Michelle Ison is a Northern Virginian native with an M.S. in Communications from the Newhouse School at Syracuse University. She recently left her career as a television producer and host to help people celebrate special moments with Picnic & Peonies, a luxury picnic and micro-event company in D.C. & NYC. Michelle is an expert in all things style, design, and attention to detail, which is apparent in every event she hosts.
Michael Yinger has been in the talent acquisition space for almost 20 years, most recently as the Global Lead of Growth, Strategy and Product Management for PeopleScout. His previous experience in the space includes Aon RPO as Global Delivery Leader, Randstad Sourceright as VP of Implementation and Technology, and as an independent consultant specializing in process and implementation for multiple clients. A well tenured business executive, Mr. Yinger brings expertise in technology, business design, and strategy to The Sieve, as well as a passion to enhance the experience of all the participants in the recruitment process. He and his family live in Charlotte, NC, where they take time to enjoy the outdoors and regional entertainment, taking advantage of the mild climate.
Monique Blokzyl is the founder of HeartPowered Business, helping speakers and expert entrepreneurs worldwide to build scalable businesses, so they stop just selling their time, earn a 6+ figure income, and make a much bigger impact. Monique herself is an awarded international speaker, business mentor, podcaster and published author. Bringing her passion for business together with her love for speaking, she helps you turn your message into your golden key to success. Her business mantra: Speak up. Scale up. Impact the World!
María is a 24 year old from Puerto Rico currently living in the DMV area. She always knew that social media was the key to helping small businesses thrive and grow but never got a chance to explore it. That’s why when she discovered Social Media Management she went after it and shortly after, launched SMS Media. She had a Bachelor's in Advertising and 2 years of experience as a Paid Ads Consultant. She is now the CEO & Founder of SMS Media, LLC, a social media management and coaching business for wedding vendors. She's passionate about helping wedding vendors save time, money, and stress & get booked out months in advance by enhancing their social media presence.
Mari Millard is currently the owner of Two Maids & A Mop a residential cleaning company servicing Northern Va., Montgomery County and DC. Before business ownership, Mari was involved with numerous start-up companies within the data and research space. Currently, she lives in Arlington, Va with her spouse, two children and two dogs.
Melissa Rodriguez is a Marketing and Advertising Specialist and the Founder of Social Media Relations out of Los Angeles, California. With over 10 years of experience, she specializes in branding, content production, social media marketing and public relations. Melissa holds BS degrees in Global Perspectives and Corporate Finance and Accounting from Bentley University. Melissa’s contributions to Social Media Relations have contributed to their 5-star rating across multiple platforms including Google, Yelp and Facebook. A visionary at heart, it is Melissa's mission to take your brand online and create relationships that matter.
where he led all modeling and valuation work for the firm’s M&A and fundraising assignments."
Michelle Nipko is the Chief Marketing Officer for the Austin Theatre Alliance (ATA), the organization the runs the Paramount and Stateside Theatres in Austin, Texas. She brings over 20 years of experience to this role leveraging her deep knowledge in the science of marketing analytics. In her previous roles she has served as a Senior Economist for American Express, a Product Manager for Financial Optimization Solutions for SAP, and a Vice President for Marketing Analytics at Bank of America. In addition to this varied industry experience, Michelle is also an entrepreneur at heart. Shortly after moving to Austin, she leveraged her expertise in social media and digital marketing optimization to form a company focused on lead generation in real estate. Most recently, she founded the podcast she hosts: ‘That One Big Decision’.
Marissa Eyon is in her 3rd year of being an entrepreneur as CEO of FASTSIGNS of Springfield. Her passion for people really helps her and her team provide impactful communication solutions. With Marissa's civilian Navy experience, she ensure her products are high quality and can easily meet any requirements or regulations your complex project might require. When Marissa isn't helping her team deliver awesome signs, she spends as many free moments with her husband of 20 years and three children.
and is a bestselling author herself. She speaks professionally about inspiring others through words and entrepreneurship and was named the “Voice of Generation Z” by Community Magazine."
