A Georgetown University graduate and current MBA candidate at The Wharton School, Rachel has participated in numerous Venture Lab and Accelerator programs, further honing her expertise in financial strategy and entrepreneurship. With a passion for leveraging technology to empower businesses, she is dedicated to helping founders navigate financial complexities and drive sustainable growth.

Since launching Daughter's Floral Design in 2021, Grace has devoted herself to creating breathtaking designs for weddings and events. She is passionate about incorporating locally and seasonally grown flowers into her work, believing they bring a unique charm and authenticity to every setting—whether adorning a kitchen counter or gracing the hands of a bride on her most special day.

For Grace, the artistry of floral design is deeply personal. Her love for flowers began in the garden, where the process of planting and nurturing blooms became her greatest inspiration. Today, she considers it her highest accomplishment to share that beauty with others through her thoughtful, nature-inspired creations.

Licensed in mixology and certified in whiskey, rum, and gin, Kitty is also a certified Bourbon Steward. Her expertise shines through her engaging cocktail-making classes, where she inspires creativity and educates enthusiasts about the art of crafting exceptional drinks.

Recently, Kitty launched the KCQ Simple Syrup Line, a collection of all-natural syrups made with fresh ingredients and no additives, designed to enhance cocktails, mocktails, and even coffee and tea stations. From lavender and spiced chai to strawberry-hibiscus and spicy arbol-habanero, KCQ reflects Kitty’s dedication to quality and flavor innovation.

Under her leadership, Kitty on Top Bartending continues to set the standard for bespoke bartending services, offering tailored packages for private, corporate, and interactive events.

With over 15 years of management and small business expertise, Karen develops innovative strategies that elevate executives and brands from experts to influential voices in their industries. Her leadership has extended to board service with the AMA, The Walnut Club, and the NAWBO. She holds a Master's in Environmental Management from Duke University, bringing a unique perspective to authority building and strategic communication.

She is proud to have grown up in Pilsen because her upbringing offered a unique perspective of the resilience and grit of the Mexican community in Chicago. This gave her foundational values ​​she carries today, committed to development and growth not only for herself but for those around her, for the organization and, most importantly, for her team.

As a first-generation Latina, Enriquez understands that it takes boundless dedication, sound work ethics, persistence and resourcefulness to grow a company into a successful organization. Seeing her parents start with an outdoor food stand in the Maxwell Street Market and now leading a company with over 79,000 square feet of space was the best education in entrepreneurship she could have received.

After living abroad for nine years and taking time to raise her three children, she rejoined the family business full-time in 2019. She brings a wealth of knowledge in human resources, team building, communication, problem solving and business management. She especially enjoys opportunities finding to build strategic partnerships in order to obtain efficiency and improved workflow.

Enriquez holds a bachelor's degree in international commerce specializing in agricultural business from ITESM (Tec de Monterrey) in Mexico, and a certification from the Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative Program. She is currently earning her MBA at EGADE Business School of Tec de Monterrey and is halfway through a yearlong leadership development program.

Over the years SMILE Therapy has developed an arsenal of workshops that speak to the needs of a diverse market and an ever-changing social climate. Some of the most sought-after topics include Leading with Effective Communication, Leveraging your Leadership Style, Mental Health Spot-Checking, Sexual Harassment, Resiliency, Self-Care and Stress Management, The Power of Patience and many more. Christi received her undergraduate degree from Pennsylvania State University and her master’s degree from George Washington University.

Christi Venable is a National Certified Counselor, A Licensed Professional Counselor, and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor.

Coached by her father, Karen first recognized the power of confident communication when she successfully negotiated her first flea market purchase at six years old. She now guides women to transform self-doubt into self-confidence resulting in more clients, job promotions, and negotiation wins.

With 25 years serving as C-Suite advisor and commanding coveted stages such as Google, Starbucks and NASA, Karen leads the frontline of best practices for creating results through confident communication. She guides corporations and individuals with a proven model and is known for her actionable tips and ability to build trust quickly. During her corporate career, she led a team of facilitators while traveling the globe consulting industry leaders on the seemingly soft skills that impact the bottom line. 

Karen is the author of Trust Your Own Voice: Growing Your Influence Through Confident Communication, as well as the host of her highly ranked podcast, Ignite Your Confidence, equipping women to stop holding back and start taking their seat at the table. Following her lifelong dream to live in Manhattan, she rented an apartment there for the month of her 50th birthday.

In today's episode, Marcia is sitting down with Lindsay Polic, the President and Principal Consultant of Lindsay Polic Consulting, Inc.

Lindsay explores the intersection of safety, risk-taking, and work-life integration. As a multi-passionate entrepreneur and seasoned health and safety consultant, Lindsay’s expertise lies in guiding companies toward regulatory compliance with a human-centered, solution-based approach. She is passionate about creating safe, healthful workplaces that not only protect employees but also boost productivity and help businesses thrive.

Outside of her professional work, Lindsay serves as a certified child passenger safety technician, helping new parents and grandparents demystify the often confusing world of car seat safety. When she’s not working, you’ll likely find her at the beach with her family, snuggling with her pup, or staying active with Les Mills BodyPump, yoga, and pilates.

Join us as we dive into Lindsay's inspiring journey as a safety consultant, her approach to work-life integration, and how she empowers both individuals and organizations to take better care of their people while maintaining a balanced, fulfilling lifestyle.

We hope you find inspiration and valuable insights in this episode! Don't forget to like, subscribe, or follow the Shadow Her Podcast for more empowering conversations.

Welcome back to the Shadow Her Podcast! In this episode, Marcia sits down with Michele Leff, Founder & Principal of 12th St. Catering.

Michele shares how she started with 12th Street Cantina in Reading Terminal Market in 1982, then expanded into wholesale with La Cantina Provisions. She later opened the fine dining Mexican restaurant Zocalo and, in 1988, launched 12th Street Catering. Now operating out of a 32,000 square foot location in University City, Michele talks about how she has continued to adapt her business to meet client needs and support the community over the years. Tune in to hear Michele’s insights on building a successful catering company and her experiences in the culinary world.

We hope you find inspiration and valuable insights in this episode! Don't forget to like, subscribe, or follow the Shadow Her Podcast for more empowering conversations.

In this episode, Marcia sits down with Michelle Carfagno, the CEO and Founder of The Greater Knead. Michelle's passion for baking began early, and when her sister and grandfather were diagnosed with Celiac Disease, she embarked on a mission to recreate their favorite foods—leading to the start of The Greater Knead in 2012.

Michelle opens up about her journey as a woman entrepreneur, sharing the highs and lows, the lessons she's learned, and the wisdom she wishes she had before starting her business. With a commitment to authenticity and integrity, Michelle's mission is to empower others and inspire change by creating gluten-free and allergen-free foods that people can trust.

Since its founding, The Greater Knead, has grown to service 35 states and over 1,000 locations along the East Coast, with plans to expand nationwide. Through passion, persistence, and honesty, Michelle and her team ensure that the allergen-free community can eat confidently, one bagel at a time.

We hope you find inspiration and valuable insights in this episode! Don't forget to like, subscribe, or follow the Shadow Her Podcast for more empowering conversations.

Today, Marcia sits down with Dr. Bev Weinberg, founder and executive director of Integrate For Good. Bev is a doctoral-level Occupational Therapist with a remarkable dedication to partnering with individuals and organizations to create inclusive communities that value the talents and contributions of people of all abilities.

Bev's career is defined by her innovative approach to improving health, well-being, and community engagement. After completing her clinical doctoral OT program at Temple University, with a focus on innovation and entrepreneurship through the Fox School of Business, Bev has consistently sought new opportunities to advance the lives of individuals with disabilities through research, teaching, and program design.

In 2019, Bev launched Integrate for Good, a nonprofit organization that creates opportunities for people with diverse abilities to volunteer their time and talents across the Greater Philadelphia area, making a profound impact on the community.

Join us as we delve into Bev's inspiring journey, learn about her groundbreaking work in occupational therapy, and discover how she's transforming communities by empowering individuals with diverse abilities.

We hope you find inspiration and valuable insights in this episode! Don't forget to like, subscribe, or follow the Shadow Her Podcast for more empowering conversations.

In this episode of Shadow Her Podcast, Marcia O'Connor sits down with the inspiring Morgan Berman, a passionate community leader and the Executive Director of Life Science Cares Philadelphia. Morgan is at the forefront of uniting the life sciences industry to make a bold impact on poverty in Philadelphia. Through her leadership, she collaborates with over 70 local industry leaders and 30 motivated companies to support nonprofits dedicated to breaking the cycles of poverty.

Morgan's achievements are widely recognized. She has presented at Forbes 30 Under 30, been listed by the UN Foundation as one of the "Top 10 Female Entrepreneurs to Watch" globally, and invited to the White House for Clean Energy Plan talks. As a World Economic Forum Global Shaper, a Fellow at the Ariane de Rothschild Fellowship, and an honoree of the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and the Environmental Leadership Program, Morgan's influence extends far and wide.

Today, Morgan shares her journey as a social impact leader dedicated to using business as a force for good. She also discusses her background as a tech founder and her experiences as a jiu jitsu student. Highlights include her presentations at Grace Hopper, keynotes at Wharton's Social Impact Summit, and speeches at Life Science events across the region.

We hope you find inspiration and valuable insights in this episode! Don't forget to like, subscribe, or follow the Shadow Her Podcast for more empowering conversations.

In this episode of the Shadow Her Podcast, Marcia O'Connor sits down with the accomplished Sally Stetson, a distinguished business leader with extensive experience managing a growing, privately-held business and excelling in executive business development and human resource roles. Sally's career is marked by her strategic vision and her dedication to fostering growth and innovation in every organization she touches.

Beyond her professional achievements, Sally is a committed and active board officer and member for multiple non-profit organizations, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to giving back to the community and supporting various causes.

Join us as we explore Sally's remarkable journey, gain insights into her leadership strategies, and learn how she successfully balances her professional and philanthropic endeavors. This episode promises to be an inspiring and enlightening conversation with a true trailblazer in the business world.

We hope you find inspiration and valuable insights in this episode! Don't forget to like, subscribe, or follow the Shadow Her Podcast for more empowering conversations.

In this episode of Shadow Her Podcast, Marcia O'Connor sits down with the dynamic Andrea Begley, the president and founder of The DEFY Collective. With a remarkable career spanning over 30 years in pharmaceutical sales and marketing, Andrea brings a wealth of experience and insights to the table. She is a strategic, creative, and results-driven marketing MBA who has made significant contributions to the healthcare industry.

Andrea's journey is one of passion and perseverance, working closely with healthcare marketing teams from both small startups and large corporations. Her expertise in client services and strategy has made her a trusted advisor and leader in the field.

Join us as we delve into Andrea's inspiring story, explore her innovative approaches, and uncover the secrets behind her success.

We hope you find inspiration and valuable insights in this episode! Don't forget to like, subscribe, or follow the Shadow Her Podcast for more empowering conversations.

On today's episode of the Shadow Her Podcast, Marcia interviews Emily Bittenbender, the Owner & Managing Partner at Bittenbender Construction.

Emily Bittenbender’s career focus has always been the Design, Construction and Renovations of public buildings and spaces. After the completion of her most beloved project, the National Constitution Center in 2003, Emily started Bittenbender Construction, LP. Since 2003, the Company has tripled in size, built and renovated hundreds of Corporate, Cultural, Greenspace, Institutional, Science & Technology, and Retail projects and become one of the fastest growing and most diverse leaders in the industry.

In 2015, The Philadelphia chapter of the General Building Contractors Association named Emily L. Bittenbender as its new chairwoman — the first female to hold the top post in the organization’s 124-year history. In 2016, the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce awarded Emily with Paradigm Award, the region’s most prestigious award for businesswomen.

We hope you find inspiration and valuable insights in this episode! Don't forget to like, subscribe, or follow the Shadow Her Podcast for more empowering conversations.

Join Marcia O'Connor as she sits down with Sunny Beth White, the Founder & CEO of Xavier Creative House (XCH).

Sunny Beth White enlists a positive, candid, and empathetic style, to develop enduring relationships that lay the foundation for long-term success and mutual growth with clients. She is a frequent speaker, board member, and mentor at universities and industry groups, sharing her story to inspire students and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Sunny is inspired by making a difference in people’s lives by offering creative solutions that authentically connect with patients and healthcare providers. With a strong belief that life is about connections and the knowledge that healthcare is about life, XCH specializes in bold and evocative designs for pharmaceutical, biotech and medical device.

We hope you find inspiration and valuable insights in this episode! Don't forget to like, subscribe, or follow the Shadow Her Podcast for more empowering conversations.

In today's episode, Marcia sits down with Ginny Palmieri, the CEO & Co-Founder of MyNextory™. MyNextory is a user-driven, career-advisory platform that uses artificial intelligence to guide people in managing their career development and success.

Ginny is a seasoned business leader with a wealth of experience in healthcare and financial services industries. Ginny's expertise spans a spectrum of areas including Strategy, Marketing & Sales, Human Resources, Operations, Customer Experience, and Communications. Throughout her career, Ginny has earned a reputation for her ability to lead high-performing teams and re-design divisions to adapt to changing business landscapes.

In this episode, Ginny shares practical insights and strategies drawn from her extensive experience. From enhancing customer service to increasing productivity and efficiency, Ginny shares the ins and outs of how she has achieved tangible results in various aspects of business operations.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring entrepreneur, Ginny's down-to-earth approach and practical advice make this episode a valuable resource for anyone looking to excel in the world of business. Tune in as we explore Ginny's journey and uncover the keys to her success.

We hope you find inspiration and valuable insights in this episode! Don't forget to like, subscribe, or follow the Shadow Her Podcast for more empowering conversations.

Today, Marcia sits down with Shana Steigerwalt, the Founder & President of Modern Driven Media.

"It's all about who you know." This statement is Shana's foundation to her work ethic. In 2015, Shana launched Modern Driven Media's. Since then, relationships continue to be the foundation of the company's success. From the interactions between team members within the office to the engaging conversations with the clients, Shana & her team have been able to transform businesses online to achieve company goals.

Shana has nearly a decade of experience throughout various marketing and communications roles. In this episode, Shana shares some of the insights she has learned throughout the years, advice for aspiring or current entrepreneurs and so much more!

We hope you find inspiration and valuable insights in this episode! Don't forget to like, subscribe, or follow the Shadow Her Podcast for more empowering conversations.

In this episode, Marcia interviews Sue Meitner, the President & Founder of Centennial Lending Group.

With over 20 years of mortgage lending experience, Sue has opened doors to individuals and families looking to achieve the dream of buying a home. As President of Centennial Lending Group, Sue built an award-winning team of like-minded professionals who are passionate about prioritizing people first remaining “Available, Accessible, Always!". Sue leads the charge in pushing the industry forward with powerful tools and the support of her expert team. 

We hope you find inspiration and valuable insights in this episode! Don't forget to like, subscribe, or follow the Shadow Her Podcast for more empowering conversations.

In this episode, Marcia sits down with Elyse Lupin, the president and founder of Elysium Marketing Group.

With over 20 years of marketing experience, Elyse Lupin provides expertise in the areas of marketing strategy, product marketing, food and franchise marketing, digital marketing, branding and brand strategy. Her broad marketing background spans from years of working at big name brands such as Comcast, The Walt Disney Company, NBC, and New Balance Athletic Shoe.

Elyse has spent her career focusing on being a well-rounded and strategic marketer. Her background working cross-functionally and her ability to understand the consumer point-of-view give Elyse the skill set to tackle even the most complicated marketing challenge.

We hope you find inspiration and valuable insights in this episode! Don't forget to like, subscribe, or follow the Shadow Her Podcast for more empowering conversations.

In this episode of the Shadow Her Podcast, we are thrilled to host Donna Dorozinsky, a dynamic leader and seasoned entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in clinical research operations and compliance. Donna's journey began at GSK, where she spent 15 years in early development before founding DWD & Assoc in 2005, which later evolved into Just in Time GCP in 2015.

Throughout the past 16 years, Donna has steered Just in Time GCP to become a trailblazer in the Clinical Compliance & TMF Services industry. Her leadership and strategic vision have played a pivotal role in executing operational gap analyses and implementing process improvement initiatives for sponsors, CROs, and clinical sites. Donna's expertise extends to assisting small start-ups in aligning their strategies with business goals and regulatory requirements.

Join us as Donna shares her wealth of knowledge and insights gained from a prolific career in clinical research operations.

We hope you find inspiration and valuable insights in this episode! Don't forget to like, subscribe, or follow the Shadow Her Podcast for more empowering conversations.

After experiencing personal tragedy, Marci left her career as a tax attorney after landing a dream job as a tax litigator and launched a nonprofit for cancer patients called Crossing the Finish Line back in 2000. Focusing on the mission of providing respite vacations to cancer patients and their loved ones, Marci and her outstanding team of colleagues and volunteers relaunched the CFL brand in 2010 to be For Pete's Sake Cancer Respite Foundation. With the hopes of helping more and more families each year, FPS engages in its mission for the sake of all of us who have some relationship with cancer and who have witnessed firsthand the psycho-social, spiritual and economic traumas of a diagnosis on patients, caregivers and their families.

Tune in to learn more about Marci and her story.

We hope you enjoy this episode! Don't forget to like, subscribe or follow the Shadow Her Podcast.

In today's episode of the Shadow Her Podcast, Marcia talks to Regina Hess, the founder and president of Forge Wealth Management. Regina founded Forge Wealth Management so that she could offer clients an independent advisory partnership. As president, Regina enjoys the freedom to define the success of her firm on her own terms, which allows her to form long-lasting relationships with clients who value clear and honest counsel and commit themselves to a collaborative financial planning approach.

Tune in to learn more about Regina and her story.

We hope you enjoy this episode! Don't forget to like, subscribe or follow the Shadow Her Podcast.

In today's episode of the Shadow Her Podcast, Marcia sits down with Renee Rhinehart, an event planning & event staffing entrepreneur.

Renee shares her story of starting her own event planning company at 26 and how she has spent the last 15 years helping clients across the country turn their event dreams into a reality through both of her businesses, Events by Renee, a premiere wedding and event planning company, and Party Host Helpers, an event staffing company.

After years of event planning, Renee noticed a huge market opportunity that wasn't being filled, so she decided to create a service that solves the problem of the stressed-out host. Renee started Party Host Helpers to provide professional helpers to do the work for hosts.

We hope you enjoy this episode! Don't forget to like, subscribe or follow the Shadow Her Podcast.

Today, Marcia is joined by Elizabeth Convery. Elizabeth is a coach, mentor, Navy wife, Mom of two little ones and a Team Lead and Associate Broker at Compass RE in Philadelphia, PA.

Elizabeth founded VERY Real Estate in October 2013 to give her clients a memorable and lasting experience around buying and selling their home. Inspired by her previous experience selling luxury hotels, VERY is the only real estate brokerage to bring the art of hospitality to real estate sales.

Elizabeth has helped thousands of people buy, sell or invest in real estate since 2013. She leads a team of agents who earn an average income of 5x the industry average by following her system, and benefiting from her coaching, mentorship and more.

Elizabeth is committed to showing women that they can earn significant income while controlling their day-to-day through a successful career in residential real estate sales.

We hope you enjoy this episode! Don't forget to like, subscribe or follow the Shadow Her Podcast.