Author: Lauren E. Whitman

Tobe is leading a data and AI–driven career & business transformation initiative to empower women and individuals from underrepresented communities by making Big Tech–grade expertise accessible to all. When Tobe left her high-powered role at Google as a Growth Data Scientist, she didn’t just leave behind a successful career at one of the world’s leading tech companies, she left with a mission. A mission to democratize AI and data skills, to transform businesses, and to help underrepresented groups access the kinds of opportunities that are often reserved for the few. Today, as the Founder and CEO of Data Techcon, Tobe…

Friendly Together is revolutionizing connection by offering curated in-person experiences to combat loneliness in modern urban life. Loneliness is a silent epidemic that’s grown especially acute in cities where connection is often overlooked in the rush of daily life. Despite living in bustling environments, many adults feel isolated and disconnected, yearning for deeper, more meaningful relationships. Friendly Together, a platform created in New York City, is stepping in to solve this problem, offering a solution that brings people together not through screens, but through shared real-life experiences. A Personal Mission Driven by Research and Experience The heart of Friendly Together…

Oroa.ai transforms the way children engage with technology, turning learning into an interactive adventure that nurtures curiosity and creativity. Imagine a child walking through the park, eyes wide open, noticing the way the sunlight filters through the trees, the patterns on the ground, or the fluttering of a butterfly’s wings. Now, imagine if every moment like this could spark their learning journey, turning ordinary encounters into exciting educational experiences. Oroa.ai has created a world where learning is inspired by the natural curiosity of children, where each discovery is its own adventure, powered by smart technology. No more passive screen time,…

Shadan Kapri is a trailblazing attorney, inspiring global change through her advocacy for social and environmental justice. In a world where the price tag rarely tells the whole story, Shadan Kapri has made it her mission to reveal what—and who—gets left out. A human rights attorney, bestselling author, and founder of Kapri Law & Consulting, Kapri has emerged as one of the most compelling voices in the fight against modern exploitation. Her work sits at the intersection of law, activism, and everyday life, reminding us that the choices we make as consumers ripple far beyond our shopping carts. Kapri’s rise…

In the heart of St. Augustine, Shanti Kava offers a peaceful, alcohol-free environment where guests unwind with traditional kava and botanical beverages. St. Augustine, Florida, is known for its rich history, scenic beauty, and charming atmosphere. But in the midst of its bustling nightlife and lively social scene, one establishment is quietly redefining the concept of socializing,  Shanti Kava. Founded by Denise Cooke, a Naturopath and transformation coach, Shanti Kava is a sanctuary of serenity, offering an alcohol-free alternative to traditional nightlife through kava, botanical teas, coffee, and nourishing bites. At the core of Shanti Kava is a mission rooted…

Strip Jerky, a women-founded, chef-driven brand, is transforming the beef jerky category with quality ingredients and inclusive design. In the heart of culinary school, a young chef named Nicole faced an unexpected challenge: how to create a jerky that stood out in a market dominated by mass-produced, overly processed snacks. It wasn’t just about flavor. It was about breaking an outdated mold. Strip Jerky, Nicole’s brainchild, was born from this journey, a product that defies expectations and redefines what beef jerky can be. From the very beginning, Nicole knew that the beef jerky industry was ripe for disruption. In a…

In the American wellness industry, the promises often sound the same: quick results, rigid diets, and strict timelines. Wellness brands and influencers regularly claim to have the “magic formula” for losing weight or transforming your body in record time. These promises come with the implication that achieving these goals will lead to lasting happiness, fulfillment, and well-being. But for Nurdan Balakci, an international nutrition coach based in Miami, this approach misses the point entirely. Instead of focusing on weight loss, Balakci shifts the conversation entirely. What she offers is a change in mindset, a deeper understanding of health and well-being…

The Blaubeck Magnetic Phone Mount has revolutionized my gym setup, offering hands-free convenience without the bulk of a tripod. The gym is a place where focus and efficiency are key. For many fitness enthusiasts and content creators, getting the perfect angle to film workouts or track progress often requires cumbersome equipment. I’ve spent countless hours setting up tripods, adjusting floor stands, and wrestling with clamps, all while trying to fit in a solid workout. But in 2026, I made a simple but transformative change: I replaced my tripod with the Blaubeck Magnetic Gym Phone Mount. It’s not just another phone…

U.S. stock markets closed out the week on Friday, December 19, 2025, with strong gains across all major indexes, as investors appeared increasingly confident in the resilience of the economy and the growing likelihood of interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve in the coming year. The rally was fueled by a powerful rebound in technology stocks, particularly those linked to artificial intelligence, as well as signs of easing inflation pressures. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, the S&P 500, and the Nasdaq Composite all ended the day higher. The S&P 500 climbed nearly 0.9 percent, coming within striking distance of…

Talent Manager Emily Stencel specializes in helping creators amplify their passion and develop lasting star power. In a digital world where social media is the new television, the demand for creators who can build powerful personal brands has never been greater. Behind every viral video or trending moment, there’s a deep well of creativity, vulnerability, and risk. This is the world Emily Stencel knows intimately. As the founder of emilystencel, she has transitioned from building brands and developing products to shaping the careers of creators. For Emily, this isn’t just a job—it’s a passion. “I’ve always believed that it’s never…