Retail Influencer CEO Forum
Speakers & Moderators
The speakers at our inaugural forum include C-suite professionals and some of
the world’s most fascinating leaders from the retail, beauty, and technology industries.
the world’s most fascinating leaders from the retail, beauty, and technology industries.
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Ziad Ahmed
CEO, JUV Consulting
12:00–2:00 VIP Lunch
Ziad Ahmed is the CEO of JUV Consulting, a Generation Z consultancy that works with clients to help them understand young people.
JUV has worked with over 20 Fortune 500 companies, has been profiled by the New York Times, and has launched major purpose-driven TikTok campaigns. Because of JUV, Ziad was named to the 2019 Forbes #30Under30 list when he was just 19-years-old.
Recently graduating from Yale, Ziad is the Founder of Redefy, a youth-run non-profit committed to furthering equality. He speaks often on the power of his generation, and seeks to use his voice to push the envelope forward wherever/however possible. Overwhelmingly though, he’s just another Gen Z'er spending way too much time on TikTok. You can learn more about him via @ziadahmed.
JUV has worked with over 20 Fortune 500 companies, has been profiled by the New York Times, and has launched major purpose-driven TikTok campaigns. Because of JUV, Ziad was named to the 2019 Forbes #30Under30 list when he was just 19-years-old.
Recently graduating from Yale, Ziad is the Founder of Redefy, a youth-run non-profit committed to furthering equality. He speaks often on the power of his generation, and seeks to use his voice to push the envelope forward wherever/however possible. Overwhelmingly though, he’s just another Gen Z'er spending way too much time on TikTok. You can learn more about him via @ziadahmed.
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Amanda Baldwin
CEO, Supergoop!
12:00–2:00 VIP Lunch
Amanda Baldwin is the CEO of Supergoop!, the first protective skincare brand that puts SPF at the forefront. Under her leadership for the past six years, the company has grown over 30x, become highly profitable and secured a majority investment from Blackstone Growth, Blackstone’s platform backing the next generation of category-creating brands.
Amanda is a veteran of the beauty industry, and before joining Supergoop!, she was a member of the operating team at L Catterton, led the omnichannel marketing strategy of Dior Beauty at LVMH, Inc. and held several positions at Clinique, a part of The Estee Lauder Companies.
Amanda earned an A.B. magna cum laude Phi Beta Kappa from Harvard College and an M.B.A. with honors from The Wharton School of The University of Pennsylvania, where she was a Palmer Scholar.
Amanda was recently named one of the top 25 Women in Consumer HealthTech and a Woman of Influence by the New York Business Journal.
Amanda lives in Manhattan with her husband and eight-year-old son.
Amanda is a veteran of the beauty industry, and before joining Supergoop!, she was a member of the operating team at L Catterton, led the omnichannel marketing strategy of Dior Beauty at LVMH, Inc. and held several positions at Clinique, a part of The Estee Lauder Companies.
Amanda earned an A.B. magna cum laude Phi Beta Kappa from Harvard College and an M.B.A. with honors from The Wharton School of The University of Pennsylvania, where she was a Palmer Scholar.
Amanda was recently named one of the top 25 Women in Consumer HealthTech and a Woman of Influence by the New York Business Journal.
Amanda lives in Manhattan with her husband and eight-year-old son.
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Stacey Bendet
CEO and Creative Director,
alice + olivia
12:00–2:00 VIP Lunch
Ms. Bendet is the Chief Executive Officer and Creative Director of alice + olivia a contemporary fashion brand in New York City. She is also the Founder of Creatively, a networking platform for the creative industry.
New York native Ms. Bendet founded alice + olivia in 2002 with the quest to create the perfect pair of pants. Shortly after launch, Andrew Rosen joined as a partner. Since then, the company has grown into a lifestyle brand, including ready-to-wear, gowns, shoes, handbags, all while empowering women with the company run by women, for women.
Stacey Bendet is also a wife and mother of three daughters who makes supporting charity endeavors a priority in her personal and professional activities.
She is a member of the board of trustees for GOOD+ Foundation, Jay H. Baker Retailing Center of The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, and supporter of the Ronald McDonald House.
New York native Ms. Bendet founded alice + olivia in 2002 with the quest to create the perfect pair of pants. Shortly after launch, Andrew Rosen joined as a partner. Since then, the company has grown into a lifestyle brand, including ready-to-wear, gowns, shoes, handbags, all while empowering women with the company run by women, for women.
Stacey Bendet is also a wife and mother of three daughters who makes supporting charity endeavors a priority in her personal and professional activities.
She is a member of the board of trustees for GOOD+ Foundation, Jay H. Baker Retailing Center of The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, and supporter of the Ronald McDonald House.
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MaryLeigh Bliss
Chief Content Officer,
YPulse
12:00–2:00 VIP Lunch
As YPulse’s Chief Content Officer, MaryLeigh oversees their syndicated products, heading up the team of Gen Z and Millennials who create the newsletters, insight articles, over 100 reports annually, and ongoing surveys that help brands to reach young consumers in the U.S. and Western Europe. Her role also involves acting as a culture and youth insights expert, consulting with brands to identify actionable insights, align young consumer strategy, and layer generational and youth knowledge over data findings.
MaryLeigh has worked with a range of Fortune 500 brands, and has been quoted as a youth insights authority by publications including The New York Times, Digiday, Business Insider, and Adweek. She has appeared as a Gen Z and Millennial expert on Bloomberg News, Fortune, and NPR Marketplace, and been a speaker at many off-sites and conferences.
MaryLeigh's interest in youth culture originated from her love of YA literature and pop culture anthropology, and she is continuing her passion for decoding and demystifying the next generations of consumers at YPulse.
MaryLeigh has worked with a range of Fortune 500 brands, and has been quoted as a youth insights authority by publications including The New York Times, Digiday, Business Insider, and Adweek. She has appeared as a Gen Z and Millennial expert on Bloomberg News, Fortune, and NPR Marketplace, and been a speaker at many off-sites and conferences.
MaryLeigh's interest in youth culture originated from her love of YA literature and pop culture anthropology, and she is continuing her passion for decoding and demystifying the next generations of consumers at YPulse.
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Craig Brommers
CMO,
American Eagle
12:00–2:00 VIP Lunch
As the Chief Marketing Officer of American Eagle, Craig oversees all marketing and creative for American Eagle (AE), the #1 jeans brand for men and women 15-25 and women of all ages in the US.
Leading the strategic and creative engine of AE, Craig's mission is to simultaneously build the brand, customer base and business while positioning AE at the heart of youth culture and digital innovation. Since joining AE, Craig has led successful partnerships with Tik Tok, Snap, and Twitch placing the brand at the fingertips of Gen Z.
Craig's passion for purpose is rooted in research, ensuring alignment with what his customers care most about. Craig has supported partnerships with Bring Change 2 Mind, Surfrider, and America's Food Fund. Most notably, Craig spearheaded Gap's RED campaign to increase awareness and inspire action toward fighting against AIDS. Craig's ability to cultivate success driven global teams is a result of his relationship driven approach to leadership. Previously, Craig served as Global Marketing Executive for Gap, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Calvin Klein.
Craig resides in Connecticut with his wife and two daughters.
Leading the strategic and creative engine of AE, Craig's mission is to simultaneously build the brand, customer base and business while positioning AE at the heart of youth culture and digital innovation. Since joining AE, Craig has led successful partnerships with Tik Tok, Snap, and Twitch placing the brand at the fingertips of Gen Z.
Craig's passion for purpose is rooted in research, ensuring alignment with what his customers care most about. Craig has supported partnerships with Bring Change 2 Mind, Surfrider, and America's Food Fund. Most notably, Craig spearheaded Gap's RED campaign to increase awareness and inspire action toward fighting against AIDS. Craig's ability to cultivate success driven global teams is a result of his relationship driven approach to leadership. Previously, Craig served as Global Marketing Executive for Gap, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Calvin Klein.
Craig resides in Connecticut with his wife and two daughters.
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Emma Butler
CEO & Founder, Liberare
12:00–2:00 VIP Lunch
Emma Butler is the 24-year-old founder and CEO of Liberare, an adaptive intimates brand for disabled women that launched in February 2022. Emma started Liberare while at Brown University to help her chronically ill mother get dressed easier.
Liberare recently rasied $1m from the British Fashion Council as their first investment with other investors including Steph Korey (co-founder of Away) and Michelle Kennedy (founder of Peanut).
In August, Liberare launched its collaboration with Aerie to bring adaptive intimates to the Aerie community.
Liberare has been featured in Vogue Business, Glamour, Forbes, and Cosmopolitan.
Liberare recently rasied $1m from the British Fashion Council as their first investment with other investors including Steph Korey (co-founder of Away) and Michelle Kennedy (founder of Peanut).
In August, Liberare launched its collaboration with Aerie to bring adaptive intimates to the Aerie community.
Liberare has been featured in Vogue Business, Glamour, Forbes, and Cosmopolitan.
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Sheena Butler-Young
Senior Correspondent,
The Business of Fashion
12:00–2:00 VIP Lunch
Sheena Butler-Young is a senior correspondent at The Business of Fashion and former deputy editor of Footwear News. During the past seven years, she has broken some of the fashion industry's biggest business stories — including Adidas' diversity and inclusion uprising and the Payless bankruptcy. She interviews top retail executives from Nike to Nordstrom as well as designers and celebrities.
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Sandra Campos
CEO, Board Member, Advisor
12:00–2:00 VIP Lunch
Sandra Campos is a 3x CEO, 2x founder and innovator in the retail and consumer sector. As a CEO, she has led many brands ranging from cult-brands Juicy Couture to iconic luxury brand Diane Von Furstenberg.
In 2009, she founded the first celebrity teen brand management company and launched Selena Gomez into her first lifestyle collection, Dream Out Loud. She is a Gen Z and millennial consumer expert and advises consumer businesses that focus on that customer, such as Bubble beauty and Liberare.
Sandra is a board member for public company, Big Lots, national board member of Girls Inc, and sits on private company boards in technology and consumer as well.
She is a regular contributor on CNBC, an angel investor focused on Latinx founded businesses, and the founder of ed-tech platform Fashion Launchpad which helps to upskill and reskill women of color.
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Joanna Coles
Mistress of Ceremonies
12:00–2:00 VIP Lunch
Joanna Coles, OBE, is CEO and Chairwoman of Northern Star Acquisition Companies II-IV; Northern Star I announced a merger with Bark in December 2020. She is also Executive Producer of Hulu’s The Bold Type (on Netflix globally), the five-season TV drama inspired by her career, and author of Love Rules, published by HarperCollins, about relationships in the digital age, which is now being made into a TV show for FX.
Coles is the former Chief Content Officer of Hearst Magazines, where she was responsible for 300 magazines globally. She sits on the boards of Snap Inc., Sonos and Bark and is a director of private tech companies Density and Grover and the nonprofit Women Entrepreneurs New York City.
The British-born editor moved to the U.S. in 1997 as New York Bureau Chief for The Guardian, before becoming New York Bureau Chief for The Times of London. She joined Hearst in 2006 as Editor-in-Chief of Marie Claire, where she co-produced the Style Network’s unscripted show Running in Heels. Coles was also the on-air mentor for Project Runway All Stars. She was named Editor-in-Chief of Cosmopolitan, the world’s largest women’s media brand, in 2012. Coles also was the executive producer of the unscripted series So Cosmo on E! in 2017.
Coles is the former Chief Content Officer of Hearst Magazines, where she was responsible for 300 magazines globally. She sits on the boards of Snap Inc., Sonos and Bark and is a director of private tech companies Density and Grover and the nonprofit Women Entrepreneurs New York City.
The British-born editor moved to the U.S. in 1997 as New York Bureau Chief for The Guardian, before becoming New York Bureau Chief for The Times of London. She joined Hearst in 2006 as Editor-in-Chief of Marie Claire, where she co-produced the Style Network’s unscripted show Running in Heels. Coles was also the on-air mentor for Project Runway All Stars. She was named Editor-in-Chief of Cosmopolitan, the world’s largest women’s media brand, in 2012. Coles also was the executive producer of the unscripted series So Cosmo on E! in 2017.
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Ken Downing
Creative Director,
Halston
12:00–2:00 VIP Lunch
Ken Downing is the recently appointed Creative Director of HALSTON, bringing a new attitude and energy to all of the HALSTON branded labels, redefining the most iconic name in American fashion.
An internationally recognized fashion leader and tastemaker, Ken spent most of his career at leading retailer Neiman Marcus as Senior Vice President/Fashion Director, overseeing the fashion direction and image of the company. A front row fixture, he has a keen sense of trends and style, with the ability to anticipate the consumer’s desires before fashion’s newest ideas go mainstream. Ken presently serves on the boards of the FIT Museum and Delivering Good.
Ken has homes in Dallas, New York City and Detroit, where he is currently renovating a 1917 historic property. An avid art collector and patron, he is also a collector of mid-century and architect-designed furniture.
An internationally recognized fashion leader and tastemaker, Ken spent most of his career at leading retailer Neiman Marcus as Senior Vice President/Fashion Director, overseeing the fashion direction and image of the company. A front row fixture, he has a keen sense of trends and style, with the ability to anticipate the consumer’s desires before fashion’s newest ideas go mainstream. Ken presently serves on the boards of the FIT Museum and Delivering Good.
Ken has homes in Dallas, New York City and Detroit, where he is currently renovating a 1917 historic property. An avid art collector and patron, he is also a collector of mid-century and architect-designed furniture.
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Shai Eisenman
CEO and Founder,
Bubble
12:00–2:00 VIP Lunch
Bubble Skincare CEO and Founder Shai Eisenman at 30 years old is already one of the world’s foremost Gen Z consumer experts. Bubble was born when Shai saw a massive gap in the market for a modern skincare brand specifically targeted to Gen Z consumers’ needs. She was surprised to discover that the most digitally sophisticated and globally connected generation ever was still using the exact same traditional skincare products that their mothers had purchased in drugstores decades ago.
Bubble’s passionate community of Gen Z consumers led Shai to develop formulations that are both accessibly priced and incredibly effective. This winning combination has turned Bubble into one of the fastest growing skincare lines ever, evolving from a DTC-only brand at launch two years ago to disrupting the shelves of 3900 Walmart stores and 4100 CVS stores nationwide today.
Bubble’s passionate community of Gen Z consumers led Shai to develop formulations that are both accessibly priced and incredibly effective. This winning combination has turned Bubble into one of the fastest growing skincare lines ever, evolving from a DTC-only brand at launch two years ago to disrupting the shelves of 3900 Walmart stores and 4100 CVS stores nationwide today.
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Alicia Esposito
12:00–2:00 VIP Lunch
VP of Content, Retail Touchpoints
Alicia Esposito is the VP of Content for Retail TouchPoints and the Retail Innovation Conference & Expo. She focuses on creating content that is meaningful and actionable for executives who visit Retail TouchPoints.com, listen to the Retail Remix podcast and attend the company’s various digital and in-person events.
In her work, she has interviewed some of the top C-level executives from retail brands and tech companies, and has recently focused on analyzing some key trends in social commerce, new media and community-driven store experiences.
In her work, she has interviewed some of the top C-level executives from retail brands and tech companies, and has recently focused on analyzing some key trends in social commerce, new media and community-driven store experiences.
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Ariana Ferwerda
Co-founder & CEO, Halfdays
12:00–2:00 VIP Lunch
Ariana is the CEO and Co-founder of women's skiwear startup, Halfdays. Ariana aims to make waves in the outdoor industry by building a brand that is approachable, inclusive, and fun.
Ariana grew up in Michigan, where she originally learned to ski. Upon moving to Colorado, she was incredibly frustrated by the lackluster outdoor apparel industry, specifically due to its lack of focus on women.
Prior to starting Halfdays, Ariana was working closely with Fortune 100 retailers, helping them leverage big data to make strategic decisions. Ariana's retail consulting and analytics background led her to identifying the major opportunity in the ski wear market to build an authentic brand by and for women.
Ariana grew up in Michigan, where she originally learned to ski. Upon moving to Colorado, she was incredibly frustrated by the lackluster outdoor apparel industry, specifically due to its lack of focus on women.
Prior to starting Halfdays, Ariana was working closely with Fortune 100 retailers, helping them leverage big data to make strategic decisions. Ariana's retail consulting and analytics background led her to identifying the major opportunity in the ski wear market to build an authentic brand by and for women.
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Julie Hyman
Anchor, Yahoo Finance
12:00–2:00 VIP Lunch
Julie Hyman hosts the 9–11 am, ET, show on Yahoo Finance Live with Brian Sozzi and Brad Smith. She has been a financial journalist for more than 20 years, covering events including the Great Financial Crisis, the collapse of drug maker Valeant and the rise of meme stocks.
Hyman has interviewed newsmakers as varied as Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, Verizon CEO Hans Vestberg, NBA star Kevin Love and Vista Equity Partners Founder and CEO Robert F. Smith.
Before joining Yahoo Finance in 2018, Hyman worked at Bloomberg Television in roles including senior markets correspondent, anchor and retail reporter. She originally joined Bloomberg in its Paris bureau, reporting on European stocks.
Hyman began her career at the Washington Times. She grew up outside Baltimore and attended Randolph-Macon College.
Hyman has interviewed newsmakers as varied as Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, Verizon CEO Hans Vestberg, NBA star Kevin Love and Vista Equity Partners Founder and CEO Robert F. Smith.
Before joining Yahoo Finance in 2018, Hyman worked at Bloomberg Television in roles including senior markets correspondent, anchor and retail reporter. She originally joined Bloomberg in its Paris bureau, reporting on European stocks.
Hyman began her career at the Washington Times. She grew up outside Baltimore and attended Randolph-Macon College.
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Jennifer Gootman
Head of Sustainability & Social Impact, Williams-Sonoma
12:00–2:00 VIP Lunch
Jennifer Gootman is the Head of Sustainability & Social Impact for Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (WSI), leading social and environmental strategy and programming across the company’s eight brands.
Under Jennifer’s leadership, WSI launched the first Fair Trade-Certified factory program in home retail and was a founding partner of the Nest Standard for Ethical Handcraft. Today, she is building on Williams-Sonoma, Inc.’s leadership in responsible materials and ethical production to launch a comprehensive climate strategy, including the announcement of the company’s Science-Based Target for carbon reduction across the entire value chain. These efforts have earned WSI a spot on Barron’s 100 Most Sustainable Companies list for 5 years running.
Prior, Jennifer spent more than a decade with nonprofits and social enterprises in New York, Nicaragua, and India, working within design-driven industries to create impact through supply chain innovation.
Jennifer is an Aspen Institute First Movers fellow and an advisor to NYU Stern’s Center for Sustainable Business.
Under Jennifer’s leadership, WSI launched the first Fair Trade-Certified factory program in home retail and was a founding partner of the Nest Standard for Ethical Handcraft. Today, she is building on Williams-Sonoma, Inc.’s leadership in responsible materials and ethical production to launch a comprehensive climate strategy, including the announcement of the company’s Science-Based Target for carbon reduction across the entire value chain. These efforts have earned WSI a spot on Barron’s 100 Most Sustainable Companies list for 5 years running.
Prior, Jennifer spent more than a decade with nonprofits and social enterprises in New York, Nicaragua, and India, working within design-driven industries to create impact through supply chain innovation.
Jennifer is an Aspen Institute First Movers fellow and an advisor to NYU Stern’s Center for Sustainable Business.
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Hilal Ibrahim
Founder & CEO, Henna & Hijabs
12:00–2:00 VIP Lunch
Hilal Ibrahim (she/her) is the California born, Minnesota-based designer of the first medical-grade healthcare hijab and founder of Henna & Hijabs, the groundbreaking company addressing the lack of access Muslim women face in finding sustainable, fashionable hijabs and organic henna in retail settings. In the summer of 2021,
Henna & Hijabs partnered with retail giant Nordstrom to launch the retailer’s first-ever line of hijabs. This partnership was one of the first of its kind for any retailer in the U.S. Since partnering with Nordstrom, Hilal has been named to Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 list, Twin Cities Business 100 People to Know in 2022 and a global list of 100 Muslim Startups to Watch in 2022.
A medical professional by training, she also serves on the board for the Park Nicollet Foundation, and currently lives in Minnetonka, MN.
Henna & Hijabs partnered with retail giant Nordstrom to launch the retailer’s first-ever line of hijabs. This partnership was one of the first of its kind for any retailer in the U.S. Since partnering with Nordstrom, Hilal has been named to Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 list, Twin Cities Business 100 People to Know in 2022 and a global list of 100 Muslim Startups to Watch in 2022.
A medical professional by training, she also serves on the board for the Park Nicollet Foundation, and currently lives in Minnetonka, MN.
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Renee Klein
VP, Global Digital Experience & Consumer Marketing,
Coach
12:00–2:00 VIP Lunch
Renee Klein is a seasoned ecommerce and marketing expert with over 15 years of experience delivering topline growth and bottom-line profitability for leading fashion and beauty companies. As Vice President, Global Digital Experience and Customer Marketing at Coach, she is responsible for developing the brand’s retail marketplace strategy and communications across traditional platforms and emerging Web3.0 and metaverse platforms. During the holiday 2021 season, Klein launched Coach’s first NFT, driving game integration and the brand’s largest email sign-up success of the year.
Prior to joining Coach, Klein served as Vice President of Ecommerce at L’Oréal USA’s Luxe division, where she oversaw Lancome.com and drove triple-digit year-over-year growth while maintaining P&L and financial accountability across sales, inventory, DC and supply chain operations, media activations, SEO, CRM and loyalty. She previously worked at Gilt Groupe for six years, initially as a buyer before being named Director of Site Merchandising and then Product Lead.
Prior to that, Klein founded and served as managing partner of Presse Productions, through which she launched an online luxury fashion boutique and created pioneering web content while building relationships with prestigious fashion brands in the US and Europe. She began her career working as a Senior Fashion Editor for Hearst and Condé Nast, developing content for publications that included Cosmopolitan, Seventeen and Self. Klein holds a BA in English Language and Literature from Rutgers University and an AAS in Fashion Merchandising from the Fashion Institute of Technology.
Prior to joining Coach, Klein served as Vice President of Ecommerce at L’Oréal USA’s Luxe division, where she oversaw Lancome.com and drove triple-digit year-over-year growth while maintaining P&L and financial accountability across sales, inventory, DC and supply chain operations, media activations, SEO, CRM and loyalty. She previously worked at Gilt Groupe for six years, initially as a buyer before being named Director of Site Merchandising and then Product Lead.
Prior to that, Klein founded and served as managing partner of Presse Productions, through which she launched an online luxury fashion boutique and created pioneering web content while building relationships with prestigious fashion brands in the US and Europe. She began her career working as a Senior Fashion Editor for Hearst and Condé Nast, developing content for publications that included Cosmopolitan, Seventeen and Self. Klein holds a BA in English Language and Literature from Rutgers University and an AAS in Fashion Merchandising from the Fashion Institute of Technology.
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Matt Maher
Futurist & Founder,
M7 Innovations
12:00–2:00 VIP Lunch
Matt Maher is a Futurist, Speaker and Founder of M7 Innovations. He has guided executive teams at Fortune 100 companies through the ever-changing media and technological landscapes - conceptualizing, presenting and executing on innovative solutions. Matt sits on the international advisory boards of CHANEL and the Glimpse Group (NASDAQ: VRAR), and his thought leadership and award winning work has been featured in Forbes, Quartz, Men’s Journal, Retail Touchpoints and Adweek. He specializes in augmented and virtual realities, web3, the metaverse, artificial intelligence, the internet of things (IoT), and voice technology. He formerly served as VP of Innovation at Assembly, AdAge’s 2018 Agency of the Year
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Lual Mayen
Founder,
Junub Games
12:00–2:00 VIP Lunch
Lual Mayen is the founder of Junub Games. He has rich story from growing up as a refugee to becoming a game developer.
For 22 years of his life, Mayen lived in a refugee camp in northern Uganda. A few years back, Mayen saw a laptop computer at a registration station for the refugee camp. He told his mother he wanted one. She saved money for three years to get the $300 to buy it for him. He discovered Grand Theft Auto: Vice City and the joy of playing at an internet cafe. He regularly walked three-hours to get to the internet cafe to charge his computer and play games.
As a child born in a violent war, Mayen thought about how to create a game that could inspire peace. He taught himself to make games and formed his own company, Junub Games. Based on the realization games can be helpful and a powerful tool to bridge communities together and contribute for peace and conflict resolution. Lual started making a video game for his country, so video games could divert their minds from destructive activities. His first game, Salaam (an Arabic word that means peace), is about protecting communities from being destroyed. It was a 10-megabit mobile game, but he could only distribute it via Bluetooth networking. It spread in a viral way.
A conference organizer at A Maze discovered Lual's game, tracked him down, and asked him to speak at a conference on games in South Africa.
For 22 years of his life, Mayen lived in a refugee camp in northern Uganda. A few years back, Mayen saw a laptop computer at a registration station for the refugee camp. He told his mother he wanted one. She saved money for three years to get the $300 to buy it for him. He discovered Grand Theft Auto: Vice City and the joy of playing at an internet cafe. He regularly walked three-hours to get to the internet cafe to charge his computer and play games.
As a child born in a violent war, Mayen thought about how to create a game that could inspire peace. He taught himself to make games and formed his own company, Junub Games. Based on the realization games can be helpful and a powerful tool to bridge communities together and contribute for peace and conflict resolution. Lual started making a video game for his country, so video games could divert their minds from destructive activities. His first game, Salaam (an Arabic word that means peace), is about protecting communities from being destroyed. It was a 10-megabit mobile game, but he could only distribute it via Bluetooth networking. It spread in a viral way.
A conference organizer at A Maze discovered Lual's game, tracked him down, and asked him to speak at a conference on games in South Africa.
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Stacey McCormick
Senior Vice President, Aerie Marketing
12:00–2:00 VIP Lunch
Stacey McCormick has more than 27 years of expansive retail leadership with AEO Inc. in omni-channel retail platforms.
Since 2014, she has led the marketing team for Aerie, a $1.4B lifestyle intimates and activewear brand that is a pioneer in the body positivity and women’s empowerment movement through #AerieREAL. Her expertise in driving customer connections through innovative and authentic experiences has empowered women around the world to love their real selves.
In her current role as SVP - Aerie Marketing, Stacey is responsible for customer engagement strategies, overseeing all creative, public relations, social media, multi-channel direct and store visual marketing, and activations.
Her team’s passion is to challenge the fashion industry and beauty norms by creating a supportive community for the millions of customers they serve.
In 2021, Stacey was named to the inaugural TikTok “Culture Driver” list, highlighting the successful partnerships between brands and creators.
Since 2014, she has led the marketing team for Aerie, a $1.4B lifestyle intimates and activewear brand that is a pioneer in the body positivity and women’s empowerment movement through #AerieREAL. Her expertise in driving customer connections through innovative and authentic experiences has empowered women around the world to love their real selves.
In her current role as SVP - Aerie Marketing, Stacey is responsible for customer engagement strategies, overseeing all creative, public relations, social media, multi-channel direct and store visual marketing, and activations.
Her team’s passion is to challenge the fashion industry and beauty norms by creating a supportive community for the millions of customers they serve.
In 2021, Stacey was named to the inaugural TikTok “Culture Driver” list, highlighting the successful partnerships between brands and creators.
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Maghan McDowell
Senior Innovation Editor, Vogue Business
12:00–2:00 VIP Lunch
Maghan McDowell is the Senior Innovation Editor at Vogue Business, where she leads its coverage of technology and innovation. She is the author of the weekly Technology Edit newsletter and the voice of the Tech Edit podcast. She is known for identifying the key drivers of the future of fashion and retail, and offering digestible insights on which technologies matter. She has become a leading expert on fashion’s role and opportunity in the metaverse.
Before joining Condé Nast, McDowell reported for publications including W, Marie Claire, San Francisco Chronicle and Business of Fashion, and was the first technology reporter for WWD.
Before joining Condé Nast, McDowell reported for publications including W, Marie Claire, San Francisco Chronicle and Business of Fashion, and was the first technology reporter for WWD.
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Stephanie Mehta
CEO and Chief Content Officer at Mansueto Ventures, parent of Inc. and Fast Company
12:00–2:00 VIP Lunch
Stephanie Mehta is chief executive officer and chief content officer of Mansueto Ventures, publisher of Inc. and Fast Company. She previously served as editor-in-chief of Fast Company, where she oversaw digital, print, and live journalism. Under her leadership Fast Company was a National Magazine Award finalist in design for three years in a row, and the title added two new annual conferences. She has worked as a writer and editor at Vanity Fair, Bloomberg Media, Fortune, and The Wall Street Journal.
Mehta sits on the boards of the American Society of Magazine Editors, the Women’s Forum of New York, and Airbel Impact Lab, the research and innovation arm of the International Rescue Commission.
Mehta began her career as a business reporter at The Virginian-Pilot in Norfolk, Virginia. She received a BA in English and an MS in journalism from Northwestern University. A Chicago-area native, she now lives with her husband and two children in Scarsdale, New York.
Mehta sits on the boards of the American Society of Magazine Editors, the Women’s Forum of New York, and Airbel Impact Lab, the research and innovation arm of the International Rescue Commission.
Mehta began her career as a business reporter at The Virginian-Pilot in Norfolk, Virginia. She received a BA in English and an MS in journalism from Northwestern University. A Chicago-area native, she now lives with her husband and two children in Scarsdale, New York.
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Hilary Neve
VP of Communications, Bolt
12:00–2:00 VIP Lunch
Currently VP of Communications at Bolt and previously Head of Cultural Initiatives and Consumer Communications at Google, Hilary is a marketing and communications pro.
Hilary delivers powerful strategic direction and has a history of building some of the world's most coveted tech, luxury, and lifestyle brands. Her high-profile campaigns and content integrate digital marketing, social media, influencer programming, PR, events, advertising and thought leadership. Before Google, Hilary started YOOX.com and founded a tech & fashion PR agency, banzai!
Hilary is known for connecting companies with culture, amplifying their voice and making them truly iconic.
Hilary delivers powerful strategic direction and has a history of building some of the world's most coveted tech, luxury, and lifestyle brands. Her high-profile campaigns and content integrate digital marketing, social media, influencer programming, PR, events, advertising and thought leadership. Before Google, Hilary started YOOX.com and founded a tech & fashion PR agency, banzai!
Hilary is known for connecting companies with culture, amplifying their voice and making them truly iconic.
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Winnie Park
CEO,
Forever 21
12:00–2:00 VIP Lunch
Winnie Park is a seasoned business leader with deep international omni-channel brand experience and a track record growing and enhancing businesses within the retail and fashion industry.
Prior to joining Forever 21, Winnie served as CEO of Paper Source where she transformed the brand from a brick-and-mortar retailer to an omnichannel brand with a robust digital platform. Prior to joining Paper Source, Winnie served as Executive Vice President - E-commerce and Global Marketing at the international luxury retail leader, DFS - a division of LVMH.
Winnie sits on the Board for Women in Retail Leadership and the Board of Advisors for Investcorp and is a member of the Board of Directors at Dollar Tree.
A graduate of Princeton University, Winnie completed her bachelor’s degree from the School of Public and International Affairs and her MBA in Corporate Finance and Marketing at the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University.
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Maya Penn
Founder & CEO,
Maya's Ideas
12:00–2:00 VIP Lunch
Maya Penn is a 22 year old award-winning founder and CEO of sustainable fashion brand Maya’s Ideas, started in 2008 when she was just 8 years old. Maya is a sustainability, CSR, and brand consultant, artist, animator, eco-designer, 3 time TED speaker, and Simon & Schuster author. She has been certified by University of Cambridge Business School in Circular Economy and Sustainability Strategy.
Maya consults a number of brands from Fortune 500 businesses to small start ups. She has received a commendation from President Barack Obama for outstanding achievement in environmental stewardship and is Oprah’s youngest Supersoul 100 entrepreneur and change maker.
Maya has been featured in Forbes, TIME, People, Teen Vogue, Huffington Post, Marie Claire, The View, Grist, and more. Maya’s book You Got This (Published by Simon & Schuster) is being used in schools around the world from Cincinnati, US to Bangalore, India as curriculum to teach youth sustainable entrepreneurship.
Maya consults a number of brands from Fortune 500 businesses to small start ups. She has received a commendation from President Barack Obama for outstanding achievement in environmental stewardship and is Oprah’s youngest Supersoul 100 entrepreneur and change maker.
Maya has been featured in Forbes, TIME, People, Teen Vogue, Huffington Post, Marie Claire, The View, Grist, and more. Maya’s book You Got This (Published by Simon & Schuster) is being used in schools around the world from Cincinnati, US to Bangalore, India as curriculum to teach youth sustainable entrepreneurship.
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Daniella Pierson
Founder & CEO, The Newsette and
Co-founder & co-CEO , Wondermind
Co-founder & co-CEO , Wondermind
12:00–2:00 VIP Lunch
Daniella Pierson is the Latina 27-year-old founder / CEO of The Newsette (valued at $200M) as well as the co-founder and co-CEO of Wondermind, a mental fitness company she started with Selena Gomez and Mandy Teefey this year that raised capital at an $100M pre-launch valuation. Her net worth was recently announced by Forbes as $220M, making her the World’s Youngest Wealthiest Self-Made BIPOC Woman.
She started her first company, The Newsette, as a sophomore in college, and despite not having any VC funding, seven years later The Newsette closed 2021 with $40M in sales and 8-figures of profit. This success has enabled her to invest in BIPOC brands she believes in, as well as large companies such as SpaceX, and be a part of funds like Serena Ventures.
Daniella is very open about having ADHD, OCD, and depression, and is passionate about showing the world that you can achieve success at any age, even without millions of VC dollars, while struggling with learning disabilities and mental health disorders. Her total current net worth is $230M+. She has been on the cover of Entrepreneur Magazine, and profiled in Forbes, Business Insider, USA Today, CNBC, and beyond. She also achieved the Forbes 30 Under 30 list at age 24.
She started her first company, The Newsette, as a sophomore in college, and despite not having any VC funding, seven years later The Newsette closed 2021 with $40M in sales and 8-figures of profit. This success has enabled her to invest in BIPOC brands she believes in, as well as large companies such as SpaceX, and be a part of funds like Serena Ventures.
Daniella is very open about having ADHD, OCD, and depression, and is passionate about showing the world that you can achieve success at any age, even without millions of VC dollars, while struggling with learning disabilities and mental health disorders. Her total current net worth is $230M+. She has been on the cover of Entrepreneur Magazine, and profiled in Forbes, Business Insider, USA Today, CNBC, and beyond. She also achieved the Forbes 30 Under 30 list at age 24.
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Aly Raisman
Advocate and Gold Medal Gymnast
12:00–2:00 VIP Lunch
Aly Raisman, team captain of the gold medal winning Women’s Gymnastics teams in 2012 and 2016, is the third most decorated American gymnast of all-time. The most decorated U.S. gymnast at the 2012 Games, Raisman captured the hearts of millions as she became the first American gymnast to win gold in the floor exercise.
One of only three U.S. gymnasts to make back-to-back teams in more than 20 years, she helped guide the team to gold and landed a silver medal performance in the All-Around competition at the 2016 Games.
A leader on and off the floor, Raisman uses her platform to help normalize the conversation around mental health, encourage positive body image and promote the importance of self-care. In her New York Times best-selling memoir, Fierce, she shares the highs and lows of her journey, including her survival of sexual abuse. Inspired by an army of survivors, Raisman continues to advocate for systematic changes within the sport of gymnastics and the eradication of sexual abuse.
One of only three U.S. gymnasts to make back-to-back teams in more than 20 years, she helped guide the team to gold and landed a silver medal performance in the All-Around competition at the 2016 Games.
A leader on and off the floor, Raisman uses her platform to help normalize the conversation around mental health, encourage positive body image and promote the importance of self-care. In her New York Times best-selling memoir, Fierce, she shares the highs and lows of her journey, including her survival of sexual abuse. Inspired by an army of survivors, Raisman continues to advocate for systematic changes within the sport of gymnastics and the eradication of sexual abuse.
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Priya Rao
Executive Editor,
Glossy
12:00–2:00 VIP Lunch
Priya Rao is a journalist, editor and podcast host. She is the Executive Editor at Glossy, and host of the Glossy Beauty Podcast and Unfair, an Apple-recommended narrative podcast series that delves into the global skin whitening industry. She has held senior positions at Harper's Bazaar and Vanity Fair and written for Vogue and New York Magazine.
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Andy Ruben
Founder and Executive Chairman, Trove
12:00–2:00 VIP Lunch
Andy Ruben is Founder and Executive Chairman of Trove, which partners with brands such as Patagonia, Eileen Fisher, Levi’s and REI, providing the technology, logistics and expertise necessary for circular shopping. He has more than two decades’ of leadership experience across retail, consumer products, strategy and sustainability.
Prior to founding Trove, Ruben led a number of transformational efforts at Walmart, including launching the company’s sustainability efforts and leading its global e-commerce strategy and private brand and omnichannel initiatives.
In addition to his current role at Trove, Ruben serves on the Zevia Board of Directors and the Competitive Council at Cerberus Capital Management. He holds a BS in Engineering and an MBA, both from Washington University in St. Louis.
Prior to founding Trove, Ruben led a number of transformational efforts at Walmart, including launching the company’s sustainability efforts and leading its global e-commerce strategy and private brand and omnichannel initiatives.
In addition to his current role at Trove, Ruben serves on the Zevia Board of Directors and the Competitive Council at Cerberus Capital Management. He holds a BS in Engineering and an MBA, both from Washington University in St. Louis.
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Neha Singh
CEO & Founder,
Obsess
12:00–2:00 VIP Lunch
Neha Singh is the CEO & Founder of Obsess, an experiential e-commerce platform enabling brands and retailers to create visual, immersive, 3D virtual stores on their websites and on metaverse platforms. She was previously the Head of Product at Vogue, where she was responsible for the product strategy and technology execution of Vogue’s digital business including content products, ad products and distribution platforms. Prior to that, Neha was VP of Product and Engineering at AHAlife, an e-commerce startup for luxury lifestyle products.
Neha began her career at Google, where she was a Software Engineer and Tech Lead for 5 years and worked on Google AdWords and Google News. She holds an undergraduate Computer Science degree from The University of Texas at Austin and a graduate Computer Science degree from MIT.
Neha began her career at Google, where she was a Software Engineer and Tech Lead for 5 years and worked on Google AdWords and Google News. She holds an undergraduate Computer Science degree from The University of Texas at Austin and a graduate Computer Science degree from MIT.
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Steve Sadove
Former Chairman & CEO,
Saks Fifth Avenue
12:00–2:00 VIP Lunch
Steve Sadove joined Saks Incorporated as Vice Chairman in 2002 and subsequently served as COO and then CEO and Chairman of Saks. Prior to that, he built a distinguished marketing and consumer products career spanning more than 25 years.
Sadove held a series of positions of increasing responsibility with General Foods (now Kraft) and Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, where he had direct responsibility for the Clairol business in the US and all of the consumer businesses in Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America.
Sadove is a graduate of Hamilton College and holds an MBA with distinction from Harvard Business School. He is also a recipient of an Honorary Doctor of Commercial Science Degree from LIM College.
Sadove currently serves on numerous community and civic boards, including those of Hamilton College, AmeriCares and the National Retail Federation (former chairman), as well as the public company boards of Colgate-Palmolive (lead director), Aramark, and Park Hotels and Resorts. He is also a founding partner of JW Levin Management Partners, a private equity firm.
Sadove held a series of positions of increasing responsibility with General Foods (now Kraft) and Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, where he had direct responsibility for the Clairol business in the US and all of the consumer businesses in Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America.
Sadove is a graduate of Hamilton College and holds an MBA with distinction from Harvard Business School. He is also a recipient of an Honorary Doctor of Commercial Science Degree from LIM College.
Sadove currently serves on numerous community and civic boards, including those of Hamilton College, AmeriCares and the National Retail Federation (former chairman), as well as the public company boards of Colgate-Palmolive (lead director), Aramark, and Park Hotels and Resorts. He is also a founding partner of JW Levin Management Partners, a private equity firm.
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Jade Scipioni
senior reporter,
CNBC
12:00–2:00 VIP Lunch
As a senior reporter for CNBC Make It, Jade Scipioni works on in-depth profiles of top CEOs, celebrities and athletes and has covered luminaries such as Ray Dalio, Kate Hudson, Jeff Immelt, Dwayne Johnson, Patrick Mahomes, Shaquille O’Neal and Serena Williams.
Scipioni began her journalism career at Court TV before joining CBS News as a producer of The Early Show. She then returned to Court TV (now called In Session) as special projects producer, working on long-form packages and key interviews for the relaunch under CNN’s HLN brand. Scipioni then joined Bloomberg News as an international business news producer before moving to Fox Business, where she worked as a reporter covering business leaders, markets, health and environment issues, startups, politics and sports.
Scipioni began her journalism career at Court TV before joining CBS News as a producer of The Early Show. She then returned to Court TV (now called In Session) as special projects producer, working on long-form packages and key interviews for the relaunch under CNN’s HLN brand. Scipioni then joined Bloomberg News as an international business news producer before moving to Fox Business, where she worked as a reporter covering business leaders, markets, health and environment issues, startups, politics and sports.
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Theresa Watts
SVP Human Resources, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, True Religion
12:00–2:00 VIP Lunch
Throughout her career, Theresa has worked as a Human Resources professional enhancing organizational capabilities for large Fortune 500 and private organizations. She has years of experience designing, developing, and delivering organizational curriculum.
In her current role, as the leader of the human resources function, Theresa is responsible for linking HR strategies with organizational and departmental processes and several key organizational development initiatives including: Diversity, Recruitment and Retention Strategies, Initiating Action Learning Paradigms, Designing and Implementing Organizational Culture Shift Strategies, Management Change Initiatives, Leadership Development Initiatives, and Organizational Performance Improvement Strategies.
Theresa was profiled in Forbes Magazine regarding the diversity initiatives she has implemented as well as her philosophy surrounding the impact of a diverse workplace on the organization and the surrounding communities.
In her current role, as the leader of the human resources function, Theresa is responsible for linking HR strategies with organizational and departmental processes and several key organizational development initiatives including: Diversity, Recruitment and Retention Strategies, Initiating Action Learning Paradigms, Designing and Implementing Organizational Culture Shift Strategies, Management Change Initiatives, Leadership Development Initiatives, and Organizational Performance Improvement Strategies.
Theresa was profiled in Forbes Magazine regarding the diversity initiatives she has implemented as well as her philosophy surrounding the impact of a diverse workplace on the organization and the surrounding communities.
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Ellie Zeiler
Actress, Activist, and Digital Creator
12:00–2:00 VIP Lunch
Ellie Zeiler is putting purpose to her platform, proving her longevity in Hollywood and beyond. The 18-year-old Actress, Activist, and Digital Creator has well over 12-million followers across her social media channels. Her successful fashion, beauty and lifestyle content has led to collaborations with major brands such as Dior Beauty, Lancôme, Amazon, Levi’s, DSW, The White House, and more. Partnering with a purpose, Ellie ensures the brands she works with are taking initiatives to make a difference in the world. Ellie has additionally been featured across major media outlets such as Forbes, NY Times, CNN, ABC News, Cosmopolitan, Refinery29, Seventeen, and was dubbed one of the “Top 10 Fashion Influencers to Watch” by Glossy Magazine. Ellie hopes to continue to use her artwork and voice as a means to shed light on important worldly causes, as well as to be a role model to her ever-growing fanbase.