Born and raised in East Lansing, Michigan, Melissa spent the majority of her time from the age of 7 training to be an Olympic gymnast. However, a nasty back injury at the age of 13 shattered that dream so she developed a new dream of getting a college scholarship and competing in Division I NCAA Women’s Gymnastics which she did for four years at Michigan State University (Go Green!). After earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy from Michigan State University-James Madison College, she went straight to law school at the University of Michigan where she earned her Juris Doctor.  Upon graduation from law school in 2004, Melissa moved to Cincinnati to start her legal career. In 2012, she moved to Washington, DC, and then, in 2016, she moved to Chicago where she currently resides. Melissa is the Founder and Managing Attorney of MDG Law Virtual which she started July 1, 2022. The firm, which represents solopreneurs and small businesses, focuses on four service areas: (1) Business Formation, (2) Contract Services, (3) Outside General Counsel Services, and (4) Trademarks. When not working, you can catch Melissa working out, relaxing at home on a college football Saturday cheering on her beloved Spartans, or singing at whatever volume she feels like at that moment.

Dr. Alysia Green was born and raised in East Lansing, Michigan and is a proud alumna of The University of Michigan where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. After graduating from the University of Michigan, she went on to attend Wayne State School of Medicine in Detroit, MI, where she received her Doctor of Medicine. Dr. Green completed her residency in Family Medicine at Case Western University-University Hospitals of Cleveland. Following residency, she went on to complete a sports medicine fellowship at Michigan State University. Dr. Green was an Assistant Professor of Family Medicine/Primary Care Sports Medicine at Boston University from 2007-2022 where she served as the head team physician from 2019-2022. Roughly 10% of head team physicians at the Division I level are women and Dr. Green was one of them. She also served as a staff physician at the 2018 Winter Olympics for the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee. Dr. Green has a particular interest in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging and is a certified diversity practitioner. Currently, Dr. Green works as a consultant for medical organizations.

Born and raised in Tallahassee, Florida, Kenkynthia is a proud Alumna of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. From there, she went on to obtain her Master of Science Degree in Human Services with a concentration in Mental Health Counseling from Springfield College in Springfield, Massachusetts. Kenkynthia currently serves as a Senior Case Manager with the Hillsborough County Department of Aging Services, where she focuses on developing safe and supportive plans that allow seniors to remain as self-sufficient as possible within the community. Kenkynthia spends her nights and weekends mentoring and advocating for physical and mental health wellness and equal opportunities for young women. For relaxation and fun, she enjoys fun in the sun or watching sunsets beachside.

Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Terri J. Sanders, MPH, is an award-winning, visionary executive and strategist with 20 years of experience in branding, marketing, and communications. As a public health professional, Terri spent her early career working tirelessly to improve access, equity, and outcomes, designing new approaches to care delivery and driving exponential growth for healthcare’s most impactful organizations. Her work in the industry culminated with being named Chief Marketing and Communications Officer for HIMSS, where she created and led its global strategy, including brand, marketing, communications, design, UI, and UX. Today, Terri serves as Managing Director for SM+Kivvit, one of the top 20 firms in the nation, where she is a highly respected advisor for executives and companies across industries, including health care, finance, technology, retail, and social impact. Terri holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Michigan (UofM), where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. She received a Master of Health Management and Policy from the UofM’s School of Public Health, where she graduated with honors. Terri received her Omni-Channel Integrated Marketing Communications, Advertising and Public Relations Essentials, Social Media, and Professional Business Writing certifications from DePaul University’s Kellstadt Graduate School of Business.