Daphne Ortiz is a freelance publicist covering clients in film, TV, sports, lifestyle, fashion, beauty, healthcare, and non-profits. She began her career at a tech PR firm working at some of the industry’s top celebrity PR firms. Ortiz was a member of the publicity team for New Line Cinema film studio and worked on films such as The Notebook and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King that swept the 2003 Academy Awards. In 2007, she decided to pursue a freelance career enabling her to work alongside former colleagues and various companies. Ortiz commutes between Chicago and Los Angeles and has offices in both cities.
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.
Pamela Powell is a film critic Pamela Powell in Chicago where she has been reviewing big blockbuster films as well as independent gems for the last 10+ years. With a graduate degree from Northwestern she has tailored her writing, observational, and evaluative skills to encompass all aspects of film. With a focus on women in film, Pamela also gravitates toward films that are eye-opening, educational, and entertaining with the hopes of making this world a better place. Pamela has raised her two now-grown children, travels to film festivals around the world and makes time to backpack and travel to reconnect with nature.
Josie Volpentesta is a professional Makeup Artist from Chicago’s upscale North Shore suburbs and has solidified herself as one of the best makeup artists in the entertainment industry. For over a decade she has worked with "A" list celebrities, hit TV shows, and various magazines. Last year Josie launched her own lip gloss under her label, Makeup by Josie. Josie shares some of her favorite products that will help you achieve and maintain a good look.
Sigrid Garavito is founder of SeraphX Digital Consulting. With over two decades of high-octane, Fortune 500 CPG marketing experience, Sigrid has unlocked the secret to bringing big-brand expertise to local heroes in healthcare, and professional home services without the "Fortune 500" price tag.
Known as a trailblazer in omni-channel and digital marketing, Sigrid’s approach is rooted in data, fueled by passion, and tailored to bring out the best in each client. Her mission? To give every business the power to shine online, drive engagement, and achieve real growth through innovative digital strategies, e-commerce, or social media. A true citizen of the world, Sigrid balances her role as a fearless marketer with her insatiable love for travel, outdoor adventures, and athletic pursuits. At home, she’s dedicated to cheering on her two athletically active boys at fútbol and football games or supporting their latest theater productions.
Tracey Mayer is an entrepreneur, speaker, creative, writer, mentor, adjunct educator, and consultant whose four-decade career has been rooted in fashion, philanthropy, and women’s leadership. Today, her work centers on helping women return to their sense of self—especially during life’s most challenging chapters. She believes that when women reconnect with their inner clarity, they reignite an emotional power they have always owned. Tracey is passionate about creating spaces where women feel seen, supported, and safe to rediscover who they have always been.
Missy Greenberg is a filmmaker, writer, producer and host of the sex-comedy podcast Slut in Training. She taught herself filmmaking and went on to write and direct three short films — Slut in Training, Slurpee Trail, and The Doula — which have screened at film festivals across the country. Her debut short film, Slut in Training, has garnered nearly 2.4 million views on YouTube and evolved into the podcast Slut in Training: Saving One Bedroom at a Time where Missy explores sex, confidence, and modern relationships with humor and candor. She aims to help women build confidence, make sex talk more accessible and a lot funnier. She is also the founder of Not From Here Media, a production company dedicated to capturing unapologetic, awkward moments through interviews and narrative short-form storytelling. Follow on Instagram at @notfromheremedia, YouTube.com/@notfromheremedia or subscribe to Slut in Training on Apple and Spotify.
Katherine Fleischman is a travel expert, publicist and journalist beginning her career at 16 in the fashion and accessories closet of TeenVOGUE magazine. In 2007, she launched Do Tell PR: a public relations firm focusing on travel, food, and fashion, inspired by the global-citizen lifestyle of the modern-day millennial. Living between Miami and Italy and of Peruvian descent, Kat aims to empower people to travel, as she believes it is through exploring the world that we will bridge cultural gaps.