With 30 years of experience as a teacher, principal, curriculum leader, and superintendent, Dr. Lisa Henkel, CEO of Pathways for Academic Excellence,  specializes in creating, implementing, and managing plans to support and improve school leadership and student achievement. She is a former Senior Director for District and School Support for the National Center for Time & Learning (NCTL) and coach for the International Center for Leadership in Education. In addition, she has been an adjunct professor for SUNY Plattsburgh, supervising student teachers in the NY capital region.

To read more about Dr. Lisa Henkel, click on her LinkedIn profile, https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-henkel-5b77a763/ or her website, https://pathwaystoacademicexcellence.com/. 

RoseMarie Andrews is a radio personality who is also the Operations Manager of Community Radio Station WCAA-LP 107.3 FM, Albany, New York. "Shrinking Violet"  is an interactive blog and documentary of her journey from shy morbidly obese, child molestation survivor as she morphed into an empowered performer.  Check out her Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/rosemarie.andrews.77.

Pacifica Radio, listener-funded radio foundation that is the oldest independent media network in the United States. Pacifica owns and manages five listener-supported, noncommercial FM radio stations: KPFA in Berkeley, California (inaugurated in 1949); KPFK in Los Angeles (1959); WBAI in New York City (1960); KPFT in Houston (1970); and WPFW in Washington, D.C. (1977). Pacifica also funds and promotes news and public affairs programs, most notably Democracy Now! and Free Speech Radio News, for its own and nearly 165 affiliated community radio stations. 

The organization’s main contribution to U.S. journalism has been the consistent airing of perspectives of the American and global political left.

Starnet Starnet Worldwide Commercial Flooring Partnership is composed of 165 members; they'are the world’s largest network of full-service independent flooring contractors, Eric and I discuss how the Partnership and how the the members are thriving  in the age of COVID.  As the Vice President of Business Development, Eric has his pulse on the economy and shares his ideas applicable to any business. To learn more about Starnet, go to their website, www.starnetflooring.com. 

To reach Eric directly, reach him by phone C-616.299.8254, or email him [email protected]. 

Tatiana Gjergji is the only child of two entrepreneurial immigrants from Albania and has taken the lead to being the first in her immediate family to graduate high school & acquire a bachelor’s degree (Psychology). Tatiana’s family members were refugees who escaped Albania to provide a better, more successful life for the family. By being compassionate, learning from life experiences and determination to embrace her full potential, Tatiana is a positive role model to others.

During weekdays, Tatiana is a prevention educator at The Addictions Care Center of Albany, Inc. teaching youth about self-esteem, resiliency and effects of substance use disorders.

To reach out to Tatiana, connect through her website, https://www.nwralbany.org/about. Sponsorship are available.

Michelle Winters is the Managing Partner of New Braunfels Flooring and Design Center located in New Braunfels, Texas. Michelle talks about her Facebook group, Women of the Flooring Business. Michelle is a Women's Advocate and Entrepreneur and discusses Leadership Roles of Women in the flooring industry as well as conducting business in the Pandemic.  To join Women of the Flooring Business, go to https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenoftheflooringbusiness/,

Men welcome!

John Gregory, owner of Capital Vacuums in Albany, New York and Charlie's Vacuums in Glens Falls, New York, discuss why it's smarter than ever to be in the vacuum cleaner business now. To learn more, reach out to vacuumrepairshop.com to learn more about the business. 

In 1935, Irving Levy moved to Scranton, PA from Brooklyn, NY and opened a paint store that sold wholesale and retail. Fast-forward to the 1990s and the third generation joined the company, continued to expand their products  and  brought their various work experiences to Arley. To read the entire story, https://www.arleywholesale.com/about-arley.

Arley Wholesale continues to strive to provide Service, Selection and Stability for the industry and live up to the entrepreneurial vision of Irving Levy by standing behind his motto:

Be honorable in everything you do.

Live up to your agreements…your word is your bond.

Be loyal to your suppliers and customers, they are the backbone of your business. 

Rachel has been an Interior Designer for 14 years and shares her recent experiences with consumers shopping for flooring during COVID-19. Interestingly enough, consumers are upbeat and serious about making changes in their homes. 

Rachel discusses how Precision Floors and Decor stayed in touch with their customers during COVID-19 and the "personal service" they gave their customers. She also discusses how Floor Force has helped grow their business. 

Brian Witkin has been a long time business associate and friend from the flooring industry. He has held  high level sales positions in Manufacturing  and Retail Flooring; today he shares  his ideas for helping both Manufactures and Retailers 'survive and thrive' during the 'new normal.' He can be reached at 201-376-6162.(New Jersey)