Community & Society

Melodie Sisk

Film Production & Development Expert

My name is Melodie Sisk and I am a passionate filmmaker with expertise in film production and development. Throughout my career, I have focused on creative development, casting, diversity, LGBTQIA cinema, and the intersection of film and social justice. I firmly believe that film is not just entertainment, but a powerful tool for change and self-expression. My journey in the film industry began as an actor, driven by a deep love for storytelling. It was through working with a scrappy filmmaking team that I discovered my true passion for cinema. Over the past 20 years, my projects have been showcased at prestigious film festivals worldwide, including Sundance, SXSW, Tribeca, Outfest, Atlanta Film Festival, and BAM Cinemafest. I have had the privilege of collaborating with industry giants such as Paramount Pictures and A24, exposing my films to audiences around the globe. One of my most notable accomplishments was co-writing and producing the critically acclaimed film "Little Sister" in 2016. Richard Brody of New York Magazine even hailed it as the best film of that year. Currently, I am co-writing a personal project that I will also co-direct alongside my filmmaking family of 20 years. Additionally, I am seeking funding for an ambitious and visionary film called "Let Me Let You Go," set to be shot in the spring of 2024. This project boasts an incredible team, including acclaimed artist and filmmaker Clement Goldberg as the writer/director, and executive producers Zachary Drucker, Silas Howard, and the iconic Lily Wachowski. With my extensive experience and diverse skill set, I am uniquely qualified to provide advice and guidance to anyone interested in the film industry. Whether you are a writer, director, young producer, actor, film crew member, aspiring creative, or someone looking to invest in the arts or apply to film festivals, I can offer valuable insights and support. If you are seeking a professional who understands the intricacies of film production and development, I am here to help. Let's collaborate and bring your cinematic vision to life. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1461281/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk MelodieSisk.com

Gina Byers

Health & Fitness Specialist & Nutrition Consultant

As a health and fitness specialist, I want to help you meet your goals. I have a Master's degree in Health, Physical Activity, and Chronic Disease and am currently pursing a second Master's in Nutrition and Dietetics with a specialty in maternal and pediatric nutrition. I am a passionate cook, mother to a sweet baby boy, and a lifelong learner. I'll help you set goals and determine how to get there. As a certified exercise physiologist, I can help you start an exercise plan. I have an anti-diet approach to nutrition, and can equip you with the knowledge to make lifelong healthful habits in the kitchen. Are you pregnant and considering breastfeeding your baby? Let me help you navigate the ins and outs of lactation! If you're trying to enhance your health through food or simply looking for training tips, let's chat. No matter what life-stage you're in, I'd love to meet you!

Mo Ellabban

Community Building | Digital Communications | Social Marketing

I have spent the last 13+ years dedicating myself to building communities and digital projects that harness the power of data in various areas such as community growth, communications, social marketing, international expansions, digital media, creator economy, trust & safety, product operations, and generative AI. Lately, I worked as Director of Community at The Suite, overseeing C-Suite online communities such as TechGC and F Suite. Previously, at Quora, I played a key role in launching new products and programs for international markets, assuming leadership responsibilities in community strategy development and market adoption, notably establishing a strong presence in the MENA region from scratch. I also led a dedicated team focused on expanding Quora's global community through data analysis, moderation, events, partnerships, and digital communications. During my tenure at the Red Cross, I led digital operations using social media for disaster and crisis support, and at USAGM, I crafted digital communication plans and campaigns to combat online violence and misinformation within online communities. I hold a Master's degree in Social Science of New Media from the University of Kadir Has. I have also served as an advisory council member at the business schools of George Washington University and the University of South Florida. I am fluent in both English and Arabic. Having lived, worked, and studied in various countries across four continents, I have gained a unique and global perspective on the process of building online communities. Residing in different cultural and geographical contexts has provided me with valuable insights into the diverse needs, preferences, and dynamics of online communities worldwide.

Daniela Holban

Cultural Strategist & Curator

Daniela Holban is a Romanian curator, cultural strategist and producer whose curatorial practice is dedicated to exploring themes of self-reflection, identity, multipolarity, and sustainability. With a strong focus on public engagement, artist development, environmentally-based art programming, and action-driven communities, she aims to create meaningful experiences for audiences. Daniela possesses a well-demonstrated talent for cultivating connections with artists, creators, visionaries, and arts-focused institutions. She is renowned for her expertise in innovative project management, cultural analysis, and insightful storytelling. Daniela excels in brand positioning, cross-functional collaborations, and event production. Her track record includes the successful establishment of partnerships, exhibitions, and programming for museums, art organizations, and nonprofits. Daniela's exhibition series, REPOPULATIONS (2019 & 2022), received recognition and support through the Brooklyn Arts Council Community Arts Grant. She has been actively involved in organizing and leading the We Are Nature Series, a summer art program at NOoSPHERE Arts that promotes systems thinking and environmental awareness. Additionally, she oversees the Broadway Stages @ Kingsland Wildflowers Residency Award, curating and producing an annual site-specific art installation. Recognized as one of Brooklyn's 50 Most Fascinating People of 2023 by Brooklyn Magazine, Daniela currently holds the position of Director of Programs & Curation at NOoSPHERE Arts. She has served as a Mentor for NEW INC: an incubator for people working at the intersection of art, design, and technology since September 2022. She has previously worked with institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, MANA Contemporary, {CTS} Creative Thriftshop, William Bennet Gallery, The Ear Classical, and The Fashion and Textile Museum in London. Her extensive network includes partnerships with organizations like The High Line, NADA, Residency Unlimited, CalArts, BRIC, The Brooklyn Rail, ILAP, CreateART, gener8tor Art, Brooklyn Arts Council, Broadway Stages, Newtown Creek Alliance, Kingsland Wildflowers, Showfields, and Moleskine. Daniela also co-founded ARTFARE INC., where she served as Senior Curator.

Ruthie Berber

Community-led Growth | Brand Marketing | Tech | Leadership

With more than 10 years of integrated marketing experience, I have spent 7 years most recently in B2B SaaS. I specialize in brand expansion community engagement, and strategic program building, specifically in the eCommerce, innovation, and women's health & wellness and empowerment spaces. I volunteer as a local Marketing & Community Lead for both Women in Innovation and Led By Community organizations. I'm a big foodie, I love to eat & drink my way through NYC where I've been living the past 4 years, and I balance it out by also being a big pilates and fitness girlie.

Rosemary Wilson

Orthopedic Physical Therapist

Hello! My name is Rosie and I am an outpatient orthopedic physical therapist. I work with nearly all ages on various musculoskeletal injuries, balance and falls prevention, post-concussion syndrome, headaches, post-surgical conditions, vestibular conditions and return to sport. I am skilled in Graston and Myofascial Release manual therapy techniques and use them frequently to benefit clients in various ways. My approach to care is holistic and centers on discovering the compensatory patterns the occur in the body that may have contributed to injury or dysfunction. I have two years of experience as a licensed professional. In my first few years, I have been blessed to discover a true passion for what I do and the people I serve. Book a session with me if: A). You have pain or functional limitations that are impacting your day to day quality of life. I can offer guidance on your condition and perform a limited evaluation over a call. I can offer guidance on specific exercises to engage in to provide relief. B). You are seeking advice on whether or not to pursue physical therapy in your area. I can offer advice on whether or not physical therapy would be the first line intervention used for your condition. C). You are interested in the career path. I am very passionate about sharing the reality of our profession and inspiring those who are curious to consider choosing PT for their life's work. D). You are medical professional or in an associated career and would like to network with my clinic or those in my regional area.

Deb Schell

Online Community Strategist

How I can help you: If you are a business owner on Mighty Networks and want TECHNICAL support with this platform, select the time allotment you'd like to use. If you want to migrate to the Mighty Networks, you can select a booking to get help deciding if the Mighty Networks is a good fit for your community, course, or program. If you are a new community builder and want help with ideas, go engage your members, develop a strategy for your course, or identify marketing plans for your launch; book a time, and we will work together to provide a roadmap for your launch. If you have any other questions, email me at [email protected] About Deb Since 2020, as a community strategist, Deb Schell helped more than 60 entrepreneurs find calm in building, launching, and growing an online community. As host of the Community Strategy Podcast, Deb has interviewed over 100 business and community leaders to learn firsthand what strategies work for online community builders. Her forthcoming book, Creator to Community Builder: Find Calm While Building An Online Community is anticipated for Fall 2023 release. Deb’s new coaching program, Explore You, works with new business owners or individuals considering starting a business to dive into methods, strategies, and ideas to help you gain clarity on who you are, what you are great at, and how we can leverage this knowledge to build a business.

Fahad Huq

Recruitment Strategist & Gen Z Hiring Expert

A Talent Acquisition professional within the Tech, Environmental Advocacy, and Finance industries, I've conducted a few thousand interviews in my career. Over this time I've learned how to manage multiple stakeholders, convey market trends and details to hiring managers and deciding groups, and analyze resumes and interviews - all to match the best talent to high-stakes roles. I'm hoping to share my expertise to help people hire better as well as improve their strategic planning and public speaking. For those interested in building out effective early career recruitment teams focused on Gen Z hiring, I'm your Expert!

Rachel Hutchings

Workforce Development Consultant

After many years in various aspects of manufacturing, I ventured out to learn more about higher education and ran a non-profit dedicated to removing barriers for people to find employment. This varied experience of manufacturing operations, community and government affairs, non-profit management, and workforce development led me to form a consulting company that helps entities develop, implement, or improve programs. Chart Consulting strives to help organizations and individuals achieve outcomes through short- and medium-term engagements.

Chelsea Alterman

Community Expert | Edu-to-Tech Career Pivoter

Hi there! I'm Chelsea, Director of Community Engagement at Expert Session. I'm passionate about curating and strategizing the growth of our vibrant community of Experts and Learners. My philosophy for fostering a thriving community centers around the art of listening. By actively engaging with our users, I aim to understand their unique needs, challenges, and aspirations. This helps me equip them with the right tools, resources, and guidance. To me, community building is like conducting a science experiment. I hypothesize, gather feedback, test solutions, seek more insights, and continually iterate. I fully embrace the fact that there's no one-size-fits-all approach. Crafting spaces for belonging and meaningful interaction demands patience, attentive listening, and a deep understanding of our users. Book a session with me if: A) You're a prospective or current user of the Expert Session platform & would like to share feedback about your experience or understand how to get more connected with our community B) You're cultivating a community of your own and need guidance, advice, or mentorship C) You're working in Education and contemplating a transition into Tech. -I successfully transitioned from higher education administration to tech in 2021. Since then, over 20+ professionals have sought my advice. I've curated a comprehensive collection of best practices and resources to support this challenging, yet rewarding move. Looking forward to our potential session together!

Brock Johnson

Social Media Growth Expert

Brock Johnson is a 26-year-old, 7-figure entrepreneur with a passion for helping others grow their following and business on Instagram. In 2017, Brock launched his business with his first E-course, teaching moms how to protect their teens on Snapchat. Shortly after launching that business and while playing college football, Brock pivoted to focus on Social Media Marketing and growth. Over the past 6 years, he has worked with tens of thousands of creators and business owners to grow their social media. Brock grew his own Instagram following by 400K in one year and continues to grow at a rate of over 1,000 people per day. As Co-host of a top 10 business Podcast with his mom, instructor of multiple online courses, Meta consultant, and viral social media creator, Brock is a leading expert in the field of social media growth and short form video content.

Samar Y

Cultural Strategist, Futurist, Artistic Director

Samar Younes, a Central Saint Martins alumnus and polymath artist from Beirut, is the founder of SAMARITUAL, a New York-based creative atelier and consultancy. With a diverse background in architecture, visual communication, and scenography, Samar uses her two decades of artistic direction experience working with 100’s of artists, and artisans on projects that promote worldbuilding, visual and experiential storytelling, play, imagination, wellbeing, and cultural diversity, working at the intersection of art, design, fashion, and architecture. Known for her radical vision, Samar combines neuroscience and generative creativity, creating, curating and critiquing AI biases to envision more imaginative, otherworldly human-planet centered futures as cultural playgrounds. A recognized juror, mentor, educator, and speaker, Samar has taught at NYU, served as a juror for Frame Magazine, and has been featured in GQ Middle East, Coveteur, Wired and Blanc Magazine, Her dynamic presence and influential force make her an integral part of the art and design world.

David Cain

Leadership & Performance Coach

Dave is a seasoned professional adept at establishing a robust foundation of credibility and trust with both teams and leaders. In his roles as an operations manager, supervisor, and team leader, he has consistently empowered team members to take ownership while fostering a collaborative team-oriented culture built upon open communication. Transitioning into a successful performance and leadership coach in 2006, Dave has effectively applied this mindset to transformative work with clients globally. His extensive leadership and coaching experiences have equipped him with profound proficiency in managing diverse personalities and generational differences within teams. Dave firmly believes that all successful outcomes stem from building relationships and influencing stakeholders to identify and achieve their objectives. Once objectives are clarified, he guides clients in identifying and mitigating personal interferences, whether refining intentionality, enhancing active communication skills, honing executive presence, or navigating challenging conversations. Drawing on his comprehensive understanding of human and organizational behavior, Dave, a certified Myers-Briggs Practitioner, coaches leaders across all organizational levels, from front-line supervisors to Presidents. His expertise spans core leadership skills, including communication, trust-building, expectation setting, accountability, handling difficult conversations, fostering continuous improvement and more. As an ICF and Board-certified leadership coach, Dave leverages his manufacturing (both union and non-union) and background in the US Navy to cultivate a safe, non-judgmental environment. This environment enables leaders to fully engage in discovering and addressing their current coaching goals and objectives alongside him.

Tracy Van Holt

Sustainability Strategy Consultant

My name is Tracy, and I have deep expertise in sustainability. My focus encompasses environmental, social, and governance (ESG) topics, data design, and decision-making. With a passion for creating positive change, I have dedicated my career to providing data-driven analyses to inform decision-making on ESG matters. I have developed a reputation for delivering comprehensive analyses that help organizations navigate the complexities of ESG sustainability. My unique ability to synthesize complex datasets on ESG topics sets me apart was recognized with my award-winning dissertation. Supported by federal, international, corporate, and foundation grants, my work has been recognized for its depth and breadth. I have published thirty peer-reviewed academic papers showcasing the extensive research and insights I have gained. I can identify potential ESG outcomes by leveraging cutting-edge technology to spot unanticipated consequences and uncover innovation opportunities. From understanding the meaning of E, S, and G in a company to identifying opportunities for financial and sustainability growth, I can provide valuable insights. I can also assist in setting up KPIs to track the success of sustainability programs, developing critical elements of a sustainability strategy, tracking supplier sustainability efforts, and identifying characteristics of a quality job. Additionally, I can provide guidance on data collection using AI in decision-making. I am the go-to person for individuals seeking guidance on tackling sustainability in their work and career. I am dedicated to helping organizations and individuals navigate the complexities of sustainability and achieve their goals. I am the ideal candidate if you are interested in making informed decisions based on available data. Together, we can create a more sustainable and resilient future.

Rachel Wainer

Workshop & Meeting Design Specialist

Hello, my name is Rachel and I design transformative learning experiences that make participants more willing and better able to adopt behaviors that will enhance their workplace performance and overall wellbeing. My expertise lies in meeting and presentation design, workshop design, retreat design, strengths-based development, psychological safety, leading effective meetings, time crafting, feedback conversations, and building high-performing teams. My professional journey began in the field of education, training, and adult learning. As a college student affairs professional, I successfully created university-wide interventions to decrease the harm of drug and alcohol use and lower the rates of campus sexual violence. This early experience provided me with a rich understanding of development and the importance of designing research-based interventions for behavior change. I then transitioned into workplace leadership as a training facilitator for New York City public agencies. In this role, I created and delivered workshops on personality styles, communication, challenging conversations, goal setting, performance coaching and feedback, intergenerational dynamics, and supervision fundamentals. I also created and led the Challenging Conversations in the Workplace and Fearless Feedback seminars for the NYC School Construction Authority, helping managers at all levels create a culture of honest feedback and rich dialogue. Currently, I am a faculty member at the American Management Association, where I designed the How to Manage Challenging Conversations and Psychological Safety: An Imperative for High Performing Teams, both of which I also teach. My unique background in education, training, and adult learning equips me with a deep understanding of workplace behavior and the skills necessary to create inclusive, impactful learning experiences. I am the ideal candidate for anyone planning an important meeting, workshop, or team retreat -- or someone who regularly runs meetings and is wanting to increase their effectiveness and overall team performance. Thank you for considering me as your partner in creating transformative learning experiences. I look forward to helping you achieve your goals.

Miriam Ackerman McBride

Growth & Change Coach

Hi! I'm Miriam, a coach, advisor, and facilitator focused on growth and change, nonprofits, organizational development, talent and HR, justice and healing. I think of myself as a creative troublemaker, connector, student and lover of nature, especially plants. I am proud to be an ICF certified coach from Blooming Willow, and I hold a bachelor's degree from the University of Pennsylvania in Philly, as well as a master's degree from The New School in NYC. In 2018, I founded Unbrand, a collective of nonprofit consultants dedicated to racial justice. With over 20 years of experience in various roles within the nonprofit sector, I love coaching fellow justice- and joy-seekers working within nonprofits, NGOs, and social change movements. My approach to coaching and facilitation is rooted in healing-centered practices. I believe in the power of somatics, embodiment, and the natural world to guide through growth and transformation. I offer a tenderly guarded space where my clients can slow down, tap into their wisdom, listen deeply, and move with heart through times of transition, growth, and healing. When working with me, you can expect levity, warmth, truth- and wisdom-seeking, and a genuine joy for supporting you on your path. I am here to help you navigate your career, explore your identities, build meaningful connections, and find healing, authenticity and joy.

Kayla Bradham

Sports Philanthropy Executive

Kayla Bradham’s life story is a testament to resilience, determination, and belief in the transformative power of sports. Facing challenges like rural poverty and abuse, a single act of kindness—someone covering her softball registration fee—became the catalyst for her life’s mission. Her academic achievements (including graduating from St. Norbert College in just 3.5 years) are coupled with multiple corporate certifications: Executive Management certified, Project Management Essentials certified, and First Aid, CPR, and Suicide Prevention certified. She has also been nationally certified as a Personal Trainer with a specialty certification in Wellness Coaching. Kayla Bradham is creating a tidal wave of social impact across America in her role as the Executive Vice President of the Sports Philanthropy Network. She is a thought leader in social impact and the Founder of the Athlete Impact Network, a platform that gives fans an opportunity to partner with athletes for social causes. In July 2021, Kayla obtained the Athlete Marketing Essentials: NIL Certification from Front Office Sports. She has coupled that with a certification in harassment, discrimination, bullying, and retaliation training. This combination positions Kayla to work directly with athletes and sports leaders to build strong, healthy, and inclusive opportunities that create social impact. She works with some of the nation’s most influential athletes, training them on personal branding to use their NIL for the causes and charities that matter most to them. Kayla is a pivotal member of the Board of Directors for City on a Hill, an organization located in the heart of Milwaukee, WI — America’s 5th poorest city. COAH seeks to end poverty in all its forms by engaging and empowering people with the spiritual, social, educational, and economic resources they need to realize their full potential, making transformational change possible in our community. Kayla also serves on the Board of Directors for Tackle Hunger: Home of the Souper Bowl of Caring. This movement combats hunger with support from NFL Alumni, churches, schools, and civic groups, raising over $170 million in support, which remains entirely local. In addition, Kayla also serves on the Board of Directors for Heart of Michael, founded by Green Bay Packers Alumni, Michael Montgomery, centered around the well-being of children. Their main initiative provides preventive heart screenings, highlighting the importance of early detection and intervention for underserved youth. Kayla is an “INSPIRATIONAL INNOVATOR.” She aligns with Fox River Christian Church in Waukesha, Wisconsin, where she serves as a Certified Women’s and Children’s Christian Counselor who also serves on the Prayer Team Ministry.

Allyson Waller

Journalist & Writing Consultant

Allyson Waller is a journalist based in Austin, Texas who has written for some of the top publications in the U.S. such as The New York Times, Miami Herald, and Teen Vogue. A journalism graduate from the University of Texas at Austin, Allyson started her career as a general assignment reporter, covering an array of topics, particularly politics and state government for The Texas Tribune. During her college career, she interned with notable publications such as the Miami Herald and The New York Times. Allyson now works as a newsletter writer for the Tribune, authoring their flagship newsletter, The Brief, while working across audience and product teams to inform content strategy. Allyson is available for sessions related to... Newsletter management, cover letter writing, journalistic writing, and research and academic writing/essays.