Michelle Rago Destinations have produced and designed events as far-flung as New Delhi and Cote d’Azur and, of course, from coast to coast on the continental United States. Michelle’s greatest strength lies in interpreting her client’s preferences and translating them into a well-planned and well-designed affair.

Danielle Arlowe is a lawyer and lobbyist for the consumer credit industry by day but she is likely best known as the co-host of our hilarious and very important podcast: Hyperbole: The Best Podcast Ever, found wherever you get your podcasts. Her true passions include: voting rights, pop culture, and reality TV. With a heavy emphasis on reality TV.

Sandra Felemovicius, a contemporary abstract artist, is the host of “Tap Into Your Creativity” on Instagram. She stated her IGTV series in March and to date, has raised almost $20,000 to help combat hunger in America through the sale of art by the “army of artists” she interviews on her segment. You can find Sandra’s work online at @sandrafeleart.

An award-winning creative director and designer, Mary Deelsnyder is the new creative force and owner of Printerette Press. A veteran of the retail industry, Mary has designed for some of the world’s most beloved brands, and is thrilled to be back at it in the world of small business ownership.

Randy Ferguson started his side hustle, RandyPie, after his friends and family wouldn’t stop asking him to make pies. Now people can custom order his cheeky-message masterpieces for pickup or delivery around the Twin Cities with just a few days’ notice.

LaToya Jones Burrell, JD, MBA serves as Dean of Graduate Education and Accreditation at North Central University. Her career has included practicing law and teaching and leading in higher education. She is licensed to practice law in Louisiana and Minnesota and her practice areas have focused on bankruptcy, mass torts, complex litigation and business consulting.

At North Central University she has taught several courses including business law and Christian leadership & ethics. She also teaches oral advocacy and serves as the coach for the American Mock Trial Association’s (AMTA) NCU Mock Trial Team. She has a passion for teaching, leading, mentoring, and coaching others and sincerely believes that leadership and success start with truly understanding who we are and who we belong to. She also serves as a Higher Learning Commission Accreditation Peer Reviewer, the NCU’s Higher Learning Commission Academic Liaison Officer (ALO), and has served as a Title IX adjudicator.

She has a passion for social justice and her research and writing interests have included Americans with disability law, leadership, ethics, and higher ed law. She recently wrote a book on racial reconciliation,

Be Bold: How to Prepare Your Heart and Mind for Racial Reconciliation, which was officially released on November 1, 2020. She also launched a series of videos on her YouTube channel called the Listen & Learn series. Both her book and the Listen & Learn series were inspired after the tragic death of George Floyd.

She believes that when true exploration of self and healing begin, we can all boldly walk into our purposes.

Lauren VanScoy founded Essence One to bring awareness to mental health and wellness through the creation of all-natural aromatherapy products. Her passion and dedication to natural products began after being caught off-guard by anxiety and depression in her mid-thirties. Lauren’s search for help led to her interest and eventual certification in aromatherapy. Crafting all-natural products that are uplifting and calming is one of Lauren’s joys in life. Each product and scent has been formulated to support an inspired and less-stressed life.

Essence One keeps mental health awareness at the forefront of every purchase by partnering with Bring Change to Mind, a national organization co-founded by actress, Glenn Close. Bring Change to Mind works to end the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness by helping students start mental health clubs. Essence One funded the very first club in the state of Minnesota and, with your purchases, will fund many more around the country.

Emily Mauter is an Event Planner, a Fundraising Strategy Consultant, a results-oriented change agent, and a spreadsheet whisperer (aka, a data whiz ;-). Emily has over 15 years of nonprofit experience, in both large organizations with national presence and in local grassroots organizations. Emily’s professional passion lies at the nexus of strategic planning, logistics, fundraising, and hospitality. Outside of work, Emily loves the Enneagram, always has a recommendation for a good TV show, and likes to win at trivia.

Judy Herman is a cottage food producer and owner of Totally Twisted.

Made to order handmade baked goods out of her home in Minnetonka, Minnesota.

Kate Gorton is a queer activist and writer whom you might know as "The Girl with a Microphone." During the final months of the presidential election cycle, videos of Kate's "microphone drive-by's" at Trump rallies took TikTok by storm. Since reaching her 15 minutes of fame, Kate has used her platform to raise over $20,000 for progressive causes like Black Lives Matter, Black Voters Matter, Swing Left, and When We All Vote. Her most recent fundraiser alone, an online auction for the Georgia Senate runoffs, raised $10,000. When she isn't raising money for good causes, she's a published author of short stories who's working on her first novel.

Aaron Jackendoff is an out-of-the-box, passionate and creative thinker combining his passion for problem solving and innovation as an industrial designer and entrepreneur with my drive to seek out a holistic vision as a photographer. With a background as the founder and conference chair of Thought @ Work, an industrial design conference, and the lead implementer of an international design research center, Jackendoff has become well versed in developing and managing strategic partnerships as well as leading cross functional teams.

Adam Gladue, AIFD, is a second-generation, Minneapolis-based floral designer, most recently noted as a contestant on HBO Max’s new flower design competition series, “Full Bloom”.

Currently designing with Arts & Flowers Design Studio in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, Adam’s creative range encompasses all areas of floral design; including high-end retail and events, editorial, floral couture, professional education and hands-on design classes.

Until 2015, Adam’s creative passions led him to life in the culinary industry, where he became a chef, trained at the Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley. After reacquainting himself with his roots in floral design, Adam attended floristry school in Minneapolis to continue on in his mother’s footsteps. It was there where Adam realized the many similarities between the culinary and floral arts and traded in his chef’s knife for his florist’s knife.

Though a “classically trained” botanical artist, Adam finds inspiration within the drag/burlesque communities and the use of unconventional materials. It’s his current mission to strike the balance between old school and new age design, while living out his most authentic self as a millennial artist.

Amelia Johnson is a wedding photographer turned 2020 food and home enthusiast! From taste-testing every fast food chocolate chip cookie to tiling and renovating her bathroom, Amelia boldly and positively navigates the home front with style and relatability.

Dr. Altreisha Foster is a Jamaican born Howard University public health professional living in MN.

Altreisha moved to Minnesota with her family in 2018 and is married to Dr. Oladi Bentho and they share two children Kende and K'nedy.

She is the owner of Sugarspoon Desserts and Cake Therapy Minnesota. Sugarspoon Desserts was launched in late 2017 and Cake Therapy was launched in early 2020 as an outlet to share and highlight the therapeutic properties of baking.

Sugarspoon Desserts make cakes and desserts for all social events.

The perfect marriage of art and science – the French macaron, a naturally gluten-free dessert that will melt in your mouth. With flavors inspired by the seasons, including the best chocolate ganache you have ever tasted, each macaron is an epicurean delight.

Nikkolette has always been passionate about baking; she’s been making desserts for family and friends for years. Embracing her natural drive for perfection, she set her sights on one of the most challenging French patisserie—the macaron!

Thousands of macarons later, Nikkolette offers nationwide shipping, elegant packaging, and the option for a custom message or logo printed on each macaron.

Nikkolette's Macarons are a sweet and sophisticated luxury, perfect for weddings, corporate gifts, or a treat for you and your loved ones.

Founder of Master Connection Associates, Cindy Novotny is an icon in the hospitality industry. Her specialties are leadership, sales and customer service excellence. A ‘Radical Mentor’ for many, Cindy’s straightforward, no-nonsense leadership approach delivers results and changes behavior. Her style, expertise and approach led to a Board of Directors position with The Miss America Foundation to assist in moving the organization to a new level.

Cindy is recognized by the Association for Talent Development (ATD), as one of nine most powerful, innovative passionate speakers in the industry. HSMAI awarded Cindy the 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award in Hospitality for her exemplary contribution to the industry. Her ability to close the “gap” with senior executives and line employees has earned her firm a revered reputation. Her exposure includes a feature in ‘The Wall Street Journal’, broadcasting on the BBC and sharing the stage with global leaders at luxury events. Energy, passion, and drive guarantee Cindy’s message captivates an audience.

Dr. Marwa Forest has always loved science, art, and working with her hands. Combine these with her love for people and you have the perfect fit for dentistry. What’s more, she has taken this a step further by showcasing the link between your oral health and overall wellness.

She finds true satisfaction in making a difference to each patient’s overall health and enjoys establishing lasting relationships.

Dr. Forest has created a dental experience which adapts and evolves according to the individual needs of each patient. When you visit our two offices, this uniqueness is felt right from the get-go.

For James X Schulze, collaboration truly is the whole game. It is their business model inside and out. It is their belief that the truly exceptional is always a collaborative effort. And specifically for them, how they can add value to their collaborative relationships in the event industry beyond just photography.

A nuptial maestro for a decade, José Rolón specializes in bringing comfort to a process that’s famously filled with tough decisions and mounting stress. After his time at the Foundry, a luxury wedding venue in NYC, José went out on his own with the goal of leveraging his storytelling and relationship building abilities to create emotional and visual experiences for his clients. He quickly made a name for himself with his chill vibe and generous command, and his planning and design aesthetic has made him one of the top rising wedding planners in NYC. He is frequently sought for his expertise on The New York Times, Brides, Wall Street Journal, NACE, and more, as well as his work featured with Martha Stewart, Essence Magazine, Sophisticated Weddings Magazine, New York Weddings, and the Best of The Knot.



José lives in Brooklyn Heights with his three children, and as a single dad, has learned how to keep his cool under pressure. Currently, he is writing a book to share his knowledge and story of building his business during a time of loss when his husband unexpectedly passed. During COVID, José and his family chose to take TikTok by storm during quarantine. As a result, he has been featured and had appearances on NowThis News, CBS AtHome Videos with Cedric the Entertainer, Ellen’s Game of Games, Tamron Hall Show, Univision Se Habla USA, and The Drew Barrymore Show.

Katy Burke is the Executive Director of TeamWomen, an organization focused on empowering female leaders from the classroom to the boardroom, providing unwavering encouragement every step of the way. A premiere professional women’s organizations, the over 600 members of TeamWomen are made up of key business, sports, civic and community leaders who are committed to developing the future generations of women leaders. In addition, TeamWomen provides youth leadership development through its Empower Leadership Academy, coaching kids 5th-12th grade on mental wellness, resilience, confidence, and leadership.

Vanessa Berrueta was born and raised in Venezuela, moved to the and moved to the United States in 2013. Initially, she dedicated a lot of time to learning the local language and worked hard to make a name for herself in the fashion community. Vanessa quickly learned that being a Spanish speaker in the Midwest wasn’t easy, but thanks to many wonderful Minnesotans, she learned to embrace the cold and her new home.

Vanessa’s resume includes serving as an emcee for national and international events, commercial modeling for numerous well-known brands, and being a Brand Ambassador and Director of the non-profit, Project Healthy Smile.

Vanessa’s aim is to leverage her modeling platform in support of larger causes that give back, and to inspire others to follow their dreams and to live everyday with intention.

Giti Fredman is known for her challah and for bringing it to the masses! Her enthusiasm for challah and the Jewish community have helped launch another year of The Great Big Challah Bake through her role as Community Connector at the Minneapolis Jewish Federation. New to the area? Want to be more connected to the Jewish community? Don’t hesitate to reach out to Giti – she is always happy to help.

Dr. Artika R. Tyner is a passionate educator, author, sought after speaker, and advocate for justice. At the University of St. Thomas School of Law, Dr. Tyner serves as the founding director of the Center on Race, Leadership and Social Justice. She is committed to training students to serve as social engineers who create new inroads to justice and freedom.

Tyner received her B.A. from Hamline University (Major: English; Certificate: Conflict Studies). Due to her passion for advocating for social justice and educational policy reform, she decided to pursue graduate studies at the University of St. Thomas. She began her journey with law school since she recognized that the law is a language of power and therefore she sought to become well versed in the law.

Subsequently, Tyner earned a Master of Public Policy and Leadership in order to gain tools for effecting social change through policy reform efforts. Later, inspired by the legacy of W.E.B. Dubois, she obtained a Doctorate in Leadership. Her doctoral studies provided her with key tools for serving in her community and promoting social justice.

Christopher Forest is the founder and CEO of Unparalleled Parking and the owner of Mint Dental.

In 2008 he founded his valet company to be unparalleled means and without equal. He set out to be exceptional. Each and every step of the way he has worked harder than his competition. Never compromising and never giving up.

As the creator and host of the UnSilenceHer podcast, Chelsea Jennings is a strong advocate for elevating the voices of women and minorities in ways that highlight their resiliency and positive impacts in the workplace and beyond. The UnSilenceHer podcast series not only shines a light on the concept of Silencing, but features stories and conversations that highlight everyday challenges that women and minorities face ranging from micro-inequities on the job to social injustices in the community.

Salomon Levy is a Senior at the Kelley School of Business currently receiving a major in Entrepreneurship and Finance. He now runs his own business, Chop N Drop, a newsletter that updates subscribers on new music and current music industry events/news. At 22 years old, Salomon Levy knows he has not accomplished nearly as much as he wishes to, always pushing forward and hungry for success.

More than just your typical therapist, Dr. Sheila Sweeney is an African-American clinically trained psychodynamic psychotherapist with a focus in mind, body, and spiritual connection.

By way of Peaces ‘n PuzSouls, a St. Paul based private practice, Dr. Sweeney provides a personable and trusting space with individualized and quality psychotherapy services to individuals and agency-systems who serve communities with diverse challenges and multi-generational needs.

The story of KISA begins with our fearless leader, Emily. She studied abroad in Turkey and from the moment she landed, she knew her life was going to be transformed. It was sensory explosion of traditional crafts, history, colors, textures and food. She quickly fell in love with Turkish culture, art, jewelry, fashion and, eventually, her husband, Caglar Kisa. They lived there for 5 years then made their way back to her home in Minnesota, but she couldn’t erase the newly rooted love for Turkey.

She brought together her passion for creating and art along with her husband’s entrepreneurial spirit to create her first jewelry line. The crocheted jewelry is inspired by the trim that bordered village women’s headscarves and is hand-crafted by a collective of women in Istanbul.

@DaraIrene is the CEO of @wise_ink and an entrepreneur, writer, and passionate publisher who speaks and writes about the intersection of storytelling, entrepreneurialism and publishing on purpose.

Dara is celebrating the launch of the pre-order campaign for the Li’l Queen Picture book series.

QUEEN AMINA OF ZARIA: THE WARRIOR QUEEN is the first in the series. Dara wants black and brown girls to know that there were queens who looked like them. She wants to flood the world with books about Queen Amina, Queen Nzinga, Queen Nanny of the Maroons, and Queen Makeda!

Illustration by the magnificent @moniquesteeleart

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Bob Conti is a speaker, educator and partner in Ed Libby Events, designing and producing experiential parties. He is an expert in wedding and celebration planning around the world.