Kristen Russell is a millennial contributor and currently a junior at the University of Alabama majoring in Psychology with a minor in Telecommunications and Film. Prior to her enrollment at the University, she resided in Concord, North Carolina. She is passionate about advocacy as she volunteers at the Women and Gender Resource Center at her school and is a Safe Zone Ally, ensuring that each student can feel safe and supported on campus. In the future, Kristen desires to be in the Communications or film industry, with a keen interest in writing, casting, and production.
Sally Pederson is a travel writer and international house sitter. Having traveled to over twenty countries, she loves to share her experiences about various destinations, cultures, traditions, and history around the world. Born and raised in Canada, she was hit with the travel bug as a young adult. She lived in beautiful Costa Rica for four years and now calls Barcelona, Spain home. When she is not writing about a destination or photographing it, she is most likely making travel plans to her next destination. To find out more about Sally, visit her website at www.luxuriouslifestyles.co.
FLM
Jennifer M. McGregor is a 20 year veteran in the architectural design industry- serving in many capacities, including her new role as Senior Director of Global Business Development for the renowned hospitality design firm, The Gettys Group, based in Chicago. She also serves on the Executive Committee for the Citadel Theatre and the Advisory Board for the Art & Design School at her Alma Mater in Texas.. She serves as a judge for the prestigious Best of NeoCon Competition as well as the Product Innovation Awards through Architectural Products Magazine. Jennifer is an award-winning designer, philanthropist, runway model, photographer, water-skier, but her favorite role is being the mother of three dynamic children.
Kai Tao is founder of Juno4Me, a new social impact startup that provides free IUDs and Implants to people in Chicago. She’s a women’s health provider who dabbles in policy, program and operations. Kai’s clinical experience includes opening a private practice for underserved women in Arizona to starting affordable male reproductive health services. For the last 16 years, she has been practicing as a Certified Nurse Midwife with Northwestern Prentice Hospital. Prior, she served as Vice President of Clinical Operations and Associate Medical Director for Planned Parenthood of Illinois and co-created the Illinois Family Planning Action Plan. Kai received her Master of Science and Doctor of Nursing from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center and her Master of Public Health from Harvard. She has traveled to over 33 countries, speaks four languages, enjoys daily inversions sprinkled with planks, and can subsist on pho and avocado smoothies.
Erika Conway, co-founder and Principal Designer of Chicago-based Lux Design Group, is best known to execute her conceptual designs through a very pragmatic approach. From a young age Erika has consistently expressed her passion for enhancing lifestyles through the functionality of space. She firmly believes they key to a successful design begins with understanding how each client perceives and approaches space, allowing her to tailor each design to her individual client. Her style is comprised of the inspirations collected through her travels and guided by her clients’ desires and likings, making each project truly unique! Erika is also a licensed Realtor providing her with a keen sense of market trends, home appreciations, and knowledge of how good design enhance home market value. Whether she is buying, designing, or selling, Erika has an appreciation and passion for beautiful homes.
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.
Amorino serves authentic Italian gelato from a meticulous selection of natural ingredients.
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