Meg Balke

Topic: Re-entering the workforce when 50+

e: [email protected], p: 904-507-7740, FB: www.Facebook.com/StJohnsCARES,T: @StJohns_CARES

Meg Balke is a native of St. Augustine, who now lives in St. Johns with her husband Steve, and son Robbie while her daughter and grandson live nearby in Jacksonville. Ms. Balke has been working in the nonprofit world both professionally, and as a volunteer, for over 20 years. Over the years, an affinity for causes serving women and children developed. Ms. Balke has volunteered with, or worked for, the YMCA, Girls Incorporated, Girls On The Run, First Coast Girls Initiative, The Betty Griffin House and the Congenital Heart Walk, and St. Jon’s Cares to name a few. She has faced health challenges with a heart condition and now that her youngest is in high school she is working on re-entering the workforce.

Denyce Gartrell

How to Enjoy Lasting Personal and Professional Relationships

E: [email protected], FB: facebook.com/bookcoachdenyce, T: @DenyceGartrell, p:904-955-1817

She helps women to raise self-awareness, build self-confidence, and become equipped to experience joyful & lasting personal & professional relationships.

Denyce Gartrell is recognized as the global authority on understanding and optimizing gendered communication. Integrating the neuropsychological, anthropological, and biological disciplines into her unique approach, she explains why males and females do what they do in relationships, and how gender brain differences impact our communication, perspectives, and essentially our lives.

Denyce is the recurring relationship contributor on Channel 4’s “The Morning Show”—the highest rated news station locally--, and has been featured in numerous publications and TV programs, including FOX30 News, Bounce TV, Program Success Magazine, Showcase Magazine to name a few.

Denyce has spoken to audiences in six different countries, and various locations throughout the U.S.

L. Rachel Valentine-Burrell Topic: What is the Vision For Your Life?

P: (office line)904-373-8673, cell 904-200-5807 w: lrachelvalentine.com, www.facebook.com/Rachelvalconsulting/

Success coach, speaker, and author of Bringing Down Walls Change Your Mindset Change Your Life.

Rachel’s mission is: To empower people from all walks of life to fulfill their full potential whether personal or business related using practical, yet powerful strategies. “Your vision is vital to your success”

Shermanda Ramsay Winning from my Healing Bed

Skype: Platinum Rose, e: [email protected], w: shermanda.com, FB: Facebook.com/ShermandaRamsayMinistries, T: @shaleljo

CEO/Pastor/Author, Speaker,Trainer&LifeCoach with LES BROWN/Singer

Author of Love Inspired Living: This book will give you a glimpse into the world of a positively, inspiring, motivational mindset of Self Worth, LOVE, Joy, Peace, Victory, ..... and God guided consciousness, that intentionally sets the tone for life living victoriously.

Shermanda Ramsay, is a firm believer that you must see that you speak, to believe that you say, in order to become who you truly are, in and through faith, from the beginning of time.

Soon to be released is another book: The Atmosphere Shifter: a 30 day Teacher Parent and Educator devotional. She believe: “Every child deserves a champion – an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be.”

Karen Zizmer Demuth Connecting through Courage: Parenting a Special Needs Child

P: 305-299-9247, e: [email protected] , FB:facebook.com/Connecting-Thru-Music-NBE,

W: www.connectingthrumusic.com/

Karen speaks openly about the challenges she faces as the mother of a child with a disability. Her son Dante, was born with Down Syndrome and without an esophagus. Karen works hard to find the courage and strength that is required of her each day to take care of her son, marriage, and the needs of her other children. Karen is a leader in her community and works hard to raise money and awareness for a program at her son’s school that uses musical therapy to help children with moderate to severe medical, neurological, and cognitive special needs.

Melissa Ross Award Winning PBS/NPR host and producer

P: office 904-358-6382, e: [email protected] w: wjct.org, T: @MelissainJax

"First Coast Connect" host/producer Melissa Ross joined WJCT in 2009 with 20 years of experience in broadcasting, including stints in Cincinnati, Chicago, Orlando and Jacksonville. WJCT’s "First Coast Connect" has received multiple national awards from Public Radio News Directors Inc. for best call-in program.

As executive producer of "The 904: Shadow on the Sunshine State," Melissa and WJCT received an Emmy in the documentary category at the 2011 Suncoast Emmy Awards. "The 904" examined Jacksonville’s status as Florida’s murder capital. She gained national platform as fill-in host for the Peabody award-winning "The Diane Rehm Show"

Melissa Co-hosts the statewide radio program "The Florida Roundup" in collaboration with WLRN 91.3 FM in Miami

She is the Anchor and producer of the quarterly "Community Thread" town hall programs on WJCT Television looking at issues of civic importance to Northeast Florida

Carrence Bass Making Strides for Autism

P: 904-862-6040, E: [email protected] w: makingstridesforautism.org

President/CEO and Founder of Making Strides For Autism, Inc.

Her mission is to make Northeast Florida the most autism-friendly region to live in Florida.

Her passion is guiding companies in creating win-win solutions that provide jobs, services, and accommodations for the autism community and assisting veterans. She enjoys building and strengthening strategic alliances, specifically those focused on social purchasing, creating services and products tailored to the autism community, helping autistic adults gain meaningful employment, and empowering people on the spectrum to achieve new heights.

Melissa, Eva, and Kim: Your Nourishing Soul Sisters

w: nourishingsoulsisters.com, e: [email protected] ,FB: facebook.com/nourishingsoulsisters/, T: @nourishingsoul3

We’ll help you to release what doesn’t serve you anymore and fill you back up with self-care and self-love.

"Our mission is to serve others and provide renewing and restoring wellness retreats". Services include: Wellness Weekends, Day Retreats, Couples Retreats, and other Special Occasions

Kristin Brenkust Becoming the Best Version of Ourselves

w: kristinbrenkus.com, skype: Kristin.brenkus, FB Group: FEMpowered Tribe, e: [email protected].

Kristin Brenkus is a Women’s Intuitive Mentor and Soul Purpose Coach. She

helps women tap into and harness their feminine power to create a joyful, abundant life. She has learned that the highest form of empowerment is becoming the best version of ourselves. She wants you to know that you are worthy of having everything and anything you desire because God does not give us the ability to conceive something that isn’t possible.

Michelle Poitier Embracing the Woman Within

w: michellepoitier.com, e: [email protected], FB: Facebook.com/Michellespeakz, T: @Michellespeakz, skype: Michelle_Poitier

Meet Michelle Poitier, USN Veteran- nominated and selected to attend Former First Lady Michelle Obama's 'United State of Women's Initiative 2016 for her work in the community; recipient of a letter of recognition from Governor Rick Scott (Sept 23rd, 2016) for her community contributions. Additionally, Ms. Poitier received a letter from The White House (March 16, 2016) for selection/participation in the Mission Continues Women’s Veteran's Leadership Summit. If you're seeking words of hope and encouragement and release from pains of the past, you are in for a treat as Michelle takes you on a journey to healing and wholeness.