Listen to a panel of prominent female entrepreneurs as they share their startup, growth, success and challenge stories. The program will be facilitated by Gloria Ware, Principal, Inclusion, JumpStart Inc.

Facilitator

Gloria Ware, Principal, Inclusion, JumpStart, Inc.
Gloria leads the development and implementation of JumpStart’s inclusive entrepreneurship strategy. JumpStart’s mission is to help diverse and ambitious entrepreneurs reach their potential to economically transform entire communities. She develops high impact strategic relationships and partnerships that will leverage the collective human capital of a region and develop the next generation of high potential entrepreneurs and job creators. Gloria brings a wealth of experience in finance and business development and a passion for community transformation to JumpStart. She has a 25-year track record of success in the finance industry, providing capital, business development and strategic management advice to a diverse portfolio of start-ups, small businesses, public entities, non-profit organizations, private schools and universities. Her national speaking engagements include, CEO for Cities, SSTI Conference, Tech Inclusion and the HBCU Innovation and Entrepreneurship Summit. Look for her quarterly articles in Smart Business News Magazine, to learn more about how small businesses can leverage diversity and inclusion to win in the marketplace.

Panelists

Laura Bennett, CEO and Co-Founder, Embrace Pet Insurance
Laura holds an honors mathematics degree from the University of Western Ontario and is an actuary (FSA). She received her MBA, with a concentration in Strategic and Entrepreneurship Management, from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. After graduating with her MBA and co-founding Embrace, Laura became the first pet insurance actuary in the United States, and was recognized by the Society of Actuaries as one of 100 actuarial pioneers for her innovative and integrative actuarial approach to a complex and undervalued product. In her four years as President of the North American Pet Health Insurance Association, Laura grew the organization to speak for the entire pet insurance industry in North America.

Renee DeLuca Dolan, President/Publisher, Contempo Communications
Renée DeLuca Dolan is the president of Contempo Communications, which was formed by a merger of Contemporary Design Group, Inc. and CBC Publishing, LLC., in 2010. Renée founded Contemporary Design Group, Inc. in 1996 after working for American Greetings Corporation and North Coast Cable as a visual design consultant and video graphic designer. Contempo Communications now in it’s 21st year works with clients across Northeast Ohio that are looking to rebrand, create unique custom publishing pieces, implement a digital advertising campaign or refresh or create an environment with branded graphics. Clients include: Cleveland Indians, Austin Company, Pease & Associates, CyridMedia and Infinity Construction. Renee also created Cleveland Business Connects with caterers to female entrepreneurs and corporate event professionals in Cleveland, Ohio. The printed magazine was started in 2006 and is now an online magazine, visit cbcmagazine.com for more info and to view Contempo’s creative work: visit gocontempogo.com for more information, or contact: [email protected]

Tonya Kinlow, President, UGottaEat
Tonya Kinlow is the founder of UGottaEat which is a social networking app for sharing, selling and requesting homemade meals on-demand. We bring together friends and family to share food, and provide convenient access to local chefs and home cooked meals. Tonya is a Finance Executive with over 26 years of Corporate experience in Fortune 100 Companies including Daimler Chrysler, Yum! Brands, KFC and most recently the General Electric Company. She is a food enthusiast and promotes compassion in sharing.

Monique Winston, CEO, OPTIMA Lender Services
Monique Winston is the CEO of OPTIMA Lender Services in Cleveland, Ohio. OPTIMA is a nationwide real estate service provider. OPTIMA offers full Title and Settlement Services on residential and commercial properties. OPTIMA is one of few minority-owned national title companies in the nation. In her role as CEO, Monique is responsible for implementing overall strategy. She has worked in the title industry for over 20 years. Winston is a graduate of Duquesne University and Duquesne University School of Law. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the National Association for Professional Mortgage Women. Monique is a member of the Board of Directors for the Cleveland Realtist Association, The Urban League of Greater Cleveland, Big Brothers Big Sisters and New Village Corporation. Monique has received numerous awards and recognition. In 2012 she received an invitation from the White House Business Council and Business Forward to participate in their business leader’s discussions.