Elevate | Creative Women's Summit - New England Coastal Creative

samantha yanks

Editor-in-Chief
Westport, Weston & Wilton Magazine
Co-Founder, The Connecticut Edit

Samantha Yanks is a renowned media and lifestyle expert, currently serving as the is currently serving as the Editor-in-Chief of Westport, Wilton & Weston Magazine and, Co-Founder of The Connecticut Edit. With a storied career that includes leading roles as the former Editor-in-Chief of Hamptons Magazine and Gotham Magazine, Samantha brings her signature style and expertise to the worlds of luxury, fashion, travel, and culture. She continues to inspire audiences with her innovative insights and passion for storytelling, making her a celebrated voice in the creative and entrepreneurial space.

kristin kennedy

Founder & Curator
Closetful of Clothes
Former EIC, Seventeen Magazine

Kristin Kennedy is a seasoned editor and creative strategist, formerly of Seventeen Magazine, where she honed her expertise in connecting with dynamic audiences through compelling content and storytelling. With a career rooted in fashion, lifestyle, and youth culture, Kristin brings a fresh perspective to every project she undertakes, inspiring creativity and innovation in the ever-evolving media landscape.

brooke shepherd

Founder
Monogram Mary

Brooke Shepherd is the creative force behind Monogram Mary, a bespoke embroidery and design studio specializing in timeless, personalized pieces that celebrate life’s special moments. Based in Greenwich, Brooke combines her love for classic Southern style with a modern flair to create custom monogrammed linens, gifts, and keepsakes that bring a touch of elegance to everyday life. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for craftsmanship, Brooke has built Monogram Mary into a trusted name for one-of-a-kind creations, making each piece as unique as the individual it’s designed for.

lila limon

Founder
Squeeze de Citron

Lila Limón is the founder and creative director of Squeeze De Citron®, a vibrant line of handcrafted bags and totes made by Mexican artisans. Born and raised in Mexico City, Lila developed a fascination with color and design from a young age. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business in Mexico City and furthered her studies at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, specializing in Fashion Merchandise Management.

After moving to Florida with her family, Lila began introducing her bags through charity events, quickly selling 500 pieces. This success led her to formally launch Squeeze De Citron® in 2015. The brand emphasizes fair trade and sustainability, with bags made from 100% recycled plastic, supporting artisan communities in Mexico and Guatemala.

Under Lila’s leadership, Squeeze De Citron® has expanded its reach, with products available in over 400 retailers across the U.S., Cayman Islands, Bermuda, and the Bahamas, including partnerships with major retailers like Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s.

Lila currently resides in Old Greenwich, Connecticut, where she continues to infuse her unique touch and creative flair into all in-house designs, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary style.

Louise has over 40 years of marketing management experience with companies such as FORTUNE Magazine and Holiday Inn Worldwide, as well as hands-on entrepreneurial experience as one of the founders of a tech startup in the grocery e-commerce space. Her established consulting business has helped companies, non-profits, and entrepreneurs for over 20 years. She now focuses on helping creative entrepreneurs grow their businesses with her proven and successful process for building new markets and getting measurable results. Her passion and drive are evident in assisting each client to discover the “ah-ha” moment where new ideas and strategies can transform their brand strengths into growth potential for their company and take their business to the “next level”.

patricia mae olson

Founder, Piqued PR
Host, The Preppy Podcast

Patricia Mae Olson is a dynamic entrepreneur and media personality dedicated to promoting the modern preppy lifestyle. As the owner of Piqued PR, a boutique public relations firm established in 2013, she specializes in elevating lifestyle brands through services such as public relations, social media management, influencer marketing, and event planning.
In addition to her PR endeavors, Patricia hosts The Preppy Podcast, where she interviews brands, businesses, and influencers who embody the contemporary preppy aesthetic. Her passion for style and entrepreneurship is also reflected in her blog, where she shares insights on fashion, entertaining, and home décor.

amy guzzi

Founder & Creator
The Style Effect
Founder, Lewellyn

Amy Guzzi is a Connecticut-based fashion stylist, entrepreneur, and founder of The Stylist Effect, a platform where she shares her love for classic style, motherhood, cooking, and travel. Known for her timeless aesthetic, Amy has been featured in publications like The New York Times. She recently launched Lewellyn, a line of handmade Italian shirts, and offers personal styling services through AG Styling. Amy lives in Weston, CT, with her husband and two children.

julia dzafic

Lifestyle Blogger, Lemon Stripes
Author, Garden Grown

Julia Dzafic is a Connecticut-based lifestyle blogger, author, and entrepreneur. She founded the popular blog Lemon Stripes in 2010, where she shares insights on motherhood, home decor, wellness, and fashion. In May 2024, Julia published her first cookbook, Garden Grown: Garden-to-Table Recipes to Make the Most of Your Bounty, featuring over 100 vegetable-forward recipes inspired by her family’s garden. She resides in Westport, Connecticut, with her husband, Anel, their two children, and their dog, Boots.

laura sabia

Founder, Publisher & Author
Greenwich Lifestyle, Darien/New Canaan Lifestyle and Upper Westchester Magazines

Laura Sabia is a dynamic entrepreneur and community leader based in Connecticut. She is the founder and publisher of Greenwich Lifestyle Magazine, Upper Westchester Lifestyle Magazine and Darien Lifestyle Magazine, publications that celebrate local culture, businesses, and residents.In addition to her publishing endeavors, Laura owns several boutique fitness studios, including Club Sweat and Pure Barre, where she fosters community engagement and promotes wellness.

Her passion for connecting people and enhancing community ties is evident in her work, making her a prominent figure in the local lifestyle and wellness sectors.

penny goffman

Entrepreneur & Community Leader

Penny Goffman is an entrepreneur and former Head of Community at HeyMama, where she built networks and leadership programs for mothers in business. She also founded Jolie Gotique, a mobile fashion boutique, and That Penny Life, offering fashion styling and event hosting. Based in Greenwich, CT, Penny is passionate about empowering women through connection and community.

bevy rutledge

Creative Content Specialist
Vertical Video

Bevy Rutledge is a creative director and content strategist specializing in brand identity and social media marketing. Through her platform, she offers services such as social media audits, content strategy development, and competitor analysis to help brands optimize their online presence.Bevy also shares insights on creative direction’s role in shaping brand identity, emphasizing the importance of aligning visual elements with core values and objectives. Her expertise in crafting cohesive brand narratives has made her a sought-after professional in the digital marketing landscape.

kate hathaway weeks

Director Marketing & Business Development
at Yankee Publishing

Kate Hathaway Weeks is a seasoned marketing and communications professional with a rich background in media and community engagement. She has served as the Director of Brand Marketing for Yankee Magazine, where she contributed to the production of the television series “Weekends with Yankee.”
Kate is actively involved in educational and cultural organizations, holding leadership positions such as board member of the Brookline Education Foundation and the Artbarn Community Theater.
Her expertise spans marketing strategy, brand development, and community outreach, reflecting her commitment to fostering cultural enrichment and educational advancement.

holly ruth finigan

Writer, Community Builder & Spiritual Guide

Holly Ruth Finigan is a writer, connector, and healer with a unique journey rooted in storytelling, community-building, and self-discovery. As the founder of the Nantucket blACKbook, she created the island’s ultimate social guide for where to sip, shop, and stay. A spiritual awakening following open-heart surgery in 2018 inspired her to deepen her practice, studying meditation, mindfulness, and Reiki in Bali. Today, Holly blends her wisdom and passion to guide others in reconnecting with their higher selves through words, workshops, and meditations that inspire intentional living and inner alignment

dr. sarah swanberg

Indigo Wellness Group
Doctor of Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine
Founder & Clinic Director
D.A.C.M., L.Ac., Dipl.O.M.

Dr Sarah Swanberg is a board-certified diplomate in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology (NCCAOM) with a Master’s and Doctorate from Pacific College of Health Sciences, NYC. She blends Chinese Medicine with Functional and Integrative Medicine, supporting the body’s natural healing abilities. Her specialties include women’s health, focusing on fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum care. Sarah is also the author of A Patient’s Guide to Acupuncture and Aromatherapy for Self-Care. Since founding Indigo Wellness Grouup in 2015, her mission has been to transform the healthcare experience. Sarah mentors healthcare providers building their own practices.

louise prichard

Founder, LPP Consulting LLC

demetra ganias

Ganias Media Lab

Demetra Ganias is a sought-after host, public speaking coach, and founder of Ganias Media Lab. Known for her signature “3 P’s Approach” (Presentations, Pitches, Persona), she empowers entrepreneurs and executives to speak with confidence, craft compelling messages, and stand out in any crowd.

A former journalist with a career spanning top news markets, Demetra now moderates events, contributes to Fairfield County LOOK, and co-hosts the Get Louder podcast. Based in Greenwich, CT, she’s also a proud mom of three, finding joy in family life and inspiring others through her work.

carla greengrass

Purposeful Pivot Expert

Carla Greengrass is a Certified Professional Coach and Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner dedicated to empowering individuals to navigate life transitions with intention and confidence. As a Purposeful Pivot Expert, she assists clients in transforming their desire for change into bold, values-aligned actions, enabling them to consciously shape lives that reflect their deepest dreams and aspirations. Carla’s approach emphasizes reclaiming personal power, gaining clarity, and cultivating self-compassion to respond effectively to life’s challenges. Through her coaching programs, including “The Mindset Reset,” she offers personalized guidance to help clients create purposeful and fulfilling next chapters in their lives.

giovanna chaisson

Artist and Certified Art Therapist
Art Experienced

Giovanna Chaisson is an artist and certified art therapist based on the North Shore of Boston, specializing in watercolor art. Her passion for creating began in the 1980s, inspired by Saturday mornings watching Bob Ross. After a 20-year hiatus, she rediscovered her love for painting during the early days of COVID-19, motivated by her daughter. Giovanna founded Art Experienced, offering live painting, interactive workshops, and collaborative commissions to bring joy and creativity to events and team-building activities. Through her work, she uses art to foster engagement, enrich lives, and build vibrant communities.

bridget wyatt and lindsay sabel

The Sable Group at Merrill Lynch

The Sabel Wyatt Group is a financial advisory team within Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, based in Stamford, Connecticut. Led by Financial Advisors Lindsay Sabel and Bridget Wyatt, the group is dedicated to understanding clients’ values and financial goals to develop personalized strategies that help manage investment risk and pursue financial objectives. With access to Merrill’s global investment capabilities and the banking convenience of Bank of America, the Sabel Wyatt Group emphasizes teamwork and client involvement throughout the financial planning process.

Prior to her transition to wealth management, Lindsay Sabel accumulated over 20 years of experience with financial institutions. She began her career in sales and marketing at DKR Capital, followed by 13 years in various sales and trading roles in Equities at UBS, and later managed Client Strategy for the Equities Division at Wells Fargo Securities. Lindsay earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and English from Yale University and holds FINRA Series 7, 24, 63, and 66 registrations. She resides in New Fairfield, Connecticut, with her family.

The Sabel Wyatt Group is committed to being a primary source for financial advice and guidance, offering dedication and diligence at each step of the financial planning process. Their mission is to understand clients’ wealth positions and aspirations, designing and implementing personalized plans aimed at turning financial goals into reality.

There’s something extraordinary about connecting our vibrant community of female entrepreneurs with brands that inspire and empower. Each sponsorship is curated with care, and our partners are chosen to enhance the unique energy of our event. As we finalize our brand collaborations, we’d love to explore opportunities with you. For partnership inquiries, contact [email protected]

ELEVATE 25 | CREATIVE TICKET

A 1-day pass to the ELEVATE | Creative Summit 2025 featuring panels, speakers, workshops, conversations, industry experts, mentors and friends to help you Energize, Excite and Engage your community to help ELEVATEyour creative business to the next level.
Panels, Workshops, Mentors & Keynotes: Each of our sessions feature expert tips and advice on how to Coordinate, Integrate and Communicate your brand’s message to your community and help build new partnerships and collaborations. See our schedule and list of speakers for more information.

Also included:

Continental Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks and Beverages
Gift bag filled with products from our sponsors and partners
Access to our private APP where you can connect with attendees pre + post event
COMPLIMENTARY HEADSHOTS
Happy Hour to network with peers and industry leaders, expand your network and make valuable connections

ELEVATE 25 | VIP TICKET

Upgrade your ticket to VIP to access our additional benefits including:

Reserved Stage-side Seating | Enjoy reserved seating at all keynote sessions and panels, ensuring you have prime seating for the day’s most popular discussions and presentations.
VIP Office Hours | VIP attendees will have exclusive access to private office hours in our VIP SUITE with keynote speakers, industry experts, and brand leaders throughout the day. This is a chance to get personalized advice, pitch ideas, or ask specific questions about branding, content creation, media strategies, and business growth
Exclusive VIP Cocktail Party Date: January 13, 2025 6pm – 8pm (Evening before the summit)
- VIP ticket holders are invited to an intimate cocktail party where they can network with keynote speakers, panelists, and industry leaders in a relaxed setting. This is an exclusive opportunity to build meaningful connections with influencers, media professionals, and brand leaders ahead of the main event.

samantha yanks

kristin kennedy

brooke shepherd

lila limon

patricia mae olson

amy guzzi

julia dzafic

laura sabia

penny goffman

bevy rutledge

kate hathaway weeks

holly ruth finigan

dr. sarah swanberg

louise prichard

demetra ganias

carla greengrass

giovanna chaisson

bridget wyatt and lindsay sabel

ELEVATE 25 | CREATIVE TICKET

ELEVATE 25 | VIP TICKET

Delamar Greenwich Harbor

Delamar Southport

Stamford Marriott

Hyatt Regency

JHOUSE

Hilton Stamford

Stanton House

LA QUINTA/WYNDHAM

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