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Speakers
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Lauren Lograsso l Keynote
Lauren LoGrasso is a multi-passionate creative who has carved out a major name for herself in media and entertainment. Named by Podcast Magazine as one of the twenty- two unsung heroes of podcasting, by CEO Weekly as one of the top 10 inspiring women to follow, and a Webby Award Honoree, she is best known for her extensive work as a podcast host, executive producer, singer/songwriter, SAG-AFTRA actor, and public speaker.
Lauren has helped create and produce hit shows as a podcast host and EP, including We Can Do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle (Gracie Award Winning, premiered at #1 & named a top new podcast of 2021 by Apple and Amazon), Brené Brown's Unlocking Us (Premiered at #1 and named top new podcast of 2020 by Apple), Big Little Feelings (Premiered at #1), and many more.
These shows premiered on Apple's top charts and regularly charted in multiple countries. Her show, Unleash Your Inner Creative, which she executive produces and hosts under her company Lauren LoGrasso Productions LLC, recently won a Signal Award, four communicator awards (best host and best show), a Hermes Platinum Award (best podcast), and a W3 Award (best host). The show has also been nominated for multiple People's Choice Podcast Awards and frequently charts in the top 200 in multiple countries. Lauren and the show have been featured in many publications, including Podcast Magazine, Business Insider, Maria Shriver's Sunday Paper, In Touch Weekly, VoyageLA, NBC LX, The JAM Chicago, and Cheddar TV.
Lauren also has experience as a host and producer at AfterBuzz TV, Executive Producing and co-hosting Maria Menounos' radio show at SiriusXM, and guest-co-hosting on The Mitch Albom Show. As a singer/songwriter, she's worked with Grammy-Award-winning producer Jeff Bova, and her music has been placed in award-winning short and feature films. An in-demand keynote speaker, Lauren has presented at various events, including the Girlboss Rally, The Pretty Thing Tour, Michigan State University, and The Publisher's Publicity Association. She also facilitates workshops and is a creativity coach, helping individuals and organizations to spark their inner creative. She graduated from Michigan State University with a BFA in Acting and a BA in Communication with an emphasis in media.
Lauren also has experience as a host and producer at AfterBuzz TV, Executive Producing and co-hosting Maria Menounos' radio show at SiriusXM, and guest-co-hosting on The Mitch Albom Show. As a singer/songwriter, she's worked with Grammy-Award-winning producer Jeff Bova, and her music has been placed in award-winning short and feature films. An in-demand keynote speaker, Lauren has presented at various events, including the Girlboss Rally, The Pretty Thing Tour, Michigan State University, and The Publisher's Publicity Association. She also facilitates workshops and is a creativity coach, helping individuals and organizations to spark their inner creative. She graduated from Michigan State University with a BFA in Acting and a BA in Communication with an emphasis in media.
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Brandon Smith l Menafactor
Brandon Smith is an award-winning public speaker, entrepreneur, and author. He hosts "The Missoula Podcast" and co-authored with his wife the best-selling children's book "Happy as a Hippo." In 2024, Brandon was selected to speak at TEDx on “The Power of Presence,” highlighting the idea that the secret to happiness is simply being present. He is a sought-after speaker, known for his ability to motivate and inspire audiences to think differently and reach their full potential.
With 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, Brandon currently serves as the EVP of Marketing & Communications for Glidewell, a Montana-based insurance and investment firm.
In 2019, Brandon's innovative approach to business led to his receipt of the inaugural Liberty Mutual Agent for The Future Award. This prestigious award celebrates the most innovative, forward-thinking, and digitally savvy agents and agencies. In addition, Brandon's outstanding contributions to entrepreneurship recently earned him the prestigious Presidential Ambassador of Global Entrepreneurship award, presented by Shark Tank’s Daymond John and former President Obama.
He attended Southwestern University on a basketball scholarship. He is a die-hard Red Sox fan, loves coffee, Wi-Fi, down comforters, and was once a line leader in second grade. Brandon resides in Missoula, Montana with his wife Joy and their three children Avery, Boston, and Harper.
Follow Brandon on Twitter/Instagram: @brandon5mith
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Elisha Cavanaugh l WIISE Warrior
Elisha Cavanaugh is the owner of Sound Pacific Insurance, an independent agency in Tacoma, Washington, specializing in personal lines. With over two decades in the industry, Elisha started as a teen answering phones and eventually launched her own agency in 2012. In 2024, Sound Pacific Insurance was honored as the Rough Notes Cover Agency of the Year—a reflection of Elisha’s commitment to doing business the right way and building lasting client relationships. She’s an active voice in the industry, serving on multiple carrier councils and mentoring other women in insurance. Elisha leads with grit, heart, and humor, balancing her professional drive with a deep commitment to her family and community.
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Dawnyel Smink
As a cofounder of WIISE (Women In Insurance Sharing Empowerment), Dawnyel is enthusiastic about fostering a culture that challenges both the subtle and overt ways our interactions can unintentionally reinforce bias.
Her work centers on identifying these ingrained patterns and guiding others to recognize, reflect, and take meaningful action toward building a more inclusive and equitable environment for all.
She is deeply committed to raising awareness around:
- How we speak to and about one another
- How unconscious bias influences our language and behavior
- The importance of respectful, intentional communication
- The power of lifting one another up across all communities
Through her voice and leadership, Dawnyel sparks more mindful, inclusive conversations, building a stronger, more connected community by empowering people to rise together.
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