susan g komen know about

Renée Baker, DBA, RCC™, is a seasoned entrepreneur, speaker, professor, and advocate for economic empowerment, boasting nearly three decades of experience in the financial services sector. As the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of The RBI Group, she leads an agency that intersects marketing and finance, with a primary focus on fostering economic empowerment. Renée also imparts her knowledge as an adjunct professor at the University of South Florida, where she teaches advertising management and digital media strategies.

In addition to her professional endeavors, Renée actively contributes to her community by serving on various boards, including the Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Rutgers University, an MBA with a focus on Marketing and Strategy from Penn State University, and a Doctorate in Business Administration with a specialization in marketing from Wilmington University. Renée has furthered her expertise through participation in the Securities Industry Institute hosted by SIFMA and Wharton. She holds multiple securities licenses and is a registered corporate coach through the Worldwide Association of Business Coaches.

Renée’s contributions have garnered recognition and accolades, including the 2023 AAAA Fifty Under 50 Top Distinguished Professionals Award, acknowledgment by Financial Planning Magazine as one of the “20 People Who Will Change Wealth Management in 2020,” the 2021 Smeal Alumni Award for Diversity Leadership from Penn State, and the 2022 Businesswoman of the Year honor from The Tampa Bay Business Journal. Her achievements underscore her commitment to excellence and her impact on the fields of finance, education, and advocacy for economic empowerment.

It seems like you’ve provided a detailed background on Traci Otey Blunt and her professional experience. Traci Otey Blunt is highlighted as the Founder & Principal of Blunt Group Strategies, showcasing her expertise in communications, public affairs, crisis management, and political strategy. Her impressive career spans over 25 years, during which she has been involved in various sectors, including professional sports, entertainment, corporate and political image, public relations, and advocacy campaigns.

Traci’s notable roles include serving as the Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications at the National Football League (NFL) for nearly three years. Before her time at the NFL, she spent a decade working alongside Robert L.  In that capacity, she held the position of Executive Vice President of Corporate Communications & Public Affairs.

Her contributions at The RLJ Companies included being named President of Urban Movie Channel, which is recognized as the first subscription streaming channel dedicated to showcasing Black film and television. Additionally, she held the role of Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs at RLJ Entertainment.

Throughout her career, Traci Otey Blunt has demonstrated a commitment to influencing public policy, developing and implementing effective messaging strategies, and advocating for social justice and racial equity. Her ability to lead conversations and bring about transformative change for her clients is emphasized in her role as a communications strategist, crisis manager, political operative, and presidential adviser.

Michelle Bottomley has an impressive background and a diverse range of experiences in the business world. Currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of the Modern Growth Exchange, a tech-enabled growth acceleration business, she is involved in steering the company’s growth strategies.

Before her role at Modern Growth Exchange, Michelle held significant positions as Chief Marketing Officer for several prominent companies, including New York Life, Staples, Mercer, and Barclaycard. Her leadership roles in marketing span across various industries, showcasing her versatility and expertise in driving growth and brand strategies.

Michelle’s career began on the agency side, where she took on client and agency leadership roles at agencies such as Bronner Slosberg Humphrey (now Digitas), Epsilon, and Ogilvy. This agency experience likely provided her with a solid foundation in marketing and communications.

In addition to her professional achievements, Michelle Bottomley is recognized as a Fellow with the National Association of Corporate Directors, emphasizing her commitment to corporate governance and leadership. She has also served on the boards of Bose Corp and currently serves on the board of directors for the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) and Prophet, a business transformation consultancy.

Michelle’s educational background includes coursework toward a Ph.D. in Economics from Boston University, where she achieved the status of ABD (All But Dissertation). She initially completed a B.S. in Biology and a B.A. in Economics from Northeastern University, showcasing her academic prowess across multiple disciplines.

Overall, Michelle Bottomley’s career trajectory reflects a blend of strategic leadership, marketing expertise, and a commitment to advancing business growth and transformation.

Boris Dolgonos is a partner at the global law firm Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, specializing in capital markets transactions. His practice extends to advising both U.S. and non-U.S. companies on various aspects, including corporate governance, securities laws, stock exchange rules and regulations, and public reporting. With a focus on capital markets, Boris likely plays a key role in facilitating financial transactions for his clients.

In addition to his legal work, Boris is actively involved in several organizations and initiatives. He is a member of the Advisory Committee of the CONNEX Support Unit, an organization conceptualized by the G7 Nations and launched by the German Government. CONNEX supports resource-rich developing countries in negotiating complex commercial contracts, particularly in the extractive industries. Boris’s involvement in this committee suggests his commitment to global economic development and fair negotiations.

Furthermore, Boris serves on the Board of Directors of Silkroad, a musical organization that aims to promote multicultural collaboration and bridge differences through music. His participation in Silkroad reflects an interest in cultural exchange and fostering understanding through the arts.

Boris has also demonstrated a commitment to public service through his role as the Co-chair of the Board of Directors of the International Senior Lawyers Project. This nonprofit organization provides legal advice to emerging governments and civil societies, focusing on areas such as economic development, natural resource governance, and community-inclusive development.

Educationally, Boris Dolgonos is a graduate of Harvard College and Virginia Law School. His academic background, combined with his legal expertise and involvement in various organizations, suggests a well-rounded and dedicated professional with a commitment to both the legal profession and broader societal issues.

Julie Gruber holds the position of Chief Legal & Compliance Officer, Corporate Secretary at Gap, Inc. In her role, she oversees various critical functions, including Legal, Compliance, Employee Relations (ER), Asset Protection, and Global Security for the company. As Corporate Secretary, she serves as a trusted advisor to the board and collaborates closely with the Chairman of the Board and the CEO. Julie’s responsibilities encompass protecting the people, property, reputation, and information of Gap Inc.’s employees, customers, and communities.

With a legal and compliance focus, Julie Gruber plays a pivotal role in ensuring that Gap Inc. operates within the legal and ethical boundaries of the business landscape. Her involvement in areas like ER, Asset Protection, and Global Security underscores the comprehensive nature of her responsibilities in safeguarding the company’s interests.

In terms of her education, Julie is a graduate of the University of California’s Hastings College of Law. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Yale University, reflecting a solid foundation in both legal and liberal arts education.

Beyond her professional duties, Julie Gruber actively engages in philanthropy and community service. She serves on the Executive Board of LifeMoves, an organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of homelessness. This involvement showcases her commitment to making a positive impact on social issues beyond her corporate responsibilities.

In summary, Julie Gruber’s role at Gap, Inc. demonstrates her leadership in legal and compliance matters, and her commitment to community service through her involvement with LifeMoves reflects a broader dedication to social responsibility.

Julia Harris holds the position of President at Ronin Holdings, where her responsibilities encompass investments, operations, real estate, and philanthropy. Her diverse professional background includes roles in brand management, investor relations, and various aspects of operations, marketing, and investor communication.

Prior to her current role at Ronin Holdings, Julia served as a Brand Manager at Lion Capital, a consumer-focused investor. In this capacity, she likely played a crucial role in managing and developing the brand portfolios within the firm’s investment portfolio. Before Lion Capital, she worked at Beach Point Capital, focusing on investor relations, indicating her expertise in fostering strong relationships with investors.

Julia began her career at Reservoir Capital, where she concentrated on operations, marketing, and investor communication. This early experience likely provided her with a well-rounded foundation in the key aspects of business operations and communication.

In addition to her professional endeavors, Julia Harris actively engages in philanthropy and serves as a member of the board of directors of Susan G. Komen, a prominent non-profit organization dedicated to breast cancer research and awareness. This reflects her commitment to giving back to the community and supporting meaningful causes.

Julia earned her BA in Journalism from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, highlighting her background in communication and storytelling. She further pursued her education by obtaining an MBA from New York University’s Stern School of Business, showcasing her dedication to continuous learning and professional development. Overall, Julia’s career trajectory demonstrates a combination of business acumen, strategic leadership, and a commitment to philanthropy.

Gail Heimann is the President and CEO of Weber Shandwick, a prominent global communications network that specializes in providing next-generation solutions. In her role, Gail has played a key role in overseeing the development of the firm’s evolved service delivery model, emphasizing deep integration to effectively address clients’ needs. She has been instrumental in driving innovation and activation throughout the organization.

Gail’s expertise extends to building brands and enhancing reputations across various industries, including technology, finance, food & beverage, and healthcare. Under her leadership, Weber Shandwick has achieved significant recognition, winning nearly 100 Cannes Lions in collaboration with leading brands.

Gail Heimann’s contributions to the communications industry have been acknowledged through her involvement in prestigious events and awards. She has served on three juries at the Cannes Lions International Festival-of-Creativity, including being the President of the PR jury in 2012. Gail also participated as a member of the inaugural Glass Lions jury in 2014, focusing on work that challenges gender bias and stereotypes, and as a member of the Titanium jury in 2018.

In 2020, Gail was recognized with the title of PR Agency Head in Campaign’s inaugural U.S. Agency-of-the-Year awards, highlighting her leadership in the field. In 2019, she received dual honors from PRWeek as the US Agency Professional of the Year and Global Agency Professional-of-the-Year.

Outside of her professional achievements, Gail Heimann is a mother of two daughters and resides in New York with her husband. Her leadership, industry recognition, and commitment to innovation have positioned her as a significant figure in the global communications landscape.

Christina Minnis is a notable figure in the finance industry and currently holds the position of Global Head of Credit Finance and Global Head of Acquisition Finance at Goldman Sachs. With a career spanning several decades, she has established herself as a leader with a focus on leveraged finance deals.

Christina began her journey with Goldman Sachs in 1998 when she joined as a Vice President in Investment Banking Division (IBD). Her initial focus was on leveraged finance deals, showcasing her expertise in navigating complex financial transactions. Over the years, she rose through the ranks, being named Managing Director in 2004 and Partner in 2008, highlighting her significant contributions to the firm’s success.

Before her tenure at Goldman Sachs, Christina Minnis worked at BT Alex Brown, where her final position was Managing Director in Corporate Finance. Her experience prior to joining Goldman Sachs likely contributed to her well-rounded understanding of corporate finance and strategic transactions.

Christina is actively involved in various leadership roles beyond her professional responsibilities. She is a member of the Yale Development Council, reflecting her commitment to supporting Yale University. Additionally, she serves on the Yale School of Management Advisory Board, contributing her insights to the academic and strategic direction of the school.

Christina Minnis holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Economics from Yale University, emphasizing her academic foundation in economics. She furthered her education by earning a Master of Management (MM) from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

Her extensive experience, leadership roles, and involvement in academic advisory boards highlight Christina Minnis’s contributions to the finance industry and her commitment to education and institutional development.

Luke Sauter is the Vice President and Chief of Staff to the CEO at Walgreens, headquartered in Deerfield, IL. In this role, he serves as a key executive assisting the CEO in managing various aspects of the company’s operations. Prior to his current position, Luke held several significant roles within Walgreens, showcasing his diverse expertise.

Previously, Luke Sauter served as the Vice President of Specialty Pharmacy Strategy at Walgreens. In this capacity, he played a crucial role in developing the enterprise specialty pharmacy strategy. His responsibilities included overseeing patient care, advocacy, and product functions for various therapeutic areas, such as oncology, HIV, organ transplant, chronic inflammatory disease, multiple sclerosis, hepatitis, and fertility.

Before his role in specialty pharmacy strategy, Luke served as the Chief Administrative Lead for Walgreens’ digital pharmacy transformation. In this position, he was responsible for overseeing professional support functions, including finance, project management, legal, human resources, communications, board of director reporting, and technology vendor negotiations. This role highlights his involvement in the digital transformation efforts of Walgreens’ pharmacy operations.

Luke Sauter has a strong background in finance, having held various roles with increasing responsibility within Walgreens. He previously served as a finance officer overseeing Walgreens’ pharmacy and retail health businesses, showcasing his financial leadership within the company.

Luke received a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in accounting from the University of Illinois, and he is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). His active membership in professional organizations, such as the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, reflects his commitment to professional development and industry engagement.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Luke is an active member of the Nansemond Indian Tribal Association, indicating his involvement in cultural and community organizations.

Valerie Rainey serves as the President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of ICMS, where she is responsible for the strategic growth of the business, overseeing finance, accounting, and business operations. With over 25 years of experience in business and financial leadership, Valerie has a strong background in working with both publicly traded and private equity-backed companies. Her expertise lies in developing and executing growth strategies, international expansion, and leading global teams.

Before her current role at iCIMS, Valerie Rainey was the CFO of Upserve, a market-leading cloud restaurant POS system, owned by Vista. She also served as CFO at CMA CGM America, one of the world’s largest shipping companies, and at INTTRA, Inc., a leading Software as a Service (SaaS) company facilitating global trade. Her experience encompasses a range of industries, showcasing her versatility as a financial leader.

Prior to her roles at Upserve, CMA CGM America, and INTTRA, Valerie held the position of CFO of IMEX at Pitney Bowes. Before joining Pitney Bowes, she worked at the AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants), where she held roles as Vice President of Operations and Vice President of Marketing, Customer Services, and Strategic Alliances.

Since 2022, Valerie Rainey has been serving as a Board Member of Envoy Global, a global immigration services provider catering to a diverse clientele, from high-growth tech companies to Fortune 50 corporations.

Valerie has received notable recognition for her achievements. In 2021, she was acknowledged as a leader in finance by NJBIZ, and in 2019, she was honored with the Silver Stevie Award for Female Executive of the Year.

Valerie Rainey holds a B.S. in Psychology and an M.B.A. from Fordham University, showcasing her educational background in both the sciences and business. Her diverse experiences and leadership roles underscore her significant contributions to the finance and technology sectors.

BJ Schaknowski is the CEO of symplr, a prominent healthcare operations software and services company. With over 20 years of experience in leadership roles within the software industry, BJ has demonstrated expertise in various operating functions. Prior to his role at symplr, he served as the Chief Sales & Marketing Officer at Vertafore, a leading provider of insurance technology.

Throughout his career, BJ Schaknowski has held senior and global leadership positions at well-known companies, showcasing his versatility and leadership capabilities. His professional journey includes roles at LexisNexis, CA Technologies, Intuit, and Sage Software.

BJ is recognized for his dedication to creating balanced value and outcomes for employees, customers, and shareholders. As the CEO of symplr, he likely plays a crucial role in steering the company’s strategic direction and fostering growth in the healthcare technology sector.

In addition to his professional achievements, BJ Schaknowski has a diverse educational background. He earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Communications from the State University of New York at Geneseo and went on to complete his Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the University of Georgia – Terry College of Business.

Beyond his professional and educational pursuits, BJ has a military background, having served in the United States Marine Corps infantry as an enlisted reservist for 8 years. This experience likely contributed to his discipline, leadership skills, and commitment to service.

BJ resides in Denver with his wife, Heather, and two children, highlighting his dedication to both his professional and personal life. His multifaceted background in technology, leadership, and military service reflects a well-rounded and accomplished professional.

Robyn Shepherd is the Co-Head of Asia Pacific at Bridgewater Associates, a leading global investment management firm. In her role, she is responsible for developing and managing the commercial strategy across the Asia Pacific region, with a focus on new business development. Robyn has been a Partner at Bridgewater since joining the firm in 2004 and has spent nearly two decades in various executive, commercial, and investment roles within the organization.

Robyn’s career at Bridgewater began as a Senior Investment Associate in the Account Management group. She later transitioned to key roles within the Client Service and Marketing team, serving as an Associate Client Advisor covering international clients and business development. Over time, she took on leadership roles such as Head of Client Service Analytics and Chief of Staff to CEO David McCormick, where she partnered with him on strategic initiatives, business oversight, founder transition, corporate governance, and management of the Client Service and Marketing department.

As a founding member of Bridgewater’s Diversity and Inclusion Council, Robyn has been actively involved in promoting diversity within the organization. She is also the Co-Founder and Executive Sponsor of Bridgewater’s Women’s Influence Network (WIN). Her dedication to diversity and inclusion has earned her recognition, including being named one of the “50 Leading Women in Hedge Funds” by The Hedge Fund Journal in 2020.

In 2021, Seramount, in partnership with Working Mother and the National Association for Female Executives, honored Robyn Shepherd as the “Women of Excellence: Trailblazer.” Her commitment to professional excellence and contributions to the finance industry have garnered notable recognition.

Beyond her professional commitments, Robyn serves on the boards of Susan G. Komen, a leading non-profit funding breast cancer research, and Oakland Catholic High School, an all-women’s college preparatory school in Pittsburgh, PA.

Robyn earned her Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Brown University, showcasing her educational background in economics. Her multifaceted roles, leadership, and dedication to social causes contribute to her significant impact in the financial and non-profit sectors.

Sean Slovenski is a prominent figure in the healthcare industry, widely recognized as an innovator. Over the course of his career, he has made significant contributions across various sectors of healthcare, demonstrating his leadership and impact.

Sean’s experience includes serving as the CEO of a joint venture between Intel and GE, where he likely played a key role in driving innovation within the healthcare space. He has also held leadership positions at Humana, a major health insurance company, where his focus on innovation likely contributed to the company’s strategic advancements.

Apart from his corporate roles, Sean Slovenski is an entrepreneur who founded and successfully sold his own company in the behavioral health sector. This entrepreneurial venture showcases his ability to identify opportunities and create successful businesses.

Notably, Sean served as the President of Health & Wellness for Walmart, one of the world’s largest retailers. In this role, he likely played a crucial part in shaping Walmart’s approach to healthcare and wellness, impacting the lives of millions of consumers.

Sean’s achievements have earned him recognition, including being named Healthcare Leader of The Year by the US Chamber of Commerce in 2015. In 2019, Modern Healthcare Magazine ranked him as the 7th most influential person in healthcare out of the top 100, underscoring his impact and leadership in the industry.

Sean Slovenski resides in Cincinnati, Ohio, with his wife, who is a breast cancer survivor, and his daughter. This personal connection to healthcare challenges likely contributes to his passion for making a positive impact in the industry. Overall, Sean’s career highlights his commitment to innovation and positive change in healthcare.

Nancy G. Brinker, Founder

Nancy G. Brinker is indeed a pioneering figure in the global breast cancer movement. Her commitment to addressing and raising awareness about breast cancer began with a heartfelt promise to her sister, Susan G. Komen, who was battling the disease. Susan’s final wish was for Nancy to do everything in her power to end the shame, pain, fear, and hopelessness associated with breast cancer.

In response to her sister’s plea, Nancy founded the Susan G. Komen organization, which has since become a prominent force in the fight against breast cancer. The organization has played a crucial role in changing the landscape of breast cancer awareness, research, and support.

Under Nancy Brinker’s leadership, the Susan G. Komen organization has contributed significantly to raising awareness about breast cancer, promoting early detection, and supporting research for a cure. The organization’s initiatives have had a profound impact on the lives of individuals affected by breast cancer and have contributed to advancements in breast cancer research and treatment.

Nancy’s dedication to fulfilling her promise and honoring her sister’s memory has led to transformative changes in the way society perceives and addresses breast cancer. The Susan G. Komen organization has become a symbol of hope, empowerment, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by breast cancer globally.

Nancy G. Brinker’s leadership and commitment to the cause have left an enduring legacy, and her work continues to inspire others to join the fight against breast cancer. Through her efforts, she has contributed significantly to the progress made in understanding, treating, and ultimately finding a cure for breast cancer.