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.
Stefanie Doolittle is a copywriter and audio storyteller. After almost a decade of exploring Asia and perfecting her Mandarin, Stefanie is now happy to call the always vibrant New York City home. She writes about mindful exercise, Pilates, and breathwork, and is always looking for ways that her writing can support female leadership and gender equity in the workplace and at home.
Audarshia Townsend is a Veteran features journalist, author and a contributor to Chicago’s WGN Morning News and Esquire magazine. Previously, she served as the managing editor for Restaurant Inc. magazine, which covered the hospitality industry. She has also written features for playboy.com, the Chicago Tribune, Essence, Upscale, Michigan Avenue, World's Best Bars and MasterCard's Priceless Cities. She lives in Chicago.
Lindsay Madison is an Arbonne consultant, yoga instructor and all-around health and wellness enthusiast. She initially came to her yoga mat to combat vertigo and regain a sense of balance after a partial hearing loss and was immediately hooked. Since then, she's built a global network marketing business as a consultant with Arbonne and taught classes throughout the Midwest and Canada. Lindsay resides with her Pitbull rescue, BellaObama, just outside Detroit, Michigan and is currently working and teaching remotely. Connect with her at VisionsIncorporated.com
Pamela Powell is a Chicago area film critic and member of the Chicago Film Critics Association. With a master’s degree from Northwestern and a healthcare background, Pamela gravitates toward films that can better our community and world. From teaching radio broadcasting to having her own radio show on an NPR affiliated station, Pamela shares her unique perspectives about films with her audiences. Currently, Pamela writes for The Daily Journal’s Reel Talk, FF2 Media, and www.reelhonestreviews.com
Lola Wright is Chicago born and built, with a deep appreciation and understanding for all of the city’s complexities. Lola grew up in wealth and privilege, yet she always sensed something was missing. She sought out aliveness and freedom in music, immersing herself in the hip hop and house music scenes of 90s Chicago. By 22 she was a mother of two young children living in a volatile and insecure environment but was determined to create a new experience. An ordained minister with a gift for weaving together the mystical and material, she served for many years as the CEO of Bodhi Center. Her work has taken her to stages around the world as a speaker and vocalist.