Karen, Author at Business RadioX ® Page

BEST OF HEALTH from Practitioner to Cancer Patient

May 8, 2018 by Karen

Best Of Health

BEST OF HEALTH from Practitioner to Cancer Patient

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BEST OF HEALTH from Practitioner to Cancer Patient

Many of us think, especially with no family history, that Melanoma won’t happen to us. Well it can. Barb Regis, a health provider, advocate and host of Best of Health Radio, shares her story as it unfolds.. Take a listen to what she has experienced in the last 30 days and how one phone call has changed her life forever. Barb is grateful for the ability to still practice medicine and most importantly, enjoy her family and friends. She discusses her vulnerabilities and fears openly and honestly! Barb stays firm that it’s all about making a difference! Your Health / Your life. Let’s get the word out in honor of Melanoma Awareness Month.

WHY BEST OF HEALTH?

I am a Physician Assistant who has been caring for patients for over 20 years and Family Practice (cradle to grave) is my specialty.

Following the footsteps of three generations of family practice physicians (my father, grandfather and great grandfather) this was a natural and genetic calling that I do not regret.

Given this, I have a unique perspective and it’s time to share that perspective through Ask the PA. As a health care provider, teacher, business owner, patient, and advocate for my family and friends throughout the years, it has been painfully apparent there are disconnects within the current state of health care in the US and throughout the world. It can be confusing and frankly very scary.

It is my goal though this series, Best of Health, to bring people together that are passionate about their roles in the business of health care… and yes, whether or not you want to hear that it’s a business, it is — and that’s the fact. I will introduce to you great, dedicated practitioners and people with a passion for getting the word out about their personal journeys and causes. I will provide information about navigating through a confusing system, asking the right questions and share ways for saving money and time along the way.

It’s time to create change by partnering, empowering, and focusing on the patient, their families and their providers of care. It’s time for you to take the driver’s seat rather than leave your health care solely in the hands of entities such as insurance companies and the pharmaceutical industry.

Stay tuned. Here’s to your Best of Health.

~ Barb

ABOUT BARB

Barb is a Physician Assistant (PA) and a primary care provider with a passion for education and advocacy. Prior to becoming a Physician Assistant (PA), Barb was an accomplished musician and teacher. In 1992, Barb made the conscious decision to leave teaching and her musical career in pursuit of a career in medicine. She graduated from AT Still University’s first PA class in 1997 with a Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies.

Barb has spent several years working in clinics and family practices. Currently, Barb works for Premise Health at Insight Enterprises in Tempe, AZ as a solo practitioner providing primary care to employees and families on campus. She was also a partner in Renaissance Medical Group and Renaissance Medical Properties in Chandler and Maricopa, AZ and had a dual role of Chief Operations Officer and practicing PA for 14 years.

Along with being a PA, Barb is the author of the book Surviving the “Business” of Healthcare, Knowledge is Power! She is a certified Medical Professional Legal Consultant and Patient Advocate, speaker and influencer for change in healthcare for the patient, provider and family members. Barb is also certified by the National Commission of Certification of Physician Assistants and is an active member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants.

In her spare time, she loves to travel, maintaining an active lifestyle that includes running, biking, swimming. She loves to spend time outdoors with her family and friends, whether it’s walking on the beach or hiking in the desert.

For more information about Ask the PA and to connect with Barb:

Askthepa.com

Facebook: Ask the PA

LinkedIn: Barb Regis, M.S.,PA-C

RHINO NATION Julie Fletcher with Enterprise Bank and Trust and Michelle Micalizzi with Apex Medical Reimbursement Solutions

May 8, 2018 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

RHINO NATION Julie Fletcher with Enterprise Bank and Trust and Michelle Micalizzi with Apex Medical Reimbursement Solutions

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RHINO NATION Julie Fletcher with Enterprise Bank and Trust and Michelle Micalizzi with Apex Medical Reimbursement Solutions

Enterprise Bank and Trust was founded nearly 30 years ago on the idea of serving the lifetime financial needs of privately-held businesses, their owner families and other success-minded individuals. That concept has remained as our unwavering and guiding vision. We understand that no business or individual is the same. We tailor our services to fit the needs of our clients and have all the capabilities of the largest financial companies with the personal relationship orientation of a community bank. We offer a comprehensive array of banking, trust and financial advisory services.

By sticking to our original idea, we now have over $5 billion in assets. Headquartered in Clayton, MO, Enterprise Bank and Trust operates 28 branch offices in the St. Louis, Kansas City, and Phoenix metropolitan areas. Enterprise Bank and Trust offers a range of business and personal banking services, and wealth management services including financial planning, estate planning, investment management and trust services to business, individuals, institutions, retirement plans, and non-profit organizations. Our parent company, Enterprise Financial Services Corp is publicly traded (NASDAQ: EFSC.)

Julie Fletcher is Assistant Vice President and Business Banking Specialist for Enterprise Bank and Trust in North Scottsdale. She has over 20 years of experience as an entrepreneur in multiple industries. She has helped both domestic and international entrepreneurs with the startup and development of their businesses. Julie has provided acquisition and business development consulting for Lanick Corporation and their affiliate companies, Business Brokers International and Realty International. Prior to her time at Lanick, she co-founded and operated a successful small business development firm for 8 years. She has been recognized as a market leader in the construction licensing and surety bond industries.

Julie’s formal education includes a Masters Degree in Business Administration. Many years of experience working with entrepreneurs and small businesses makes her a valuable asset to the business clients of Enterprise Bank & Trust.

Julie served as a past board member for Arizona Council for International Visitors.

Connect with Julie on LinkedIn, and follow Enterprise Bank and Trust on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

APEX Medical Reimbursements mission at is to help medical practices increase revenue and decrease both expenses and stress so they can do what they do best – practice health care that improves the quality of their patients lives.

APEX has been providing custom medical billing services to their clients for over sixteen years. Their targeted and result-driven services make them a natural leader in the healthcare sector and have allowed them to earn the trust of many clinics and physician practices. Their visionary approach keeps them ahead of their competitors because they are totally committed to providing their clients with the best medical billing, coding, credentialing and consulitng services in the industry.

APEX’s services are specifically designed to reduce in days in accounts receivables, lower adjustments and increase cash flow while avoiding coding errors. With APEX as a preferred partner, physicians and private practices alike can meet multiple standards – improved customer satisfaction, improved operations and improved revenue.

Michelle Micalizzi is an expert in building, marketing, and selling award-winning programs, business products and concepts including medical practice software, health and wellness programs, fitness and beauty businesses. With strong entrepreneurial experience, she has proven to be an excellent intra-preneur whose drive for success benefits businesses from start-ups to well-established national companies. A skilled speaker and presenter, she establishes rapport easily one-on-one and with audiences. A fitness buff, she has a credible in-person presence for health, wellness and beauty products and services. Her forte is B2B sales with executive level decision-makers.

As the CMO of APEX MEDICAL REIMBURSEMENT SOLUTIONS Micalizzi is responsible for overseeing and executing the planning, development and execution of the companies over all marketing, advertising and PR initiatives as well as sales management, new business development and ensuring that the APEX’s message is communicated across channels and to targeted audiences in order to meet sales objectives.

As an artist, a business woman, a visual journalist and the founder and owner of FEARLESSLY DELIVER, Michelle Micalizzi paints with a purpose. The Fearless Art Projects are collaborative social practice art engagements that connect art + business + community. Her projects in 2018 focus primarily on the healthcare sector.

Micalizzi graduated with a B.A. in Fine Art  from The State University of New York at Albany, and has a certification in Computer Design from the renowned Pratt Manhattan Institute and a Masters of Science in Administration (MSA) from Saint Michael’s College in Colchester, VT in 2006. The MSA is equally weighted in Business and Public Administration, which spoke to Micalizzi’s passion for business + community.

Micalizzi has owned six businesses of her own and has maintained art studios in New York City; Stoneridge, NY; Colchester, VT; Essex Junction, VT; Scottsdale, AZ; and currently in Cave Creek, AZ where she lives with her two Cornish Rex cats!

Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn, and follow Apex Medical Reimbursement Solutions on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

ABOUT RHINO NATION

Rhino Nation is a growing community of influential entrepreneurs and small business owners that share a common trait, they don’t walk, they don’t run, they CHARGE to their destiny. We acknowledge and celebrate their business expertise, leadership and fearless attitude to be victorious in their goals. Rhino Nation is committed to making powerful connections and providing enhanced exposure to broaden the reach and promote the extraordinary talents of our community members.

ABOUT YOUR SPONSOR

Rhino Online Strategies & eCreativity helps you free up your precious and limited time, as a business owner, to do what you do best….running and growing your business. Michelle Faust and her team partner with you to identify your content and marketing needs and provide you with fresh, innovative, dynamic copy that will effectively reach your target market, leading to increased customer engagement, a higher conversion rate, and increased sales.

Great content becomes the seeds of a bountiful business harvest, so you can cultivate and grow your business. We take the time to personally understand you and your company’s purpose, so your marketing message reflects who you are and speaks directly to your target market. Let us join you as part of your team. We’ll partner with you to develop powerful messaging strategies.

We strive to create an expansive mindset through education, marketing content and access to a talented team of business consultants. Our mission is to deliver cutting edge entrepreneurial support by providing engaging targeted messaging along with online business education, ancillary business services, and enhanced exposure.

Michelle has an extensive background in sales, marketing and public speaking, primarily in the pharmaceutical industry. When she left her corporate career, she shifted into the entrepreneurial world, combining her experience, talents and passions to reinvent herself. As a marketer and copywriter, Michelle thrives on discovering what motivates people into action and what their key emotional triggers are. Michelle and her team create powerful and targeted messaging that improve conversion rates and increase sales. Michelle loves to connect people through the power and beauty of the written word. her passion is helping people create a road-map to success, so they can fulfill their dreams and live their destiny.

For more about Rhino Online Strategies & eCreativity find them at www.rhinostrategy.com, on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Small Business Growth Strategist Dana Earhart

May 8, 2018 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

Small Business Growth Strategist Dana Earhart

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Small Business Growth Strategist Dana Earhart

Dana Earhart Consulting helps small business owners to grow their revenues by streamlining and simplifying with systems, structure and strategy. This provides a customized executable plan, improved efficiency and the ability to grow revenues without jeopardizing quality of services delivered or quality of life.

As part of your advisor team, we become another set of eyes and a sounding board for the operations of your business, so you can focus on your area of expertise as the visionaries of the business.
We believe all business owners must continue to grow themselves, their teams, and their clients. With leadership growth, your company will grow.

With a Bold Strategy, Big Results philosophy, it is possible to Serve More. Earn More. Enjoy More! and we can show you how. Apply today for your complimentary Sustainable Growth Strategy Session.

Small business owners hire Dana Earhart when they are ready to add multiple 6-figures to their bottom-line by streamlining and simplifying with systems, structure and strategy. This provides a road map of priorities, improved efficiency and the ability to grow revenues without jeopardizing quality of life or services delivered.

Dana’s clients have doubled their revenue in 60 days and tripled it in 90 days. She takes her years of real world experience, combined with years of continued training, and helps them shortcut their path to high 6-figures by helping them create rock solid systems that make them more money and free up their time.

With over 25 years in consulting, Dana’s built teams from the ground up and led teams of 2 to 100 across multiple continents, while successfully mentoring hundreds for a variety of leadership positions. She’s ready to support you in doing the same.

Connect with Dana on LinkedIn.

E6 Danielle Holbrook Dunn from Pivotal Payments and Dana DiGerolami from THE PMO SQUAD

May 8, 2018 by Karen

JoePuszDanielleHolbrookDunnandDanaDiGerolamionBusinessRadioX1

Phoenix Business Radio

E6 Danielle Holbrook Dunn from Pivotal Payments and Dana DiGerolami from THE PMO SQUAD

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E6 Danielle Holbrook Dunn from Pivotal Payments and Dana DiGerolami from THE PMO SQUAD

In this episode of Project Management Office Hours, PMO Joe previews an upcoming show topic, Project Management in everyday use beyond business boundaries. He provides a tease of future guest Rick Mason and his cross-country cycling trips. Joe also shares how he is using Project Management to help prepare for the 2018 Marine Corps Marathon and fundraising efforts for the Team Red, White, and Blue charity.

During the main segment, Joe discusses current trends and insights in the project management industry with guests Danielle Holbrook Dunn from Pivotal Payments and Dana DiGerolami from THE PMO SQUAD. Danielle details the demands of maintaining adherence to Regulations, such as PCI, within the Payment Processing industry while delivering customer focused projects. She discusses the challenges of balancing expectations between internal stakeholders and customs when managing the Pivotal Payments Corporate PMO Project Portfolio. Both Danielle and Dana add to a deep exchange on the need, value and challenges of selecting the proper Project Management Software solution. Dana explains how using an independent vendor such as THE PMO SQUAD and their PM Software selection toolkit can help navigate through the hundreds of choices PMOs face when selecting a software solution.

Pivotal Payments is a leading provider of technology-driven global payment processing solutions for small to large enterprises in the point-of-sale, B2B and e-commerce industries. Their proprietary solutions include card-not-present, integrated POS and mobile payments that offer businesses efficiency and profitability across all sales channels and platforms. With a focus on security and fueled by continuous investment in research, product development and innovation, they are shaping the future of payments. Their goal is to maximize their clients’ revenues and performance by empowering them with safer and smarter transactions.

In order to deliver the best payment acceptance strategies to their clients, they operate multiple divisions dedicated to specific industry segments. Staffed with knowledgeable and experienced professionals, they work closely with their merchants and partners to determine which of the many services available today are best suited to their business needs.

Danielle Holbrook Dunn manages a portfolio of strategic projects at Pivotal Payments, specializing in enterprise initiatives and client implementations. She was instrumental in establishing the corporate governance process for project prioritization and alignment practices. Before joining Pivotal, she practiced project management at Total System Services (TSYS).

Danielle is passionate about the payment processing industry, as its ever-evolving and dynamic.

Follow Pivotal Payments on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

Dana DiGerolami, SVP of Technology of The PMO Squad, has worked in the project management space for more than 15 years. Most of that time spent in IT and in the deployment of large PM/PPM solutions. Dana has a passion for process and ensuring that organizations are utilizing the right tools for their success, she loves helping organizations understand the simplest way to get the best results!

Connect with Dana on LinkedIn.

ABOUT PROJECT MANAGEMENT OFFICE HOURS SERIES

Project Management Office Hours is intended to provide Project Management professionals a place to drop in and discuss Success Stories, Best Practices, and Lessons Learned. Project Management Consultant Joy Gumz has shared with us, “Operations keep the lights on, strategy provides the light at the end of the tunnel, but project management is the train engine that moves the organization forward.”

Each of us has a unique story to tell, but collectively we share a message that organizations who embrace Project Management Best Practices perform better than those which don’t. Organizations which align Projects to Strategy perform better. Organizations with Engage Executive Sponsors deliver better results. Organizations which measure Project Management performance outperform those which don’t.

During our Project Management Office Hours, we hear directly from Industry leaders how to make an impact in our profession. How we, collectively, will Advance Project Management Best Practices, One Listener at a time!

ABOUT YOUR HOST

Joe Pusz started THE PMO SQUAD to bring real world PMO Leadership experience to the consulting space and to advocate for Project Management through his blog PMOJOE.com. The old saying is “Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.” Following this mindset Joe left Corporate America in 2013 to start THE PMO SQUAD and work with fellow Natural Born Project Managers to advance Project Management Best Practices.

THE PMO SQUAD focuses exclusively on PMO and Project Management consulting. Corporate America is full of Accidental Project Managers running projects who haven’t been trained to be PMs. To help solve this problem THE PMO SQUAD is on the Leading Edge with PMO As a Service. PMO As a Service allows our clients to focus on their respective core competencies while THE PMO SQUAD delivers Project Management expertise. Contact Joe at 678-591-7868. Follow The PMO Squad on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

The Power of Starshine Communities

May 2, 2018 by Karen

StarshineCommunitiesSusanMoodyandLeeanneGardneronBusinessRadioX

Phoenix Business Radio

The Power of Starshine Communities

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The Power of Starshine Communities

Starshine Communities, Inc., an Arizona Benefit Corporation, is a for-profit company with a social conscience. Their collaborative communities are designed to create positive personal, social and economic impact in our local communities.

This membership organization offers solutions for your business and support for YOU, the heart and soul behind the business! Communities serve small business owners who want to make a difference and make money, while living a life that matters.

StarshineAZ Communities in Glendale and Peoria are female-focused. Starshine@MyOffice Communities are open to both women and men in Peoria, Surprise, N Phoenix and Central Phoenix.

Susan F. Moody, Principal and Starshine Communities, Inc. Co-Founder, graduated from Mount St. Mary’s College in Los Angeles with a degree in Education. Susan is a certified success coach and serial entrepreneur who has owned and operated over 10 small businesses. She has served on the board for the Small Business Administration (SBA), been mentioned in Entrepreneur Magazine and featured on NBC, ABC, CBS, and Fox affiliate television stations. She is the author of Cz the Day! and co-author of Beat the Curve with Brian Tracy.

Leeanne Gardner, Co-Founder of Starshine Communities, inspires busy professionals to tap into their heart and reconnect with their passion to bring more balance and happiness into their lives. A lifelong love of horses taught her many lessons including the importance of authenticity and having a balance between business and personal life. After choosing to leave the corporate world after 25 years, she created Unbridle It, LLC, to help people reconnect with a passion by working with horses.

In 2016, Leeanne was invited by Susan to be on her radio show, Cz the Day! During that on-air interview, the two realized they had some synergy between what they desired to create with their businesses. They decided to join forces and created Starshine Communities.

Maria Tomas-Keegan, owner of Transition & Thrive, and Starshine member.

Karen M. Winkelman, owner of Life Crafting Guide / Marketing Zen, and Starshine member.

Follow Starshine Communities on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

The Race to Excellence THINK 18 at Sheraton Grand Wild Horse Pass

May 1, 2018 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

The Race to Excellence THINK 18 at Sheraton Grand Wild Horse Pass

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The Race to Excellence THINK 18 at Sheraton Grand Wild Horse Pass

More than a conference, app, prize or website, THINK is an innovation platform built to foster a more progressive credit union movement. An ongoing source of collaborative power, THINK is the catalyst for credit unions to provide today’s members with a superior financial services experience. Contributors include some of the world’s best-known thought-leaders, key visionaries of the credit union movement and, perhaps most important of all, the very members we seek to serve better. Find out more about THINK 18 here.

Follow THINK on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

CO-OP Financial Services is a payments and financial technology company whose mission is ensuring the success of the credit union movement. CO-OP payments solutions, engagement services and strategic counsel help credit unions optimize member experiences to consistently provide seamless, personalized multi-channel offerings, while delivering secure, sophisticated fraud mitigation service. For more information, visit www.co-opfs.org.

Amanda Atcheson is the Director of Marketing and Brand Strategy for CO-OP Financial Services, a payments and financial technology company whose mission is the success of the credit union movement. Since joining CO-OP in 2009, Amanda has been responsible for brand strategy and management, product and content marketing strategies and sales enablement. She serves as Managing Editor of the THINK Review magazine and plays a critical role as a producer for the company’s annual THINK conference. Amanda is passionate about emerging technology and the digital transformation of the credit union industry.

She is a graduate of Georgia Southern University with a degree in Marketing and resides in Houston, Texas.

Follow CO-OP on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

Financial Grownup with Bobbi Rebell CFP® features interviews with the top thought leaders in personal finance and other role models, sharing life-changing and inspiring money stories and advice. The podcast also gives listeners actionable specific advice from Bobbi on how to integrate the lessons into their lives.

Bobbi Rebell is a CFP® and host of the Financial Grownup with Bobbi Rebell CFP® podcast. She is also the author of the best-seller “How to Be a Financial Grownup: Proven Advice from High Achievers on How to Live Your Dreams and Have Financial Freedom”. Bobbi is a keynote speaker, conference emcee, and moderator.

She is also an award-winning TV anchor and personal finance columnist and has worked at Thomson Reuters, PBS (Nightly Business Report) CNN and CNBC. Bobbi is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania.

Connect with Bobbi on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

LEADERSHIP LOWDOWN Frank Neal with La-Z-Boy Arizona and Mike D Hayes with AtWork Group Phoenix

April 30, 2018 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

LEADERSHIP LOWDOWN Frank Neal with La-Z-Boy Arizona and Mike D Hayes with AtWork Group Phoenix

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LEADERSHIP LOWDOWN Frank Neal with La-Z-Boy Arizona and Mike D Hayes with AtWork Group Phoenix

Frank Neal is President of La-Z-Boy Furniture, Arizona. EBCO Incorporated d.b.a. La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries® of Arizona is not just a large, household name – the 10 Arizona stores are an independent, family-owned franchise owned by Ed Breunig III. This offers the best of both worlds – well-known brand name products combined with the friendly environment of a family-owned business. EBCO opened the first La-Z-Boy Store in Arizona and has been operating for 35 years. Out of all La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries North America, EBCO holds the top four positions.

Connect with Frank on LinkedIn, and follow La-Z-Boy on Facebook and Instragram. Interested in working with La-Z-Boy? Check out their job openings here.

Michael D. Hayes is Director of Business Development with AtWork Group Phoenix. He is a native of Arizona, and is a graduate of Northern Arizona University and Thunderbird, The American Graduate School of International Management. Michael’s professional career began with 14 years in the securities business, advising banks, mutual funds and individuals on all types of investments. He purchased Momentum in 2003 when the company’s primary business line was recruiting for logistics companies. Michael has transformed the company into a successful full-service staffing provider. Momentum recently merged with AtWork Staffing Group which has over 51 branches nationwide. Michael is a member of the Executives’ Association of Greater Phoenix (EAGP), 100 Club of Arizona, and Board of Directors for St Joseph the Worker Charity.

Connect with Mike on LinkedIn, and follow him on YouTube, and follow AtWork on Twitter and Facebook.

The Leadership Lowdown was created to share the REAL story behind valley leaders’ rise to the top, and the truth about what it takes to TRULY succeed in life and business. Hear the raw stories of these leaders’ journeys…the pitfalls, the victories, and all of the heartaches and triumphs in between.

ABOUT YOUR HOST

Jodi Low is an accomplished corporate trainer, inspirational speaker, and the Founder and CEO of U & Improved. Jodi has trained thousands of entrepreneurs and executives on how to build a booming business, master a mindset for success, and achieve the lifestyle they desire through heart-fueled leadership.

Through U & Improved—an award-winning personal and professional leadership development company based in Scottsdale—Jodi has redefined traditional leadership training by creating a sustainable and actionable model that is personal, challenging and meaningful to each and every individual who enrolls in any of the two-and-a-half-day experiential training classes. She and her elite training team have advanced the charge in heart-based leadership
development and empower U & Improved graduates with knowledge, tools and awareness to immediately be more effective and responsive leaders at work, home and within their communities.

Among her many accomplishments as a Valley leader, Jodi launched a teen leadership program in 2014 to empower young adults to become more confident, motivated and focused stewards of our future. In 2016, she founded a non-profit arm of the company—the U & Improved Leadership Foundation—that makes the program more accessible to deserving teens.

Jodi has been recognized by industry publications and organizations for her work in leadership development and serves as a source of inspiration within the community. In 2015, she was honored as an “Outstanding Women in Business” by the Phoenix Business Journal and by the Phoenix Suns and National Bank of Arizona with the “Amazing Women” award. She has received both the prestigious “Diversity Leader of the Year” and the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce’s “Sterling Award.” She was also awarded a Silver Stevie Award for Female Entrepreneur of the Year 2015 and was a finalist for the Junior League of Phoenix’s Valley Impact Award. Jodi is a devoted single parent who volunteers her time at her daughters’ school programs and with organizations such as Angel Mamas, where she’s served on the board for three years.

Kris Jacober with Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation and Tamanie Sheldon with Arizonas Children Association E1

April 30, 2018 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

Kris Jacober with Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation and Tamanie Sheldon with Arizonas Children Association E1

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Kris Jacober with Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation and Tamanie Sheldon with Arizonas Children Association E1

On this episode of 3C Amplified we discuss the needs of foster children, their foster families and the agencies who serve them. Did you know that each day in the State of Arizona approximately 24 children will come into foster care? Kris Jacober, Executive Director of Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation shared this statistic as well as her agency’s mission to help bring some normalcy to the lives of children and teens in care. Last year her nonprofit was able to grant more than $1Million so children and teens in foster care could participate in extracurricular activities, like sports and music, post-secondary education and for life’s surprises, like car maintenance.

Tamanie Sheldon, Program Director for Arizona’s Children Association, relayed the message that there is a great need for families willing to care for teens in foster care. Her agency is spending the month of May, also known as National Foster Care Month, recruiting new families to fill this need.

Want to get involved and help make a difference? Listen now to hear how you as a business owner or individual can help by becoming a mentor, hosting a backpack or toy drive, offer free event space, or participate in AFFCF’s Keys to Success Program.

The mission of the Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation is to improve the lives of children in foster care in Arizona by funding social, athletic and educational activities and items that are not paid for in any other way. AFFCF pays for athletic registration, music lessons, theme park tickets, martial arts, gymnastics, summer camp, swim lessons and more. AFFCF also funds post-secondary scholarships for young men and women who have aged out of foster care. And, the AFFCF Keys to Success program provides one on one career development and employment services for youth in foster care and who have aged out of foster care, ages 16-21.

Kris Jacober is Executive Director of the Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation and President of the Arizona Association for Foster and Adoptive Parents. Kris is most proud of her role as foster mom, and the care that she and her family have provided for 17 children in foster care over 15 years.

Prior to joining the Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation in 2011, Kris filled marketing, communications and fundraising positions at Arizona’s Children Association and Aid to Adoption of Special Kids.

Kris is a graduate of the University of Michigan and moved to Arizona to ‘never be cold again.’ She is also a graduate of Valley Leadership Class XVII. Kris and her husband Joe were recognized by the Children’s Action Alliance as the 2013 Phoenix “Champions for Children.” She is also active in the ‘Recycle Your Bicycle” drive to collect and refurbish bikes for children in foster care. Kris and her husband Joe have been married for more than 33 years and have three children.

Follow AFFCF on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

Arizona’s Children Association (AzCA) is the best resource for helping children and families in the state. Our mission is to protect children, empower youth and strengthen families. Founded in 1912, we are now one of the oldest and largest statewide child welfare and behavioral health nonprofit agencies in Arizona. Our professionally trained, caring and dedicated staff provides a broad spectrum of services that help create and sustain a healthy family environment. We meet the needs of our local communities by providing foster care & adoption, behavioral health services, family preservation & reunification, kinship services, parenting education, and transitional youth services. Our programs serve more than 40,000 children, individuals and families in all 15 counties of the state each year. AzCA is nationally accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA).

Tamanie Sheldon has worked in Child Welfare cumulatively for 11 years and worked specifically with Arizona’s Children Association in different capacities for nearly 6 of those years. Tamanie currently works as the Program Director of Foster Care and Adoption for Arizona’s Children Association and co-chairs for the Project Jigsaw committee. She has a Bachelor’s in Social Work from Arizona State University and continues to be an ambassador for the children and youth in foster care and the LGBTQ community within the child welfare realm; assuring persons from the LGBTQ community have the resources and information to become parents through foster care and/or adoption.

Follow AzCA on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

About 3C Amplified

3C Amplified is a space to highlight businesses, nonprofit organizations and individuals collaborating to amplify their impact in the community. We share real world examples for how partnerships allow for growth both within our businesses and our communities. Listen in as we share how others are connecting, creating and collaborating and how you can be part of something greater.

About Jacqueline Destremps

Jacqueline Destremps is a creative marketing strategist and founded Another Hand Advantage, LLC in 2014 to help community minded small business owners and nonprofit professionals move forward more confidently with their marketing strategy. After graduating from Arizona State University with a degree in Psychology, she has spent her professional career working in both the nonprofit and for-profit sector.

She now enjoys being self-employed and the flexibility it provides to allow more time to volunteer, serve on nonprofit boards, choose pro-bono projects, run 100+ Women Who Care Valley of the Sun (which she co-founded in 2014) and travel the world. Jacqueline believes in creating connections between businesses and nonprofits in the community to stimulate growth and collaboration.

Follow AHA on Twitter and Facebook.

Dania Blanco with Cosmiix Artistry and Lara Salvo with Vienna Hayden Boutique Studios

April 27, 2018 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

Dania Blanco with Cosmiix Artistry and Lara Salvo with Vienna Hayden Boutique Studios

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Dania Blanco with Cosmiix Artistry and Lara Salvo with Vienna Hayden Boutique Studios

Cosmiix Artistry was established by artist, Dania Blanco in 2008. Cosmiix provides a variety of beauty services including makeup and hair styling, special effects/character makeup, permanent makeup and lash extensions. Her studio is located in the heart of Gilbert, Az, however, she provides mobile services in makeup and hair artistry. Dania began her business in the film industry being a part of over 25 film projects and dozens more commercials and corporate projects. You can see the list of film projects she has been part of on IMDB (Internet Movie Data Base). She has had the pleasure of working with some of the most well known production companies and talented actors in Phoenix. She has traveled to LA, Mexico, Michigan and Mississippi for some of the productions she has worked on.

Dania is also a published makeup and hair artist. Her work has been on the cover of WedAZ Magazine, a local bridal magazine, the cover of The Phoenix New Times, Surreal Magazine and Plush Magazine to name a few. Her talent versatility has allowed her to market herself in a wide variety of projects. She is sought out for weddings, fashion photo shoots, corporate events, music videos and quinceaneras as well as special event makeup and hair.

Dania prides herself in the work she does but more importantly in the way she can help change the way someone feels. She created and nourished her name and brand from scratch. She continually finds new and fresh ways to grow her skill level in return, increase her clientele. She is excited about sharing her talent with others and looks forward to the future of her company. Cosmiix Artistry is her pride and her joy.

Dania’s background was a career in law enforcement. She spent 18 1/2 years as an investigator in sex crimes for the Gilbert Police Department. Dania started Cosmiix as an ‘”on the side” job opportunity, moreover, as an outlet to the stressful job she had. After some thought, she decided that if she was going to do something else, she was determined to “do it right”! So she enrolled at Maxima School of Makeup Artistry and received her certificate in makeup artistry. It was three years ago that she decided to resign and pursue her business full time. A risk she took which scared her half to death. She went from a full time, secure pay check every month to sporadic “gigs” whenever she was called to work. A notion not known to most , a risk not taken by most. But Dania was motivated and pushed forward with a “failure is not an option” mentality.

Dania was born in San Jose, Costa Rica. She moved to the US when she was about 2 years of age. She was raised in the Mesa/Gilbert area. She has three amazing children which she raised on her own, five wonderful step children and three loving grandchildren who, with her husband Jason, complete her life.

Connect with Dana on LinkedIn, and follow Cosmiix Artistry on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Vienna Hayden Boutique Studios is a professional photography and video production studio located in the North Valley of Phoenix, AZ with almost a decade of experience behind the camera. They specialize in birth, newborn, and family portraiture, artist branding, sketch comedy and short films on the video side. Sessions can take place both in studio and on-location.

The in-home studio is fully equipped with numerous headbands, hats, props, backdrops, children’s wardrobe for both boys and girls, parent sitting area, coffee/espresso station, snacks, private restroom, and a beautiful naturally lit office showcasing a multitude of products offered while offering a comfortable sofa on which to relax. The space is set up to create an experience akin to that of a spa, inspired by Lara’s passion and mission to drive more awareness to the difficulties commonly overlooked in new motherhood.

Video production services are available to capture more of a photography session. Sketch comedy is the primary function on the video unit though through a number of YouTube channels. Currently, there is one short film and 10 sketches in the pipeline as well as a feature film slated for production this summer.

Studio owner, Lara Salvo, has a decade of experience both in front of and behind the camera. She has won multiple awards in film and video production, after being entirely self-taught.

Lara’s career began in construction, where she received a bachelor of science in construction management and started her own company after getting laid off during the market crash of 08. She started dabbling in acting which soon became film production and photography thanks to her project management background. Her first feature film project was written, directed, and produced by Lara, where she also starred in it and financed it by selling her eggs through egg donations.

The egg donations inspired her passion for healthcare and helping to raise awareness for the difficulties new mothers face during and immediately following pregnancy. Her birth and newborn photography align directly with her goal of streamlining motherhood care and helping to prevent women from experiencing anxiety and postpartum depression by making the experience memorable yet shedding a realistic light on what really happens outside of the beautiful images she produces. This is inspired from her own personal experience with becoming a mother, suffering from anxiety and depression, and having no one or no where to turn. She knew there had to be a better way, thus the birth of All Inclusive Motherhood Care, or AIMC.

Lara is an advocate for better continuous care for new and expectant mothers, and believes that capturing the beautiful natural moments during that major life transition is vital to highlighting the balance between the chaotic sleepless pain and the overwhelming tidal wave of love and selflessness experienced during that time. It’s something science can’t define, but every woman can feel. Lara’s mission is to improve the care and document the moments throughout.

Follow Vienna Hayden Boutique Studios on Twitter and Instagram.