Ryan Lytle |

Andrew MacDowell | Edelman Digital
Having previously established ground-breaking digital campaigns for clients in the energy and technology spaces, Andrew, a communications expert with 13 years of online experience, brings a deep background in website and multimedia development to Edelman, where he leads the agency’s online strategy for the American Petroleum Institute. In this role, he directs a team devoted to engaging online allies, managing digital advocacy tools, and developing and maintaining social media platforms for API. Other clients include ConocoPhillips, Harvard Business School and the Alliance to End Slavery and Trafficking.

Before joining Edelman, Andrew was a manager of the Client Services department of The Bivings Group in Washington, DC. In that capacity, he played a key role in directing award-winning projects including The Pickens Plan The Pickens Plan and The Personal Democracy Forum The Personal Democracy Forum. Prior to Bivings, Andrew spent three years running his own Internet communications company, where he directed the development of websites and online applications for a diverse array of PR companies, political organizations and e-commerce entities.

Nevin Martell | Food & Culture Writer, Eater DC / Washingtonian

Nevin Martell has been writing about food and culture for more than a decade and a half. His work regularly appears in the Washington Post Express, Washingtonian, Capitol File, Washington City Paper, Cheese Connoisseur, Plate and Restaurant Management, as well as online at the Washington Post’s All You Can Eat blog and on Eater DC. He is also the author of four books: the small press smash Looking for Calvin and Hobbes: The Unconventional Story of Bill Watterson and His Revolutionary Comic Strip, Standing Small: A Celebration of 30 Years of the LEGO Minifigure, Dave Matthews Band: Music for the People and Beck: The Art of Mutation. When he’s not eating, typing or procrastinating, Martell enjoys traveling, jogging, baking, gardening, photography and falconing (Okay, that last one is a total lie, but it would be a cool hobby. Go, Mordecai!).

Elaine Mensah | SVELTE

Elaine Mensah is the Founder of SVELTE, LLC a creative consulting and communications firm that specializes in production, brand strategy and media for fashion and lifestyle brands.
Coupled with Elaine’s corporate experience in communication & technology, her work in media and entertainment involve the self-creation, production & distribution of online content.

In 2007, Elaine created SVELTE Tv, an online fashion “channel” focused on the DC fashion scene and in 2009, she created one of fashion’s first online radio shows called Fashion BS. In 2010, Elaine hosted the first Fashion & Technology Panel during the inaugural Digital Capital Week, and subsequently in 2011 was asked to be on the advisory board for inaugural Social Media Week DC.
She has a Law and Society degree from American University and a Masters in Communication, Culture and Technology from Georgetown University.

Follow her on twitter @SVELTELLC
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SVELTELLC
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/sveltellc
Website: www.svelte-emc.com

Kerry Milazzo | Chiazza Trattoria Restaurant

Kerry Milazzo is a freshman at American University majoring in Public Communications. Back in her hometown Barrington, Rhode Island, Kerry helps manage the official Facebook page for her family’s restaurant, Chiazza Trattoria. The page is used to promote upcoming menu specials and music events featuring local bands or visiting performers. Kerry also post pictures of the restaurant layout and delicious food, so that potential party planners can easily organize their upcoming events. “Social media”, says Kerry, “is essential in promoting our business.”

Cori Sue Morris | Bitches Who Brunch

Cori Sue Morris is the co-founder of Bitches Who Brunch, the D.C.-based website recently named “Favorite Foodies” by the Washington Post’s DC Tweeps. The Bitches have reviewed more than 200 brunches since the site’s inception in March 2010, and also provide their nearly 30,000 monthly readers with events, fashion, and DC lifestyle news.

When she’s not brunching or shopping, Cori Sue is the Manager of Communications and Public Affairs at Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production, an international non-profit that certifies apparel manufacturers for compliance with human rights, environmental and labor laws. Cori Sue is also a graduate student at the George Washington University Elliott School of International Affairs, a Boston-qualifying runner, and an active philanthropist, serving on the board of The Madison of DC.

Daniel Oran

Daniel Oran has been working on start-ups since the ’90s. He was chief strategy officer at Comet Systems, executive vice president at Cambridge Incubator, and program manager at Microsoft, where he created—and received patents for—the Windows Start Menu and Taskbar.

Alejandra Owens | AARP

Alejandra Owens is the Managing Editor of AARP’s blog where she manages more than 20 contributing bloggers covering an array of issue areas from travel to Social Security policy and more. She also advises senior leadership on social communications strategy, planning and execution.

In her spare time Alejandra is a food writer. She maintains her own site, One Bite At A Time, is Food & Drink editor at a hyper-local DC blog named Borderstan and writes for Food Network’s City Eats DC.

She can be found on social platforms including Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest, making regular use of these tools to enhance brand awareness for AARP, Borderstan and her own personal brand.

Lauren Reddington | DC Girl in Pearls

Lauren Reddington is a senior at American University studying public relations and marketing. She began her blog D.C. Girl in Pearls in May 2011 and since then has become a blogging enthusiast. D.C. Girl in Pearls is a preppy lifestyle blog that combines her passions of style, cooking, reading and of course, adventures in D.C.

Bennett Resnik | “The Hands We Shake”

Bennett Resnik is a consultant on social capital and networks, and the creator of “The Hands We Shake” lecture series on how to build, grow, and sustain social capital. He is an expert in networking strategy and social capital retention. As a trusted adviser, he has helped start-ups, small businesses, non-profits and individuals build a comprehensive strategy to build and cultivate their social capital. Bennett advises his clients on how to locate and access social capital within their present networks and create a framework for future network strategy.
Through consulting and speaking, Bennett discusses topics surrounding social capital, networks, leadership, community dynamics and organizational development.
Bennett is a Board Member of the Key for Hope Foundation and is on the Advisory Council for various start-up companies. He lives in Washington, DC.

Bennett Richardson | David All Group

Bennett is an account director at DAG and manages online communications initiatives for consumer clients. He brings to DAG years of experience in social media engagement, online advertising and digital communications strategy.
Before joining the firm, Bennett worked at Edelman in the digital public affairs practice, where he managed digital marketing and advocacy efforts for clients including RIM, GE, the American Petroleum Institute, and several other global corporations and associations. He also spent three years at GMMB managing digital marketing and grassroots organizing for dozens of corporate and nonprofit clients.

Bennett is a graduate of Colgate University, where he studied French literature and political science.

Lauren Rothman | Styleauteur

Lauren A. Rothman, founder of Styleauteur, is a fashion, style, and trend expert. At the vanguard of emerging trends, Lauren is in high demand for her unique talent of demystifying the world of fashion and discussing ‘what’s hot’ for the season on television, radio, and in print. Known as the essential style contributor, Lauren is regularly featured in segments covering all wavelengths of the style spectrum, from back to school to campaign trail fashion on networks like Fox, CBS, and ABC, as well as Washington, DC local morning show Let’s Talk Live. Her tips on wardrobe management and creating a versatile, fashion-forward closet have also been featured in Glamour, Real Simple, and Washingtonian magazines, Politico, The Huffington Post and on NPR and XM/Sirius radio.

Carla Alejandra Sanchez and Katya Ananieva | Spicy Candy DC

SpicyCandyDC covers Washington, DC and everything that happens inside and around the beltway. By everything, that includes fashion, boutiques and shops, events, bars and restaurants, and fellow creative designers. They are foodies who heart fashion and love to travel. Inspiration, whether local or from other communities, drive them. Fresh, edgy, and visually stimulating content is what sets them apart. They provide our perspectives on DC’s street, style, and scene to inspire people to embark on their own journey of exploration and discovery in their local community. If they see something they like, they share. Simple as that.

Emily Schwartz | WaPo Labs

Emily K. Schwartz is an Assistant Editor with WaPo Labs, the digital innovation team within The Washington Post Company. Having fallen into the world of media and technology after putting herself through four years of Political Science and Communications studies, she now aims to help other young women realize the value of a STEM-related skill set. She believes social media and technology have the power to change the world. Follow her on Twitter at @emilykendall.

Lesley Siu | American University

Lesley Siu is a junior at American University studying film and media arts and marketing. Originally from Hawaii, she loves fashion, pop culture and social media. She co-founded the AU branch of Her Campus, a national online magazine for collegiate women, last summer while studying abroad. Lesley is a digital production intern at Washington Life Magazine and an active member of Alpha Kappa Psi, the professional business fraternity. Follow her on Twitter and visit her blog.

Bob Smith | Brighthub.com

Bob Smith has over 25 years’ experience creating, managing and funding start-up businesses in print and digital media. He’s been both an entrepreneur in companies like Congressional Quarterly and America Online and entrepreneur in multiple consumer online, e-commerce and government IT businesses. He ran his own venture fund and has advised other early-stage funds in the DC area. He is currently Chairman of Brighthub.com which he co-founded, and serves on the boards of a number of local startups. Bob is also a co-founder of Founder Corps, an organization of serial entrepreneurs who help mentor new startups.

Bob has a BA from the University of Southern California and an MBA from George Washington University (Class of ’88) and is a veteran of the US Navy.

Amos Snead | Famous DC

Amos Snead is a communications professional with a proven track record of success on behalf of high-profile corporate, association, and government entities. Amos plays a key role at Story Partners, providing clients with communications guidance that is informed by his in-depth experience working with leading print, broadcast and online journalists.

Amos began his career in communications with a five-year tenure working in various capacities for the U.S. Congress, ultimately rising to serve as Spokesman for House Republican Whip Roy Blunt. In addition to his work with House leadership, he also served as a Press Aide for the House Energy and Commerce Committee under both Chairman Billy Tauzin and Chairman Joe Barton. Following his work with the Energy and Commerce Committee, he served as Communications Director for U.S. Congressman Louie Gohmert of Texas.

Amos joins Story Partners after two years working for an international public affairs firm, where he provided strategic guidance that advanced the policy goals of his clients within the energy, technology and health industries. During his tenure with his prior firm, he also served as the primary spokesman for numerous entities, including a telecom association and a government relations firm. In addition, he designed and implemented a broadcast media strategy for a leading Capitol Hill print outlet as well as worked with senior members of the media on behalf of a majority of the firm’s clients.

Amos has been recognized as a leader in both the public and private sectors. National Journal named him one of “The Hill People of 2007” and PR News featured him as one of “15-to-Watch in 2007”, an award that recognizes rising talent within the public relations industry. Amos is the founder and current editor of the widely read Washington blog, FamousDC.com, which was named by Washingtonian Magazine, as a Can’t Miss Click” in 2009.

Tannis Spencer | Productofthe90s.com

Tannis Spencer is a senior at American University studying Business Administration with a concentration in Entrepreneurship. Hailing from New Jersey, Tannis began her blogging career in 2009 when she founded Product of the Nineties.

Product of the Nineties is a contemporary lifestyle website aimed at furthering the creative resurgence in the millennial generation. Focused on music, fashion, and culture, the Product of the Nineties writers provide in-depth analyses for their readers.

Since establishing Product of the Nineties, Tannis has also done freelance writing and photography for several online websites including Die Young Lifestyle, LiveBand Magazine and ST8NYC.

In early 2011, Tannis began Young, Broke & Famous, her newest endeavor. Young, Broke & Famous is a video lifestyle campaign for young creatives and influencers making strides in their fields. Serving as the creative director for the campaign, Tannis has efficiently used social media websites and online marketing tactics to generate “#YBF” following. Graduating in May 2012, Tannis hopes to expand Product of the Nineties and Young, Broke and Famous and eventually work as a creative strategist at an ad agency or major media company.

Cody Steele | American University

Cody Steele is a Senior studying International Development and Spanish.  He’s passionate about seeing as much of the world as possible, but his most recent adventures brought him to the streets of Santiago, Chile, McPherson Square, DC and Zuccotti Park, New York.  He studies non-violent activism and social movements in his spare time.

Dave Stroup | Sierra Club

Dave Stroup is an online organizer and campaign consultant based in Washington, D.C. A former editor and writer at DCist, he now works in the digital strategies department at the Sierra Club. Stroup heads up the Sierra Club’s online efforts for their 2012 coordinated campaign, as well as handling the organization’s email and social media strategy for the East Coast. He also provides new media and communications consulting for various local progressive campaigns.

Jackie Titus | Weber Shandwick|Powell Tate

Jackie Titus is a Director of Digital Strategy at Weber Shandwick|Powell Tate and specializes in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainability initiatives. She currently works with BSR, Bank of America, USAID, and QVC. This work includes, overall social media strategy and integration, influencer identification, influencer relationship management, and measurement reporting. Prior to joining Weber Shandwick, Jackie was a member of Ogilvy’s 360 Digital Influence team and worked as a digital strategist across multiple accounts. During her time there she created and managed a Blog Ambassador program for the Huggies Every Little Bottom CSR program and collaborated with the integrated team to develop social media grassroots tactics to raise awareness and engage moms online. Jackie completed her Master’s in Communications at Georgetown University where she was selected for a yearlong Sustainability Communications Fellowship with the Center for Social Impact Communication (CSIC) and Fortune 100 Company, Eaton Corporation. While at Georgetown, Jackie received the 2010 “Outstanding Student Award” and she is also a member of the DC Net Impact Club.

Gayle Weiswasser | Discovery Communications

Gayle Weiswasser is the Vice President of Social Media at Discovery Communications, where she oversees social media communications strategy for Discovery and its networks and corporate initiatives. This includes managing the networks’ Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ strategy and implementation, as well as partnerships with social TV services, on-air social media integration, social media monitoring, and emerging platforms.

Prior to her position at Discovery, Gayle worked at Arlington-based crisis communications firm TMG strategies, where she advised Fortune 500 companies on using social media during times of crisis. She has a law degree from Harvard Law School, and formerly practiced both intellectual property and transactional law in Washington DC and San Francisco.

Stef Woods | Citygirlblogs.com

Stef Woods is a sexuality educator, writer, attorney, and breast cancer survivor and advocate. She teaches Activism and Social Media, Health and Activism, and Sexuality and Social Media through the American Studies Department (CAS). Stef writes about relationships, sexuality, dating, health advocacy and cancer on her website, City Girl Blog. Prior to starting her blog, she practiced law for an immigration legal services organization.
Stef was profiled regarding electronic health records on HealthIT.gov and as a breast cancer survivor on Women’s Health magazine’s website. She has been featured on DC news and radio stations, and in numerous online publications and talk shows. She was profiled in the fourth edition of Dr. Janell Carroll’s college textbook, Sexuality Now, and Sibley Hospital’s On Health magazine.

Stef is a frequent panelist, regarding sexuality, cancer, relationships, and social media. She is an active fundraiser for the Washington Humane Society, St. Jude and the Capital Breast Care Center.

Stef received her BA from Wellesley College, her MA from Georgetown University, and her JD from American University. She is a member of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists, the American Bar Association and the Maryland State Bar Association. Follow her on Twitter @citygirlblogs, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Pranav Vora | Hugh and Crye

Born and raised in the Midwest, Pranav is the CEO and Founder of Hugh & Crye, a Washington DC based online retailer of menswear. He led the concept of better-fitting men’s shirts to a profitable vertically integrated online brand. Operating out if its Georgetown office and showroom, Pranav is behind the character, direction and growth that is Hugh & Crye. An active member in the entrepreneurial community in Washington, DC, Pranav also serves on the advisory board for the Kelley School of Business Johnson School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Indiana University.
Prior to Hugh & Crye, Pranav consulted F100 companies on marketing and strategy. He has degrees from Indiana University and the London School of Economics, and conducted research as a visiting scholar at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.
Pranav can be found on twitter (@hughandcrye) and less so, over email pv@hughandcrye.com

Erin Yogasundram | Shop Jeen

Erin is a current student at The George Washington University in Washington D.C., originally from NYC. Before coming to college she interned at Bottega Veneta, Vogue, Marie Claire, Alexander Wang, Catherine Malandrino and 3.1 Phillip Lim. She juggled school work with 3 part-time jobs in retail before opening Shop Jeen. In her Freshman year, she launched ErinJeen.com which has grown to be one of the biggest fashion blogs on the internet. She has quite the work ethic, having been working from the age of 12, everywhere from pizzerias to video stores to American Apparel to Apple. Shop Jeen has given her purpose in DC, as it has been tough being away from the NYC fashion scene. Although it was tempting to spend the money she saved on a new Celine bag (or two, or three), she invested in a business to call my own. Her lifelong dreams are to own a string of boutiques around the country.

Adam Zuckerman | Foster.ly

An entrepreneur, attorney and MBA, Mr. Zuckerman is a people connector and author inspired by the intersections of business, law, media, technology, and all things outdoors.

With a passion for bringing people together in the DC/MD/VA entrepreneurship and technology scene, Adam founded Foster.ly, a community that facilitates entrepreneurship in DC, Maryland and Virginia. Concurrently, he also works in a full-time capacity at Discovery Communications, Inc., the world’s largest non-fiction media company, in a technology innovation capacity.

With a diverse background spanning multiple industries, both legal and business, his areas of focus include business process re-engineering, organizational design and development, organizational change management, human capital management, and project management.

Additionally, he also has extensive experience and interests in negotiating complex multi-party contracts in addition to analyzing, designing, and implementing programs relating to web-based technologies, marketing, advertising, open-gov/gov20, non-profit operations and fundraising.