All About the Girls

This episode features Dr. Marvi Bikak, a physician with Northwest Health who specializes in pulmonology, critical care and sleep medicine. She completed her medical training at Indiana University in Indianapolis and Rush University in Chicago. She came to Northwest Indiana just a few months ago and has already developed a busy practice and great reputation. Her office, Northwest Medical Group - Pulmonary and Critical Care, is located in La Porte. 

GreatNews.Life & Podcast Host Jenny Craig-Brown have transformed the All About the Girls annual event into a podcast! These monthly episodes feature incredible women giving the audience all the insight about what makes them happy, successful, and motivational. New episodes launch on Sundays to make sure to start your week on a positive note!

The All About the Girls Podcast is brought to you by GreatNews.Life 

GreatNewsLife looks to form positive, online communities centered around the idea that, given the option, viewers prefer to see all the good things going on in their community, as opposed to negative news. Here you’ll find exclusively positive, hyper-local stories, features, and news touting everything exceptional about the communities that make up Northwest Indiana. We invite you to partake in the Region’s only source for all-positive news, all the time. Watch it. Love it. Share it.

This episode features Sherri Ziller, President and CEO at Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority. Sherri, a lifelong resident of Northwest Indiana, was named President and Chief Executive Officer of the RDA in 2021. Previously she was the organization’s Chief Operating Officer, responsible for day-to-day operations, strategic planning and fiscal management. Ziller has been with the RDA since its inception in the spring of 2006 and provides leadership to their efforts to maximize the economic development and redevelopment potential throughout the region, increase job creation and develop greater connectivity to Chicago to promote new economic growth statewide. She holds a Master’s degree in Education and a Bachelor’s in Political Science from Purdue University Calumet. Sherri is actively involved in the community, featuring as a speaker and author for various organizations and events around the region. 

GreatNews.Life & Podcast Host Jenny Craig-Brown have transformed the All About the Girls annual event into a podcast! These monthly episodes feature incredible women giving the audience all the insight about what makes them happy, successful, and motivational. New episodes launch on Sundays to make sure to start your week on a positive note!

The All About the Girls Podcast is brought to you by GreatNews.Life 

GreatNewsLife looks to form positive, online communities centered around the idea that, given the option, viewers prefer to see all the good things going on in their community, as opposed to negative news. Here you’ll find exclusively positive, hyper-local stories, features, and news touting everything exceptional about the communities that make up Northwest Indiana. We invite you to partake in the Region’s only source for all-positive news, all the time. Watch it. Love it. Share it.

This episode features Jessica Hubbard, Director of Marketing at Indiana ER & Hospital in Hammond, Indiana. Jessica was born and raised in Crown Point, Indiana where she resides with her 15 year old daughter. She graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Communications Marketing.

Jessica is a sucker for sunrises/sunsets at any beach she can gain access to, and loves to travel and attend concerts. You'll often find her at Wrigley Field in the summer to take in some Cubs baseball. Jessica is an avid runner that completed her first half marathon in April. Her weaknesses are Lululemon and Starbucks, and she has absolutely no shame in that. Jessica will try anything at least feel once, and enjoys making people feel welcome. She is the type of person who will do anything to brighten up somebody's day.

GreatNews.Life & Podcast Host Jenny Craig-Brown have transformed the All About the Girls annual event into a podcast! These monthly episodes feature incredible women giving the audience all the insight about what makes them happy, successful, and motivational. New episodes launch on Sundays to make sure to start your week on a positive note!

The All About the Girls Podcast is brought to you by GreatNews.Life 

GreatNewsLife looks to form positive, online communities centered around the idea that, given the option, viewers prefer to see all the good things going on in their community, as opposed to negative news. Here you’ll find exclusively positive, hyper-local stories, features, and news touting everything exceptional about the communities that make up Northwest Indiana. We invite you to partake in the Region’s only source for all-positive news, all the time. Watch it. Love it. Share it.

Erica (DeRuntz) Hemphill is a successful entrepreneur, photographer, and brewer. She was born and raised in Knox, Indiana, by her hardworking parents, Bob and Donna DeRuntz, Erica enjoyed a fun-filled childhood with her twin brother, Bob, and older sister, Desiree.

Erica graduated from Ball State University with a degree in Social Work. She started working as a photographer in the fire service, documenting structure fires and vehicle accidents. Later, Erica decided to become more involved and joined the EMT school and the fire academy, serving her community on the ambulance and fire engine.

Despite her love for photography, Erica decided to take on a new challenge and pursue her passion for brewing. Together with her husband, Mike, they started homebrewing in 2013, which led to the establishment of 10-56 Brewing. Erica also officially launched Love You Baby Photography, to provide daily newborn photo sessions to new families. 

 In 2017, after Mike's retirement from the Indiana State Police, they purchased their current location, a former lumberyard, on highway 35 in Knox. They opened their 10-56 Brewing taproom to the public in July 2018, offering a cozy atmosphere, delicious food, and a variety of beers on tap.

In 2022, Erica faced a new challenge when diagnosed with breast cancer. She documented her journey on Facebook on a page named The EEP, Erica's Excellent Progress Page. Despite her health struggles, Erica continued to manage the brewery's administrative, staffing, and legal needs while Mike carried the ball. Erica is now cancer-free and back to doing what she loves, making memories for families in hospitals and running the brewery.

When Erica is not working, she enjoys spending time on the back of her motorcycle with Mike, cooking at home, and cuddling with their dogs while watching a movie. 

GreatNews.Life & Podcast Host Jenny Craig-Brown have transformed the All About the Girls annual event into a podcast! These monthly episodes feature incredible women giving the audience all the insight about what makes them happy, successful, and motivational. New episodes launch on Sundays to make sure to start your week on a positive note!

The All About the Girls Podcast is brought to you by GreatNews.Life 

GreatNewsLife looks to form positive, online communities centered around the idea that, given the option, viewers prefer to see all the good things going on in their community, as opposed to negative news. Here you’ll find exclusively positive, hyper-local stories, features, and news touting everything exceptional about the communities that make up Northwest Indiana. We invite you to partake in the Region’s only source for all-positive news, all the time. Watch it. Love it. Share it.

This episode features Leann Sego

In 2002 Creme de la Crop was founded by Interior Designer Leann Sego on her family’s seventy-acre farm. The operation started by growing organic produce known for its beauty and flavor. That passion for farming continues through the Community Supported Agriculture Program.  

Nineteen years into the operation, Leann decided it was time to offer more and developed product lines that she was thrilled to put her designer stamp on. Her extensive product line is all made in-house, with the finest ingredients available. The Creme de la Crop line consists of Skincare, Haircare, Handcrafted Candles, and Artisan Soap. She proudly shares with you that which they love.

GreatNews.Life & Podcast Host Jenny Craig-Brown have transformed the All About the Girls annual event into a podcast! These monthly episodes feature incredible women giving the audience all the insight about what makes them happy, successful, and motivational. New episodes launch on Sundays to make sure to start your week on a positive note!

The All About the Girls Podcast is brought to you by GreatNews.Life 

GreatNewsLife looks to form positive, online communities centered around the idea that, given the option, viewers prefer to see all the good things going on in their community, as opposed to negative news. Here you’ll find exclusively positive, hyper-local stories, features, and news touting everything exceptional about the communities that make up Northwest Indiana. We invite you to partake in the Region’s only source for all-positive news, all the time. Watch it. Love it. Share it.

This episode features Dana Frank Marketing Director at HRM Group and lover of podcasts and punk shows. 

After working in the corporate nonprofit world for 13 years, Dana Frank joined Heritage Restaurant Management Group in 2021 as the group’s Marketing Director. HRM Group is better known individually as Tomato Bar Pizza, Ricochet Tacos, and Blockhead Beerworks. If you’re unfamiliar with these neighborhood favorites, visit linktr.ee/beerpizzatacos!

Dana originally hales from Evergreen Park, IL where she grew up in the house her grandfather was born in, and also attended school from pre-k to college. Dana graduated from Saint Xavier University in 2015 (yes, they have a Chicago address; no, you will not convince her it’s in Chicago. Check a map!) with a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design. While attending school, Dana continued to work several jobs leaving her with over 8 years of experience in both the hospitality and marketing fields, making her a great fit for HRM!

Dana currently lives in the Miller Beach neighborhood of Gary, IN with her husband, stepson, Great Pyrenees, and 3 cats. She enjoys listening to podcasts, going to punk shows in Chicago, eating great food with great people, and going to the beach during the summer.

GreatNews.Life & Podcast Host Jenny Craig-Brown have transformed the All About the Girls annual event into a podcast! These monthly episodes feature incredible women giving the audience all the insight about what makes them happy, successful, and motivational. New episodes launch on Sundays to make sure to start your week on a positive note!

The All About the Girls Podcast is brought to you by GreatNews.Life 

GreatNewsLife looks to form positive, online communities centered around the idea that, given the option, viewers prefer to see all the good things going on in their community, as opposed to negative news. Here you’ll find exclusively positive, hyper-local stories, features, and news touting everything exceptional about the communities that make up Northwest Indiana. We invite you to partake in the Region’s only source for all-positive news, all the time. Watch it. Love it. Share it.

This episode features Katie Ridinger. Katie, Youth Enrichment Director at Valpo Parks, has been involved in youth development work for over 20 years.  Her proudest accomplishment was her service as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Ukraine from 2013-2016.  Katie has an undergraduate degree in broadcasting and a master’s degree in Intercultural Youth and Family Development.  She enjoys playing pickleball, line dancing and putting together jigsaw puzzles.

GreatNews.Life and Podcast Host Jenny Craig-Brown have transformed the All About the Girls annual event into a podcast! These monthly episodes feature incredible women giving the audience all the insight about what makes them happy, successful, and motivational. New episodes launch on Sundays to make sure to start your week on a positive note!

The All About the Podcast is brought to you by GreatNews.Life

GreatNews.Life & Podcast Host Jenny Craig-Brown have transformed the All About the Girls annual event into a podcast! These monthly episodes feature incredible women giving the audience all the insight about what makes them happy, successful, and motivational. New episodes launch on Sundays to make sure to start your week on a positive note!

The All About the Girls Podcast is brought to you by GreatNews.Life 

GreatNewsLife looks to form positive, online communities centered around the idea that, given the option, viewers prefer to see all the good things going on in their community, as opposed to negative news. Here you’ll find exclusively positive, hyper-local stories, features, and news touting everything exceptional about the communities that make up Northwest Indiana. We invite you to partake in the Region’s only source for all-positive news, all the time. Watch it. Love it. Share it.

This episode features Liz Boyna who comes to us from Chicago, IL, where she lives with her husband and daughter, Maeve. After spending time in both hospitality and higher education, Liz made the transition to work for her family’s business, and is now the Corporate Communications Manager at the American Licorice Company. She enjoys working with her team to make things better for people at the company and in the community, and hopes this will inspire her young daughter should she choose to become a part of generation six at American Licorice.

GreatNews.Life and Podcast Host Jenny Craig-Brown have transformed the All About the Girls annual event into a podcast! These monthly episodes feature incredible women giving the audience all the insight about what makes them happy, successful, and motivational. New episodes launch on Sundays to make sure to start your week on a positive note!

The All About the Podcast is brought to you by GreatNews.Life 

GreatNews.Life & Podcast Host Jenny Craig-Brown have transformed the All About the Girls annual event into a podcast! These monthly episodes feature incredible women giving the audience all the insight about what makes them happy, successful, and motivational. New episodes launch on Sundays to make sure to start your week on a positive note!

The All About the Girls Podcast is brought to you by GreatNews.Life 

GreatNewsLife looks to form positive, online communities centered around the idea that, given the option, viewers prefer to see all the good things going on in their community, as opposed to negative news. Here you’ll find exclusively positive, hyper-local stories, features, and news touting everything exceptional about the communities that make up Northwest Indiana. We invite you to partake in the Region’s only source for all-positive news, all the time. Watch it. Love it. Share it.

This episode features Lisa Franko, Director of Development for Housing Opportunities, Inc.  She has been part of the team for over 6 years.  Starting out in the Development Department in 2015, she was promoted to the Director of Development in 2019.   Lisa is a lifelong Northwest Indiana resident and grew up in Southern La Porte County farming with her family and her father instilled into her at a very young age; “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”  (Wintson Churchill) 

She recently completed course work and obtained her CFRM through the IUPUI Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.  She is a proud mom of three children and two stepchildren.  Her oldest son resides in Nashville TN and works in the entertainment industry, her stepson resides in Valparaiso, her stepdaughter is studying Construction Management at Purdue University, her oldest daughter is working in medical billing at a local firm, and the youngest is the glue that holds the family together.  Lisa resides in Valparaiso with her amazing husband Bob along with their sweet dog Ellie and Boo Kitty the cat.

Housing Opportunities: https://hoi.help/ 

GreatNews.Life and Podcast Host Jenny Craig-Brown have transformed the All About the Girls annual event into a podcast! These monthly episodes feature incredible women giving the audience all the insight about what makes them happy, successful, and motivational. New episodes launch on Sundays to make sure to start your week on a positive note!

The All About the Podcast is brought to you by GreatNews.Life 

GreatNews.Life & Podcast Host Jenny Craig-Brown have transformed the All About the Girls annual event into a podcast! These monthly episodes feature incredible women giving the audience all the insight about what makes them happy, successful, and motivational. New episodes launch on Sundays to make sure to start your week on a positive note!

The All About the Girls Podcast is brought to you by GreatNews.Life 

GreatNewsLife looks to form positive, online communities centered around the idea that, given the option, viewers prefer to see all the good things going on in their community, as opposed to negative news. Here you’ll find exclusively positive, hyper-local stories, features, and news touting everything exceptional about the communities that make up Northwest Indiana. We invite you to partake in the Region’s only source for all-positive news, all the time. Watch it. Love it. Share it.

This episode features Diana Anderson who serves as the Vice President of Customer Experience for Comcast’s Greater Chicago Region, which includes Northwest Indiana, Central and Northern Illinois and Southwest Michigan.  Her primary goal in her role is to ensure that customers have the best possible experience with Comcast products and services, and when interacting with company employees.

Prior to her current role, Anderson served as Regional Director of Comcast University, an internal group within the company that oversees a vast array of employee education and training.  Prior to joining Comcast, Anderson served in roles at Walgreens and at the Naval Service Training Command in Great Lakes, IL.

GreatNews.Life and Podcast Host Jenny Craig-Brown have transformed the All About the Girls annual event into a podcast! These monthly episodes feature incredible women giving the audience all the insight about what makes them happy, successful, and motivational. New episodes launch on Sundays to make sure to start your week on a positive note!

The All About the Podcast is brought to you by GreatNews.Life 

GreatNews.Life & Podcast Host Jenny Craig-Brown have transformed the All About the Girls annual event into a podcast! These monthly episodes feature incredible women giving the audience all the insight about what makes them happy, successful, and motivational. New episodes launch on Sundays to make sure to start your week on a positive note!

The All About the Girls Podcast is brought to you by GreatNews.Life 

GreatNewsLife looks to form positive, online communities centered around the idea that, given the option, viewers prefer to see all the good things going on in their community, as opposed to negative news. Here you’ll find exclusively positive, hyper-local stories, features, and news touting everything exceptional about the communities that make up Northwest Indiana. We invite you to partake in the Region’s only source for all-positive news, all the time. Watch it. Love it. Share it.