Community & Guest List
Melissa Gruhin is the Founder of Two Halves, a custom-tailored strategic marketing agency for both brands and freelancers. Melissa has a decade of experience in branded, scripted, stand-up entertainment and digital media marketing. Her past roles have been at Buzzfeed, FOX, and Netflix, among others. After almost three years as a Brand + Content Strategy Consultant, Melissa experienced firsthand just how difficult it can be on your own in the world of freelancing and sought out every community and collective she could to support her on her journey to success as a solopreneur. Honing her skills in strategic storytelling and combining her mission of creating space where both clients and freelancers feel seen, heard, and most importantly, supported, Two Halves was born.
Michael is a lawyer at Wakefield Law, PLLC, a family-owned law firm located in Leesburg, Virginia. Michael specializes in estate planning law and contract law including collection of debts. He lives in Purcellville, Virginia with his wife, Paige and daughter, Eloise.
Sara is a go-getter with a background in Art Education. After founding Photos from the Harty, Sara realized something was missing. Hoping to create a community of supportive and like-minded creatives and entrepreneurs, she launched District Bliss. Sara continues to be amazed at how many wonderful, talented people have joined the District Bliss chapters across the USA!
Rob Pitingolo founded Trip Hacks DC to share his best tips and travel hacks with Washington, DC visitors. He hosts the Trip Hacks DC podcast and YouTube channel and is a tour guide who loves to show travelers around the nation’s capital once they arrive. Trip Hacks DC tours has hosted over a thousand guests since it launched.
Kate is CEO of Women 2.0, a global brand that focuses on gender and diversity in the tech industry through programs, products and media.
Brittany Diego is a fashion stylist based in Los Angeles with extensive experience working with a diverse range of A-list celebrities and companies including JustFab, MTV, Fox Studios, The CW and more.
However, it wasn’t until she established herself as a stylist, that she saw an opportunity to serve millennials in need of career development and professional guidance.
By applying the same strategies Brittany used to get hired at top fashion companies, Fashion Mentor provides aspiring stylists and designers with the tools, resources, and knowledge to lead successful careers in the fashion industry.
However, it wasn’t until she established herself as a stylist, that she saw an opportunity to serve millennials in need of career development and professional guidance.
By applying the same strategies Brittany used to get hired at top fashion companies, Fashion Mentor provides aspiring stylists and designers with the tools, resources, and knowledge to lead successful careers in the fashion industry.
Dmitriy Fomichenko is the founder and president of Sense Financial Services LLC, a boutique financial firm specializing in self-directed retirement accounts with checkbook control. He began his career in financial planning and real estate investing in 2000. He owns multiple investment properties in various states and is a licensed California Real Estate Broker. Over the years, he has taught hundreds of investment and financial planning seminars and has mentored thousands of investors.
Nude Envie was born."
Sam Starns is a TEDx speaker, elopement expert and movement leader in adventure elopement photography. With nearly a decade of wedding experience, Sam has traveled to numerous states and countries for elopements to jumpstart the transformation for real change to encourage anyone to become their authentic self. Sam Starns’ debut book, Elope Your Life is set to release in November 2020.
Connie is a successful CEO & Business Owner, Global Speaker, Award-Winning Author, and a Highly Recommended Educator on a mission to help you create and live your best life. Her experience with her own company, At Your Service Events Planner LLC, versatile professional experience, and educational background have prepared her for the next step in her professional journey. She would love to have you along for the ride!
