capturing stunning aerial visuals, sharing her latest adventures, or offering insight into everyday moments, Omaima brings a fresh and transparent perspective to digital content creation.
Lauren Brynjelsen is the founder of One Life Kitchen. While going back to school to further her education in the Nutrition and Health Coaching field, Lauren dreamed of what it would be like to combine her knowledge of nutrition with her passion for cooking, fitness and entertaining. Residing in Barrington, IL, her mission is to provide an atmosphere where each guest finds nourishment for the body, mind and soul. One Life Kitchen represents the nourishing of Lauren’s favorite things. It is a place where guests come to gather together to learn, feast and share.
Lauren Brynjelsen is the founder of One Life Kitchen. While going back to school to further her education in the Nutrition and Health Coaching field, Lauren dreamed of what it would be like to combine her knowledge of nutrition with her passion for cooking, fitness and entertaining. Residing in Barrington, IL, her mission is to provide an atmosphere where each guest finds nourishment for the body, mind and soul. One Life Kitchen represents the nourishing of Lauren’s favorite things. It is a place where guests come to gather together to learn, feast and share.
Nicole Pearl Kaplan is a journalist and On-Air Expert who launched her PR & Media Consulting business NicolePearl.com to teach small business owners the insider strategies to land press and partnerships – zero connections or publicist required. Her mantra is "Beauty Shouldn't Be a Bitch"... and neither should getting on TV. Go to nicolepearl.com to download her free Get on TV Guide.
Whitney Reynolds is the Executive Producer and Chief Inspo Officer of the nationally syndicated Whitney Reynolds Show on PBS. She tells deep stories that are a catalyst for positive change. Since 2013 she has hosted a motivational “give back” segment on iHeart Radio. Born and raised in Oklahoma, Whitney’s learned how to combine southern charm with big city hustle. She currently lives in Chicago with her husband, twins, and shih tzu. In her column find out Who's With Whit and join and discover the hope each story holds.
Shermin Kruse is an author, speaker, professor, and TEDx producer who helps leaders, teams, and organizations master resilience, influence, and the power of human connection. Her book, Stoic Empathy introduces a groundbreaking framework that fuses Stoic resilience with deep emotional intelligence, giving readers practical tools to navigate high-pressure decisions, lead with confidence, and build meaningful relationships in business and life. Sher’s work is deeply rooted in experience. From growing up in war-torn Iran, fleeing to the West, and later becoming a successful lawyer, speaker, and executive coach, she has spent her career helping people harness both strength and connection to create lasting impact.
Tracey Mayer is an accomplished entrepreneur with over 35 years of experience. The award-winning designer led the growth of her designer jewelry business to an international presence. Throughout her career, Tracey held adjunct faculty positions and served on former Chicago Mayor Daley’s Fashion Council for 10 years. She also served on the Ronald McDonald Women’s Auxiliary Board and was a Wish Granter with Make-A-Wish for 18 years. Tracey is passionate about giving back, with a particular interest in inspiring women and girls through mentoring and storytelling. Tracey resides in Chicago where she is currently a development consultant.