Michelle Petties is a TEDx speaker, Food Story coach, and author of the award-winning, Amazon best-selling memoir, Leaving Large – The Stories of a Food Addict. For years, Michelle was a top performer for the most influential brands in media, including Radio One and Disney/ABC. Finally, the stressful and competitive media advertising space took a toll on her mental and physical health. After gaining and losing over 700 pounds, she finally discovered the “secret” to quieting the battle between her mind, body, and hunger – her “story.” Michelle’s memoir, a category winner in The 2022 Memoir Prize for Books, explores the deep emotional and psychological connections to food and how these "food stories" shape our eating behaviors and weight management struggles. Michelle developed a Prescriptive Writing Process to make peace with her mind, body, and food. Her approach emphasizes that the battle with weight isn't just about food but about the stories and emotions behind why we eat. By understanding and rewriting these narratives, individuals can achieve lasting transformation. She conducts healing- through-reading-writing-and-storytelling workshops where she teaches others how to find their food and personal truths. She offers various services, including workshops, retreats, and speaking engagements to show others how to uncover their food stories and transform how they manage their relationship with themselves, gain mastery over food, and uplevel performance. She speaks to organizations, large and small, sharing her insights and stories of hope, healing, triumph, and transformation. Her latest ebook, Mind Over Meals: 7 Secrets to Rewire Your Brain for Healthy Eating and High Performance, reveals her core principles for losing weight and keeping it off for good.

Meet Felicia Shanken Hello, my name is Felicia Shanken CEO/Founder of the Philadelphia Women’s Network Connection, LLC and PWNC Foundation Inc 501(c)(3) We are not just a business; we are a community. Felicia Shanken is a highly accomplished Women’s Strategist and Success Builder who has made significant contributions to the world of business. Her impressive track record speaks for itself. Felicia has been recognized by numerous publications and organizations for her outstanding work. For instance, “Fun Times Magazine” featured her in its March/April 2020 edition as part of the “2020 Philadelphia Who’s Who Black Women of Influence.” Moreover, “International Brainz Magazine” recognized her as an influential leader and business owner for small businesses in December 2020. In May 2021, she was named one of the “Top 50 Most Influential Women in Business” by “VIP Global Magazine.” “USA Today Black History Month Special Edition Magazine” acknowledged her for being a black-owned business in February 2022. Additionally, in the same month, “Alignable” named her the Local Business Person of the Year for Lower North Philadelphia. She is also a Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women: Black in Business Graduated Alumni, May 2023. Lastly, her work was recognized in the Philadelphia Inquirer’s April 2023 write-up on Women-Owned Businesses in Philadelphia, and The Global Institute for Human Excellence June 2023, Write up “The Women Success Builder.” A recipient of the Premier Dream Chasers Award presented by Acereel Studio, LLC, January 2024. Named again by “Alignable” in March 2024 for Local Business Person of the Year for Gilbertsville. Featured in “Top 100 Magazine for Innovators and Entrepreneurs” , March 2025 and recently recipient of the, “Trailblazer Award”, presented by the National Association of Women Business Owner (NAWBO) March 2025 . Medical Professional, before becoming a solo entrepreneur full-time 7 1/2 years ago. Associate’s Degree in Nursing from Gwynedd Mercy University. Worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs in Philadelphia for 9 1/2 years before deciding to pursue Entrepreneurship full-time. Raised in Queens, New York, moved to Philadelphia over 30 years ago where I met my husband, Paul a native Philadelphian. Recently moved to Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. We are avid travelers and love being at the beach. We are also parents to a 14-year-old rescued pit-bull mix named Maximus. ​

Rev. Christine Vaughan Davies is a dynamic speaker, writer, educator and spiritual practioner. She serves as an engaging pastoral educator, sharing insights and wisdom on important topics such as spirituality, listening, emotional intelligence, chaplaincy, grief and loss, self-care, and resiliency. Christine’s speaking and facillitation skills benefit organizations seeking keynotes, workshops or retreats. Additionally, she offers individual spiritual direction and consultation sessions, where she provides deep listening and compassionate presence. Christine is an ordained Presbyterian Minister, a Certified Educator with the Association of Clinical Pastoral Education, a Seminary Professor and a trained Spiritual Director. She earned her Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary and a Master of Social Work degree from Rutgers University. With over two decades of experience as a hospital chaplain, pastoral educator, cognitive behavioral therapist and healthcare administrator, Christine brings a wealth of real-world knowledge to her work. She lives with her family on a small farm in New Jersey and spends her time chasing chickens and chauffeuring her school-aged children to all their activities. Fun Facts: Christine has competed in many triathalons. She loves swimming and biking and just tries to survive the running portions. Christine is a beekeeper, who occasionally harvests honey from her hives unless her foe, the bear beats her to it. In addition to other formal rituals (which she is happy to help you cultivate), she believes drinking coffee and eating chocolate count as spiritual practices!