Brendalyn Carpenter Player brings over 20 years of experience as an Army Civilian communications strategist to her work as an author, speaker, and coach. She spent her career leading in environments that often reward extroversion—masking her introspective nature until a personal health scare prompted a powerful mindset shift. Today, as founder of Unapologetic Introvert, she helps professionals transform how their authentic leadership looks, sounds, and feels in the workplace. Her debut book, The Unapologetic Introvert: It's Time to Unlock Your Quiet Power and Thrive (November 2024), is a guide to self-awareness, self-acceptance, and authentic success in work and life. Whether one-on-one or in group workshops, Brendalyn invites individuals into deeper conversations—offering a new lens to embrace quiet power and lead with purpose.

Cara is mom to three girls, a Vermont-based Early Childhood Educator, Collaborative Parenting Coach, and the founder of Core4Parenting™. Cara has Bachelor degrees in American Sign Language (ASL) and Linguistics and a Master’s degree in Education. She is the passionate mastermind behind the Collaborative Parenting Methodology™ and Collaborative Classroom Curriculum, a birth-to-five, soul and science-based framework that empowers parents and educators to turn tantrums into teachable moments while raising emotionally intelligent kids who find success in school and life.

Through keynotes, ECE teacher training, and her top ranking podcast, Transforming the Toddler Years, she’s teaching the 5 Executive Functioning Skills kids need to navigate our ever-changing world.

Deana Chukwuemeka is a Career Empowerment coach who transforms complexity into clarity. Through her signature ARISE™ methodology, she equips high-potential professionals to articulate their value, navigate career transitions, and lead with conviction, without losing themselves in the process. Her work blends strategy with deep self-awareness, helping clients move from stuck to seen, from overlooked to owning their lane. Deana is more than a coach, she’s a catalyst. Her approach is rooted in rhythm, resilience, and results, drawing from years of corporate experience across sectors and a life lived attuned to purpose. Whether speaking to a room or coaching one-on-one, she reminds professionals that the most powerful growth isn’t just about getting ahead, it’s about getting aligned. Whether in boardrooms or quiet reflections, her message is the same: meaningful success starts from within.

Dr. Paul M. Brown, who is currently an Associate Professor of French at Clark Atlanta University, developed the Office of International Education/Study Abroad (OIE/SA) and served as its director for 17 years.   He integrated his Peace Corps experience and expanded the significance of the Office by providing additional opportunities for students to develop international careers.  Students were encouraged to participate in programs such as the Institute for International Public Policy (sponsored by the UNCF), the Middlebury College Summer Language Program and the Washington Semester Program (sponsored by American University).  He is presently working on a certificate program that prepares graduating students to be moral and ethical bilingual professionals with practical international work experience.

In a world where far too many women struggle with self-doubt, Jay stands as both guide and testament to the power of authentic Confidence. As a Leadership Coach with over two decades of Talent Development expertise, Jay creates magic with women who are ready to venture forth with Curiosity, Courage, and Commitment, so they can confidently lead others to their own potential. Her coaching creates a space where clients find full Acceptance and Compassion, offered with warm candor and playful humor. Jay's approach is equal parts heart and science, drawing from her advanced education in Psychology and certifications in Coaching, Leadership, Resilience, and yes, even Laughter Yoga - because transformation should be fun! 

Sign up at www.ThrivingLife.com for Jay's 7-day Confidence Kickstart email challenge and discover fun, action-packed tools to grow sustainable Confidence! 

Jeremy Akin is the founder of Profectus Jiu-Jitsu, a network of gyms built to be more than just a place to train. After finding Jiu-Jitsu during a tough season in life, he used it to build a sense of direction—and now helps others do the same. Profectus was created as a space for personal growth, real community, and long-term opportunity. The goal: to give students not just a place to belong, but a path to lead and grow into the best version of themselves—on and off the mats. Known for its honest culture and clean, intentional design, Profectus reflects Jeremy’s role as a coach and mentor—not just as a founder.

With 20+ years of experience in functional nutrition and wellness, Jessica Lasisch helps individuals restore balance, improve gut health, and reconnect with their bodies and minds. Through personalized nutrition, orthomolecular medicine, and detoxification, she empowers clients to achieve sustainable well-being, renewed energy, and lasting transformation.

Jessica takes a root-cause approach, focusing on gut health, inflammation, and metabolic balance to support the body's natural healing. Using functional nutrition, targeted supplementation, and detox strategies, she helps clients optimize digestion, balance hormones, and enhance overall well-being.

Specializing in nutrient imbalances and toxic overload, Jessica delivers science-backed, results-driven solutions—no fad diets, no quick fixes.