World’s Most Inspiring Women Leaders to Watch in 2023 by worlds leaders

1. Vol. 09 | Issue 02 | September 2023 www.worldsleaders.com Crafting Timeless Elegance and Immersive Experiences World’s Most Inspiring Women Leaders t o Wa t c h i n 2023 Vice President & Creative Director | Liberty Entertainment Group Nadia Nadia Nadia Di Donato

4. World's Most Inspiring Women Leaders to Watch in 2023 Inspiring, Leading and Creating a Brighter Future You'll find a lot of well-known and inspirational corporate executives on the list, but what makes a leader inspiring? An individual must commit themselves to attaining a shared objective that motivates others and inspires them to flourish in order to be an inspirational business leader. There is no longer any gender-specific leadership in the business world. As we can see, both sexes are working equally hard to excel in their specialized fields. With more than three decades of experience under her belt, Ms. Di Donato has been an integral part of Liberty Entertainment Group since its very beginning in 1987. With her formal training in visual communications from Ryerson Polytechnic University, she's armed with an impeccable eye for detail and a deep understanding of how form and function come together harmoniously. For Ms. Di Donato, design is not just about making things look pretty; it's about crafting an incredible journey that breaks boundaries and takes us on an unforgettable ride. With her unwavering belief in timeless elegance, she adds a unique touch to each project, ensuring that the design perfectly aligns with the purpose and vibe of the space. The voice of women in leadership, however, is stronger than that of males. They are particularly making progress in the corporate world, where they are modernizing work environments, streamlining procedures, and defying accepted conventions. In order for everyone to learn, be inspired, and believe in their own vision, we applaud these business leaders and work to share their tales with the world. These inspirational people serve as torchbearers for future visionaries. World's Leaders latest edition “World's Most Inspiring Women Leaders to Watch in 2023” has curated a list of the women business leaders that have been successful in leading some of the top organizations working in industries as diverse as healthcare to consumer goods. Also, while you flip through the pages, don't forget to read the articles created by our in-house editorial staff and industry experts. The cover has Nadia Di Donato, the Vice President and Creative Director at Liberty Entertainment Group. With her visionary approach, she breathes life into spaces, going beyond the ordinary and creating extraordinary experiences that ignite our senses and leave us craving for more. Have a lovely read!

5. CREDIT PAGE Editor-in-Chief Steve Sanchez Managing Editor Jagdish Chincholikar Executive Editor Nicole Williams Assistant Editor Gayatri Bhujbal Art & Design Director Jack Anderson Business Development Manager Mia Oliver Business Development Executive Natalie, Jerrey Associate Designer Kevin Rust Digital Marketing Manager Victor Clarke Sales Manager Casey Simpson, Irfan Shekh Marketing Manager Tom Swann Technical Specialist Barry Jones Circulation Manager Danny Parker SEPTEMBER 2023 3296 Westerville Rd #250, Columbus, OH 43224, USA Copyright 2023 WORLD’S LEADERS Media Tech LLC, All rights reserved. The content and images used in this magazine should not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission from WORLD’S LEADERS Reprint rights remain solely with WORLD’S LEADERS. Follow us on :

6. Cover Story 08 Nadia Di Donato Crafting Timeless Elegance and Immersive Experiences

7. 18 Anne Rajasaikaran Arthi Rabikrisson 22 28 Cassandra Chandler Danielle Gronich & Kayleigh Christina 32 36 Danielle Solomon 40 Ellie Shefi Emily Hartstone 46 50 Rana Florida 54 Yesenia Ferreras

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9. Nadia Di Donato Crafting Timeless Elegance ? Immersive Experiences Cover Story worldsleaders.com | 09

10. S tep into a world where design becomes an enchanting symphony of elegance, sophistication, and pure cleverness. At the heart of this captivating realm stands Nadia Di Donato, the Vice President and Creative Director at Liberty Entertainment Group. With her visionary approach, she breathes life into spaces, going beyond the ordinary and creating extraordinary experiences that ignite our senses and leave us craving for more. For Ms. Di Donato, design is not just about making things look pretty; it's about crafting an incredible journey that breaks boundaries and takes us on an unforgettable ride. With her unwavering belief in timeless elegance, she adds a unique touch to each project, ensuring that the design perfectly aligns with the purpose and vibe of the space. With more than three decades of experience under her belt, Ms. Di Donato has been an integral part of Liberty Entertainment Group since its very beginning in 1987. With her formal training in visual communications from Ryerson Polytechnic University, she's armed with an impeccable eye for detail and a deep understanding of how form and function come together harmoniously. But her artistic vision doesn't stop at the physical interiors alone. Ms. Di Donato understands that true design magic lies in seamlessly integrating multiple layers throughout the customer experience. From the carefully chosen art and furniture to the meticulously designed tableware, menu layouts, and even the stylish outfits, every single detail is thoughtfully curated to create an atmosphere that stays etched in our memories. Through her close collaboration with the Liberty Group developers, each venue boasts its own distinct design approach, making it a true testament to Ms. Di Donato's meticulous attention to detail. She has single-handedly turned Liberty Entertainment Group facilities into the epitome of creative theming in the city, where every nook and cranny tells a unique story. 10 | SEPTEMBER 2023

11. shift from 2D design to 3D design, coinciding with the revolutionary changes taking place within the design industry as a whole. These changes brought about opportunities for rapid innovation, which Ms. Di Donato eagerly embraced. Today, Ms. Di Donato responsibilities encompass the entire spectrum from conceptualization to implementation. She plays a crucial role in bringing her creative vision to life, orchestrating every step of the design process with meticulous attention to detail. The Company For over three decades the Liberty Entertainment Group, led by president & CEO, Nick Di Donato and vice president, creative director Nadia Di Donato, has been redefining Toronto's restaurants, nightlife, and special event experiences. As developers and operators of landmark establishments, the Liberty Ms. Di Donato's Journey as a Creative Visionary Ms. Di Donato saw the world through a visual scope, leading her to believe that her career path was not a choice she made, but rather one that chose her. Initially starting in graphic design and gaining years of experience in print, her inherent creativity always shone through. Graduating from Toronto University with a degree in graphic design and visual communication, she took on the role of creative director for various publications, including Azure, a renowned interior design magazine in Canada. It was during this time that Ms. Di Donato developed a deep passion for the industry, appreciating its multiple facets. With a background in graphic design and an unwavering love for interiors, Ms. Di Donato possessed a distinct approach to spaces and venues, perceiving them as artistic and design palettes. She refused to adhere to the conventional limitations of construction, constantly pushing the boundaries and thinking beyond the norm. A pivotal moment in her journey occurred in 1996 when she joined Liberty Entertainment Group, a prominent player in the hospitality industry, as their creative director. This transition marked a worldsleaders.com | 11

12. Entertainment Group has become recognized as one of the most successful and innovative companies in the industry. The company continues to gain success and acknowledgment for its impressive roster of unique venues, including Toronto's premiere special event facilities, Casa Loma, and the Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex. The company is also responsible for the development of Toronto's most prolific restaurants including BlueBlood Steakhouse, Michelin- starred, Tre Forchette awarded Don Alfonso 1890, three Cibo Wine Bar locations (King West, Yonge St, and Yorkville) and two projects currently under development, DaNico and Blue Bovine Steak + Sushi House. With over 500,000 square feet of hospitality space, Liberty Entertainment Group caters to a diverse clientele of upwards of 1.75 million people per year including A list celebrities, sports personalities, and industry leaders. avoiding overtly flashy elements that may become dated or distract from the intended design experience. Ms. Di Donato seeks to strike a balance where people can feel the design's impact without it overpowering the overall experience. She maintains a lighthearted approach, never taking herself too seriously. Visit www.libertygroup.com . Playful Approach to Interior Design As an emerging leader, Ms. Di Donato firmly rejects the notion that certain things cannot be accomplished. She encourages others to imagine the impossible, fostering a playful and creative mindset that breaks free from conventional boundaries. She believes in thinking outside the proverbial box, refusing to let limitations hinder her progress. Ms. Di Donato disregards Ms. Di Donato has always approached her work in interior design with a belief that work should be a form of play. This perspective will continue to shape her future design approach, as well as her personal growth and development. Her vision revolves around designing spaces that reflect personality and prioritize comfort. She aims to create designs that are timeless, 12 | SEPTEMBER 2023

13. any distinction between male and female leaders, recognizing that there is no inherent difference in their capabilities. She has never allowed her gender to be seen as an obstacle, despite working predominantly in a construction-oriented field surrounded by men. She embraces these challenges and rises to meet them head-on. surpass her previous achievements. Additionally, Ms. Di Donato takes a hands-on approach to her projects, collaborating closely with her construction team, with whom she has cultivated a working relationship spanning over 25 years. Their presence brings her joy and contributes to the success of her endeavors. Visualizing Excellence Travel holds a special place in Ms. Di Donato's heart as it serves as a significant source of inspiration. Exploring new destinations allows her to challenge her perspectives on design and leadership. It is during these journeys that she gathers fresh inspiration, immerses herself in different cultures, and discovers captivating design elements, architecture, signage, and art unique to each city. Ms. Di Donato embraces the opportunity to draw motivation and innovative ideas from her surroundings, making travel an integral part of her personal and professional growth. She finds that every city in the world offers a wealth of interesting design concepts and cultural experiences that enrich her creative process. In her role, Ms. Di Donato holds the responsibility for creating all visual materials associated with Liberty Entertainment Group. She plays a pivotal role in the overall creative design of the company's venues and properties, ensuring a cohesive and visually appealing experience for guests. Ms. Di Donato finds immense inspiration and happiness in her family, consisting of her husband and two sons. Their ambition, perseverance, focus, and accomplishments serve as a constant source of motivation for her. Witnessing their drive to achieve more each day fuels her own desire to worldsleaders.com | 13

14. Blurring Boundaries Ms. Di Donato firmly believes that interior design trends reflect the current state of affairs. Looking ahead, she envisions a merging of commercial design with residential interiors, driven by the impact of technology and global events reshaping lifestyles. Her extensive experience in hospitality design positions her to be sought after for high-end residential living as well as opportunities across various industries. There is a notable emphasis on creating spaces that prioritize home entertainment comfort and convenience, as well as professional workspaces that are seamlessly integrated with technology. Clean and uncluttered spaces featuring neutral color schemes and raw natural materials will bridge the gap between technology and modernity, resulting in warm and comfortable living environments. Ms. Di Donato perceives a growing trend of bringing the world of hospitality into residential settings, blurring the boundaries between commercial and residential design. This entails using sturdier materials that exude solidity and weight in homes, while incorporating a more relaxed and less uniform approach in hospitality spaces. The inclusion of textiles is paramount to achieve a residential feel in these areas. emerges, creating a harmonious "mixology" of elements that adds depth and character to spaces. half full in any situation, firmly holding the belief that every problem has a solution. She acknowledges that setbacks are a part of life, both personally and professionally, but views them as opportunities for growth, resilience, and improvement. Unyielding Vision Environmental responsibility has gained significant importance, emphasizing the use of raw natural materials, live greenery, and neutral color schemes. In a world dominated by technology, there is a strong desire for unadulterated materials and forms, approached in fresh and unconventional ways. Custom pieces play a significant role in design, acknowledging the value of handcrafted uniqueness and building upon it. A trend of layering vintage and recycled objects alongside new ones In the realm of hospitality, Ms. Di Donato understands that it is impossible to cater to everyone's preferences. The most valuable and costly lesson she has learned is to never waver in her vision. Thorough research, unwavering focus, and diligent execution from start to finish have been the tried-and-true formula for the success of the Liberty Group. Despite having a diverse portfolio, each individual venue remains true to its specific concept. Ms. Di Donato firmly believes in seeing the cup as Over the next five years, Liberty Group aspires to continue growing and gaining international recognition within the highly competitive hospitality industry. Their goal is to create, design, and implement properties that are acknowledged on a global platform, serving as a testament to their talent and achievements. Ms. Di Donato is committed to nurturing and developing leaders within the hospitality arena, not only within the 14 | SEPTEMBER 2023

15. award wins for their properties. These accolades include a prestigious Michelin Star, the Tre Forchette award from Gambero Rosso, Top 50 Italy awards, and numerous design et al awards. Liberty Group aims to establish their hospitality properties as global leaders, setting a new standard of dining that captivates the attention of critics worldwide. Expanding Horizons Ms. Di Donato envisions the expansion of Liberty Entertainment Group not only within the hospitality arena but also through new projects beyond hospitality. The company's establishments are strategically situated in historically designated properties or iconic neighborhoods across cities. These "classic" shells present a unique opportunity to blend traditional elements with modern design, a signature approach that defines Liberty Group. Currently, they are working on the development of two new restaurant properties in Toronto set to launch later in the year. One is Da Nico, an elegant and upscale fine dining destination housed in a historic bank building, while the other is Blue Bovine Steak & Sushi, located in the historic Union Station at the heart of the central business district. Both restaurants are poised to break new ground and uphold Liberty Group's vision. Ms. Di Donato's expertise extends beyond the realm of hospitality. She recently completed the design of a medical facility, overseeing the entire process from the initial design stage to its full completion. Healthcare interior design has evolved significantly, with a greater emphasis on enhancing the overall patient experience. Applying the same mindset seen in commercial and residential design, Ms. Di Donato incorporated various hospitality design elements into the 5000 sq ft clinic. By defying conventional rules and introducing fresh concepts, she revolutionized reception areas, foodservice facilities, clean open spaces, lighting effects, audio/visual applications, and the use of natural materials and warm neutral color palettes. country but also on the world stage. Under Ms. Di Donato's creative direction, the Liberty Entertainment Group has amassed an impressive collection of uniquely designed venues, spanning from casual eateries and nightclubs to elegant restaurants and large banquet facilities. Their crown jewel, Casa Loma, holds a special place among their accomplishments. The group's unwavering commitment to creativity and excellence has garnered recognition as one of North America's top hospitality companies. Personally, Ms. Di Donato considers it an extraordinary honor to be recognized alongside the world's best in her field. Unwavering dedication to excellence is a constant pursuit for the company, as evidenced by recent international worldsleaders.com | 15

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18. them to be. “ They are who we make 18 | SEPTEMBER 2023

19. Anne Rajasaikaran Making Education Affordable And Accessible For All worldsleaders.com | 19

20. S College caters to the reasonable expectations of students. Imperium International College Leadership Philosophy With a focus on growing its education industry, MAA Group powers Imperium International College. The driving force behind Imperium International College is its dedication to making sure that its students have access to top-notch instruction and the greatest job possibilities in all industries. The institution offers a wide range of training programs, including diploma, certificate, and degree programs with American and UK degrees. Anne is personable and has a flat leadership style. She prefers to be direct and truthful, and she thinks that everyone has a voice, and regardless of their level, they are free to suggest or express their ideas. She holds that no thought is too small and that everyone can offer something. When she hears from the experiences and viewpoint of her employees, she believes that she derives something valuable from them. Anne has a knack for relating to people and can talk about issues that concern employees. She says, "You could only speak about poverty to people who have experienced it or struggled with it in their lives rather than people who have not experienced poverty, you learn about their hardships or difficulties (e.g., for someone who has only commuted using the bus or taken a loan to study) so that they can tell me what it really feels like or what they really want. You ask the right questions to the right people.” Some leaders rose to prominence as a result of their ability to maintain hope in the face of adversity and go on to accomplish feats so outstanding that people still hold them in high regard decades after their passing. While others remained true to their principles and demonstrated in support of others' rights, doing so even when doing so put their own freedom—not to mention their lives—in danger. Imperium International College has merged outdoor and indoor classroom experiences in order to increase the number of students who engage in interactive hybrid learning. It thinks that's the route Imperium would want to go to make it more interactive: trips to industries, offices under courses, and audits of businesses. However, some leaders have a natural ability to innovate, inspire, and convince others to take significant action that will ultimately alter the world, making them really inspirational and well-respected. One such inspiring leader is Anne Rajasaikaran. She serves as Chief Executive Officer of the Edumaax Group of Companies, which is the parent company of the Imperium International College, St. John's International School, and Pusat Tuisyen Kasturi. To make education more relevant post-COVID, the college emphasizes making learning more exciting and having a higher percentage of graduates and students who actually enjoy practicing what they studied. That's how Imperium International College is revolutionizing education. It is planning to make it as integrated as possible. The college is making it about the student rather than profiting for just business purposes. Words for Young Education Leaders Anne met many young people who had no inspiration and were incredibly young, she wanted to change that. When she graduated from college, she had big plans to transform the world. To motivate students: they lead wonderful lives and are capable of so much more. "Please don't believe you are insignificant," she urges, "because you are the future." Inspiring kids and igniting their enthusiasm for achievement is Anne's main motivation. She is also the Principal Officer of Budimas Charitable Foundation, an NGO that supports impoverished children in Malaysia, and has more than 15 years of expertise in communications and fundraising. She has previously managed a public trust with a 25-year history. Imperium International College has hybrid and face-to-face teaching processes. Its framework and procedures are well maintained, and the teams keep up with students' expectations by interacting with them. Imperium International 20 | SEPTEMBER 2023

21. Since she has been employed by the Foundation for over ten years, Anne has come to truly appreciate compassion and grief. It is heartbreaking to watch what children experience and how society views them; they are frequently wrongly accused of wrongdoing and penalized for it. She has felt a certain joy watching a child speak English for the first time in two years. It's a feeling like no other. With a strong communications, public relations, and advertising background, Anne has made it her goal to let more Malaysians know about this plight and fight for this cause. The more people know, the more people will react. She recalls, "It is doing something that I had no idea about. It was a big risk, I had to work extra hard, take as many courses as possible, study the strategies, and the numbers, seek a mentor and gain knowledge in the industry, and speak to people to learn about their experiences because I had no experience in it and neither was I a professional that time.” Understand and learn more about how it evolves. Don't stop learning, don't feel things are not relevant as there is an opportunity everywhere, and join a lot of forums and unique groups who are like-minded as you are to keep your fire growing. we give out many scholarships for the underprivileged and we are working on more. For now, we would like to keep the foundation strong on what we have started.” Ÿ She and her team at the Budimas Charitable Foundation have frequently worked hard to teach these underprivileged children survival skills rather than providing them with temporary assistance. Supporting many charitable homes via public funding's the team made it its mission to let them know about their contribution and where it goes to. She says, "We also do constant updates about the children under our care.” Heading To Achieving Greatest Potential Since Anne personally experienced the hardships of Malaysia's disadvantaged children, I have frequently pondered why their lives are so difficult and dissimilar from ours. It is Anne's responsibility to reassure them that there is a way out of this situation and a course of action they can take. Imperium is collaborating with The Budimas Charitable Organization to offer scholarships to worthy students as part of its commitment to deliver the highest quality education and training for a diverse group of students. Since taking over, Imperium has also awarded outstanding achievers, athletes, and many others with scholarships totalling to RM2 million. Anne shares, "We did our SDG activities, One of the most important things Anne has learn from the children is that- "they are who we make them to be." Anne's advice for all the education leaders and visionaries is: Ÿ You must learn it and emulate successful people who are seasoned with being in such a position. Ÿ Never give up even, keep doing what you are doing, even if you don't see the fruit of the seed you sow grow in a short time. Ÿ Be patient, it will take time as the façade of education is changing rapidly. Evolve and grow along with the ideas that as it evolves. According to Anne, in the next 5 years, Imperium International College is going to be successful in bringing in more courses, bringing in more relevant courses, and growing its international and local students to obtain university college status alongside having more campuses. worldsleaders.com | 21

22. Arthi Rabikrisson Champion in Effecting Growth, Development and Consciousness in Individuals and Organizations Arthi Rabikrisson is the founder and managing director of Prerna Advisory, where she plays multiple roles as a solopreneur. She not only delivers services as the key individual, she also undertakes administrative and operational tasks while continuing to think strategically about the business's purpose. As a small startup, this is all part of the process, but as Prerna Advisory scales up, Arthi has begun to outsource certain tasks to external providers, especially those that require specialized expertise or those she doesn't necessarily need to undertake herself. Arthi is driven by the freedom to make choices and the agility to adapt to the market context as needed. As a business development professional, she enjoys building and advancing relationships, and excels in creating networks from scratch. Her natural intelligence preferences include interpersonal skills, which she uses purposefully to fulfill her mission and that of Prerna Advisory. 22 | SEPTEMBER 2023

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29. Cassandra Chandler Chandler Chandler An Innovative Strategist and Investigator, Identifying and Addressing Intelligence, Financial Crimes, Cyber and Fraud Risks E Effective leadership in law enforcement demands a combination of technical proficiency, strategic acumen, and interpersonal finesse. The leader must possess the ability to communicate with clarity and impact, both internally and externally, while displaying the confidence and decisiveness necessary to make difficult choices. Moreover, they must be adept at inspiring and empowering their staff, providing the guidance, resources, and support required for success. Cassi Chandler, a seasoned leader with a remarkable track record in both law enforcement and banking, exemplifies the qualities of a successful leader. With extensive experience as an intelligence strategist, investigator, and leader of diverse teams, she has cultivated a culture of motivational leadership and inclusivity at some of the world's most prominent organizations, including Bank of America and the FBI. worldsleaders.com | 29

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31. A Career of Excellence When she was recruited and "first indicated I was interested in the FBI, a lot of my acquaintances were shocked.” Ms. Chandler spent 23 years with the FBI, leading investigations into white collar crimes, financial crimes, and cybercrimes, as well as directing criminal and domestic terrorism intelligence and foreign counterintelligence activities. She also redesigned the Bureau's health care fraud and criminal intelligence programs and was appointed to the U.S. Senior Executive Service as an Assistant Director. She retired as Special Agent in Charge of the Norfolk, Virginia FBI Field Office. After leaving the FBI, she joined Bank of America, where she led fraud investigations and intelligence and built an integrated framework to identify, evaluate, and assess emerging regulatory risks and the operational effectiveness of enterprise coverage areas. "When I was a child, the commonly held belief was that the FBI bugged your phone, did wrong things against Martin Luther King, and such. You didn't aspire to be an agent.” At the same time, Chandler's mother had raised her to respect law enforcement, and when the FBI agents came to recruit her, "it sounded pretty exciting. I thought it might be like James Bond. It wasn't. I thought there would be a lot more international intrigue, special gadgets and travel. Instead, I was assigned to address complex white-collar investigations.” Founding Vigeo Alliances, LLC Chandler started her career in the FBI by working in New Orleans for a duration of four years, during which she developed expertise in dealing with white-collar crimes and financial crimes. Following this, she moved to the FBI's legal office in Washington, D.C., where she supervised civil litigation. Subsequently, she joined the white-collar crimes section and took on the role of managing and coordinating health care fraud investigations throughout the country. “Vigeo” (Latin) - to thrive and flourish Cassi is currently the President and CEO of Vigeo Alliances, LLC a culture risk assessment partner that supports businesses in growing emerging leaders, retaining diverse talent, and building a culture of leadership in an inclusive organization. Her experiences in different organizations (private and public) led her to observe the impact of “inept” leadership and drove her to seek opportunities where she could share her perspective with organizations and better the culture for all employees. Long Spanning Work Career Cassi Chandler's impressive career spans over two decades in law enforcement and private sector leadership. She has since served in numerous high-profile positions which include: Joining Law Enforcement While pursuing her law degree at Loyola University in New Orleans, she secured a part-time job at a CBS affiliate station to support herself financially. Prior to this, she had completed her undergraduate studies in English and journalism at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, and had worked a few years as a journalist and television news anchor for an NBC affiliate there. worldsleaders.com | 31

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33. Danielle Gronich & Kayleigh Christina Revolutionizing Cosmetic Sector by Creating Products that Deliver Positive Change Without Sacrificing Health “A mentor can be someone you know or someone you want to emulate, who you learn from. Also to be learning from various outlets so your mind is always being expanded. It's also critical to understand your margins if you have physical products and to reinvest everything into marketing for the first 3+ years.” worldsleaders.com | 33

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35. Two women Danielle Gronich (owner of San Diego Acne Clinic) and Kayleigh Christina (a holistic nutritionist), founded the brand CLEARSTEM in San Diego, CA. CLEARSTEM Skincare is a ground-breaking skincare brand that offers both anti- aging and anti-acne solutions, free from any hormone disruptors or toxins. Danielle and Kayleigh's mutual passion for holistic skin health and whole-body wellness brought them together after Kayleigh visited San Diego Acne Clinic seeking help for her severe cystic acne. They noticed that existing skincare products contained ingredients that clogged pores or disrupted hormones, so they partnered with a renowned cosmetic chemist to create CELLRENEW, a serum that reverses acne scars, regulates oil production, reduces inflammation and redness, and increases collagen and elasticity in the skin. multiple beauty awards, including Women's Health Magazine's Best Exfoliator For Acne-Prone Skin, and has been featured in various media outlets such as Forbes, Poosh, Entrepreneur, Buzzfeed, The Zoe Report, and Refinery 29. of cellular biology, genetics, and immunology with the intention of pursuing a career in medicine. However, struggling with acne made her realize that the medical system primarily focuses on prescribing medication rather than promoting healing. As a result, she decided to forgo medical school and enter the corporate world. After working in business consulting for several years, she gained valuable insights into running a business. In 2017, Danielle and Kayleigh partnered to dedicate their lives and careers to creating CLEARSTEM Skincare, ensuring that their products provide positive change without compromising health. They pioneered the anti-aging and anti- acne skincare category and also developed the Ditch Your Acne Protocol, which has trained thousands of estheticians and helped people eliminate acne permanently. CLEARSTEM Skincare has won Danielle Gronich Growing up in a family of scientists, Danielle Gronich always found the human body fascinating. During college, she dove into the intricacies worldsleaders.com | 35

36. National Healthcare Leader At FORVIS 36 | SEPTEMBER 2023

37. Danielle Solomon A Visionary Financial Professional with a Passion for Client Service worldsleaders.com | 37

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39. A FORVIS Beginning June 1, BKD CPAs & Advisors and Dixon Hughes Goodman (DHG) merged as equals to create a Top 10 national firm now called FORVIS. The name FORVIS—a combination of the words FORward and VISion—reflects the firm’s unique focus on what is next. Daniellesays, “Our combined vision builds on BKD’s and DHG’s strong foundations and legacies.” Business today is moving faster and with greater complexity than ever before. The past two years have certainly shown the world that it can change instantly, and you can never be too prepared for tomorrow. According to Danielle, FORVIS is driven by its forward vision because they do not see tomorrow as something to deal with later; we see it as something to prepare for today. After graduating with an accounting degree from the University of Illinois and passing the CPA exam, Danielle Solomon accepted a job at an international accounting firm. She was intrigued by healthcare and wondered how her efforts in public accounting might benefit society. After 15 years in public accounting, she took an opportunity to work for a health system where she gained essential knowledge and extended her horizons beyond accounting and finance to the trends, strategies, and innovations that will drive the industry forward. Her experience in that job led her to FORVIS (previously BKD), where she now has the privilege to lead FORVIS’ healthcare industry team across the country. As one firm, FORVIS is even stronger, with greater resources, enhanced capabilities, and an expanded national platform—and its commitment to exceeding client expectations and providing exceptional value remains the same. According to Danielle,FORVIS’ combined practices complement each other well. It will truly be a healthcare provider powerhouse. The core services of audit and regulatory reimbursement consulting are what both legacy firms do very well and are known in the space. Both legacy firms also have a strong commitment to the power of leveraging data analytics and technology tools. Danielle has been very impressed with the digital solutions DHG (now FORVIS) developed, and clients and users of these digital solutions have expressed that they are extremely valuable for decision making. And then there are the advisory and consulting services that each of FORVIS’ firms provided that really round out the service offerings to its clients. All of this will come together to be more than the sum of its parts as FORVIS. When Danielle first met her colleagues at DHG (now FORVIS), she was struck by how well the business’s healthcare practices complemented one another and the opportunities as a combined firm. She commented everyone she has met from legacy DHG has been great, and she sees a genuine passion for healthcare and a drive to provide exceptional service to the firm’s clients throughout the merged workforce. Danielle asserts, “The growth potential is exponential and that excites me—both for our clients and for our teams and professionals. The number of opportunities that have already surfaced as well as increased inquiries for new engagements and activity both firms are seeing is exciting. “She sees her work as the leader of the new firm’s merged industry as a tremendous opportunity for her, and she is humbled and honored to lead this bright and committed team of 950 professionals strong. FORVIS comprises more than 5,400 team members and more than 530 partners and principals with offices in 69 markets in 27 states, as well as in the United Kingdom and Cayman Islands. Danielle shares, “This merger of equals allows us to better serve our healthcare clients as well as other healthcare providers across the care continuum by broadening our expertise, deepening our resource pool, and offering more specialized solutions.” worldsleaders.com | 39

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50. In the dynamic world of business and philanthropy, one name stands out as a true powerhouse: Rana Florida, the Chief Executive Officer of the Creative Class Group. With a diverse range of accomplishments and an impressive list of clients, Rana has become a prominent figure in her field. At the Creative Class Group, Rana excels in managing new business development, marketing, consulting, research, and global operations. Her expertise has attracted renowned clients such as Meta (WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram), BMW, Converse, IBM, Cirque du Soleil, Audi, Zappos, and Starwood Hotels, among many others. Rana Florida Rana Florida Leading the Way in Business and Philanthropy 50 | SEPTEMBER 2023