Brianna Finney, PMP, is a dynamic executive leader with 20 years of experience driving operational excellence, business transformation, and revenue growth in the heavy trucking, dealer operations, and manufacturing industries. As Vice President of Service & Collision Operations at Gordon Truck Centers, she has successfully led expansion efforts, optimized team structures, and implemented strategic initiatives that significantly increased profitability and efficiency. With expertise in cost reduction, workforce development, and data-driven decision-making, Brianna has a proven track record of enhancing business performance while fostering strong partnerships between companies, employees, and stakeholders. Passionate about mentorship and community engagement, she actively supports vocational education and nonprofit initiatives. Brianna is currently seeking board opportunities where she can leverage her strategic vision and leadership experience to drive sustainable growth and organizational success.

Deb Kelly is a pioneering leader in biomedical research, known for her expertise in molecular biophysics, computational modeling, and high-resolution imaging to advance translational medicine. As Executive Director of Structural Oncology LLC and a professor at Penn State University, she has led groundbreaking research in cancer and viral health threats, integrating artificial intelligence and bioinformatics to drive drug discovery and clinical decision-making. With over 15 years of experience managing multidisciplinary teams, securing millions in research funding, and mentoring early-career professionals, Kelly’s work has had a lasting impact on biomedical science. Her strategic leadership, innovative research, and commitment to mentorship continue to shape the future of medical advancements and therapeutic development.

Delano Massey is a transformational media leader with a proven track record of expanding news operations, driving digital innovation, and leading high-impact journalism. As Managing Editor of Axios Local, he has overseen the rapid growth of its newsroom and audience, while previously spearheading CNN’s Race & Equality team during a pivotal moment in American history. His leadership at The Associated Press, CNN, and various local news organizations has positioned him as an expert in investigative reporting, digital strategy, and newsroom management. A dedicated mentor and advocate for diversity in journalism, Massey continues to shape the future of media through his strategic vision and commitment to excellence.

Christi Westman is a seasoned financial executive with extensive expertise in corporate accounting, financial management, and regulatory compliance. As Vice President and Controller at Gate City Bank, she oversees financial operations, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and compliance while driving strategic growth initiatives. With a strong background in public and corporate accounting, including leadership roles at Titan Machinery, Caterpillar, Valspar, and Deloitte, Christi has a proven track record of optimizing financial reporting, managing audits, and leading high-performing teams. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA), she combines technical expertise with strategic vision to enhance profitability and operational effectiveness. Dedicated to mentorship and industry leadership, she actively contributes to professional organizations and community initiatives, reinforcing her commitment to financial excellence and organizational success.

Melany Elicker is a seasoned enterprise leader with over 30 years of experience in supply chain management, ERP implementations, and global business transformation. Specializing in JD Edwards EnterpriseOne, she has successfully led large-scale system rollouts and integrations for industry leaders such as Stryker, Baxter Pharmaceuticals, and Ingersoll Rand. With a strong strategic mindset and deep technical expertise, Melany excels in aligning business objectives with technology solutions to drive operational efficiency, compliance, and scalability. She is a trusted advisor known for her analytical approach, cross-functional leadership, and ability to manage complex onshore and offshore project implementations. Passionate about mentorship and continuous learning, Melany actively contributes her expertise through board advisory roles, helping organizations innovate and grow in an evolving digital landscape.

Have you ever dreamed of leaving behind the 9-to-5 grind to build something of your own—something that gives you the freedom to control your time, your income, and your legacy? From Employee to Entrepreneur: A Guide to Business Ownership is your step-by-step blueprint for making that leap. In this article, I share my personal journey from working in aviation and management to launching successful businesses, and I walk you through the mindset shifts, strategic planning, and tools—like AI and networking—that helped me get there. Whether you're just starting to explore entrepreneurship or ready to take action, this guide offers the insight, encouragement, and practical advice you need to turn your dream into reality.

Elizabeth M. Troll is a seasoned executive with over 42 years of global leadership in quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and governance within the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, and healthcare industries. Renowned for her expertise in Quality Management Systems (QMS), vendor oversight, inspection readiness, and leadership development, Liz has played a pivotal role in shaping compliance frameworks that align regulatory standards with business efficiency. She has led quality and compliance initiatives at Endpoint Clinical, Novan Inc., QuintilesIMS, and Otsuka, driving strategic improvements and fostering a culture of operational excellence. A dynamic speaker and mentor, Liz is passionate about developing future leaders, advancing industry best practices, and supporting organizations in achieving regulatory success. With a strong commitment to integrity, respect, and continuous improvement, she seeks to leverage her expertise through board service and advisory roles, helping companies navigate complex regulatory landscapes and drive sustainable growth.

J. Joseph (Joe) Otte is a seasoned environmental consultant and business leader with over 44 years of experience in environmental due diligence, sustainability, and compliance. Throughout his career, he has guided organizations in the engineering, manufacturing, food, and environmental industries through complex regulatory landscapes, ensuring responsible growth and environmental stewardship. With a strong foundation in water and air quality, hazardous waste management, and remediation, Joe has been a trusted advisor in both the private and public sectors. His leadership extends to nonprofit board service, expert witness testimony, and mentoring executives to see beyond their immediate challenges. Passionate about fostering sustainable business practices, Joe is actively seeking board roles where he can apply his strategic expertise, industry knowledge, and leadership acumen to support organizations in their environmental and operational goals.

With over 60 years of experience in sales leadership, strategic planning, and business transformation, I have dedicated my career to driving growth, mentoring leaders, and optimizing business operations. I am passionate about helping organizations navigate challenges and achieve sustainable success. Whether it's through board leadership, executive coaching, or strategic consulting, I thrive in roles where I can make a meaningful impact. Here is my biography.

Viet Tran is a seasoned executive with over 20 years of leadership experience in the travel, hospitality, and immigration industries. As CEO of Trans Global Travel & Immigration LLC, he has successfully driven business growth through strategic planning, sales leadership, and customer-focused solutions. With expertise in optimizing operations, building high-value partnerships, and mentoring sales teams, Viet has established himself as a leader in international travel and mobility services. His ability to navigate complex markets, foster strong client relationships, and implement innovative strategies continues to shape his success in the industry.

Mentoring young entrepreneurs and aligning them with modern technology are pivotal strategies for fostering innovation and building thriving business ecosystems. Through mentorship, seasoned leaders transfer valuable knowledge, instill critical leadership skills, and boost the confidence of emerging CEOs, preparing them to navigate challenges and seize opportunities. Coupled with access to cutting-edge technologies like AI, big data, and digital transformation tools, young entrepreneurs are equipped to streamline operations, make data-driven decisions, and scale their businesses efficiently. This synergy between mentorship and technology not only accelerates individual success but also cultivates resilient, collaborative ecosystems that drive economic growth, sustainability, and long-term innovation.

Alan E. Waite is a visionary executive, strategist, and leadership expert with over four decades of experience spanning government, education, entrepreneurship, and organizational transformation. As the CEO of Praxis Consulting, Inc., he has pioneered innovative methodologies, including Transformational Project Leadership (TPL) and Integrity-Centered Decision-Making (ICDM), to drive sustainable change and ethical decision-making in business and government. A seasoned educator, Alan serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, shaping future leaders in project management and organizational leadership. His extensive career includes consulting for Fortune 500 companies, co-founding an environmental technology firm, and leading nonprofit initiatives to support addiction recovery. An accomplished author and speaker, Alan has contributed to historical and business publications, with his latest book, To a Moral Certainty, set for release in Spring 2025. Fluent in Spanish and proficient in German, he brings a global perspective to leadership, strategy, and governance. Dedicated to integrity, mentorship, and transformational change, Alan seeks to leverage his wealth of experience to help organizations innovate and grow with purpose.

Maryam Nourbakhsh is a seasoned project management leader with over 18 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries, specializing in strategic operations, clinical quality, and global regulatory compliance. She has a proven track record of driving complex initiatives, optimizing resource allocation, and implementing data-driven decision-making frameworks to enhance portfolio planning and operational efficiency. Currently serving as Director of Project Management at Bristol Myers Squibb, she spearheads innovative methodologies, fosters cross-functional collaboration, and ensures alignment with corporate objectives. With expertise spanning oncology, immunology, and hematology, Maryam has successfully led high-impact projects at leading pharmaceutical organizations, leveraging her knowledge in clinical trials, governance structures, and process improvement. Holding an MBA in Pharmaceutical Marketing and certifications in Lean Six Sigma and Change Management, she is a strategic thinker committed to innovation, operational excellence, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Joshua Coronado-Moses is a seasoned legal professional and business strategist with deep expertise in automotive law, federal regulations, and business development. As the Founder and Managing Partner of Moses Auto Law, he has built a reputation for advocating on behalf of clients facing complex insurance disputes and corporate injustices. With a background as a Trial Attorney for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Joshua combines legal acumen with strategic insight to help businesses navigate regulatory challenges, mitigate risks, and foster growth. His passion for justice, leadership, and mentorship drives his commitment to making a meaningful impact in the legal and corporate sectors. Actively seeking board opportunities, he aims to contribute his expertise in governance, compliance, and operational strategy to help organizations thrive. Guided by his principle, “When others won’t, we will,” Joshua remains dedicated to championing fairness and accountability in every endeavor.

In Breaking Barriers, Building Futures: My Journey in Education, Dr. Cheryl Pruitt shares a powerful account of her relentless commitment to student success, even in the face of adversity. From leading an urban school district to historic gains in graduation and literacy rates to overcoming personal and professional challenges, she proves that true leadership is about resilience, vision, and community. Her story is a testament to the power of data-driven decision-making, the necessity of strong support systems, and the unwavering belief that every student—regardless of background—deserves the chance to thrive. As she continues her fight for educational equity at Pathways to College, Dr. Pruitt reminds us that change doesn’t happen by chance; it happens when we break barriers and build futures—together.

Maria Gallahue-Worl is a seasoned executive with over 33 years of leadership experience in manufacturing, advanced materials, healthcare, aerospace, and product innovation. As the CEO of TenCate Protective Fabrics, she drives global strategy, operational excellence, and market expansion, ensuring the company remains a leader in high-performance protective textiles. Previously, she held senior leadership roles at Solvay, where she led large-scale business transformations, turnarounds, and international growth initiatives across key markets in Europe, China, Japan, Brazil, India, and Korea. A strong advocate for women in manufacturing and defense, Maria is a sought-after speaker and mentor, dedicated to fostering leadership excellence and industry innovation. With expertise in corporate strategy, technical problem-solving, and global business development, she is committed to helping organizations navigate change and achieve long-term success.