Bizwomen Mentoring Monday Event

MEET YOUR MENTORMonday, February 25, 2019

Join in the national conversation on Twitter using #MentoringMonday

7:30 a.m. Networking and Buffet Breakfast8:00 a.m. Welcome8:05 a.m. Mentoring Monday Coaching & More Networking9:25 a.m. Closing9:30 a.m. Event Concludes

Agenda

Bizwomen

(1) Wendi Alper-PressmanLathrop Gage LLPPartner

(2) Mariquita BarbieriCarmody MacDonald P.C.Partner

(3) Bonnie BarczykowskiGirls Scouts of Eastern MissouriCEO

(4) Dr. Angie BesendorferWGU MissouriChancellor

(5) Cindy BlakeYouthBridge Community Foundation; The Wiegand FoundationBusiness Development Officer; VP

(6) Gloria Carter-HicksHicks-Carter-Hicks, LLCPresident & CEO (7) Patricia ColemanBehavioral Health Response (BHR)CEO

(8) Diane Compardo, CPA, CFPMoneta GroupPartner

(9) Cynthia DanleySafe ConnectionsChief Development and Marketing Officer

(10) Kate EwingMueller ProstDirector of Marketing and Practice Growth

(11) Loretta GrahamGirl Scouts of Southern IllinoisCEO

(12) Lindsey GravesSunset TransportationCOO

(13) Sheena HamiltonDowd Bennett LLPAssociate

(14) Rhonda Hamm-NiebreuggeSt. Louis Lambert International AirportDirector of Airports

(15) Tracy HartTarlton Corp.President & CEO

(16) Shannon HaufBayerSVP and Head of Crop Technology Soybean

(17) Alyce HerndonGrace Hill Women’s Business CenterDirector

(18) Nicole HolstHospital Sisters Heath SystemVice President, Legal Affairs, Southern Illinois Division & HSHS Associate General Counsel

(19) Trina Dyan Clark JamesNPower St. LouisRegional Director

(20) Amanda JoinerThe Ritz-Carlton, St. LouisGeneral Manager

(21) Kristie JonesSales Acceleration GroupPrincipal

(22) Erin JoyBlack Dress PartnersPrincipal & CEO

(23) Pamela KellyDot Foods, Inc.Director of Talent and Inclusion

(24) Abigail KeppleEnterprise Bank & TrustPresident, Tax Credit Specialties & Premium Finance

(25) Vicki LaRose, PECivil Design, Inc.President

(26) Stephanie MeadowsWells Fargo AdvisorsSenior Vice President | Manager | Relationship Management | Products & Advice

(27) Aryka N. Moore, Esq.Weathers Law LLCOwner

(28) Stacey MorseThe Morse GroupStrategic Philanthropy and Nonprofit Consulting

(29) Kara NewmarkSweetologyFounder

(30) Marissa Q. Paine, MSWPainefree Coaching & ConsultingPrincipal & CEO

(31) Rupa Patel, MD MPH DTM&HWashington University School of MedicineAsst. Professor, Infectious Diseases; Director, HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Program

(32) Kelly QuinnBest Buddies MissouriState Director

(33) Rosalind ReeseSt. Louis Business Diversity InitiativeDirector

(34) Amy Rubick, CFE, CRMABrown Smith WallacePartner, Advisory Services Practice

(35) Sondra RottyTarlton Corp.Project Director

(36) Stephanie SchmidtA.E. Schmidt BilliardsNational Director of Sales

(37) Theresa StearnsAnders CPAs + AdvisorsPartner in Charge of Technology Services

(38) Amy M. Tiemeier, Pharm.D., BCPSSt. Louis College of PharmacyDirector, Community Partnerships; Associate Director, Office of Experiential Education; Associate Professor, Pharmacy Practice

(39) Aimee WehmeierParaquadPresident & CEO

(40) Dr. Crystal WinkelerCanopy BiosciencesCOO

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The mentors will sit around the tables and the mentees will move seats every 7 minutes when the bell rings to end the coaching sessions. The mentees may stand in line to wait for a specific mentor. This will give mentees/guests a chance to talk among

themselves and network while waiting. It’s fast, fun and fulfilling as everyone gets a chance to meet new people and gain new insights.

Meet the MentorsMeet the MentorsWendi Alper-PressmanLathrop Gage LLPPartner

Alper-Pressman has been practicing law since 1985. She is currently an equity partner at Lathrop Gage, LLP, serving as co-chair of the firm’s Women’s Initiative Network. Alper-Press-man represents a wide variety of clients including community, regional and national banks, finance companies, real estate developers and real estate investors. She works with clients on their lending and other financing transactions, loan workouts and restructurings, foreclosures, bankruptcy proceedings, acquisitions, lender liability and other litigation. She’s currently on the board of directors of the Management Association – St. Louis Chapter and is a member of the International Women’s Insolvency and Restructuring Confederation and a member of the American Bankruptcy Institute. Alper-Pressman also serves on the Board of Directors for the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis.

Fun fact: I enjoy “hard rock” music, among many other genres.

Mariquita BarbieriCarmody MacDonald P.C.Partner

Barbieri concentrates her practice in corporate law, tax, mergers and acquisitions, securi-ties offerings, real estate and other commercial transactions for companies in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, life sciences, information technology, marketing and real estate. She advises domestic and international public and privately held companies on a wide range of transactions including distribution and restructuring agreements, joint ventures, corporate reorganizations, purchase and supply agreements, regulatory compliance, technol-ogy and intellectual property protection and licensing. Barbieri was former in-house counsel and US Privacy and E-Commerce Counsel for DuPont. She received her Juris Doctor from Saint Louis University School of Law and her Masters in Tax Law from Washington University School of Law (STL).

Fun fact: I once worked out at the same gym as George Clooney while he was in town filming “Up in the Air,” and didn’t even notice him until a friend pointed him out! Whoops!

Bonnie BarczykowskiGirls Scouts of Eastern MissouriCEO

Barczykowski is responsible for driving long-term growth, developing new and creative initia-tives to meet the needs of members and their community, along with advancing Girl Scouts as the premier leadership organization for girls. Prior to joining Girl Scouts in 2012, she was a business owner, author and motivational speaker. She’s owned and operated five successful Curves locations and has also led local and national training seminars and was the keynote speaker at many healthcare and fitness workshops and conventions. In the community, she serves on the Missouri Botanical Garden Education Mission Council. In the past, she’s been a Board Chair for the Greater North County Chamber of Commerce and for the St. Louis Curves Co-Op. She was a member of the board for Marygrove and Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri. Dr. Angie BesendorferWGU MissouriChancellor

Dr. Angie Besendorfer is the chancellor of WGU Missouri, the state’s online, competency-based university. She champions college attainment for working Missourians who wish to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Besendorfer leads the efforts to connect students and community stakeholders with WGU Missouri’s innovative education model to create stronger families, stronger communities and a stronger state. Besendorfer spent 23 years in the field of education in Missouri as teacher, principal and superintendent, implementing innovative and technology-focused learning strategies. Before joining WGU Missouri, Besendorfer was the assistant superintendent of Joplin Schools for seven years leading advancement in curriculum, instruction, assessment, and facilities. She was also an adjunct professor at Missouri State University.

Fun fact: I love to ride roller coasters.

Meet the MentorsCindy BlakeYouthBridge Community Foundation, Business Development OfficerThe Wiegand Foundation, VP

Blake has over 20 years of Business Development/Sales/Analyzing/Client relations experience in various fields such as family business, design, art, high end fashion, and the IT world. Her current role as Business Development Officer at YouthBridge Community Foundation involves working with wealth advisors, businesses, individuals, and private foundations helping them incorporate philanthropy into their lives around the services YouthBridge offers. She also serves as VP of The Wiegand Foundation a volunteer role. Her past career path and community service have all culminated into finding a job that encompasses all of her passions. It ’s not a job when you love what you do. It all comes down to never giving up and building trustful relationships. #seethegood

Fun fact: In the past I was in the Miss Missouri USA pageant.

Gloria Carter-HicksHicks-Carter-Hicks, LLCPresident & CEO

Hicks-Carter-Hicks is an award-winning, full-service performance improvement company. Car-ter-Hicks is a results-oriented executive with a successful business career and over 20 years of experience. She is recognized as a driving force in the areas of Human Resources, Management Consulting, Executive Coaching, Diversity & Inclusion, Learning & Development, and Organi-zational Development. Carter-Hicks uses her experience as a human resource professional, consultant, and business owner to enhance business performance and organizational results for her clients. She serves on the Board of Directors for Previsor Insurance, is a volunteer on the Organizational Development Committee for the United Way of Greater St. Louis, and is also a member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and St. Louis Forum (an organization for women executives).

Patricia ColemanBehavioral Health Response (BHR)CEO

Since December 2012, Pat Coleman has served in the role President and CEO of Behavioral Health Response, Inc. (BHR). BHR is a professionally staffed and accredited clinical contact cen-ter that provides expert behavioral health and crisis response services to agencies and com-panies worldwide. Coleman holds an MBA-Fontbonne University and a Bachelor of Science-St. Louis University. She is adjunct faculty for Washington University Brown School of Social Work. She serves as Advisory Board Chair for Fontbonne University Eckelcamp’s Business School, board member of Metropolitan Zoological Parks and Museum District, executive committee board member of the St. Louis Regional Chamber, and Director (Region 7)-National Council for Behavioral Health.

Fun fact: I can cook a delectable Soul Food dinner.

Diane Compardo, CPA, CFP®MonetaPartner

Compardo is a dedicated mother, mentor and community leader. As the founding partner of the Compardo, Wienstroer, Conrad & Janes Team at Moneta, she has the privilege of building relationships and pursing her passion of helping successful, multi-generational families make better financial decisions. Compardo and her team are proud to have garnered national recog-nition and the trust and admiration of both clients and peers by possessing a strong work ethic and the right mix of personality and expertise.

Fun fact: Growing up, I dreamed of being a chef.

Cynthia DanleySafe ConnectionsChief Development and Marketing Officer

In 2009, Danley successfully transitioned from corporate America to the nonprofit sector. Since her transition, her career has skyrocketed as she advanced from a temporary administrative assistant to now a Chief Development and Marketing Officer. With over 30 years’ experience in the corporate and nonprofit sectors, Danley created Cynthia Danley, LLC where she provides guidance and assistance to entrepreneurs in the areas of for profit and nonprofit startups, marketing and communications, fundraising, and strategic planning. She serves on the adviso-ry board for Grace Hill Women’s Business Center (WBC), and is an instructor for the Workshop in Business Opportunities (WIBO) Program hosted by Grace Hill WBC. Cynthia is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and serves on the regional leadership team.

Fun fact: I danced with Kathrine Dunham for five years.

Meet the Mentors

Meet the MentorsKate EwingMueller ProstDirector of Marketing and Practice Growth

Ewing joined Mueller Prost in 2016 as the Director of Marketing and Practice Growth and brought with her over 15 years of marketing experience in a variety of different industries. Ewing’s primary focus is to drive business results through developing and implementing mar-keting, communications, and business development strategies for the firm. She also directs media relations, branding, advertising, social media, and web development and oversees sponsorships and contributions. Ewing is an adjunct marketing professor for Lindenwood Uni-versity and Webster University. In addition, she is very active in community and professional organizations, serving on several boards and acting as a mentor to other professionals.

Fun fact: I own a yoga studio!

Loretta GrahamGirl Scouts of Southern IllinoisCEO

Loretta Graham goes above and beyond what is required in service to others. THE BEST leader, she serves as the CEO for Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois with a caring and steady servant’s hand. She is the youngest of 14 kids from a single parent sharecropping mother. She is an inspiration to all who meet her. Graham first joined Girl Scouts in 1991. Her achievements in the nonprofit sector include working with communities to be a voice and face for girls and developing volunteer programs and council activities. She has done and continues to do an incredible amount of service meeting the girls where they are at. “In Girl Scouting, we reach out to our communities for support and in turn, we are challenged to be a service to those communities,”

Lindsey GravesSunset TransportationCOO

Graves is a 2nd generation owner and Chief Operating Officer at Sunset Transportation, a local third-party logistics company. In her 13 years with Sunset, she has grown through hands-on experience in every department. She now oversees operations at Sunset’s corporate head-quarters and five branch offices. Prior to joining the family business full time Graves received her B.A. in Communication from of The College of Charleston in South Carolina. She currently serves as a Board member for Enterprise Bank & Trust’s Business Leadership Forum and the Boy Scouts of America, Greater St. Louis Area Council.

Fun fact: I rode horses competitively all through college.

Sheena HamiltonDowd Bennett LLPAssociate

Hamilton concentrates on employment litigation and corporate internal investigations. She defends employers in state and federal courts and before administrative agencies. She tries cases alleging employment discrimination and retaliation as well as wage and hour dis-putes. Hamilton presents to attorneys and human resources professionals on topics such as maintaining a respectful workplace and conducting workplace investigations. She has been quoted as an authority on employment law by The New York Times, Law360, SHRM and the ABA Journal. Hamilton serves on the American Bar Association Board of Governors, United Way of Greater St. Louis Board of Directors, and Regional Business Council Young Professional Network Steering Committee.

Fun fact: I enjoy little more than cooking and hosting parties.

Rhonda Hamm-NiebreuggeSt. Louis Lambert International AirportDirector of Airports

Hamm-Niebruegge has been the Director of St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) since January 2010. The Airport serves more than 14.7 million passengers annually. Hamm- Nie-bruegge manages 500 employees with revenues averaging 165 million dollars annually. She is also Chairwoman of the 17-member St. Louis Airport Commission. Prior to STL, Hamm-Nie-bruegge logged over 25 years in aviation management positions with American Airlines, Trans World Airlines (TWA) and Ozark Air Lines. She retired in 2009 as the Managing Director of American Airlines’ St. Louis operation. Before the American and TWA merger, she held the position of Vice President of TWA’s North American Operations, responsible for an $800 million budget encompassing 100 airports and 8,000 TWA employees. Hamm-Niebruegge is a board member for the St. Louis Regional Chamber, Christian Hospital (BJC HealthCare), the International Women’s Forum, Ranken Technical College Board and the St. Louis Civic Pride Foundation.

Fun fact: I had the pleasure of overseeing two of Pope John Pauls’ charters to the US on TWA and personally had the chance to meet him on both.

Meet the Mentors Meet the MentorsTracy HartTarlton Corp.President & CEO

Tracy Hart of St. Louis-based Tarlton Corporation is one of a few women nationally to serve as president of a major general contracting/construction management firm. Highly regarded for her steadfast commitment to the region, she serves on boards for the St. Louis Regional Chamber, St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Midwest Bank Centre and Invest STL, among others. Hart was elected the first woman chairman of the Associated General Contractors of St. Louis (now the AGC of Missouri) and is a life director for the AGC of America. A past winner of the St. Louis Business Journal ’s “40 under 40” Award, she earned her B.A. in English and Communica-tion from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

Fun fact: I’m famous among friends for my pesto made with home-grown basil – especially deli-cious with pasta from The Hill.

Shannon HaufBayerCrop Technology Lead, Soybeans

Shannon Hauf serves as a member of the Research & Development Leadership Team and as the Crop Technology Lead for Soybeans for the Crop Science division of Bayer. She’s respon-sible for the development of integrated soybean technology strategy, leading a global team to launch new technologies to improve soybean farming practices worldwide. Hauf joined the Bayer Crop Science team in 2018, after a 15-year career at Monsanto. She holds a Ph.D. in Weed Science and Master of Science in Plant Sciences from North Dakota State University, along with a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Agronomy from Iowa State Universi-ty. Most recently, she was Global Technology Lead, Cotton, Wheat, and Specialty Crops at Monsanto Company from 2014 to 2018, prior to her current role at Bayer Crop Science.

Fun fact: I was crowned “Little Miss Fashion” for sewing my own wardrobe at age 11.

Alyce HerndonGrace Hill Women’s Business CenterDirector

Alyce Herndon dedicates her time and efforts to women entrepreneurs starting and expand-ing their business. She joined GHWBC in December 2014 and since then has been a connector and advocate for small businesses throughout the region. From Webster University, she holds a Bachelors in Psychology, Masters in Management and Leadership, a Certificate in Not for Profit Management, and is currently completing a Doctorate in Business. While enrolled as a student at Webster, Herndon served as the assistant director and managed the doctoral, graduate and undergraduate programs for student advisory. Outside of GHWBC, Herndon is an adjunct professor at Lindenwood University where she provides students the insight of business services, clarity on business strategy and competitiveness within the entrepreneurial journey. Herndon has volunteered with Professional Organization of Women, YWCA, Sabayet, Onyx Business Solutions, and is a board member with Sherwood Forest Camp.

Fun fact: I own and ride a Yamaha Classic 650.

J. Nicole Lewer-HolstHospital Sisters Heath SystemVice President, Legal Affairs, Southern Illinois Division & HSHS Associate General Counsel

J. Nicole Lewer-Holst helped build the in-house legal team at Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS), the $2.1 billion Springfield, Illinois-based health-care system. She joined HSHS in 2009 as a contract attorney on a nine-month project before she was brought on full-time. Holst now leads a five-person team based out of the HSHS Southern Illinois Division office in Belleville that provides legal, risk and contract management support for five hospitals. She oversees legal issues, including gaining regulatory approvals for two replacement hospitals. Holst serves on the John Cook School of Business Engagement Board at Saint Louis University and is president of the board at Memory Care Home Solutions. Holst holds a B.S.B.A. in International Business, minors in Spanish and Theater, and Juris Doctor with Health Law Certificate, Saint Louis University.

Fun fact: I have run 9 marathons and my favorite movie of all time is Labyrinth with David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly.

Meet the MentorsTrina Dyan Clark JamesNPower St. LouisRegional Director

Prior to NPower, she worked in urban public education as the Founder/CEO of Jamaa Learning Center, the Executive Director of St. Louisans United To Attract KIPP (SUTAK), and as a Broad Resident at St. Louis Public Schools (SLPS). She began her career in the San Francisco Bay Area as an engineer at Solectron then at Pinnacle Systems. Clark James spent the majority of her engineering career in a variety of roles at Apple Computer, Inc. She earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology, a MS in Mechanical Engineering at Stanford University, and an MBA at University of California, Davis.

Fun fact: I’m a HUGE Buffy the Vampire Slayer fan and even attended the series finale in Los Angeles hosted by the show creator.

Amanda JoinerThe Ritz-Carlton, St. LouisGeneral Manager

A 25-year employee of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, Joiner began her hotel career in Housekeeping and worked her way up to her current role as General Manager of The Ritz-Carl-ton, St. Louis. She has led multiple Ritz-Carlton hotels and also has directed corporate sales planning for The Ritz-Carlton brand, winning national awards and demonstrating the ability to combine human-focused leadership with serious business acumen. Joiner recently led The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis through two extensive renovations, all while keeping the property op-erational and within budget. Under her leadership, revenues and profits have exceeded plan, and hotel ratings have jumped. The reason? She consistently believes in putting people first, be it her team or hotel guests.

Fun fact: I’m a mother of twin boys.

Kristie JonesSales Acceleration GroupPrincipal

Jones is the go-to expert in the Midwest to help SaaS Start-ups build and scale their Sales and Customer Success teams. Her 19+ years as a Sales Executive in the SaaS space fuels her pas-sion for helping boot-strapped or VE/PE funded founders increase revenue and retain custom-ers. Her willingness to get her hands dirty and her “take no prisoners” approach when helping companies is what makes her so valuable to her clients. Jones’ areas of expertise include sales training and call coaching, hiring and onboarding SDRs, account executives and customer success managers, goal setting and compensation plans tied to those goals and sales process selection and implementation of sales enablement tools.

Fun fact: I watch 200 hours of college basketball a season. HUGE Jayhawk fan.

Erin JoyBlack Dress PartnersPrincipal & CEO

A strategic consultant, straightforward confidant, and sought-after speaker, Joy founded the consulting and executive coaching company, Black Dress Partners, in 2011 to help guide businesses facing a variety of challenges. She and her team conceived Black Dress Circle®, facilitated, member-driven roundtables exclusively for female business owners, and the award-winning Midwest Women Business Owners’ Conference. She has helped transform a variety of organizations across industries and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in business psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.

Fun fact: I’m a lover of thrift stores and once owned a small antiques business.

Pamela KellyDot Foods, Inc.Director of Talent and Inclusion

Pam Kelly serves as the Director of Talent & Inclusion at Dot Foods. She leads all inclusion and diversity initiatives and develops the talent acquisition strategy corporate-wide for this $7 billion-dollar company. Kelly is an alum of FOCUS St. Louis CORO Women in Leadership and the Diversity Leadership Fellowship programs. She serves on the Boards of the Urban League of St. Louis and Empower Missouri. Awards include: Who’s Who in Diversity in Color, the St. Louis Business Journal 2017 Diverse Leaders Awards, and the St. Louis American Excellence in Busi-ness Performance Award. She holds degrees in business administration, an MBA, and a degree in Jurisprudence in Health Law from Loyola University Chicago School of Law.

Fun fact: I am an avid trout fisher and love making my own lures!

Meet the Mentors Meet the MentorsAbigail KeppleEnterprise Bank & TrustPresident, Tax Credit Specialties & Premium Finance

Abby Kepple is the President of Tax Credit Specialties and Life Insurance Finance for Enterprise Bank & Trust. She leads the bank’s strategy to create and manage opportunities related to a national premium finance business, and tax credit programs at both the state and federal levels, including Historic Tax Credits, Low Income Housing Tax Credits and New Markets Tax Credits. Kepple has been with Enterprise Bank & Trust since September 2000 and has excelled in a variety of roles. Her passion is to support and develop women leaders in business. She was honored to be a “40 Under 40” recipient from the St. Louis Business Journal in 2018.

Fun fact: I love to tap dance.

Vicki LaRose, PECivil Design, Inc.President

With more than 29 years’ experience, LaRose founded Civil Design, Inc. (CDI) in 1996 to provide responsive, quality-driven civil engineering services. Her career began with St. Louis-based Sver-drup Corporation (Jacobs Engineering). Under LaRose’s direction, CDI has experienced continuous success and is building stronger communities using CDI’s exceptional sixty-five team members and their knowledge of infrastructure. LaRose earned her B.S. degree in Civil Engineering from South-ern Illinois University Edwardsville and her M.S. degree in Engineering Management from Missouri Science and Technology. Originally from Wisconsin, she now considers St. Louis her home.

Fun fact: I’ve run a dozen half-marathons.

Stephanie MeadowsWells Fargo AdvisorsSenior Vice President, Relationship Management Group

Stephanie Meadows joined WFA in 2010, after serving as a Limited Partner at Edward Jones for 9 years. In her current role, Meadows leads the Relationship Management Group as they interface with hundreds of asset management firms representing multiple lines including Mutual Funds, Separately Managed Accounts, UITs, Offshore Mutual Funds and Exchange Traded Funds. She is also responsible for developing strategies with key stakeholders across Products & Advice, Innova-tion & Strategy and other WFA Teams. Meadows serves on the cabinet of the Charmaine Chapman Society and the African American Leadership Giving Initiative for United Way. She’s also opened her own business, acquired a local competitor, and ran the 5th largest competitive cheerleading company in the U.S. She received her bachelor’s degree from University of Missouri-Columbia and holds her Series 7, 9, 10, 24 and 66 licenses.

Fun fact: I was a University of Missouri Cheerleader from 1998-2002.

Aryka N. Moore, Esq.Weathers Law LLCOwner

Aryka N. Moore, Esq., an East St. Louis native, is a practicing attorney in the St. Louis area. Her firm Weathers Law focuses primarily on criminal law, personal injury, bankruptcy and contracts. She is of counsel at the Williams Bloc. Attorney Moore published the book Lost: A Collection of Poems a few years ago and is currently working on her second book. Additionally, she is a member of the Man Listen podcast show. Attorney Moore is also a graduate of Focus St. Louis Emerging Leaders program.

Fun fact: I enjoy playing hide-n-go seek in the dark with my husband and kids.

Stacey MorseThe Morse GroupStrategic Philanthropy and Nonprofit Consulting

Morse has over 20 years of experience driving growth for businesses, nonprofit organizations and communities utilizing a strategic approach, stakeholder engagement and successful alignment methodologies. She began her career as a commercial photographer where she honed her skills to visually meet client needs. The systems she developed became part of her consulting work for a variety of clients taking a strategic approach mixed with her creative viewpoint and a structured process. As co-owner of The Morse Group, she has developed innovative programming, creative employee and community engagement projects, and strategic service opportunities with a focus on the nonprofit/philanthropic sector. Clients include: nonprofit organizations, communities, philanthropists, arts/cultural institutions, corporations, governmental agencies, developers, archi-tecture/design firms, and educators.

Fun fact: I love photography, travel, roadtrips and backpacking. In 2018 I explored France, Italy and Switzerland via backpack with my daughter.

Meet the MentorsKara Turner NewmarkSweetologyFounder

Newmark is the founder of Sweetology, the first entertainment retail concept around the decoration of cakes, cookies and cupcakes. Kara received her undergraduate degree at the University of Michigan and her law degree from Washington University. Early on in her career, she discovered that she liked to build things rather than litigate. She began her entrepreneur-ial career in life science and technology start-ups. When she had an opportunity to exit her last start-up as COO, she decided that she wanted to sweeten her life with a new challenge. New-mark decided that she wanted to build a national brand that was novel and fun. At the time, she didn’t know what it would be she only knew that she wanted to “love it and make people happy!” Sweetology was conceived… a place Where Fun Takes The Cake!

Fun fact: I lived in Japan for 3 months when I was 18 years old and developed a love of eel and octopus.

Marissa Q. Paine, MSWPainefree Coaching & ConsultingPrincipal & CEO

Paine is a Life, Love & Leadhership Coach, a Master Facilitator, an Engaging Speaker and Train-er and an Insightful Consultant specializing in all things personal and organizational growth, development and change. Her firm provides board and leadership development, management training, team building, change management consulting that helps mission-centered orga-nizations prevent painful people problems from plummeting their profits and performance. Marissa brings heart and more than twenty-five years of diverse experience in corporate, nonprofit, education and faith-based settings to her work. She is a passionate leader, a lifetime learner and a champion for helping women get out of their own way to achieve the success they truly desire.

Fun fact: I am empty nest-ish, with two children in college and one recent graduate living in the basement! I recently started a Facebook group by the same name (Empty Nest-ish) to support parents of young adults.

Rupa Patel, MD MPH DTM&HAssistant Professor, Infectious DiseasesDirector, HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) ProgramWashington University in St. Louis

Dr. Rupa Patel MD MPH is the Founder and Director of the Washington University in St. Louis Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis for HIV Prevention (PrEP) program. The program provides clinical services, fosters research, and offers capacity building for organizations to integrate PrEP care into routine health services. The program works closely with the Missouri state and local health departments to promote coordinated linkage to care and provider and community ed-ucation activities. The program has garnered over $1 million dollar in grants and uses a social business model to meet the needs of the uninsured in Missouri. The program has provided technical assistance to organizations in other parts of the US, as well as in Africa and Asia.

Fun fact: I built a rock climbing wall in my room during medical school and residency.

Kelly QuinnBest Buddies MissouriState Director

Kelly Quinn serves as the Missouri State Director for Best Buddies International where she asserts her passion to empower others to live their fullest life possible. Quinn and her team are devoted to educating and empowering volunteers to cultivate relationships that foster un-derstanding and acceptance of people with disabilities in schools, at work and in the commu-nity. Programs are guided by four mission pillars; Friendship, Jobs, Leadership Development and Living that teach how to overcome social barriers resulting in more diverse and inclusive communities. Quinn volunteers with the Gateway Warrior Foundation, the Pujols Family Foun-dation and her sons’, Harry and Eddie, school. She enjoys time with her family, running, solving puzzles and a good burger.

Fun fact: I lived in Luxembourg as a nanny to the US Ambassador.

Rosalind ReeseSt. Louis Business Diversity InitiativeProgram Director

As Program Director of the Initiative Fellows Program, a year-long leadership program for high level individual contributors (part of the St. Louis Regional Chamber), Reese establishes a frame-work to enhance leadership capacity focusing on Professional Development, Relationship Build-ing and Civic Engagement. She works with the executive director to set the program strategy and objectives for the Fellows Program that align with the business goal of the Regional Chamber. Her responsibility is to put in place informational sessions to help others realize their profession-al/personal dreams, improving self-awareness while enhancing their quality of life.

Fun fact: I am an avid floater.

Meet the MentorsAmy Ribick, CFE, CRMABrown Smith WallacePartner, Advisory Services Practice

Ribick is a Partner in the Brown Smith Wallace Advisory Services practice, where she provides internal and operational audit services, with expertise in financial services, including compliance and control documentation and testing. She serves as a board member for the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners St. Louis Chapter and as an officer for the Institute of Internal Auditors St. Louis Chapter. Ribick has also served as a volunteer for the Humane Society of Missouri since 2008. She is on the Humane Society of Missouri’s Women’s Leadership Council Steering Commit-tee. In 2016, she was a St. Louis Business Journal ‘40 Under 40’ honoree.

Fun fact: I have spent countless hours over the last 10 years walking dogs at a local animal shelter each weekend. This has given me further opportunities to get involved in the Women’s Leadership Council as a Steering Committee Member.

Sondra RottyTarlton CorporationProject Director

Rotty began at Tarlton Corporation as a Project Engineer in 2005, after graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Architectural Engineering from UMR. She went on to earn her Master’s in Engineering Management from MS&T in 2008 while working. Most of her construction experi-ence has centered around large, complex projects completed in fast-track time frames. She has received several commendations throughout her career, including the “30 Under 30” and “40 Under 40” Awards from the St. Louis Business Journal and the “30 Under 30” Award from MS&T Alumni Magazine, along with the Civil Engineering Exemplary Young Professional Award from the Academy of Civil Engineers.

Fun fact: Pre-boy mom, I was a marathon runner, but I now stick mainly to power lifting at the gym.

Stephanie SchmidtA.E. Schmidt BilliardsNational Director of Sales

St. Louis native, Stephanie Schmidt, is the National Director of Sales for A.E. Schmidt Billiards. She joined her family’s company in 2013, which is one of the oldest manufacturers of billiard tables in the United States. As part of the 6th generation, her current role within the company involves recruiting dealers from key markets around the country and oversees all arrangement of produc-tion. Schmidt started working with A.E. Schmidt Billiards from a very early age but joined officially after graduating from Southeast Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business.

Fun fact: I can trace my family back to the early 1500’s – related to ‘Sir Thomas More’.

Theresa StearnsAnders CPAs + AdvisorsPartner in Charge of Technology Services

Stearns is a Member, assisting clients with technology consulting, strategic planning, securing in-formation, business continuity, and process improvements. She joined in 1997, was promoted to Director of Operations in 2012 and then named a Member in 2016. Her forward-thinking acumen and leading technology applications have helped propel clients to advance best practices and create office efficiencies. Stearns continues to stay abreast of the ever-changing technology indus-try to identify the technologies that are the most effective for small to medium-size businesses. She then drives the innovation for her team to succeed in providing state of the art of technology services to our clients. She drives aggressive technology plans to help businesses grow.

Amy M. Tiemeier, Pharm.D., BCPSSt. Louis College of PharmacyDirector, Community Partnerships; Associate Director, Office of Experiential Education; Associate Professor, Pharmacy Practice

In her faculty role, Dr. Tiemeier coordinates a course focused on population health. In her com-munity partnerships role, she focuses on medication disposal initiatives and has helped Nelson Mandela University (South Africa) expand their pharmacy experiential education. Additionally, Dr. Tiemeier is a member of the Technical Advisory Committee for the St. Louis County Prescription Drug Monitoring Program and is currently works with the Opioid Statewide Targeted Response (STR) grant team to increase awareness of and access to naloxone in Missouri pharmacies.

Fun fact: I got to pet a cheetah on one of my trips to South Africa!

Aimee WehmeierParaquadPresident & CEO

Aimee Wehmeier is President and CEO of Paraquad. Wehmeier earned a Bachelor of Educational Studies from the University of Missouri and a MBA from William Woods University. Community leadership includes the Missouri State Rehabilitation Council; St. Louis Regional Chamber Board; Diversity Awareness Partnership Board; Metropolitan St. Louis Equal Housing and Opportunity Council Board; Missouri Foundation for Health, Fontbonne University, Washington University, and MO Better Foundation Advisory Boards. Wehmeier received the Governor’s Council on Disability Inclusion Award in 2010 and was recognized by the St. Louis Business Journal as a 2015 Diverse Business Leader and 2018 Class of Most Influential Business Women. Wehmeier has a passion for advocacy and increasing economic opportunities for people with disabilities.

Fun fact: I have 2 hairless cats and 1 hairless dog (I also have three dogs with hair)!

Crystal WinkelerCanopy BiosciencesCo-founder and COO

Dr. Crystal Winkeler is the co-founder and COO of Canopy Biosciences, a research tools company focused on genetic engineering and multiplexed analysis. Prior to founding Canopy, she worked with the BioGenerator investment team, evaluating all aspects of early stage life science com-panies. Crystal has experience analyzing technologies and companies in a variety of markets, including agriculture, medical devices, therapeutics, and research tools. Crystal received her Ph.D. in Molecular Cell Biology from Washington University in St. Louis, where she studied tumor suppressor biology and mouse model genetics.

Fun fact: I was a water aerobics instructor in college.

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